Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) Given Consensus Recommendation of “Moderate Buy” by Analysts

Shares of Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) have been assigned an average rating of “Moderate Buy” from the twelve ratings firms that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, one has assigned a hold recommendation, six have given a buy recommendation and two have assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $71.1125.

A number of brokerages have recently commented on UL. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “buy (b-)” rating on shares of Unilever in a research report on Monday. UBS Group reaffirmed a “sell” rating on shares of Unilever in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated an “underperform” rating on shares of Unilever in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Zacks Research downgraded Unilever from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a “buy” rating on shares of Unilever in a research note on Thursday, December 11th.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Unilever

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Palisade Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Unilever during the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000. Asset Dedication LLC grew its holdings in shares of Unilever by 108.8% during the third quarter. Asset Dedication LLC now owns 476 shares of the company’s stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 248 shares in the last quarter. Financial Life Planners purchased a new position in shares of Unilever during the third quarter valued at $30,000. FNY Investment Advisers LLC acquired a new position in Unilever during the third quarter valued at $29,000. Finally, GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC lifted its stake in Unilever by 141.3% in the 3rd quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 514 shares of the company’s stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 301 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 9.67% of the company’s stock.

Unilever Price Performance

UL stock opened at $65.41 on Friday. Unilever has a 12 month low of $61.11 and a 12 month high of $73.87. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $66.84 and a 200 day simple moving average of $68.20.

About Unilever

Unilever PLC is a global consumer goods company with roots dating back to the early 20th century, formed from the merger of the British firm Lever Brothers and the Dutch company Margarine Unie. The company develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of branded products in personal care, home care and foods and refreshments. Unilever’s corporate structure and listings reflect its long history in both the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, and it operates at scale across diverse consumer markets worldwide.

Unilever’s business is organized around major product categories—Beauty & Personal Care, Home Care and Foods & Refreshment—and includes numerous well-known consumer brands across those categories.