Upside case
Bull case
$201+244.1%
UL would need investors to value it at roughly 64x earnings — about 45x more generous than today's 18x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
Analysis OverviewHoldUpdated May 1, 2026
Unilever PLC (UL) Stock Analysis
Wall Street verdict, consensus price target, and analyst rating breakdown — everything needed to frame the risk/reward at today's price.
Analyst consensus
Hold
Covering
35
analysts
9 bullish · 9 bearish · 35 covering UL
Strong Buy
0
Buy
9
Hold
17
Sell
9
Strong Sell
0
Consensus Target
$66
+12.2% vs today
Scenario Range
$89 – $201
Model bear to bull value window
Coverage
35
Published analyst ratings
Valuation Context
18.5x
Forward P/E · Market cap $127.6B
UL price targets
Three scenarios for where UL stock could go
Current
~$58
Confidence
42 / 100
Updated
May 1, 2026
Where we are now
Current · $58
Bear
$89
Base
$110
Bull
$201
Market caseClosest to today
Base case
$110+87.8%
At 35x on FY1 earnings, the base case reflects a reasonable but not stretched valuation. It prices in continued growth without assuming an exceptional setup.
Stress case
Bear case
$89+52.7%
The bear case assumes sentiment or fundamentals disappoint enough to push UL down roughly 53% from the current price.
Not financial advice. Model confidence reflects internal scenario assumptions, not a guarantee of returns. Past performance does not predict future results.
Unilever PLC
UL · NYSEConsumer DefensiveHousehold & Personal ProductsDecember year-end
Unilever is a global consumer goods giant selling everyday household and personal care products through a vast portfolio of trusted brands. It generates revenue primarily from three segments: Beauty & Personal Care (~40% of sales), Foods & Refreshment (~35%), and Home Care (~25%), with strong emerging markets exposure. Its competitive moat lies in its massive scale, extensive distribution network, and portfolio of iconic brands that command consumer loyalty across price points.
Market Cap
$127.6B
Revenue TTM
$120.1B
Net Income TTM
$12.2B
Net Margin
10.2%
UL Revenue and Earnings Performance
Quarterly beat-or-miss track record against analyst estimates, plus forward revenue and EPS outlook for the next two fiscal years.
EPS Beat Rate
25%Exceptional
12 quarters tracked
Revenue Beat Rate
67%Exceptional
vs consensus estimates
Avg EPS Surprise
-7.5%
above Street consensus
Beat / Miss Record
BeatMissLeft = EPS · Right = Revenue
Q3 2024
Q1 2025
Q3 2025
Q1 2026
Last 4 Quarters
EPS beats: 0 of 4Q3 2024
EPS
$1.58/$1.67
Revenue
$33.5B/$33.8B
Q1 2025
EPS
$0.84/$1.53
Revenue
$30.7B/$31.6B
Q3 2025
EPS
$1.67/$1.83
Revenue
$35.5B/$34.5B
Q1 2026
EPS
$1.37/$1.75
Revenue
$29.7B/$31.4B
| Quarter | EPS (Actual / Est) | EPS Surprise | Revenue (Actual / Est) | Rev Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2024 | $1.58/$1.67 | -5.4% | $33.5B/$33.8B | -1.0% |
| Q1 2025 | $0.84/$1.53 | -44.8% | $30.7B/$31.6B | -2.9% |
| Q3 2025 | $1.67/$1.83 | -8.7% | $35.5B/$34.5B | +2.9% |
| Q1 2026 | $1.37/$1.75 | -21.7% | $29.7B/$31.4B | -5.4% |
FY1–FY2 Estimates
Revenue Outlook
FY1
$109.3B
-9.0% YoY
FY2
$115.6B
+5.8% YoY
EPS Outlook
FY1
$4.72
-4.3% YoY
FY2
$5.03
+6.5% YoY
Trailing FCF (TTM)$14.5B
FCF Margin: 12.1%
Next Earnings
—
Expected EPS
—
Expected Revenue
—
UL beat EPS estimates in 0 of 4 tracked quarters. Mixed delivery makes the upcoming report a key data point for re-rating.
UL Revenue Breakdown by Segment
Product and geographic revenue mix from the latest annual disclosure, with year-over-year growth by segment.
Latest disclosure
FY 2024
Total disclosed revenue $83.3B
Product Mix
Latest annual revenue by segment or product family
Segment breakdown not available for this company.
Geographic Mix
Latest annual revenue by reported region
Asia Pacific And Africa
31.2%
-0.9% YoY
Tap, hover, or focus a slice to inspect segment detail.
Asia Pacific And Africa is the largest reported region at 31.2%, down 0.9% YoY.
UL Valuation Snapshot
Current multiples compared to the S&P 500, the company's sector, and its own five-year average.
Relative Value Signal
Slightly Undervalued
Fair value est. $66 — implies +10.9% from today's price.
Upside to Fair Value
10.9%
potential upside
Deep DiscountFair ValueVery Expensive
vs S&P 500 Trailing P/E
UL
21.7x
vs
S&P 500
25.1x
13% discount
vs Consumer Defensive Trailing P/E
UL
21.7x
vs
Consumer Defensive
19.1x
+14% premium
vs UL 5Y Avg P/E
Today
21.7x
vs
5Y Average
22.4x
In line with benchmark
Forward PE
18.5x
S&P 500
19.1x
-3%
Consumer Defensive
15.0x
+23%
5Y Avg
—
—
Trailing PE
21.7x
S&P 500
25.1x
-13%
Consumer Defensive
19.1x
+14%
5Y Avg
22.4x
-3%
PEG Ratio
15.94x
S&P 500
1.72x
+829%
Consumer Defensive
1.87x
+752%
5Y Avg
—
—
EV/EBITDA
11.9x
S&P 500
15.2x
-22%
Consumer Defensive
11.5x
+4%
5Y Avg
15.0x
-20%
Price/FCF
14.0x
S&P 500
21.1x
-34%
Consumer Defensive
14.9x
-6%
5Y Avg
19.1x
-27%
Price/Sales
1.8x
S&P 500
3.1x
-43%
Consumer Defensive
0.8x
+117%
5Y Avg
2.5x
-28%
Dividend Yield
3.46%
S&P 500
1.87%
+85%
Consumer Defensive
2.79%
+24%
5Y Avg
3.17%
+9%
| Metric | UL | S&P 500 | Consumer Defensive | 5Y Avg UL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward PE | 18.5x | 19.1x | 15.0x+23% | — |
| Trailing PE | 21.7x | 25.1x-13% | 19.1x+14% | 22.4x |
| PEG Ratio | 15.94x | 1.72x+829% | 1.87x+752% | — |
| EV/EBITDA | 11.9x | 15.2x-22% | 11.5x | 15.0x-20% |
| Price/FCF | 14.0x | 21.1x-34% | 14.9x | 19.1x-27% |
| Price/Sales | 1.8x | 3.1x-43% | 0.8x+117% | 2.5x-28% |
| Dividend Yield | 3.46% | 1.87% | 2.79% | 3.17% |
UL trades above S&P 500 benchmarks on 1 of 6 measured multiples — appears modestly priced relative to the S&P 500 on most measures.
Forward P/E and PEG reflect analyst consensus estimates. Historical averages use trailing ratios where forward data is unavailable.S&P 500 and sector benchmarks both use trailing median P/E — similar readings indicate the broader index and sector are priced alike.
Open valuation toolUL Financial Health
Verdict
Strong
UL generates $14.5B in free cash flow at a 12.1% margin — 15.3% ROIC signals a durable competitive advantage · returns 4.8% of market cap to shareholders annually.
Cash Engine
Revenue, margins, and cash generation
Revenue (TTM)
Trailing-twelve-month sales base
$120.1B
Revenue Growth
TTM vs prior year
+2.5%
Gross Margin
Gross profit as a share of revenue
71.3%
Operating Margin
Operating income divided by revenue
15.8%
Net Margin
Net income divided by revenue
10.2%
EPS (TTM)
Diluted earnings per share, trailing twelve months
$4.93
Free Cash Flow (TTM)
Cash generation after capex
$14.5B
FCF Margin
FCF as share of revenue — the primary cash quality signal
12.1%
Capital Quality
ROIC, leverage, and debt serviceability
ROIC
Return on invested capital — primary competitive quality signal
15.3%
ROA
Return on assets, trailing twelve months
16.0%
Cash & Equivalents
Liquid assets on the balance sheet
$6.1B
Net Debt
Total debt minus cash
$24.5B
Debt Serviceability
Net debt as a multiple of annual free cash flow
1.7× FCF
~1.7 years to full repayment at current FCF run-rate
ROE *
Return on equity, trailing twelve months
61.2%
* Elevated by buyback-compressed equity — compare ROIC (15.3%) for an undistorted picture of capital efficiency.
Shareholder Returns
How capital is returned to owners
Total shareholder yield
4.8%
Dividend
3.5%
Buyback
1.4%
Share Repurchases
Trailing buyback outflow — dollar magnitude of capital returned
$1.5B
Dividend / Share
Annualized trailing dividend per share
$1.72
Payout Ratio
Share of earnings distributed as dividends
75.2%
Shares Outstanding
Declining as buybacks retire shares
2.5B
All figures from the trailing twelve months. ROIC uses invested capital (equity + net debt). ROE marked * where buyback-compressed equity base may inflate the figure.
Open full ratios pageUL Stock Risk Factors
Key factors that could pressure the stock price, compress the multiple, or weigh on future results.
AI analysis · updated April 11, 2026
High Risk
Brand & Reputation Damage
UL Solutions relies on its global reputation for safety and compliance. A serious reputational incident could erode client trust, potentially reducing new contract acquisition and impacting revenue streams. The company could face costly remediation and legal liabilities.
High Risk
AI Disruption Threat
Artificial intelligence could automate many testing, inspection, and certification processes that UL Solutions currently performs manually. If AI adoption outpaces the company's ability to adapt, it could render existing services obsolete, leading to revenue erosion. The firm may need to invest heavily in AI capabilities to stay competitive.
High Risk
China Geopolitical Risk
UL Solutions has a heavy presence in China, including its UL-CCIC joint venture. Geopolitical tensions or regulatory changes in China could disrupt operations, supply chains, and market access. Such disruptions could materially affect the company's earnings and growth prospects.
Medium
Strategic Initiative Execution
Unilever's portfolio shift, including the divestiture of its Foods business and focus on Home & Personal Care, carries execution risk. Delays or failures in integration and market positioning could hamper sales growth and profitability. The company must manage transition costs and market acceptance.
Medium
Commodity Price Volatility
Unilever's cost structure is exposed to commodity price swings, especially in raw materials for its consumer goods. Volatility in commodity prices can compress profit margins and increase operating costs. The firm may need to hedge or pass costs to consumers, affecting demand.
Lower
Cyberattack Exposure
Both UL Solutions and Unilever rely on digital platforms and data. Increasing cyberattack frequency could compromise sensitive data, disrupt operations, and damage brand trust. While the risk is present, the financial impact is considered lower relative to other operational risks.
These are risk mechanisms, not predictions. The key question is which would force a cut to earnings estimates or a lower multiple than the market currently prices in.
Why UL Stock Could Outperform
Structural drivers behind the upside case and why the stock could outperform over the next 12 months.
AI analysis · updated April 11, 2026
Diverse Brand Portfolio
Unilever’s extensive lineup of well‑known brands spans personal care, home care, and food, providing cross‑segment stability. The breadth of product categories protects the company against downturns in any single market, supporting consistent revenue streams.
Emerging Market Growth
A significant portion of Unilever’s revenue originates from emerging markets, which are projected to drive future expansion. These regions offer higher growth potential compared to mature markets, positioning Unilever for accelerated top‑line growth.
Strong Profitability & Cash Flow
The company maintains robust gross and EBITDA margins, underpinning its high profitability. Consistent free cash flow generation enables reinvestment and shareholder returns.
Competitive Dividend Yield
Unilever offers a competitive dividend yield, reflecting its commitment to returning value to shareholders. The steady dividend policy enhances the stock’s appeal for income‑focused investors.
Portfolio Refocus to High‑Growth Segments
Following the ice‑cream business demerger, Unilever is strategically shifting focus toward Beauty & Wellbeing and Personal Care. This realignment targets higher‑growth categories, potentially boosting future earnings.
A real bull case compounds — each driver matters most when it strengthens margins, supports capital returns, and keeps the company above the market's minimum growth bar simultaneously.
UL Stock Price Performance
52-week range context and price returns across multiple time horizons. Dividend contribution is shown separately in the Capital Return section.
Current Price
$58.42
52W Range Position
17%
52-Week Range
Current price plotted between the 52-week low and high.
52-Week Low
$54.95
+6.3% from the low
52-Week High
$74.98
-22.1% from the high
1 Month
+4.27%
3 Month
-18.37%
YTD
-10.2%
1 Year
-8.0%
3Y CAGR
+1.7%
5Y CAGR
-0.2%
10Y CAGR
+2.7%
Range context matters because valuation compression and earnings misses rarely hit from the same starting point. A stock already far below its high can still fall, but it is no longer carrying the same embedded optimism as one pressing a fresh peak.
UL vs Peers
Valuation, growth, and margin comparison against the closest publicly traded peers for this company.
Peer Set
Accurate peer set
Forward PE
18.5x
vs 12.9x median
+43% above peer median
Revenue Growth
-9.0%
vs -2.1% median
-325% below peer median
Net Margin
10.2%
vs 10.5% median
-3% below peer median
| Company | Mkt Cap | Fwd PE | Rev Grw | Margin | Rating | Upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UL UL Unilever PLC | $127.6B | 18.5x | -9.0% | 10.2% | Hold | +12.2% |
PG PG The Procter & Gamble Company | $338.6B | 21.0x | +0.9% | 14.7% | Buy | +11.7% |
KMB KMB Kimberly-Clark Corporation | $32.3B | 12.9x | -5.6% | 12.8% | Hold | +13.2% |
CL CL Colgate-Palmolive Company | $69.3B | 22.6x | +3.5% | 10.5% | Hold | +8.5% |
NWL NWL Newell Brands Inc. | $1.9B | 8.0x | -5.0% | -3.9% | Hold | +22.5% |
KHC KHC The Kraft Heinz Company | $26.7B | 11.1x | -2.1% | -17.4% | Hold | +3.7% |
This peer comparison reflects companies with similar business models, product lines, or market positioning, supplemented by industry grouping when direct matches are limited.
UL Dividend and Capital Return
UL returns 4.8% total yield, led by a 3.46% dividend. Buybacks add another 1.4%.
Dividend WatchFCF Well Covered
Total Shareholder Yield
4.8%
Dividend + buyback return per year
Buyback Yield
1.4%
Dividend Yield
3.46%
Payout Ratio
75.2%
How UL Splits Its Return
Div 3.46%
Buyback 1.4%
Dividend 3.46%Buybacks 1.4%
Dividend Profile
Yield, cadence, and growth quality
Dividend / Share
Trailing annualized cash dividend
$1.72
Growth Streak
Consecutive years of dividend increases
3Y
3Y Div CAGR
2.8%
5Y Div CAGR
1.1%
Ex-Dividend Date
—
Payment Cadence
Quarterly
4 payments over the last 12 months
Buyback Engine
How much per-share support comes from repurchases
Repurchases (TTM)
Cash used for buybacks in the latest trailing period
$1.5B
Estimated Shares Retired
26M
Approx. Share Reduction
1.0%
Shares Outstanding
Current diluted share count from the screening snapshot
2.5B
At 1.0%/year, buybacks mechanically lift EPS even with flat earnings — each remaining share represents a slightly larger piece of the company.
| Year | Div / Share | YoY Grw | BB Yield | Total Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $0.55 | — | — | — |
| 2025 | $2.20 | +4.6% | — | — |
| 2024 | $2.10 | +0.6% | 1.1% | 4.1% |
| 2023 | $2.09 | +3.2% | 1.2% | 4.8% |
| 2022 | $2.02 | -11.5% | 1.2% | 4.5% |
FAQ
7 questionsUL Investor Questions
Common questions answered from live analyst data and company financials.
01Is Unilever PLC (UL) stock a buy or sell in 2026?
Unilever PLC (UL) is rated Hold by Wall Street analysts as of 2026. Of 35 analysts covering the stock, 9 rate it Buy or Strong Buy, 17 rate it Hold, and 9 rate it Sell or Strong Sell. The consensus 12-month price target is $66, implying +12.2% from the current price of $58. The bear case scenario is $89 and the bull case is $201.
02What is the UL stock price target for 2026?
The Wall Street consensus price target for UL is $66 based on 35 analyst estimates. The high-end target is $71 (+21.5% from today), and the low-end target is $60 (+2.9%). The base case model target is $110.
03Is Unilever PLC (UL) stock overvalued in 2026?
UL trades at 18.5x times forward earnings. The stock currently trades at a discount to the broader market. Based on current multiples versus the peer group, the relative model signals slightly undervalued. Whether the stock is over or undervalued ultimately depends on whether consensus earnings estimates are achievable.
04What are the main risks for Unilever PLC (UL) stock in 2026?
The primary risks for UL in 2026 are: (1) Brand & Reputation Damage — UL Solutions relies on its global reputation for safety and compliance. (2) AI Disruption Threat — Artificial intelligence could automate many testing, inspection, and certification processes that UL Solutions currently performs manually. (3) China Geopolitical Risk — UL Solutions has a heavy presence in China, including its UL-CCIC joint venture. Each factor has the potential to pressure earnings or compress the stock's valuation multiple.
05What is Unilever PLC's revenue and earnings forecast?
Analyst consensus estimates UL will report consensus revenue of $109.3B (-9.0% year-over-year) and EPS of $4.72 (-4.3% year-over-year) for the upcoming fiscal year. The following year, analysts project $115.6B in revenue.
06When does Unilever PLC (UL) report its next earnings?
A confirmed upcoming earnings date for UL is not yet available. Check the Earnings section above for the most recent quarterly report dates and forward estimates.
07How much free cash flow does Unilever PLC generate?
Unilever PLC (UL) generated $14.5B in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months — a free cash flow margin of 12.1%. UL returns capital to shareholders through dividends (3.5% yield) and share repurchases ($1.5B TTM).