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Universal Corporation (NYSE: UVV), headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, has established itself as a global leader in the leaf tobacco business with over 100 years of excellence. Founded by Jaquelin Taylor, Universal Corporation has grown to become a pivotal player in the global supply chain of leaf tobacco, responsibly sourced and processed. The company procures leaf tobacco from farmers, carefully processes it, and sells it to manufacturers of consumer tobacco products. Universal Corporation is segmented into two primary operations: Tobacco Operations and Ingredients Operations, generating the bulk of its revenue from the former.
The Tobacco Operations segment involves the purchasing, processing, packing, storing, and shipping of various types of tobacco, including flue-cured, burley, dark air-cured, and oriental tobaccos. These activities serve major multinational cigarette and cigar manufacturers worldwide. The segment also provides physical and chemical product testing and smoke testing, ensuring high standards for its customers.
In the Ingredients Operations segment, Universal Corporation offers an array of plant-based ingredients used in both human and pet food products. The segment transforms raw materials into fruit and vegetable juices, concentrates, dehydrated products, flavors, and botanical extracts. Through brands like FruitSmart, Silva, and Shank's, the company caters to large multinational food and beverage companies as well as smaller independent manufacturers.
Universal Corporation has shown resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving market. As of the latest reports, the company has seen significant growth in its Tobacco Operations segment, with increased demand for leaf tobacco and higher operating income. The Ingredients Operations segment faced soft demand due to high customer inventory levels, but the company remains optimistic about future growth, driven by investments in research and development and expanded capabilities.
Universal Corporation is committed to sustainability and transparency. The company has made strides in reducing its environmental impact, including a virtual power purchase agreement with Clearway Energy Group to achieve 100% renewable electricity for its U.S. operations. The company's focus on sustainability is evident in its efforts to promote water stewardship, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and engage in sustainable practices across its supply chain.
Financially, Universal Corporation has reported increased revenues and operating incomes despite challenges such as higher interest costs and elevated green leaf tobacco prices. The company continues to adapt to market dynamics, aiming to meet the demands of its customers while maintaining a robust and sustainable business model.
Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV) reported a financial downturn for the first half of fiscal year 2021, with net income of $14.8 million, a drop from $30.1 million in the prior year. Adjusted operating income is expected to be significantly higher than in fiscal year 2020. However, operating income decreased to $24.9 million, down by $25.8 million year-over-year, attributed to COVID-19 impacts on tobacco processing and shipment delays. The company is optimistic about strong customer orders and its recent acquisition of Silva International, enhancing its plant-based ingredients platform.
Universal Corporation (NYSE: UVV) announced a quarterly dividend of $0.77 per share, payable on February 1, 2021, to shareholders on record by January 11, 2021. Additionally, the Board approved a share repurchase program for up to $100 million of its common stock, which will be executed on the open market or through negotiated transactions, with approximately 24.5 million shares outstanding. The company reported revenues of $1.9 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020.
Universal Corporation (NYSE: UVV), based in Richmond, Virginia, has completed its acquisition of Silva International, a leading dehydrated vegetable, fruit, and herb processing company. The deal, funded through cash and borrowing, expands Universal's plant-based ingredient offerings, enabling a single-source solution for vegetable and fruit ingredients. Silva sources over 60 types of dehydrated products from 20 countries and operates a 380,000 square foot facility in Illinois. Universal's fiscal year 2020 revenues reached $1.9 billion, solidifying its position as a global agri-products supplier.
Universal Corporation (NYSE: UVV) announced the acquisition of Silva International, a specialty dehydrated vegetable, fruit, and herb processor, for $170 million in cash. This strategic move aims to enhance Universal's plant-based ingredients platform, which includes FruitSmart and CIFI. Universal expects this acquisition to contribute 10% to 20% of its EBITDA by fiscal year 2022. The deal is anticipated to close in October 2020 and is expected to be accretive to earnings. Universal will fund the acquisition using cash reserves and borrowings, maintaining its investment-grade credit rating.
Universal Corporation (NYSE: UVV) announced a significant modification from U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding a Withhold Release Order on tobacco imports from Malawi. Effective July 31, 2020, the modification allows imports from Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company Ltd., confirming that its tobacco is admissible at U.S. ports. The original WRO, issued on November 1, 2019, was based on concerns of forced labor in Malawi's tobacco production. The company demonstrated its compliance with sustainability and labor practices, leading to the favorable CBP decision.
Universal Corporation reported a net income of $7.3 million ($0.29 per diluted share) for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, up from $2.1 million ($0.08 per diluted share) in the same period last year. However, when excluding non-recurring items, net income declined by $4.3 million. Revenues increased by 6% to $315.8 million, but segment operating income fell in the Other Regions and Other Tobacco Operations. The company continues to navigate challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting processing and shipping timelines.
Universal Corporation (NYSE: UVV) announced a quarterly dividend of $0.77 per share, payable on November 2, 2020. Shareholders of record as of October 12, 2020 will receive the payment. The company, a leading global supplier of leaf tobacco, reported revenues of $1.9 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. Founded in 1918, Universal operates in over 30 countries and has continued to focus on sourcing, processing, and supplying agri-products, primarily tobacco.
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