How to buy Universal shares in the UK

Universal Corporation (UVV) is a publicly traded tobacco business based in the US which employs around 11,400 staff. Universal is listed on the NYSE and traded in US dollars.

How to buy shares in Universal

Open a brokerage account. Choose from our top broker picks or compare brokers in depth. To trade US shares you'll need to complete a W8-BEN form – typically part of the sign-up process.
Fund your account. Add money to your account via bank transfer or debit card.
Search the platform by ticker symbol. UVV in this case.
Choose an order type. Place a market order (or limit order, if you want to try to hold out for a specific price) with your preferred number of shares or investment amount.
Submit the order. It's that simple.

The whole process can take as little as 15 minutes. You'll need a smartphone or computer, an internet connection, your passport or driving licence and a means of payment.

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We analysed all popular share dealing platforms in the UK using 35 data points and combined this with our expert insight from using the apps. The platforms we've selected as best for each category offer stand-out features or a unique combination of elements for a specific aspect of investing. If we show a "Promoted for" pick, it's been chosen from among our partners and is based on factors that include special features or offers, and the commission we receive. Keep in mind that our picks may not always be the best for you – it's important to compare for yourself. More details in our full methodology.

Universal stock chart

Use our graph to track the performance of UVV stock over time.

These providers cover a wide range of stocks, but we can't guarantee they'll all offer this stock.

All investing should be regarded as longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you’re not sure which investments are right for you, please seek out a financial adviser. Capital at risk.

Is it a good time to buy Universal stock?

Review technicals and fundamentals to help you determine if now's a good time for you to invest.

Technical analysis

View Universal's price performance, share price volatility, historical data and technicals.

Quick verdict
Historical data

The gauge below shows real-time ratings that are based on 26 popular indicators such as moving averages, for specific time periods. It's not a recommendation but is simply technical analysis that can form part of your research.

Finder might not agree with the analysis and we take no responsibility. We also give no representations or warranty on the accuracy or completeness of the information provided on this page.

Historical closes compared with the last close of $52.76

1 week (2025-11-25)	0.29%
1 month (2025-11-03)	2.65%
3 months (2025-09-03)	-3.95%
6 months (2025-06-03)	-12.71%
1 year (2024-12-03)	-6.32%
2 years (2023-12-03)	-11.07%
3 years (2022-12-01)	-8.07%
5 years (2020-12-03)	9.60%

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Is Universal under- or over-valued?

Valuing a stock is incredibly difficult, and any metric has to be viewed as part of a bigger picture of overall performance. However, analysts commonly use some key metrics to help gauge value. Check out the Universal P/E ratio, PEG ratio and EBITDA.

P/E ratio
Universal EBITDA

Universal's current share price divided by its per-share earnings (EPS) over a 12-month period gives a "trailing price/earnings ratio" of roughly 12x. In other words, Universal's shares trade at around 12x recent earnings.

That's relatively low compared to, say, the trailing 12-month P/E ratio for the United States stock markets on average as of March 2025 (25.37). The low P/E ratio could mean that investors are pessimistic about the outlook for the shares or simply that they're under-valued.

Universal's EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) is $307 million (£232.2 million).

The EBITDA is a measure of Universal's overall financial performance and is widely used to measure a its profitability.

Frequently asked questions

Dividend yield: 6.12% of stock value
Forward annual dividend yield: 6.2% of stock value
Dividend payout ratio: 50.62% of net profits

Universal has recently paid out dividends equivalent to 6.12% of its share value annually.

Universal has paid out, on average, around 50.62% of recent net profits as dividends. That has enabled analysts to estimate a "forward annual dividend yield" of 6.2% of the current stock value. This means that over a year, based on recent payouts (which are sadly no guarantee of future payouts), shareholders could enjoy a 6.2% return on their shares, in the form of dividend payments. In Universal's case, that would currently equate to about 3.26 per share.

Universal's payout ratio would broadly be considered high, and as such this stock could appeal to those looking to generate an income. Bear in mind however that companies should normally also look to re-invest a decent amount of net profits to ensure future growth.

Universal's next dividend payout is expected around 1 February 2026. To benefit from it's next dividend payout, you'll need to buy Universal shares before 11 January 2026 (the "ex-dividend date").
Universal's shares were split on a 2:1 basis on 1 January 1992. So if you had owned 1 share the day before before the split, the next day you'd have owned 2 shares. This wouldn't directly have changed the overall worth of your Universal shares – just the quantity. However, indirectly, the new 50% lower share price could have impacted the market appetite for Universal shares which in turn could have impacted Universal's share price.
It's as easy to sell Universal as it is to buy! Here's how to sell Universal shares that you already own.
1. Open your investment app. If you've got one with desktop access, you can log in online
2. Go to your portfolio. This should be in the main menu
3. Find your shares. You may be able to search your portfolio
4. Choose how many you'd like to sell. You'll be able to review the price and see how much you'll receive
5. Sell your Universal shares. Your investment platform will let you know when your shares are sold

Universal financials

Revenue TTM	$3 billion
Operating margin TTM	8.97%
Gross profit TTM	$578.5 million
Return on assets TTM	5.1%
Return on equity TTM	8.86%
Profit margin	3.74%
Book value	$59.00
Market capitalisation	$1.3 billion

TTM: trailing 12 months

Sources

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How to buy Universal shares

Easy steps to invest in Universal stock in the UK.

How to buy shares in Universal

Our top picks for where to buy Universal shares

How we chose these trading apps

Universal stock chart

Is it a good time to buy Universal stock?

Technical analysis

Is Universal under- or over-valued?

Frequently asked questions

Does Universal pay dividends?

What percentage of Universal is owned by insiders or institutions?

When does the fiscal year end for Universal?

Where is Universal based?

Have Universal's shares ever split?

How do I sell Universal shares?

Can you buy Universal shares with a debit card?

What's the easiest way to buy Universal shares?

Do you need to complete a W8-BEN form if you want to invest in Universal?

What is the key financial information for Universal?

Sources

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