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

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

A number of research analysts have weighed in on the company. Zacks Research lowered Unilever from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “buy (b-)” rating on shares of Unilever in a research note on Monday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a “buy” rating on shares of Unilever in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Morgan Stanley set a $60.10 price objective on shares of Unilever and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reiterated an “underperform” rating on shares of Unilever in a report on Wednesday, November 5th.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Unilever

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC increased its position in shares of Unilever by 7.9% during the 2nd quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 211,767 shares of the company’s stock valued at $12,996,000 after purchasing an additional 15,421 shares during the period. Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Unilever in the first quarter valued at $613,000. Hilltop National Bank bought a new position in Unilever during the second quarter valued at about $540,000. Evelyn Partners Asset Management Ltd acquired a new position in Unilever during the second quarter worth about $5,403,000. Finally, Peoples Bank KS bought a new stake in Unilever in the second quarter worth about $820,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 9.67% of the company’s stock.

Unilever Price Performance

NYSE:UL opened at $65.41 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $66.84 and a 200-day simple moving average of $68.20. Unilever has a 1-year low of $61.11 and a 1-year high of $73.87.

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.