Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, tobacco merchant Universal
With that in mind, let's take a closer look at Universal's business and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.
Universal facts
Headquarters (founded) | Richmond, Va. (1888) |
Market Cap | $1.1 billion |
Industry | Tobacco |
Trailing-12-Month Revenue | $2.5 billion |
Management | Chairman/CEO George Freeman, III CFO David Moore |
Return on Equity (average, past 3 years) | 14.1% |
Cash/Debt | $152.4 million / $541.0 million |
Dividend Yield | 4.2% |
Competitors |
Alliance One Altadis British American Tobacco |
Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.
On CAPS, 95% of the 200 members who have rated Universal believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.
Earlier this month, one of those Fools, All-Star Staka, succinctly summed up the opportunity for our community:
Positive:
- Defensive blue chip
- Good dividend
- Solid balance sheet
Negative:
- Risk of being marginalized as the middleman in the tobacco value chain
Of course, despite its five-star rating, Universal may not be your top choice. If that's the case, we've compiled a special free report for investors called "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks," which uncovers several other juicy income opportunities. The report is 100% free, but it won't be around forever, so click here to access it now.
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