Levin Easterly Partners’ Latest Portfolio: Top 5 Stock Picks

2. Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL)

Levin Easterly Partners’ Stake Value: $29,443,000

Percentage of Levin Easterly Partners’ 13F Portfolio: 2.62%     

Number of Hedge Fund Holders(Q1): 23

From just 13 funds tracked by Insider Monkey reporting a stake in Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) at the end of March 2020, the popularity of the company among smart money investors grew substantially in the next two years as 25 funds tracked by us disclosed a stake in Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) at the end of March 2022. Earlier this year, Unilever PLC’s (NYSE:UL) stock closed below the low it made in March 2020 and has been trading in the $45 to $50 range since then.

Unlike Levin Easterly Partners, many analysts and other asset management firms are currently not bullish on Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL). On July 27, analysts at DZ Bank downgraded the stock to ‘Hold’ from ‘Buy’. In the same month, Diamond Hill Capital, published its first-quarter 2022 investor letter for Diamond Hill International Fund, in which it had this to say about Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL):

“Unilever’s recent results have been hampered by inflation, and the company guided to further margin pressure in 2022. In addition, the market was disappointed by Unilever’s failed attempt to acquire GSK’s consumer health business. The company announced a large reorganization which will reduce management overhead. While we expect Unilever to be able to successfully manage this inflationary environment, near-term results for the business will be challenging.”