Zacks Research Upgrades Unilever (NYSE:UL) to “Hold”

Unilever (NYSE:UL) was upgraded by investment analysts at Zacks Research from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report released on Tuesday,Zacks.com reports.

Other research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded Unilever from an “underperform” rating to a “sector perform” rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 21st. TD Cowen restated a “buy” rating on shares of Unilever in a research note on Wednesday. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed an “underperform” rating on shares of Unilever in a report on Monday, July 6th. Weiss Ratings cut shares of Unilever from a “sell (d+)” rating to a “sell (d)” rating in a research report on Friday, May 29th. Finally, DZ Bank upgraded shares of Unilever from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, April 8th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $65.55.

Unilever Price Performance

Shares of NYSE UL opened at $65.91 on Tuesday. The business’s 50 day moving average price is $59.68 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $62.32. Unilever has a twelve month low of $54.75 and a twelve month high of $74.97.

Institutional Trading of Unilever

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Elyxium Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Unilever in the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Financial Life Planners acquired a new stake in shares of Unilever during the first quarter worth $25,000. Palisade Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Unilever in the third quarter valued at about $25,000. Bard Associates Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Unilever in the fourth quarter valued at about $27,000. Finally, Whipplewood Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Unilever in the first quarter valued at about $29,000. 9.67% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Unilever News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting Unilever this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Unilever reported underlying sales growth of 5.8% in the second quarter, well above the 4.14% analyst consensus and up from 3.8% in the first quarter. Growth was driven by stronger volumes and pricing, particularly in beauty, personal care and home care, as consumers favored established brands such as Dove. Reuters: Unilever tops second-quarter sales growth estimates as volumes rise
• Positive Sentiment: The company raised its full-year outlook after delivering its strongest quarterly volume growth in more than a decade. The guidance increase reinforces expectations that Unilever’s turnaround is gaining traction and was the main catalyst behind the recent share-price rally. Proactive Investors: Unilever posts strongest sales growth in a decade
• Positive Sentiment: Management’s earnings commentary emphasized improving volume trends rather than relying solely on price increases, a potentially favorable sign for market share and sustainable growth. Investors are also assessing the company’s plans and outlook following the quarter’s results. Yahoo Finance: Unilever Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
• Neutral Sentiment: Unilever agreed to protect employment terms for workers in its European and British food business for two years after the planned 2027 completion of its $65 billion merger with McCormick. The agreement may reduce labor-related disruption but could limit near-term restructuring flexibility and delay some merger synergies. Reuters: Unilever agrees two-year worker protection after McCormick merger
• Negative Sentiment: One earnings-data report showed quarterly EPS and revenue below its cited consensus estimates, creating a potential headline concern. However, the broader market reaction has focused on underlying sales, volume growth and upgraded guidance rather than those figures. MarketBeat: Unilever quarterly earnings

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.