Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

Key Points

• Unilever PLC experienced a significant increase in short interest, soaring by 9,515.4% to 2,750,000 shares as of July 15th, compared to only 28,600 shares at the end of June.
• Analysts have mixed sentiments on Unilever stock, with ratings ranging from a strong sell to a strong buy, and a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" with a price target of $72.50.
• The company's stock price recently reached $60.46 during midday trading, showing robust trading activity with a volume of 2,718,539 shares.

Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL - Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of July. As of July 15th, there was short interest totaling 2,750,000 shares, anincreaseof9,515.4% from the June 30th total of 28,600 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 2,170,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.3 days. Approximately0.1% of the shares of the company are short sold. Approximately0.1% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 2,170,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.3 days.

Unilever Stock Performance

UL traded up $2.03 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $60.46. The company had a trading volume of 2,718,539 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,549,545. The company has a market capitalization of $148.35 billion, a PE ratio of 17.32, a P/E/G ratio of 3.75 and a beta of 0.41. Unilever has a twelve month low of $54.32 and a twelve month high of $65.87. The firm's 50-day simple moving average is $61.64 and its 200-day simple moving average is $60.17.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

UL has been the subject of a number of research reports. UBS Group raised shares of Unilever from a "strong sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Friday, May 2nd. BNP Paribas raised shares of Unilever to a "strong-buy" rating in a report on Thursday, May 29th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Unilever from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Tuesday, May 6th. Finally, BNP Paribas Exane initiated coverage on shares of Unilever in a report on Thursday, May 29th. They set an "outperform" rating and a $73.00 price objective for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, three have issued a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $72.50.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Unilever

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of UL. N.E.W. Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in Unilever in the first quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Vermillion Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in Unilever in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Brentview Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Unilever in the first quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Richardson Financial Services Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Unilever by 209.0% in the first quarter. Richardson Financial Services Inc. now owns 618 shares of the company's stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 418 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Financial Connections Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Unilever in the second quarter valued at approximately $39,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds 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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