Transcat (TRNS) 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 Transcat (TRNS) over the past year, gaining 57.8% versus a gain of 20.2%. Over five years, UNF leads with a +22.5% price change compared with +22.1% for TRNS. Unifirst is the larger company by market cap ($4.69 billion vs $808.7 million), about 5.8 times the size.
On valuation, Unifirst trades at a lower forward P/E (32.1x vs 39.9x for Transcat). Unifirst pays a dividend yielding 0.56%, while Transcat does not currently pay one.
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 | TRNS | UNF |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $86.40 | $259.60 |
| Market cap | $808.69M | $4.69B |
| 1-day change | -2.69% | +2.89% |
| YTD return | +52.30% | +34.58% |
| 1-year return | +20.20% | +57.78% |
| 5-year return | +22.05% | +22.46% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 240.00 | 39.88 |
| Forward P/E | 39.86 | 32.10 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.36 | $6.51 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $1.45 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | — | $2.43B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | — | +0.20% |
| Net income (latest FY) | — | $148.27M |
| Gross margin | — | 36.59% |
| Operating margin | — | 7.59% |
| Net margin | — | 6.10% |
| 52-week high | $100.00 | $306.67 |
| 52-week low | $50.23 | $147.66 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -13.60% | -15.35% |
| Analyst consensus | none | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +20.75% | +5.29% |
| Average volume | 124.02K | 247.31K |
| Shares outstanding | 9.36M | 14.53M |
| Employees | 1,413 | 16,000 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Specialty Business Services | Specialty Business 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
- Unifirst is about 5.8 times larger than Transcat by market value ($4.69B vs $808.69M).
- UNF has outperformed TRNS by 37.6 percentage points over the past year.
- Transcat trades at a higher earnings multiple (240.0x vs 39.9x trailing P/E).
About Transcat
TRNS stock →Transcat, Inc. provides calibration and laboratory instrument services in the United States, Canada, and internationally.
Industrials · Specialty Business Services · 1,413 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.
Industrials · Specialty Business Services · 16,000 employees
TRNS vs UNF FAQ
Which is bigger, Transcat or Unifirst?
Unifirst (UNF) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.69B compared with $808.69M for Transcat (TRNS).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, TRNS or UNF?
UNF returned +57.78% over the past 12 months, compared with +20.20% for TRNS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, TRNS or UNF?
UNF has the lower trailing P/E at 39.9, versus 240.0 for TRNS. 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, Transcat or Unifirst?
Unifirst pays a dividend yielding 0.56%, while Transcat does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Transcat and Unifirst in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Specialty Business Services industry within the Industrials sector.