Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) Sees Large Drop in Short Interest

Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) was the target of a large decrease in short interest during the month of July. As of July 15th, there was short interest totaling 1,084,384 shares, a decrease of 44.7% from the June 30th total of 1,960,873 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,827,998 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Unilever

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC acquired a new position in Unilever in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $268,704,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Unilever by 674.2% during the first quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 2,794,600 shares of the company’s stock worth $159,208,000 after purchasing an additional 2,433,625 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Unilever during the fourth quarter worth $132,027,000. Federated Hermes Inc. grew its stake in shares of Unilever by 944.7% in the fourth quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 1,417,108 shares of the company’s stock worth $92,679,000 after purchasing an additional 1,281,465 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC bought a new stake in shares of Unilever in the first quarter worth $67,107,000. 9.67% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have issued reports on the company. Zacks Research cut Unilever from a “hold” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a research report on Monday, June 29th. Weiss Ratings lowered shares of Unilever from a “sell (d+)” rating to a “sell (d)” rating in a report on Friday, May 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised shares of 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 report on Wednesday. Finally, DZ Bank raised shares of Unilever from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $65.55.

Trending Headlines about 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, exceeding analysts’ expectations of 4.14% and accelerating from 3.8% in the first quarter. Growth was supported by stronger volumes, pricing and resilient demand for household and beauty brands. Unilever tops second-quarter sales growth estimates as volumes rise
• Positive Sentiment: The company raised its full-year outlook after posting its strongest quarterly volume growth in more than a decade. The improved guidance reinforces the view that Unilever’s major brands are gaining market share despite uncertain consumer conditions. Unilever posts strongest sales growth in a decade
• Positive Sentiment: The results triggered a sharp prior-session rally, with investors responding favorably to accelerating volume growth and the upgraded outlook. This provides a fundamental explanation for recent strength in UL shares. Unilever Stock Jumps as Volume Growth Lifts Outlook
• Neutral Sentiment: Unilever agreed to preserve employment terms for workers in its European and British food business for two years after the planned 2027 completion of its proposed $65 billion merger with McCormick. The agreement may reduce labor disruption risk, but could also limit near-term restructuring flexibility and merger-related cost savings. Unilever agrees two-year worker protection after McCormick merger
• Negative Sentiment: With the stock having rallied strongly on the earnings news, today’s decline likely reflects profit-taking and a pause in momentum rather than a new deterioration in Unilever’s underlying sales performance.

Unilever Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:UL traded down $0.96 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $65.91. 11,205,005 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,234,206. The business’s 50-day moving average price is $59.52 and its 200 day moving average price is $62.30. Unilever has a 12 month low of $54.75 and a 12 month high of $74.97.

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.