UNIVERSAL CORP /VA/ (UVV) Universal Corporation is a global agricultural enterprise specializing in the processing and supply of leaf tobacco and a diverse range of plant-based ingredients. Its activities are organized into two primary segments: Tobacco Operations and Ingredients Operations. Within its Tobacco Operations, the company manages the entire supply chain, encompassing the procurement, financing, processing, packing, storage, and distribution of leaf tobacco to global manufacturers of consumer tobacco products. This includes sourcing and selling flue-cured, burley, and oriental tobaccos predominantly for cigarette production, as well as dark air-cured tobaccos used in cigars, cigarillos, smokeless products, and pipe tobacco. Beyond raw material supply, Universal Corporation offers a suite of value-added services such as tobacco blending, comprehensive chemical and physical testing, custom cutting for manufacturers, the production of reconstituted leaf tobacco, and just-in-time inventory management. It also supports the electronic nicotine delivery systems market and provides smoke testing. Furthermore, its analytical capabilities extend to testing for crop protection agents and tobacco components in seeds, leaves, and final products like e-cigarette liquids and vapors, alongside detailed chemical compound analysis of finished tobacco products and their mainstream smoke. The Ingredients Operations segment leverages advanced manufacturing processes to create specialized vegetable and fruit-derived ingredients, botanical extracts, and flavorings, catering to both human and pet food industries. An additional aspect of its operations involves recycling waste generated from tobacco processing. Established in 1886, the company maintains its headquarters in Richmond, Virginia.
Sector: Wholesale-Farm Product Raw Materials
Industry: Tobacco
Universal Corporation NYSE:UVV Consumer Defensive · Tobacco
Mkt Cap $978.29M
Div Yield 8.40%
AH Close $39.17 vs close AH Close $39.17 -0.31% vs close
Mkt Cap $978.29M
Div Yield 8.40%
All Press Release SEC Filings News
SEC Filing ⚠ 1
UVV: 8-K · debt financing
Universal Corporation entered into Amendment No. 1 to its December 2025 Credit Agreement on October 9, 2026, amending the Total Net Leverage Ratio covenant with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent.
The amendment raises the maximum Total Net Leverage Ratio from 3.00 to 1.00 up to 3.75 to 1.00 for the quarters ending September 30, 2026 and December 31, 2026, stepping back down to 3.25 by March 2027 and 3.00 from June 30, 2027 onward.
The covenant relief provides near-term balance sheet flexibility without new borrowings; all other credit agreement terms remain in force and the company represents no default exists.
SEC 8-K • 12d ago AI analysis › SEC Filing ⚠ 2
UVV: 8-K · leadership change
Universal Corporation filed an 8-K reporting that J. Patrick O'Keefe, Vice President, Ingredients, was terminated without cause effective September 15, 2026.
The departure follows O'Keefe's July 29, 2026 notification of his intention to retire, which the company had previously reported. Universal continues a previously-announced process of identifying a successor with the assistance of an executive search firm.
The filing describes a planned division-level leadership transition rather than a sudden management shake-up, and no separation terms or financial figures were disclosed.
SEC 8-K • 1mo ago AI analysis › Press Release ● Major ⚠ 4
Universal Corporation Reports First Quarter Fiscal Year 2027 Results
Universal reported fiscal Q1 2027 revenue of $523.8 million, down 12% from the prior year, and swung to a net loss of $5.0 million, or $(0.20) per share.
The decline was driven by the Tobacco Operations segment, where revenue fell 13% and operating income dropped 90% due to oversupply conditions and lower green tobacco prices.
Despite the earnings miss, the company strengthened its balance sheet, reducing total debt by $55.5 million and maintaining approximately $1.1 billion in liquidity.
• 2mo ago AI analysis › Press Release
Universal Corporation Announces Quarterly Dividend
Universal Corporation's Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.83 per share.
The dividend is payable on November 2, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 12, 2026.
The company operates as a global business-to-business agriproducts supplier with a network in over 30 countries.
• 2mo ago AI analysis › Press Release
Universal Corporation Announces Universal Ingredients Leadership Transition Plan
Patrick O'Keefe, Vice President and Senior Vice President of Universal Ingredients, announced his retirement from Universal Corporation after six years of service.
The company has initiated a search for O'Keefe's successor and stated that he will remain in his current role until a replacement is appointed to ensure a smooth transition.
CEO Preston Wigner highlighted O'Keefe's contributions to the business, including expanding capabilities through acquisitions and strategic investments.
• 2mo ago AI analysis › Press Release
Universal Corporation Announces Conference Call
Universal Corporation announced it will release fiscal 2027 first-quarter results after market close on August 5, 2026.
The company will host a conference call to discuss the results at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on August 6, 2026.
A live webcast and replay will be available on the company's website.
• 2mo ago AI analysis › SEC Filing ⚠ 3
UVV: DEF 14A · proxy statement
Universal Corporation will hold its 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on August 4 to elect three directors, ratify Ernst & Young LLP as auditor, and approve an advisory say-on-pay resolution.
The Board nominated Arthur J. Schick, Jr., Gregory A. Trojan, and Jacqueline T. Williams for three-year terms, while Thomas H. Johnson will retire, reducing the board size to nine members effective immediately following the meeting.
For fiscal 2026, the company reported net income of $32.6 million, or $1.30 per diluted share, negatively impacted by $41.1 million in goodwill impairment and inventory write-downs, while declaring its 56th consecutive annual dividend increase to $3.32 per share.
The company appointed Steven S. Diel as the new CFO effective April 1, 2026, with a compensation package including a $490,000 base salary, $350,000 target bonus, and a one-time RSU grant valued at approximately $1.2 million.
SEC DEF 14A • 3mo ago SEC Filing ⚠ 4
UVV: 10-K · periodic report
Universal Corporation reported fiscal year 2026 revenues of $2.9 billion, a 1% decline year-over-year, driven by lower tobacco sales volumes and prices. Reported diluted earnings per share fell 66% to $1.30, primarily due to a $41.1 million non-cash goodwill impairment related to its Shank's operation and $52 million in inventory write-downs, largely for dark air-cured tobacco.
Adjusted operating income decreased 13% to $211.3 million, reflecting the impact of inventory write-downs and softer demand in certain tobacco styles. The Ingredients Operations segment saw revenue grow 3% to $348.1 million, but operating income dropped 74% to $3.2 million due to high fixed costs from recent expansion investments and persistent market headwinds.
The company maintained a strong balance sheet with $62.2 million in cash and $904.3 million in total debt, including new term loans and a $780 million revolving credit facility. Universal returned $81.3 million to shareholders via dividends but did not repurchase any shares during the fiscal year, leaving the full $100 million repurchase authorization available.
SEC 10-K • 4mo ago AI analysis › Press Release ⚠ 3
Universal Corporation Reports Fiscal Year and Fourth Quarter 2026 Results
Universal Corporation reported flat fiscal year 2026 revenue of $2.92 billion, down 1% year-over-year, as tobacco volume declines offset growth in the ingredients segment.
GAAP diluted EPS fell 66% to $1.30, driven by a $41.1 million goodwill impairment at the Shank’s operation and $52 million in tobacco inventory write-downs.
Adjusted operating income declined 13% to $211.3 million, reflecting softer demand for dark air-cured tobacco and high fixed costs at the expanded Shank’s facility, though management remains confident in long-term strategy.
• 4mo ago AI analysis › Press Release
Universal Corporation Announces Conference Call
Universal Corporation has scheduled a conference call for May 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
The company will release its fiscal year 2026 results after market close on May 28, 2026.
A live webcast and replay of the call will be available on the company's investor relations website.
• 5mo ago AI analysis › Recent SEC filings with analysis 
