Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, tobacco merchant Universal (NYSE: UVV) has earned a coveted five-star ranking.

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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