Jefferies analyst David Hayes maintained a Sell rating on Unilever (ULVR – Research Report) today and set a price target of p4,100.00.
David Hayes has given his Sell rating due to a combination of factors surrounding the recent management changes at Unilever. The unexpected resignation of CEO Hein Schumacher, effective March 2025, and the appointment of current CFO Fernando Fernandez as his successor, has introduced significant uncertainty. This leadership transition raises questions about the company’s strategic direction, particularly concerning mergers and acquisitions, as well as potential cost-cutting measures.
Additionally, despite the company’s reiteration of its guidance, there are concerns about a slowdown in performance, with first-quarter growth expected to be modest at best. The abrupt nature of Schumacher’s departure, coupled with the cautious outlook for the first quarter, suggests potential challenges ahead for Unilever, prompting Hayes to recommend a Sell rating.
According to TipRanks, Hayes is a 3-star analyst with an average return of 3.6% and a 61.97% success rate.
In another report released today, RBC Capital also maintained a Sell rating on the stock with a £40.00 price target.