Universal Corporation Reports Nine Month and Third Quarter 2026 Results

Universal Corporation Reports Nine Month and Third Quarter 2026 Results

Continued Solid Consolidated Performance

RICHMOND, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
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.

 

Universal Corporation Investor Relations

Phone: (804) 359-9311

Fax: (804) 254-3584

Email: [email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Virginia

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Food/Beverage Agriculture Natural Resources Retail Tobacco

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