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Universal Corporation Reports Fiscal Year and Fourth Quarter 2026 ResultsMay 28, 2026 4:15 PM
Business Wire Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV) (“Universal” or the “Company”), a global business-to-business agriproducts company, today announced financial results for the fiscal year and fourth quarter ended March 31, 2026. “Our fiscal year 2026 performance reflected solid execution across much of our business amid a markedly different operating environment than the prior year,” said Preston D. Wigner, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Universal. “Coming off exceptionally strong performance for our Tobacco Operations segment in fiscal year 2025, our disciplined marketplace management helped mitigate the impact of oversupply for certain tobacco styles, resulting in only slightly lower segment revenues and sales volumes. Our Ingredients Operations segment delivered growth in revenues and sales volumes despite persistent market headwinds. Fourth quarter and fiscal year 2026 results were ultimately impacted by a non-cash, goodwill impairment charge related to our Universal Ingredients-Shank’s operation, as well as increased tobacco inventory write-downs, primarily for non-wrapper, dark air-cured tobacco.” Mr. Wigner continued, “As we enter fiscal year 2027, we are confident in the strength and resilience of our tobacco business across market cycles and the foundational progress we are making to support the growth of our ingredients business. We remain committed to our strategy of maximizing and optimizing our tobacco business and growing our ingredients business, while continuing our track record of returning capital to our shareholders. We expect market activity to support the return of our uncommitted tobacco inventories to our targeted range, and we have initiated enhancements at our Shank’s operation to drive efficiency and financial performance. We are moving forward focused on execution, consistent progress, and sustainable value creation for our shareholders.” FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Three Months Ended March 31, Change Fiscal Year Ended March 31, Change (in millions of dollars, except per share data) 2026 2025 % 2026 2025 % Consolidated Results Sales and other operating revenue $ 715.2 $ 702.3 2 % $ 2,924.5 $ 2,947.3 (1 )% Cost of goods sold 616.8 586.3 5 % 2,412.5 2,398.6 1 % Gross profit margin 13.8 % 16.5 % -270 bps 17.5 % 18.6 % -110 bps Selling, general and administrative expenses 72.4 73.2 (1 )% 300.7 305.3 (2 )% Restructuring and impairment costs — — NA 1.8 10.6 (83 )% Goodwill Impairment 41.1 — NA 41.1 — NA Operating income (as reported) (15.0 ) 42.8 (135 )% 168.5 232.8 (28 )% Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP)* 26.1 42.8 (39 )% 211.3 243.4 (13 )% Diluted earnings per share (as reported) (1.73 ) 0.37 (568 )% 1.30 3.78 (66 )% Adjusted diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP)* (0.46 ) 0.80 (158 )% 2.64 4.63 (43 )% Segment Results Tobacco operations sales and other operating revenues $ 632.3 $ 612.6 3 % $ 2,576.4 $ 2,608.7 (1 )% Tobacco operations operating income 26.6 45.8 (42 )% 211.5 240.2 (12 )% Ingredients operations sales and other operating revenues 83.0 89.7 (7 )% 348.1 338.6 3 % Ingredients operations operating income 1.8 4.4 (58 )% 3.2 12.3 (74 )% *See Reconciliation of Certain non-GAAP Financial Measures in Other Items below. Fiscal Year 2026 Highlights Consolidated Results Revenues generally in line with an exceptional fiscal year 2025. Continued solid performance across much of our tobacco and ingredients businesses offset by: A $41.1 million non-cash, goodwill impairment charge related to our Universal Ingredients-Shank’s (“Shank’s”) operation. Inventory write-downs of $52.0 million, primarily of non-wrapper, dark air-cured tobacco, an increase of $32.2 million from the prior fiscal year. Operating income down 28% to $168.5 million and adjusted operating income down 13% to $211.3 million, due to these impacts. Tobacco Operations Segment Revenue down $32.3 million, or 1%, on a 2% decline in tobacco sales volumes and prices, partially offset by higher third-party processing volumes and product mix. Segment operating income down $28.6 million, primarily on a combination of reduced sales volumes and inventory write-downs of non-wrapper, dark air-cured tobacco. Tobacco Operations segment results reflected: Firm demand for most tobacco styles; Solid results from flue-cured and burley tobaccos; Tobacco inventory write-downs of $43.4 million, up $24.7 million; Lower sales of dark air-cured tobacco driven by softer than anticipated demand coupled with longer sales and inventory cycles; Increased third-party tobacco processing revenue; and Larger crops, particularly in Brazil and Africa origins. Uncommitted tobacco inventory levels at 27% at March 31, 2026, were outside our target range due to delayed customer purchase commitments, but are expected to be within our target range during fiscal year 2027. Flue-cured, burley, and some dark air-cured tobacco are in oversupply positions, and oriental tobacco is moving into a balanced position. Ingredients Operations Segment Revenue up 3% on increased sales volumes, reflecting our ongoing focus on building scale through our pipeline of solution-based products. Steady performance across much of our ingredients business offset by slower than anticipated sales growth, high fixed costs related to our expansion investments, and inventory write-downs, at our Shank’s operation. Persistent customer market headwinds, including tariff impacts and broader softness in the consumer-packaged-goods sector, impacting demand at Shank’s for both traditional core products and new offerings. Lower operating income reflected product mix, high fixed costs, including additional depreciation, from our expanded Shank’s production facility, as well as inventory write-downs of $8.6 million. Select Balance Sheet Items, Liquidity, and Debt Increased working capital usage on larger tobacco crops and timing of tobacco crop purchases. Total debt down $168.7 million at March 31, 2026, compared to March 31, 2025. Net debt (non-GAAP) up $28.9 million at March 31, 2026, compared to March 31, 2025. Interest expense down $5.6 million in fiscal year 2026, compared to fiscal year 2025. Approximately $1.3 billion of available liquidity, consisting of cash and committed and uncommitted credit lines, as of March 31, 2026. Additional Items Non-cash, goodwill impairment charge of $41.1 million in fiscal year 2026. Restructuring and impairment costs of $1.8 million in fiscal year 2026, compared to $10.6 million in fiscal year 2025. Pension settlement charge of $14.1 million in fiscal year 2025. Higher consolidated effective tax rate for fiscal year 2026 due to various factors, including the mix and timing of domestic and foreign earnings, discrete items, and the tax deductibility of certain items. Fourth Quarter 2026 Highlights Consolidated Results Revenue up 2% on higher tobacco sales volumes, partially offset by lower tobacco sales prices. Operating income down $57.7 million on the non-cash, goodwill impairment charge as well as inventory write-downs. Adjusted operating income down $16.7 million. Tobacco Operations Segment Revenue up $19.7 million on higher tobacco sales volumes and timing of tobacco shipments, partially offset by lower tobacco sales prices. Segment operating income down by $19.2 million primarily due to non-wrapper, dark air-cured tobacco inventory write-downs and lower sales of dark air-cured tobacco. Ingredients Operations Segment Revenue and operating income down $6.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively, largely on lower results from our Shank's business. Due to customer market headwinds, including broader softness in the consumer-packaged-goods sector, our Shank’s business faced demand challenges for both traditional core products and new offerings. Lower operating income also reflected Shank’s product mix, depreciation and other high fixed costs from our expanded production facility, as well as inventory write-downs. Sustainability Update Mr. Wigner stated, “We concluded fiscal year 2026 by further embedding sustainability across our value chain, building on the progress achieved throughout the year to support our emissions reduction targets and long-term value creation across Universal’s global operations. This progress was reflected in our most recent Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) results, highlighting the success of our engagement with our suppliers. We advanced to an “A” rating in Supplier Engagement, were recognized as a CDP Supplier Engagement Leader, and were named to CDP’s Supplier Engagement A List. These achievements underscore the strength of our governance, emissions management, and the value we bring to our suppliers and customers across our global value chain.” Other Items Reconciliation of Certain non-GAAP Financial Measures References to adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share, and the total for segment operating income (loss) are references to non-GAAP financial measures. These measures are not financial measures calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and should not be considered as substitutes for operating income (loss), net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, diluted earnings (loss) per share, cash from operating activities or any other operating or financial performance measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, and may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures reported by other companies. Reconciliations of adjusted operating income (loss) to consolidated operating income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation to consolidated net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation and adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share to diluted earnings (loss) per share are provided below. In addition, a reconciliation of the total for segment operating income (loss) to consolidated operating income (loss) is provided in Note 3. "Segment Information" to the consolidated financial statements. Management evaluates the consolidated Company and segment performance excluding certain significant charges or credits. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude items that it believes are not indicative of its core operating results, can provide investors with important information that is useful in understanding its business results and trends. References to net debt, net capitalization, and net debt to net capitalization ratio are also references to non-GAAP financial measures. These measures are not financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered substitutes for total debt, total capitalization, total debt to total capitalization ratio, or any other operating or financial performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures reported by other companies. Reconciliations of net debt to total debt and net capitalization to total capitalization are provided below to the extent these non-GAAP financial measures are referenced. Management believes these non-GAAP measures are meaningful indicators of liquidity and financial position. The following tables set forth certain non-recurring items included in reported results to reconcile adjusted operating income to consolidated operating income and adjusted net income to net income attributable to Universal Corporation and adjusted diluted earnings per share to diluted earnings per share: Adjusted Operating Income Reconciliation Three Months Ended March 31, Fiscal Year Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2026 2025 2026 2025 As Reported: Consolidated operating income $ (14,961 ) $ 42,760 $ 168,451 $ 232,797 Goodwill impairment(1) 41,061 — 41,061 — Restructuring and impairment costs(1) — — 1,833 10,573 Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP) $ 26,100 $ 42,760 $ 211,345 $ 243,370 Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share Reconciliation Three Months Ended March 31, Fiscal Year Ended March 31, (in thousands except for per share amounts) 2026 2025 2026 2025 As Reported: Net income attributable to Universal Corporation $ (43,278 ) $ 9,338 $ 32,637 $ 95,047 Goodwill impairment(1) 41,061 — 41,061 — Restructuring and impairment costs(1) — — 1,833 10,573 Pension settlement charge(2) — 14,101 — 14,101 Total of non-GAAP adjustments to income before income taxes 41,061 14,101 42,894 24,674 Income tax benefit from goodwill impairment(1)(3) (9,157 ) — (9,157 ) — Income tax benefit from restructuring and impairment costs(1)(3) — — (35 ) (132 ) Income tax benefit from pension settlement charge(2)(3) — (3,257 ) — (3,257 ) Total of income tax impacts for non-GAAP adjustments to income before income taxes (9,157 ) (3,257 ) (9,192 ) (3,389 ) As adjusted: Net income attributable to Universal Corporation (non-GAAP) $ (11,374 ) $ 20,182 $ 66,339 $ 116,332 As reported: Diluted earnings per share $ (1.73 ) $ 0.37 $ 1.30 $ 3.78 Adjusted: Diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP) $ (0.46 ) $ 0.80 $ 2.64 $ 4.63 (1) Restructuring and impairment costs are included in Consolidated operating income in the consolidated statements of income, but excluded for purposes of Adjusted operating income, Adjusted net income attributable to Universal Corporation, and Adjusted diluted earnings per share. The three months ended March 31, 2026, included a $41.1 impairment charge to write-off the full amount of goodwill associated with Shank's, a component of the Ingredients operating segment. (2) In March 2025, the Company completed a pension de-risking transaction or "pension lift-out" to transfer approximately $47 million of its qualified domestic pension plan obligations and assets to a third-party insurer through the purchase of a non-participating annuity. The obligations transferred to the third-party insurer covered the respective benefit obligations for a subset of retirees currently receiving benefit payments. The transaction triggered settlement accounting that required the Company to immediately recognize a portion of the accumulated comprehensive losses associated with the defined benefit pension plan. (3) The income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments was determined based on the timing and nature of the specific non-GAAP adjustments and their relevant jurisdictional income tax rates (foreign, state, and local) and the applicable U.S. federal income tax rates. The Company considers current and deferred income tax rates to calculate the impact to income taxes for the non-GAAP adjustments. The following table reconciles total debt to net debt and net capitalization: Net Debt and Net Capitalization Reconciliation March 31, March 31, (in thousands) 2026 2025 Add: Notes payable and overdrafts $ 287,564 $ 455,039 Add: Long-term obligations 616,727 617,918 Add: Current portion of long-term obligations — — Total Debt 904,291 1,072,957 Add: Customer advances and deposits 3,376 3,763 Less: Cash and cash equivalents 62,178 260,115 Net Debt (non-GAAP) $ 845,489 $ 816,605 Add: Total Universal Corporation shareholders' equity 1,415,400 1,458,556 Net Capitalization (non-GAAP) $ 2,260,889 $ 2,275,161 Net Debt/Net Capitalization (non-GAAP) 37 % 36 % Investor Conference Call At 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on May 29, 2026, the Company will host a conference call to discuss these results. Those wishing to listen to the call may do so by visiting www.universalcorp.com at that time. A replay of the webcast will be available at that site through August 29, 2026. A taped replay of the call will also be available through June 12, 2026, by dialing (800) 770-2030 (Playback ID: 5786366#). About Universal Corporation Universal Corporation (NYSE: UVV) is a global agricultural company with over 100 years of experience supplying products and innovative solutions to meet our customers’ evolving needs and precise specifications. Through our diverse network of farmers and partners across more than 30 countries on five continents, we are a trusted provider of high-quality, traceable products. We leverage our extensive supply chain expertise, global reach, integrated processing capabilities, and commitment to sustainability to provide a range of products and services designed to drive efficiency and deliver value to our customers. For more information, visit www.universalcorp.com. CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Among other things, these statements include statements made in Mr. Wigner’s quotations, statements regarding expectations with respect to our fiscal year 2027 performance, our strategic plans, ingredients business, tobacco business, including expectations with respect to size, shipments and sales and purchases of tobacco crops. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of words such as we “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “could,” “should,” “may,” “plan,” “will,” “predict,” “estimate,” and similar expressions or words of similar import. These forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current knowledge and assumptions about future events and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated results, prospects, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: product purchased not meeting quality and quantity requirements; reliance on a few large customers; anticipated levels of demand for and supply of our products and services; tobacco growing conditions and customer requirements; major shifts in customer requirements for leaf tobacco; higher inflation rates, tariffs and other pressures on costs; weather and other conditions; exposure to certain legal, regulatory and financial risks related to climate change; industry-specific risks related to our plant-based ingredients businesses; disruption of our supply chain for our plant-based ingredients; success in pursuing strategic investments or acquisitions and integration of new businesses and the impact of these new businesses on future results; our ability to maintain effective information technology systems and safeguard confidential information; our inability to attract, develop, retain, motivate, and maintain good relationships with our workforce; our dependence on a seasonal workforce; epidemics, pandemics or similar widespread public health concerns; government efforts to regulate the production and consumption of tobacco products; government actions on the sourcing of leaf tobacco; economic and political conditions in the countries in which we and our customers operate, including the ongoing impacts from international conflicts; sustainability considerations from governments and other stakeholders; changes in tax laws in the countries where we do business; material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting; failure of our customers or suppliers to repay extensions of credit; changes in exchange rates; changes in interest rates; and low investment performance by our defined benefit pension plan assets and changes in pension plan valuation assumptions. Please also refer to the risks and uncertainties as discussed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of Universal’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, and related disclosures in other filings that Universal files with the SEC and are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. All risk factors and uncertainties described herein and therein should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and all of the forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements contained or referred to herein and therein. Universal cautions investors not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements as these statements speak only as of the date when made, and it undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made, except as required by law. UNIVERSAL CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (in thousands of dollars, except per share data) Three Months Ended March 31, Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2026 2025 2026 2025 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Sales and other operating revenues $ 715,243 $ 702,279 $ 2,924,470 $ 2,947,284 Costs and expenses Cost of goods sold 616,772 586,276 2,412,454 2,398,627 Selling, general and administrative expenses 72,371 73,243 300,671 305,287 Restructuring and impairment costs — — 1,833 10,573 Goodwill impairment 41,061 — 41,061 — Operating income (14,961 ) 42,760 168,451 232,797 Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 2,299 7,456 3,430 9,103 Pension settlement charge — 14,101 — 14,101 Other non-operating income 1,095 1,176 2,847 2,569 Interest income 179 1,757 1,964 3,483 Interest expense 18,565 18,326 74,040 79,636 Income before income taxes (29,953 ) 20,722 102,652 154,215 Income taxes 4,810 6,394 46,657 40,946 Net income (34,763 ) 14,328 55,995 113,269 Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries (8,515 ) (4,990 ) (23,358 ) (18,222 ) Net income attributable to Universal Corporation $ (43,278 ) $ 9,338 $ 32,637 $ 95,047 Earnings per share: Basic $ (1.73 ) $ 0.37 $ 1.30 $ 3.81 Diluted $ (1.73 ) $ 0.37 $ 1.30 $ 3.78 See accompanying notes. UNIVERSAL CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands of dollars) March 31, 2026 2025 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 62,178 $ 260,115 Accounts receivable, net 563,864 625,876 Advances to suppliers, net 177,222 169,385 Accounts receivable—unconsolidated affiliates 12,300 7,143 Inventories—at lower of cost or net realizable value: Tobacco 832,360 806,332 Other 203,537 189,610 Prepaid income taxes 22,958 19,595 Other current assets 97,278 78,041 Total current assets 1,971,697 2,156,097 Property, plant and equipment Land 26,249 26,113 Buildings 333,416 333,398 Machinery and equipment 759,654 723,935 1,119,319 1,083,446 Less accumulated depreciation (746,365 ) (710,472 ) 372,954 372,974 Other assets Operating lease right-of-use assets 37,272 34,260 Goodwill, net 172,695 213,840 Other intangibles, net 48,604 57,836 Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 82,287 79,317 Deferred income taxes 15,636 16,539 Pension asset 16,542 12,819 Other noncurrent assets 49,080 45,870 422,116 460,481 Total assets $ 2,766,767 $ 2,989,552 UNIVERSAL CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands of dollars) March 31, 2026 2025 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities Notes payable and overdrafts $ 287,564 $ 455,039 Accounts payable 90,139 98,036 Accounts payable—unconsolidated affiliates 510 1,999 Customer advances and deposits 3,376 3,763 Accrued compensation 33,234 44,646 Income taxes payable 17,643 12,586 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 11,172 10,742 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 120,603 123,350 Current portion of long-term debt — — Total current liabilities 564,241 750,161 Long-term debt 616,727 617,918 Pensions and other postretirement benefits 35,471 35,336 Long-term operating lease liabilities 24,359 20,608 Other long-term liabilities 24,925 22,901 Deferred income taxes 39,920 42,090 Total liabilities 1,305,643 1,489,014 Shareholders’ equity Universal Corporation: Preferred stock: Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value, 500,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding — — Common stock, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 24,923,496 shares issued and outstanding (24,715,625 at March 31, 2025) 351,523 351,626 Retained earnings 1,136,989 1,186,981 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (73,112 ) (80,051 ) Total Universal Corporation shareholders' equity 1,415,400 1,458,556 Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries 45,724 41,982 Total shareholders' equity 1,461,124 1,500,538 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 2,766,767 $ 2,989,552 See accompanying notes. UNIVERSAL CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands of dollars) Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2026 2025 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 55,995 $ 113,269 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 53,437 59,773 Provision for losses (recoveries) on advances 6,258 1,938 Inventory write-downs 51,988 19,769 Stock-based compensation expense 7,115 8,531 Foreign currency remeasurement loss (gain), net 6,708 6,096 Foreign currency exchange contracts (2,235 ) 916 Deferred income taxes (961 ) 1,083 Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends 245 (3,031 ) Goodwill impairment 41,061 — Restructuring and impairment costs 1,833 10,573 Restructuring payments (3,308 ) (1,568 ) Pension settlement — 14,101 Other, net 106 1,406 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net: (89,142 ) 94,118 Net cash provided (used) by operating activities 129,100 326,974 Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (48,829 ) (62,601 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 5,873 3,783 Net cash used by investing activities (42,956 ) (58,818 ) Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Issuance (repayment) of short-term debt, net (170,069 ) 37,696 Issuance of long-term debt 89,130 — Repayment of long-term debt (89,130 ) — Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries (19,046 ) (17,530 ) Dividends paid on common stock (81,299 ) (79,686 ) Settlement costs from termination of interest rate swap agreements (988 ) — Debt issuance costs and other (12,941 ) (3,715 ) Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (284,343 ) (63,235 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 262 (399 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (197,937 ) 204,522 Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 260,115 55,593 Cash, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year $ 62,178 $ 260,115 See accompanying notes. NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION Universal Corporation, with its subsidiaries (“Universal” or the “Company”), is a global business-to-business agriproducts supplier to consumer product manufacturers. The Company is the leading global leaf tobacco supplier and provides high-quality plant-based ingredients to food and beverage end markets. Because of the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, the results of operations for any fiscal quarter will not necessarily be indicative of results to be expected for other quarters or a full fiscal year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, which the Company expects to file with the SEC on June 1, 2026. NOTE 2. EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share: Three Months Ended March 31, Fiscal Year Ended March 31, (in thousands, except per share data) 2026 2025 2026 2025 Basic Earnings Per Share Numerator for basic earnings per share Net income attributable to Universal Corporation $ (43,278 ) $ 9,338 $ 32,637 $ 95,047 Denominator for basic earnings per share Weighted average shares outstanding 25,060,438 24,984,987 25,037,983 24,947,208 Basic earnings per share $ (1.73 ) $ 0.37 $ 1.30 $ 3.81 Diluted Earnings Per Share Numerator for diluted earnings per share Net income attributable to Universal Corporation $ (43,278 ) $ 9,338 $ 32,637 $ 95,047 Denominator for diluted earnings per share: Weighted average shares outstanding 25,060,438 24,984,987 25,037,983 24,947,208 Effect of dilutive securities Employee and outside director share-based awards — 179,490 133,179 180,148 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 25,060,438 25,164,477 25,171,162 25,127,356 Diluted earnings per share $ (1.73 ) $ 0.37 $ 1.30 $ 3.78 NOTE 3. SEGMENT INFORMATION Management regularly evaluates the Company’s global business activities, including product and service offerings to its customers, as well as senior management’s operational and financial responsibilities. Assessments include an analysis of how its Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) measures business performance and allocates resources. As a result of this analysis, senior management has determined the Company conducts operations across two reportable operating segments, Tobacco Operations and Ingredients Operations. The Tobacco Operations segment activities involve contracting, procuring, processing, packing, storing, and shipping leaf tobacco for sale to, or for the account of, manufacturers of consumer tobacco products throughout the world. Through various operating subsidiaries located in tobacco-growing countries around the world and significant ownership interests in unconsolidated affiliates, the Company processes and/or sells flue-cured and burley tobaccos, dark air-cured tobaccos, and oriental tobaccos. Flue-cured, burley, and oriental tobaccos are used principally in the manufacture of cigarettes, and dark air-cured tobaccos are used mainly in the manufacture of cigars, pipe tobacco, and smokeless tobacco products. Some of these tobacco types are also used in the manufacture of next generation tobacco products that are intended to provide consumers with an alternative to traditional combustible products. The Tobacco Operations segment also provides physical and chemical product testing for tobacco customers. A substantial portion of the Company’s Tobacco Operations’ revenues are derived from sales to a limited number of large, multinational cigarette and cigar manufacturers. The Ingredients Operations segment provides its customers with a broad variety of plant-based ingredients for both human and pet consumption. The Ingredients Operations segment utilizes a variety of value-added manufacturing processes converting raw materials into a wide spectrum of fruit and vegetable juices, concentrates, dehydrated products, botanical extracts, flavorings, and colorings. Customers for the Ingredients Operations segment include large multinational food and beverage companies, smaller independent manufacturers, and retail organizations. FruitSmart, Inc. (“FruitSmart”), Silva International, Inc. (“Silva”), and Shank's Extracts, LLC d/b/a Universal Ingredients-Shank’s (“Universal Ingredients-Shank’s”) are the primary operations for the Ingredients Operations segment. FruitSmart supplies a broad set of juices, concentrates, pomaces, purees, fruit fibers, seeds, seed powders, and other value-added products to food, beverage, and flavor companies throughout the United States and internationally. Silva procures dehydrated vegetables, fruits, and herbs from around the world and specializes in processing natural materials into custom designed dehydrated vegetable and fruit-based ingredients for a variety of end products. Universal Ingredients-Shank’s offers a diversified portfolio of botanical extracts, distillates, natural flavors, and colorings for industrial and private label customers worldwide, and is known for their significant vanilla expertise. Universal Ingredients - Shank’s is also equipped to offer customers custom bottling and packaging for their products. Universal incurs corporate overhead expenses related to senior management, sales, finance, legal, and other functions that are centralized at its corporate headquarters, as well as functions performed at several sales and administrative offices around the world. These overhead expenses are currently allocated to the reportable operating segments, generally on the basis of projected annual financial and operational performance, including volumes planned to be purchased and/or processed. Management believes this method of allocation is currently representative of the value of the related services provided to the operating segments. The CODM, which has been identified as a group comprised of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, currently evaluates the performance of the operating segments based on operating income after allocated overhead expenses, plus equity in the pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates ("Segment Operating Income"). The CODM also uses Segment Operating Income for planning, forecasting, and allocating capital and other resources to the operating segments. Operating results for the Company’s reportable segments for each period presented in the consolidated statements of income were as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 (in thousands of dollars) Tobacco Operations Ingredients Operations Consolidated Tobacco Operations Ingredients Operations Consolidated Sales and other operating revenues $ 632,293 $ 82,950 $ 715,243 $ 612,624 $ 89,655 $ 702,279 Cost of goods sold (548,137 ) (68,635 ) (616,772 ) (516,265 ) (70,011 ) (586,276 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses (48,082 ) (10,263 ) (58,345 ) (40,959 ) (12,082 ) (53,041 ) Corporate overhead allocated to the segments (11,796 ) (2,230 ) (14,026 ) (17,030 ) (3,172 ) (20,202 ) Equity in pretax earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates (1) 2,299 — 2,299 7,456 — 7,456 Segment operating income 26,577 1,822 28,399 45,826 4,390 50,216 Deduct: Equity in pretax (earnings) loss of unconsolidated affiliates (1) (2,299 ) (7,456 ) Restructuring and impairment costs (2) — — Goodwill impairment (3) (41,061 ) — Consolidated total $ (14,961 ) $ 42,760 Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2026 Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2025 (in thousands of dollars) Tobacco Operations Ingredients Operations Consolidated Tobacco Operations Ingredients Operations Consolidated Sales and other operating revenues $ 2,576,358 $ 348,112 $ 2,924,470 $ 2,608,675 $ 338,609 $ 2,947,284 Cost of goods sold (2,124,845 ) (287,609 ) (2,412,454 ) (2,133,063 ) (265,564 ) (2,398,627 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses (181,476 ) (45,559 ) (227,035 ) (179,340 ) (48,610 ) (227,950 ) Corporate overhead allocated to the segments (61,928 ) (11,708 ) (73,636 ) (65,195 ) (12,142 ) (77,337 ) Equity in pretax earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates(1) 3,430 — 3,430 9,103 — 9,103 Segment operating income 211,539 3,236 214,775 240,180 12,293 252,473 Deduct: Equity in pretax (earnings) loss of unconsolidated affiliates(1) (3,430 ) (9,103 ) Restructuring and impairment costs (2) (1,833 ) (10,573 ) Goodwill impairment (3) (41,061 ) — Consolidated operating income $ 168,451 $ 232,797 (1) Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is included in reportable segment operating income, but is reported below consolidated operating income and excluded from that total in the consolidated statements of income. (2) Restructuring and impairment costs are excluded from reportable segment operating income, but are included in consolidated operating income in the consolidated statements of income. (3) Goodwill impairment is excluded from reportable segment operating income, but is included in consolidated operating income in the consolidated statements of income. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260528926072/en/ Universal Corporation Investor Relations
Phone: (804) 359-9311
Fax: (804) 254-3584
Email: investor@universalleaf.com Original: Universal Corporation Reports Fiscal Year and Fourth Quarter 2026 Results
US Market News
4月前
Universal Corporation Reports Nine Month and Third Quarter 2026 ResultsFebruary 9, 2026 8:05 AM
Business Wire
Continued Solid Consolidated Performance
Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV) (“Universal” or the “Company”), a global business-to-business agriproducts company, today announced financial results for the nine months and quarter ended December 31, 2025.
Preston D. Wigner, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Universal, stated, “We are pleased with Universal's solid performance in the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025. Our tobacco operations continued to deliver strong results, with firm customer demand for most tobacco styles and shipments progressing smoothly. As market dynamics evolve toward oversupply, our long track record in sourcing and local expertise in our operating regions position us well to navigate the environment effectively and optimize results under a range of conditions.”
“In our Universal Ingredients business, we maintained revenue growth for the year to date period in the face of challenging market conditions with softer customer demand and tariff impacts," said Mr. Wigner. "Results for the quarter reflected market headwinds and higher fixed costs from the significant investments we have made. We remain focused on converting customer interest into sales and advancing the growth of our solutions-based portfolio."
Mr. Wigner continued, "We enhanced our liquidity and financial flexibility with the refinancing and upsizing of our credit facility in December 2025. This successful transaction, with strong support from our bank group, positions us well to advance our strategic priorities. We also recently published our Fiscal Year 2025 Sustainability Report, which highlights continued progress in areas that support the long-term resilience of our business. The significant increase in renewable electricity use we reported reflects the practical steps we are taking across our operations as we work toward our net-zero goal, while continuing to support farmers and strengthen our global supply chain."
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Change
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
Change
(in millions of dollars, except per share data)
2025
2024
%
2025
2024
%
Consolidated Results
Sales and other operating revenue
$
861.3
$
937.2
(8
)%
$
2,209.2
$
2,245.0
(2
)%
Cost of goods sold
$
701.7
$
743.6
(6
)%
$
1,795.7
$
1,812.4
(1
)%
Gross profit margin percentage
18.5
%
20.7
%
-220 bps
18.7
%
19.3
%
-60 bps
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$
76.9
$
89.5
(14
)%
$
228.3
$
232.0
(2
)%
Restructuring and impairment costs
$
0.7
$
—
100
%
$
1.8
$
10.6
(83
)%
Operating income
$
82.0
$
104.1
(21
)%
$
183.4
$
190.0
(3
)%
Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP)*
$
82.7
$
104.1
(21
)%
$
185.2
$
200.6
(8
)%
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation
$
33.2
$
59.6
(44
)%
$
75.9
$
85.7
(11
)%
Adjusted net income attributable to Universal Corporation (non-GAAP)*
$
34.0
$
59.6
(43
)%
$
77.7
$
96.2
(19
)%
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
1.32
$
2.37
(44
)%
$
3.02
$
3.41
(11
)%
Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share (non-GAAP)*
$
1.35
$
2.37
(43
)%
$
3.09
$
3.83
(19
)%
Segment Results
Tobacco operations sales and other operating revenues
$
779.9
$
853.9
(9
)%
$
1,944.1
$
1,996.1
(3
)%
Tobacco operations operating income
$
84.0
$
102.6
(18
)%
$
185.0
$
194.4
(5
)%
Ingredients operations sales and other operating revenues
$
81.3
$
83.3
(2
)%
$
265.2
$
249.0
7
%
Ingredients operations operating income (loss)
$
(0.1
)
$
3.7
(103
)%
$
1.4
$
7.9
(82
)%
*See Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Financial Measures in Other Items below
Nine Months 2026 Highlights
Consolidated Results
Continued strong tobacco results against comparisons to an extraordinary prior fiscal year.
Revenue of $2.2 billion, down $36 million or 2%, on lower tobacco sales volumes partially offset by higher third-party tobacco processing volumes and a favorable ingredients product mix.
Operating income of $183 million, down $7 million or 3%, on lower sales volumes in our Tobacco Operations segment and higher fixed costs and market headwinds, including broader softness in the consumer-packaged-goods sector, in our Ingredients Operations segment, partially offset by favorable foreign currency comparisons.
Tobacco Operations Segment
Revenue down $52 million on lower sales of dark air-cured tobacco, partially offset by higher third-party tobacco processing volumes.
Segment operating income down $9 million largely on a 4% drop in tobacco sales volumes due to lower sales of certain types of tobacco.
Tobacco Operations segment results reflected:
Continued firm customer demand for most tobacco styles;
Larger current crops, particularly in Brazil and African origins;
Increased third-party tobacco processing revenue;
Favorable foreign currency comparisons;
Higher dark air-cured inventory write-downs;
Lower sales of dark air-cured tobacco; and
Lower sales of carryover crop tobacco.
Uncommitted tobacco inventory levels have remained in our target range at approximately 17% at December 31, 2025.
Some dark air-cured tobacco styles in oversupply position. Flue-cured, burley, and oriental tobacco continued to move into oversupply positions.
Ingredients Operations Segment
Revenue up 7% on increased sales driven by organic growth.
Sales of certain products were negatively impacted by market headwinds, including weakness in the consumer-packaged-goods industry and tariff impacts.
Lower operating income reflected product mix, higher fixed costs, including additional depreciation from our expanded production facility, as well as inventory write-downs.
Continued steady interest in our enhanced product capabilities.
Ongoing focus on building scale through our pipeline of solution-based products and on long-term sustainable growth.
Select Balance Sheet Items, Liquidity, and Debt
Increased working capital usage on larger tobacco crops and timing of tobacco crop purchases.
Total debt down $77 million at December 31, 2025, compared to December 31, 2024.
Net debt (non-GAAP) up $51 million at December 31, 2025, compared to December 31, 2024.
Refinanced and upsized revolving credit facility by $250 million in December 2025; extended maturity to December 2030.
Approximately $595 million available under revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2025.
Additional Items
Restructuring and impairment costs of $2 million in the nine months ended December 31, 2025, compared to $11 million in the nine months ended December 31, 2024.
Interest expense down $6 million, compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year.
Higher consolidated effective tax rate of 32% due to the impact of certain withholdings on dividends from foreign subsidiaries and the mix of domestic and foreign earnings.
Third Quarter 2026 Highlights
Consolidated Results
Continued strong tobacco results against comparisons to a robust third quarter in the extraordinary prior fiscal year.
Revenue down $76 million, or 8%, to $861 million, on lower tobacco sales volumes and prices as well as ingredients product mix.
Operating income down $22 million, or 21%, to $82 million on lower tobacco sales volumes and higher dark air-cured tobacco inventory write-downs, partially offset by favorable foreign currency comparisons.
Tobacco Operations Segment
Revenue down $74 million, on lower tobacco sales volumes.
Tobacco sales volumes down, about 8%, on lower sales of certain types of tobacco as well as timing of tobacco shipments.
Segment operating income down $19 million on lower tobacco sales volumes and higher dark air-cured tobacco inventory write-downs, partially offset by favorable foreign currency comparisons.
Ingredients Operations Segment
Segment negatively impacted by higher fixed costs and market headwinds, including weakness in the consumer-package-goods sector and tariff impacts.
Revenue down $2 million on product mix and market headwinds.
Lower operating income reflected higher fixed costs, including additional depreciation from our expanded production facility, product mix, and inventory write-downs.
Additional Items
Restructuring and impairment costs of $0.7 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2025.
Interest expense down $2 million, compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year.
Higher consolidated effective tax rate of 38% due to the impact of certain withholdings on dividends from foreign subsidiaries and the mix of domestic and foreign earnings.
Sustainability Update
Universal recently published its Fiscal Year 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting progress across key environmental and supply chain priorities. In fiscal year 2025, the Company increased renewable electricity consumption nearly sixfold year over year, with 17.7% of global electricity sourced from renewable energy, supporting its science-based emissions targets and commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050. The Company also continued to enhance supply chain transparency and farmer engagement through MobiLeafTM, its digital farm data platform, and maintained direct relationships with more than 200,000 contracted farmers worldwide.
Other Items
Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share, and the total for segment operating income (loss) are non-GAAP financial measures. These measures are not financial measures calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and should not be considered as substitutes for operating income (loss), net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, diluted earnings (loss) per share, cash from operating activities or any other operating or financial performance measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, and may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures reported by other companies. Reconciliations of adjusted operating income (loss) to consolidated operating (income), adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation to consolidated net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation and adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share to diluted earnings (loss) per share are provided below. In addition, a reconciliation of the total for segment operating income (loss) to consolidated operating income (loss) is provided in Note 3. "Segment Information" to the consolidated financial statements. Management evaluates the consolidated Company and segment performance excluding certain significant charges or credits. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude items that it believes are not indicative of its core operating results, can provide investors with important information that is useful in understanding its business results and trends.
Net debt, net capitalization, and net debt to net capitalization ratio are also non-GAAP financial measures. These measures are not financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered substitutes for total debt, total capitalization, total debt to total capitalization ratio, or any other operating or financial performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures reported by other companies. Reconciliations of net debt to total debt and net capitalization to total capitalization are provided below. Management believes these non-GAAP measures are meaningful indicators of liquidity and financial position.
The following tables set forth certain non-recurring items included in reported results to reconcile adjusted operating income to consolidated operating income and adjusted net income to net income attributable to Universal Corporation:
Adjusted Operating Income Reconciliation
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)
2025
2024
2025
2024
As Reported: Consolidated operating income
$
81,950
$
104,076
$
183,412
$
190,037
Restructuring and impairment costs(1)
711
—
1,833
10,573
As Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP)
$
82,661
$
104,076
$
185,245
$
200,610
Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Universal Corporation and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share Reconciliation
(in thousands except for per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
2025
2024
2025
2024
As Reported: Net income attributable to Universal Corporation
$
33,249
$
59,639
$
75,915
$
85,709
Restructuring and impairment costs(1)
711
—
1,833
10,573
Total of non-GAAP adjustments to income before income taxes
711
—
1,833
10,573
Non-GAAP adjustments to income taxes
Income tax benefit from restructuring and impairment costs(1)(2)
—
—
(35
)
(132
)
Total of income tax impacts for non-GAAP adjustments to income before income taxes
—
—
(35
)
(132
)
As adjusted: Net income attributable to Universal Corporation (non-GAAP)
$
33,960
$
59,639
$
77,713
$
96,150
As reported: Diluted earnings per share
$
1.32
$
2.37
$
3.02
$
3.41
As adjusted: Diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP)
$
1.35
$
2.37
$
3.09
$
3.83
(1)
Restructuring and impairment costs are included in Consolidated operating income in the consolidated statements of income, but excluded for purposes of Adjusted operating income, Adjusted net income available to Universal Corporation, and Adjusted diluted earnings per share.
(2)
The income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments was determined based on the timing and nature of the specific non-GAAP adjustments and their relevant jurisdictional income tax rates (foreign, state, and local) and the applicable U.S. federal income tax rates. The Company considers current and deferred income tax rates to calculate the impact to income taxes for the non-GAAP adjustments.
The following table reconciles total debt to net debt and net capitalization:
Net Debt and Net Capitalization Reconciliation
December 31,
December 31,
March 31,
(in thousands)
2025
2024
2025
Add: Notes payable and overdrafts
$
462,248
$
538,526
$
455,039
Add: Long-term obligations
616,585
617,780
617,918
Add: Current portion of long-term obligations
—
—
—
Total Debt
1,078,833
1,156,306
1,072,957
Add: Customer advances and deposits
1,667
3,362
3,763
Less: Cash and cash equivalents
85,227
215,108
260,115
Net Debt (non-GAAP)
$
995,273
$
944,560
$
816,605
Add: Total Universal Corporation shareholders' equity
1,482,808
1,450,610
1,458,556
Net Capitalization (non-GAAP)
$
2,478,081
$
2,395,170
$
2,275,161
Net Debt/Net Capitalization (non-GAAP)
40
%
39
%
36
%
Investor Conference Call
At 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on February 9, 2026, the Company will host a conference call to discuss these results. Those wishing to listen to the call may do so by visiting www.universalcorp.com at that time. A replay of the webcast will be available at that site through May 9, 2026. A taped replay of the call will also be available through February 23, 2026, by dialing (800) 770-2030 (Playback ID: 5786366#).
About Universal Corporation
Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV) is a global agricultural company with over 100 years of experience supplying products and innovative solutions to meet our customers’ evolving needs and precise specifications. Through our diverse network of farmers and partners across more than 30 countries on five continents, we are a trusted provider of high-quality, traceable products. We leverage our extensive supply chain expertise, global reach, integrated processing capabilities, and commitment to sustainability to provide a range of products and services designed to drive efficiency and deliver value to our customers. For more information, visit www.universalcorp.com.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Among other things, these statements include statements made in Mr. Wigner’s quotations, statements regarding expectations with respect to our fiscal year 2026 performance, our strategic plans, ingredients business, tobacco business, including expectations with respect to size, shipments and sales and purchases of tobacco crops. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of words such as we “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “could,” “should,” “may,” “plan,” “will,” “predict,” “estimate,” and similar expressions or words of similar import. These forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current knowledge and assumptions about future events and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated results, prospects, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: product purchased not meeting quality and quantity requirements; reliance on a few large customers; anticipated levels of demand for and supply of our products and services; tobacco growing conditions and customer requirements; major shifts in customer requirements for leaf tobacco; higher inflation rates, tariffs and other pressures on costs; weather and other conditions; exposure to certain legal, regulatory and financial risks related to climate change; industry-specific risks related to our plant-based ingredients businesses; disruption of our supply chain for our plant-based ingredients; success in pursuing strategic investments or acquisitions and integration of new businesses and the impact of these new businesses on future results; our ability to maintain effective information technology systems and safeguard confidential information; our inability to attract, develop, retain, motivate, and maintain good relationships with our workforce; our dependence on a seasonal workforce; epidemics, pandemics or similar widespread public health concerns; government efforts to regulate the production and consumption of tobacco products; government actions on the sourcing of leaf tobacco; economic and political conditions in the countries in which we and our customers operate, including the ongoing impacts from international conflicts; sustainability considerations from governments and other stakeholders; changes in tax laws in the countries where we do business; material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting; our inability to use a Form S-3 registration statement; failure of our customers or suppliers to repay extensions of credit; changes in exchange rates; changes in interest rates; and low investment performance by our defined benefit pension plan assets and changes in pension plan valuation assumptions. Please also refer to the risks and uncertainties as discussed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of Universal’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, and related disclosures in other filings that Universal files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. All risk factors and uncertainties described herein and therein should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and all of the forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements contained or referred to herein and therein. Universal cautions investors not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements as these statements speak only as of the date when made, and it undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made, except as required by law.
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands of dollars, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
2025
2024
2025
2024
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Sales and other operating revenues
$
861,288
$
937,193
$
2,209,227
$
2,245,005
Costs and expenses
Cost of goods sold
701,700
743,605
1,795,682
1,812,351
Selling, general and administrative expenses
76,927
89,512
228,300
232,044
Restructuring and impairment costs
711
—
1,833
10,573
Operating income
81,950
104,076
183,412
190,037
Equity in pretax earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates
1,257
2,149
1,131
1,647
Other non-operating income (expense)
584
468
1,752
1,393
Interest income
360
623
1,785
1,726
Interest expense
17,260
19,303
55,475
61,310
Income (loss) before income taxes and other items
66,891
88,013
132,605
133,493
Income taxes
25,303
20,217
41,847
34,552
Net income (loss)
41,588
67,796
90,758
98,941
Less: net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
(8,339
)
(8,157
)
(14,843
)
(13,232
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation
$
33,249
$
59,639
$
75,915
$
85,709
Earnings per share:
Basic
$
1.33
$
2.39
$
3.03
$
3.44
Diluted
$
1.32
$
2.37
$
3.02
$
3.41
See accompanying notes.
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of dollars)
December 31,
December 31,
March 31,
2025
2024
2025
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
85,227
$
215,108
$
260,115
Accounts receivable, net
571,511
650,021
625,876
Advances to suppliers, net
168,348
156,108
169,385
Accounts receivable—unconsolidated affiliates
62,390
578
7,143
Inventories—at lower of cost or net realizable value:
Tobacco
990,638
924,684
806,332
Other
212,321
189,663
189,610
Prepaid income taxes
16,020
10,930
19,595
Other current assets
76,970
68,553
78,041
Total current assets
2,183,425
2,215,645
2,156,097
Property, plant and equipment
Land
26,286
26,081
26,113
Buildings
332,864
327,376
333,398
Machinery and equipment
756,467
709,840
723,935
1,115,617
1,063,297
1,083,446
Less accumulated depreciation
(740,949
)
(689,445
)
(710,472
)
374,668
373,852
372,974
Other assets
Operating lease right-of-use assets
36,906
33,982
34,260
Goodwill, net
213,798
213,819
213,840
Other intangibles, net
50,635
60,444
57,836
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
85,137
70,351
79,317
Deferred income taxes
15,395
17,517
16,539
Pension asset
13,580
12,511
12,819
Other noncurrent assets
43,970
42,298
45,870
459,421
450,922
460,481
Total assets
$
3,017,514
$
3,040,419
$
2,989,552
See accompanying notes.
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of dollars)
December 31,
December 31,
March 31,
2025
2024
2025
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Notes payable and overdrafts
$
462,248
$
538,526
$
455,039
Accounts payable
82,580
78,327
98,036
Accounts payable—unconsolidated affiliates
2,708
5,985
1,999
Customer advances and deposits
1,667
3,362
3,763
Accrued compensation
27,381
32,232
44,646
Income taxes payable
19,949
15,341
12,586
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
11,277
9,835
10,742
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
143,637
135,707
123,350
Current portion of long-term debt
—
—
—
Total current liabilities
751,447
819,315
750,161
Long-term debt
616,585
617,780
617,918
Pensions and other postretirement benefits
36,665
36,485
35,336
Long-term operating lease liabilities
23,570
20,408
20,608
Other long-term liabilities
26,222
18,688
22,901
Deferred income taxes
37,851
35,831
42,090
Total liabilities
1,492,340
1,548,507
1,489,014
Shareholders’ equity
Universal Corporation:
Preferred stock:
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value, 500,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding
—
—
—
Common stock, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized 24,921,155 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2025 (24,715,625 at December 31, 2024 and 24,715,625 at March 31, 2025)
354,126
350,243
351,626
Retained earnings
1,200,890
1,197,972
1,186,981
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(72,208
)
(97,605
)
(80,051
)
Total Universal Corporation shareholders' equity
1,482,808
1,450,610
1,458,556
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
42,366
41,302
41,982
Total shareholders' equity
1,525,174
1,491,912
1,500,538
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
3,017,514
$
3,040,419
$
2,989,552
See accompanying notes.
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of dollars)
Nine Months Ended December 31,
2025
2024
(Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)
$
90,758
$
98,941
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
40,206
44,554
Net provision for losses (recoveries) on advances to suppliers
1,721
(445
)
Inventory writedowns
17,326
6,624
Stock-based compensation expense
9,839
7,458
Foreign currency remeasurement (gain) loss, net
4,578
12,183
Foreign currency exchange contracts
(2,734
)
3,206
Deferred income taxes
(1,546
)
(3,616
)
Equity in net loss (income) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends
215
2,767
Restructuring and impairment costs
1,833
10,573
Restructuring payments
(2,957
)
(892
)
Other, net
(1,374
)
3,087
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
(215,904
)
(16,212
)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
(58,039
)
168,228
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(40,303
)
(54,885
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
6,601
2,035
Net cash used by investing activities
(33,702
)
(52,850
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance of short-term debt, net
5,049
121,094
Issuance of long-term debt
89,130
—
Repayment of long-term debt
(89,130
)
—
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests
(14,063
)
(12,880
)
Dividends paid on common stock
(60,862
)
(59,666
)
Settlement costs from termination of interest rate swap agreements
(988
)
—
Other
(12,873
)
(3,716
)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
(83,737
)
44,832
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents
590
(695
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents
(174,888
)
159,515
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
260,115
55,593
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
85,227
$
215,108
See accompanying notes.
NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Universal Corporation, which together with its subsidiaries is referred to herein as “Universal” or the “Company,” is a global business-to-business agri-products supplier to consumer product manufacturers. The Company is the leading global leaf tobacco supplier and provides high-quality plant-based ingredients to food and beverage end markets. Because of the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, the results of operations for any fiscal quarter will not necessarily be indicative of results to be expected for other quarters or a full fiscal year. All adjustments necessary to state fairly the results for the period have been included and were of a normal recurring nature. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025.
NOTE 2. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
2025
2024
2025
2024
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share
Net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation
$
33,249
$
59,639
$
75,915
$
85,709
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average shares outstanding
25,056,517
24,980,792
25,030,798
24,934,786
Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
1.33
$
2.39
$
3.03
$
3.44
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share
Net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation
$
33,249
$
59,639
$
75,915
$
85,709
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding
25,056,517
24,980,792
25,030,798
24,934,786
Effect of dilutive securities
Employee and outside director share-based awards
132,359
161,875
136,027
180,367
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share
25,188,876
25,142,667
25,166,825
25,115,153
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
1.32
$
2.37
$
3.02
$
3.41
NOTE 3. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Management regularly evaluates the Company’s global business activities, including product and service offerings to its customers, as well as senior management’s operational and financial responsibilities. Assessments include an analysis of how its Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) measures business performance and allocates resources. As a result of this analysis, senior management has determined the Company conducts operations across two reportable operating segments, Tobacco Operations and Ingredients Operations.
The Tobacco Operations segment activities involve contracting, procuring, processing, packing, storing, and shipping leaf tobacco for sale to, or for the account of, manufacturers of consumer tobacco products throughout the world. Through various operating subsidiaries located in tobacco-growing countries around the world and significant ownership interests in unconsolidated affiliates, the Company processes and/or sells flue-cured and burley tobaccos, dark air-cured tobaccos, and oriental tobaccos. Flue-cured, burley, and oriental tobaccos are used principally in the manufacture of cigarettes, and dark air-cured tobaccos are used mainly in the manufacture of cigars, pipe tobacco, and smokeless tobacco products. Some of these tobacco types are also used in the manufacture of next generation tobacco products that are intended to provide consumers with an alternative to traditional combustible products. The Tobacco Operations segment also provides physical and chemical product testing for tobacco customers. A substantial portion of the Company’s Tobacco Operations’ revenues are derived from sales to a limited number of large, multinational cigarette and cigar manufacturers.
The Ingredients Operations segment provides its customers with a broad variety of plant-based ingredients for both human and pet consumption. The Ingredients Operations segment utilizes a variety of value-added manufacturing processes converting raw materials into a wide spectrum of fruit and vegetable juices, concentrates, dehydrated products, botanical extracts, and flavorings. Customers for the Ingredients Operations segment include large multinational food and beverage companies, smaller independent manufacturers, and retail organizations. FruitSmart, Inc. (“FruitSmart”), Silva International, Inc. (“Silva”), and Shank’s Extracts, LLC d/b/a Universal Ingredients–Shank’s (“Universal Ingredients–Shank’s”) are the primary operations for the Ingredients Operations segment. FruitSmart supplies a broad set of juices, concentrates, pomaces, purees, fruit fibers, seeds, seed powders, and other value-added products to food, beverage, and flavor companies throughout the United States and internationally. Silva procures dehydrated vegetables, fruits, and herbs from around the world and specializes in processing natural materials into custom designed dehydrated vegetable and fruit-based ingredients for a variety of end products. Universal Ingredients–Shank’s offers a diversified portfolio of botanical extracts, distillates, natural flavors, and color for industrial and private label customers worldwide, and is known for their significant vanilla expertise. Universal Ingredients–Shank’s is also equipped to offer customers custom bottling and packaging for their products.
Universal incurs corporate overhead expenses related to senior management, sales, finance, legal, and other functions that are centralized at its corporate headquarters, as well as functions performed at several sales and administrative offices around the world. These overhead expenses are currently allocated to the reportable operating segments, generally on the basis of projected annual financial and operational performance, including volumes planned to be purchased and/or processed. Management believes this method of allocation is currently representative of the value of the related services provided to the operating segments. The CODM, which has been identified as a group comprised of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, currently evaluates the performance of the operating segments based on operating income after allocated overhead expenses, plus equity in the pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates (“Segment Operating Income”). The CODM also uses Segment Operating Income for planning, forecasting, and allocating capital and other resources to the operating segments.
Reportable segment data as of, or for, each period presented in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, the consolidated balance sheets, and the consolidated statements of cash flows is as follows:
Three Months Ended December 31, 2025
Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
Tobacco Operations
Ingredients Operations
Consolidated
Tobacco Operations
Ingredients Operations
Consolidated
Sales and other operating revenues
$
779,946
$
81,342
$
861,288
$
853,884
$
83,309
$
937,193
Cost of goods sold
(634,173
)
(67,527
)
(701,700
)
(678,885
)
(64,720
)
(743,605
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(48,583
)
(11,218
)
(59,801
)
(58,178
)
(11,875
)
(70,053
)
Corporate overhead allocated to the segments
(14,403
)
(2,723
)
(17,126
)
(16,404
)
(3,055
)
(19,459
)
Equity in pretax earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates (1)
1,257
—
1,257
2,149
—
2,149
Segment operating income
84,044
(126
)
83,918
102,566
3,659
106,225
Deduct: Equity in pretax (earnings) loss of unconsolidated affiliates (1)
(1,257
)
(2,149
)
Restructuring and impairment costs (2)
(711
)
—
Consolidated total
$
81,950
$
104,076
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2025
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2024
Tobacco Operations
Ingredients Operations
Consolidated
Tobacco Operations
Ingredients Operations
Consolidated
Sales and other operating revenues
$
1,944,065
$
265,162
$
2,209,227
$
1,996,051
$
248,954
$
2,245,005
Cost of goods sold
(1,576,708
)
(218,974
)
(1,795,682
)
(1,616,797
)
(195,554
)
(1,812,351
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(133,394
)
(35,296
)
(168,690
)
(138,383
)
(36,527
)
(174,910
)
Corporate overhead allocated to the segments
(50,132
)
(9,478
)
(59,610
)
(48,164
)
(8,970
)
(57,134
)
Equity in pretax earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates(1)
1,131
—
1,131
1,647
—
1,647
Segment operating income
184,962
1,414
186,376
194,354
7,903
202,257
Deduct: Equity in pretax (earnings) loss of unconsolidated affiliates(1)
(1,131
)
(1,647
)
Restructuring and impairment costs (2)
(1,833
)
(10,573
)
Consolidated operating income
$
183,412
$
190,037
(1)
Equity in pretax earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates is included in segment operating income (Tobacco Operations), but is reported below consolidated operating income and excluded from that total in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
(2)
Restructuring and impairment costs are excluded from segment operating income, but are included in consolidated operating income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260209747560/en/
Universal Corporation Investor Relations
Phone: (804) 359-9311
Fax: (804) 254-3584
Email: investor@universalleaf.com
Original: Universal Corporation Reports Nine Month and Third Quarter 2026 Results