Unilever (NYSE:UL) Downgraded by Zacks Research to Strong Sell

Zacks Research downgraded shares of Unilever (NYSE:UL) from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report released on Monday,Zacks.com reports.

A number of other brokerages have also issued reports on UL. DZ Bank upgraded shares of Unilever from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 8th. Weiss Ratings downgraded shares of Unilever from a “sell (d+)” rating to a “sell (d)” rating in a research report on Friday, May 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised Unilever from an “underperform” rating to a “sector perform” rating in a report on Tuesday, April 21st. Argus upgraded Unilever to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Monday, March 2nd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reissued an “underperform” rating on shares of Unilever in a research note on Monday, May 18th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Unilever presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $65.55.

Unilever Stock Performance

UL stock opened at $60.05 on Monday. Unilever has a one year low of $54.75 and a one year high of $74.97. The company has a fifty day moving average of $57.86 and a 200-day moving average of $62.74.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Elyxium Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Unilever during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Bard Associates Inc. acquired a new position in Unilever during the fourth quarter worth $27,000. Palisade Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Unilever during the third quarter worth $25,000. Financial Life Planners purchased a new stake in Unilever during the first quarter worth $25,000. Finally, Global Wealth Strategies & Associates purchased a new stake in Unilever during the fourth quarter worth $29,000. 9.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Unilever Company Profile

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.