Graham (GHC) vs Unifirst (UNF)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Unifirst (UNF) has outperformed Graham (GHC) over the past year, gaining 57.8% versus a gain of 8.8%. Over five years, GHC leads with a +106.9% price change compared with +22.5% for UNF. Graham is the larger company by market cap ($5.02 billion vs $4.69 billion), about 1.1 times the size.
On valuation, Graham trades at a lower forward P/E (17.7x vs 32.1x for Unifirst). Graham offers the higher dividend yield (0.62% vs 0.56%). Unifirst converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 6.1% versus 6.0%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | GHC | UNF |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $1,184.62 | $259.60 |
| Market cap | $5.02B | $4.69B |
| 1-day change | +1.28% | +2.89% |
| YTD return | +7.83% | +34.58% |
| 1-year return | +8.75% | +57.78% |
| 5-year return | +106.87% | +22.46% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 9.58 | 41.01 |
| Forward P/E | 17.68 | 32.10 |
| EPS (TTM) | $123.67 | $6.33 |
| Dividend yield | 0.62% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $7.36 | $1.45 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $4.91B | $2.43B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +2.52% | +0.20% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $292.29M | $148.27M |
| Gross margin | — | 36.59% |
| Operating margin | 4.78% | 7.59% |
| Net margin | 5.95% | 6.10% |
| 52-week high | $1,262.35 | $306.67 |
| 52-week low | $929.76 | $147.66 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -6.16% | -15.35% |
| Analyst consensus | none | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | -16.43% | +5.29% |
| Average volume | 30.03K | 247.31K |
| Shares outstanding | 3.27M | 14.53M |
| Employees | 12,747 | 16,000 |
| Sector | Real Estate | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Other Consumer Services | Other Consumer Services |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- UNF has outperformed GHC by 49.0 percentage points over the past year.
- Unifirst trades at a higher earnings multiple (41.0x vs 9.6x trailing P/E).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Graham in Real Estate and Unifirst in Consumer Discretionary.
About Graham
GHC stock →Graham Holdings Company, through its subsidiaries, operates as a diversified holding company in the United States and internationally. The company provides academic preparation programs for international students; professional training and postsecondary education services, as well as English-language programs; operations support services for pre-college, certificate, undergraduate and graduate programs; exam preparation services; career and academic advisement services; and operates a sixth-form college that prepares students for A-level examinations.
Real Estate · Other Consumer Services · 12,747 employees
About Unifirst
UNF stock →UniFirst Corporation provides workplace uniforms and protective work wear clothing in the United States, Europe, and Canada. It operates in three segments: Uniform & Facility Service Solutions; First Aid & Safety Solutions; and Other.
Consumer Discretionary · Other Consumer Services · 16,000 employees
GHC vs UNF FAQ
Which is bigger, Graham or Unifirst?
Graham (GHC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $5.02B compared with $4.69B for Unifirst (UNF).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, GHC or UNF?
UNF returned +57.78% over the past 12 months, compared with +8.75% for GHC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, GHC or UNF?
GHC has the lower trailing P/E at 9.6, versus 41.0 for UNF. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Graham or Unifirst?
Graham has the higher yield at 0.62%, compared with 0.56% for Unifirst.
Are Graham and Unifirst in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Other Consumer Services industry within the Real Estate sector.