UVV vs. BTI: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Tobacco sector should consider Universal Corp. (UVV) and British American Tobacco (BTI), with UVV currently presenting a better value opportunity based on various financial metrics [1]. Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Outlook - Universal Corp. has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while British American Tobacco has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [3]. - The Zacks Rank emphasizes stocks with favorable earnings estimate revisions, suggesting that UVV has an improving earnings outlook compared to BTI [3]. Group 2: Valuation Metrics - UVV has a forward P/E ratio of 10.92, which is lower than BTI's forward P/E of 12.28, indicating that UVV may be undervalued relative to BTI [5]. - The PEG ratio for UVV is 2.73, while BTI's PEG ratio is 2.76, showing that both companies have similar growth expectations factored into their valuations [5]. - UVV's P/B ratio is 0.86, significantly lower than BTI's P/B of 1.79, further supporting the argument that UVV is a more attractive value option [6]. Group 3: Value Grades - UVV has a Value grade of B, while BTI has a Value grade of C, indicating that UVV is perceived as a better value investment based on key financial metrics [6].