Universal Stock Price, News & Analysis

Universal (NYSE:UVV) has opened its enhanced Universal Ingredients Shank's manufacturing campus in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, following a $30 million expansion project. The upgrade adds new state-of-the-art beverage-focused extraction and aseptic processing technology, significantly increasing production capacity and service capabilities. The enhanced campus will expand product offerings, service additional markets, and provide operational efficiencies.

Key features include:

• Aseptic packaging capabilities, eliminating the need for refrigeration
• Expanded tea, coffee, and botanical extracts production
• Enhanced customized blending capabilities
• Automated ingredient blending and extraction systems
• Improved Research and Development capabilities

The project was supported by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development and Lancaster County.

Universal (NYSE: UVV) has announced a leadership succession plan. Preston D. Wigner, currently Senior Vice President, will become Chairman, President, and CEO effective October 1, 2024. He will succeed George C. Freeman, III, who will retire from these roles and the Board. To ensure a smooth transition, Freeman will serve as Vice Chair until December 31, 2024, and then as a Senior Advisor through the fiscal year-end on March 31, 2025.

Wigner, with over 20 years at Universal, has been chosen after a thorough succession planning process. The Board expressed confidence in Wigner's ability to drive the company forward, citing his extensive tobacco industry experience and involvement in the ingredients business strategy. Freeman, who has been with Universal for 27 years, expressed confidence in Wigner's leadership and the company's future prospects.

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) has announced a quarterly dividend of $0.81 per share on its common stock. The dividend is payable on November 4, 2024, to shareholders of record as of October 14, 2024. This announcement was made by George C. Freeman, III, the company's Chairman, President, and CEO.

Universal is a global agricultural company with over a century of experience in supplying products and innovative solutions to meet customer needs. The company operates in more than 30 countries across five continents, providing high-quality, traceable products through its diverse network of farmers and partners. Universal focuses on leveraging its extensive supply chain expertise, global reach, integrated processing capabilities, and commitment to sustainability to deliver value to its customers.

Universal (NYSE:UVV) has announced a conference call scheduled for August 7, 2024, following the release of its first quarter fiscal year 2025 results. The call will begin at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time and will be webcast live on the company's website. A replay will be available online through November 7, 2024, with a taped replay accessible via phone until August 20, 2024.

The company emphasizes that all remarks during the call will reflect current information and will not be updated for subsequent developments. Media representatives can listen but cannot ask questions. Universal , a global agricultural company with over 100 years of experience, supplies products and innovative solutions across more than 30 countries on five continents.

Universal (NYSE: UVV) reported its annual results for fiscal year 2024, ending March 31. The company saw a 7% increase in consolidated revenues, reaching $2.75 billion, driven mainly by higher tobacco sales prices. Tobacco operations yielded $2.44 billion in revenues, an 8% increase. However, the ingredients business saw a slight decline in revenues to $309.8 million.

Operating income improved by 23% to $222 million, with adjusted operating income up by 27% to $230.3 million. Despite the higher revenues, diluted earnings per share dropped 4% to $4.78. The company faced higher costs due to increased green tobacco prices and other operational expenses.

Universal's sustainability initiatives made progress, including significant steps towards emissions targets and a renewable energy agreement. The company is optimistic about future growth, particularly in its ingredients business, supported by new product sales and an ongoing expansion project at the Lancaster facility.

Universal (NYSE: UVV) announced a quarterly dividend increase to $0.81 per share, reflecting an annualized rate of $3.24 per share and a yield of approximately 6.08% based on the May 20, 2024, closing price of $53.29. The dividend is payable on August 5, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 8, 2024. This marks the 54th annual dividend increase for the company, signaling the Board's confidence in its business strategy and investment decisions.

The annual meeting of shareholders is set for August 6, 2024, at the company's headquarters. The record date for the meeting is June 6, 2024. Universal , a global agricultural company with over 100 years of experience, operates in over 30 countries and focuses on providing high-quality, traceable products through a diverse network of farmers and partners.

Universal (NYSE: UVV) will host a webcast conference call on May 22, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss its fiscal year 2024 results, which will be released after market close the same day.

The live webcast and a replay will be available at www.universalcorp.com. A taped replay can also be accessed from 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on May 22nd through June 5, 2024, at (888) 225-1626.

Universal , headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, operates globally as a supplier of agri-products, with a primary focus on leaf tobacco. The company also provides plant-based ingredients for the food and beverage industry.