Consumer Staples Stocks: Ollie's Bargain Outlet Outperforms Sector

Ollie's Bargain Outlet (OLLI) has outperformed the Consumer Staples sector with a 20.7% year-to-date return, compared to the sector's 2.2% gain. The company has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) and a consensus estimate for full-year earnings that has moved 2.5% higher within the past quarter. Unilever PLC (UL) has also outperformed the sector with a 4.6% year-to-date return and a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

In the competitive landscape of the Consumer Staples sector, two companies have stood out with notable year-to-date returns: Unilever PLC (UL) and Ollie's Bargain Outlet (OLLI). As of September 12, 2025, Unilever has outperformed the sector with a 4.6% year-to-date return, while Ollie's Bargain Outlet has surpassed the sector with a 20.7% year-to-date return. Both companies have received a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), indicating a strong buy recommendation from analysts.

Unilever, a global fast-moving consumer goods company, has seen its stock price rise due to various factors. The company recently experienced a temporary disruption in sales following a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on consumer products in India. However, the company expects this disruption to be short-lived, with prices stabilizing from November onwards Unilever's India unit flags short-term impact on sales from tax cuts^[1]. Additionally, Unilever has increased its quarterly dividend to $0.5175 per share, representing a dividend yield of 3.4% with a payout ratio of 59.31% Park Avenue Securities LLC Has $3.40 Million Holdings in Unilever PLC $UL^[2].

Ollie's Bargain Outlet, a discount retailer specializing in closeout merchandise, has seen its stock price surge with a 20.7% year-to-date return. The company's strong performance has been driven by its ability to source products at discounted prices and sell them at competitive prices, attracting price-conscious consumers. The company's Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) reflects analysts' confidence in its growth prospects.

Both Unilever and Ollie's Bargain Outlet have shown resilience and strong performance in the face of sector-wide challenges. As the Consumer Staples sector continues to evolve, these companies' ability to adapt and innovate will be key to maintaining their outperformance.