Universal Corp

Universal Corp earns a 5-star quantitative star rating, reflecting our opinion that this share class offers a compelling opportunity for investors. The stock currently trades at a 24% discount to our quantitative fair value estimate of $56.46 per share; however, some caution is warranted due to this estimate's medium uncertainty rating.

The company's valuation metrics bolster our estimated fair value. A company's valuation metrics provide insights into the market's expectations for its future growth and profitability. Reflecting the firm's valuation is its book value yield of 132.0%, which ranks in the top 20% globally. The market price is low relative to the book (accounting) value of the company's equity, which contributes to our view that shares are undervalued.

The company's profitability is an additional encouraging factor. Highly profitable companies are often more resilient in recessions and are likely to generate stronger future cash flows for shareholders. The firm's earnings yield of 11.2%, for example, falls in the top 20% globally. This suggests that it is generating substantial earnings relative to its share price, which further promotes our favorable price/fair value ratio.

With its quantitative economic moat rating of none, we do not expect this company to materially outearn its cost of capital in the long run. Additionally, the firm's moderate financial health score suggests it is acceptably positioned against adverse economic circumstances.