Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) Given Average Recommendation of “Hold” by Analysts

Shares of Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) have been given an average rating of “Hold” by the eight brokerages that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1-year price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $61.75.

Several research firms have weighed in on UL. Erste Group Bank reissued a “hold” rating on shares of Unilever in a research report on Tuesday, November 19th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Unilever from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Tuesday, November 12th.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Unilever

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Unilever by 393.5% in the 2nd quarter. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC now owns 533 shares of the company’s stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 425 shares during the period. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of Unilever during the third quarter worth $35,000. Jamison Private Wealth Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Unilever by 202.5% in the third quarter. Jamison Private Wealth Management Inc. now owns 605 shares of the company’s stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 405 shares during the period. Brooklyn Investment Group purchased a new position in shares of Unilever in the third quarter valued at $40,000. Finally, Coastline Trust Co bought a new stake in shares of Unilever during the 3rd quarter valued at $48,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 9.67% of the company’s stock.

Unilever Stock Down 0.1 %

Shares of NYSE UL opened at $57.46 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $142.38 billion, a PE ratio of 17.31, a PEG ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 0.48. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $59.24 and its 200-day moving average price is $60.35. Unilever has a twelve month low of $46.46 and a twelve month high of $65.87.

Unilever Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 8th were paid a dividend of $0.4755 per share. This is an increase from Unilever’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.35. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 8th. This represents a $1.90 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.31%. Unilever’s dividend payout ratio is presently 56.63%.

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.