Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:WSM) Trading Up 6.9% - Here's What Happened

Key Points

• Shares jumped ~6.9% intraday to about $194.67 (intraday high reported ~$193.62) on Wednesday, with trading volume (~539,224 shares) roughly 50% below the stock's average daily volume.
• Analyst sentiment is largely positive — MarketBeat shows a consensus Moderate Buy with an average price target of $203.78, and several firms recently raised targets (e.g., TD Cowen to $245, Citigroup to $208, Evercore $215).
• Insiders sold stock in January (CEO Laura Alber sold 35,000 shares; EVP Karalyn Yearout sold 767), while institutional ownership remains extremely high at about 99.29% and insiders own ~1.10%.

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM - Get Free Report)'s share price rose 6.9% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $193.62 and last traded at $194.6720. Approximately 539,224 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 50% from the average daily volume of 1,077,006 shares. The stock had previously closed at $182.17.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts recently commented on the stock. TD Cowen reiterated a "buy" rating and set a $245.00 price target (up from $210.00) on shares of Williams-Sonoma in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Williams-Sonoma from a "hold (c+)" rating to a "buy (b-)" rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 18th. Citigroup boosted their target price on Williams-Sonoma from $188.00 to $208.00 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a research report on Friday, March 6th. UBS Group upped their target price on Williams-Sonoma from $175.00 to $185.00 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 11th. Finally, Evercore set a $215.00 price target on Williams-Sonoma in a report on Tuesday, February 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating and ten have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average target price of $203.78.

Williams-Sonoma Trading Up 5.8%

The company's 50 day moving average is $204.50 and its 200 day moving average is $195.11. The company has a market cap of $23.01 billion, a PE ratio of 21.17, a P/E/G ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 1.64.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Karalyn Yearout sold 767 shares of the business's stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $205.16, for a total value of $157,357.72. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 13,236 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,715,497.76. The trade was a 5.48% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Laura Alber sold 35,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $207.39, for a total value of $7,258,650.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 806,537 shares in the company, valued at approximately $167,267,708.43. This trade represents a 4.16% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Company insiders own 1.10% of the company's stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Williams-Sonoma

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Williams-Sonoma in the fourth quarter valued at about $25,000. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp lifted its stake in Williams-Sonoma by 51.5% in the fourth quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp now owns 147 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the period. True Wealth Design LLC lifted its stake in Williams-Sonoma by 111.8% in the third quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 144 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 76 shares during the period. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC grew its holdings in Williams-Sonoma by 130.8% during the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 180 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 102 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MidFirst Bank bought a new position in Williams-Sonoma during the 4th quarter worth about $30,000. 99.29% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Williams-Sonoma Company Profile

Williams‑Sonoma, Inc is a specialty retailer focused on the home and culinary markets, best known for premium cookware, kitchen tools and home furnishings. The company traces its roots to a single cookware store founded by Chuck Williams in 1956 in Sonoma, California, and has evolved into a multi‑brand home furnishings and housewares business. Its merchandise mix spans cookware and kitchen electrics, tabletop and food prep items, furniture, bedding, lighting and decorative accessories designed for both everyday use and higher‑end interiors.

The company operates a portfolio of consumer brands that target distinct segments of the home market.

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