Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Deutsche Bank sees more upside at Unilever after strong annual results

(Sharecast News) - Deutsche Bank has kept a 'buy' rating for consumer products group Unilever, saying that while risks remain there is still earnings growth potential within the group after a solid 2023 performance. The stock rose strongly on Thursday after annual results showed full-year underlying sales grew by 7% in 2023, with underlying operating profit rising 2.6% as underlying operating margins improved 60 basis points to 16.7%.

"Gross margin surprised to the upside as did volume growth and this before the new management have fully mobilised their action plan," Deutsche Bank said in a research note.

"There remains a high skew between the outperformers and underperformers in the group which could provide some volatility, but we see Unilever progressing towards a steadier compounding performance under the new management's action plan."

The stock, which trades at 17.8 times 2024 earnings, is currently valued at an 11% discount to the weighted average multiple across the global food/household and personal care sector - a discount "which we regard as too high", the bank said.

The shares, having gained 3% the previous day, were 0.4% at 4,008.44p by 1030 GMT on Friday, with Deutsche Bank's target price of 4,600p indicating further upside.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

Berenberg lifts Genus forecasts, remains bullish for year ahead
(Sharecast News) - Berenberg has raised its target price for Genus following the animal genetics group's first-half trading update on Friday, keeping the stock at a 'buy' citing "multiple catalysts" for the year ahead.
Plexus expanding wellhead fleet to build more predictable revenues
(Sharecast News) - Plexus Holdings said in an update on Friday that it was focussed on expanding its rental wellhead fleet, as it looked to build more predictable revenues.
Europa Oil granted two-year extension to Cloughton licence
(Sharecast News) - Europa Oil & Gas announced on Friday that it has been granted a two-year extension to the first phase of its PEDL343 licence, which contains the Cloughton gas discovery in North Yorkshire, extending the deadline for appraisal work to March 2028.
GCM Resources raises £1m to progress Phulbari Project
(Sharecast News) - GCM Resources announced the conditional raising of £1m before expenses through a placing of new shares on Friday, with the proceeds to be used for working capital as it continued to progress its Phulbari Coal and Power Project in Bangladesh.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.