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

British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI) has been given an average recommendation of “Moderate Buy” by the eight analysts that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and seven have issued a buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $62.00.

Several analysts recently commented on BTI shares. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an “underperform” rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a report on Tuesday, August 11th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of British American Tobacco from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Sunday, August 9th. BTIG Research began coverage on British American Tobacco in a research report on Tuesday, July 21st. They issued a “buy” rating on the stock. Citigroup reissued a “buy” rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a report on Thursday, May 14th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a “buy (b)” rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a research note on Monday, August 31st.

British American Tobacco Trading Up 0.0%

BTI opened at $55.37 on Monday. The stock’s fifty day simple moving average is $59.09 and its 200 day simple moving average is $59.79. British American Tobacco has a 1-year low of $49.88 and a 1-year high of $67.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a current ratio of 0.84.

British American Tobacco (NYSE:BTI) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 29th. The company reported $1.11 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.21 by ($1.10). The business had revenue of $8.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $16.42 billion. Equities research analysts expect that British American Tobacco will post 4.86 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of British American Tobacco

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. First Command Advisory Services Inc. grew its position in shares of British American Tobacco by 1,386.7% during the 4th quarter. First Command Advisory Services Inc. now owns 446 shares of the company’s stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 416 shares in the last quarter. Glen Eagle Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of British American Tobacco in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Cary Street Partners Financial LLC acquired a new stake in British American Tobacco during the second quarter worth approximately $30,000. SHP Wealth Management bought a new position in British American Tobacco during the 4th quarter worth $35,000. Finally, Binnacle Investments Inc increased its stake in British American Tobacco by 163.2% during the 3rd quarter. Binnacle Investments Inc now owns 750 shares of the company’s stock worth $40,000 after acquiring an additional 465 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 16.16% of the company’s stock.

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.