Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (WSM) embodies a tale of remarkable adaptation and strategic prowess in the competitive landscape of retail and home furnishings. Starting from a single storefront in Sonoma, California, it has blossomed into a multinational corporation with a portfolio of brands that resonate with quality and sustainability.
The journey of Williams-Sonoma through the stock market, highlighted by its annual performance metrics, reflects the company’s consistent drive for excellence and innovation. Despite the retail industry’s challenges, Williams-Sonoma has navigated economic cycles and consumer trends with agility, showcasing its enduring appeal and financial resilience.
Annual Returns of Williams-Sonoma Stock (WSM)
| Year | Beginning | Ending | Gain/Loss | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $114.07 | $201.78 | 76.89% | 24.73% |
| 2022 | $168.87 | $114.92 | -31.95% | -19.95% |
| 2021 | $102.95 | $169.13 | 64.28% | 28.79% |
| 2020 | $72.64 | $101.84 | 40.20% | 15.29% |
| 2019 | $50.17 | $73.44 | 46.38% | 28.71% |
| 2018 | $52.70 | $50.45 | -4.27% | -7.01% |
| 2017 | $49.48 | $51.70 | 4.49% | 18.42% |
| 2016 | $57.47 | $48.39 | -15.80% | 11.24% |
| 2015 | $74.85 | $58.41 | -21.96% | -0.69% |
| 2014 | $58.87 | $75.68 | 28.55% | 12.39% |
| 2013 | $45.45 | $58.28 | 28.23% | 26.39% |
| 2012 | $36.94 | $43.77 | 18.49% | 11.68% |
| 2011 | $36.09 | $38.50 | 6.68% | -1.12% |
| 2010 | $20.83 | $35.69 | 71.34% | 11.00% |
| 2009 | $8.31 | $20.78 | 150.06% | 19.67% |
| 2008 | $24.91 | $7.86 | -68.45% | -37.58% |
| 2007 | $31.39 | $25.90 | -17.49% | 3.65% |
| 2006 | $43.62 | $31.44 | -27.92% | 11.78% |
| 2005 | $36.00 | $43.15 | 19.86% | 3.84% |
| 2004 | $34.13 | $35.04 | 2.67% | 9.33% |
| 2003 | $28.26 | $34.77 | 23.04% | 22.32% |
| 2002 | $20.52 | $27.15 | 32.28% | -23.80% |
| 2001 | $10.81 | $21.45 | 98.38% | -10.53% |
| 2000 | $21.81 | $10.00 | -54.15% | -9.27% |
| 1999 | $18.97 | $23.00 | 21.25% | 19.64% |
| 1998 | $10.20 | $20.16 | 97.55% | 26.07% |
| 1997 | $8.67 | $10.47 | 20.72% | 31.67% |
| 1996 | $4.75 | $9.09 | 91.45% | 19.33% |
| 1995 | $7.47 | $4.62 | -38.08% | 34.16% |
| 1994 | $4.28 | $7.52 | 75.69% | -1.33% |
| 1993 | $1.39 | $4.58 | 230.00% | 7.14% |
| 1992 | $1.83 | $1.44 | -21.21% | 4.42% |
| 1991 | $2.24 | $1.86 | -16.77% | 27.77% |
| 1990 | $2.07 | $2.22 | 7.14% | -8.19% |
| 1989 | $0.96 | $2.07 | 116.77% | 28.36% |
| 1988 | $0.89 | $0.96 | 7.64% | 8.51% |
| 1987 | $0.90 | $0.89 | -1.37% | 0.26% |
| 1986 | $0.61 | $0.90 | 47.97% | 15.54% |
| 1985 | $0.34 | $0.63 | 85.37% | 27.76% |
| 1984 | $0.47 | $0.35 | -26.96% | 1.95% |
| 1983 | $1.04 | $0.45 | -56.35% | 19.22% |
The table above displays the WSM Yearly Return Rate, highlighting Williams-Sonoma’s annual stock performance on a split-adjusted basis. This data does not include dividends, stock spin-offs, taxes, or transaction commissions.
Williams-Sonoma (WSM) Stock History
The Early Years: 1983-1992
The story of Williams-Sonoma in the stock market begins with modest roots, mirroring the company’s inception from a single kitchenware shop to a burgeoning name in home furnishings. The period from 1983 to 1992 was marked by significant volatility, with the company experiencing both steep declines and astronomical gains.
The most notable was in 1993, where the stock soared by 230%, a testament to the brand’s growing appeal and its strategic expansions. Despite a challenging start with a -56.35% drop in 1983, these years laid the foundation for resilience, showcasing early signs of the company’s potential to leverage market trends and consumer demands.
Expansion and Growth: 1993-2002
This era signifies Williams-Sonoma’s robust phase of expansion and growth, characterized by impressive gains and strategic market positioning. Starting with a monumental 230% gain in 1993, the company continued to ride the wave of consumer interest in home décor and kitchenware, culminating in a 98.38% gain in 2001.
Despite the dot-com bubble’s burst affecting many companies, Williams-Sonoma managed to navigate these turbulent times with strategic foresight, highlighting its differentiated product offering and strong brand identity.
Stabilization and Challenges: 2003-2012
Between 2003 and 2012, Williams-Sonoma began to see more stabilization in its stock performance, though it was not without its challenges. The period was marked by a mix of gains and losses, reflecting the broader economic challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis.
Notably, in 2008, the company experienced a significant -68.45% drop, underlining the recession’s impact. However, resilience was shown in recovery, with positive gains in the following years, indicating the company’s strong fundamentals and the increasing consumer shift towards quality and sustainability in home products.
A New Era of Growth: 2013-2023
The most recent decade marks a new era of growth and resilience for Williams-Sonoma, with the stock achieving remarkable gains, notably a 150.06% increase in 2009, reflecting the company’s successful navigation through the post-recession recovery.
The period from 2013 to 2023 highlights Williams-Sonoma’s ability to adapt to the digital era, expanding its online presence and leveraging technology to enhance customer experience.
The impressive 76.89% gain in 2023 underscores the company’s robust response to the changing retail landscape, driven by a focus on e-commerce and a continued commitment to quality and innovation.