Unilever Launches Clear in US - Analyst Blog
April 03 2012 - 7:30AM
Zacks
The Dutch consumer goods maker Unilever NV (UN)
has launched its hair care product ‘Clear’ in the US markets
intending to focus on the ends of hair rather than the root.
Unilever’s brand Clear is an anti-dandruff shampoo, which gives
protection from dandruff and prevents it from coming back with
regular use. In addition, Clear has patented vita-ace technology
that nourishes the scalp, besides conditioning the hair and keeping
it soft. Clear has four variants designed for specific needs to
consumers and is sold in 42 countries.
Unilever has offered three different variants of Clear targeting
men, women and African-Americans and insisted that its brand Clear
nourishes the hair from its ends, unlike other hair care products.
Clear will be available in the stores of Target
Corp. (TGT) and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
(WMT) from May 20, 2012.
Unilever became the world's leading company in hair
conditioning, the second largest in shampoo and the third largest
in styling after the acquisition of Chicago-based Alberto Culver in
May 2011. The company has significant hair care presence in the US,
Canada, the UK, Mexico, Australia and Asia.
Likewise, the company has been strengthening its Personal Care
portfolio and expanding in international markets through a number
of acquisitions. With the acquisition of the Personal Care business
of Sara Lee Corporation (SLE) in the fourth
quarter of 2010, Unilever added leading brands like Radox, Duschdas
and Neutral to the company’s portfolio in Western Europe. The
recent acquisition of an 82% stake in the Russian brand of Concern
Kalina expects to strengthen Unilever’s portfolio in the Russian
personal care market. We believe that Unilever’s acquisitions will
drive continuous improvement in its businesses and strengthen its
capabilities.
Currently, we have a Zacks #3 Rank (a short-term ‘Hold’ rating)
on the stock. The company has witnessed input costs and a difficult
economic environment in 2011 which is expected to persist in
2012. The European debt crisis, intense competition from other
established players and exposure to unfavorable foreign currency
translations undermine the company’s future growth prospects and
profitability. Moreover, investments in emerging markets also
expose the company to the social, political and economic volatility
of these countries.
SARA LEE (SLE): Free Stock Analysis Report
TARGET CORP (TGT): Free Stock Analysis Report
UNILEVER N V (UN): Free Stock Analysis Report
WAL-MART STORES (WMT): Free Stock Analysis Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Zacks Investment Research
Sara Lee (NYSE:SLE)
Historical Stock Chart
From Aug 2024 to Sep 2024
Sara Lee (NYSE:SLE)
Historical Stock Chart
From Sep 2023 to Sep 2024