Universal Corp Breaks Above 200-Day Moving Average, Boosting UVV

Universal Corp (UVV) shares have broken above their 200-day moving average of $55.30, reaching $55.66. The stock is currently trading up 1.4%. The 52-week low is $49.40 and the 52-week high is $67.33.

Universal Corporation (UVV) shares have shown significant upward momentum, breaking above their 200-day moving average of $55.30 to reach $55.66, an increase of 1.4% as of July 2, 2025. This move comes after a period of consolidation and indicates a potential trend reversal for the stock. The 52-week low is $49.40, and the 52-week high is $67.33, highlighting the stock's volatility and potential for further gains.

Institutional investors have been actively participating in Universal Corporation. Boston Partners, a prominent hedge fund, increased its stake by 19.4% in the first quarter, owning approximately 1.38% of the company valued at around $18.9 million [1]. This increase in institutional ownership, which now stands at 81.00%, demonstrates strong support from large investors and hedge funds. Other notable institutional investors, such as Public Sector Pension Investment Board and Vanguard Group Inc., have also increased their holdings in the company during the same period [1].

Universal Corporation's latest quarterly earnings data, reported on August 6, 2025, showed earnings per share (EPS) of $0.38 and revenue of $593.76 million for the quarter. The company reported a return on equity of 8.46% and a net margin of 3.51%, indicating a robust financial performance. Additionally, the company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.82 per share, representing a $3.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.0% [1].

Analysts have set new price targets for Universal Corporation. Wall Street Zen recently downgraded the stock from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating, reflecting a cautious outlook [1]. However, the stock's recent performance and strong institutional support may warrant further consideration by investors.

The company's insiders have also been active. Director Lennart R. Freeman sold 2,800 shares of Universal stock on August 11, 2025, while Director Robert C. Sledd sold 4,617 shares on August 15, 2025 [1]. These sales represent a 12.46% and 22.73% decrease in their respective ownership of the stock.

Universal Corporation operates in the tobacco and plant-based ingredients sectors, processing and supplying leaf tobacco and plant-based ingredients worldwide. The company's strategic initiatives and robust financial performance have contributed to its recent stock price appreciation and institutional investor interest.

References:
[1] https://www.marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/filing-universal-corporation-nyseuvv-shares-bought-by-boston-partners-2025-08-16/
[2] https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/tegna-stock-hits-52week-high-at-2106-93CH-4200246