Unilever (NYSE:UL) Sets New 1-Year High at $54.98

Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL - Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Thursday . The company traded as high as $54.98 and last traded at $54.64, with a volume of 508511 shares. The stock had previously closed at $54.21.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

UL has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley downgraded Unilever from an "equal weight" rating to an "underweight" rating and lowered their target price for the company from $52.00 to $48.00 in a research note on Tuesday, February 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Unilever from an "underweight" rating to an "overweight" rating in a report on Thursday. Argus upped their target price on Unilever from $58.00 to $60.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 8th. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of Unilever from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 1st. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus target price of $54.00.

Unilever Stock Performance

The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $50.45 and a 200-day simple moving average of $49.27.

Unilever Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 7th. Investors of record on Friday, May 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.4556 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, May 16th. This represents a $1.82 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.35%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Red Tortoise LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Unilever during the 1st quarter valued at $26,000. Life Planning Partners Inc purchased a new stake in shares of Unilever during the fourth quarter valued at $27,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its position in shares of Unilever by 111.5% in the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 552 shares of the company's stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 291 shares during the period. Quent Capital LLC purchased a new position in Unilever in the 1st quarter worth about $28,000. Finally, Rise Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Unilever during the 1st quarter worth about $28,000. 9.67% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Unilever Company Profile

Unilever PLC operates as a fast-moving consumer goods company in the Asia Pacific, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. It operates through five segments: Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Nutrition, and Ice Cream. The Beauty & Wellbeing segment engages in the sale of hair care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, and styling; skin care products including face, hand, and body moisturizer; and prestige beauty and health & wellbeing products consist of the vitamins, minerals, and supplements.