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

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

A number of other research analysts have also commented on the company. TD Cowen reissued a “buy” rating on shares of Unilever in a report on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings lowered shares of Unilever from a “sell (d+)” rating to a “sell (d)” rating in a research note on Friday, May 29th. DZ Bank upgraded Unilever from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 8th. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed an “underperform” rating on shares of Unilever in a research note on Monday, July 6th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada raised Unilever from an “underperform” rating to a “sector perform” rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 21st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Unilever presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $65.55.

Unilever Trading Down 1.4%

Shares of NYSE UL opened at $65.91 on Tuesday. Unilever has a 12-month low of $54.75 and a 12-month high of $74.97. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $59.68 and a 200-day simple moving average of $62.32.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Unilever

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Elyxium Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Unilever in the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Bard Associates Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Unilever in the fourth quarter worth approximately $27,000. Palisade Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Unilever during the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Financial Life Planners purchased a new stake in shares of Unilever in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Finally, Whipplewood Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Unilever in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $29,000. 9.67% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Key Stories Impacting Unilever

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

About Unilever

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.