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Universal Corporation Reports First Quarter Results

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Universal (NYSE:UVV) reported strong Q1 FY2025 results, with revenue up 15% to $597.1 million and operating income increasing 56% to $17.2 million. The Tobacco Operations segment saw a 15% revenue increase to $512.0 million, driven by higher sales volumes and prices. The Ingredients Operations segment also experienced a 15% revenue growth to $85.1 million. Net income improved to $0.1 million ($0.01 per diluted share) compared to a net loss of $2.1 million in Q1 FY2024.

Key highlights include:

  • Low uncommitted tobacco inventory at 13%
  • Lancaster, Pennsylvania expansion project on track
  • Third-party verification of scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions data
  • Plan to consolidate European sheet tobacco operations

The company expects continued strong demand and solid results for FY2025, with tobacco shipments weighted towards the second half of the year.

Universal (NYSE:UVV) ha riportato risultati solidi per il primo trimestre dell'anno fiscale 2025, con un aumento del fatturato del 15% a 597,1 milioni di dollari e un incremento del reddito operativo del 56% a 17,2 milioni di dollari. Il segmento delle Operazioni Tabacco ha registrato un aumento del fatturato del 15% a 512,0 milioni di dollari, guidato da volumi di vendita e prezzi più elevati. Anche il segmento delle Operazioni Ingredienti ha vissuto una crescita del fatturato del 15% a 85,1 milioni di dollari. Il reddito netto è migliorato a 0,1 milioni di dollari (0,01 dollari per azione diluita) rispetto a una perdita netta di 2,1 milioni di dollari nel primo trimestre dell'anno fiscale 2024.

Tra i punti salienti ci sono:

  • Bassa inventario di tabacco non impegnato al 13%
  • Progetto di espansione a Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in linea con i tempi
  • Verifica da parte di terzi dei dati sulle emissioni di ambito 1, 2 e 3
  • Piano per consolidare le operazioni di tabacco sfuso in Europa

La società prevede una continua forte domanda e risultati solidi per l'anno fiscale 2025, con le spedizioni di tabacco concentrate nella seconda metà dell'anno.

Universal (NYSE:UVV) reportó resultados fuertes para el primer trimestre del año fiscal 2025, con ingresos que aumentaron un 15% a 597.1 millones de dólares y un aumento del 56% en el ingreso operativo a 17.2 millones de dólares. El segmento de Operaciones de Tabaco vio un aumento del 15% en los ingresos a 512.0 millones de dólares, impulsado por mayores volúmenes de ventas y precios. El segmento de Operaciones de Ingredientes también experimentó un crecimiento del 15% en los ingresos a 85.1 millones de dólares. La utilidad neta mejoró a 0.1 millones de dólares (0.01 dólares por acción en circulación) en comparación con una pérdida neta de 2.1 millones de dólares en el primer trimestre del año fiscal 2024.

Los aspectos más destacados incluyen:

  • Bajo inventario de tabaco no comprometido del 13%
  • Proyecto de expansión en Lancaster, Pennsylvania, en camino
  • Verificación de terceros de los datos de emisiones de alcance 1, 2 y 3
  • Plan para consolidar las operaciones de tabaco en Europa

La compañía espera una demanda continua fuerte y resultados sólidos para el año fiscal 2025, con envíos de tabaco desplazados hacia la segunda mitad del año.

유니버설(상장: UVV)은 2025 회계연도 1분기 실적을 발표했으며, 매출이 15% 증가하여 5억 9,710만 달러, 운영 소득은 56% 증가하여 1,720만 달러에 달했습니다. 담배 운영 부문은 판매량 및 가격 상승에 힘입어 15% 매출이 증가하여 5억 1,200만 달러를 기록했습니다. 원료 운영 부문 역시 15%의 매출 성장을 기록하여 8,510만 달러에 도달했습니다. 순이익은 10만 달러 (희석 주당 0.01 달러)로 지난해 2024 1분기 순손실 210만 달러에서 개선되었습니다.

주요 하이라이트는 다음과 같습니다:

  • 비영업 담배 재고가 13%로 낮음
  • 펜실베니아주 랜커스터 확장 프로젝트가 순조롭게 진행 중
  • 제3자에 의한 1, 2, 3급 배출량 데이터 검증
  • 유럽의 잎 담배 운영 통합 계획

회사는 2025 회계연도를 위한 지속적인 강한 수요와 견고한 실적을 예상하며, 담배 출하가 하반기로 많이 집중될 것으로 보입니다.

Universal (NYSE:UVV) a annoncé de solides résultats pour le premier trimestre de l'exercice fiscal 2025, avec des revenus en hausse de 15 % à 597,1 millions de dollars et un bénéfice d'exploitation en augmentation de 56 % à 17,2 millions de dollars. Le segment des opérations tabac a connu une augmentation de 15 % de ses revenus, atteignant 512,0 millions de dollars, grâce à une hausse des volumes de ventes et des prix. Le segment des opérations d'ingrédients a également enregistré une croissance des revenus de 15 % à 85,1 millions de dollars. Le bénéfice net s'est amélioré à 0,1 million de dollars (0,01 dollar par action diluée) par rapport à une perte nette de 2,1 millions de dollars au premier trimestre de l'exercice fiscal 2024.

Les points forts incluent :

  • Faible inventaire de tabac non engagé à 13 %
  • Projet d'expansion à Lancaster, Pennsylvanie, en bonne voie
  • Vérification par des tiers des données d'émissions de portée 1, 2 et 3
  • Plan pour consolider les opérations de tabac en Europe

L'entreprise s'attend à une demande continue forte et à des résultats solides pour l'exercice fiscal 2025, les expéditions de tabac étant concentrées sur la seconde moitié de l'année.

Universal (NYSE:UVV) hat starke Ergebnisse für das erste Quartal des Geschäftsjahres 2025 gemeldet, mit einem Umsatzanstieg von 15 % auf 597,1 Millionen Dollar und einem Anstieg des Betriebsergebnisses um 56 % auf 17,2 Millionen Dollar. Das Segment Tabakbetrieb verzeichnete einen Umsatzanstieg von 15 % auf 512,0 Millionen Dollar, getrieben durch höhere Verkaufszahlen und Preise. Das Segment der Zutatenbetriebe erlebte ebenfalls ein Umsatzwachstum von 15 % auf 85,1 Millionen Dollar. Der Nettogewinn verbesserte sich auf 0,1 Millionen Dollar (0,01 Dollar pro verwässerter Aktie) im Vergleich zu einem NettVerlust von 2,1 Millionen Dollar im ersten Quartal des Geschäftsjahres 2024.

Wichtige Highlights sind:

  • Niedriger unverbindlicher Tabakbestand von 13%
  • Expansionsprojekt in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, im Zeitplan
  • Drittüberprüfung der Daten zu Emissionen der Stufen 1, 2 und 3
  • Plan zur Konsolidierung der europäischen Blatt-Tabak-Betriebe

Das Unternehmen erwartet eine weiterhin starke Nachfrage und solide Ergebnisse für das Geschäftsjahr 2025, wobei die Tabaklieferungen auf die zweite Hälfte des Jahres konzentriert sind.

Positive
  • Revenue increased 15% to $597.1 million in Q1 FY2025
  • Operating income rose 56% to $17.2 million
  • Tobacco Operations segment revenue up 15% to $512.0 million
  • Ingredients Operations segment revenue grew 15% to $85.1 million
  • Net income improved to $0.1 million from a $2.1 million loss in Q1 FY2024
  • Low uncommitted tobacco inventory at 13%
  • Lancaster, Pennsylvania expansion project on track for full operation in second half of FY2025
  • Received third-party verification of scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions data
Negative
  • Debt level remained elevated at June 30, 2024
  • Consolidated effective income tax rate increased to 34.7% from 21.6% in Q1 FY2024
  • Interest expense increased by $5.2 million due to higher interest rates and debt balances
  • Expected to recognize $10-15 million in restructuring and impairment costs for European operations consolidation

Insights

Universal 's Q1 FY2025 results show a strong start with notable improvements. Revenue increased by 15% to $597.1 million, driven by higher sales volumes and prices in both Tobacco and Ingredients segments. Operating income saw a significant jump of 56% to $17.2 million.

Key positives include:

  • Low uncommitted tobacco inventory at 13%
  • Strong customer demand in Tobacco Operations
  • Improved performance in Ingredients Operations with new product sales
  • Progress on the Lancaster expansion project
However, investors should note the elevated debt levels and higher interest expenses. The company expects working capital to unwind during FY2025 as committed inventories are processed and delivered.

Overall, this quarter sets a positive tone for FY2025, but future performance will depend on successful execution of ongoing projects and market conditions.

The tobacco market dynamics presented in Universal's report are intriguing. The company reports an undersupply situation in global leaf tobacco, which has led to elevated green tobacco prices. This scarcity is likely driving the strong demand from customers and supporting solid results in the Tobacco Operations segment.

Looking ahead, two key factors to watch are:

  • Potential increase in tobacco planting for the next season, incentivized by high prices
  • Possibility of more balanced markets in coming years
Universal's strategic decision to accelerate crop purchasing in certain markets appears prudent, positioning them well to meet current demand. However, if supply increases significantly, it could impact pricing power in future seasons.

The company's close work with contract farmers to promote increased production is a positive step towards supply stability, but it's important to monitor how this balances with potential market oversupply risks.

Universal's progress on sustainability initiatives is commendable. The company has taken significant steps to enhance its environmental credibility:

  • Setting science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  • Committing to public disclosure of progress towards 2030 targets
  • Obtaining third-party verification for Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions data and calculation methods
These actions demonstrate a serious commitment to sustainability and transparency, which is increasingly important to investors and stakeholders.

The consolidation of European sheet tobacco operations, while primarily an efficiency move, may also have positive environmental implications by reducing operational footprint. However, the associated restructuring costs ($10-15 million) should be monitored.

Universal's focus on accurate emissions calculation and disclosure aligns with growing market demands for environmental accountability. This proactive approach could potentially provide a competitive advantage and mitigate future regulatory risks.

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- George C. Freeman, III, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV), stated, "Universal Corporation is off to a strong start for our fiscal year 2025. For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, revenue was $597.1 million, up by approximately 15% for both our Tobacco and Ingredients Operations segments, while operating income was $17.2 million, up $6.2 million, or 56%, compared to the same quarter last fiscal year.

"Our revenue increase in the Tobacco Operations segment was driven by higher sales volumes and prices. Coming out of an exceptional fiscal year 2024, we benefited from continued strong demand from our tobacco customers. We believe this demand will continue to support solid results for the segment for fiscal year 2025. Our strategic decisions to accelerate tobacco crop purchasing allowed us to secure our contracted tobacco in certain dynamic markets, which has positioned us well to meet customer demand. As in previous fiscal years, we expect that tobacco shipment timing and related revenue recognition will be more heavily weighted towards the second half of our fiscal year 2025.

"Our uncommitted tobacco inventory levels at June 30, 2024, remained low at about 13%, and we believe that global leaf tobacco remains in an undersupply position. Looking ahead, we expect that recent elevated green tobacco prices will incentivize farmers to increase planting for the next season, potentially leading to more balanced markets in the coming years. We work closely with our contract farmers to provide guidance and support to promote increased production.

"During the quarter ended June 30, 2024, our Ingredients Operations segment also delivered improved performance primarily based on increased sales volumes. New product sales have increased across our ingredients platform, contributing to positive results. These increased sales, combined with general improvement in certain markets and recovery of demand for our core products, drove the 15% increase in sales revenue for the segment as compared to the same quarter last fiscal year.

"Test runs and certifications of the processing lines for our Lancaster, Pennsylvania expansion project are progressing well, and the facility remains on track to become fully operational in the second half of this fiscal year. Along with the expansion project, we continue to focus on our commercial and research and development teams to enhance the capabilities and specialized products we are able to offer Universal Ingredients' customers. We continue to expect the project to meaningfully contribute to our Ingredients Operations segment results in fiscal year 2026.

"As expected, our debt level remained elevated at June 30, 2024. As our committed tobacco inventories, which represented 87% of total tobacco inventories at June 30, 2024, are processed and delivered to customers, we anticipate working capital to unwind during fiscal year 2025.

"Reducing our environmental impacts remains a key business goal for Universal. Setting scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions targets with the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) in 2021 and committing to publicly disclosing our progress towards meeting those targets by 2030 are some of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to sustainability. The credibility of our disclosures is contingent on the accuracy of our emissions data and the methods we use to calculate them. We are pleased to announce that we received independent third-party verification of our scope 1 and 2 emissions data, as well as our scope 3 emissions data associated with tobacco purchased through our supply chain, and the methods we use to calculate our emissions. These important milestones reinforce our dedication to the public and transparent disclosure of our progress towards our goals, and the importance of sustainability to Universal.

"For over 100 years, Universal has successfully managed our business and generated strong cash flows over time under a wide range of market conditions. We continue to leverage our global footprint to alleviate the impact of localized disruptions, such as adverse weather. Our proactive approach to understanding and responding to the changing world in which we operate and our deep understanding of our customers' needs will serve us well as we continue our endeavor to deliver consistent results year-over-year."

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS









Three Months Ended June 30,


Change

(in millions of dollars, except per share data)

2024


2023


$


%









Consolidated Results








Sales and other operating revenue

$

597.1



$

517.7



$

79.3



15

%

Cost of goods sold

$

501.1



$

431.2



$

69.9



16

%

Gross profit margin percentage

16.1

%


16.7

%




-60 bps

Selling, general and administrative expenses

$

78.7



$

75.5



$

3.2



4

%

Operating income

$

17.2



$

11.0



$

6.2



56

%

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

$

0.01



$

(0.08)



$

0.09



113

%

Segment Results








Tobacco operations sales and other operating revenues

$

512.0



$

443.9



$

68.0



15

%

Tobacco operations operating income

$

14.5



$

8.9



$

5.6



63

%

Ingredients operations sales and other operating revenues

$

85.1



$

73.8



$

11.3



15

%

Ingredients operations operating income (loss)

$

2.9



$

(2.0)



$

4.9



245

%

Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, was $0.1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $(2.1) million, or $(0.08) per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. Net income and diluted earnings per share increased by $2.2 million and $0.09, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2023. Operating income for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, was $17.2 million, an increase of $6.2 million, compared to operating income of $11.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. Consolidated revenues increased by $79.3 million to $597.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to first quarter of fiscal year 2024. The increase was largely due to higher tobacco sales prices and volumes as well as increased sales of new ingredients products.

TOBACCO OPERATIONS

The first fiscal quarter is historically a slow quarter for our tobacco businesses. Revenues for the Tobacco Operations segment were $512.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, up $68.0 million or 15%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, on higher tobacco sales prices and volumes. Operating income for the Tobacco Operations segment increased by $5.6 million to $14.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2023. Tobacco Operations segment operating income was up largely on higher carryover crop shipments as well as higher earnings from our oriental tobacco joint venture. Our operations in several origins saw increased shipments of carryover tobacco in the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2023. Results for our oriental joint venture were up in the quarter ended June 30, 2024, on a better product mix as well as favorable foreign currency comparisons, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2023. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the Tobacco Operations segment were modestly higher in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to first quarter of fiscal year 2024, primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency comparisons.

INGREDIENTS OPERATIONS

For the Ingredients Operations segment, revenues of $85.1 million and operating income of $2.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, were up $11.3 million and $4.9 million, respectively, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2023. These increases were primarily due to increased sales volumes which included higher sales of new products as well as some increases in sales of core products, notably fruit juices. Accelerated purchasing by certain customers and lower inventory write-downs also increased results for the segment in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to the same period last fiscal year. Selling, general, and administrative expenses were flat in the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in fiscal year 2024.

OTHER ITEMS

Cost of goods sold in the quarter ended June 30, 2024, increased by 16% to $501.1 million, compared with the quarter ended June 30, 2023, largely due to higher green tobacco costs. Selling, general, and administrative costs for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, increased by $3.2 million to $78.7 million, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2023, primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency comparisons. Interest expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, increased by $5.2 million, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2023, largely on higher interest rates and higher debt balances resulting from higher green tobacco prices and accelerated tobacco purchases.

For the three months ended June 30, 2024, our consolidated effective income tax rate was 34.7%. For the three months ended June 30, 2023, our consolidated effective income tax rate was 21.6%.

As part of our ongoing efforts to promote efficiency in our operations, we initiated a plan in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 to consolidate our European sheet tobacco operations into our facility in the Netherlands. As part of this plan, we will wind down our sheet operations in Germany in fiscal year 2025. We believe that this consolidation, which will bring together two operations that are in close proximity to one another, will optimize our sheet operations and generate efficiencies. We expect to recognize between a total of $10 million to $15 million of restructuring and impairment costs during fiscal years 2025 and 2026 as a result of the consolidation of operations.

SUSTAINABILITY

In 2019, Universal committed to setting science-based goals for reducing our global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Our target of reducing scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 30% by 2030 was approved by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) in 2021. GHG emissions are inherently difficult to calculate, particularly scope 3 emissions because they are indirect emissions by our supply chain partners that require collection and analysis of data from third parties. We previously received independent third-party verification of our scope 1 and 2 emissions data and how we calculate such data. We are proud to have recently received independent third-party verification related to our scope 3 emissions as well. These important milestones reinforce the credibility of our commitment to reducing our scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, as well as ensuring the methods and data we use to calculate emissions are accurate and comply with established standards. The need for companies to accurately calculate and disclose their environmental impacts has never been greater, which is why we continue to publicly and transparently share our progress towards meeting our GHG emissions goals each year in our annual Sustainability Report, which is available on our website.

Additional information

Amounts described as net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per diluted share in the previous discussion are attributable to Universal Corporation and exclude earnings related to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries. Any 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 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. A reconciliation 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 in Other Items above to the extent these non-GAAP financial measures are referenced. In addition, we have provided a reconciliation of the total for segment operating income (loss) to consolidated operating income (loss) in Note 3 "Segment Information" to the consolidated financial statements. Management evaluates the consolidated Company and segment performance excluding certain significant charges or credits. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude items that we believe are not indicative of our core operating results, can provide investors with important information that is useful in understanding our business results and trends.

This release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company cautions readers that any statements contained herein regarding financial condition, results of operation, and future business plans, operations, opportunities, and prospects for its performance are forward-looking statements 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, success in pursuing strategic investments or acquisitions and integration of new businesses and the impact of these new businesses on future results; product purchased not meeting quality and quantity requirements; our reliance on a few large customers; our ability to maintain effective information technology systems and safeguard confidential information; anticipated levels of demand for and supply of our products and services; costs incurred in providing these products and services including increased transportation costs and delays attributed to global supply chain challenges; timing of shipments to customers; higher inflation rates; changes in market structure; government regulation and other stakeholder expectations; economic and political conditions in the countries in which we and our customers operate, including the ongoing impacts from international conflicts; product taxation; industry consolidation and evolution; changes in exchange rates and interest rates; impacts of regulation and litigation on its customers; industry-specific risks related to its plant-based ingredient businesses; exposure to certain regulatory and financial risks related to climate change; changes in estimates and assumptions underlying our critical accounting policies; the promulgation and adoption of new accounting standards, new government regulations and interpretation of existing standards and regulations; and general economic, political, market, and weather conditions. Actual results, therefore, could vary from those expected. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties, and other factors can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, and in other documents the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This information should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2024. The Company 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.

At 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on August 7, 2024, 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 November 7, 2024. A taped replay of the call will be available through August 20, 2024, by dialing (800) 723-5759.

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.

 

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands of dollars, except per share data)



















Three Months Ended June 30,



2024


2023



(Unaudited)

Sales and other operating revenues


$

597,050



$

517,722


Costs and expenses





Cost of goods sold


501,129



431,210


Selling, general and administrative expenses


78,696



75,477


Operating income


17,225



11,035


Equity in pretax earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates


140



(4,166)


Other non-operating income (expense)


464



725


Interest income


808



1,365


Interest expense


20,734



15,543


Income (loss) before income taxes and other items


(2,097)



(6,584)


Income taxes


727



(1,423)


Net income (loss)


(2,824)



(5,161)


Less: net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries


2,954



3,097


Net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation


$

130



$

(2,064)







Earnings per share:





Basic


$

0.01



$

(0.08)


Diluted


$

0.01



$

(0.08)



See accompanying notes.

 

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands of dollars)

























June 30,


June 30,


March 31,



2024


2023


2024



(Unaudited)


(Unaudited)



ASSETS







Current assets







Cash and cash equivalents


$

101,700



$

80,518



$

55,593


Accounts receivable, net


435,941



375,564



525,262


Advances to suppliers, net


100,451



111,176



139,064


Accounts receivable—unconsolidated affiliates


60,991



73,286



5,385


Inventories—at lower of cost or net realizable value:







Tobacco


1,202,341



1,100,722



1,070,580


Other


187,743



198,730



193,518


Prepaid income taxes


23,576



21,640



19,484


Other current assets


85,712



93,153



93,655


Total current assets


2,198,455



2,054,789



2,102,541









Property, plant and equipment







Land


25,926



24,930



26,244


Buildings


326,988



312,014



323,969


Machinery and equipment


702,153



705,045



693,868




1,055,067



1,041,989



1,044,081


Less accumulated depreciation


(680,011)



(685,042)



(678,201)




375,056



356,947



365,880


Other assets







Operating lease right-of-use assets


30,582



36,890



32,510


Goodwill, net


213,810



213,893



213,869


Other intangibles, net


66,074



77,290



68,883


Investments in unconsolidated affiliates


75,531



73,466



76,289


Deferred income taxes


18,287



15,187



15,181


Pension asset


12,075



10,516



11,857


Other noncurrent assets


43,098



48,681



50,229




459,457



475,923



468,818









Total assets


$

3,032,968



$

2,887,659



$

2,937,239



See accompanying notes.

 

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands of dollars)

























June 30,


June 30,


March 31,



2024


2023


2024



(Unaudited)


(Unaudited)



LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY







Current liabilities







Notes payable and overdrafts


$

581,087



$

359,832



$

417,217


Accounts payable


79,747



88,362



108,727


Accounts payable—unconsolidated affiliates




1,495



1,621


Customer advances and deposits


15,660



103,436



17,179


Accrued compensation


20,903



20,890



39,766


Income taxes payable


10,766



5,620



7,477


Current portion of operating lease liabilities


9,588



10,673



10,356


Accrued expenses and other current liabilities


128,305



127,564



109,015


Current portion of long-term debt







Total current liabilities


846,056



717,872



711,358









Long-term debt


617,502



616,948



617,364


Pensions and other postretirement benefits


43,386



42,725



43,251


Long-term operating lease liabilities


17,457



23,343



19,302


Other long-term liabilities


27,167



29,160



27,902


Deferred income taxes


37,901



44,432



39,139


Total liabilities


1,589,469



1,474,480



1,458,316









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 24,675,988 shares issued
and outstanding at June 30, 2024 (24,636,600 at June 30, 2023 and 24,573,408 at March 31, 2024)


347,152



338,445



345,596


Retained earnings


1,153,026



1,114,822



1,173,196


Accumulated other comprehensive loss


(86,721)



(72,547)



(81,585)


Total Universal Corporation shareholders' equity


1,413,457



1,380,720



1,437,207


Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries


30,042



32,459



41,716


Total shareholders' equity


1,443,499



1,413,179



1,478,923









Total liabilities and shareholders' equity


$

3,032,968



$

2,887,659



$

2,937,239



See accompanying notes.

 

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION     

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands of dollars)



















Three Months Ended June 30,



2024


2023



(Unaudited)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:





Net income (loss)


$

(2,824)



$

(5,161)


Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used by operating activities:





Depreciation and amortization


14,564



14,754


Net provision for losses (recoveries) on advances to suppliers


(751)



1,382


Inventory writedowns


4,371



2,327


Stock-based compensation expense


4,641



3,859


Foreign currency remeasurement (gain) loss, net


7,171



1,530


Foreign currency exchange contracts


(1,340)



7,803


Deferred income taxes


(3,983)



(2,406)


Equity in net loss (income) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends


(154)



2,630


Restructuring payments


(253)




Other, net


644



5


Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:


(84,530)



(130,614)


Net cash provided (used) by operating activities


(62,444)



(103,891)







CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:





Purchase of property, plant and equipment


(22,749)



(17,960)


Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment


867



326


Net cash used by investing activities


(21,882)



(17,634)







CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:





Issuance of short-term debt, net


162,140



163,804


Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests


(8,330)



(4,164)


Dividends paid on common stock


(19,659)



(19,398)


Other


(3,397)



(2,893)


Net cash provided (used) by financing activities


130,754



137,349







Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents


(321)



4


Net increase (decrease) in cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents


46,107



15,828


Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year


55,593



64,690







Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period


$

101,700



$

80,518



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, 2024 (the "2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K").

NOTE 2.   EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:



Three Months Ended June 30,

(in thousands, except share and per share data)


2024


2023






Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share





Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share





Net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation


$

130



$

(2,064)







Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share





Weighted average shares outstanding


24,876,220



24,842,171







Basic earnings (loss) per share


$

0.01



$

(0.08)







Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share





Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share





Net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation


$

130



$

(2,064)







Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share:





Weighted average shares outstanding


24,876,220



24,842,171


Effect of dilutive securities





Employee and outside director share-based awards


189,886




Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share


25,066,106



24,842,171







Diluted earnings (loss) per share


$

0.01



$

(0.08)


NOTE 3. SEGMENT INFORMATION

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 increasingly 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, Silva, and 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. 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. Shank's is also equipped to offer customers custom bottling and packaging for their products.

The Company currently evaluates the performance of its segments based on operating income after allocated overhead expenses, plus equity in the pretax earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates. Operating results for the Company's reportable segments for each period presented in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income were as follows.



Three Months Ended June 30,

(in thousands of dollars)


2024


2023






SALES AND OTHER OPERATING REVENUES





   Tobacco Operations


$

511,955



$

443,908


   Ingredients Operations


85,095



73,814


Consolidated sales and other operating revenues


$

597,050



$

517,722







OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)





   Tobacco Operations


$

14,454



$

8,883


   Ingredients Operations


2,911



(2,014)


Segment operating income


17,365



6,869


Deduct: Equity in pretax (earnings) loss of unconsolidated affiliates (1)


(140)



4,166


Consolidated operating income


$

17,225



$

11,035




(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.

NOTE 4. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

In July 2024, management initiated a restructuring plan to consolidate our European sheet tobacco operations into our facility in the Netherlands. The plan involves the closure of the tobacco sheet operations in Germany in fiscal year 2025. We expect to recognize between a total of $10 million to $15 million of restructuring and impairment costs during fiscal years 2025 and 2026 as a result of the consolidation of operations.

Universal Corporation logo (PRNewsFoto/Universal Corporation)

 

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SOURCE Universal Corporation

FAQ

What was Universal 's (UVV) revenue for Q1 FY2025?

Universal 's revenue for Q1 FY2025 was $597.1 million, a 15% increase from the same quarter in the previous year.

How did Universal 's (UVV) Tobacco Operations segment perform in Q1 FY2025?

The Tobacco Operations segment reported revenue of $512.0 million, up 15% from Q1 FY2024, driven by higher tobacco sales prices and volumes.

What was Universal 's (UVV) net income for Q1 FY2025?

Universal reported a net income of $0.1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, for Q1 FY2025, compared to a net loss of $2.1 million in Q1 FY2024.

How did Universal 's (UVV) Ingredients Operations segment perform in Q1 FY2025?

The Ingredients Operations segment saw a 15% revenue increase to $85.1 million, with operating income improving to $2.9 million from a $2.0 million loss in Q1 FY2024.

What is Universal 's (UVV) plan for its European operations?

Universal plans to consolidate its European sheet tobacco operations into its facility in the Netherlands, winding down operations in Germany during FY2025.

Universal Corporation

NYSE:UVV

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1.31B
24.69M
3.13%
81.36%
1.55%
Tobacco
Wholesale-farm Product Raw Materials
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United States of America
RICHMOND