British American Tobacco (NYSE:BTI) Stock Rating Lowered by Wall Street Zen

British American Tobacco (NYSE:BTI) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Wall Street Zen from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note issued to investors on Sunday.

A number of other equities analysts have also recently commented on the company. BTIG Research started coverage on British American Tobacco in a report on Tuesday, July 21st. They issued a “buy” rating on the stock. Weiss Ratings raised British American Tobacco from a “buy (b-)” rating to a “buy (b)” rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 3rd. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an “overweight” rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a research report on Monday, June 8th. Finally, Citigroup reissued a “buy” rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a report on Thursday, May 14th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $51.00.

British American Tobacco Stock Down 4.0%

Shares of BTI stock opened at $56.96 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. British American Tobacco has a 12 month low of $49.88 and a 12 month high of $67.30. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $60.65 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $60.33.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On British American Tobacco

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. First Command Advisory Services Inc. boosted its stake in British American Tobacco by 1,386.7% during the fourth quarter. First Command Advisory Services Inc. now owns 446 shares of the company’s stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 416 shares during the last quarter. Glen Eagle Advisors LLC bought a new stake in British American Tobacco in the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Cary Street Partners Financial LLC purchased a new stake in shares of British American Tobacco during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. SHP Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of British American Tobacco during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Finally, Cornerstone Planning Group LLC boosted its position in shares of British American Tobacco by 141.2% during the 4th quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 591 shares of the company’s stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 346 shares during the last quarter. 16.16% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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.