Universal (NYSE:UVV) Stock Rating Upgraded by StockNews.com

Universal (NYSE:UVV) was upgraded by equities research analysts at StockNews.com from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a note issued to investors on Monday.

Separately, TheStreet raised shares of Universal from a “c+” rating to a “b” rating in a research report on Monday, November 6th.

Universal Stock Up 1.6 %

Shares of Universal stock opened at $53.08 on Monday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $47.40 and a 200 day moving average price of $49.32. The company has a current ratio of 2.92, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. Universal has a twelve month low of $44.40 and a twelve month high of $57.83. The stock has a market cap of $1.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.92 and a beta of 0.76.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Universal

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Martingale Asset Management L P raised its holdings in Universal by 0.8% during the first quarter. Martingale Asset Management L P now owns 26,417 shares of the company’s stock worth $1,397,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors lifted its stake in shares of Universal by 3.0% in the 3rd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 7,046 shares of the company’s stock valued at $324,000 after purchasing an additional 204 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its position in Universal by 18.5% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,475 shares of the company’s stock worth $85,000 after acquiring an additional 230 shares during the last quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA lifted its position in Universal by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA now owns 6,459 shares of the company’s stock worth $391,000 after acquiring an additional 242 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Gladius Capital Management LP increased its holdings in shares of Universal by 57.5% during the 3rd quarter. Gladius Capital Management LP now owns 712 shares of the company’s stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 260 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 78.72% of the company’s stock.

Universal Company Profile

Universal Corporation processes and supplies leaf tobacco and plant-based ingredients worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Tobacco Operations; and Ingredients Operations. It is involved in the procuring, financing, processing, packing, storing, and shipping leaf tobacco for sale to manufacturers of consumer tobacco products.