Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) Short Interest Up 55.2% in December

Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) was the target of a significant increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 3,010,000 shares, an increase of 55.2% from the November 30th total of 1,940,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 2,090,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.4 days. Currently, 0.1% of the company’s stock are sold short.

Unilever Price Performance

UL traded down $0.06 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $57.46. 1,809,267 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,574,195. Unilever has a 12 month low of $46.46 and a 12 month high of $65.87. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $59.24 and a 200-day simple moving average of $60.28. The stock has a market cap of $142.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 0.48.

Unilever Increases Dividend

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

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Erste Group Bank restated a “hold” rating on shares of Unilever in a report on Tuesday, November 19th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Unilever from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Tuesday, November 12th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $61.75.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Unilever

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of Unilever by 393.5% during the 2nd quarter. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC now owns 533 shares of the company’s stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 425 shares during the period. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. acquired a new stake in Unilever in the third quarter worth $35,000. Jamison Private Wealth Management Inc. increased its position in 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 buying an additional 405 shares during the period. Brooklyn Investment Group acquired a new position in shares of Unilever during the third quarter valued at $40,000. Finally, Coastline Trust Co bought a new position in shares of Unilever during the third quarter worth about $48,000. Institutional investors own 9.67% of the company’s stock.

About Unilever

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.