Top 10 Consumer Defensive Stocks to Buy Now

7. Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL)

Stock Upside Potential: 15.02%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 28

Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) is one of the top consumer defensive stocks to buy now. On March 31, Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) reached an agreement to merge its food business with McCormick. The merger, structured as a Reverse Morris Trust, is to result in a flavor powerhouse that brings together aligned food businesses with strong momentum, superior top-line growth, and enhanced value creation.

The combined company will house iconic brands including McCormick, Knorr, and Hellmann’s, as well as high-growth potential brands with about $20 billion in revenue. The divestment is poised to position Unilever as a leading pure-play HPC company.

Following the divestment of Unilever Food, the company is to shift its focus to beauty, wellbeing, personal care, and home care products. It will also focus on fast-growing geographies and channels through a portfolio of innovative brands.

The divestment also underscores Unilever’s focus on becoming a simpler, sharper, and higher-growth company.

Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) is a global consumer goods company that produces and sells household products, foods, refreshments, and personal care items. It operates in over 190 countries with popular brands like Dove, Knorr, Hellmann’s, Ben & Jerry’s, and OMO.