Unilever (NYSE:UL) Upgraded at StockNews.com

Unilever (NYSE:UL) was upgraded by equities research analysts at StockNews.com from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report issued on Tuesday.

UL has been the topic of several other research reports. Erste Group Bank reaffirmed a “hold” rating on shares of Unilever in a research report on Tuesday, November 19th. Sanford C. Bernstein raised Unilever from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, January 9th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lowered shares of Unilever from a “sector perform” rating to an “underperform” rating in a research report on Monday, January 6th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, Unilever currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $61.75.

Unilever Price Performance

Shares of UL traded up $0.01 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $54.90. The company’s stock had a trading volume of 3,548,305 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,661,110. The company’s 50-day moving average is $57.05 and its 200-day moving average is $60.24. Unilever has a 52-week low of $46.46 and a 52-week high of $65.87.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Unilever

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Unilever in the fourth quarter valued at about $176,806,000. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Unilever in the 4th quarter worth approximately $153,606,000. Clearbridge Investments LLC raised its position in Unilever by 140.1% during the 4th quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 3,719,284 shares of the company’s stock worth $210,883,000 after buying an additional 2,170,242 shares during the last quarter. Jennison Associates LLC lifted its stake in Unilever by 981.6% during the 3rd quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 2,076,169 shares of the company’s stock valued at $134,868,000 after acquiring an additional 1,884,216 shares during the period. Finally, Fisher Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in Unilever by 7.3% during the 4th quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 17,940,963 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,017,253,000 after acquiring an additional 1,214,563 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other 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.