British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI) Receives Consensus Rating of “Moderate Buy” from Analysts

British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI) has received an average rating of “Moderate Buy” from the ten brokerages that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, one has issued a hold recommendation and seven have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $51.00.

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a “buy” rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a report on Friday, November 28th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “hold (c+)” rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Morgan Stanley reissued an “underweight” rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Kepler Capital Markets initiated coverage on shares of British American Tobacco in a research note on Friday, December 12th. They issued a “buy” rating on the stock. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a research note on Friday, November 28th.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On British American Tobacco

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BTI. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT raised its stake in shares of British American Tobacco by 46,488.4% during the second quarter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT now owns 173,309 shares of the company’s stock valued at $8,203,000 after acquiring an additional 172,937 shares during the last quarter. Lockheed Martin Investment Management Co. increased its holdings in British American Tobacco by 44.3% in the third quarter. Lockheed Martin Investment Management Co. now owns 421,800 shares of the company’s stock valued at $22,389,000 after purchasing an additional 129,500 shares during the period. Fifth Third Bancorp lifted its holdings in British American Tobacco by 47.6% during the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 21,038 shares of the company’s stock worth $996,000 after buying an additional 6,785 shares during the period. Genesis Private Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of British American Tobacco in the 2nd quarter valued at about $334,000. Finally, Trivest Advisors Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of British American Tobacco in the second quarter valued at about $60,109,000. 16.16% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

British American Tobacco Stock Performance

Shares of BTI stock opened at $60.65 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. British American Tobacco has a 52 week low of $37.31 and a 52 week high of $60.82. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $57.30 and a 200 day simple moving average of $55.29.

About British American Tobacco

British American Tobacco plc (BTI) is a multinational tobacco manufacturer and nicotine products company headquartered in London. Founded in 1902 as a joint venture to commercialize tobacco products outside the United States, the company has grown into one of the world’s largest tobacco firms with a long history in manufacturing and global distribution of combustible tobacco products.

BAT’s core business remains the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products under a portfolio of well-known consumer brands, including Dunhill, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Kent and Rothmans.