Unilever (NYSE:UL) Upgraded by Zacks Research to "Strong-Buy" Rating

Key Points

• Zacks Research has upgraded Unilever from a "hold" rating to a "strong-buy" rating, reflecting a positive outlook on the stock.
• The stock currently trades at $61.47, with a 12-month high of $65.87 and an average price target of $73.00.
• Institutional investors hold 9.67% of Unilever's stock, with several new positions established in recent quarters.

Unilever (NYSE:UL - Get Free Report) was upgraded by investment analysts at Zacks Research from a "hold" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a report issued on Wednesday,Zacks.com reports.

A number of other analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group reissued an "underperform" rating on shares of Unilever in a report on Sunday, August 3rd. BNP Paribas Exane initiated coverage on Unilever in a research report on Thursday, May 29th. They set an "outperform" rating and a $73.00 target price on the stock. CICC Research began coverage on Unilever in a report on Thursday, August 21st. They issued an "outperform" rating for the company. Finally, BNP Paribas raised Unilever to a "strong-buy" rating in a report on Thursday, May 29th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $73.00.

Unilever Stock Down 1.5%

Shares of UL stock opened at $61.47 on Wednesday. Unilever has a 12 month low of $54.32 and a 12 month high of $65.87. The firm has a market cap of $150.81 billion, a PE ratio of 17.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.75 and a beta of 0.40. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $61.62 and a 200-day moving average of $61.53.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Unilever

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vermillion Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in Unilever during the fourth quarter worth about $30,000. N.E.W. Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in Unilever during the 1st quarter worth about $30,000. Brentview Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in Unilever during the 1st quarter worth about $33,000. Richardson Financial Services Inc. increased its position in Unilever by 209.0% in the 1st quarter. Richardson Financial Services Inc. now owns 618 shares of the company's stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 418 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Financial Connections Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Unilever in the second quarter worth about $39,000. Institutional investors own 9.67% of the company's stock.

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.

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