First National Trust Co Increases Stock Holdings in Universal Co. (NYSE:UVV)

First National Trust Co lifted its stake in shares of Universal Co. (NYSE:UVV) by 93.4% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 9,752 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 4,710 shares during the quarter. First National Trust Co’s holdings in Universal were worth $657,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Sound Income Strategies LLC acquired a new position in Universal during the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Gladius Capital Management LP raised its position in Universal by 57.5% in the third quarter. Gladius Capital Management LP now owns 712 shares of the company’s stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 260 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC lifted its holdings in Universal by 71.9% in the fourth quarter. CWM LLC now owns 655 shares of the company’s stock valued at $44,000 after acquiring an additional 274 shares during the period. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its position in shares of Universal by 81.3% during the 4th quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 725 shares of the company’s stock worth $49,000 after purchasing an additional 325 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Disciplined Equity Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Universal during the 4th quarter worth $135,000. 81.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Universal from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Saturday, February 10th.

Universal Price Performance

Shares of UVV traded up $0.55 on Friday, reaching $53.39. The stock had a trading volume of 130,515 shares, compared to its average volume of 287,564. Universal Co. has a twelve month low of $44.40 and a twelve month high of $67.80. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.31 billion, a PE ratio of 10.05 and a beta of 0.79. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $50.35 and a 200 day moving average of $54.18. The company has a quick ratio of 1.29, a current ratio of 3.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42.

Universal (NYSE:UVV) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The company reported $2.16 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $821.51 million for the quarter. Universal had a return on equity of 7.46% and a net margin of 4.98%.

Universal Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 6th. Shareholders of record on Monday, April 8th will be given a dividend of $0.80 per share. This represents a $3.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.99%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, April 5th. Universal’s payout ratio is currently 60.26%.

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.