Universal Corporation (UVV)vsW. R. Berkley Corp (WRB)
UVV
Universal Corporation
$53.70
-0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.34B
WRB
W. R. Berkley Corp
$65.68
-1.28%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $24.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
W. R. Berkley Corp generates 410% more annual revenue ($14.85B vs $2.91B). WRB leads profitability with a 12.6% profit margin vs 2.9%. UVV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.06. WRB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
UVV
Hold45
out of 100
Grade: D+
WRB
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+33.4%
Fair Value
$79.32
Current Price
$53.70
$25.62 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for WRB.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 20 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 26.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency
2.9% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.0% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : UVV
The strongest argument for UVV centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio.
Bull Case : WRB
The strongest argument for WRB centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : UVV
The primary concerns for UVV are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 2.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : WRB
The primary concerns for WRB are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
UVV carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — expect wider price swings.
WRB is growing revenue faster at 4.0% — sustainability is the question.
WRB generates stronger free cash flow (640M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor TOBACCO industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
WRB scores higher overall (65/100 vs 45/100). UVV offers better value entry with a 33.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Universal Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Universal Corporation processes and supplies leaf tobacco and plant ingredients worldwide. The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.
W. R. Berkley Corp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - PROPERTY & CASUALTY · USA
W. R. Berkley Corporation is a commercial lines property & casualty insurance holding company organized in Delaware and based in Greenwich, Connecticut.
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