Brokerages Set British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI) Price Target at $51.00

Shares of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI) have been given a consensus recommendation of “Moderate Buy” by the eight ratings firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation and seven have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $51.00.

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on BTI shares. Morgan Stanley reiterated an “overweight” rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a report on Monday, June 8th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of British American Tobacco from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Saturday, June 13th. BTIG Research initiated coverage on shares of British American Tobacco in a research note on Tuesday. They issued a “buy” rating on the stock. Weiss Ratings raised shares of British American Tobacco from a “buy (b-)” rating to a “buy (b)” rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 3rd. Finally, Citigroup restated a “buy” rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a research note on Thursday, May 14th.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On British American Tobacco

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. First Command Advisory Services Inc. lifted its position in shares of British American Tobacco by 1,386.7% in the fourth quarter. First Command Advisory Services Inc. now owns 446 shares of the company’s stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 416 shares during the last quarter. Glen Eagle Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of British American Tobacco during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Cary Street Partners Financial LLC bought a new stake in British American Tobacco in the 2nd quarter valued at $30,000. SHP Wealth Management bought a new stake in British American Tobacco in the 4th quarter valued at $35,000. Finally, Cornerstone Planning Group LLC lifted its holdings in British American Tobacco by 141.2% during the 4th quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 591 shares of the company’s stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 346 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 16.16% of the company’s stock.

British American Tobacco Trading Down 1.8%

NYSE BTI opened at $61.38 on Friday. British American Tobacco has a 52 week low of $49.88 and a 52 week high of $67.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a current ratio of 0.87. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $61.88 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $59.92.

About British American Tobacco

British American Tobacco plc (BTI) is a multinational tobacco manufacturer and nicotine products company headquartered in London. Founded in 1902 as a joint venture to commercialize tobacco products outside the United States, the company has grown into one of the world’s largest tobacco firms with a long history in manufacturing and global distribution of combustible tobacco products.

BAT’s core business remains the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products under a portfolio of well-known consumer brands, including Dunhill, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Kent and Rothmans.