Universal Co. (NYSE:UVV) Shares Purchased by Victory Capital Management Inc.

Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Universal Co. (NYSE:UVV) by 8.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 24,472 shares of the company’s stock after acquiring an additional 1,830 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc.’s holdings in Universal were worth $1,300,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Boston Partners acquired a new stake in shares of Universal during the first quarter valued at approximately $12,273,000. Blue Trust Inc. raised its stake in Universal by 145.9% during the 3rd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 2,533 shares of the company’s stock valued at $135,000 after purchasing an additional 1,503 shares during the period. International Assets Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Universal by 5,210.9% in the third quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 2,443 shares of the company’s stock valued at $130,000 after purchasing an additional 2,397 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its position in shares of Universal by 82.6% in the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 672 shares of the company’s stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 304 shares during the period. Finally, Private Advisor Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Universal during the third quarter valued at $254,000. 81.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Universal Stock Down 2.4 %

Shares of Universal stock opened at $56.59 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 2.60, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43. Universal Co. has a 1 year low of $45.19 and a 1 year high of $67.80. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $52.39 and a 200 day moving average price of $51.11. The company has a market cap of $1.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.64 and a beta of 0.77.

Universal Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 3rd. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.81 per share. This represents a $3.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.73%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 13th. Universal’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 66.67%.

Universal announced that its board has initiated a share buyback plan on Thursday, November 7th that allows the company to repurchase $100.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the company to purchase up to 7.8% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are usually a sign that the company’s leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

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.