BTI
British American Tobacco p.l.c.
Tobacco
Market Cap$125.93B
5Y Perf.+44.9%
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Stock Comparison
BTI vs UVV
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
UVV
Universal Corporation
Tobacco
Market Cap$1.34B
5Y Perf.+22.0%
BTI vs UVV — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | BTI | UVV |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Tobacco | Tobacco |
| Market Cap | $125.93B | $1.34B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $51.78B | $2.05B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-10.75B | $85M |
| Gross Margin | 82.5% | 18.1% |
| Operating Margin | -26.8% | 11.1% |
| Forward P/E | 16.1x | 12.9x |
| Total Debt | $36.95B | $1.10B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $5.30B | $260M |
BTI vs UVV — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
BTI
UVV
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| British American To… (BTI) | 100 | 144.9 | +44.9% |
| Universal Corporati… (UVV) | 100 | 122.0 | +22.0% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: BTI vs UVV
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: UVV leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. British American Tobacco p.l.c. is the stronger pick specifically for dividend income and shareholder returns and recent price momentum and sentiment. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
BTI
British American Tobacco p.l.c.
The Income Pick
BTI is the clearest fit if your priority is dividends and momentum.
- 5.5% yield, 23-year raise streak, vs UVV's 5.9%
- +37.9% vs UVV's -3.3%
Best for: dividends and momentum
UVV
Universal Corporation
The Income Pick
UVV carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 13 yrs, beta -0.04, yield 5.9%
- Rev growth 7.2%, EPS growth -20.9%, 3Y rev CAGR 11.9%
- 50.2% 10Y total return vs BTI's 40.8%
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | UVV | 7.2% revenue growth vs BTI's -5.2% |
| Value | UVV | Lower P/E (12.9x vs 16.1x) |
| Quality / Margins | UVV | 4.2% margin vs BTI's -20.8% |
| Stability / Safety | UVV | Lower D/E ratio (73.6% vs 73.9%) |
| Dividends | BTI | 5.5% yield, 23-year raise streak, vs UVV's 5.9% |
| Momentum (1Y) | BTI | +37.9% vs UVV's -3.3% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | UVV | 3.2% ROA vs BTI's -9.7%, ROIC 7.6% vs 2.4% |
BTI vs UVV — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2022
FY 2025
BTI vs UVV — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLBTILAGGINGUVV
UVVUniversal Corporation
2leads
BTIBritish American Toba…
2leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs UVVMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
BTI4/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
UVV6/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
UVV7/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
BTI4/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
BTI leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
BTI is the larger business by revenue, generating $51.8B annually — 25.3x UVV's $2.1B. UVV is the more profitable business, keeping 4.2% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to BTI's -20.8%. On growth, BTI holds the edge at -2.2% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | BTIBritish American … | UVVUniversal Corpora… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $51.8B | $2.1B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | -$9.5B | $270M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$10.7B | $85M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $18.7B | $53M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +82.5% | +18.1% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | -26.8% | +11.1% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -20.8% | +4.2% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +36.1% | +2.6% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -2.2% | -100.0% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +2.0% | -44.3% |
BTI leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
UVV leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 14.2x trailing earnings, UVV trades at a 55% valuation discount to BTI's 31.4x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, UVV's 7.2x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than BTI's 21.3x.
| Metric | BTIBritish American … | UVVUniversal Corpora… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $125.9B | $1.3B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $169.0B | $2.2B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 31.40x | 14.22x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 16.08x | 12.89x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 2.48x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 21.29x | 7.19x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 3.58x | 0.45x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.90x | 0.90x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 9.73x | 5.07x |
UVV leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
UVV leads this category, winning 7 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
UVV delivers a 5.6% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $6 in annual profit, vs $-23 for BTI. UVV carries lower financial leverage with a 0.74x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to BTI's 0.74x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), BTI scores 7/9 vs UVV's 4/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | BTIBritish American … | UVVUniversal Corpora… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -22.8% | +5.6% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -9.7% | +3.2% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +2.4% | +7.6% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +2.7% | +10.9% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 7 | 4 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.74x | 0.74x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $31.7B | $844M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $5.3B | $260M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $37.0B | $1.1B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 3.79x | 1.89x |
UVV leads this category, winning 7 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
BTI leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in BTI five years ago would be worth $18,342 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $11,872 for UVV. Over the past 12 months, BTI leads with a +37.9% total return vs UVV's -3.3%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors BTI at 23.7% vs UVV's 5.9% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | BTIBritish American … | UVVUniversal Corpora… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +4.2% | +5.4% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +37.9% | -3.3% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +89.4% | +18.8% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +83.4% | +18.7% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +40.8% | +50.2% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +23.7% | +5.9% |
BTI leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — BTI and UVV each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
UVV is the less volatile stock with a -0.04 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than BTI's 0.24 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. BTI currently trades 91.9% from its 52-week high vs UVV's 79.8% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | BTIBritish American … | UVVUniversal Corpora… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.24x | -0.04x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $63.22 | $67.33 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $40.12 | $49.96 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +91.9% | +79.8% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 56.9 | 55.2 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 4.4M | 189K |
Evenly matched — BTI and UVV each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — BTI and UVV each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates BTI as "Buy" and UVV as "Buy". For income investors, UVV offers the higher dividend yield at 5.90% vs BTI's 5.49%.
| Metric | BTIBritish American … | UVVUniversal Corpora… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $40.00 | — |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 18 | 1 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +5.5% | +5.9% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 23 | 13 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $2.34 | $3.17 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +0.9% | 0.0% |
Evenly matched — BTI and UVV each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
BTI leads in 2 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Total Returns). UVV leads in 2 (Valuation Metrics, Profitability & Efficiency). 2 tied.
Best OverallBritish American Tobacco p.… (BTI)Leads 2 of 6 categories
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BTI vs UVV: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is BTI or UVV a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Universal Corporation (UVV) is the stronger pick with 7.
2% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -5. 2% for British American Tobacco p. l. c. (BTI). Universal Corporation (UVV) offers the better valuation at 14. 2x trailing P/E (12. 9x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate British American Tobacco p. l. c. (BTI) a "Buy" — based on 18 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — BTI or UVV?
On trailing P/E, Universal Corporation (UVV) is the cheapest at 14.
2x versus British American Tobacco p. l. c. at 31. 4x. On forward P/E, Universal Corporation is actually cheaper at 12. 9x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — BTI or UVV?
Over the past 5 years, British American Tobacco p.
l. c. (BTI) delivered a total return of +83. 4%, compared to +18. 7% for Universal Corporation (UVV). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: UVV returned +50. 2% versus BTI's +40. 8%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — BTI or UVV?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Universal Corporation (UVV) is the lower-risk stock at -0.
04β versus British American Tobacco p. l. c. 's 0. 24β — meaning BTI is approximately -788% more volatile than UVV relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Universal Corporation (UVV) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 74% versus 74% for British American Tobacco p. l. c. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — BTI or UVV?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Universal Corporation (UVV) is pulling ahead at 7.
2% versus -5. 2% for British American Tobacco p. l. c. (BTI). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: British American Tobacco p. l. c. grew EPS 121. 0% year-over-year, compared to -20. 9% for Universal Corporation. Over a 3-year CAGR, UVV leads at 11. 9% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — BTI or UVV?
British American Tobacco p.
l. c. (BTI) is the more profitable company, earning 11. 9% net margin versus 3. 2% for Universal Corporation — meaning it keeps 11. 9% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: BTI leads at 10. 6% versus 8. 3% for UVV. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — BTI leads at 82. 9%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is BTI or UVV more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Universal Corporation (UVV) trades at 12.
9x forward P/E versus 16. 1x for British American Tobacco p. l. c. — 3. 2x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis.
08Which pays a better dividend — BTI or UVV?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Universal Corporation (UVV) offers the highest yield at 5. 9%, versus 5. 5% for British American Tobacco p. l. c. (BTI).
09Is BTI or UVV better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Universal Corporation (UVV) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β -0.
04), 5. 9% yield). Both have compounded well over 10 years (UVV: +50. 2%, BTI: +40. 8%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between BTI and UVV?
Both stocks operate in the Consumer Defensive sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: BTI is a mid-cap income-oriented stock; UVV is a small-cap deep-value stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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(BTI: -2.2% · UVV: -100.0%)P/E Ratio<
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