BNP Paribas Downgrades Unilever PLC (UL) from Outperform to Neutral

Core Viewpoint - Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) is facing challenges in its stock performance and market confidence, with recent downgrades from analysts indicating concerns over valuation and earnings growth potential [2][3]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - BNP Paribas downgraded Unilever PLC from Outperform to Neutral with a price target of $71, citing that valuations in the consumer staples sector are expected to remain "cheap" [2]. - Jefferies maintained an Underperform rating but raised its price target for Unilever from 4,000 GBp to 4,100 GBp, highlighting challenges in price and operating margins that limit earnings growth [2]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Market Concerns - Unilever's stock is down by 1.65% year-to-date as of January 9, 2026, indicating a negative market sentiment [3]. - Jefferies noted that volume and mix are expected to be approximately 2% in the fourth-quarter results, with concerns about declining U.S. growth contributions affecting market confidence in the first half of 2026 [2].