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Williams-Sonoma (NYSE: WSM) grows Q1 2026 comps 4.8% and reaffirms outlook

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. reported first quarter 2026 net revenues of $1,805,456 thousand, with comparable brand revenue up 4.8%. Operating margin was 16.2%, generating diluted EPS of $1.93 and net earnings of $231,362 thousand as every major brand delivered positive comparable growth.

Gross margin was 44.0%, down 30 basis points year-over-year, while SG&A rose to 27.8% of net revenues. The company ended the quarter with $651,601 thousand in cash and returned $373 million to shareholders through $288 million of stock repurchases and $85 million of dividends. Management reiterated fiscal 2026 guidance for net revenue growth of 2.7%–6.7%, comparable growth of 2.0%–6.0%, and operating margin between 17.5% and 18.1%, assuming elevated oil prices and existing U.S. tariff regimes remain in place.

Positive

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Negative

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Insights

Q1 shows steady growth, resilient margins, and reaffirmed 2026 outlook.

Williams-Sonoma delivered Q1 2026 net revenues of $1,805,456 thousand, up modestly year-over-year, with comparable brand revenue growth of 4.8%. Operating margin of 16.2% and diluted EPS of $1.93 reflect solid profitability despite slightly lower gross margin.

Cash of $651,601 thousand and operating cash flow of $156,323 thousand supported shareholder returns of $373 million via repurchases and dividends. Management reiterated fiscal 2026 guidance for net revenue growth of 2.7%–6.7% and operating margin of 17.5%–18.1%, while highlighting assumptions around elevated oil prices and ongoing U.S. tariffs.

The company also outlined long-term targets for mid-to-high single-digit annual net revenue growth and mid-to-high teens operating margins. Future quarterly filings, including the forthcoming Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 3, 2026, will show whether current margins and demand trends remain aligned with these targets.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Net revenues $1,805,456 thousand For the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2026
Comparable brand revenue growth 4.8% First quarter 2026 total comparable brand revenue
Operating margin 16.2% First quarter 2026 operating income as % of net revenues
Diluted EPS $1.93 First quarter 2026 diluted earnings per share
Net earnings $231,362 thousand First quarter 2026 net earnings
Cash and cash equivalents $651,601 thousand Cash position as of May 3, 2026
Shareholder returns $373 million Q1 2026 stock repurchases and dividends combined
2026 net revenue growth guidance 2.7% to 6.7% Expected annual net revenue growth for fiscal 2026
comparable brand revenue financial
"Q1 comparable brand revenue +4.8%."
operating margin financial
"Q1 operating margin of 16.2%; diluted EPS of $1.93"
Operating margin shows how much profit a company makes from its core business activities after paying for costs like wages and materials. It’s useful because it tells you how efficiently a company is running—higher margins mean it keeps more money from each dollar of sales, which can indicate better management or stronger products.
non-GAAP financial measures financial
"This press release and our accompanying earnings call may include non-GAAP financial measures."
Non-GAAP financial measures are numbers companies use to show their financial performance that exclude certain expenses or income. They help investors see how the company might perform without one-time costs or other unusual items, giving a different perspective from official reports. However, since they can be adjusted, they don’t always tell the full story and should be looked at alongside standard financial figures.
forward-looking statements regulatory
"This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties"
Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.
Section 301 tariffs regulatory
"including the Section 232 tariffs, the current Section 301 tariffs and the Section 122 tariffs."
Section 301 tariffs are extra import duties a government can impose on goods from another country after it finds unfair trade practices, like forced technology transfer or discriminatory rules. Think of them as a penalty fee added to certain foreign products; they matter to investors because they can raise costs, disrupt supply chains, change competitive positions, and affect corporate profits, pricing and market access across affected industries.
Net revenues $1,805,456 thousand
Comparable brand revenue growth 4.8% vs 3.4% in Q1 2025
Operating margin 16.2% -60 bps to prior year
Diluted EPS $1.93 +4.3% to prior year
Guidance

For fiscal 2026, the company expects annual net revenue growth of 2.7% to 6.7%, comparable brand revenue growth of 2.0% to 6.0%, and operating margin between 17.5% and 18.1%.

False000071995500007199552026-05-212026-05-21

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

 CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 21, 2026


Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware001-1407794-2203880
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
3250 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, California
94109
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (415) 421-7900

N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each classTrading
Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange
on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.01 per shareWSM
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.




Item 2.02.    Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On May 21, 2026, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing the Company’s financial results for its first quarter ended May 3, 2026. A copy of the Company’s press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1. The attached exhibit is provided under Item 2.02 of Form 8-K and is furnished to, but not filed with, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 9.01.    Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d)List of Exhibits:
99.1
Press Release dated May 21, 2026 announcing Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s First Quarter 2026 Financial Results.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

    
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.
Date: May 21, 2026
By:/s/ Jeffrey E. Howie
Jeffrey E. Howie
Chief Financial Officer
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Exhibit 99.1
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Williams-Sonoma, Inc. announces strong first quarter 2026 results
Q1 comparable brand revenue +4.8%
Q1 operating margin of 16.2%; diluted EPS of $1.93
Reiterates full-year outlook
San Francisco, CA, May 21, 2026 – Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM) today announced operating results for the first quarter ended May 3, 2026 versus the first quarter ended May 4, 2025.
“We are off to a strong start in 2026. In Q1, our comp came in at 4.8%, and we delivered an operating margin of 16.2% with earnings per share of $1.93. Every brand delivered a positive comp in the quarter, driven by the strength of our portfolio, our channels, and our teams,” said Laura Alber, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Alber concluded, “We continue to outperform on both the top and bottom lines. We are delivering compounding results year-after-year despite the cyclical swings of the housing market and other macroeconomic events. We believe our strong brands, our proven ability to execute our vision, and our relentless focus on customer service will allow us to accomplish our goals in 2026 and beyond.”
FIRST QUARTER 2026 HIGHLIGHTS
Comparable brand revenue +4.8%.
Gross margin of 44.0% -30bps to LY driven by (i) lower merchandise margins of -100bps, partially offset by (ii) supply chain efficiencies of +50bps and (iii) occupancy leverage of +20bps. Occupancy costs of $204 million, +3.0% to LY.
SG&A rate of 27.8% +30bps to LY driven by (i) higher employment expense of +30bps and (ii) higher general expenses of +10bps, partially offset by (iii) advertising expense leverage of -10bps. SG&A of $502 million, +5.6% to LY.
Operating income of $292 million with an operating margin of 16.2%. -60bps to LY.
Diluted EPS of $1.93 per share. +4.3% to LY.
Merchandise inventories +9.0% to the first quarter LY to $1.46 billion, including incremental tariff costs of approximately $60 million.
Maintained strong liquidity position of $652 million in cash and $156 million in operating cash flow enabling the company to deliver returns to stockholders of $373 million through $288 million in stock repurchases and $85 million in dividends.
OUTLOOK
We are reiterating our fiscal 2026 and long-term guidance.
In fiscal 2026, we expect annual net revenues in the range of +2.7% to +6.7%, with comps in the range of +2.0% to +6.0%; and an operating margin between 17.5% to 18.1%.
Our guidance assumes (i) oil prices will remain elevated for fiscal 2026, (ii) no refund of tariffs paid, (iii) the impact of tariffs will be front-loaded in the first half of fiscal 2026 as the tariffs flow through our weighted average cost of goods sold, and (iv) all tariff rates currently in place remain for fiscal 2026, including the Section 232 tariffs, the current Section 301 tariffs and the Section 122 tariffs.
For fiscal 2026, we expect annual interest income to be approximately $25 million and our effective tax rate to be approximately 25.5%.
Over the long term, we continue to expect mid-to-high single-digit annual net revenue growth with an operating margin in the mid-to-high teens.
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CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST INFORMATION
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will host a live conference call today, May 21, 2026, at 7:00 A.M. (PT). The call will be open to the general public via live webcast and can be accessed at http://ir.williams-sonomainc.com/events. A replay of the webcast will be available at http://ir.williams-sonomainc.com/events.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jeff Howie EVP, Chief Financial Officer – (415) 402 4324
Jeremy Brooks SVP, Chief Accounting Officer & Head of Investor Relations – (415) 733 2371
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SEC REGULATION G NON-GAAP INFORMATION
This press release and our accompanying earnings call may include non-GAAP financial measures. We have not provided a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) measures on a forward-looking basis as we cannot do so without unreasonable efforts due to the potential variability and limited visibility of excluded items; these excluded items may include exit costs, reduction-in-force initiatives, impairment and early termination charges, among others. For the same reasons, we are unable to address the probable significance of any such excluded items. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, when reviewed in conjunction with GAAP financial measures, can provide meaningful supplemental information for investors regarding the performance of our business and facilitate a meaningful evaluation of current period performance on a comparable basis with prior periods. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in order to have comparable financial results to analyze changes in our underlying business from quarter to quarter. In addition, certain other items may be excluded from non-GAAP financial measures when the company believes this provides greater clarity to management and investors. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for or superior to the GAAP financial measures presented in this press release and our financial statements and other publicly filed reports. Such non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they do not fully materialize or are proven incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements in the quotes of our President and Chief Executive Officer, our fiscal year 2026 outlook and long-term financial targets, and statements regarding our industry trends and business strategies.
The risks and uncertainties that could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include: our ability to provide products that are designed and built for durability and longevity at competitive prices; changes in and the related impact of U.S. (federal, state and local) and international tax laws and trade policies and regulations; our ability to mitigate current and future tariffs and realize tariff refunds; factors, including but not limited to general economic conditions, inflationary pressures, consumer disposable income, rising fuel prices, recession and fears of recession, unemployment, war and fears of war, adverse weather, availability of consumer credit, conditions in the housing market, elevated interest rates, and consumer confidence in current and future economic conditions that can affect consumer spending; the plans, strategies, initiatives and objectives of management for future operations; our ability to execute strategic priorities and growth initiatives; our beliefs about our competitive advantages and areas of potential future growth in the market; the impact of periods of decreased home purchases; our ability to anticipate consumer preferences and buying trends overall and as they relate to specific brands; factors, including but not limited to fuel costs, labor disputes, union organizing activity, geopolitical instability, and acts of terrorism and war, that can affect the global supply chain, including our third-party providers; effective inventory management; timely and effective sourcing and delivery of merchandise from our foreign and domestic suppliers; our ability to respond to the growing use of and to adopt new technologies, including artificial intelligence; our belief in the reasonableness of the steps taken by us and our suppliers to protect the security and confidentiality of the information we collect; multi-channel and multi-brand complexities; our retail initiatives; our brands, products and related initiatives, including our ability to introduce new products, product lines, brands and brand extensions, and bring in new customers; challenges associated with our global presence and expansion efforts; disruptions in the financial markets; our ability to control employment, advertising, occupancy, and other operating costs; payment of dividends; the growth from our emerging brands; our ability to drive long-term sustainable returns; our capital allocation strategy in fiscal 2026; our planned use of cash in fiscal 2026; projections of earnings, revenues, growth and other financial items; and other risks and uncertainties described more fully in our public announcements, reports to stockholders and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2026 and all subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. We have not filed our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 3, 2026. As a result, all financial results described here should be considered preliminary, and are subject to change to reflect any necessary adjustments or changes in accounting estimates that are identified prior to the time we file the Form 10-Q. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
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ABOUT WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer. The company’s brands — Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, West Elm, Williams Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, Mark and Graham, GreenRow, and Dormify — represent distinct merchandise strategies that are marketed through e-commerce, direct-mail catalogs, retail stores, and business-to-business. These brands collectively support The Key Rewards, our loyalty and credit card program that offers members exclusive benefits. We operate in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, and have unaffiliated franchisees that operate stores in Mexico, South Korea, India and the Philippines.
WSM-IR
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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (unaudited)
 
For the Thirteen Weeks Ended
May 3, 2026May 4, 2025
(In thousands, except per share amounts)$% of Net
Revenues
$% of Net
Revenues
Net revenues$1,805,456 100.0 %$1,730,113 100.0 %
Cost of goods sold1,012,030 56.1 964,304 55.7 
Gross profit793,426 44.0 765,809 44.3 
Selling, general and administrative expenses501,738 27.8 475,096 27.5 
Operating income291,688 16.2 290,713 16.8 
Interest income, net
6,907 0.4 9,533 0.6 
Earnings before income taxes298,595 16.5 300,246 17.4 
Income taxes67,233 3.7 68,983 4.0 
Net earnings$231,362 12.8 %$231,263 13.4 %
Earnings per share (EPS):
Basic$1.95 $1.88 
Diluted$1.93 $1.85 
Shares used in calculation of EPS:
Basic118,386123,108
Diluted119,894124,789

1st Quarter Net Revenues and Comparable Brand Revenue Growth 1
Net RevenuesComparable Brand Revenue
Growth
(In thousands, except percentages)Q1 26Q1 25Q1 26Q1 25
Pottery Barn$708,447 $695,092 1.0 %2.0 %
West Elm471,174 437,085 8.5 0.2 
Williams Sonoma 2
271,542 257,493 5.0 7.3 
Pottery Barn Kids and Teen240,149 229,716 4.5 3.8 
Other 3
114,144 110,727 N/AN/A
Total 4
$1,805,456 $1,730,113 4.8 %3.4 %
1See the Company’s 10-K for the definition of comparable brand revenue, which is calculated on a 13-week basis, and includes business-to-business revenues.
2Includes Williams Sonoma Home net revenues.
3Primarily consists of net revenues from Rejuvenation, Mark and Graham, our international franchise operations, GreenRow and Dormify.
4Total comparable brand revenue growth includes Rejuvenation, Mark and Graham, and GreenRow.

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

As of
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
May 3,
2026
February 1,
2026
May 4,
2025
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents$651,601 $1,019,801 $1,047,181 
Accounts receivable, net139,347 126,821 122,773 
Merchandise inventories, net1,455,030 1,462,849 1,335,356 
Prepaid expenses80,035 80,053 69,442 
Other current assets19,699 23,663 22,570 
Total current assets2,345,712 2,713,187 2,597,322 
Property and equipment, net1,102,339 1,095,158 1,031,990 
Operating lease right-of-use assets1,295,745 1,270,272 1,198,440 
Deferred income taxes, net83,686 99,161 112,366 
Goodwill77,386 77,398 77,347 
Other long-term assets, net154,680 156,736 139,850 
Total assets$5,059,548 $5,411,912 $5,157,315 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable$560,674 $637,985 $553,655 
Accrued expenses151,462 314,588 146,692 
Gift card and other deferred revenue622,049 602,940 589,432 
Income taxes payable113,920 78,943 112,390 
Operating lease liabilities215,150 221,356 229,070 
Other current liabilities99,517 98,318 90,604 
Total current liabilities1,762,772 1,954,130 1,721,843 
Long-term operating lease liabilities1,278,414 1,235,549 1,139,745 
Other long-term liabilities148,558 139,674 134,451 
Total liabilities3,189,744 3,329,353 2,996,039 
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock: $0.01 par value; 7,500 shares authorized, none issued
— — — 
Common stock: $0.01 par value; 253,125 shares authorized; 117,743, 118,770, and 122,994 shares issued and outstanding at May 3, 2026, February 1, 2026 and May 4, 2025, respectively
1,178 1,188 1,231 
Additional paid-in capital517,774 587,433 524,405 
Retained earnings1,364,925 1,509,129 1,654,078 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(12,415)(13,176)(16,423)
Treasury stock, at cost(1,658)(2,015)(2,015)
Total stockholders' equity1,869,804 2,082,559 2,161,276 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$5,059,548 $5,411,912 $5,157,315 
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Retail Store Data
(unaudited)
Beginning of quarterEnd of quarterAs of
February 1, 2026OpeningsClosingsMay 3, 2026May 4, 2025
Pottery Barn181 (3)180 180 
Williams Sonoma152 — 153 154 
West Elm116 (1)116 119 
Pottery Barn Kids44 — (1)43 44 
Rejuvenation13 — — 13 11 
GreenRow— — — 
Total506 5 (5)506 508 


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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

For the Thirteen Weeks Ended
(In thousands)May 3, 2026May 4, 2025
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings$231,362 $231,263 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization56,116 56,404 
Loss on disposal/impairment of assets671 732 
Non-cash lease expense62,152 60,484 
Deferred income taxes3,912 (1,559)
Tax benefit related to stock-based awards11,755 10,647 
Stock-based compensation expense29,540 20,390 
Other(456)(637)
Changes in:
Accounts receivable(12,491)(4,919)
Merchandise inventories8,598 (689)
Prepaid expenses and other assets5,801 (2,956)
Accounts payable(82,408)(96,022)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities(148,910)(139,206)
Gift card and other deferred revenue19,023 4,173 
Operating lease liabilities(63,319)(63,850)
Income taxes payable34,977 44,694 
Net cash provided by operating activities156,323 118,949 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment(57,685)(58,250)
Other10 21 
Net cash used in investing activities(57,675)(58,229)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchases of common stock(287,805)(89,971)
Tax withholdings related to stock-based awards(93,596)(65,357)
Payment of dividends(85,580)(74,667)
Net cash used in financing activities(466,981)(229,995)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents133 3,479 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(368,200)(165,796)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,019,801 1,212,977 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$651,601 $1,047,181 
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FAQ

How did Williams-Sonoma (WSM) perform financially in Q1 2026?

Williams-Sonoma reported net revenues of $1,805,456 thousand and net earnings of $231,362 thousand in Q1 2026. Comparable brand revenue grew 4.8%, operating margin was 16.2%, and diluted EPS reached $1.93, reflecting solid profitability across its portfolio of home-focused brands.

What margins did Williams-Sonoma (WSM) report for Q1 2026?

Williams-Sonoma delivered a Q1 2026 gross margin of 44.0% and an operating margin of 16.2%. Gross margin declined 30 basis points year-over-year, mainly from lower merchandise margins, partially offset by supply chain efficiencies and occupancy leverage, while operating margin decreased 60 basis points.

How much cash and shareholder returns did Williams-Sonoma (WSM) report in Q1 2026?

At the end of Q1 2026, Williams-Sonoma held $651,601 thousand in cash and cash equivalents. The company generated $156,323 thousand in operating cash flow and returned $373 million to shareholders, including $288 million in stock repurchases and $85 million in dividend payments.

What outlook did Williams-Sonoma (WSM) give for fiscal 2026?

For fiscal 2026, Williams-Sonoma expects annual net revenue growth between 2.7% and 6.7%, comparable brand revenue growth of 2.0% to 6.0%, and operating margin of 17.5% to 18.1%. Guidance also assumes elevated oil prices and continuation of current U.S. tariff structures throughout the year.

What are Williams-Sonoma’s (WSM) long-term growth and margin targets?

Over the long term, Williams-Sonoma targets mid-to-high single-digit annual net revenue growth and operating margins in the mid-to-high teens. These objectives reflect its strategy of leveraging strong brands, multi-channel distribution, and disciplined cost control across its global home retail portfolio.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

4 documents