ABOUT US
For 100 years, Universal Corporation has been finding
innovative solutions to serve our customers and meet
their leaf tobacco needs. We built a global presence,
solidified long-term relationships with customers and
suppliers, adapted to changing agricultural practices,
embraced state of the art technology and emerged
as the recognized industry leader. Today, we conduct
business in over 30 countries on five continents, employ
more than 24,000 permanent and seasonal workers,
and are the leading global leaf supplier.
Universal Corporation has a long history of operating
with integrity, honesty, and a focus on quality. We are
a vital link in the leaf tobacco supply chain, providing
expertise in working with large numbers of farmers,
efficiently selling various qualities of leaf to a broad global
customer base, adapting to meet evolving customer
needs, and delivering products that meet stringent
quality and regulatory specifications.
As we move into our next 100 years, we will build
on our history by seeking opportunities to leverage
both our assets and expertise. We will continue our
commitment to leadership in setting industry standards,
operating with transparency, providing products that are
responsibly‐sourced, and investing in and strengthening
the communities where we operate.
ANNUAL REPORT
C E N T E N N I A L E D I T I O N
EST
2018 1918
P.O. Box 25099
Richmond, Virginia 23260
USA
WWW.UNIVERSALCORP.COM
ABOUT US
For 100 years, Universal Corporation has been finding
innovative solutions to serve our customers and meet
their leaf tobacco needs. We built a global presence,
solidified long-term relationships with customers and
suppliers, adapted to changing agricultural practices,
embraced state of the art technology and emerged
as the recognized industry leader. Today, we conduct
business in over 30 countries on five continents, employ
more than 24,000 permanent and seasonal workers,
and are the leading global leaf supplier.
Universal Corporation has a long history of operating
with integrity, honesty, and a focus on quality. We are
a vital link in the leaf tobacco supply chain, providing
expertise in working with large numbers of farmers,
efficiently selling various qualities of leaf to a broad global
customer base, adapting to meet evolving customer
needs, and delivering products that meet stringent
quality and regulatory specifications.
As we move into our next 100 years, we will build
on our history by seeking opportunities to leverage
both our assets and expertise. We will continue our
commitment to leadership in setting industry standards,
operating with transparency, providing products that are
responsibly‐sourced, and investing in and strengthening
the communities where we operate.
ANNUAL REPORT
C E N T E N N I A L E D I T I O N
EST
2018 1918
P.O. Box 25099
Richmond, Virginia 23260
USA
WWW.UNIVERSALCORP.COM
Early depiction of tobacco being loaded onto ships
using hogsheads.
Jaquelin P. Taylor, Portrait
Universal Corporation Headquarters
Universal facility during the early twentieth century.
Transporting tobacco in Richmond, Virginia (circa late 1800s).
IN THE
BEGINNING
In 1918 Virginia tobacconist Jaquelin P. Taylor, pursuing a bold
vision to build the largest tobacco leaf dealer organization in the
world, led the consolidation of six prominent leaf merchants to
form Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Incorporated (“Universal”).
Universal’s original charter stated that the Company’s business was
“to buy, sell and deal in leaf tobacco whether for its own account or
on commission.” Today, 100 years later, we have vastly enlarged our
scope of operations from a U.S. company to a global enterprise. We
have also expanded our activities to provide services beyond simply
buying tobacco.
COMPANY ORIGINS
Universal Corporation traces its origins
back to the late nineteenth century and
the efforts of Jaquelin Plummer Taylor of
Orange County, Virginia.
1886
J.P. Taylor & Company formed. It was
known as “the great shipping and
exporting establishment, the largest in
the South.”
1911
U.S. Supreme Court orders breakup of
American Tobacco Company under the
terms of the Sherman Antitrust Act of
1890, paving the way for the formation
of Universal Leaf Tobacco Company.
1917
“Doughboys”popularize American
cigarette brands in Europe during World
War I. Cigarette sales increase dramatically.
1910s
1918
The Virginia State Corporation Commission
issued a Charter of Incorporation for
Universal Leaf Tobacco Company,
Incorporated.
1918
Universal purchased about 10 percent
of the U.S. market during the 1918 and
1919 crop years.
1918
Universal has administrative offices in New
York City and Richmond, Virginia. New York
was considered the world wide center in
tobacco trade.
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at
the offices of the Company, 9201 Forest Hill Avenue,
Richmond, Virginia, on Thursday, August 2, 2018. A
proxy statement and request for proxies are included in
this mailing to shareholders.
STOCK LISTED
New York Stock Exchange
STOCK SYMBOL
UVV
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
The Company offers to its common shareholders an
automatic dividend reinvestment and cash payment
plan to purchase additional shares. The Company bears
all brokerage and service fees. Booklets describing the
plan in detail are available upon request.
TRANSFER AGENT & REGISTRAR &
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN AGENT
Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions
P.O. Box 1342
Brentwood, New York 11717
Toll-Free: (866) 804-4445
Outside U.S.: (702) 414-6868
Email: shareholder@broadridge.com
or
Universal Corporation
Investor Relations
(804) 254-3789
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Ernst & Young LLP
The Edgeworth Building
2100 East Cary Street, Suite 201
Richmond, Virginia 23223
INVESTOR RELATIONS
Contact:
Candace C. Formacek
Vice President and Treasurer
Jennifer S. Rowe
Assistant Vice President, Capital Markets
(804) 254-3789
Information Requests:
(804) 254-3789
or
Email: investor@universalleaf.com
DIVIDEND PAYMENTS
Dividend declarations are subject to approval by the
Company’s Board of Directors. Dividends on the
Company’s common stock have traditionally been paid
quarterly in February, May, August, and November to
shareholders of record on the second Monday of the
previous month.
SEC FORM 10-K
Shareholders may obtain additional copies of the
Company’s annual report to the Securities and Exchange
Commission on its website or by writing to the Treasurer
of the Company.
Early depiction of tobacco being loaded onto ships
using hogsheads.
Jaquelin P. Taylor, Portrait
Universal Corporation Headquarters
Universal facility during the early twentieth century.
Transporting tobacco in Richmond, Virginia (circa late 1800s).
IN THE
BEGINNING
In 1918 Virginia tobacconist Jaquelin P. Taylor, pursuing a bold
vision to build the largest tobacco leaf dealer organization in the
world, led the consolidation of six prominent leaf merchants to
form Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Incorporated (“Universal”).
Universal’s original charter stated that the Company’s business was
“to buy, sell and deal in leaf tobacco whether for its own account or
on commission.” Today, 100 years later, we have vastly enlarged our
scope of operations from a U.S. company to a global enterprise. We
have also expanded our activities to provide services beyond simply
buying tobacco.
COMPANY ORIGINS
Universal Corporation traces its origins
back to the late nineteenth century and
the efforts of Jaquelin Plummer Taylor of
Orange County, Virginia.
1886
J.P. Taylor & Company formed. It was
known as “the great shipping and
exporting establishment, the largest in
the South.”
1911
U.S. Supreme Court orders breakup of
American Tobacco Company under the
terms of the Sherman Antitrust Act of
1890, paving the way for the formation
of Universal Leaf Tobacco Company.
1917
“Doughboys”popularize American
cigarette brands in Europe during World
War I. Cigarette sales increase dramatically.
1910s
1918
The Virginia State Corporation Commission
issued a Charter of Incorporation for
Universal Leaf Tobacco Company,
Incorporated.
1918
Universal purchased about 10 percent
of the U.S. market during the 1918 and
1919 crop years.
1918
Universal has administrative offices in New
York City and Richmond, Virginia. New York
was considered the world wide center in
tobacco trade.
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at
the offices of the Company, 9201 Forest Hill Avenue,
Richmond, Virginia, on Thursday, August 2, 2018. A
proxy statement and request for proxies are included in
this mailing to shareholders.
STOCK LISTED
New York Stock Exchange
STOCK SYMBOL
UVV
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
The Company offers to its common shareholders an
automatic dividend reinvestment and cash payment
plan to purchase additional shares. The Company bears
all brokerage and service fees. Booklets describing the
plan in detail are available upon request.
TRANSFER AGENT & REGISTRAR &
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN AGENT
Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions
P.O. Box 1342
Brentwood, New York 11717
Toll-Free: (866) 804-4445
Outside U.S.: (702) 414-6868
Email: shareholder@broadridge.com
or
Universal Corporation
Investor Relations
(804) 254-3789
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Ernst & Young LLP
The Edgeworth Building
2100 East Cary Street, Suite 201
Richmond, Virginia 23223
INVESTOR RELATIONS
Contact:
Candace C. Formacek
Vice President and Treasurer
Jennifer S. Rowe
Assistant Vice President, Capital Markets
(804) 254-3789
Information Requests:
(804) 254-3789
or
Email: investor@universalleaf.com
DIVIDEND PAYMENTS
Dividend declarations are subject to approval by the
Company’s Board of Directors. Dividends on the
Company’s common stock have traditionally been paid
quarterly in February, May, August, and November to
shareholders of record on the second Monday of the
previous month.
SEC FORM 10-K
Shareholders may obtain additional copies of the
Company’s annual report to the Securities and Exchange
Commission on its website or by writing to the Treasurer
of the Company.
WHAT WE DO
We are the leading global leaf tobacco supplier. We trace our
origins to the late nineteenth century, and tobacco has been our
principal focus since our founding. Procuring leaf tobacco involves
contracting with, providing agronomy support to, and financing
farmers in many origins. We do not manufacture cigarettes or other
consumer tobacco products. We provide value-added services to
our customers, and are also involved in other smaller-scale tobacco
and agri-business opportunities.
J.P. Taylor tobacco facility (circa 1920s).
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Green prizery.
Wall Street, 1929.
1920s
The early years of Universal were not without challenges as the
fledgling company struggled with both adverse market conditions
and financial difficulties. With a new generation of management,
the Company refocused on its core business and moved its cor-
porate headquarters from New York to Richmond, Virginia. At the
same time, Universal made its first forays into international markets,
China and Canada, and continued to increase its U.S. leaf tobacco
volumes. In 1927, Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Incorporated
was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
1924
Universal Leaf Tobacco Company of China
organized.
1925
Canadian Leaf Tobacco Company,
a subsidiary, is organized.
1926
A government report listed Universal
as “probably the largest leaf dealer”
in America.
1927
Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Inc. listed
on the New York Stock Exchange.
1920s
1929
The stock market crashes on October 29th,
Black Friday.
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Curing barn.
Tobacco being delivered to Universal (circa 1930).
1930s
1930s
With the severe economic downturn at the beginning of the
decade, Universal concentrated on building efficiencies through
larger processing volumes and cost-cutting measures. Universal
also established a branch in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).
1933
United States enacts federal tobacco
program, which controls supply and sets
minimum prices.
1938
Universal establishes branch in Southern
Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).
1930s
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Shanghai, China.
Cigar leaf in Pennsylvania.
Malawi curing barns.
1940s
The period of World War II and the rebuilding years that followed
created challenges for Universal and significant growth opportuni-
ties in the U.S. and abroad. Cigarettes become the dominant form
of smoked tobacco.
Wrapper curing barn in Bahia, Brazil.
1941
Universal operations in China suspended
during World War II. Cigar leaf operations
reorganized under W.H. Winstead Co. of
Pennsylvania.
1945
Upon his release as a prisoner of war,
Universal’s A.I. (“Mac”) McOwan reclaims
the Company’s facilities in China following
five years of confiscation.
1940s
1949
Communist takeover forces Universal
to leave China. Small packing plant
constructed in Nyasaland (now Malawi).
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Chemist at work in the Universal tobacco laboratory in Richmond, Virginia.
Containers of tobacco being loaded onto cargo ships.
U.S. burley tobacco auction.
Oriental leaf tobacco harvesting.
Universal’s super factory
in Simcoe, Canada.
1950s
1950s
Universal led the industry in technology by establishing laboratory
standards and by investing in revolutionary technology for cigar
binder fabrication. The Company continued to look throughout the
world for investment opportunities.
1958
Universal establishes the first scientific
laboratory focused on the tobacco supply
chain.
1953
Universal forms the Rhodesian Leaf
Tobacco Co. to develop tobacco exports
from Central Africa.
1959
Simcoe Leaf Tobacco Company formed in
Canada.
Danville, Virginia.
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Stringing tobacco, Mexico.
Universal’s super factory
in Simcoe, Canada.
Factory in Perugia, Italy.
Stringing oriental tobacco, Greece.
1961
Universal builds super factory in Henderson,
Smithfield, and Wilson, NC, as well as
Canada.
1950s
1960s
Universal expanded its operations on four continents and devel-
oped economies of scale through it’s first generation of “super
factories”. Universal continued to expand in Rhodesia until U.N.
economic sanctions stemming from the country’s civil war cut off
the Rhodesian market. Expatriate Rhodesians aided in the company’s
expansion into the Philippines and Korea. Growing acceptance of
leaf from Malawi led Universal to form Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company
in Malawi.
1962
Universal builds Canada’s first tobacco
super factory, and builds a second super
factory in the United States in Smithfield,
North Carolina.
1964
Universal expands operations in Greece
and Italy through a partnership with a
Dutch Company, NV Deli-Maatschappij.
1965
Universal completes construction of a super
factory in Wilson, North Carolina.
Curing barns in Indonesia.
1966
Universal acquires 50 percent of Deltafina
(Italy). Forms its first Mexican subsidiary.
1960s
Wrapper curing barn in Indonesia.
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Universal and Virginia delegation in Japan.
Tobacco factory in Sintanjin, Korea.
Transporting tobacco
in the Philippines.
Air curing tobacco in the Philippines.
Colombia.
Philippines.
1970s
1970s
industry experienced consolidation
The worldwide tobacco
of manufacturers and major purchasers of tobacco. Universal
developed improved systems to control the flow and packing of
tobacco and new quality control guidelines to address the changing
marketplace. Universal reentered China, invested in operations in
Guatemala, and continued expansion in Mexico.
Brazil.
1970
Universal enters the Brazilian market
through its Dutch partnership.
1976
Universal forms Oriental Processors
and Exporters of Korea.
1974
Universal builds the first dealer threshing
facility in Brazil.
1977
Universal fends off a hostile takeover
attempt waged by Congoleum Corporation.
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1970s
Transporting tobacco
in the Philippines.
Universal acquires Deli, which is headquartered in the Netherlands.
Colombia.
Agronomist in Brazil.
1980
Universal acquires the Royster Company,
headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, a
manufacturer and marketer of phosphate
fertilizer materials, mixed fertilizers, and
micronutrients.
1984
Counterflow Separator patented to provide
more efficient separation of tobacco leaf
from its stem.
1980s
Universal continued its leadership in tobacco technology including
obtaining a patent on the Counterflow Separator machine which
provides efficient separation of tobacco leaf from its stem. Universal
also acquired NV Deli-Maatschappij, its partner in Greece, Italy, and
Brazil. This company also included businesses in lumber and agri-
products.
1984
Universal purchases Lawyers Title Insurance
Company and Continental Land Title
Company.
1986
Universal acquires NV Deli-Maatschappij,
its partner in Greece, Italy and Brazil.
This company also brings diversification
opportunities in lumber and agri-products.
1987
Universal shareholders approve the
creation of a holding company, Universal
Corporation.
North Carolina processing plant.
1988
The Company acquires Thorpe & Ricks
in North Carolina, expanding its U.S. base.
1980s
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Thailand.
The Netherlands.
Tea tasting.
1990
Universal acquires the German company,
Gebrüder Kulenkampff AG, expanding
activities in Brazil and Turkey, and
becoming the world’s leading dark air-
cured tobacco merchant.
1991
Lawyers Title Insurance Company spun off
to Universal Corporation shareholders.
1993
Universal purchases the Casalee Group,
a major competitor with worldwide
operations.
1990s
1990s
Universal continued to expand its operations around the world
including acquiring Gebrüder Kulenkampff AG, expanding activities
in Brazil and Turkey, becoming the world’s largest dark air-cured
tobacco merchant, and entering into a joint venture with Socotab
creating the world’s leading oriental leaf merchant. The Company
also implemented a global strategy that emphasizes partnerships
with customers to promote supply stability.
1996
Universal implements a global strategy that
emphasizes partnerships with customers to
promote supply stability.
1995
Universal acquires Heuvelman, a major
processor and distributor of value-added
softwood products in Holland.
1998
The Company announces the beginning of
a common share repurchase that develops
into a $350 million program.
1998
Universal enters a joint venture with
Socotab creating the world’s leading
oriental leaf merchant.
Tobacco sample.
1990s
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Universal returns its focus to its core business, leaf tobacco, 2006.
Universal processing facility in Tete, Mozambique, 2006.
Nash County, North Carolina based state-of-the-art super factory.
2000s
Universal expanded its processing capabilities with the construction
of a state-of-the-art, next generation super factory in Nashville,
North Carolina, and a processing facility in Tete, Mozambique. The
Company also decided to focus on its core leaf tobacco business
and divested its lumber and agri-product operations.
2001
Contract leaf purchasing begins in the
United States, supplanting the traditional
auction market system.
2003
The grand opening of the state-of-the-art
super factory in Nash, North Carolina.
2006
Opening of Mozambique processing facility.
2008
George C. Freeman III elected as Chairman,
President, and Chief Executive Officer of
Universal Corporation.
2000s
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Global Labs has built a reputation for reliable product testing.
MobiLeaf in operation in the tobacco fields of Brazil.
CIFI,Inc. facility in Nash County, North Carolina.
THE PRESENT
AND BEYOND
2010s
2014
Universal develops MobiLeaf, a digital
tablet-based solution to efficiently
monitor and promote sustainable tobacco
production and farmer participation.
2013
Universal begins a joint venture known as
AmeriNic, Inc. to supply liquid nicotine for
the electronic cigarette market.
We are proud of our past accomplishments that have made us the
company we are today, but we are also mindful of what we need to
do to be successful in the future. As the industry leader, we must
focus attention and resources on factors affecting sustainability
throughout the supply chain, including reforestation, water conser-
vation, reduced carbon emissions, child labor and environmentally
sensitive agricultural practices. We know that our actions have
a powerful impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people
on five continents—farmers, employees and families in rural com-
munities. That’s why we’re committed to investing in infrastructure
and social programs that improve living conditions, promote educa-
tion and make communities stronger and healthier.
2016
Carolina Innovative Food Ingredients,
Inc. (CIFI, Inc.), an endeavor into the fruit
and vegetable food ingredients market,
is launched. CIFI completes its greenfield
processing facility in Nash County, NC
and begins sales.
BEYOND
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The Universal Leaf Citizen Program serves a poverty-
stricken area in Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil.
Universal has planted over
300 million tree seedlings
in the last 10 years.
In Mozambique, the “Kukula Project” fights child
labor by providing free meals to school-age children.
Universal’s updated logo.
Community center built by Universal as part of the
Citizen Program.
Universal initiated projects in Malawi, Mozambique,
and Tanzania to improve access to clean water. Over
370 wells and boreholes have been dug in the last
10 years.
2017
Universal launches its “Universal Effect”
brand to recognize Universal’s continued
global effort to positively impact the
communities in which we operate,
while working to achieve sustainability
throughout our supply chain.
2017
Universal announces 47th consecutive
annual increase in common stock
dividends.
2018
Universal celebrates 100 years of
continuous operation.
BEYOND
Project Water Guardian is one of Universal’s most successful public initiatives. As
a result of this project, the presence of higher quality water in Vera Cruz, Brazil has
risen from 44 percent to 75 percent, positively impacting approximately 14,000
people.
2010s
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BUILDING A
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
70 dams and reservoirs to harvest rain water. These,
and other efforts, have helped residents gain access to
water close to home.
All of this work has aided to decrease the burdens
on families, increased school retention, led to health
improvements and increased families’ food and crop
production.
IMPROVING HEALTH
As many areas where we operate have a lack of access
to health care, we have initiated projects to help our
employees and their families as well as other members
of their communities. We established a health clinic for
employees at our factory site in Mozambique as well as
first aid stations throughout many of our agronomy
areas. This clinic sees approximately 1,500 patients per
month, which totals about 14,000 consultations per
year. We also run another clinic in Mozambique, which
serves approximately 16,245 people from 4,727 families.
A major issue of concern in this region is HIV and
AIDS. We established a comprehensive HIV program
Over the last decade, Universal has made great strides
investing in communities to help achieve our goals of
sustainability for the future. As part of the Universal
Effect, we know that every action we take—from
planting a seed to digging a well—ripples out into the
surrounding communities that will reap the benefits for
years to come. Our actions to achieve sustainability range
from the simplicity of planting trees, to the development
of cutting-edge technology to promote sustainable
agricultural practices. We also take a holistic approach
in how we can impact every part of a community to lift
it up for the future…from the basics of clean water and
food to education to health. After all, if one of these
basic needs is not met, a community can’t thrive.
Recognizing that everything is interconnected in the
areas where we operate, we have initiated multiple
programs to help communities prosper as well as pro-
tect their natural resources.
QUENCHING A NEED
To meet the most fundamental needs, we have initiated
projects in Africa to improve access to clean water. For
example, we have invested more than US$1.2 million
to install more than 300 closed wells and boreholes
in Africa, reaching about 50,000 people. We are also
helping build pit latrines to address the lack of toilet
facilities in some areas.
To help with the problems of a lack of irrigation
resources, we have distributed more than 5,000 manual
treadle pumps to help farmers cultivate additional
crops in the dry season. We have also built more than
The Khamande Clinic in Mozambique.
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Universal is committed to investing in the education of children in all
the areas in which we operate.
The “Let’s PLAY” program provides activities for children during the
summer in India and the Philippines.
in Mozambique aimed at the prevention, detection,
and treatment of HIV. Over the last decade, we have
seen an increase in the number of tests performed and
a reduction in the prevalence of HIV-positive results.
EDUCATING CHILDREN
To achieve our ultimate goal of eliminating child labor,
we have been renovating and building schools, creating
tutoring programs and providing learning materials.
We have renovated or built 45 schools and provided
educational materials to 27 schools.
In one area of Mozambique, we realized that children
were not going to school and came up with a simple yet
powerful concept—if we provide meals for the children,
they will come to school. We initiated the “Kukula Proj-
ect,” which aims to fight child labor, absenteeism, and
under achievement in elementary school through the
preparation and distribution of free daily meals at three
schools. Overall attendance at these three schools
increased 1,040 percent compared with the same time
frame in previous years—an astounding success.
SUPPORTING YOUTH
It’s not just education that keeps kids out of the fields;
we believe they need other opportunities and activities
to keep them on track.
In the Philippines, we established the “Let’s PLAY”
program—a 25-day summer school focusing on sports,
music and reading, to keep children out of the fields
in summer. 1,500 children have participated in the
program, which has been highly effective in preventing
child labor.
In India, we implemented a program to educate com-
munities on the risks associated with child labor and
established the After School Program (ASP) to help
keep children in school. Participating schools have
seen a 5 to 7 percent increase in attendance.
One of our most ambitious projects is the Universal
Leaf Citizen Program in Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil. This
project involves a comprehensive approach to bettering
the lives of the people in the town’s most poverty-
stricken community. It is based around a community
center that encourages social, cultural, intellectual and
professional development and offers a variety of
classes. It is home to the First Job Project, which helps
people find work. The successful project has benefited
more than 2,500 families.
Children enjoying the fun at a celebration as part of Universal’s Leaf
Citizen Program in Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil.
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Universal’s Research and Development Center was opened as a means of improving the quality of leaf grown in Brazil, and as a vehicle to
educate growers, ULT personnel and customers from around the world about Brazilian tobacco production and best practices.
CHAMPIONING OUR FARMERS
Worldwide, we work with more than 500,000 farmers.
Of course, these farmers are essential to our compa-
ny, and we want to ensure that they are successful. By
sharing knowledge and technology that demonstrates
sustainable agricultural practices, we not only sustain
them but also their families and communities.
One example is the development of a research sta-
tion and training center in Brazil that has become an
international model for developing good agricultural
practices. The Agronomic Center works to improve the
The center’s training program has helped local personnel gain
enhanced skills in agronomics and operations.
quality of tobacco and offers a place for farmers, tech-
nicians and clients to study tobacco production.
In Mozambique, we forged an innovative degree
program with Blackfordby College of Agriculture in
Zimbabwe to offer technicians the opportunity to
study general agriculture and management, and then
pass on that expertise to farmers. The program allows
graduates to deliver important skills and training to
the farmer base, improving crop quality as well as
sustainability efforts.
We spearheaded a water storage dam project in Malawi
to provide water access to growers to help improve
the yield, quality and survival of their seedlings. Dams
are being built in strategic locations. This provides the
farming communities with a source of water throughout
the year for both tobacco and food crops, as well as
water for domestic and livestock purposes.
On the technological side, we launched an innovative
tablet-based grower management software package
called MobiLeaf that offers real-time data from our
farmers around the world. It allows us to improve
tobacco production at the farm level by bringing
standard methods of good agricultural practices to our
growers and is helping dramatically in achieving our
goal of sustainable tobacco growing.
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MobiLeaf tracks farm data related to the complete life cycle of crops for nearly 200,000 farmers — from plant cultivation and harvesting to
compliance with laws and industry standards.
SUSTAINING THE ENVIRONMENT
We are also focusing on factors affecting sustainability
throughout the supply chain, including reforestation,
water conservation, reduced carbon emissions and
environmentally-sensitive agricultural practices. As
part of this, we have planted 300 million tree seedlings
in the last decade.
Project Water Guardian has been one of our most
successful public service initiatives to date, drastically
improving the water quality in Vera Cruz, Brazil. We
worked to improve the water quality of crucial springs
that supply drinking water to the town through a total
environmental approach, discussing good practices
and conservation-oriented management with the
farmers. The amount of higher quality water rose from
44 percent to over 75 percent, and indirectly benefits
approximately 14,000 people.
In the Philippines, we have been working to protect
bamboo, which is crucial to many goods and industries
and provides environmental value. Bamboo is used
by farmers for framing materials in barn construction.
To protect this valuable resource and ensure its future
supply, we initiated a bamboo reforestation project to
rehabilitate existing sources as well as develop new
plantings.
leaf-processing facility
An example of our waste reduction efforts is evident
in Nashville, North
at our
Carolina. Rather than sending the factory’s by-products
of dust and unmarketable leaf scrap and stem to the
landfill, we began composting it in order to lessen our
environmental impact. The composting process reduces
the nicotine to negligible levels. Composting the by-
products has reduced landfill costs and even generated
revenue through the sale of the compost as a cost-
effective alternative to commercial fertilizer.
In southern Brazil, farmers need access to a sustainable
source of wood to produce tobacco and avoid sourcing
wood from important native forests. To support the
preservation of native trees and reforestation, we have
supplied more than 80 million tree seedlings there. On
average, our contracted farmers are 110 percent self-
sufficient in their wood requirements, which allows their
excess sustainable wood to be sold to other farmers.
From planting trees to providing clean water to im-
proving education to providing farmers with the tools
they need to support their families…everything is con-
nected. We are happy to play a part in each of these
communities as they build for the future while working
to protect the environment for years to come.
The Water Guardian program is a strategic approach to water
conservation in South Brazil.
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
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It has been an exciting and momentous year at Universal Corporation as we
celebrated an important milestone, the 100th anniversary of our Company. For
the last century, we have been a trusted partner to customers, growers and
other stakeholders around the world. We have consistently set the standard
in the leaf tobacco industry by continuously generating innovative solutions
to meet the needs of our global customers and bringing efficiencies to the
leaf tobacco supply chain. Our Board of Directors, management team and
our many employees around the world are dedicated to building on this
remarkable track record. As we move into our next 100 years, we will continue
to be guided by the principles that have been central to our success — setting
industry standards, operating with transparency, providing products that are
responsibly sourced and strengthening the communities in which we operate.
We have reached this milestone because we have successfully recognized trends in our industry and adapted to
change. Consistent with this, beginning in November 2016, we, along with the assistance of our outside advisors,
undertook an extensive review of our business, as well as the market environment to determine how we can create
a strategy that capitalizes on our core competencies and best positions us for the future. In May 2018, having
devoted considerable time to these efforts, we announced an enhanced capital allocation strategy that reflects the
strength of our balance sheet and demonstrates our focus on sustainable shareholder value creation.
Our enhanced capital allocation strategy focuses on four key priorities:
• Strengthening and investing for growth in our core tobacco business;
•
Increasing our strong dividend;
• Exploring growth opportunities in adjacent industries and markets that utilize our assets and capabilities; and
• Returning excess capital through share repurchases.
In connection with our newly announced strategy, and as part of our commitment to returning capital to our
shareholders, in May 2018, our Board raised our quarterly dividend rate to $0.75 per share ($3.00 per share annual
equivalent). This is a 36% increase from the prior annual dividend rate. We are particularly proud of our 47-year
record of dividend increases and intend to continue this tradition.
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We are also committed to remaining the leading global leaf tobacco supplier. This means that we will continue to
make disciplined investments within our core business and take advantage of growth opportunities in the tobacco
sector. At the same time, we will look closely at adjacent industries and markets where we can leverage our assets
and capabilities to ensure we are positioned to grow. In doing so, we believe that we will be able to deliver
enhanced value for all shareholders through earnings growth and the generation of free cash flow.
Our confidence in our ability to execute our new strategy follows a solid fiscal year, during which we grew market
share and expanded the services that we provide to our customers in the face of declining cigarette volumes. Net
income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, was $105.7 million, or $4.14 per diluted share, compared with
fiscal year 2017’s net income of $106.3 million, or $0.88 per diluted share. The fiscal year 2017 results included a
one-time reduction of earnings available to common shareholders of $74.4 million, or $2.99 per diluted share, from
the conversion for cash of the remaining outstanding shares of our Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred
Stock under the mandatory conversion in January 2017. Excluding that reduction, the effect of a reduction in
income tax expense, and certain other non-recurring items, diluted earnings per share for fiscal year 2018 of $3.96
decreased by $0.01 compared to the same period last year. Operating income of $171.5 million for the year ended
March 31, 2018, decreased by $6.9 million compared to the year ended March 31, 2017. Segment operating
income was $180.6 million for the year ended March 31, 2018, a decrease of $7.9 million, compared to the year
ended March 31, 2017, as improved results in our Other Regions and Other Tobacco Operations segments were
offset by declines in our North America segment. Revenues of $2.0 billion for fiscal year 2018 were down only 1.8%
compared to fiscal year 2017, as lower volumes, primarily in Africa, were largely offset by higher sales prices and
processing revenues.
These results would not be possible without our more than 24,000 permanent and seasonal employees around the
world — from our factory in Mozambique to our corporate team in Richmond, Virginia — who drive our business
forward and fulfill our mission. From our Company’s beginnings, we’ve recognized that our people are our most
important asset: our success is a testament to their tireless efforts.
We are also grateful for the support of the hundreds of thousands of farmers around the world who grow our
tobacco. Our appreciation of them is one of the reasons why we continue to dedicate a considerable amount of
resources to have a positive impact on the communities in which we operate. Over the last decade in particular,
we have initiated multiple programs to make a difference in the lives of our farmers and their families, as well as
our employees and other members in the communities. In this report, we outline the various programs on which
we’re focusing our efforts. These projects range from improving access to clean water in Africa to implementing a
summer school program in the Philippines.
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In addition to our initiatives to support education, improve access to medical facilities, and eliminate child labor,
we are equally focused on improving the environment through implementing sustainable agricultural practices
and providing farmers with best-in-class knowledge and technology. We believe this type of work is of paramount
importance and it will continue to be a priority for our Company going forward.
As we look to the future, I extend my sincere thanks to David Moore, our CFO, for his countless contributions to our
Company during his 40 years of service. After an exceptional career with Universal Corporation, David will retire
as CFO effective August 31, 2018. As an integral member of our team, he has seen our Company’s evolution and
growth firsthand and has actively overseen the building of our strong balance sheet. He has been a dear friend
and invaluable resource to me personally. David’s successor, Johan Kroner, currently Senior Vice President, will take
on the role of CFO on September 1, 2018. He has considerable financial and operational expertise and a deep
understanding of our business and our Company’s culture. I look forward to working closely with Johan in his new
role.
In addition to David’s retirement, Jay Adams, one of our independent directors, will be retiring from our Board at
the conclusion of our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Jay has been an important part of our Board during
the many changes that have taken place in his 15 years of Board service. Our Company has greatly benefited from
Jay’s expertise and we have deeply valued his kind and gracious support during his tenure.
In conclusion, this has been a momentous year for our Company. We’ve executed on our plans and taken important
actions, including announcing our recently enhanced capital allocation plan, to position our Company for growth
and success in the future.
On behalf of the entire Board, I am honored to be part of the Universal Corporation team, and we are all honored
to work for you, our shareholders.
George C. Freeman, III
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
$ 4.14
$ 0.88
**
$ 3.92
2.18
2.20
48.50
2.14
2.16
70.75
2.10
2.12
56.81
$ 1,321,323
$ 1,293,403
$ 1,392,276
1,342,429
1,286,489
1,414,222
Net Income per Diluted Share *
Dividends Declared
Operating Income
in dollars
in dollars
in millions of dollars
8
1
.
2
4
1
.
2
0
1
.
2
6
0
.
2
2
0
.
2
2
.
6
4
2
5
.
1
7
1
4
.
8
7
1
6
.
1
8
1
9
.
7
6
1
5
2
.
5
4
1
.
4
2
9
.
3
6
0
.
4
*
*
8
8
.
0
* Attributable to Universal Corporation common shareholders after deducting amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated
subsidiaries.
** Includes a one-time reduction of earnings available to common shareholders of $74 million, or $2.99 per diluted share, from the conversion for
cash of the remaining shares of the Company’s Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock.
OPERATIONSSales and other operating revenues Operating incomeSegment operating income Net income Net income attributable to Universal CorporationPER COMMON SHARENet income attributable to Universal Corporation common shareholders—dilutedDividends declaredIndicated 12-month dividend rateMarket price at year endAT YEAR ENDWorking capitalTotal Universal Corporation shareholders’ equityin thousands, except per share data$ 2,120,373 181,647 186,068118,148 109,016 $ 2,071,218 178,351 188,484112,506106,304Fiscal Year EndedMarch 31, 2016Fiscal Year EndedMarch 31, 2017$ 2,033,947 171,487 180,612116,168105,662Fiscal Year EndedMarch 31, 2018 s
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Universal Corporation
George C. Freeman, III 1 * 3
Chairman, President, and
Chief Executive Officer
Universal Corporation
Diana F. Cantor 2 3 * 5
Partner
Alternative Investment
Management, LLC
John B. Adams, Jr. 1 2 3 4
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Bowman Companies
Lennart R. Freeman 1 4 5
Retired Executive
Vice President
Swedish Match AB
Thomas H. Johnson 1 5 *
Chief Executive Officer
The Taffrail Group, LLC
Michael T. Lawton 2 4
Retired Executive
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Domino’s Pizza, Inc.
Eddie N. Moore, Jr. 1 2 3 4 *
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Norfolk State University
Robert C. Sledd 2 * 3 4
Managing Partner
Pinnacle Ventures, LLC
OFFICERS
Universal Corporation
George C. Freeman, III
Chairman, President, and
Chief Executive Officer
Catherine H. Claiborne
Vice President and
Assistant Secretary
Robert M. Peebles
Vice President and
Controller
John F. Shomaker, III
Corporate Director,
Taxes
Airton L. Hentschke
Senior Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer
Candace C. Formacek
Vice President and
Treasurer
Harvard B. Smith
Vice President and Chief
Compliance Officer
Jennifer S. Rowe
Assistant Vice President,
Capital Markets
David C. Moore
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Joseph W. Hearington, Jr.
Vice President,
Internal Auditing
Preston D. Wigner
Vice President, General
Counsel, and Secretary
Johan C. Kroner
Senior Vice President
H. Michael Ligon
Vice President,
Corporate Affairs
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CHAIRMEN EMERITUS
Henry H. Harrell
Allen B. King
1 Executive Committee
2 Pension Investment Committee
3 Finance Committee
4 Audit Committee
5
Executive Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate
Governance Committee
* Committee Chairman
DIRECTORS
Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Inc.
George C. Freeman, III
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Catherine H. Claiborne
Senior Vice President and
Secretary
Paul G. Beevor
Managing Director,
Asia Region
Clayton G. Frazier
Managing Director,
North America Region
Airton L. Hentschke
Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer
James A. Huffman
Senior Vice President,
Information and Planning
Friedrich G. Bossert
Managing Director,
Dark Air-Cured Region
Gary S. Taylor
Managing Director,
Africa Region
David C. Moore
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Johan C. Kroner
Senior Vice President
Theodore G. Broome
Executive Vice President and
Sales Director
Preston D. Wigner
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel, and
Assistant Secretary
Cesar A. Bünecker
Managing Director,
South America Region
Domenico Cardinali
Managing Director,
Europe Region
Jonathan R. Wertheimer
President,
Socotab, L.L.C.
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PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return*
$200
$180
$160
$140
$120
$100
$80
$60
$40
$20
$0
3/13
3/14
3/15
3/16
3/17
3/18
Universal Corporation
S&P Smallcap 600
Peer Group
*$100 invested on 3/31/13 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending March 31.
Copyright© 2018 Standard & Poor’s, a division of S&P Global. All rights reserved.
The performance graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on Universal Corporation common stock
for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total return for the same period of the Standard & Poor’s Smallcap
600 Stock Index and the peer group index. The peer group represents Alliance One International, Inc. The graph
assumes that $100 was invested in Universal Corporation common stock at the end of the Company’s 2012 fiscal
year, and in each of the comparative indices, in each case with dividends reinvested.
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN ON UNIVERSAL CORPORATION COMMON STOCK
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
At March 31
Universal Corporation
$ 100.00
$
103.49
$
91.25
$
114.41
$
147.78
$
105.06
S&P Smallcap 600
Peer Group
100.00
100.00
127.81
75.06
138.96
28.28
134.51
45.14
167.58
33.03
188.82
66.97
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2018
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ______________TO_______________
Commission File Number: 001-00652
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
9201 Forest Hill Avenue,
Richmond, Virginia
(Address of principal executive offices)
54-0414210
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
23235
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 804-359-9311
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Stock, no par value
Name of each exchange on
which registered
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15 (d) of the Act.
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File
required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company,
or a emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth
company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any
new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
No
The aggregate market value of the registrant's voting common equity held by non-affiliates, based upon the closing sales price on the New York Stock
Exchange of the registrant's common stock on September 30, 2017, the last day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was
approximately $1.4 billion. The registrant does not have non-voting common equity.
As of May 21, 2018, the total number of shares of common stock outstanding was 24,899,948.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain information contained in the 2018 Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the registrant is incorporated
by reference into Part III hereof.
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item No.
Page
PART I
1.
1A.
1B.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Business ....................................................................................................................................................
Risk Factors...............................................................................................................................................
Unresolved Staff Comments .....................................................................................................................
Properties ..................................................................................................................................................
Legal Proceedings .....................................................................................................................................
Mine Safety Disclosures ...........................................................................................................................
PART II
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters
and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.................................................................................................
Selected Financial Data.............................................................................................................................
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations....................
7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ..................................................................
8.
9.
9A.
9B.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.........................................................................................
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure...................
Controls and Procedures ...........................................................................................................................
Other Information .....................................................................................................................................
PART III
Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance.......................................................................
Executive Compensation...........................................................................................................................
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence..........................................
Principal Accounting Fees and Services ...................................................................................................
PART IV
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules ..................................................................................................
Form 10-K Summary ................................................................................................................................
Signatures..................................................................................................................................................
3
9
13
14
15
15
16
17
19
34
36
87
87
87
88
89
89
89
89
90
90
92
2
General
This Annual Report on Form 10-K, which we refer to herein as our Annual Report, contains “forward-looking statements”
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the “Exchange Act”). Among other things, these statements relate to Universal Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations
and future business plans, operations, opportunities, and prospects. In addition, Universal Corporation and its representatives may
make written or oral forward-looking statements from time to time, including statements contained in other filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and in reports to shareholders. 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: anticipated levels of demand for
and supply of our products and services; costs incurred in providing these products and services; timing of shipments to customers;
changes in market structure; government regulation; product taxation; industry consolidation and evolution; changes in exchange
rates and interest rates; impacts of regulation and litigation on our customers; and general economic, political, market, and weather
conditions. For a description of factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, see
Item 1A, “Risk Factors.” We caution investors not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements as these statements
speak only as of the date when made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this report.
In addition, the discussion of the impact of current trends on our business in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations – Other Information Regarding Trends and Management’s Actions” in Item 7 should be read
carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report.
This Annual Report uses the terms “Universal,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” to refer to Universal Corporation
and its subsidiaries when it is not necessary to distinguish among Universal Corporation and its various operating subsidiaries or
when any distinction is clear from the context in which it is used.
See the “Results of Operations” section in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations” in Item 7 for a discussion of segment operating income, a non-GAAP financial measure that we refer to in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K and consider useful in understanding our business results and trends.
PART I
Item 1. Business
A.
The Company
Overview
We are the leading global leaf tobacco supplier. We operate in over 30 countries on five continents and procure, finance,
process, pack, store and ship leaf tobacco and other agri-products. Tobacco has been our principal focus since our founding in 1918.
The largest portion of our business involves procuring and processing flue-cured and burley leaf tobacco for manufacturers of
consumer tobacco products. We do not manufacture any consumer products. Rather, we support consumer product manufacturers
by selling them processed raw products and performing related services for them. Our reportable segments for our flue-cured and
burley tobacco operations are North America and Other Regions. We also have a third reportable segment, Other Tobacco Operations,
which comprises our dark tobacco business, our oriental tobacco joint venture, and certain tobacco- and non-tobacco-related services.
We generated approximately $2.0 billion in consolidated revenues and earned $171.5 million in total operating income and
$180.6 million in total segment operating income in fiscal year 2018. Universal Corporation is a holding company that operates
through numerous directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries. Universal Corporation’s primary subsidiary is Universal Leaf Tobacco
Company, Incorporated. See Exhibit 21, “Subsidiaries of the Registrant,” for additional subsidiary information.
3
Key Operating Principles
We believe that by following several key operating principles we can continue to produce good financial returns from our
business and enhance shareholder value. These key operating principles are:
•
•
Strategic market position. We work closely with both our customers and suppliers to ensure that we deliver a product
that meets our customers' needs while cultivating a strong, sustainable supplier base. We balance purchases of leaf
tobacco against indicated customer demand and maintain global procurement and production operations to maximize
supply chain efficiencies.
Strong local management. Having strong local management in all of our key supply origins allows us to identify and
react to constantly shifting market conditions. Empowered and experienced local management, coupled with global
coordination, affords us the flexibility and knowledge necessary to adapt quickly in order to continually deliver high
quality, competitively-priced products and services.
• Compliant products. Customers expect a sustainable supply of compliant, traceable, competitively-priced product,
and we believe that we lead in delivering these products. Among other initiatives, we invest in training farmers in good
agricultural practices that encompass crop quality, environmental stewardship and agricultural labor standards.
• Diversified sources. We operate in over 30 countries on five continents and maintain a presence in all major flue-
cured, burley, oriental, and dark air-cured tobacco origin markets. This global presence allows us to meet our customers'
diverse leaf requirements while minimizing the effects of adverse crop conditions and other localized supply disruptions.
• Financial strength. Financial strength is critical and enables us to fund our global operations efficiently and to facilitate
investment when suitable opportunities arise. Management of liquidity, interest expense and capital costs provides us
with a competitive advantage and affords us flexibility when responding to customer requirements and market changes.
Additional Information
Our website address is www.universalcorp.com. We post regulatory filings on this website as soon as reasonably practicable
after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. These filings include annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports
on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, Section 16 reports on Forms 3, 4, and 5, and any amendments to
those reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. Access to these filings on our website is available free of charge. Copies are also
available, without charge, from Universal Corporation Investor Relations, 9201 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond, VA 23235. Reports
filed with the SEC may be viewed at www.sec.gov or obtained at the SEC Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington,
D.C. 20549. Information regarding the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-
SEC-0330. We also post our press releases on our website. Information on our website is not deemed to be incorporated by reference
into this Annual Report.
In addition, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Conduct, and charters for the Audit Committee, the Executive
Committee, the Executive Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Pension Investment Committee,
and the Finance Committee are available free of charge to shareholders and the public through the “Corporate Governance” section
of our website. Printed copies of the foregoing are available to any shareholder upon written request to our Treasurer at the address
set forth on the cover of this Annual Report or may be requested through our website, www.universalcorp.com.
4
B.
Description of Business
General
Our primary business is procuring, financing, processing, packing, storing, and shipping leaf tobacco for sale to
manufacturers of consumer tobacco products. Procuring leaf tobacco involves contracting with, providing agronomy support to,
and financing farmers in many origins. We do not manufacture cigarettes or other consumer tobacco products. Rather, we support
consumer product manufacturers by selling them processed leaf tobacco and performing related services for them. Through various
operating subsidiaries and unconsolidated affiliates located in tobacco-growing origins around the world, we contract, purchase,
process, and sell flue-cured and burley tobaccos, as well as dark air-cured 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, smokeless, and pipe tobacco products. We also provide value-added services to our customers, including blending, chemical
and physical testing of tobacco, service cutting for select manufacturers, manufacturing reconstituted leaf tobacco, and managing
just-in-time inventory.
Several important operating factors characterize our company and our primary business, leaf tobacco:
• Experience dealing with large numbers of farmers,
• Expertise in delivering a sustainable supply of compliant, traceable, competitively-priced leaf tobacco,
• Capability to meet unique customer requirements for style, volume and quality,
• Longstanding customer relationships,
•
•
Presence in all major leaf tobacco sourcing areas, and
Financial strength and flexibility.
In addition to our core leaf tobacco business, we are involved in other smaller-scale tobacco and agribusiness opportunities.
We participate in a joint venture, AmeriNic, Inc., which produces liquid nicotine for electronic nicotine delivery systems. AmeriNic’s
products are manufactured in a FDA-compliant facility in North Carolina under stringent United States Pharmacopeia ("USP")
standards. Our wholly owned subsidiary, Global Laboratory Services, Inc., provides testing for crop protection agents and tobacco
constituents in seed, leaf, and finished products, including e-cigarette liquids and vapors. Analytical services include chemical
compound testing in finished tobacco products and mainstream smoke. We also have businesses that produce high-quality dehydrated
and juiced fruit and vegetable products and recycle waste materials from tobacco production. Additionally, we are involved in
research and development growth trials with trusted partners for non-tobacco agriproducts production such as vanilla and stevia in
Brazil. We have also expanded our offerings to meet demand for shisha (water pipe) style leaf tobacco for customers in the Middle
East and North Africa (MENA) region and natural wrappers in the United States and Europe. When looking at new disciplined
investments, both growth opportunities in tobacco and in adjacent industries and markets, we continue to seek prospects that we
believe will capitalize on the strengths of our core competencies and deliver value to our shareholders.
With respect to our core leaf tobacco business, we generate our revenues from product sales of processed, packed tobacco
that we source, from processing fees for tobacco owned by third parties, and from fees for other services. Sales to our six largest
customers, with whom we have longstanding relationships, have accounted for more than two-thirds of our consolidated revenues
for each of the past three fiscal years. Our sales consist primarily of flue-cured and burley tobaccos. For the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2018, our flue-cured and burley operations accounted for 88% of our revenues and 94% of our segment operating income.
We conduct our business in varying degrees in a number of countries, including Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, the Dominican
Republic, France, Germany, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malawi, Mexico, Mozambique, the Netherlands, Nicaragua,
Paraguay, the People’s Republic of China, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania,
the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Zimbabwe. In addition, our oriental tobacco joint venture, Socotab, L.L.C. has
operations in Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, and Turkey.
Because unprocessed, or “green,” leaf tobacco is a perishable product, timely processing is an essential service to our
customers. Our processing of leaf tobacco includes grading in the factories, blending, removal of non-tobacco material, separation
of leaf from the stems, drying, packing to precise moisture targets for proper aging, as well as temporary storage. Accomplishing
these tasks generally requires investments in factories and machinery in areas where the tobacco is grown. Processed tobacco that
has been properly packed can be stored by customers for a number of years prior to use, but most processed tobacco is used within
two to three years.
We are a major purchaser and processor in the chief exporting regions for flue-cured and burley tobacco throughout the
world. Africa, Brazil, and the United States produce approximately two-thirds of the flue-cured and burley tobacco grown outside
of China. We estimate that we have historically handled, through leaf sales or processing, between 30% and 40% of the annual
production of such tobaccos in both Africa and the United States and between 15% and 25% in Brazil. These percentages can change
from year to year based on the size, price, and quality of the crops. We participate in the procurement, processing, storage, and sale
of oriental tobacco through ownership of a 49% equity interest in Socotab, L.L.C., a leading supplier of oriental tobaccos. In addition,
we maintain a presence, and in certain cases, a leading presence, in all other major tobacco growing regions in the world. We believe
that our leading position in the leaf tobacco industry is based on our volumes handled, our operating presence in all of the major
5
sourcing areas, our ability to meet customer style, volume, and quality requirements, our expertise in dealing with large numbers of
farmers, our long-standing relationships with customers, our development of processing equipment and technologies, and our financial
position. The efficiencies that we offer our customers, due to our established network of operational expertise and infrastructure on
the ground and our ability to market most styles and grades of leaf to a diverse customer base, are also key to our success.
We also have a leading position in worldwide dark tobacco markets. Our dark tobacco operations are located in most of
the major producing countries and in other smaller markets. We operate in major dark tobacco producing countries, including the
United States, the Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Paraguay, the Philippines, Nicaragua, and Brazil. Dark tobaccos are typically
used in the manufacture of cigars, pipe tobacco, and smokeless tobacco products, and as components of certain “roll-your-own”
cigarette products.
Sales are made by our sales force and, to a much smaller degree, through the use of commissioned agents. Most customers
are long-established tobacco product manufacturers. Customer contract arrangements vary around the world and include negotiated
pricing as well as cost plus arrangements. Discussions of a customer’s longer-term needs may begin as early as one to two years in
advance of a particular crop purchase. These discussions are key to our future crop production planning. Prior to planting each year,
we use early customer indications for type, style, processing, and volume requirements for the upcoming season’s crop to help us
determine our farmer contracting and grower input needs in our origins. We work with our farmers and customers continually
throughout the crop season. As crops progress through the growing season, customers will inspect the crop, and a customer’s early
indications may be refined based upon emerging crop qualities and quantities and market pricing expectations. Ultimately, purchase
agreements specifying quantity, quality, grade and price are executed, leading to inventory allocations of harvested green or processed
leaf that we have acquired.
In the majority of the countries where we operate, we contract directly with tobacco farmers or tobacco farmer cooperatives.
In most countries outside the United States, we advance seed or seedlings, fertilizer, and other agricultural inputs to farmers. These
advances are repaid by farmers with the tobacco they produce. We are dedicated to promoting a sustainable farmer base and provide
our farmers with agronomy support. Our Good Agricultural Practices programs educate farmers in such matters as the reduction of
non-tobacco related materials, product traceability, environmental sustainability, agricultural labor standards, and social
responsibility. In Malawi and Zimbabwe, we also purchase some tobacco under auction systems.
Our foreign operations are subject to international business risks, including unsettled political conditions, expropriation,
import and export restrictions, exchange controls, and currency fluctuations. During the tobacco season in many of the countries
listed above, we advance funds, guarantee local loans, or do both, each in substantial amounts, for the eventual purchase of tobacco.
The majority of these seasonal advances and loan guarantees mature in one year or less upon the farmers’ delivery of contracted
tobaccos. Most advances to farmers are denominated in local currency, which is a source of foreign currency exchange rate risk.
Most tobacco sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, which reduces our foreign currency exchange risk after the tobacco has been
purchased. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors” for more information about our foreign currency exchange and other risks.
For a discussion of recent developments and trends in our business, along with factors that may affect our business, see
Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”
Seasonality
Our operations are seasonal in nature. Tobacco in Brazil is usually purchased from January through July, while buying in
Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and other African countries typically begins around March and continues through November.
Farmers begin to sell U.S. flue-cured tobacco in late July, and the marketing season lasts for approximately four months.
We normally operate each of our processing plants for seven to nine months of the year. During this period for each region,
inventories of green tobacco, inventories of processed tobacco, and trade accounts receivable normally reach peak levels in succession.
We normally finance this expansion of current assets with cash, short-term borrowings from banks, and customer advances, and
these funding sources normally reach their peak usage in each region during its respective purchasing or processing period. Our
balance sheet at our fiscal year end reflects seasonal expansions in working capital in South America and Central America. Our
financial performance is also impacted by the seasonality of our business. Due to global tobacco growing cycles, as well as customer
shipment preferences, we typically ship a larger portion of our volumes in the second half of our fiscal year. Changes in customer
shipment schedules or changes in crop timing in a season can shift recognition of revenue in a given fiscal year or between fiscal
years.
Customers
A material part of our business is dependent upon a few customers. Our six largest customers are Altria Group Inc., British
American Tobacco plc, China Tobacco International, Inc., Imperial Brands plc, Japan Tobacco, Inc., and Philip Morris International,
Inc. In the aggregate, these customers have accounted for more than two-thirds of our consolidated revenues for each of the past
three fiscal years. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, each of British American Tobacco plc, Imperial Brands plc, and Philip
Morris International, Inc., including their respective affiliates, accounted for 10% or more of our revenues. The loss of, or substantial
6
reduction in business from, any of these customers could have a material adverse effect on our results. We have longstanding
relationships with all of these customers.
We had commitments from customers for approximately $572 million of the tobacco in our inventories at March 31, 2018.
Based upon historical experience, we expect that at least 90% of such orders will be delivered during fiscal year 2019. Most of our
products require shipment via trucks and oceangoing vessels to reach customer destinations. Delays in the delivery of orders can
result from such factors as truck and container availability, port access and capacity, vessel scheduling, and changing customer
requirements for shipment.
As more fully described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report, we recognize
revenue from the sale of tobacco when title and risk of loss is transferred to our customer. Individual shipments may be large, and
since the customer typically specifies shipping dates, our financial results may vary significantly between reporting periods due to
timing of sales. In some markets, including Brazil, Italy, Poland, Tanzania, and the United States, we process tobacco that is owned
by our customers, and we recognize the revenue for that service when the processing is completed.
Competition
Competition among leaf tobacco suppliers is based on the ability to meet customer specifications in the growing, buying,
processing, and financing of tobacco, and on the prices charged for products and services. Competition varies depending on the
market or country involved. The number of competitors varies from country to country, but there is competition in most areas to
buy and sell the available tobacco. Our principal competitor is Alliance One International, Inc. (“Alliance One”). Alliance One
operates in many of the countries where we operate. However, we are the only global leaf tobacco supplier in Hungary, Italy, Mexico,
Mozambique, the Philippines, and Poland. We also have reconstituted tobacco sheet facilities and operations that handle dark air-
cured tobacco. We consider ourselves and Alliance One to be the only global leaf suppliers based on our worldwide scope of
operations. Most of our major customers are partially vertically integrated, and thus also compete with us for the purchase of leaf
tobacco in several of the major markets.
In most major markets, smaller competitors are very active. These competitors typically have lower overhead requirements
and provide less support to customers and farmers. Due to their lower cost structures, they can often offer a price on products that
is lower than our price. However, we believe that we provide quality controls and farm programs that add value for our customers
in an increasingly regulated world and make our products highly desirable. Our Good Agricultural Practices support an approach
to farming that is focused on sustainability, employing sound field production and labor management practices that meet our customers’
needs, promote farmer profitability, and reflect environmental sensitivity. We provide comprehensive training, technical support in
the field, and crop analytics through ongoing research and development. We believe that our major customers increasingly require
these services and that our programs increase the quality and value of the products and services we offer. We also believe that our
customers value the security of supply that we are able to provide due to our strong relationships with our farmer base and our global
footprint.
Reportable Segments
We evaluate the performance of our leaf tobacco business by geographic region, although the dark air-cured and oriental
tobacco businesses are each evaluated on the basis of their worldwide operations. Performance of the oriental tobacco operations
is evaluated based on our equity in the pretax earnings of our affiliate. Under this structure, we have the following primary operating
segments: North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Dark Air-Cured, Oriental, and Special Services. North America,
South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia are primarily involved in flue-cured and burley leaf tobacco operations for supply to cigarette
manufacturers. Our Dark Air-Cured group supplies dark air-cured tobacco principally to manufacturers of cigars, pipe tobacco, and
smokeless tobacco products, and our Oriental business supplies oriental tobacco to cigarette manufacturers. Our Special Services
group provides laboratory services, including physical and chemical product testing, electronic nicotine delivery system and e-liquid
testing, and smoke testing for customers. Our liquid nicotine joint venture and our fruit and vegetable ingredients business are also
included in the Special Services group.
The five regional operating segments serving our cigarette manufacturer customers share similar characteristics in the nature
of their products and services, production processes, class of customer, product distribution methods, and regulatory environment.
Based on the applicable accounting guidance, four of the regions – South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia – are aggregated into
a single reporting segment, Other Regions, because they also have similar economic characteristics. North America is reported as
an individual operating segment, because its economic characteristics differ from the other regions, generally because its operations
require lower working capital investments for crop financing and inventory. The Dark Air-Cured, Oriental, and Special Services
segments, which have differing characteristics in some of the categories mentioned above, are reported together as Other Tobacco
Operations, because each is below the measurement threshold for separate reporting.
7
Financial Information about Segments
Our North America and Other Regions reportable segments, which represent our flue-cured and burley tobacco operations,
accounted for 15% and 73% of our revenues and 13% and 82% of our segment operating income, respectively, in fiscal year 2018.
Our Other Tobacco Operations reportable segment accounted for 12% of our revenues and 6% of our segment operating income in
fiscal year 2018. Sales and other operating revenues and operating income attributable to our reportable segments for each of the
last three fiscal years, along with segment assets for each reportable segment at March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, are set forth in
Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, which are included in Item 8 of this Annual Report. Information with respect to
the geographic distribution of our revenues and long-lived assets is also set forth in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.
C.
Employees
We employed over 24,000 employees throughout the world during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018. We estimated
this figure because the majority of our personnel are seasonal employees.
D.
Research and Development
We did not expend material amounts for research and development during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, or
2016.
E.
Patents, etc.
We hold no material patents, licenses, franchises, or concessions.
F.
Government Regulation, Environmental Matters, and Other Matters
Our business is subject to general governmental regulation in the United States and in foreign jurisdictions where we conduct
business. Such regulation includes, but is not limited to, matters relating to environmental protection. To date, governmental provisions
regulating the discharge of material into the environment have not had a material effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings, or
competitive position. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors” for a discussion of government regulations and other factors that may affect our
business.
8
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Operating Factors
In areas where we purchase leaf tobacco directly from farmers, we bear the risk that the tobacco we receive will not meet quality
and quantity requirements.
When we contract directly with tobacco farmers or tobacco farmer cooperatives, which is the method we use to purchase
tobacco in most countries, we bear the risk that the tobacco delivered may not meet customer quality and quantity requirements. If
the tobacco does not meet such market requirements, we may not be able to fill all of our customers’ orders, and such failure would
have an adverse effect on profitability and results of operations. In a contract market our obligation is to purchase the entire tobacco
plant, which encompasses many leaf styles, therefore, we also have a risk that not all of that production will be readily marketable
at prices that support acceptable margins. In addition, in many foreign countries where we purchase tobacco directly from farmers,
we provide them with financing. Unless we receive marketable tobacco that meets the quality and quantity specifications of our
customers, we bear the risk that we will not be able to fully recover our crop advances or recover them in a reasonable period of
time.
The leaf tobacco industry is competitive, and we are heavily reliant on a few large customers.
We are one of two major independent global competitors in the leaf tobacco industry, both of whom are reliant upon a few
large customers. The loss of one of those large customers or a significant decrease in their demand for our products or services could
significantly decrease our sales of products or services, which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. The
competition among leaf tobacco suppliers and dealers is based on the ability to meet customer requirements in the buying, processing,
and financing of tobacco, and on the price charged for products and services. We believe that we consistently meet our customers’
requirements and charge competitive prices. Since we rely upon a few significant customers, the consolidation or failure of any of
these large customers, or a significant increase in their vertical integration, could contribute to a significant decrease in our sales of
products and services.
We compete for both the purchase and sale of leaf with smaller leaf tobacco suppliers in some of the markets where we
conduct business. Some of these smaller leaf tobacco suppliers operate in more than one country. Since they typically provide little
or no support to farmers, these leaf tobacco suppliers typically have lower overhead requirements than we do. Due to their lower
cost structures, they often can offer prices on products and services that are lower than our prices. Our customers also directly source
leaf tobacco from farmers to meet some of their raw material needs. Direct sourcing provides our customers with some qualities
and quantities of leaf tobacco that they prefer not to use in their existing blends and that may be offered for sale. This competition
for both the sale and purchase of leaf, both with smaller leaf tobacco suppliers and direct sourcing, could reduce the volume of the
leaf we handle and could negatively impact our financial results.
Our financial results can be significantly affected by changes in the balance of supply and demand for leaf tobacco.
As a leaf tobacco supplier, our financial results can be significantly affected by changes in the overall balance of worldwide
supply and demand for leaf tobacco. The demand for leaf tobacco, which is based upon customers’ expectations of their future
requirements, can change from time to time depending upon factors affecting the demand for their products. Our customers’
expectations and their demand for leaf tobacco are influenced by a number of factors, including:
•
•
•
•
•
trends in the global consumption of cigarettes,
trends in consumption of cigars and other tobacco products,
trends in consumption of alternative tobacco products, such as electronic nicotine delivery systems and non-combustible
products,
levels of competition among our customers, and
regulatory and governmental factors.
The world supply of leaf tobacco at any given time is a function of current tobacco production, inventories held by
manufacturers, and the stocks of leaf tobacco held by leaf tobacco suppliers. Production of tobacco in a given year may be significantly
affected by such factors as:
•
•
•
•
demographic shifts that change the number of farmers or the amount of land available to grow tobacco,
decisions by farmers to grow crops other than leaf tobacco,
volume of annual tobacco plantings and yields realized by farmers,
availability of crop inputs,
• weather and natural disasters, including any adverse weather conditions that may result from climate change, and
•
crop infestation and disease.
Any significant change in these factors could cause a material imbalance in the supply of and demand for tobacco, which
would affect our results of operations.
9
Our financial results will vary according to tobacco growing conditions, customer requirements, and other factors. These factors
may also limit the ability to accurately forecast our future performance and increase the risk of an investment in our common stock
or other securities.
Our financial results, particularly our year-over-year quarterly comparisons, may be significantly affected by variations in
tobacco growing seasons and fluctuations in crop sizes. The timing of the cultivation and delivery of tobacco is dependent upon a
number of factors, including weather and other natural events, and our processing schedules and results of operations can be
significantly altered by these factors. In addition, the potential impact of climate change is uncertain and may vary by geographic
region. The possible effects, as described in various public accounts, could include changes in rainfall patterns, water shortages,
changing storm patterns and intensities, and changing temperature levels that could adversely impact our costs and business operations
and the supply and demand for leaf tobacco. Our operations also rely on dependable and efficient transportation services. A disruption
in transportation services, as a result of climate change or otherwise, may also significantly impact our results of operations.
Further, the timing and unpredictability of customer orders and shipments may require us to keep tobacco in inventory and
may also result in variations in quarterly and annual financial results. We base sales recognition on the passage of ownership. Since
individual shipments may represent significant amounts of revenue, our quarterly and annual financial results may vary significantly
depending on the timing of needs and shipping instructions of our customers and the availability of transportation services. These
fluctuations result in varying volumes and sales in given periods, which also reduce the comparability of financial results.
Major shifts in customer requirements for tobacco supply may significantly affect our operating results.
If our customers significantly alter their requirements for tobacco volumes from certain regions, we may have to change
our production facilities and alter our fixed asset base in certain origins. Permanent or long-term reduction in demand for tobacco
from origins where we have operations may trigger restructuring and impairment charges. We may also need to make significant
capital investments in other regions to develop the needed infrastructure to meet customer supply requirements.
Weather and other conditions can affect the marketability of our products.
Tobacco crops are subject to vagaries of weather and the environment that can, in some cases, change the quality or size of
the crops. If a weather event is particularly severe, such as a major drought or hurricane, the affected crop could be destroyed or
damaged to an extent that it would be less desirable to manufacturers, which would result in a reduction in revenues. If such an
event is also widespread, it could affect our ability to acquire the quantity of tobacco required by our customers. In addition, other
factors can affect the marketability of tobacco, including, among other things, the presence of excess residues of crop protection
agents or non-tobacco related materials. A significant event impacting the condition or quality of a large amount of any of the crops
that we buy could make it difficult for us to sell these products or to fill customers’ orders.
Our food ingredient business is subject to industry-specific risks which could adversely affect our operating results.
Our food ingredients business is subject to risks posed by food spoilage or food contamination; shifting consumer preferences;
federal, state, and local food processing regulations; product tampering; and product liability claims. If one or more of these risks
were to materialize, our revenues and operating results could be adversely affected, and our Company’s reputation might be damaged.
We may be adversely impacted if our information technology systems fail to perform adequately, including with respect to cybersecurity
issues.
The efficient operation of our business depends on our information technology systems. We rely on our information
technology systems to effectively manage our business data, communications, supply chain, order entry and fulfillment, and other
business processes. The failure of our information technology systems (including those provided to us by third parties) to perform
as we anticipate could disrupt our business and affect our results of operations.
In addition, our information technology systems may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from circumstances beyond
our control, including fire, natural disasters, systems failures, security breaches or intrusions (including theft of confidential data),
and viruses. If we are unable to prevent physical and electronic break-ins, cyber-attacks and other information security breaches, we
may suffer financial and reputational damage, be subject to litigation, or incur remediation costs or penalties because of the
unauthorized disclosure of confidential information belonging to us or to our partners, customers, suppliers or employees.
10
Regulatory and Governmental Factors
Government efforts to regulate the production and consumption of tobacco products could have a significant impact on the businesses
of our customers, which would, in turn, affect our results of operations.
About 5% of cigarettes manufactured worldwide are consumed in the United States. Nationally, the U.S. federal government
and certain state and local governments have taken or proposed actions that may have the effect of reducing U.S. consumption of
tobacco products and indirectly reducing demand for our products and services. These activities have included:
•
•
•
•
restrictions on the use of tobacco products in public places and places of employment,
legislation authorizing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) to regulate the manufacturing and marketing
of all tobacco products,
increases in the federal, state, and local excise taxes on cigarettes and other "deemed" tobacco products, and
the policy of the U.S. government to link certain federal grants to the enforcement of state laws restricting the sale of
tobacco products.
Numerous other legislative and regulatory anti-smoking measures have been proposed at the federal, state, and local levels.
Globally, a number of foreign governments and non-government organizations also have taken or proposed steps to restrict
or prohibit tobacco product advertising and promotion, to increase taxes on tobacco products, to indirectly limit the use of certain
types of tobacco, and to discourage tobacco product consumption. A number of such measures, including plain packaging, are
included in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (“FCTC”), which was negotiated and promoted globally under the
auspices of the World Health Organization (“WHO”). We cannot predict the extent or speed at which the efforts of governments or
non-governmental agencies to reduce tobacco consumption might affect the business of our primary customers. However, a significant
decrease in worldwide tobacco consumption brought about by existing or future governmental laws and regulations would reduce
demand for tobacco products and services and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Government actions can have a significant effect on the sourcing of tobacco. If some of the current efforts are successful, we could
have difficulty obtaining sufficient tobacco to meet our customers’ requirements, which could have an adverse effect on our
performance and results of operations.
The WHO, through the FCTC, created a formal study group in 2007 to identify and assess crop diversification initiatives
and alternatives to growing leaf tobacco in countries whose economies depend upon tobacco production. If certain countries were
to partner with the FCTC study group and seek to eliminate or significantly reduce leaf tobacco production, we could encounter
difficulty in sourcing leaf tobacco to fill customer requirements, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
Certain recommendations by the WHO, through the FCTC, may cause shifts in customer usage of certain styles of tobacco.
As seen in countries like Canada and Brazil and in the European Union, efforts have been taken to eliminate ingredients from the
manufacturing process for tobacco products. Recently, the FCTC and the FDA have discussed formulating a nicotine strategy
(limitations on the level of nicotine allowed in tobacco and tobacco smoke). Such decisions could cause a change in requirements
for certain styles of tobacco in particular countries. Shifts in customer demand from one type of tobacco to another could create
sourcing challenges as requirements move from one origin to another.
Trade proposals have included provisions that could effectively allow governments to regulate tobacco products differently
than other products. These “carve outs” could negatively impact the industry and reduce requirements for leaf tobacco.
In addition, continued government and public emphasis on environmental issues, including climate change, conservation,
and natural resource management, could result in new or more stringent forms of regulatory oversight of industry activities, which
may lead to increased levels of expenditures for environmental controls, land use restrictions affecting us or our suppliers, and other
conditions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. For example,
certain aspects of our business generate carbon emissions. Regulatory restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions have been proposed.
These may include limitations on such emissions, taxes or emission allowance fees on such emissions, various restrictions on industrial
operations, and other measures that could affect land-use decisions, the cost of agricultural production, and the cost and means of
processing and transporting our products. These actions could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of
operations.
11
Because we conduct a significant portion of our operations internationally, political and economic uncertainties in certain countries
could have an adverse effect on our performance and results of operations.
Our international operations are subject to uncertainties and risks relating to the political stability of certain foreign
governments, principally in developing countries and emerging markets, and also to the effects of changes in the trade policies and
economic regulations of foreign governments. These uncertainties and risks, which include undeveloped or antiquated commercial
law, the expropriation, indigenization, or nationalization of assets, and the authority to revoke or refuse to renew business licenses
and work permits, may adversely impact our ability to effectively manage our operations in those countries. We have substantial
capital investments in South America and Africa, and the performance of our operations in those regions can materially affect our
earnings. If the political situation in any of the countries where we conduct business were to deteriorate significantly, our ability to
recover assets located there could be impaired. To the extent that we do not replace any lost volumes of tobacco with tobacco from
other sources, or we incur increased costs related to such replacement, our financial condition or results of operations, or both, would
suffer.
In addition, the Trump administration has called for substantial changes to U.S. foreign trade policy, including the possibility
of imposing greater restrictions on international trade and significant tariffs on goods imported into the United States. An escalation
of protectionist trade measures by the United States or other countries, such as taxes, tariffs, increased customs duties or other
measures, could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Due to broad
uncertainty regarding the timing, content and extent of any regulatory changes in the United States or abroad, we cannot predict the
impact, if any, that these changes could have to our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in tax laws in the countries where we do business may adversely affect our results of operations.
Through our subsidiaries, we are subject to the tax laws of many jurisdictions. Changes in tax laws or the interpretation of
tax laws can affect our earnings, as can the resolution of various pending and contested tax issues. In most jurisdictions, we regularly
have audits and examinations by the designated tax authorities, and additional tax assessments are common. We believe that we
comply with applicable tax laws in the jurisdictions where we operate, and we vigorously contest all significant tax assessments
where we believe we are in compliance with the tax laws.
In December 2017, the United States Congress enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), which changed the central
premise for corporate taxation from a system of taxing worldwide income to a modified territorial system. The Tax Act further
lowered the statutory tax rate on domestic earnings from 35% to 21%, but also includes new limitations on the deductibility of certain
expenses. The Tax Act requires complex computations to be performed that were not previously required under U.S. tax law,
significant judgments to be made in interpretation of the provisions of the Tax Act and significant estimates in calculations, and the
preparation and analysis of information not previously relevant or regularly produced. The U.S. Treasury Department, the Internal
Revenue Service, and other standard-setting bodies could interpret or issue guidance on how provisions of the Tax Act will be applied
or otherwise administered that is different from our interpretation. As we complete our analysis of the Tax Act, review all information,
collect and prepare necessary data, and interpret any additional guidance, we may make adjustments to provisional amounts that we
have recorded, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Financial Factors
Failure of our customers or suppliers to repay extensions of credit could materially impact our results of operations.
We extend credit to both suppliers and customers. A significant bad debt provision related to amounts due could adversely
affect our results of operations. In addition, crop advances to farmers are generally secured by the farmers’ agreement to deliver
green tobacco. In the event of crop failure, delivery failure, or permanent reductions in crop sizes, full recovery of advances may
never be realized, or otherwise could be delayed until future crops are delivered. See Notes 1 and 13 to the consolidated financial
statements in Item 8 for more information on these extensions of credit.
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may affect our results of operations.
We account for most of our tobacco operations using the U.S. dollar as the functional currency. The international tobacco
trade generally is conducted in U.S. dollars, and we finance most of our tobacco operations in U.S. dollars. Although this generally
limits foreign exchange risk to the economic risk that is related to leaf purchase and production costs, overhead, and income taxes
in the source country, significant currency movements could materially impact our results of operations. Changes in exchange rates
can make a particular crop more or less expensive in U.S. dollar terms. If a particular crop is viewed as expensive in U.S. dollar
terms, it may be less attractive in the world market. This could negatively affect the profitability of that crop and our results of
operations. In tobacco markets that are primarily domestic, such as Hungary, Poland, and the Philippines, the local currency is the
functional currency. In addition, the local currency is the functional currency in other markets, such as Western Europe, where export
sales have been denominated primarily in local currencies. In these markets, reported earnings are affected by the translation of the
local currency into the U.S. dollar. See Item 7A, “Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosure About Market Risk” for additional discussion
related to foreign currency exchange risk.
12
Our purchases of tobacco are generally made in local currency, and we also provide farmer advances that are denominated
in the local currency. We account for currency remeasurement gains or losses on those advances as period costs, and they are usually
accompanied by offsetting increases or decreases in the purchase cost of tobacco, which is priced in the local currency. The effect
of differences in the cost of tobacco is generally not realized in our earnings until the tobacco is sold, which often occurs in a quarter
or fiscal year subsequent to the recognition of the related remeasurement gains or losses. The difference in timing could affect our
profitability in a given quarter or fiscal year.
We have used currency hedging strategies to reduce our foreign currency exchange rate risks in some markets. In addition,
where we source tobacco in countries with illiquid or nonexistent forward foreign exchange markets, we often manage our foreign
exchange risk by matching funding for inventory purchases with the currency of sale and by minimizing our net investment in these
countries. To the extent that we have net monetary assets or liabilities in local currency, and those balances are not hedged, we may
have currency remeasurement gains or losses that will affect our results of operations.
Changes in interest rates may affect our results of operations.
We generally use both fixed and floating interest rate debt to finance our operations. Changes in market interest rates expose
us to changes in cash flows for floating rate instruments and to changes in fair value for fixed-rate instruments. We normally maintain
a proportion of our debt in both variable and fixed interest rates to manage this exposure, and from time to time we may enter hedge
agreements to swap the interest rates. In addition, our customers may pay market rates of interest for inventory purchased on order,
which could mitigate a portion of the floating interest rate exposure on short-term borrowings. To the extent we are unable to match
these interest rates, a decrease in interest rates could increase our net financing costs. We also periodically have large cash balances
and may receive deposits from customers, both of which we use to fund seasonal purchases of tobacco, reducing our financing needs.
Decreases in short-term interest rates could reduce the income we derive from those investments. Changes in interest rates also
affect expense related to our defined benefit pension plan, as described below.
Low investment performance by our defined benefit pension plan assets and changes in pension plan valuation assumptions may
increase our pension expense and may require us to fund a larger portion of our pension obligations, thus diverting funds from other
potential uses.
We sponsor domestic defined benefit pension plans that cover certain eligible employees. Our results of operations may
be positively or negatively affected by the amount of expense we record for these plans. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
(“GAAP”) require that we calculate expense for the plans using actuarial valuations. These valuations reflect assumptions about
financial market and other economic conditions that may change based on changes in key economic indicators. The most significant
year-end assumptions we used to estimate pension expense for fiscal year 2018 were the discount rate, the expected long-term rate
of return on plan assets, and the mortality rates. In addition, we are required to make an annual measurement of plan assets and
liabilities, which may result in a significant change to shareholders’ equity through a reduction or increase to the “Pension and other
postretirement benefit plans” component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. At the end of fiscal year 2018, the projected
benefit obligation of our qualified U.S. pension plan was $223 million and plan assets were $215 million. For a discussion regarding
how our financial statements can be affected by pension plan valuation assumptions, see “Critical Accounting Estimates – Pension
and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans” in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”
in Item 7 and in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8. Although GAAP expense and pension funding contributions
are not directly related, key economic factors that affect GAAP expense can also affect the amount of cash we are required to contribute
to our pension plans under requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”). Failure to achieve expected
returns on plan assets could also result in an increase to the amount of cash we would be required to contribute to our pension plans.
In order to maintain or improve the funded status of our plans, we may also choose to contribute more cash to our plans than required
by ERISA regulations.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None
13
Item 2. Properties
We own the following significant properties (greater than 500,000 square feet):
Location
Flue-Cured and Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations:
North America:
United States
Principal Use
Building Area
(Square Feet)
Nash County, North Carolina .......................................................................... Factory and storages
1,323,000
Other Regions:
Brazil
Santa Cruz ....................................................................................................... Factory and storages
2,386,000
Malawi
Lilongwe.......................................................................................................... Factory and storages
942,000
Mozambique
Tete .................................................................................................................. Factory and storages
770,000
Philippines
Agoo, La Union ............................................................................................... Factory and storages
770,000
Tanzania
Morogoro......................................................................................................... Factory and storages
895,000
Zimbabwe
Harare (1) .......................................................................................................... Factory and storages
1,445,000
Other Tobacco Operations:
United States
Lancaster, Pennsylvania .................................................................................. Factory and storages
793,000
(1)
Owned by an unconsolidated subsidiary.
We lease headquarters office space of about 50,000 square feet at 9201 Forest Hill Avenue in Richmond, Virginia, which
we believe is adequate for our current needs.
Our business involves, among other things, storing and processing green tobacco and storing processed tobacco. We operate
processing facilities in major tobacco growing areas. In addition, we require tobacco storage facilities that are in close proximity to
the processing facilities. We own most of the tobacco storage facilities, but we lease additional space as needs arise. We believe
that the properties currently utilized in our tobacco operations are maintained in good operating condition and are suitable and
adequate for our purposes at our current volumes.
In addition to our significant properties listed above, we own other processing facilities in the following countries: Germany,
Guatemala, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States. In addition, we have an ownership interest in a processing plant in
Mexico and have access to processing facilities in other areas, such as India, the People’s Republic of China, and South Africa.
Socotab L.L.C., an oriental tobacco joint venture in which we own a noncontrolling interest, owns tobacco processing plants in
Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Turkey.
Except for the Lancaster, Pennsylvania facility, the facilities described above are engaged primarily in processing tobaccos
used by manufacturers in the production of cigarettes. The Lancaster facility, as well as facilities in Brazil, the Dominican Republic,
Indonesia, and Paraguay, process tobaccos used in making cigar, pipe, and smokeless products, as well as components of certain
“roll-your-own” products.
14
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Tanzania Fair Competition Commission Proceeding
In June 2012, our Tanzanian subsidiary, Tanzania Leaf Tobacco Company Ltd. (“TLTC”), entered into a two crop-year
supply agreement for unprocessed “green” tobacco with a newly-formed Tanzanian subsidiary of one of our major customers. The
agreement involved green tobacco purchases from four of the approximately 400 grower cooperatives in Tanzania, which allowed
the customer and its Tanzanian subsidiary on a small test basis to evaluate whether it would be a viable alternative for the customer
to establish its own vertically integrated supply operations in that market. Prior to that time, the customer’s subsidiary did not exist,
and it only purchased processed Tanzanian tobacco from tobacco dealers in specified amounts and only for certain grades and stalk
positions. In contrast, the agreement with TLTC required the customer’s subsidiary to purchase green tobacco on a “run of crop”
basis. “Run of crop” requires the purchase of all green tobacco produced on the tobacco plant, regardless of grade or stalk position.
The agreement, therefore, enabled the customer’s subsidiary on a small test basis to evaluate the quality of green tobacco purchased
on a “run of crop” basis and to assess how such tobacco would be suited to the customer's tobacco requirements. The customer
unilaterally elected to establish its own vertically integrated supply operations in Tanzania after the expiration of the agreement, and
its subsidiary began purchasing green tobacco directly from Tanzanian grower cooperatives during the second crop year thereafter.
Despite the pro-competitive object and effect of the agreement between TLTC and the customer’s subsidiary, in October
2016, the Tanzania Fair Competition Commission (“FCC”) notified TLTC and the customer’s subsidiary that it reviewed the agreement
and provisionally concluded that it infringed Tanzania antitrust law by having the object and effect of preventing competition in the
purchase of unprocessed green tobacco in the area in which the four grower cooperatives were located. The FCC also provisionally
concluded that our U.S. subsidiary, Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Inc. (“ULT”), and additional subsidiaries of the customer,
were jointly and severally liable for the actions of TLTC and the customer’s Tanzanian subsidiary, respectively. TLTC and ULT
submitted a written response contesting the FCC’s allegations, and on February 27, 2018, the FCC issued its decision to TLTC and
ULT which confirmed its initial conclusion that the agreement infringed Tanzanian antitrust law. In its decision, the FCC concluded
incorrectly that the parties to the agreement unfairly benefited in the amount of $105 thousand. The FCC arbitrarily assessed a fine
jointly against TLTC and ULT of approximately $197 million and a fine jointly against the customer’s Tanzanian subsidiary and
another subsidiary of the customer exceeding $1 billion.
TLTC and ULT have worked closely with expert legal advisors and economists on this matter. Based on these engagements
and consultations, we firmly believe the FCC’s allegations are frivolous and clearly without merit or support from the facts, law or
economic analysis. We further believe the FCC’s proceedings were rife with irregularities and did not comply with applicable legal
and regulatory procedures with respect to this matter, including failing to establish jurisdiction over ULT or to offer a legal justification
for including ULT in the proceeding. To the contrary, we believe the facts, law and economic analysis clearly support the legality
and pro-competitive nature of the agreement and support a proper conclusion that there was no infringement of Tanzania antitrust
law, and the agreement had no negative impact on the Tanzania tobacco market. We further believe the FCC’s proposed fine is
ludicrous, unwarranted and contrary to Tanzania law. TLTC and ULT immediately appealed the FCC findings to the Tanzania Fair
Competition Tribunal, which immediately stayed the execution of any FCC fines. We are unable to predict how long the appeal
process will take; however, we believe it could last several years. At this time, we believe that the likelihood of incurring any material
liability in this matter is remote, and no amount has been recorded.
Other Contingent Liabilities
In addition, some of our subsidiaries are involved in other litigation or legal matters incidental to their business activities.
While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, we are vigorously defending the matters and do not currently
expect that any of them will have a material adverse effect on our business or financial position. However, should one or more of
these matters be resolved in a manner adverse to our current expectation, the effect on our results of operations for a particular fiscal
reporting period could be material.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
15
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Common Equity
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “UVV.” The following table
sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of the common stock on the NYSE Composite Tape, based upon published financial
sources, and the dividends declared on each share of common stock for the quarter indicated.
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2018
Cash dividends declared .....................................................................................
$
0.54 $
0.54 $
0.55 $
0.55
First Quarter
Second Quarter Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Market price range:
High..................................................................................................................
Low ..................................................................................................................
75.70
63.15
65.90
55.00
60.45
52.05
53.85
45.95
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2017
Cash dividends declared .....................................................................................
$
0.53 $
0.53 $
0.54 $
0.54
Market price range:
High..................................................................................................................
Low ..................................................................................................................
57.75
52.26
61.69
55.29
64.20
52.40
83.35
63.30
Our current dividend policy anticipates the payment of quarterly dividends in the future. However, the declaration and
payment of dividends to holders of common stock is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our future
earnings, financial condition, and capital requirements. Under certain of our credit facilities, we must meet financial covenants relating
to minimum tangible net worth and maximum levels of debt. If we were not in compliance with them, these financial covenants
could restrict our ability to pay dividends. We were in compliance with all such covenants at March 31, 2018. At May 21, 2018,
there were 1,072 holders of record of our common stock. See Notes 5 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for
more information on debt covenants and equity securities.
Purchases of Equity Securities
As indicated in the following table, we repurchased shares of our common stock during the three-month period ended
March 31, 2018.
Common Stock
Period (1)
Total Number
of Shares
Repurchased
Average
Price Paid
Per Share (2)
Total Number of
Shares
Repurchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
(3)
Dollar Value of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs (3)
January 1-31, 2018.......................................................................................
68,718
$
February 1-28, 2018.....................................................................................
March 1-31, 2018.........................................................................................
92,540
22,366
Total .............................................................................................................
183,624
$
49.83
48.63
46.80
48.86
68,718
$
96,575,782
92,540
22,366
92,075,562
91,028,833
183,624
$
91,028,833
(1)
(2)
(3)
Repurchases are based on the date the shares were traded. This presentation differs from the consolidated statement of cash flows, where the cost of share
repurchases is based on the date the transactions were settled.
Amounts listed for average price paid per share include broker commissions paid in the transactions.
A stock repurchase plan, which was authorized by our Board of Directors, became effective and was publicly announced on November 7, 2017. This stock
repurchase plan authorized the purchase of up to $100 million in common and/or preferred stock in open market or privately negotiated transactions, subject to
market conditions and other factors. This stock repurchase program will expire on the earlier of November 15, 2019, or when we have exhausted the funds
authorized for the program.
16
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Summary of Operations
Sales and other operating revenues...................................................................... $ 2,033,947
$ 2,071,218
$ 2,120,373
$ 2,542,115
$ 2,461,699
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
(in thousands, except share and per share data, ratios, and
number of shareholders)
Operating income................................................................................................. $
(1) ............................................................................. $
Segment operating income
Net income ........................................................................................................... $
(2) ......................................... $
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation
171,487
180,612
116,168
105,662
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders................... $
105,662
Return on beginning common shareholders’ equity ............................................
8.2%
Earnings per share attributable to
Universal Corporation common shareholders:
Basic............................................................................................................... $
Diluted............................................................................................................ $
4.18
4.14
Financial Position at Year End
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
178,351
188,484
112,506
106,304
20,890
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
181,647
186,068
118,148
109,016
94,268
8.2%
4.16
3.92
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
246,151
175,175
155,155
149,009
134,159
12.8%
5.77
5.25
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
223,009
232,757
140,919
132,750
117,900
12.1%
5.05
4.66
7.9%
0.89
0.88
Current ratio .........................................................................................................
5.94
5.83
6.65
3.66
2.77
Total assets........................................................................................................... $ 2,168,632
$ 2,123,405
$ 2,231,177
$ 2,264,401
$ 2,285,987
Long-term debt..................................................................................................... $
369,086
$
368,733
$
368,380
$
239,508
$
180,060
Working capital.................................................................................................... $ 1,321,323
$ 1,293,403
$ 1,392,276
$ 1,200,023
$ 1,094,764
Total Universal Corporation shareholders’ equity ............................................... $ 1,342,429
$ 1,286,489
$ 1,414,222
$ 1,378,230
$ 1,258,571
General
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges .......................................................................
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preference dividends..............
Number of common shareholders........................................................................
10.31
10.31
1,131
10.25
5.30
1,182
10.22
4.59
1,225
8.46
4.05
1,295
10.73
5.49
1,354
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic..................................................................................................................
25,274,975
23,433,860
22,683,290
23,238,978
23,354,793
Diluted...............................................................................................................
25,508,144
23,770,088
27,825,491
28,392,033
28,478,058
Dividends per share of convertible perpetual preferred stock (annual)
(3) .......... $
— $
50.63
Dividends per share of common stock (annual) .................................................. $
2.18
Book value per common share............................................................................. $
53.85
$
$
2.14
50.90
$
$
$
67.50
2.10
52.94
$
$
$
67.50
2.02
50.19
$
$
$
67.50
1.98
44.79
(1)
The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on segment operating income, which is operating income after allocated overhead expenses
(excluding significant charges or credits), plus equity in the pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. Segment operating income is a non-GAAP measure. See
Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report for information on reportable operating segments.
(2)
We hold less than a 100% financial interest in certain consolidated subsidiaries, and a portion of net income is attributable to the noncontrolling interests in those
subsidiaries.
(3)
In December 2016 and January 2017, all outstanding shares of the Company's Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock were converted for common
stock or for cash, and none were outstanding during fiscal year 2018. See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
17
The calculations of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preference
dividends are shown in Exhibit 12. Fixed charges primarily represent interest expense we incurred during the designated fiscal year,
and preference dividends represent the pretax equivalent of dividends on preferred stock.
Significant items included in the operating results in the above table are as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
Fiscal Year 2018 – a $4.5 million reduction of income tax expense from the provisional accounting for the enactment
of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017. The reduction in income tax expense increased diluted earnings per
share by $0.18.
Fiscal Year 2017 – $4.4 million restructuring and impairment costs, primarily related to our decision to close our tobacco
processing facility in Hungary. We are now processing tobaccos sourced from Hungary in our facilities in Italy. The
restructuring and impairment costs reduced net income by $2.8 million, or $0.10 per diluted share. In addition, all
218,490 outstanding shares of our Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock were converted during the
third and fourth quarters. Of the total shares converted, 107,418 shares were converted for cash, resulting in a reduction
of retained earnings of approximately $74.4 million for the excess of the conversion cost over the carrying value of the
shares. The reduction in retained earnings resulted in a corresponding one-time reduction of earnings available to
common shareholders for purposes of determining the amounts reported for basic and diluted earnings per share for the
year. The reduction in earnings available to common shareholders decreased diluted earnings per share by $2.99.
Fiscal Year 2016 – a $3.4 million pretax gain arising from the acquisition of a joint venture partner's 50% ownership
interest in a tobacco processing entity in Guatemala. The transaction increased our ownership interest in the entity to
100%, requiring us to consolidate the financial statements of the entity and to remeasure our original 50% ownership
interest to fair value, resulting in the gain. In addition, we recorded restructuring and impairment costs of $4.4 million
related to a decision to significantly scale back our operations in Zambia. The net effect of the gain and the restructuring
and impairment costs increased pretax income by $1 million and net income by $0.7 million, or $0.02 per diluted share.
Fiscal Year 2015 – a $12.7 million benefit to pretax earnings from the reversal of a valuation allowance on the remaining
unused balance of the excise tax credits realized from the favorable outcome of litigation by our subsidiary in Brazil in
fiscal year 2014. In addition, we recorded a consolidated income tax benefit of $8.0 million arising from the ability of
our subsidiary, Deltafina S.p.A. ("Deltafina"), to pay a significant portion of the European Commission fine and related
interest charges settled during the first quarter following the unsuccessful appeal of the case related to tobacco buying
practices in Italy. The effect of those items was partially offset by restructuring costs of $4.9 million, primarily related
to downsizing certain functions at our operations in Brazil and the decision to suspend our operations in Argentina. On
a combined basis, the net effect of these items increased pretax income by $7.8 million and net income by $13.1 million,
or $0.46 per diluted share.
Fiscal Year 2014 – an $81.6 million pretax gain resulting from the favorable outcome of litigation by our operating
subsidiary in Brazil related to previous years’ excise tax credits. In addition to the gain, we recorded restructuring costs
of $6.7 million, primarily related to the closure of a tobacco processing facility in Brazil and the consolidation of these
operations into our main processing facility there. The net effect of the gain and the restructuring costs increased pretax
income by $74.9 million and net income by $48.7 million, or $1.72 per diluted share.
18
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is provided to enhance the understanding of,
and should be read in conjunction with, Part I, Item 1, “Business” and Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
For information on risks and uncertainties related to our business that may make past performance not indicative of future results,
or cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements, see “General,” and Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”
OVERVIEW
We are the leading global leaf tobacco supplier. We derive most of our revenues from sales of processed tobacco to
manufacturers of tobacco products throughout the world and from fees and commissions for specific services. We hold a strategic
position in the world leaf markets where we work closely with both our customers and farmers to ensure that we deliver a compliant
product that meets our customers' needs while promoting a strong supplier base. We adapt to meet changes in customer requirements
as well as broader changes in the leaf markets, while continuing to provide the stability of supply and high level of service that
distinguishes us in the marketplace. We believe that we have successfully met the needs of both our customers and suppliers while
adapting to changes in leaf markets. Over the last three fiscal years, we have generated over $520 million in net cash flow from
operations, invested over $120 million in our businesses, settled the mandatory conversion of our Series B 6.75% Convertible
Perpetual Preferred Stock for about $178 million in cash, and returned almost $200 million to our shareholders through a combination
of dividends and share repurchases.
We have also faced some leaf tobacco supply issues over the last three fiscal years. Fiscal year 2016 was the second year
of oversupplied market conditions, where the supply of leaf tobacco exceeded demand. We were able to end the year with strong
fourth quarter volumes, primarily driven by later timing of customer shipping orders in Brazil and Asia, and the positive change in
leaf supply arrangements in our North America segment. We also achieved modest growth in overall volumes for the full fiscal year
and improved our margins, and our selling, general, and administrative costs were lower. Our inventories continued to be well-
managed, and uncommitted stocks declined from fiscal year 2015’s level, in line with our target.
We delivered solid results again in fiscal year 2017 despite supply headwinds, most notably from the weather-reduced crop
sizes in Brazil and ongoing challenging market conditions in Tanzania. Although we had anticipated ending the year with slightly
lower volumes, earlier shipment timing as well as attractive green prices in some origins resulting in some additional purchases by
our customers boosted shipments later in our fiscal year, allowing us to improve our market share and achieve lamina sales volumes
that were slightly above those of the prior fiscal year. Our segment operating income for the 2017 fiscal year was also improved,
primarily attributable to a reduction in selling, general, and administrative costs and earlier receipt of distributions from unconsolidated
subsidiaries.
We are pleased with our good results for fiscal year 2018. Net income remained steady at about $106 million, despite
modestly lower lamina volumes and a slight decline in operating income to $171 million, compared to fiscal year 2017. We also
continued to grow our market share and expand the services we provide our customers, including gaining new multi-year processing
commitments in Brazil. In addition, we rewarded our shareholders by increasing our dividend rate and returning almost $55 million
through dividends and repurchasing about $22 million, or 2%, of our outstanding common stock. Fiscal year 2018 was not without
its challenges as fewer carryover crop sales and shipment delays in North America, African burley crop sizes that were down more
than 40% over the prior year, and a $10 million reduction in income from the timing of receipt of distributions of unconsolidated
subsidiaries compared to the prior fiscal year, negatively impacted our results. However, we did benefit from a return to normal crop
volumes in Brazil, and the resultant gains from higher volumes and lower factory unit costs there.
Although our working capital requirements were higher in fiscal year 2018, we maintained our strong balance sheet. Our
uncommitted inventory levels, at March 31, 2018, remained within our target range, and we are currently using some of our cash
balances to fund the fiscal year 2019 crop. We expect our working capital requirements will be higher in fiscal year 2019 due to the
recovery of the African burley crops and strong demand for wrapper tobacco, which has a longer life cycle.
The next crop cycle, which will be reflected in our fiscal year 2019 results, has begun with green tobacco purchases in
Brazil. Farmer deliveries there are a little slower this year, but the crop quality is very good. We are also seeing the recovery of
African burley production volumes and improved North American shipments, and if the global leaf market remains stable, we expect
higher total sales volumes for fiscal year 2019.
On May 23, 2018, we announced a new capital allocation strategy that demonstrates our focus on sustainable shareholder
value creation. The enhanced strategy is a result of an extensive review of our business, as well as the market environment, that
began in November 2016. We believe the strategy capitalizes on our core competencies and ensures that we are well positioned for
the future. In connection with this newly announced strategy, and as part of our commitment to shareholder returns, our Board raised
our quarterly dividend rate to $0.75 per share ($3.00 per share annual equivalent), a 36% increase from the prior quarterly dividend
rate.
We are celebrating the 100th anniversary of our company this year. For one hundred years, we have had a rich history of
adapting to change, finding innovative solutions to serve our customers and meet their leaf tobacco needs, and achieving results that
benefit all of our stakeholders. Although we operate in a mature industry, our mission is to remain the world’s leading independent
19
leaf tobacco supplier. In recent years, we have increased our market share and enhanced the range of services we provide to certain
customers, including direct buying, agronomic support, and specialized processing services. We are continually exploring options
to capitalize on the strengths of our core competencies and seek growth opportunities in and related to tobacco and our global
operations. As we move into our next 100 years, we will continue our commitment to leadership in setting industry standards,
operating with transparency, providing products that are responsibly-sourced, and investing in and strengthening the communities
where we operate.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Amounts described as net income and earnings per diluted share in the following discussion are attributable to Universal Corporation
and exclude earnings related to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries. The total for segment operating income referred to in the
discussion below is a non-GAAP financial measure. This measure is not a financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP
and should not be considered as a substitute for net income, operating income, cash flows from operating activities or any other
operating performance measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, and it may not be comparable to similarly titled measures
reported by other companies. We have provided a reconciliation of the total for segment operating income to consolidated operating
income in Note 14. "Operating Segments" to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8. We evaluate our segment performance
excluding certain significant charges or credits. We believe this measure, which excludes these items that we believe are not indicative
of our core operating results, provides investors with important information that is useful in understanding our business results and
trends.
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2018, Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2017
Net income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, was $105.7 million, or $4.14 per diluted share, compared with $106.3
million, or $0.88 per diluted share for the same period of the prior fiscal year. The fiscal year 2017 results included a one-time
reduction of earnings available to common shareholders of $74.4 million, or $2.99 per diluted share, from the conversion for cash of
the remaining outstanding shares of our Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock under the mandatory conversion in
January 2017. That reduction, the effect of a reduction in income tax expense from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in
December 2017, and certain other non-recurring items are detailed in Other Items below. Excluding those items, diluted earnings
per share for fiscal year 2018 of $3.96 decreased by $0.01 compared to the same period last year. Operating income of $171.5 million
for the year ended March 31, 2018, decreased by $6.9 million compared to the year ended March 31, 2017. Segment operating income
was $180.6 million for the year ended March 31, 2018, a decrease of $7.9 million, compared to the year ended March 31, 2017, as
improved results in our Other Regions and Other Tobacco Operations segments were offset by declines in our North America segment.
Revenues of $2.0 billion for fiscal year 2018 were down only 1.8% compared to fiscal year 2017, as lower volumes, primarily in
Africa, were largely offset by higher sales prices and processing revenues.
Flue-cured and Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations
Other Regions
Operating income for the Other Regions segment improved by $3.9 million to $147.3 million for the fiscal year ended March
31, 2018, compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. The improvement was driven by lower selling, general, and administrative
expenses and higher processing revenues, largely offset by lower sales volumes and other revenues from the receipt of distributions
from unconsolidated affiliates. In South America, total lamina sales volumes were up for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, on
higher current crop sales partly offset by reduced carryover crop sales. The higher current year crop volumes also increased processing
revenues and improved margins from reduced factory unit costs there. Results for the Africa region for the year ended March 31,
2018, compared to the prior year, were down due to lower African burley production levels this year. Earnings improved for the Asia
region primarily on stronger sales and for the Europe region on stronger sales and favorable exchange rates. Selling, general, and
administrative costs for the segment were lower for fiscal year 2018, mostly from net foreign currency remeasurement gains compared
with losses in fiscal year 2017, partially offset by an unfavorable comparison due to the reversal of value-added tax reserves in the
second quarter of fiscal year 2017. Revenues for the Other Regions segment for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, were up $59.2
million to $1.5 billion compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, as higher sales prices and processing revenues as well as
a better product mix offset lower sales volumes and other revenues from the receipt of distributions from unconsolidated affiliates.
North America
North America segment operating income of $23.2 million for the year ended March 31, 2018, was down by $11.9 million,
compared with the previous year. The decline was driven by lower sales volumes. In the United States, volumes were down primarily
due to large prior crop carryover sales last year and some delayed customer shipments in the fourth fiscal quarter due to reduced
transportation availability, while results for Guatemala and Mexico were affected by lower volumes and less favorable margins.
Selling, general and administrative costs were lower compared with fiscal year 2017, on reduced compensation costs and lower
customer claims. Segment revenues were down by $107.7 million to $308.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2018, compared
with the prior fiscal year, on the lower volumes.
20
Other Tobacco Operations
The Other Tobacco Operations segment operating income increased by $0.1 million to $10.1 million for the year ended
March 31, 2018, compared with the prior fiscal year. For fiscal year 2018, earnings were lower for the dark tobacco operations,
compared to the prior fiscal year, mostly driven by lower sales in Indonesia on the lack of wrapper tobacco availability from the
weather damaged crop. Indonesian wrapper volumes and quality recovered in the subsequent crop, which will be available for sale
in fiscal year 2019. Earnings for the oriental joint venture increased for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, largely on higher sales
volumes. Results for the joint venture for fiscal year 2018 also included gains on the sale of idle assets offset by higher currency
remeasurement losses from the devaluation of the Turkish lira. Operating results for the Special Services group were up slightly for
the year ended March 31, 2018, compared with the prior fiscal year. Selling, general, and administrative costs for the segment were
up modestly for fiscal year 2018 compared to fiscal year 2017 on higher currency remeasurement losses. Revenues for the Other
Tobacco Operations segment increased by $11.3 million to $243.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2018, compared to fiscal
year 2017, mainly on higher sales prices in our dark tobacco operations.
Other Items
Cost of goods sold declined by about 1% to $1.7 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, compared with fiscal year
2017. The decrease was in line with similar percentage decline in revenues. Selling, general, and administrative costs decreased by
$11.5 million to $200.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2018, compared to the year ended March 31, 2017. The decrease in
fiscal year 2018 was largely on net foreign currency remeasurement gains compared with losses in fiscal year 2017, mainly in Africa,
partly offset by an unfavorable comparison due to the reversal of value-added tax reserves in the second quarter of fiscal year 2017.
The consolidated effective income tax rates for the year ended March 31, 2018, was approximately 30%. The rate included
the effect of the changes in U.S. corporate income tax law under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that were recorded under the
SEC’s “provisional” classification upon enactment of the new law in the third fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017, as well as
adjustments made to the “provisional” accounting in the quarter ended March 31, 2018, due to the collection and analysis of additional
information for certain foreign subsidiaries, as well as additional clarifying guidance issued with respect to the new law. The effect
of the new law mainly represents changes to deferred tax assets and liabilities, as well as the reduction of the U.S. tax liability on
undistributed foreign earnings. As a result of the adjustments to the earlier provisional accounting, our earnings for the year ended
March 31, 2018 included a $4.5 million ($0.18 per share) net reduction of income tax expense from the new law after those adjustments.
The consolidated effective income tax rate for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 was approximately 34% . Income taxes for that
period were lower than the 35% federal statutory rate at that time, due to a combination of lower net effective tax rates on income
from certain foreign subsidiaries, and effects of changes in local currency exchange rates on deferred income tax balances. For more
details, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
Going forward, our consolidated effective tax rate will be heavily dependent on the tax rates of the individual countries in
which we operate, the mix of our pretax earnings from those countries, and the prevailing rates of exchange of their local currencies
with the U.S. dollar. The mix of pretax earnings and local currency exchange rates in particular can change significantly between
annual and quarterly reporting periods based on crop sizes, market conditions, and economic factors. We expect these changes will
make our effective tax rate more volatile from year-to-year and quarter-to-quarter than it has been in the past. Based on our current
mix of pretax earnings and current exchange rates, our average effective tax rate should generally be in the range of 28% to 32%.
However, the actual effective tax rate could be above or below this level, with significant variations possible based on exchange rate
changes.
In December 2016, 111,072 shares of the Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock were converted into
approximately 2.5 million shares of the Company's common stock. In January 2017, the Company completed a mandatory cash
conversion of the remaining 107,418 outstanding shares of the preferred stock in accordance with the original terms of the preferred
shares. Although the conversions of the preferred stock did not impact the Company’s net income, the cash conversions in January
2017 resulted in a one-time reduction of retained earnings of approximately $74.4 million during the fourth quarter ended March 31,
2017, and a corresponding one-time reduction of earnings available to common shareholders for the fiscal year ending March 31,
2017 for purposes of determining the amounts reported for basic and diluted earnings per share. The effect of the conversions on
diluted earnings per share for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, was ($2.99).
Results for the year ended March 31, 2017 included restructuring and impairment costs of $4.4 million ($0.10 per diluted
share).
21
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2017, Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2016
Net income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, was $106.3 million, or $0.88 per diluted share, compared with fiscal
year 2016’s net income of $109.0 million, or $3.92 per diluted share. The fiscal year 2017 results included a one-time reduction of
earnings available to common shareholders of $74.4 million, or $2.99 per diluted share, for purposes of determining the amounts
reported for basic and diluted earnings per share, from the conversion for cash of the remaining outstanding shares of our Series B
6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock under the mandatory conversion in January 2017. That one-time reduction and certain
other non-recurring items are detailed in Other Items below. Excluding those items, diluted earnings per share for fiscal year 2017
of $3.97 increased $0.07 compared to the same period of fiscal year 2016. Operating income of $178.4 million for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2017, was down $3.3 million compared to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. Segment operating income, which
excludes non-recurring items, was $188.5 million for fiscal year 2017, an increase of $2.4 million from fiscal year 2016, primarily
attributable to improved results for the North America segment, partly offset by a decline for the Other Tobacco Operations segment.
Revenues of $2.1 billion for fiscal year 2017 were relatively flat compared with fiscal year 2016, as the slightly higher volumes and
a benefit from earlier receipt of distributions from unconsolidated subsidiaries were offset by lower green leaf costs and lower
processing revenues.
Flue-cured and Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations
Other Regions
Operating income for the Other Regions segment for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, of $143.3 million, was nearly
flat, down only $0.3 million compared to $143.6 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. Total volumes for the segment
declined, but overall margins improved, benefitting from lower selling, general, and administrative expenses and timing of receipt
of distributions from unconsolidated subsidiaries. Africa volumes were slightly lower, reflecting challenging market conditions in
Tanzania which offset volume improvements in other origins. South America’s results were down, continuing the trend noted
throughout fiscal year 2017 from lower volumes and higher factory unit costs as a result of the reduced buying program and lower
third-party processing volumes there in fiscal year 2017. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the segment were down
significantly for fiscal year 2017 on several items, including the favorable comparison to costs incurred in fiscal year 2016 to settle
challenges regarding property rights and valuation of forestry land in South America, the reversal of value-added tax reserves, lower
net foreign currency and exchange remeasurement losses, and a reduction in provisions for supplier advances compared to fiscal year
2016. Revenues for the segment were down about $116.0 million to $1.4 billion, on the lower sales volumes at lower average green
leaf prices and lower processing revenues, offset in part by increased distributions from unconsolidated subsidiaries.
North America
Operating income for the North America segment was $35.2 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, up $4.0
million compared with fiscal year 2016. Earnings improvements were driven mainly by higher sales volumes, partially due to earlier
timing of current crop shipments in fiscal 2017. However, margins for the year were lower from a less favorable product mix, as well
as reduced factory yields on weather affected U.S. crops. Fiscal year 2017 revenues for the segment increased by $54.6 million to
$416.4 million compared to fiscal year 2016, on those higher sales volumes, at lower green leaf prices, and a less favorable product
mix.
Other Tobacco Operations
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, the Other Tobacco Operations segment operating income decreased by $1.3 million
to $10.0 million compared with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. Earnings improved modestly for the dark tobacco operations
as higher domestic volumes were largely offset by a less favorable sales mix and higher inventory write-downs in fiscal year 2017.
Results from the oriental joint venture also improved for fiscal year 2017 mainly on favorable comparisons due to tax accruals in the
fiscal year 2016. Those improvements were outweighed by higher losses in the special services group, primarily for the new food
ingredients business. Higher selling, general, and administrative costs for the segment also contributed to the declines. Revenues
for the segment were up by $12.2 million to $231.8 million for the year ended March 31, 2017, mostly due to increased volumes
from the timing of shipments of oriental tobaccos into the United States compared to fiscal year 2016.
22
Other Items
Cost of goods sold decreased by about 2% to $1.7 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. The decline was consistent
with a comparable percentage decline in revenues, mostly as a result of lower green leaf prices. Selling, general, and administrative
costs decreased by $14.7 million, or 6%, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, compared with fiscal year 2016. The decline in
fiscal year 2017 was mainly due to the favorable comparison to costs incurred in fiscal year 2016 to settle challenges regarding
property rights and valuation of forestry land in South America, the reversal of value-added tax reserves, and lower net foreign
currency and exchange remeasurement losses compared to fiscal year 2016.
The consolidated effective income tax rates were approximately 34% and 32% for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017
and 2016, respectively. Income taxes in both fiscal years were lower than the 35% federal statutory rate on a combination of lower
net effective tax rates on income from certain foreign subsidiaries, and effects of changes in local currency exchange rates on deferred
income tax balances, mainly in Brazil.
In December 2016, 111,072 shares of the Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock were converted into
approximately 2.5 million shares of our common stock. In January 2017, we announced a mandatory conversion of all 107,418
remaining outstanding shares of the preferred stock after meeting the requirements to initiate the mandatory conversion under the
original terms of the preferred shares. We chose to satisfy the conversion obligation for the mandatory conversion in cash. Although
the conversions of the preferred stock into common stock or for cash did not impact net income, the shares converted for cash under
the mandatory conversion in January 2017 resulted in a one-time reduction of retained earnings of approximately $74.4 million during
the quarter ended March 31, 2017, representing the excess of the conversion cost over the carrying value of those shares. The reduction
in retained earnings resulted in a corresponding one-time reduction of earnings available to common shareholders for the fiscal year
ending March 31, 2017 for purposes of determining the amounts reported for basic and diluted earnings per share. The effect of the
mandatory conversion on diluted earnings per share for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, was ($2.99).
Results for the year ended March 31, 2017, also included restructuring and impairment costs of $4.4 million ($0.10 per
diluted share). Results for the year ended March 31, 2016, included restructuring and impairment costs of $2.4 million ($0.06 per
diluted share) and a gain of $3.4 million ($0.08 per diluted share) on remeasuring our interest in a tobacco processing joint venture
to fair value upon acquiring our partner’s 50% ownership in the third fiscal quarter.
Accounting Pronouncements
See "Accounting Pronouncements" in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report for a
discussion of recent accounting pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") that will become
effective and be adopted by the Company in future reporting periods.
23
Overview
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our working capital requirements in fiscal year 2018 were higher than those in fiscal year 2017 on higher green leaf purchase
volumes in Brazil and increased wrapper tobacco purchases to meet strong demand. The larger Brazilian leaf volumes resulted from
crop recoveries there following reduced crops in fiscal year 2017, largely from El Nino weather patterns. Similar to the last several
years, our shipments were heavily weighted to the second half of the fiscal year. In fiscal year 2018, we generated $83.2 million in
cash flows from our operating activities, and our liquidity was sufficient to meet our needs. We also continued our conservative
financial policies, maintained our discipline on using our free cash flow, and returned funds to shareholders.
Our liquidity and capital resource requirements are predominately short-term in nature and primarily relate to working
capital required for tobacco crop purchases. Working capital needs are seasonal within each geographic region. The geographic
dispersion and the timing of working capital needs permit us to predict our general level of cash requirements, although crop sizes,
prices paid to farmers, shipment and delivery timing, and currency fluctuations affect requirements each year. Peak working capital
requirements are generally reached during the first and second fiscal quarters. Each geographic area follows a cycle of buying,
processing, and shipping tobacco, and in many regions we also provide agricultural materials to farmers during the growing season.
The timing of the elements of each cycle is influenced by such factors as local weather conditions and individual customer shipping
requirements, which may change the level or the duration of crop financing. Despite a predominance of short-term needs, we maintain
a portion of our total debt as long-term to reduce liquidity risk. We also periodically have large cash balances that we utilize to meet
our working capital requirements.
We believe that our financial resources are adequate to support our capital needs for at least the next twelve months. Our
seasonal borrowing requirements primarily relate to purchasing crops in South America and Africa and can increase from March to
September by more than $300 million. The funding required can vary significantly depending upon such factors as crop sizes, the
price of leaf, the relative strength of the U.S. dollar, and the timing of shipments and customer payments. We deal with this uncertainty
by maintaining substantial credit lines and cash balances. In addition to our operating requirements for working capital, we expect
to spend around $35 to $45 million during fiscal year 2019 for capital expenditures to maintain our facilities and invest in opportunities
to grow and improve our businesses. We also expect to provide about $15 million in funding to our pension plans. We have no long-
term debt maturing before fiscal year 2020.
Cash Flow
Our operations generated about $83.2 million in operating cash flows in fiscal year 2018. That amount was about $167.1
million lower than the $250.3 million we generated in fiscal year 2017, largely due to higher working capital requirements in fiscal
year 2018. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, we spent $34.0 million on capital projects and returned $76.3 million to
shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases. At March 31, 2018, cash balances totaled $234.1 million.
Working Capital
Working capital at March 31, 2018, was about $1.3 billion, up $27.9 million from last fiscal year's level, largely due to
increased purchase volumes in Brazil and in our dark tobacco operations due to strong demand for wrapper style tobacco, and
decreased trade payables and accrued expenses in Brazil and Africa in fiscal year 2018 compared to fiscal year 2017. Tobacco
inventories of $679.4 million at March 31, 2018, were up $113.5 million compared to inventory levels at the end of the prior fiscal
year, largely on delayed North American shipments due to reduced transportation availability and increased wrapper inventories.
We usually finance inventory with a mix of cash, notes payable, and customer deposits, depending on our borrowing capabilities,
interest rates, and exchange rates, as well as those of our customers. We generally do not purchase material quantities of tobacco
on a speculative basis. However, when we contract directly with farmers, we are obligated to buy all stalk positions, which may
contain less marketable leaf styles. Our uncommitted tobacco inventories decreased by approximately $9.0 million to $107.2 million,
or about 16% of tobacco inventory, at March 31, 2018. Uncommitted inventories at March 31, 2017, were $116.2 million, which
represented 21% of tobacco inventory. The level of these uncommitted inventories is influenced by timing of farmer deliveries of
new crops, as well as the receipt of customer orders.
24
Capital Allocation
We announced a new capital allocation strategy on May 23, 2018, that reflects the strength of our balance sheet and
demonstrates our focus on sustainable shareholder value creation.
In connection with this newly announced strategy, and as part of our commitment to shareholder returns, our Board raised
our quarterly dividend rate to $0.75 per share ($3.00 per share annual equivalent), a 36% increase from the prior quarterly dividend
rate. The new quarterly dividend rate equates to about a $20 million annual increase in common dividend payments based on our
shares outstanding as of May 21, 2018.
Our enhanced capital allocation strategy focuses on four strategic priorities:
Strengthening and investing for growth in our core tobacco business;
Increasing our strong dividend;
•
•
• Exploring growth opportunities in adjacent industries and markets that utilize our assets and capabilities; and
• Returning excess capital through share repurchases.
Our mission is to remain the leading global leaf tobacco supplier. By continuing to make disciplined investments within
our core business and taking advantage of growth opportunities in tobacco as well as in adjacent industries and markets that utilize
our assets and capabilities. Through these actions, we believe that will be able to deliver enhanced value for all shareholders through
earnings growth and the generation of free cash flow despite operating in a mature industry.
As we look ahead, we will continually evaluate opportunities to return capital to shareholders on an ongoing basis. At the
same time, we remain committed to maintaining our investment grade credit rating and extending our 47-year history of dividend
increases.
Share Activity
Our Board of Directors approved our current share repurchase program in November 2017. The program expires in November
2019 and authorizes the purchase of up to $100 million of our common stock. Under the current authorization, we may purchase
shares from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at prices not exceeding prevailing market rates.
Repurchases of shares under the repurchase program may vary based on management discretion, as well as changes in cash flow
generation and availability. During fiscal year 2018, we purchased 403,224 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $21.6
million (average price per share of $53.55). At March 31, 2018, our available authorization under our current share repurchase
program was approximately $91 million, and approximately 24.9 million common shares were outstanding.
During December 2016, holders of 111,072 shares of our Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Series
B Preferred Stock”) voluntarily exercised their conversion rights. These shares were converted into 2,487,118 shares of our common
stock. The remaining outstanding shares of our Series B Preferred Stock were mandatorily converted in January 2017. We elected
to settle our conversion obligation in cash.
Capital Spending
Our capital expenditures are generally limited to those that add value, replace or maintain equipment, increase efficiency,
or position us for future growth. In deciding where to invest capital resources, we look for opportunities where we believe we can
earn an adequate return, leverage our assets and expertise, and enhance our farmer base. During fiscal years 2018 and 2017, we
invested $34.0 million and $35.6 million, respectively, in our property, plant, and equipment. Depreciation expense was approximately
$34.8 million and $35.9 million, respectively, in fiscal years 2018 and 2017. Generally, our capital spending on maintenance projects
is at a level below depreciation expense in order to maintain strong cash flow. In addition, from time to time, we undertake projects
that require capital expenditures when we identify opportunities to improve efficiencies, add value for our customers, and position
ourselves for future growth. We currently plan to spend approximately $35 to $45 million in fiscal year 2019 on capital projects for
maintenance of our facilities and other investments to grow and improve our businesses. We expect that about 25% of those capital
expenditures will be for non-maintenance investments in our businesses.
Outstanding Debt and Other Financing Arrangements
We consider the sum of notes payable and overdrafts, long-term debt (including any current portion), and customer advances
and deposits, less cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments on our balance sheet to be our net debt. We also consider our
net debt plus shareholders' equity to be our net capitalization. Net debt increased by $32.5 million to $187.4 million during the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2018. The increase primarily reflects lower cash balances. Net debt as a percentage of net capitalization was
approximately 12% at March 31, 2018, up from 11% at March 31, 2017, and it remains lower than our target limit for peak seasonal
borrowings of 30% to 40% of net capitalization.
25
As of March 31, 2018, we had $430 million available under a committed revolving credit facility that will mature in December
2019, and we, together with our consolidated affiliates, had approximately $294 million in uncommitted lines of credit, of which
approximately $247 million were unused and available to support seasonal working capital needs. The financial covenants under
our committed revolving credit facility require us to maintain certain levels of tangible net worth and observe restrictions on debt
levels. As of March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all covenants of our debt agreements. We also have an active, undenominated
universal shelf registration filed with the SEC in November 2017 that provides for future issuance of additional debt or equity
securities. We have no long-term debt maturing in fiscal year 2019.
Derivatives
From time to time, we use interest rate swap agreements to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates. Currently,
we have interest rate swap agreements that convert the variable benchmark LIBOR rate on our two outstanding term loans to fixed
rates. With the swap agreements in place, the effective interest rates on our $150 million five-year term loan and $220 million seven-
year term loan were 2.94% and 3.48%, respectively, as of March 31, 2018. These agreements were entered into to eliminate the
variability of cash flows in the interest payments on our variable rate five- and seven-year term loans and are accounted for as cash
flow hedges. Under the swap agreements, we receive variable rate interest and pay fixed rate interest. At March 31, 2018, the fair
value of our open interest rate hedge swaps was a net asset of approximately $8 million.
We also enter forward contracts from time to time to hedge certain foreign currency exposures, primarily related to forecast
purchases of tobacco and related processing costs in Brazil, as well as our net monetary asset exposure in local currency there. We
generally account for our hedges of forecast tobacco purchases as cash flow hedges. At March 31, 2018, the fair value of those open
contracts was a net asset of approximately $8 million. We also had other forward contracts outstanding that were not designated as
hedges, and the fair value of those contracts was an immaterial net asset at March 31, 2018. For additional information, see Note 8
to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8.
Pension Funding
Funds supporting our ERISA-regulated U.S. defined benefit pension plan increased by $8 million during fiscal year 2018
to $215 million, as contributions and asset returns exceeded benefit payments. The accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”) and
the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) were both approximately $223 million as of March 31, 2018. The ABO and PBO are
calculated on the basis of certain assumptions that are outlined in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8. We
expect to make contributions of about $15 million to our pension plans, including $6 million to our ERISA-regulated plan, during
the next year. It is our policy to regularly monitor the performance of the funds and to review the adequacy of our funding and plan
contributions.
Contractual Obligations
Our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2018, were as follows:
(in thousands of dollars)
Total
2019
2020-2021
2022-2023
After 2023
Notes payable and long-term debt
(1) ........................................................................
$
453,342
$
59,001
$
168,604
$
225,737
$
—
Operating lease obligations ........................................................................................
51,500
13,473
17,925
9,848
10,254
Inventory purchase obligations:
Tobacco ....................................................................................................................
758,152
644,207
113,945
Agricultural materials...............................................................................................
Other purchase obligations.........................................................................................
47,958
4,528
47,958
4,528
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total..........................................................................................................................
$ 1,315,480
$
769,167
$
300,474
$
235,585
$
10,254
(1)
Includes interest payments. Interest payments on $415.4 million of variable rate debt were estimated based on rates as of March 31, 2018. The Company has
entered into interest rate swaps that effectively convert the interest payments on the $370.0 million outstanding balance of its two bank term loans from variable
to fixed. The fixed rate has been used to determine the contractual interest payments for all periods.
In addition to principal and interest payments on notes payable and long-term debt, our contractual obligations include
operating lease payments, inventory purchase commitments, and capital expenditure commitments. Operating lease obligations
represent minimum payments due under leases for various production, storage, distribution, and other facilities, as well as vehicles
and equipment. Tobacco inventory purchase obligations primarily represent contracts to purchase tobacco from farmers. The amounts
shown above are estimates since actual quantities purchased will depend on crop yield, and prices will depend on the quality of the
tobacco delivered. About 40% of our crop year contracts to purchase tobacco are with farmers in Brazil. We have partially funded
our tobacco purchases in Brazil and in other regions with short-term advances to farmers and other suppliers, which totaled
approximately $123 million, net of allowances, at March 31, 2018. In addition, we have guaranteed bank loans to farmers in Brazil
that relate to a portion of our tobacco purchase obligations there. At March 31, 2018, we were contingently liable under those
guarantees for outstanding balances of approximately $20 million (including accrued interest), and we had recorded a liability of
26
approximately $1 million for the fair value of those guarantees. As tobacco is purchased and the related bank loans are repaid, our
contingent liability is reduced.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
In preparing the financial statements in accordance with GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that
have an impact on the assets, liabilities, revenue, and expense amounts reported. These estimates can also affect our supplemental
information disclosures, including information about contingencies, risks, and financial condition. We believe, given current facts
and circumstances, that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable, adhere to GAAP, and are consistently applied. However,
changes in the assumptions used could result in a material adjustment to the financial statements. Our critical accounting estimates
and assumptions are in the following areas:
Inventories
Inventories of tobacco are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost determined under the specific cost
method. Raw materials are clearly identified at the time of purchase. We track the costs associated with raw materials in the final
product lots, and maintain this identification through the time of sale. We also capitalize direct and indirect costs related to processing
raw materials. This method of cost accounting is referred to as the specific cost or specific identification method. We write down
inventory for changes in net realizable value based upon assumptions related to future demand and market conditions if the indicated
value is below cost. Future demand assumptions can be impacted by changes in customer sales, changes in customers’ inventory
positions and policies, competitors’ pricing policies and inventory positions, and varying crop sizes and qualities. Market conditions
that differ significantly from those assumed by management could result in additional write-downs. We experience inventory write-
downs routinely. Inventory write-downs in fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016 were $7.7 million, $10.9 million, and $11.9 million,
respectively.
Advances to Suppliers and Guarantees of Bank Loans to Suppliers
In many sourcing origins, we provide tobacco growers with agronomy services and seasonal crop advances of, or for, seed,
fertilizer, and other supplies. These advances are short term in nature and are customarily repaid upon delivery of tobacco to us. In
several origins, we have also made long-term advances to tobacco farmers to finance curing barns and other farm infrastructure. In
Brazil, we also guarantee bank loans made to farmers for seasonal crop financing. In some years, due to low crop yields and other
factors, individual farmers may not deliver sufficient volumes of tobacco to repay maturing advances. In those cases, we may extend
repayment of the advances into the following crop year or satisfy the guarantee by acquiring the loan from the bank. In either
situation, we will incur losses whenever we are unable to recover the full amount of the loans and advances. At each reporting period,
we must make estimates and assumptions in determining the valuation allowance for advances to farmers and the liability to accrue
for our obligations under bank loan guarantees. At March 31, 2018, the gross balance of advances to suppliers totaled approximately
$150 million, and the related valuation allowance totaled approximately $22 million. The fair value of the loan guarantees for farmers
in Brazil was a liability of approximately $1 million at March 31, 2018.
Recoverable Value-Added Tax Credits
In many foreign countries, we pay significant amounts of value-added tax (“VAT”) on purchases of unprocessed and
processed tobacco, crop inputs, packing materials, and various other goods and services. In some countries, VAT is a national tax,
and in other countries it is assessed at the state level. Items subject to VAT vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, as do the rates at
which the tax is assessed. When we sell tobacco to customers in the country of origin, we generally collect VAT on those sales. We
are normally permitted to offset our VAT payments against those collections and remit only the incremental VAT collections to the
tax authorities. When tobacco is sold for export, VAT is normally not assessed. In countries where our tobacco sales are predominately
for export markets, we often do not generate enough VAT collections on downstream sales to fully offset our VAT payments. In
those situations, we can accumulate unused VAT credits. Some jurisdictions have procedures that allow companies to apply for
refunds of unused VAT credits from the tax authorities, but the refund process often takes an extended period of time and it is not
uncommon for refund applications to be challenged or rejected in part on technical grounds. Other jurisdictions may permit companies
to sell or transfer unused VAT credits to third parties in private transactions, although approval for such transactions must normally
be obtained from the tax authorities, limits on the amounts that can be transferred may be imposed, and the proceeds realized may
be heavily discounted from the face value of the credits. Due to these factors, in some countries we can accumulate significant
balances of VAT credits over time. We review these balances on a regular basis, and we record valuation allowances on the credits
to reflect amounts that we do not expect to recover, as well as discounts anticipated on credits we expect to sell or transfer. In
determining the appropriate valuation allowance to record in a given jurisdiction, we must make various estimates and assumptions
about factors affecting the ultimate recovery of the VAT credits. At March 31, 2018, the gross balance of recoverable tax credits
(primarily VAT) totaled approximately $49 million, and the related valuation allowance totaled approximately $15 million.
27
Goodwill
We review the carrying value of goodwill for potential impairment on an annual basis and at any time that events or business
conditions indicate that it may be impaired. As permitted under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350 (“ASC 350”), at March
31, 2018 and 2017, we elected to base our initial assessment of potential impairment on qualitative factors. Those factors did not
indicate any impairment of our recorded goodwill. In fiscal years prior to basing our initial assessment on qualitative factors, we
followed the quantitative approach in ASC 350 in assessing the fair value of our goodwill, which involved the use of discounted
cash flow models (Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy under GAAP). Under our current qualitative assessment, we would also use
those discounted cash flow models to measure any expected impairment indicated by the assessment. The calculations in these models
are not based on observable market data from independent sources and therefore require significant management judgment with
respect to operating earnings growth rates and the selection of an appropriate discount rate. Significant adverse changes in our
operations or our estimates of future cash flows for a reporting unit with recorded goodwill, such as those caused by unforeseen
events or changes in market conditions, could result in an impairment charge. Over 90% of our goodwill balance relates to our
reporting unit in Brazil.
Fair Value Measurements
We hold various financial assets and financial liabilities that are required to be measured and reported at fair value in our
financial statements, including money market funds, trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans, interest rate
swaps, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, and guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers. We follow the relevant
accounting guidance in determining the fair values of these financial assets and liabilities. Money market funds are valued based
on net asset value (“NAV”), which is used as a practical expedient to measure the fair value of those funds (not classified within the
fair value hierarchy). Quoted market prices (Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy) are used in most cases to determine the fair values
of trading securities. Interest rate swaps and forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued based on dealer quotes using
discounted cash flow models matched to the contractual terms of each instrument (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy). The fair
value of the guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers, which was approximately $1 million at March 31, 2018, is derived using
an internally-developed discounted cash flow model. The model requires various inputs, including historical loss percentages for
comparable loans and a risk-adjusted interest rate. Because significant management judgment is required in determining and applying
these inputs to the valuation model, our process for determining the fair value of these guarantees is classified as Level 3 of the fair
value hierarchy. At March 31, 2018, a 1% increase in the expected loss percentage for all guaranteed farmer loans would not have
had a material effect on the fair value of the guarantee obligation. In addition, a 1% change in the risk-adjusted interest rate would
not have had a material effect on the fair value of the guarantee obligation. We incorporate credit risk in determining the fair values
of our financial assets and financial liabilities, but that risk did not materially affect the fair values of any of those assets or liabilities
at March 31, 2018.
Income Taxes
Our consolidated effective income tax rate is based on our expected taxable income, tax laws and statutory tax rates,
prevailing foreign currency exchange rates, and tax planning opportunities in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant
judgment is required in determining the effective tax rate and evaluating our tax position. We are subject to the tax laws of many
jurisdictions, and could be subject to a tax audit in each of these jurisdictions, which could result in adjustments to tax expense in
future periods. In the event that there is a significant, unusual, or one-time item recognized in our results, the tax attributed to that
discrete item would be recorded at the same time as the item.
With the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017, and the corresponding move of the United States
system of corporate taxation for multinational companies from the taxation of worldwide income to a territorial tax system, our
consolidated income tax expense and effective tax rate will be more heavily dependent on the tax rates of the individual countries
in which we operate, the mix of our pretax earnings from those countries, and the prevailing rates of exchange of their local currencies
with the U.S. dollar. The mix of pretax earnings and local currency exchange rates in particular can change significantly between
annual and quarterly reporting periods based on crop sizes, market conditions, and economic factors. We expect these changes will
make our effective tax rate more volatile from year-to-year and from quarter-to-quarter than it has been in the past. In addition, as
permitted under guidance issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission following the enactment of the new law, the
primary component effects of the new law on our tax position and consolidated financial statements have been accounted for on a
provisional basis, allowing adjustments to the initial accounting for those effects to be made in future reporting periods for up to one
year following the date of enactment of the law. We have made such adjustments, primarily arising from the continuing collection
and analysis of data related to our tax position with respect to various foreign subsidiaries and from additional interpretive guidance
issued with respect to the new law since it was enacted. We may record additional adjustments to the provisional accounting in
subsequent quarters within the allowed one-year measurement period.
We have no undistributed earnings of consolidated foreign subsidiaries that are classified as permanently or indefinitely
reinvested. We assume that all undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries will be repatriated back to their parent entities in
the U.S. where the funds are best placed to meet our cash flow requirements. In addition, we strive to mitigate economic, political,
and currency risk by following a disciplined annual approach to the distribution of excess capital back to the U.S. Based on these
28
assumptions, in our income tax expense for each reporting period we fully provide for all applicable foreign country withholding
taxes that are expected to be due on these distributions.
Our accounting for uncertain tax positions requires that we review all significant tax positions taken, or expected to be
taken, in income tax returns for all jurisdictions in which we operate. In this review, we must assume that all tax positions will
ultimately be audited, and either accepted or rejected based on the applicable tax regulations by the tax authorities for those
jurisdictions. We must recognize in our financial statements only the tax benefits associated with tax positions that are “more likely
than not” to be accepted upon audit, at the greatest amount that is considered “more likely than not” to be accepted. These
determinations require significant management judgment, and changes in any given quarterly or annual reporting period could affect
our consolidated income tax rate.
Tax regulations require items to be included in taxable income in the tax return at different times, and in some cases in
different amounts, than the items are reflected in the financial statements. As a result, our effective tax rate reflected in the financial
statements is different than that reported in our tax returns. Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not
tax deductible, while others are related to timing issues, such as differences in depreciation methods. Timing differences create
deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense recognized in our financial statements for
which payment has been deferred or income taxes related to expenses that have not yet been recognized in the financial statements,
but have been deducted in our tax return. Deferred tax assets generally represent items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit
in future tax returns for which we have already recorded the tax benefit in our financial statements. We record valuation allowances
for deferred tax assets when the amount of estimated future taxable income is not likely to support the use of the deduction or credit.
Determining the amount of such valuation allowances requires significant management judgment, including estimates of future
taxable income in multiple tax jurisdictions where we operate. Based on our periodic earnings forecasts, we project the upcoming
year’s taxable income to help us evaluate our ability to realize deferred tax assets.
For additional disclosures on income taxes, see Notes 1 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
The measurement of our pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and costs at the end of each fiscal year requires
that we make various assumptions that are used by our actuaries in estimating the present value of projected future benefit payments
to all plan participants. Those assumptions take into consideration the likelihood of potential future events such as salary increases
and demographic experience. The assumptions we use may have an effect on the amount and timing of future contributions to our
plans. The plan trustee conducts an independent valuation of the fair value of pension plan assets. The significant assumptions used
in the calculation of our pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are:
• Discount rate – The discount rate is based on investment yields on a hypothetical portfolio of actual long-term corporate
bonds rated AA that align with the cash flows for our benefit obligations.
•
Salary scale – The salary scale assumption is based on our long-term actual experience for salary increases, the near-
term outlook, and expected inflation.
• Expected long-term return on plan assets – The expected long-term return on plan assets reflects asset allocations and
investment strategy adopted by the Pension Investment Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Retirement and mortality rates – Retirement rates are based on actual plan experience along with our near-term outlook.
Early retirement assumptions are based on our actual experience. Mortality rates are based on standard industry group
annuity mortality tables which are updated to reflect projected improvements in life expectancy.
• Healthcare cost trend rates – For postretirement medical plan obligations and costs, we make assumptions on future
inflationary increases in medical costs. These assumptions are based on our actual experience, along with third-party
forecasts of long-term medical cost trends.
From one fiscal year to the next, the rates we use for each of the above assumptions may change based on market developments
and other factors. The discount rate reflects prevailing market interest rates at the end of the fiscal year when the benefit obligations
are actuarially measured and will increase or decrease based on market patterns. The expected long-term return on plan assets may
change based on changes in investment strategy for plan assets or changes in indicated longer-term yields on specific classes of plan
assets. In addition to the changes in actuarial assumptions from year to year, actual plan experience affecting our net benefit obligations,
such as actual returns on plan assets and actual mortality experience, will differ from the assumptions used to measure the obligations.
The effects of these changes and differences increase or decrease the obligation we record for our pension and other postretirement
benefit plans, and they also create gains and losses that are accumulated and amortized over future periods, thus affecting the expense
we recognize for these plans over those periods. Changes in the discount rate from year to year generally have the largest impact
on our projected benefit obligation and annual expense, and the effects may be significant, particularly over successive years where
the discount rate moves in the same direction.
29
As of March 31, 2018, the effect of the indicated increase or decrease in the selected pension and other postretirement
benefit valuation assumptions is shown below. The effect assumes no change in benefit levels.
(in thousands of dollars)
Changes in Assumptions for Pension Benefits
Discount Rate:
Effect on
2018 Projected
Benefit
Obligation
Increase
(Decrease)
Effect on
2019 Annual
Expense
Increase
(Decrease)
1% increase ......................................................................................................................................................................
$
(27,001) $
1% decrease .....................................................................................................................................................................
32,767
Expected Long-Term Return on Plan Assets:
1% increase ......................................................................................................................................................................
1% decrease .....................................................................................................................................................................
Changes in Assumptions for Other Postretirement Benefits
Discount Rate:
1% increase ......................................................................................................................................................................
1% decrease .....................................................................................................................................................................
Healthcare Cost Trend Rate:
1% increase ......................................................................................................................................................................
1% decrease .....................................................................................................................................................................
—
—
(2,716)
3,202
323
(296)
(3,047)
3,293
(2,351)
2,351
(343)
389
24
(23)
A 1% increase or decrease in the salary scale assumption would not have a material effect on the projected benefit obligation
or on annual expense for the Company's pension benefits. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for additional
information on pension and other postretirement benefit plans.
Other Estimates and Assumptions
Other management estimates and assumptions are routinely required in preparing our financial statements, including the
determination of valuation allowances on accounts receivable and the fair value of long-lived assets. Changes in market and economic
conditions, local tax laws, and other related factors are considered each reporting period, and adjustments to the accounts are made
based on management’s best judgment.
30
OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING TRENDS
AND MANAGEMENT’S ACTIONS
Our financial performance depends on our ability to obtain an appropriate price for our products and services, to secure the
tobacco volumes and quality desired by our customers, and to maintain efficient, competitive operations. We continually monitor
issues and opportunities that may impact the supply of and demand for leaf tobacco, the volumes of leaf tobacco that we handle, and
the services we provide.
We believe that a key factor in our ability to perform successfully in this industry is our ability to provide customers with
the quality of leaf and the level of service they desire on a global basis at competitive prices, while maintaining stability of supply.
As the leading global leaf tobacco supplier, we add significant value to the supply chain, providing expertise in dealing with large
numbers of farmers, efficiently selling various qualities of leaf produced in each crop to a broad global customer base, and delivering
products and services that meet stringent quality and regulatory specifications. We also help stabilize the tobacco markets and
influence crop development at the farm level. Our key objective is to continually adapt our business model to meet our customers'
evolving needs while continuing to provide stability of supply and the quality that distinguishes our products and services. In addition,
we monitor new product developments in the industry to identify areas where we can provide additional value to our customers.
Current Industry Trends
Mature Leaf Tobacco Markets
Leaf tobacco is sourced directly by product manufacturers, by global leaf suppliers such as ourselves, and by other smaller,
mostly regional or local, leaf suppliers. We estimate that, of the flue-cured and burley tobacco grown outside of China, approximately
one-third is purchased directly by major manufacturers, slightly over one-third is handled by the global leaf suppliers, and the
remainder is sourced by the smaller regional or local suppliers. Although we operate in a mature industry, where demand for the
end products has been declining at a compound annual rate of about 2% over the last five years, our mission is to remain the leading
global leaf tobacco supplier. In recent years, we believe that we have been and will continue to be able to maintain relatively steady
earnings, despite declines in demand for leaf tobacco from product manufacturers, by increasing our delivery of services, supply
chain efficiencies, and our market share. In addition, we have enhanced the range of services we provide to certain customers,
including direct buying, agronomic support, and specialized processing services. We intend to continue to work to expand our
business while at the same time maintaining an appropriate return for the services we provide and believe that there are several longer
term trends in the industry that could provide additional opportunities for us to both offer additional services to our customers and
to increase our market share.
We continually explore options to capitalize on the strengths of our core competencies and seek growth opportunities related
to tobacco and our operations around the world. For example, we have recently expanded our offerings to meet demand for shisha
(water pipe) style leaf tobacco for customers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and natural wrappers in the United
States and Europe. By making disciplined investments within our core business and taking advantage of these growth opportunities
in tobacco, as well as in adjacent industries and markets that utilize our assets and capabilities, we are confident that we will deliver
enhanced value for all shareholders through earnings growth and the generation of free cash flow. As we look to adjacent industries
and explore new growth opportunities within tobacco, Universal is dedicated to remaining the leading global leaf tobacco supplier
and building on our strong 100-year history.
Focus on Cost Management
Manufacturers naturally seek to mitigate raw materials cost increases, and they are placing increased emphasis on cost
containment as they address declining demand. While this is not a new trend, it continues to offer opportunities to us as we bring
supply chain efficiencies to the leaf markets. We believe that global leaf suppliers add efficiencies to the markets through economies
of scale, as well as through the vital role played in finding buyers for all styles and qualities of leaf tobacco, which achieves overall
cost reductions. To understand our business, it is important to note that tobacco is not a commodity product. Flavor and smoking
characteristics of tobacco vary based on the type of tobacco, the region where the tobacco is grown, and the position of the leaf on
the stalk of the plant. Many different styles and grades of tobacco may be produced in a single tobacco crop. A particular manufacturer
may only want and have use for certain leaves of a plant. The leaf tobacco supplier plays a vital role in the industry by finding buyers
for all of the leaf grades and styles of tobacco produced in a farmer’s crop. This role helps to improve leaf utilization.
In addition to leaf utilization, we bring operational efficiencies to the industry, which in turn help reduce costs. These
efficiencies include economical utilization of processing capacity, an established and scalable global network of agronomists and
technicians helping maintain a stable, productive, and sustainable farmer base, as well as agronomic and production improvements
to optimize leaf yields and qualities. In addition, we are able to offer manufacturers a complete range of services from the field to
the delivery of the packed product that benefit from our efficiencies. These services include such things as buying station optimization,
processing to specific customer specifications or needs, storage of green or packed leaf tobacco, and logistical services. In recent
years, we have seen an increase in the level of direct purchasing, processing, and other supply chain services that we provide our
customers, notably in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Poland, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. We believe these moves
acknowledge the efficiencies and services that global leaf suppliers bring to the entire supply chain.
31
We have also seen some reductions in sourcing from lower-volume tobacco growing origins by both global leaf suppliers
and major manufacturers. Flue-cured tobacco is produced in over 70 countries around the world, and burley tobacco is grown in
over 45 countries. However, over 80% of both the flue-cured tobacco grown outside of China and the worldwide burley tobacco
production is sourced from the top ten growing areas for each type of tobacco. We believe that these moves to reduce sourcing areas
are another way for the industry to increase efficiency and to reduce costs. In recent years we have contributed to cost reduction
and elimination of excess capacity in the supply chain through the closure or realignment of programs in Argentina, Canada, Germany,
Italy, Hungary, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Switzerland, and Zambia. We maintain a strong presence in all of the major tobacco sourcing
areas and believe that any growth in these areas would favor global leaf suppliers such as ourselves. In the future, we expect that
increased regulations requiring stringent monitoring and testing of leaf chemistry and compliant sourcing documentation will place
greater emphasis on major sourcing areas.
Importance of Compliant Leaf
As we have said for a number of years, the production of compliant leaf for the tobacco industry continues to grow in
importance. To be considered compliant, leaf tobacco must be grown utilizing Good Agricultural Practices. We have long invested
significant resources in the programs and infrastructure needed to work with growers to produce compliant leaf and continue to
enhance our ability to monitor and demonstrate this compliance for customers. Our Good Agricultural Practices support an approach
to farming that is focused on sustainability, employing sound field production and labor management practices that meet our customers’
needs, promote farmer profitability and reflect environmental sensitivity. To assist them, Universal provides comprehensive training,
technical support in the field, and crop analytics through ongoing research and development. We believe that compliant leaf will
continue to grow in importance to our customers and will favor the two global suppliers who are able to deliver this product.
Growth of Alternative Tobacco Products
Most of the major tobacco product manufacturers have been developing next generation and modified risk products. These
include electronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS”), liquid vaporizers, and heated tobacco products. ENDS and liquid vaporizers
use liquid nicotine, which is predominately derived from leaf tobacco, and heated tobacco products use leaf tobacco. At this time it
is unclear how these new products will affect demand for leaf tobacco. However, as our customers have been developing these
products, we have been working with them for many years to make sure we are well-positioned to meet their needs for both their
traditional and new products. We have expertise in tobacco seed development, crop production methods, crop sourcing, processing,
and manufacturing of reconstituted sheet tobacco that enable us to efficiently and effectively meet our customers changing needs.
We also are able to provide high quality liquid nicotine through our joint venture, AmeriNic. Currently, regulation of these products
as well as consumer acceptance and their influence on smoking trends are unclear, and we continue to monitor industry developments.
Supply
Flue-cured tobacco crops grown outside of China increased in our fiscal year 2018 mainly due to a return to normal crop
volumes in Brazil following smaller crops in the prior fiscal year due to adverse weather conditions there. Global burley tobacco
production decreased in our fiscal year 2018, largely due to smaller crops in Africa. Less African burley leaf was grown in fiscal
year 2018 due to unfavorable weather conditions as well as excess production and lower grower prices in fiscal year 2017. African
burley volumes are on track to increase in our fiscal year 2019, and flue-cured tobacco crops grown outside of China are projected
to be in line with fiscal year 2018 crop sizes. We believe that flue-cured tobacco may be in a slight oversupply position and burley
tobacco production levels are largely in balance with anticipated demand.
Production
Worldwide flue-cured tobacco production outside of China increased by about 11% in fiscal year 2018 to 1.9 billion kilos,
including an approximately 35% crop size recovery in Brazil. Worldwide burley crops decreased by about 11% in fiscal year 2018.
We estimate that at March 31, 2018, industry uncommitted flue-cured and burley inventories, excluding China, totaled about 86
million kilos, an increase of about 4% from March 31, 2017 levels.
In the near term, we expect that flue-cured production (excluding China) will be flat at about 1.9 billion kilos in fiscal year
2019, and worldwide burley production is forecast to increase by about 9% on recoveries in African burley crop sizes. We also
forecast that oriental tobacco and dark air-cured production will increase by 8% and 4%, respectively, in fiscal year 2019. Over the
long term, we believe that global tobacco production will continue a slight decline in line with slightly declining total demand. South
America, Asia, Africa, and North America will remain key sourcing regions for flue-cured and burley tobaccos.
China
China is a significant cigarette market. However, most of the cigarettes consumed in China and the leaf tobacco used in
those cigarettes are produced domestically. Therefore, we normally view the Chinese market independently when evaluating
worldwide leaf tobacco supply and demand. We believe that China’s domestic leaf production exceeds their domestic needs for the
local cigarette market, and there is a build-up of domestic leaf inventory there. China is currently demonstrating efforts to re-align
their domestic leaf production and inventories to balance their needs, and these efforts could influence global supply/demand in the
short term.
32
Pricing
Factors that affect green tobacco prices include global supply and demand, market conditions, production costs, foreign
exchange rates, and competition from other crops. We work with farmers to maintain tobacco production and to secure product at
price levels that are attractive to both the farmers and our customers. Our objective is to secure compliant tobacco that is produced
in a cost-effective manner under a sustainable business model with the desired quality for our customers. In some areas, tobacco
competes with agricultural commodity products for farmer production. If prices for soybeans, wheat, rice, and seed oils rise in certain
origins, green tobacco prices may have to rise to maintain tobacco production levels. In the past, leaf shortages in specific markets
or on a worldwide basis have also led to green tobacco price increases.
Demand
Industry data shows that over the past five years, total world consumption of cigarettes fell at the compound annual rate of
about 2%. We believe that growth in world consumption of cigarettes peaked several years ago and is declining. As a result, we
expect that near term global demand for leaf tobacco will continue to slowly decline in line with declining cigarette consumption.
Our sales consist primarily of flue-cured and burley tobaccos. Those types of tobacco, along with oriental tobaccos, are
used in American-blend cigarettes which are primarily smoked in Western Europe and the United States. English-blend cigarettes
which use flue-cured tobacco are mainly smoked in the United Kingdom and Asia and other emerging markets. Industry data shows
that consumption of American-blend cigarettes has declined at a compound annual rate of about 2% for the five years ended in 2017.
As cigarette consumption declines in developed markets and increases in the emerging markets, there may be less demand for burley
and oriental tobaccos and more demand for flue-cured tobacco. However, demand is affected by many factors, including regulation,
product taxation, illicit trade, alternative tobacco products, and Chinese imports. To the extent that domestic leaf production and
inventory durations in China do not meet requirements for Chinese cigarette blends, that tobacco could be sourced from other origins
where we have major market positions. On a year-to-year basis, we are also susceptible to fluctuations in leaf supply due to crop
sizes and leaf demand as manufacturers adjust inventories or respond to changes in cigarette markets. We currently expect supply
for flue-cured tobacco slightly exceeds and burley tobacco supply is largely in line with anticipated demand. However, inventories
held by our customers may affect their near-term demand for leaf tobacco. We also sell oriental tobacco, which is used in American-
blend cigarettes, and dark tobacco, which is used in cigars and other smokeless products. While we expect demand for oriental
tobacco and dark tobacco used in cigar filler to be generally in line with supply, we are seeing strong demand for dark tobacco used
for cigar wrappers.
Regulation and Product Taxation
Decreased social acceptance of smoking and increased pressure from anti-smoking groups have had an ongoing adverse
effect on the percentage of the population using tobacco products, particularly in the United States and Western Europe. Many
governments have additionally taken or proposed steps to restrict or prohibit cigarette advertising and promotion, to increase taxes
on cigarettes, to prohibit smoking in public areas, and to discourage cigarette consumption. A number of such measures are included
in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (“FCTC”), which was negotiated under the auspices of the WHO and offers
guidelines for discouraging or controlling tobacco use. The more than 180 countries that are signatories to the FCTC may choose
the level of implementation of the guidelines that is most suitable with their approach to tobacco control. For example, in recent
years China imposed a ban on smoking in public places, while in the United Kingdom and Australia, laws have been passed mandating
plain packaging, the removal of branding on cigarette packages. We cannot predict the extent to which government efforts to reduce
tobacco consumption might affect the business of our primary customers. However, a significant decrease in worldwide tobacco
consumption, as well as shifts to modified risk tobacco products brought about by existing or future governmental laws and regulations,
could reduce demand for leaf tobacco and services and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
In addition, certain recommendations by the WHO, through the FCTC, may cause shifts in customer usage of certain types
and styles of tobacco. As seen in Canada, Brazil, and the European Union, efforts have been taken to eliminate flavorings from
tobacco products. Additionally, discussions are intensifying about the possibility of reducing nicotine content in certain tobacco
products to less than addictive levels. Such decisions could cause a change in requirements for certain leaf tobaccos in particular
countries. Shifts in customer demand from one type of leaf tobacco to another could create sourcing issues as requirements move
from one origin to another. Furthermore, instruction at the farm level may be required to produce the changing styles of leaf tobacco
needed by tobacco product manufacturers. Given our strong global footprint and our established and well-developed programs and
networks at the farm level worldwide, we are particularly well positioned to meet manufacturer requirements.
In 2009, the U.S. Congress passed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (“the Act”). This legislation
authorizes the FDA to regulate the manufacturing and marketing of all tobacco products. The FDA has banned flavored cigarettes,
restricted youth access to tobacco products, banned advertising claims regarding certain tobacco products, established new smokeless
tobacco warnings, and issued new cigarette health warnings. In addition, the FDA established the Center for Tobacco Products
(“CTP”). Over the past decade, the CTP has focused on establishing the scientific foundation and regulatory framework for regulating
tobacco products in the United States. On May 10, 2016, the FDA released “deeming” regulations that extend FDA oversight to all
tobacco products including electronic nicotine delivery systems, cigars, hookah tobacco, pipe tobacco, dissolvables, and “novel and
future products.” The regulations require that tobacco product manufacturers register tobacco products that existed on February 15,
33
2007, and to seek FDA authorization to sell any products modified or introduced after such date. All such submissions require
manufacturers to list ingredients in their products. On July 28, 2017, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb announced a new regulatory
approach for the regulation of combustible and vapor products focusing on nicotine reduction and the continuum of risk. The agency
issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule Making (“ANPRM”) with the intention of developing a nicotine product standard for
cigarettes that reduces the level of nicotine to below-addictive levels. Additional ANPRMs were issued: 1) to explore the science
behind exempting premium cigars from premarket authorization requirements and 2) to address menthol in cigarettes, flavors in
vapor and other ENDS products, and the future ENDS and vapor product standards. Comment periods remain open until June 14,
2018 for nicotine reduction, June 19, 2018 for flavors and June 25, 2018 for premium cigars. In other actions, the FDA is seeking
public comment on the potential for development of illicit trade markets with a due date of June 14, 2018.
Regulations impacting our customer base that change the requirements for leaf tobacco or restrict their ability to sell their
products will inherently impact our business. As discussed, we have established programs that begin at the farm level to assist our
customers with raw material information to support leaf traceability and customer testing requirements, including the detection of
nicotine levels. Additionally, given our global presence, we also have the ability to source different types and styles of tobacco for
our customers should their needs change due to regulation. A number of governments, particularly federal and local governments
in the United States and the European Union, impose excise or similar taxes on tobacco products. There has been, and will likely
continue to be, new legislation proposing new or increased taxes on tobacco products. In some cases, proposed legislation seeks to
significantly increase existing taxes on tobacco products, or impose new taxes on products that to date have not been subject to tax.
Increases in product taxation may reduce the affordability of, and demand for, cigarettes, which will affect requirements for leaf
tobacco by tobacco product manufacturers.
Illicit Trade
Illicit trade is another factor which influences demand for leaf tobacco. Industry estimates of the illegal, unregulated black
market for cigarettes are approximately 10% to 12% of global stick consumption, representing $40 to $50 billion in lost tax revenue
globally. We support industry efforts to eradicate illicit trade.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Interest Rates
We generally use both fixed and floating interest rate debt to finance our operations. Changes in market interest rates expose
us to changes in cash flows for floating rate instruments and to changes in fair value for fixed-rate instruments. We normally maintain
a proportion of our debt in both variable and fixed interest rates to manage this exposure, and from time to time we may enter hedge
agreements to swap the interest rates. In addition, our customers may pay market rates of interest for inventory purchased on order,
which could mitigate a portion of the floating interest rate exposure. We also periodically have large cash balances and may receive
deposits from customers, both of which we use to fund seasonal purchases of tobacco, reducing our financing needs. Excluding our
bank term loans, which have been converted to fixed-rate borrowings with interest rate swaps, debt carried at variable interest rates
was approximately $45 million at March 31, 2018. Although a hypothetical 1% change in short-term interest rates would result in
a change in annual interest expense of approximately $0.5 million, that amount would be at least partially mitigated by changes in
charges to customers.
In addition, changes in interest rates affect the calculation of our pension plan liabilities. As rates decrease, the liability for
the present value of amounts expected to be paid under the plans increases. Rate changes also affect expense. As of the March 31,
2018 measurement date, a 1% decrease in the discount rate would have increased the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) for
pensions by $33 million and increased annual pension expense by $3 million. Conversely, a 1% increase in the discount rate would
have reduced the PBO by $27 million and reduced annual pension expense by $3 million.
Currency
The international leaf tobacco trade generally is conducted in U.S. dollars, thereby limiting foreign exchange risk to that
which is related to leaf purchase and production costs, overhead, and income taxes in the source country. We also provide farmer
advances that are directly related to leaf purchases and are denominated in the local currency. Any currency gains or losses on those
advances are usually offset by increases or decreases in the cost of tobacco, which is priced in the local currency. However, the
effect of the offset may not occur until a subsequent quarter or fiscal year. Most of our tobacco operations are accounted for using
the U.S. dollar as the functional currency. Because there are no forward foreign exchange markets in many of our major countries
of tobacco origin, we often manage our foreign exchange risk by matching funding for inventory purchases with the currency of
sale, which is usually the U.S. dollar, and by minimizing our net local currency monetary position in individual countries. We are
vulnerable to currency remeasurement gains and losses to the extent that monetary assets and liabilities denominated in local currency
do not offset each other. We recognized $0.2 million in net remeasurement gains in fiscal year 2018, compared to $9.3 million in
net remeasurement losses in fiscal year 2017, and $22.5 million in net remeasurement losses in fiscal year 2016. We recognized
$0.1 million in net foreign currency transaction losses in fiscal year 2018, compared to net transaction losses of $1.3 million in fiscal
year 2017, and net transaction gains of $8.0 million in fiscal year 2016. In addition to foreign exchange gains and losses, we are
34
exposed to changes in the cost of tobacco due to changes in the value of the local currency in relation to the U.S. dollar. We have
entered forward currency exchange contracts to hedge against the effects of currency movements on purchases of tobacco to reduce
the volatility of costs. In addition, we periodically enter into forward contracts to hedge balance sheet exposures. See Note 8 to the
consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for additional information about our hedging activities.
In certain tobacco markets that are primarily domestic, we use the local currency as the functional currency. Examples of
these markets are Poland and the Philippines. In other markets, such as Western Europe, where export sales are primarily in local
currencies, we also use the local currency as the functional currency. In each case, reported earnings are affected by the translation
of the local currency into the U.S. dollar.
Derivatives Policies
Hedging interest rate exposure using swaps and hedging foreign currency exchange rate exposure using forward contracts
are specifically contemplated to manage risk in keeping with management's policies. We may use derivative instruments, such as
swaps, forwards, or futures, which are based directly or indirectly upon interest rates and currencies to manage and reduce the risks
inherent in interest rate and currency fluctuations. When we use foreign currency derivatives to mitigate our exposure to exchange
rate fluctuations, we may choose not to designate them as hedges for accounting purposes, which may result in the effects of the
derivatives being recognized in our earnings in periods different from the items that created the exposure.
We do not utilize derivatives for speculative purposes, and we do not enter into market risk-sensitive instruments for trading
purposes. Derivatives are transaction-specific so that a specific debt instrument, forecast purchase, contract, or invoice determines
the amount, maturity, and other specifics of the hedge. We routinely review counterparty risk as part of our derivative program.
35
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)
2018
2017
2016
Sales and other operating revenues......................................................................................................... $
2,033,947
$
2,071,218
$
2,120,373
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
Costs and expenses
Cost of goods sold................................................................................................................................
1,661,999
1,676,539
1,713,042
Selling, general and administrative expenses ......................................................................................
200,461
211,969
226,685
Other income........................................................................................................................................
Restructuring and impairment costs.....................................................................................................
—
—
—
4,359
(3,390)
2,389
Operating income....................................................................................................................................
171,487
178,351
181,647
Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates.........................................................................
Interest income.....................................................................................................................................
Interest expense....................................................................................................................................
Income before income taxes ...................................................................................................................
Income taxes ........................................................................................................................................
Net income ..............................................................................................................................................
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries ..............................................
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation..................................................................................
Dividends on Universal Corporation convertible perpetual preferred stock ..........................................
Cost in excess of carrying value on conversion/repurchase of convertible perpetual preferred stock ...
9,125
1,686
15,621
166,677
50,509
116,168
(10,506)
105,662
—
—
5,774
1,397
16,284
169,238
56,732
112,506
(6,202)
106,304
5,422
1,178
15,669
172,578
54,430
118,148
(9,132)
109,016
(11,061)
(14,748)
(74,353)
—
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders...................................................... $
105,662
$
20,890
$
94,268
Earnings per share attributable to Universal Corporation common shareholders:
Basic..................................................................................................................................................... $
Diluted.................................................................................................................................................. $
4.18
4.14
$
$
0.89
0.88
$
$
4.16
3.92
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic.....................................................................................................................................................
25,274,975
23,433,860
22,683,290
Diluted..................................................................................................................................................
25,508,144
23,770,088
27,825,491
See accompanying notes.
36
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands of dollars)
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
Net income .............................................................................................................................................. $
116,168
$
112,506
$
118,148
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes ...............................................................................
Foreign currency hedge, net of income taxes ......................................................................................
Interest rate hedge, net of income taxes...............................................................................................
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes ..................................................
Total other comprehensive income, net of income taxes ...............................................................
Total comprehensive income .........................................................................................................
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests....................................................
14,162
223
4,498
2,613
21,496
137,664
(10,134)
(6,899)
(933)
8,395
1,475
2,038
114,544
(5,449)
3,934
2,509
(5,015)
1,004
2,432
120,580
(8,920)
Comprehensive income attributable to Universal Corporation .............................................................. $
127,530
$
109,095
$
111,660
See accompanying notes.
37
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of dollars)
Current assets
ASSETS
March 31,
2018
2017
Cash and cash equivalents.................................................................................................................................................... $
234,128 $
Accounts receivable, net.......................................................................................................................................................
Advances to suppliers, net....................................................................................................................................................
Accounts receivable—unconsolidated affiliates ..................................................................................................................
377,119
122,786
2,040
283,993
439,288
103,750
2,373
Inventories—at lower of cost or net realizable value:
Tobacco..............................................................................................................................................................................
679,428
565,943
Other..................................................................................................................................................................................
Prepaid income taxes............................................................................................................................................................
Other current assets ..............................................................................................................................................................
69,301
16,032
88,209
68,087
16,713
81,252
Total current assets ............................................................................................................................................................
1,589,043
1,561,399
Property, plant and equipment
Land......................................................................................................................................................................................
Buildings ..............................................................................................................................................................................
Machinery and equipment ....................................................................................................................................................
23,180
271,757
634,660
929,597
22,852
266,802
597,213
886,867
Less accumulated depreciation..........................................................................................................................................
(605,803)
(569,527)
Other assets
Goodwill and other intangibles ............................................................................................................................................
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates ..............................................................................................................................
Deferred income taxes..........................................................................................................................................................
Other noncurrent assets ........................................................................................................................................................
323,794
317,340
98,927
89,302
17,118
50,448
98,888
78,457
25,422
41,899
255,795
244,666
Total assets......................................................................................................................................................................... $
2,168,632 $
2,123,405
38
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS—(Continued)
(in thousands of dollars)
Current liabilities
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
March 31,
2018
2017
Notes payable and overdrafts............................................................................................................................................... $
45,421
$
Accounts payable and accrued expenses .............................................................................................................................
163,763
Accounts payable—unconsolidated affiliates......................................................................................................................
Customer advances and deposits .........................................................................................................................................
Accrued compensation.........................................................................................................................................................
Income taxes payable...........................................................................................................................................................
Current portion of long-term debt........................................................................................................................................
16,072
7,021
27,886
7,557
—
59,133
153,515
7,231
11,007
32,007
5,103
—
Total current liabilities ................................................................................................................................................
267,720
267,996
Long-term debt........................................................................................................................................................................
369,086
368,733
Pensions and other postretirement benefits.............................................................................................................................
Other long-term liabilities.......................................................................................................................................................
Deferred income taxes ............................................................................................................................................................
64,843
45,955
35,726
80,689
31,424
47,985
Total liabilities ............................................................................................................................................................
783,330
796,827
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, 24,930,725 shares issued
and outstanding (25,274,506 at March 31, 2017) .............................................................................................................
—
—
321,559
321,207
Retained earnings..............................................................................................................................................................
1,080,934
1,034,841
Accumulated other comprehensive loss............................................................................................................................
(60,064)
(69,559)
Total Universal Corporation shareholders' equity.......................................................................................................
1,342,429
1,286,489
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries..................................................................................................................................
42,873
40,089
Total shareholders' equity ...........................................................................................................................................
1,385,302
1,326,578
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity..................................................................................................................... $
2,168,632 $
2,123,405
See accompanying notes.
39
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of dollars)
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
Net income .............................................................................................................................................. $
116,168
$
112,506
$
118,148
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation .........................................................................................................................................
Provision for losses (recoveries) on advances and guaranteed loans to suppliers ...............................
Inventory write-downs .........................................................................................................................
Stock-based compensation expense .....................................................................................................
Foreign currency remeasurement loss (gain), net ................................................................................
Deferred income taxes..........................................................................................................................
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends ....................................................
Fair value gain upon acquisition of partner's interest in joint venture .................................................
Restructuring and impairment costs .....................................................................................................
34,836
3,730
7,687
7,610
(184)
(11,132)
(1,521)
—
—
Other, net ..............................................................................................................................................
(6,167)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
Accounts and notes receivable ..........................................................................................................
Inventories and other assets...............................................................................................................
Income taxes......................................................................................................................................
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities .................................................................................
Customer advances and deposits.......................................................................................................
Net cash provided by operating activities .......................................................................................
38,264
(116,427)
1,239
13,082
(3,940)
83,245
35,911
(857)
10,866
6,475
9,269
16,626
396
—
4,359
(4,463)
(14,346)
52,139
(1,719)
28,643
(5,490)
250,315
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment ..........................................................................................
(34,037)
(35,630)
Purchase of partner's interest in joint venture, net of cash held by the business..................................
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment ..........................................................................
Other.....................................................................................................................................................
—
5,194
(550)
—
2,174
(398)
Net cash used by investing activities...............................................................................................
(29,393)
(33,854)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Issuance (repayment) of short-term debt, net .......................................................................................
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries...................................................................
Conversion of convertible perpetual preferred stock ...........................................................................
Repurchase of common stock...............................................................................................................
Dividends paid on convertible perpetual preferred stock.....................................................................
Dividends paid on common stock ........................................................................................................
Other.....................................................................................................................................................
Net cash used by financing activities ..............................................................................................
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash.................................................................................................
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents .............................................................................
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year......................................................................................
(18,159)
(7,350)
—
(21,610)
—
(54,699)
(2,828)
(104,646)
929
(49,865)
283,993
(5,349)
(4,200)
(178,365)
—
(11,061)
(49,828)
(2,441)
(251,244)
(671)
(35,454)
319,447
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year ........................................................................................ $
234,128
$
283,993
$
36,754
815
11,899
5,206
22,517
15,046
156
(3,390)
2,389
13,204
(2,806)
(7,370)
1,437
(13,678)
(13,796)
186,531
(47,153)
(5,964)
2,982
(796)
(50,931)
4,880
(4,449)
—
—
(14,748)
(47,389)
(2,940)
(64,646)
(290)
70,664
248,783
319,447
Supplemental information—cash paid for:
Interest .................................................................................................................................................. $
Income taxes, net of refunds................................................................................................................. $
15,621
58,339
$
$
16,284
37,294
$
$
15,704
38,732
Non-cash Financing Transaction - The consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 include a non-cash reclassification
of $107.6 million from preferred stock to common stock to reflect the conversion of 111,072 shares of the Company's outstanding Series B 6.75%
Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock into common stock. See Note 11 for additional information.
See accompanying notes.
40
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands of dollars)
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2018
Universal Corporation Shareholders
Common
Stock
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)
Non-
controlling
Interests
Total
Shareholders'
Equity
Balance at beginning of year..................................................................................
$ 321,207
$ 1,034,841
$
(69,559) $
40,089
$
1,326,578
Changes in preferred and common stock
Repurchase of common stock .......................................................................
Accrual of stock-based compensation ..........................................................
Withholding of shares from stock-based compensation for grantee income
taxes..........................................................................................................
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units (RSUs) ................................
(5,142)
7,610
(2,828)
712
Changes in retained earnings
Net income ....................................................................................................
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($2.18 per share)......................
Repurchase of common stock .......................................................................
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units (RSUs) ................................
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes ........................................
Foreign currency hedge, net of income taxes ...............................................
Interest rate hedge, net of income taxes........................................................
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes ...........
Other changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Reclassification of disproportionate tax effects related to changes in U.S.
corporate income tax law to retained earnings (ASU 2018-02) (see
Notes 1 and 4)...........................................................................................
Other changes in noncontrolling interests
Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders ............................................
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
105,662
(54,762)
(16,468)
(712)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
14,534
223
4,498
2,613
12,373
(12,373)
—
—
—
—
10,506
—
—
—
(5,142)
7,610
(2,828)
712
116,168
(54,762)
(16,468)
(712)
(372)
14,162
—
—
—
—
223
4,498
2,613
—
—
—
(7,350)
(7,350)
Balance at end of year............................................................................................
$ 321,559
$ 1,080,934
$
(60,064) $
42,873
$
1,385,302
41
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY—(Continued)
(in thousands of dollars)
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2017
Universal Corporation Shareholders
Series B
6.75%
Convertible
Perpetual
Preferred
Stock
Common
Stock
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)
Non-
controlling
Interests
Total
Shareholders'
Equity
Balance at beginning of year............................................................
$
211,562
$ 208,946
$ 1,066,064
$
(72,350) $
38,840
$
1,453,062
Changes in preferred and common stock
Conversion of Series B 6.75% convertible perpetual
preferred stock for common stock ..........................................
(107,550)
107,550
Conversion of Series B 6.75% convertible perpetual
preferred stock for cash...........................................................
(104,012)
Accrual of stock-based compensation ....................................
Withholding of shares from stock-based compensation for
grantee income taxes ..........................................................
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units (RSUs) ..........
Changes in retained earnings
Net income ..............................................................................
Cash dividends declared
Series B 6.75% convertible perpetual preferred stock
($50.63 per share)..........................................................
Common stock ($2.14 per share).......................................
Conversion of Series B 6.75% convertible perpetual
preferred stock for cash ......................................................
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units (RSUs) ..........
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes ..................
Foreign currency hedge, net of income taxes .........................
Interest rate hedge, net of income taxes..................................
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of
income taxes .......................................................................
Other changes in noncontrolling interests
Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders ......................
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
6,475
(2,440)
676
—
106,304
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(11,061)
(51,437)
(74,353)
(676)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(6,146)
(933)
8,395
1,475
—
—
—
—
—
—
(104,012)
6,475
(2,440)
676
6,202
112,506
—
—
—
(753)
—
—
—
(11,061)
(51,437)
(74,353)
(676)
(6,899)
(933)
8,395
1,475
—
(4,200)
(4,200)
Balance at end of year......................................................................
$
— $ 321,207
$ 1,034,841
$
(69,559) $
40,089
$
1,326,578
42
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY—(Continued)
(in thousands of dollars)
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2016
Universal Corporation Shareholders
Series B
6.75%
Convertible
Perpetual
Preferred
Stock
Common
Stock
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)
Non-
controlling
Interests
Total
Shareholders'
Equity
Balance at beginning of year............................................................
$
211,562
$ 206,002
$ 1,020,155
$
(74,994) $
34,369
$
1,397,094
Changes in preferred and common stock
Accrual of stock-based compensation ....................................
Withholding of shares from stock-based compensation for
grantee income taxes ..........................................................
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units (RSUs) ..........
Changes in retained earnings
Net income ..............................................................................
Cash dividends declared
Series B 6.75% convertible perpetual preferred stock
($67.50 per share)..........................................................
Common stock ($2.10 per share).......................................
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units (RSUs) ..........
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes ..................
Foreign currency hedge, net of income taxes .........................
Interest rate hedge, net of income taxes..................................
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of
income taxes .......................................................................
Other changes in noncontrolling interests
Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders ......................
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
5,206
(2,940)
678
—
—
—
—
109,016
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(14,748)
(47,681)
(678)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
4,146
2,509
(5,015)
1,004
—
—
—
5,206
(2,940)
678
9,132
118,148
—
—
—
(212)
—
—
—
(14,748)
(47,681)
(678)
3,934
2,509
(5,015)
1,004
—
(4,449)
(4,449)
Balance at end of year......................................................................
$
211,562
$ 208,946
$ 1,066,064
$
(72,350) $
38,840
$
1,453,062
43
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY—(Continued)
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
Preferred Shares Outstanding:
Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock:
Balance at beginning of year.................................................................................................................
Conversion of convertible perpetual preferred stock for common stock..............................................
Conversion of convertible perpetual preferred stock for cash ..............................................................
Balance at end of year...........................................................................................................................
—
—
—
—
218,490
(111,072)
(107,418)
218,490
—
—
—
218,490
Common Shares Outstanding:
Balance at beginning of year.................................................................................................................
25,274,506
22,717,735
22,593,266
Issuance of common stock ....................................................................................................................
59,843
69,653
124,469
Conversion of convertible perpetual preferred stock for common stock..............................................
—
2,487,118
Repurchase of common stock ...............................................................................................................
(403,624)
—
—
—
Balance at end of year...........................................................................................................................
24,930,725
25,274,506
22,717,735
See accompanying notes.
44
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All dollar amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts or as otherwise noted.)
NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations
Universal Corporation, which together with its subsidiaries is referred to herein as “Universal” or the “Company,” is the
leading global leaf tobacco supplier. The Company conducts business in over 30 countries, primarily in major tobacco-producing
regions of the world.
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Universal Corporation and all domestic and foreign subsidiaries
in which the Company maintains a controlling financial interest. Control is generally determined based on a voting interest of greater
than 50%, such that Universal controls all significant corporate activities of the subsidiary. All significant intercompany accounts
and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
The equity method of accounting is used for investments in companies where Universal Corporation has a voting interest
of 20% to 50%. These investments are accounted for under the equity method because Universal exercises significant influence
over those companies, but not control. The Company received dividends totaling $5.5 million in fiscal year 2018, $5.1 million in
fiscal year 2017, and $3.4 million in fiscal year 2016, from companies accounted for under the equity method. Investments where
Universal has a voting interest of less than 20% are not significant and are accounted for under the cost method. Under the cost
method, the Company recognizes earnings upon its receipt of dividends to the extent they represent a distribution of retained earnings.
The Company's 49% ownership interest in Socotab L.L.C. (“Socotab”), a leading supplier of oriental tobaccos with operations located
principally in Eastern Europe and Turkey, is the primary investment accounted for under the equity method. The investment in
Socotab is an important part of the Company's overall product and service arrangements with its major customers. The Company
reviews the carrying value of its investments in Socotab and its other unconsolidated affiliates on a regular basis and considers
whether any factors exist that might indicate an impairment in value that is other than temporary. At March 31, 2018, the Company
determined that no such factors existed with respect to those investments.
The Company's operations in Zimbabwe are deconsolidated under accounting requirements that apply under certain
conditions to foreign subsidiaries that are subject to foreign exchange controls and other government restrictions. Since
deconsolidation, the investment has been accounted for using the cost method, as required under the accounting guidance. The
investment in the Zimbabwe operations was zero at March 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company has a net foreign currency translation
loss associated with the Zimbabwe operations of approximately $7.2 million, which remains a component of accumulated other
comprehensive loss. As a regular part of its reporting, the Company reviews the conditions that resulted in the deconsolidation of
the Zimbabwe operations to confirm that such accounting treatment is still appropriate. Dividends from the Zimbabwe operations
are recorded in income in the period received.
The Company holds less than a 100% financial interest in certain consolidated subsidiaries. The net income and shareholders’
equity attributable to the noncontrolling interests in these subsidiaries are reported on the face of the consolidated financial statements.
During fiscal year 2018, the Company purchased the noncontrolling interest of one subsidiary for $0.6 million. Other than this
transaction, there were no changes in the Company’s ownership percentage in any of these subsidiaries during fiscal years 2016,
2017, or 2018.
45
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
The Company’s equity method investments and its cost method investments, which include its Zimbabwe operations, are
non-marketable securities. Universal reviews such investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an investment may not be recovered. For example, the Company would review such an investment for
impairment if the investee were to lose a significant customer, suffer a large reduction in sales margins, experience a major change
in its business environment, or undergo any other significant change in its normal business. In assessing the recoverability of equity
or cost method investments, the Company follows the applicable accounting guidance in determining the fair value of the investments.
In most cases, this involves the use of undiscounted and discounted cash flow models (Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy under the
accounting guidance). If the fair value of an equity or cost method investee is determined to be lower than its carrying value, an
impairment loss is recognized. The determination of fair value using discounted cash flow models is normally not based on observable
market data from independent sources and therefore requires significant management judgment with respect to estimates of future
operating earnings and the selection of an appropriate discount rate. The use of different assumptions could increase or decrease
estimated future operating cash flows, and the discounted value of those cash flows, and therefore could increase or decrease any
impairment charge related to these investments.
In its consolidated statements of income, the Company reports its proportional share of the earnings of unconsolidated
affiliates accounted for on the equity method based on the pretax earnings of those affiliates, as permitted under the applicable
accounting guidance. All applicable foreign and U.S. income taxes are provided on these earnings and reported as a component of
consolidated income tax expense. For unconsolidated affiliates located in foreign jurisdictions, repatriation of the Company’s share
of the earnings through dividends is assumed in determining consolidated income tax expense.
The following table provides a reconciliation of (1) equity in the pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, as reported
in the consolidated statements of income to (2) equity in the net income of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends, as reported in
the consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
Equity in pretax earnings reported in the consolidated statements of income ..................... $
9,125
$
5,774
$
Less: Equity in income taxes ...............................................................................................
Equity in net income.............................................................................................................
Less: Dividends received on investments (1) .......................................................................
Equity in net income, net of dividends, reported in the consolidated statements of cash
(2,063)
7,062
(5,541)
(1,092)
4,682
(5,078)
5,422
(2,156)
3,266
(3,422)
flows ................................................................................................................................. $
1,521
$
(396) $
(156)
(1)
In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates accounted for on the equity method that represent a
return on capital (i.e., a return of earnings on a cumulative basis) are presented as operating cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Earnings Per Share
The Company calculates basic earnings per share based on earnings available to common shareholders. For fiscal years
prior to 2018, dividends paid on the Company’s Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock prior to its conversion (see
Note 11) were deducted in determining earnings available to common shareholders. The calculation uses the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is computed in a similar manner using the
weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding. Dilutive potential common shares
include unvested restricted stock units and performance share awards that are assumed to be fully vested and paid out in shares of
common stock, dilutive stock options and stock appreciation rights that were assumed to be exercised, and shares of convertible
perpetual preferred stock that were assumed to be converted when the effect was dilutive (prior to their actual conversion). In periods
when the effect of the convertible perpetual preferred stock was dilutive and those shares were assumed to be converted into common
stock, dividends paid on the preferred stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
Calculations of earnings per share for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, are provided in Note 3.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase are classified as cash equivalents.
46
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Advances to Suppliers
In many sourcing origins where the Company operates, it provides agronomy services and seasonal advances of seed,
fertilizer, and other supplies to tobacco farmers for crop production, or makes seasonal cash advances to farmers for the procurement
of those inputs. These advances are short term, are repaid upon delivery of tobacco to the Company, and are reported in advances
to suppliers in the consolidated balance sheets. In several origins, the Company has made long-term advances to tobacco farmers
to finance curing barns and other farm infrastructure. In some years, due to low crop yields and other factors, individual farmers
may not deliver sufficient volumes of tobacco to fully repay their seasonal advances, and the Company may extend repayment of
those advances into future crop years. The long-term portion of advances is included in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated
balance sheets. Both the current and the long-term portions of advances to suppliers are reported net of allowances recorded when
the Company determines that amounts outstanding are not likely to be collected. Short-term and long-term advances to suppliers
totaled approximately $150 million at March 31, 2018 and $134 million at March 31, 2017. The related valuation allowances totaled
$22 million at March 31, 2018, and $27 million at March 31, 2017, and were estimated based on the Company’s historical loss
information and crop projections. The allowances were increased by net provisions for estimated uncollectible amounts of
approximately $3.7 million in fiscal year 2018 and $0.8 million in fiscal year 2016, but reduced by net recoveries of approximately
$0.9 million in fiscal year 2017. These net provisions and recoveries are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in
the consolidated statements of income. Interest on advances is recognized in earnings upon the farmers’ delivery of tobacco in
payment of principal and interest. Advances on which interest accrual had been discontinued totaled approximately $8 million at
March 31, 2018 and $11 million at March 31, 2017.
Inventories
Tobacco inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Raw materials primarily consist of unprocessed
leaf tobacco, which is clearly identified by type and grade at the time of purchase. The Company tracks the costs associated with
this tobacco in the final product lots, and maintains this identification through the time of sale. This method of cost accounting is
referred to as the specific cost or specific identification method. The predominant cost component of the Company’s inventories is
the cost of the unprocessed tobacco. Direct and indirect processing costs related to these raw materials are capitalized and allocated
to inventory in a systematic manner. The Company does not capitalize any interest or sales-related costs in inventory. Freight costs
are recorded in cost of goods sold. Other inventories consist primarily of seed, fertilizer, packing materials, and other supplies, and
are valued principally at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.
Recoverable Value-Added Tax Credits
In many foreign countries, the Company’s local operating subsidiaries pay significant amounts of value-added tax (“VAT”)
on purchases of unprocessed and processed tobacco, crop inputs, packing materials, and various other goods and services. In some
countries, VAT is a national tax, and in other countries it is assessed at the state level. Items subject to VAT vary from jurisdiction
to jurisdiction, as do the rates at which the tax is assessed. When tobacco is sold to customers in the country of origin, the operating
subsidiaries generally collect VAT on those sales. The subsidiaries are normally permitted to offset their VAT payments against the
collections and remit only the incremental VAT collections to the tax authorities. When tobacco is sold for export, VAT is normally
not assessed. In countries where tobacco sales are predominately for export markets, VAT collections generated on downstream
sales are often not sufficient to fully offset the subsidiaries’ VAT payments. In those situations, unused VAT credits can accumulate.
Some jurisdictions have procedures that allow companies to apply for refunds of unused VAT credits from the tax authorities, but
the refund process often takes an extended period of time, and it is not uncommon for refund applications to be challenged or rejected
in part on technical grounds. Other jurisdictions may permit companies to sell or transfer unused VAT credits to third parties in
private transactions, although approval for such transactions must normally be obtained from the tax authorities, limits on the amounts
that can be transferred may be imposed, and the proceeds realized may be heavily discounted from the face value of the credits. Due
to these factors, local operating subsidiaries in some countries can accumulate significant balances of VAT credits over time. The
Company reviews these balances on a regular basis and records valuation allowances on the credits to reflect amounts that are not
expected to be recovered, as well as discounts anticipated on credits that are expected to be sold or transferred. At March 31, 2018
and 2017, the aggregate balances of recoverable tax credits held by the Company’s subsidiaries totaled approximately $49 million
and $45 million, respectively, and the related valuation allowances totaled approximately $15 million and $13 million, respectively.
The net balances are reported in other current assets and other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is based upon historical cost and the estimated useful lives of the assets.
Depreciation is calculated primarily using the straight-line method. Buildings include tobacco processing and blending facilities,
offices, and warehouses. Machinery and equipment consists of processing and packing machinery and transport, office, and computer
equipment. Estimated useful lives range as follows: buildings - 15 to 40 years; processing and packing machinery - 3 to 11 years;
transport equipment - 3 to 10 years; and office and computer equipment - 3 to 10 years. Where applicable and material in amount,
47
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
the Company capitalizes related interest costs during periods that property, plant and equipment are being constructed or made ready
for service. No interest was capitalized in fiscal years 2018, 2017, or 2016.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
Goodwill and other intangibles principally consist of the excess of the purchase price of acquired companies over the fair
value of the net assets. Goodwill is carried at the lower of cost or fair value and is reviewed for potential impairment on an annual
basis as of the end of the fiscal year. Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350 (“ASC 350”) permits companies to base their
initial assessments of potential goodwill impairment on qualitative factors, and the Company elected to use that approach at March 31,
2018 and 2017. Those factors did not indicate any potential impairment of the Company's recorded goodwill.
Reporting units are distinct operating subsidiaries or groups of subsidiaries that typically compose the Company’s business
in a specific country or location. Goodwill is allocated to reporting units based on the country or location to which a specific
acquisition relates, or by allocation based on expected future cash flows if the acquisition relates to more than one country or location.
The majority of the Company’s goodwill relates to its reporting unit in Brazil. Significant adverse changes in the operations or
estimated future cash flows for a reporting unit with recorded goodwill could result in an impairment charge. No charges for goodwill
impairment were recorded in fiscal years 2018, 2017, or 2016.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events, changes in business conditions, or other
circumstances provide an indication that such assets may be impaired. Potential impairment is initially assessed by comparing
management’s undiscounted estimates of future cash flows from the use or disposition of the assets to their carrying value. If the
carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the carrying value of the asset to
its fair value determined in accordance with the accounting guidance. In many cases, this involves the use of discounted cash flow
models that are not based on observable market data from independent sources (Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy under the accounting
guidance). In fiscal year 2017, impairment charges of $2.3 million were incurred on factory and equipment assets as a result of the
Company's decision to close its tobacco processing facility in Hungary (see Note 2). No significant charges for the impairment of
long-lived assets were recorded during fiscal years 2018 or 2016.
Income Taxes
The Company provides deferred income taxes on temporary differences between the book and tax basis of its assets and
liabilities. Those differences arise principally from employee benefit accruals, depreciation, deferred compensation, undistributed
earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, goodwill, and valuation allowances on farmer
advances and value-added tax credits. Income taxes provided on pretax amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) are released when the related pretax amounts are reclassified to earnings.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, disclosed in Note 6, approximates the carrying amount since the variable
interest rates in the underlying credit agreement reflect the market interest rates that were available to the Company at March 31,
2018. In periods when fixed-rate obligations are outstanding, fair values are estimated using market prices where they are available
or discounted cash flow models based on current incremental borrowing rates for similar classes of borrowers and borrowing
arrangements. The fair values of interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges and used to fix the variable benchmark
rate on outstanding long-term debt are determined separately and recorded in other long-term liabilities. Except for interest rate
swaps and forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are discussed below, the fair values of all other assets and liabilities that
qualify as financial instruments approximate their carrying amounts.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company recognizes all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Interest rate swaps and forward foreign currency
exchange contracts are used from time to time to manage interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. The Company enters into such
contracts only with counterparties of good standing. The credit exposure related to non-performance by the counterparties and the
Company is considered in determining the fair values of the derivatives, and the effect has not been material to the financial statements
or operations of the Company. Additional disclosures related to the Company’s derivatives and hedging activities are provided in
Note 8.
Translation and Remeasurement of Foreign Currencies
The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries having the local currency as the functional currency are translated into U.S.
dollars using exchange rates in effect at period end for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates applicable to each reporting
period for results of operations. Adjustments resulting from translation of financial statements are reflected as a separate component
of other comprehensive income or loss. The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries having the U.S. dollar as the functional
48
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
currency, with certain transactions denominated in a local currency, are remeasured into U.S. dollars. The remeasurement of local
currency amounts into U.S. dollars creates remeasurement gains and losses that are included in earnings as a component of selling,
general, and administrative expense. The Company recognized net remeasurement gains of $0.2 million in fiscal year 2018, and net
remeasurement losses of $9.3 million in fiscal year 2017 and $22.5 million in fiscal year 2016.
Foreign currency transactions and forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges generate
gains and losses when they are settled or when they are marked to market under the prescribed accounting guidance. These transaction
gains and losses are also included in earnings as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses. The Company
recognized net foreign currency transaction losses of $0.1 million in fiscal year 2018 and $1.3 million in fiscal year 2017, and net
transaction gains of $8.0 million in fiscal year 2016.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from the sale of tobacco is recognized when title and risk of loss is transferred to the customer and the earnings
process is complete. Substantially all sales revenue is recorded based on the physical transfer of products to customers. A large
percentage of the Company’s sales are to major multinational manufacturers of consumer tobacco products. The Company works
closely with those customers to understand and plan for their requirements for volumes, styles, and grades of leaf tobacco from its
various growing regions, and extensive coordination is maintained on an ongoing basis to determine and satisfy their requirements
for physical shipment of processed tobacco. The customers typically specify, in sales contracts and in shipping documents, the precise
terms for transfer of title and risk of loss for the tobacco. Customer returns and rejections are not significant, and the Company’s
sales history indicates that customer-specific acceptance provisions are consistently met upon transfer of title and risk of loss.
While most of the Company’s revenue consists of tobacco that is purchased from farmers, processed and packed in its
factories, and then sold to customers, some revenue is earned from processing tobacco owned by customers. These arrangements
usually exist in specific markets where the customers contract directly with farmers for leaf production, and they have accounted for
less than 5% of total revenue on an annual basis through the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018. Processing and packing of leaf
tobacco is a short-duration process. Under normal operating conditions, raw tobacco that is placed into the production line exits as
processed and packed tobacco within one hour, and is then later transported to customer-designated storage facilities. The revenue
for these services is recognized when processing is completed, and the Company’s operating history indicates that customer
requirements for processed tobacco are consistently met upon completion of processing.
As discussed further under "Accounting Pronouncements" below, the Company will adopt updated comprehensive
accounting guidance for revenue recognition at the beginning of fiscal year 2019. No material changes to the amount or timing of
the Company's revenues are expected with the adoption of this guidance.
Stock-Based Compensation
Share-based payments, such as grants of restricted stock units, performance share awards, restricted stock, stock appreciation
rights, and stock options, are measured at fair value and reported as expense in the financial statements over the requisite service
period. Additional disclosures related to stock-based compensation are included in Note 12.
Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Accounting Pronouncements
Pronouncements Adopted in Fiscal Years 2016 through 2018
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03,
“Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”). ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to
a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability,
consistent with debt discounts. ASU 2015-03 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2015. The Company adopted
ASU 2015-03 effective for the quarter ending June 30, 2016, which was the first quarter of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017.
The implementation of ASU 2015-03, which required retrospective application, resulted in the reclassification of unamortized debt
issuance costs totaling less than $2 million from other noncurrent assets to long-term debt for comparative prior periods.
In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-05, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use
Software - Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement” (“ASU 2015-05”). ASU 2015-05 requires
customers who enter into a cloud computing arrangement that includes a software license to account for the arrangement as an
intangible asset. If the cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the arrangement is accounted for as a service
contract. The guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2015, and allowed for retrospective or prospective
49
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
adoption. The Company prospectively adopted ASU 2015-05 effective as of April 1, 2016, the beginning of fiscal year 2017. The
Company’s adoption of ASU 2015-05 did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-07, "Fair Value Measurement, Disclosures for
Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value per Share or its Equivalent" ("ASU 2015-07"). ASU 2015-07 removed
the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset
value per share practical expedient and eliminated certain disclosures for investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value
using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The Company adopted ASU 2015-07 effective as of April 1, 2016, the beginning
of fiscal year 2017. Disclosures for all periods presented in Note 9 - Fair Value Measurements reflect the revised category presentation.
In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of
Inventory” (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 requires that most inventory be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value.
ASU 2015-11 defines net realizable value as the "estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonable predictable
costs of completion, disposal, and transportation." ASU 2015-11 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2016,
and was adopted by the Company effective April 1, 2017, the beginning of fiscal year 2018. As required under the guidance, ASU
2015-11 has been applied prospectively after the date of adoption, and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's
consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic
718)" ("ASU 2016-09"). ASU 2016-09 provides simplification for the accounting for employee stock-based payment transactions,
including the related income tax consequences, the classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and the classification of
transactions in the statement of cash flows. The guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with
early adoption permitted. The Company elected to early-adopt ASU 2016-09 effective April 1, 2016, which was the beginning of
its fiscal year ending March 31, 2017. As required by the guidance, employee tax withholding payments and excess tax benefits
resulting from stock-based compensation have been classified as financing activities and operating activities, respectively, in the
consolidated statements of cash flows for all periods presented.
In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)" ("ASU
2017-12"). ASU 2017-12 expands derivative strategies that quality for hedge accounting and amends presentation and disclosure
requirements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The
Company elected to early-adopt ASU 2017-12 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018. As required under the guidance, ASU 2017-12
has been applied using the modified retrospective approach and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's
consolidated financial statements.
In February 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-02, "Income Statement - Reporting
Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income" ("ASU 2018-02") to address the disproportionate income tax effects on pretax amounts recorded in accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) resulting from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017. Under the existing
accounting guidance, companies were required to record the impact of changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities from the
enactment of the new law through income from continuing operations, including the impact related to pretax amounts recorded in
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). As a result, the income tax effects on amounts recorded in accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) were not reflective of the rates at which those amounts ultimately would be taxed. ASU 2018-02
permits companies to reclassify these disproportionate tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained
earnings. It is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected
to early-adopt ASU 2018-02 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018 and reclassify the disproportionate tax effects to retained earnings
as allowed under the guidance. The reclassification increased accumulated other comprehensive loss and increased retained earnings
by approximately $12.4 million.
Pronouncements to be Adopted in Future Periods
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU
2014-09”), which supersedes substantially all of the current revenue recognition guidance under U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles (“U.S. GAAP”). ASU 2014-09 was developed under a joint project with the International Accounting Standards Board
(“IASB”) to improve and converge the existing revenue recognition accounting guidance in U.S. GAAP and International Accounting
Standards. Under ASU 2014-09, the central underlying principle is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are
transferred to customers at an amount determined by the consideration a company expects to receive for those goods or services.
The guidance outlines a five-step process for determining the amount and timing of revenue to be recognized from those arrangements.
It is more principles-based than the existing guidance under U.S. GAAP, and therefore requires more management judgment and
involves more estimates than the current guidance. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017,
50
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
including all interim periods within the year of adoption. Companies are allowed to select between two transition methods: (1) a
full retrospective transition method with the application of the new guidance to each prior reporting period presented, or (2) a modified
retrospective transition method that recognizes the cumulative effect on prior periods at the date of adoption together with additional
footnote disclosures. Since the issuance of ASU 2014-09, the FASB has issued several amendments to provide additional supplemental
guidance on certain aspects of the original pronouncement. The Company formed a cross-functional implementation project team
to review revenue accounting policies and control processes, to complete a comprehensive analysis of the new guidance, and to
determine the effect adoption has on revenue recognition and financial statement disclosures for all customer contracts. The team
classified its customer contracts into primary revenue streams, completed individual contract reviews, and made determinations with
respect to provisions that impact the timing and amount of revenue recognition for certain customer arrangements. The implementation
team reported the findings and progress of the project to management and the Audit Committee on a frequent basis over the past
three fiscal years. The team is continuing to document internal controls related to the adoption of ASU 2014-09 and drafting the
financial statement disclosures that will be required by the guidance. Universal will adopt ASU 2014-09 and the related supplemental
amendments effective April 1, 2018, which is the beginning of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019, and will use the modified
retrospective transition method of adoption. Other than the additional required disclosures, the impact on the Company's consolidated
financial statements from the adoption of ASC 2014-09 is not expected to be material.
In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01 “Financial Instruments-Recognition and
Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” ("ASU 2016-01"). ASU 2016-01 requires all equity investments to be
measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those accounted for under the equity
method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee). This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2017, and will be adopted effective April 1, 2018, which is the beginning of the Company's fiscal year ending March
31, 2019. As the Company does not have any significant equity investments that are not accounted for under the equity method, the
adoption of ASU 2016-01 is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”).
ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize lease payment obligations as a lease liability and the corresponding right-of-use asset
as a leased asset in the balance sheet for the term of the lease. This guidance supersedes Topic 840 “Leases” and is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company will be required to adopt ASU 2016-02 effective April 1, 2019, which
is the beginning of its fiscal year ending March 31, 2020, and is currently in the process of collecting and analyzing detailed information
on all leasing arrangements across its global organization to meet the accounting and disclosure requirements of the new guidance.
In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic
350)" ("ASU 2017-04"). Under current accounting guidance, the fair value of a reporting unit to which a specific goodwill balance
relates is first compared to its carrying value in the financial statements (Step 1). If that comparison indicates that the goodwill is
impaired, an implied fair value for the goodwill must then be calculated by deducting the individual fair values of all other assets
and liabilities, including any unrecognized intangible assets, from the total fair value of the reporting unit (Step 2). ASU 2017-04
simplifies the accounting guidance by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test and using the fair value of the reporting
unit determined in Step 1 to measure the goodwill impairment loss. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2019. The Company will be required to adopt ASU 2017-04 effective April 1, 2020, which is the beginning of
its fiscal year ending March 31, 2021, and is currently evaluating the impact that the updated guidance will have on its consolidated
financial statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic
715)" ("ASU 2017-07"). ASU 2017-07 requires that an employer report the service cost component of pension or other postretirement
benefits expense in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees
during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from
the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. If a separate line item or items
are used to present the other components of net benefit cost, the line item or items must be appropriately described. If a separate line
item or items are not used, the line item or items used in the income statement to present the other components of net benefit cost
must be disclosed. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will be required to
adopt ASU 2017-07 effective April 1, 2018, which is the beginning of its fiscal year ending March 31, 2019. The line item classification
changes required by the new guidance will not impact the Company's pretax earnings or net income; however, operating income and
other income/expense will increase by offsetting amounts that are not expected to be material to the Company's consolidated financial
statements.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
51
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
NOTE 2. RESTRUCTURING AND IMPAIRMENT COSTS
During fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, Universal recorded restructuring and impairment costs related to
various initiatives to adjust certain operations and reduce costs. Those costs primarily related to operations that are part of the Other
Regions reportable segment of the Company's flue-cured and burley leaf tobacco operations. There were no restructuring or
impairment costs recorded for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018.
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2017
In fiscal year 2017, the Company recorded restructuring and impairment costs totaling $4.4 million, primarily related to
the Company's decision to close its tobacco processing facility in Hungary. The Company now processes tobaccos sourced from
Hungary in its factories in Italy. The costs incurred for the change in operations in Hungary included statutory employee termination
benefits and impairment charges related to certain property and equipment. Restructuring costs were also incurred in connection
with downsizing efforts at several other locations around the Company.
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2016
In fiscal year 2016, the Company recorded restructuring and impairment costs totaling $2.4 million, related to a decision
to significantly scale back its operations in Zambia. Those costs primarily included statutory employee termination benefits,
impairment charges related to outstanding balances on loans to farmers whose contracts were terminated as a result of the decision,
and impairment charges on certain property and equipment.
A summary of the restructuring and impairment costs incurred during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, is
as follows:
Restructuring Costs:
Fiscal Years Ended March 31,
2017
2016
Employee termination benefits.......................................................................................................................
$
2,083
$
Other restructuring costs.................................................................................................................................
Impairment Costs:
Property and equipment and farmer loans......................................................................................................
—
2,083
2,276
Total restructuring and impairment costs .....................................................................................................
$
4,359
$
1,629
96
1,725
664
2,389
A reconciliation of the Company’s liability for employee termination benefits and other restructuring costs for fiscal years
2016 through 2018 is as follows:
Employee
Termination
Benefits
Other Costs
Total
Balance at April 1, 2015.........................................................................................................
$
696
$
198
$
894
Fiscal Year 2016 Activity:
Costs charged to expense ...................................................................................................
Payments ............................................................................................................................
Balance at March 31, 2016 ....................................................................................................
Fiscal Year 2017 Activity:
Costs charged to expense ...................................................................................................
Payments ............................................................................................................................
Balance at March 31, 2017 ....................................................................................................
Fiscal Year 2018 Activity:
1,629
(2,246)
79
2,083
(1,861)
301
Payments ............................................................................................................................
(272)
Balance at March 31, 2018 ....................................................................................................
$
29
$
96
(92)
202
—
(159)
43
(43)
— $
1,725
(2,338)
281
2,083
(2,020)
344
(315)
29
The restructuring liability at March 31, 2018 is expected to be paid during fiscal year 2019. Universal continually reviews its
business for opportunities to realize efficiencies, reduce costs, and realign its operations in response to business changes. The Company
may incur additional restructuring and impairment costs in future periods as business changes occur and additional cost savings initiatives
are implemented.
52
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
NOTE 3. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Basic Earnings Per Share
Numerator for basic earnings per share
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation ........................................................................... $
105,662
$
106,304
$
109,016
Less: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock ...............................................................
Less: Cost in excess of carrying value on conversion or repurchase of convertible perpetual
preferred stock ..............................................................................................................................
—
—
(11,061)
(14,748)
(74,353)
—
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of basic
earnings per share .........................................................................................................................
105,662
20,890
94,268
Denominator for basic earnings per share
Weighted average shares outstanding...............................................................................................
25,274,975
23,433,860
22,683,290
Basic earnings per share .................................................................................................................. $
4.18
$
0.89
$
4.16
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders ............................................... $
105,662
$
20,890
$
Add: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock (if conversion assumed) ........................
—
—
94,268
14,748
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of diluted
earnings per share .........................................................................................................................
105,662
20,890
109,016
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding...............................................................................................
25,274,975
23,433,860
22,683,290
Effect of dilutive securities (if conversion or exercise assumed)
Convertible perpetual preferred stock...........................................................................................
—
—
4,853,268
Employee and outside director share-based awards .....................................................................
233,169
336,228
288,933
Denominator for diluted earnings per share .....................................................................................
25,508,144
23,770,088
27,825,491
Diluted earnings per share................................................................................................................ $
4.14
$
0.88
$
3.92
In December 2016, 111,072 shares of the Company’s Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock were converted
into approximately 2.5 million shares of the Company's common stock. In January 2017, the Company announced a mandatory
conversion of all 107,418 remaining outstanding shares of the preferred stock after meeting the requirements to initiate the mandatory
conversion under the original terms of the preferred shares. The Company chose to satisfy the conversion obligation for the mandatory
conversion in cash. Although the conversions of the preferred stock into common stock or for cash did not impact the Company’s
net income, the shares converted for cash under the mandatory conversion in January 2017 resulted in a one-time reduction of retained
earnings of approximately $74.4 million during the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2017, representing the excess of the conversion
cost over the carrying value of those shares. The reduction in retained earnings resulted in a corresponding one-time reduction of
earnings available to common shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 for purposes of determining the amounts reported
for basic and diluted earnings per share. The effects of the conversions on the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share
for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, are included in the table above. See Note 11 for additional information.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, the Company had 133,600 of potentially dilutive common shares (stock
appreciation rights) outstanding that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would
have been antidilutive. The weighted-average exercise price of those shares was $62.66. There were no potentially dilutive common
shares outstanding at March 31, 2017 or 2018.
53
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
NOTE 4. INCOME TAXES
The Company operates in the United States and many foreign countries and is subject to the tax laws of many jurisdictions.
Changes in tax laws or the interpretation of tax laws can affect the Company’s earnings, as can the resolution of pending and contested
tax issues. The Company's consolidated effective income tax rate is affected by a number of factors, including the mix of domestic
and foreign earnings and the effect of exchange rate changes on deferred taxes.
In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by
the President. This new law made significant changes to income taxation at the federal level for individuals, pass-through entities,
and corporations. For corporations, the changes include a reduction in the statutory rate on taxable income from 35% to 21%, and
a move from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system for companies with foreign operations. Under the territorial system,
except in limited situations or for limited types of income, earnings from foreign operations will generally no longer be subject to
U.S. taxation. The law accommodates the move from the previous worldwide tax system by providing for a one-time transition tax
on the undistributed post-1986 earnings of foreign subsidiaries as of either November 2, 2017 or December 31, 2017, whichever
undistributed earnings amount is greater. Other provisions of the new law allow for immediate expensing of investments in property,
plant, and equipment, and impose limitations on the deductibility of interest, executive compensation, and meals and entertainment
expense. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, the Company's U.S. federal statutory tax rate was 31.5%, reflecting a portion
of the year at the 35% rate under the old law and a portion at the 21% rate under the new law.
Under the applicable accounting guidance, corporations are required to account for the effects of changes in income tax
law on their financial statements as a component of taxes provided on income from continuing operations in the period those changes
are enacted, which for Universal was the third quarter of fiscal year 2018. Due to the complexities associated with understanding
and applying various aspects of the new law and quantifying or estimating amounts upon which calculations required to account for
new law are based, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) recognized that it may be difficult for many companies
to complete the determination of all accounting effects of the new law within the available time frame for issuing their financial
statements for the period of enactment. As a result, the SEC provided guidance permitting corporations to record and report specific
items impacted by the new law on the basis of reasonable estimates where final amounts had not been determined and designate
them as provisional amounts, or to continue to account for specific items under the previous law if it was not possible to develop
reasonable estimates within the time frame for issuance of the financial statements for the period of enactment. As the accounting
for provisional amounts is refined or finalized in subsequent reporting periods, companies are expected to record appropriate
adjustments to the initial accounting, removing the provisional designation on an item in the period that the accounting for that item
is completed. A measurement period of no more than one year from the date of enactment of the new law is provided under the SEC
guidance to complete all such adjustments.
The most significant effects on Universal’s financial statements for fiscal year 2018 from the enactment of the new law
were:
(1) the reduction in the federal income tax rate on U.S. pretax earnings for fiscal year 2018 from 35% to 31.5%.
(2) an adjustment of recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities to the tax rates at which they are expected to reverse in the
future.
(3) a reduction of the liability previously recorded for U.S. income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries
to the amounts expected to be paid under the one-time transition tax provisions of the new law.
The net impact of accounting for these and other less significant effects of the new law was a reduction in consolidated
income tax expense for fiscal year 2018 of approximately $4.5 million. Upon enactment of the new law in the third quarter of the
year, the Company recorded an initial reduction in income tax expense of approximately $10.5 million under the provisional accounting
guidance; however, that amount was lowered by approximately $6.0 million in the fourth quarter, reflecting the collection and analysis
of additional information for certain foreign subsidiaries, as well as subsequent clarifying guidance issued with respect to the new
law.
Included in the effect of the new law is a $7.8 million net increase in income tax expense from remeasuring net deferred
tax assets to the lower rates at which they are now expected to reverse, generally the new 21% U.S. federal statutory tax rate. That
net increase includes approximately $12.4 million of net tax expense from remeasuring net deferred tax assets attributable to pension
and other postretirement benefit plans, foreign currency translation adjustments, and other amounts that were recorded through other
comprehensive income to the new lower rates, which initially left disproportionate tax effects recorded on the pretax amounts in
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). As discussed in Note 1, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02 "Income Statement -
54
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income" to address this issue by allowing companies to reclassify the disproportionate tax effects from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings. The Company elected to early-adopt ASU 2018-02 in the fourth quarter of fiscal
year 2018 and chose to reclassify the disproportionate tax effects. The reclassification increased accumulated other comprehensive
loss and increased retained earnings by approximately $12.4 million.
Also included in the $4.5 million net reduction in fiscal year 2018 income tax expense for the effect of the new law is a $10
million reduction of income tax expense primarily related to the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Prior to the enactment
of the new law, under its accounting for income taxes, the Company had no undistributed earnings of consolidated foreign subsidiaries
that were classified as permanently reinvested, and accordingly had recorded the full tax liability on those earnings, including both
local country taxes and the U.S. taxes expected to be paid on their future distribution. The new law replaces the U.S. income tax
that would have been paid on those earnings in the future with the one-time transition tax, which is allowed to be paid over an eight-
year period. The total liability recorded by the Company for this transition tax, net of available foreign tax credits, is approximately
$15.8 million, and the $10 million reduction of income tax expense primarily related to undistributed foreign earnings reflects the
adjustment of the U.S. tax liability previously recorded on those earnings to the transition tax amount. The Company continues to
assume repatriation of all undistributed earnings of its consolidated foreign subsidiaries and has therefore provided for expected
foreign withholding taxes on the distribution of those earnings where applicable, net of the U.S. tax credit attributable those withholding
taxes.
While the Company has not continued to account for any specific items under the previous tax law as permitted by the SEC
guidance, the Company is continuing to review the primary component effects of the new law on its financial statements. In addition,
the Company continues to analyze certain aspects of the new law, and future treasury regulations, tax law technical corrections,
notices, rulings, and other guidance issued by the government could result in changes or refinements to the amounts currently recorded.
These include potential refinements of the Company's calculations of the adjustments to deferred tax assets and liabilities and the
U.S. tax liability for undistributed foreign earnings, which could be adjusted based on continuing review of the Company's calculation
of the one-time transition tax, including further analysis of the undistributed earnings amounts represented by cash and other specified
assets held by its foreign subsidiaries. As a result, those amounts continue to be classified as provisional, and additional adjustments,
which could be material, may be recorded in future reporting periods within the allowed one-year measurement period as the final
accounting is completed.
Income Tax Expense
Income taxes for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 consisted of the following:
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
Current
United States....................................................................................................................... $
1,110
$
3,422
$
State and local ....................................................................................................................
Foreign................................................................................................................................
175
60,356
61,641
Deferred
United States.......................................................................................................................
(20,052)
State and local ....................................................................................................................
Foreign................................................................................................................................
68
8,852
(11,132)
147
36,537
40,106
5,434
561
10,631
16,626
Total ................................................................................................................................. $
50,509
$
56,732
$
Foreign taxes include any applicable U.S. tax expense on the earnings of foreign subsidiaries.
5,371
1,116
32,897
39,384
5,780
(445)
9,711
15,046
54,430
55
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Consolidated Effective Income Tax Rate
A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
U.S. federal statutory tax rate................................................................................................
31.5%
35.0%
35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit .............................................................................
Dividends received from deconsolidated operations ............................................................
Effect of exchange rate changes on deferred income taxes ..................................................
Effects of new tax law:
Foreign earnings taxed at rates above the U.S. federal statutory tax rate .........................
Adjustment of deferred tax assets and liabilities ..............................................................
Reduction of U.S. tax liability on undistributed foreign earnings to estimate of one-
time transition tax..........................................................................................................
Other, including changes in liabilities recorded for uncertain tax positions.........................
Effective income tax rate ......................................................................................................
0.1
(1.4)
—
2.8
4.6
(8.3)
1.0
30.3%
0.3
(2.3)
0.4
—
—
—
0.1
33.5%
0.3
(1.5)
(1.6)
—
—
—
(0.7)
31.5%
Components of Income Before Income Taxes
The U.S. and foreign components of income before income taxes were as follows:
United States ......................................................................................................................... $
10,442 $
31,468 $
37,877
Foreign ..................................................................................................................................
156,235
137,770
134,701
Total.................................................................................................................................... $
166,677 $
169,238 $
172,578
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
56
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities and Assets
Significant components of deferred tax liabilities and assets were as follows:
March 31,
2018
2017
Liabilities
Foreign withholding taxes.................................................................................................................................. $
25,987 $
Undistributed earnings .......................................................................................................................................
Goodwill ............................................................................................................................................................
All other .............................................................................................................................................................
8,636
19,529
9,039
44,702
24,629
30,851
11,015
Total deferred tax liabilities.......................................................................................................................... $
63,191
$
111,197
Assets
Employee benefit plans...................................................................................................................................... $
21,714 $
Reserves and accruals ........................................................................................................................................
Deferred income.................................................................................................................................................
9,673
4,878
Currency translation losses of foreign subsidiaries ...........................................................................................
1,993
Local currency exchange losses of foreign subsidiaries ....................................................................................
Foreign tax credit carryforward .........................................................................................................................
843
—
All other .............................................................................................................................................................
6,522
Total deferred tax assets ...............................................................................................................................
Valuation allowance...........................................................................................................................................
45,623
(1,040)
38,804
11,756
4,672
13,244
3,669
2,799
14,327
89,271
(636)
Net deferred tax assets.................................................................................................................................. $
44,583 $
88,635
At March 31, 2018, the Company had no material net operating loss carryforwards in either its domestic or foreign operations.
Combined Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
The combined income tax expense (benefit) allocable to continuing operations, other comprehensive income, and direct
adjustments to shareholders' equity was as follows:
Continuing operations ........................................................................................................... $
50,509
$
56,732
$
Other comprehensive income................................................................................................
23,471
Direct adjustments to shareholders' equity ...........................................................................
—
1,503
—
54,430
1,423
(805)
Total ................................................................................................................................ $
73,980 $
58,235 $
55,048
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
57
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Uncertain Tax Positions
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the gross liability for uncertain tax positions for the fiscal years
ended March 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, is as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
Liability for uncertain tax positions, beginning of year........................................................ $
2,426
$
2,407
$
2,894
Additions:
Related to tax positions for the current year.......................................................................
Related to tax positions for prior years ..............................................................................
Reductions:
Due to lapses of statutes of limitations...............................................................................
Related to tax positions for prior years ..............................................................................
Effect of currency rate movement ......................................................................................
107
1,310
(104)
—
(66)
94
—
(112)
(3)
40
Liability for uncertain tax positions, end of year .................................................................. $
3,673
$
2,426
$
98
—
(215)
—
(370)
2,407
Of the total liability for uncertain tax positions at March 31, 2018, approximately $3.6 million could have an effect on the
consolidated effective tax rate if the tax benefits are recognized. The liability for uncertain tax positions includes $0.1 million related
to tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the amounts could change significantly before March 31, 2019. This amount
reflects a possible decrease in the liability for uncertain tax positions that could result from the completion and resolution of tax
audits and the expiration of open tax years in various tax jurisdictions.
The Company recognizes accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions as interest expense, and it recognizes penalties
as a component of income tax expense. Amounts accrued or reversed for interest and penalties were not material for any of the fiscal
years 2016 through 2018, and liabilities recorded for interest and penalties at March 31, 2018 and 2017 also were not material.
Universal and its subsidiaries file a U.S. federal consolidated income tax return, as well as returns in several U.S. states and
a number of foreign jurisdictions. As of March 31, 2018, the Company's earliest open tax year for U.S. federal income tax purposes
was its fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. Open tax years in state and foreign jurisdictions generally range from 3 to 6 years.
58
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
NOTE 5. CREDIT FACILITIES
Bank Credit Agreement
The Company has in place a senior unsecured bank credit agreement that includes a $430 million five-year revolving credit
facility, along with a $150 million five-year term loan and a $220 million seven-year term loan. Borrowings under the revolving
credit facility bear interest at a variable rate based on either (1) LIBOR plus a margin that is based on the Company's credit measures
or (2) the higher of the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, prime rate, or one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%, each plus a margin. In addition to
interest, the Company pays a facility fee on the revolving credit facility. No amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit
facility at March 31, 2018. The credit agreement provides for an expansion of the facility under certain conditions to allow additional
borrowings of up to $100 million. Additional information related to the term loans is provided in Note 6. The credit agreement
includes financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum level of tangible net worth and observe limits on debt
levels. The Company was in compliance with those covenants at March 31, 2018.
Short-Term Credit Facilities
The Company maintains short-term uncommitted lines of credit in the United States and in a number of foreign countries.
Foreign borrowings are generally in the form of overdraft facilities at rates competitive in the countries in which the Company
operates. Generally, each foreign line is available only for borrowings related to operations of a specific country. As of March 31,
2018 and 2017, approximately $45 million and $59 million, respectively, were outstanding under these uncommitted lines of credit.
The weighted-average interest rates on short-term borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, were approximately 3.4%
and 3.1%, respectively. At March 31, 2018, the Company and its consolidated affiliates had unused uncommitted lines of credit
totaling approximately $248 million.
NOTE 6. LONG-TERM DEBT
The Company's long-term debt at March 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following:
March 31,
2018
2017
Senior bank term loans ....................................................................................................................................... $
370,000 $
Total outstanding ............................................................................................................................................
370,000
Less: current portion...........................................................................................................................................
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs ...............................................................................................................
—
(914)
370,000
370,000
—
(1,267)
Long-term debt ............................................................................................................................................... $
369,086 $
368,733
As discussed in Note 5, the Company has in place a bank credit agreement that includes a $150 million five-year term loan
and a $220 million seven-year term loan. The loans require no amortization and are prepayable without penalty prior to maturity.
Under the credit agreement, both term loans bear interest at variable rates plus a margin based on the Company's credit measures.
However, following closing on the loans, the Company entered into receive-floating / pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements that
convert the variable benchmark rate on both loans to a fixed rate over their full terms to maturity. With the swap agreements in place,
the effective interest rate on the $150 million five-year loan and the $220 million seven-year loan were 2.94% and 3.48%, respectively,
at March 31, 2018 and 2017. The effective rates will change only if a change in the Company's credit measures results in adjustments
to the applicable credit spreads specified in the underlying loan agreement. The $150 million five-year term loan matures in fiscal
year 2020, and the $220 million seven-year term loan matures in fiscal year 2022.
In November 2017, the Company filed an undenominated universal shelf registration statement with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission to provide for the future issuance of an undefined amount of additional debt or equity securities as
determined by the Company and offered in one or more prospectus supplements prior to issuance.
Disclosures about the fair value of long-term debt are provided in Note 9.
59
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
NOTE 7. LEASES
The Company’s subsidiaries lease various production, storage, distribution, and other facilities, as well as vehicles and
equipment used in their operations. Some of the leases have options to extend the lease term at market rates. These arrangements
are classified as operating leases for accounting purposes. Rent expense on operating leases totaled $16.0 million in fiscal year 2018,
$15.3 million in fiscal year 2017, and $14.7 million in fiscal year 2016. Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating
leases total $13.5 million in 2019, $9.7 million in 2020, $8.2 million in 2021, $5.3 million in 2022, $4.5 million in 2023, and $10.3
million after 2023.
NOTE 8. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Universal is exposed to various risks in its worldwide operations and uses derivative financial instruments to manage two
specific types of risks – interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. Interest rate risk has been managed by entering
into interest rate swap agreements, and foreign currency exchange rate risk has been managed by entering into forward foreign
currency exchange contracts. However, the Company’s policy also permits other types of derivative instruments. In addition, foreign
currency exchange rate risk is also managed through strategies that do not involve derivative instruments, such as using local
borrowings and other approaches to minimize net monetary positions in non-functional currencies. The disclosures below provide
additional information about the Company’s hedging strategies, the derivative instruments used, and the effects of these activities
on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and the consolidated balance sheets. In the consolidated
statements of cash flows, the cash flows associated with all of these activities are reported in net cash provided by operating activities.
Cash Flow Hedging Strategy for Interest Rate Risk
In January 2015, the Company entered into receive-floating/pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements that were designated
and qualified as hedges of the exposure to changes in interest payment cash flows created by fluctuations in variable interest rates
on its two outstanding non-amortizing bank term loans (see Notes 5 and 6). Although no significant ineffectiveness is expected with
this hedging strategy, the effectiveness of the interest rate swaps is evaluated on a quarterly basis. At March 31, 2018, the total
notional amount of the interest rate swaps was $370 million, which corresponded with the aggregate outstanding balance of the term
loans.
Cash Flow Hedging Strategy for Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Related to Forecast Purchases of Tobacco and Related
Processing Costs
The majority of the tobacco production in most countries outside the United States where Universal operates is sold in
export markets at prices denominated in U.S. dollars. However, purchases of tobacco from farmers and most processing costs (such
as labor and energy) in those countries are usually denominated in the local currency. Changes in exchange rates between the U.S.
dollar and the local currencies where tobacco is grown and processed affect the ultimate U.S. dollar cost of the processed tobacco.
From time to time, the Company enters into forward contracts to sell U.S. dollars and buy the local currency at future dates that
coincide with the expected timing of a portion of the tobacco purchases and processing costs. This strategy offsets the variability of
future U.S. dollar cash flows for tobacco purchases and processing costs for the foreign currency notional amount hedged. This
hedging strategy has been used mainly for tobacco purchases and processing costs in Brazil. The aggregate U.S. dollar notional
amount of forward contracts entered for these purposes during fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016 was as follows:
(in millions)
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
Tobacco purchases .................................................................................................................
$
43.3
$
70.7
$
Processing costs .....................................................................................................................
17.1
24.0
Total ...................................................................................................................................
$
60.4
$
94.7
$
43.1
13.2
56.3
The increased U.S. dollar notional amounts for tobacco purchases and processing costs hedged during fiscal year 2017 in
part reflected an increase in the size of the 2017 Brazilian crop over the 2016 crop. In addition, variations in the amount and timing
of fixed-price orders from customers for their purchases from individual crop years routinely cause variations in the U.S. dollar
notional amount of forward contracts entered into from one fiscal year to the next. All contracts related to tobacco purchases were
designated and qualified as hedges of the future cash flows associated with the forecast purchases of tobacco. As a result, except
for amounts related to any ineffective portion of the hedging strategy or any early de-designation of the hedge arrangement, changes
in fair values of the forward contracts have been recognized in comprehensive income as they occurred, but only recognized in
earnings upon sale of the related tobacco to third-party customers. Forward contracts related to processing costs have not been
designated as hedges, and gains and losses on those contracts have been recognized in earnings on a mark-to-market basis.
60
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
For substantially all hedge gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 31, 2018, the
Company expects to complete the sale of the tobacco and recognize the amounts in earnings during fiscal year 2019. At March 31,
2018, all hedged forecast purchases of tobacco not yet completed remained probable of occurring within the originally designated
time period and, as a result, no hedges had been discontinued. Purchases of the 2018 Brazilian crops are expected to be completed
by July 2018, and all forward contracts to hedge those purchases will mature and be settled by that time.
As discussed in Note 1, during the quarter ended March 31, 2018, the Company elected to early adopt recently-issued
changes to the accounting guidance for derivatives and hedging activities (ASU 2017-12) to allow the application of the updated
guidance to all forward foreign currency exchange contracts that will be entered to hedge exchange rate risk on the 2018 Brazilian
crop purchases. The updated guidance simplifies the designation of those contracts as hedges, as well as the ongoing assessment of
hedge effectiveness, but did not otherwise materially impact the Company's accounting for those contracts.
Hedging Strategy for Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Related to Net Local Currency Monetary Assets and Liabilities of
Foreign Subsidiaries
Most of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries transact the majority of their sales in U.S. dollars and finance the majority of
their operating requirements with U.S. dollar borrowings, and therefore use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. These
subsidiaries normally have certain monetary assets and liabilities on their balance sheets that are denominated in the local currency.
Those assets and liabilities can include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, advances to farmers
and suppliers, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, recoverable value-added taxes, and other items. Net monetary assets and
liabilities denominated in the local currency are remeasured into U.S. dollars each reporting period, generating gains and losses that
the Company records in earnings as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses. The level of net monetary assets
or liabilities denominated in the local currency normally fluctuates throughout the year based on the operating cycle, but it is most
common for monetary assets to exceed monetary liabilities, sometimes by a significant amount. When this situation exists and the
local currency weakens against the U.S. dollar, remeasurement losses are generated. Conversely, remeasurement gains are generated
on a net monetary asset position when the local currency strengthens against the U.S. dollar. To manage a portion of its exposure to
currency remeasurement gains and losses, the Company enters into forward contracts to buy or sell the local currency at future dates
coinciding with expected changes in the overall net local currency monetary asset or liability position of the subsidiary. Gains and
losses on the forward contracts are recorded in earnings as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses for each
reporting period as they occur, and thus directly offset the related remeasurement losses or gains in the consolidated statements of
income for the notional amount hedged. The Company does not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. The
contracts are generally arranged to hedge the subsidiary's projected exposure to currency remeasurement risk for specified periods
of time, and new contracts are entered as necessary throughout the year to replace previous contracts as they mature. During the
fiscal years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the Company used forward currency contracts to manage its exposure to currency
remeasurement risk in Brazil. The total notional amounts of contracts outstanding at March 31, 2018 and 2017 were approximately
$27.3 million and $33.0 million, respectively. At March 31, 2016 , the net local monetary asset position in Brazil was not significant,
and there were no foreign currency contracts outstanding. To further mitigate currency remeasurement exposure, the Company’s
foreign subsidiaries may utilize short-term local currency financing during certain periods. This strategy, while not involving the
use of derivative instruments, is intended to minimize the subsidiary’s net monetary position by financing a portion of the local
currency monetary assets with local currency monetary liabilities and thus hedging a portion of the overall position.
Several of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries transact the majority of their sales and finance the majority of their operating
requirements in their local currency, and therefore use their respective local currencies as the functional currency for reporting
purposes. From time to time, these subsidiaries sell tobacco to customers in transactions that are not denominated in the functional
currency. In those situations, the subsidiaries routinely enter into forward exchange contracts to offset currency risk for the period
of time that a fixed-price order and the related trade account receivable are outstanding with the customer. The contracts are not
designated as hedges for accounting purposes.
61
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income
The table below outlines the effects of the Company’s use of derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statements
of income for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
Cash Flow Hedges - Interest Rate Swap Agreements
Derivative
Effective Portion of Hedge
Gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss............................................
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings .............
$
$
4,869
$
8,999
$
(12,824)
(1,244) $
(3,916) $
(5,108)
Location of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into
earnings ..............................................................................................................................
Interest expense
Ineffective Portion of Hedge
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings.........................................................................................
$
— $
— $
—
Location of gain (loss) recognized in earnings ......................................................................
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Hedged Item
Description of hedged item.......................................................................................................
Floating rate interest payments on term loans
Cash Flow Hedges - Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
Derivative
Effective Portion of Hedge
Gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss............................................
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings .............
Location of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into
earnings ................................................................................................................................
$
$
(1,204) $
(1,099) $
454
945
$
$
1,774
993
Cost of goods sold
Ineffective Portion and Early De-designation of Hedges
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings.........................................................................................
$
(5) $
246
$
685
Location of gain (loss) recognized in earnings ......................................................................
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Hedged Item
Description of hedged item......................................................................................................
Forecast purchases of tobacco in Brazil
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges -
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings.........................................................................................
$
(234) $
(2,591) $
5,973
Location of gain (loss) recognized in earnings ......................................................................
Selling, general and administrative expenses
For the interest rate swap agreements, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in accumulated
other comprehensive loss and any ineffective portion is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. For the forward
foreign currency exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges of tobacco purchases in Brazil, a $0.1 million net hedge loss,
representing unrealized losses on contracts related to the 2018 crop, remained in accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 31,
2018. No hedge gain or loss had been reclassified to earnings at March 31, 2018 since shipments of those tobaccos had not yet
started. The majority of the balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss will be recognized in earnings as a component of cost
of goods sold in fiscal year 2019 as the 2018 Brazilian crop tobacco is sold to customers. Based on the hedging strategy, as the gain
or loss is recognized in earnings, it is expected to be offset by a change in the direct cost for the tobacco or by a change in sales prices
if the strategy has been mandated by the customer. Generally, margins on the sale of the tobacco will not be significantly affected.
62
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
The table below outlines the effects of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets
at March 31, 2018 and 2017:
Derivatives in a Fair Value
Asset Position
Derivatives in a Fair Value
Liability Position
Balance
Sheet
Location
Fair Value as of March 31,
2018
2017
Balance
Sheet
Location
Fair Value as of March 31,
2018
2017
Derivatives Designated as Hedging
Instruments
Interest rate swap agreements
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts
Other
non-current
assets
Other
current
assets
$
8,262
$
2,149
19
56
Other
long-term
liabilities
Accounts
payable and
accrued
expenses
Total
$
8,281
$
2,205
$
123
$
$
— $
—
123
55
55
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging
Instruments
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts
Total
Other
current
assets
$
$
341
341
$
$
917
917
Accounts
payable and
accrued
expenses
$
$
269
269
$
$
120
120
Substantially all of the Company's forward foreign currency exchange contracts are subject to master netting arrangements,
whereby the right to offset occurs in the event of default by a participating party. The Company has elected to present these contracts
on a gross basis in the consolidated balance sheets.
NOTE 9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Universal measures certain financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value based on applicable accounting
guidance. The financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value include money market funds, trading securities associated with
deferred compensation plans, interest rate swap agreements, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, and guarantees of bank
loans to tobacco growers. The application of the fair value guidance to nonfinancial assets and liabilities primarily includes the
determination of fair values for goodwill and long-lived assets when indicators of potential impairment are present.
Under the accounting guidance, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer
a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The framework for measuring fair value
is based on a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between observable inputs and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs are based
on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs require the Company to make its own assumptions about
the value placed on an asset or liability by market participants because little or no market data exists. There are three levels within
the fair value hierarchy.
Level
1
2
3
Description
quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the
reporting date;
quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities
in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and
unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
63
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
As permitted under the accounting guidance, the Company uses net asset value per share ("NAV") as a practical expedient
to measure the fair value of its money market funds. The fair values for those funds are presented under the heading "NAV" in the
tables that follow in this disclosure. In measuring the fair value of liabilities, the Company considers the risk of non-performance
in determining fair value. Universal has not elected to report at fair value any financial instruments or any other assets or liabilities
that are not required to be reported at fair value under current accounting guidance.
At March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had certain financial assets and financial liabilities that were required to be
measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis. These assets and liabilities are listed in the tables below and are classified
based on how their values were determined under the fair value hierarchy or the NAV practical expedient:
March 31, 2018
Fair Value Hierarchy
NAV
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets
Money market funds.............................................................................................
$ 89,767
$
— $
— $
— $ 89,767
Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans .........................
Interest rate swap agreements...............................................................................
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts......................................................
—
—
—
17,519
—
—
—
8,262
360
—
—
—
17,519
8,262
360
Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value ................................
$ 89,767
$ 17,519
$
8,622
$
— $ 115,908
Liabilities
Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers ......................................................
$
— $
— $
— $
974
$
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts......................................................
—
—
392
—
974
392
Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value...........................
$
— $
— $
392
$
974
$
1,366
March 31, 2017
Fair Value Hierarchy
NAV
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets
Money market funds ..............................................................................................
$ 137,145
$
— $
— $
— $ 137,145
Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans ..........................
Interest rate swaps..................................................................................................
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts.......................................................
—
—
—
17,726
—
—
—
2,149
973
—
—
—
17,726
2,149
973
Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value................................
$ 137,145
$ 17,726
$
3,122
$
— $ 157,993
Liabilities
Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers........................................................
$
— $
— $
— $
1,177
$
1,177
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts.......................................................
—
—
175
—
175
Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value ..........................
$
— $
— $
175
$
1,177
$
1,352
64
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Money market funds
The fair value of money market funds, which are reported in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets,
is based on NAV, which is the amount at which the funds are redeemable and is used as a practical expedient for fair value. These
funds are not classified in the fair value hierarchy, but are disclosed as part of the fair value table above.
Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans
Trading securities represent mutual fund investments that are matched to employee deferred compensation obligations.
These investments are bought and sold as employees defer compensation, receive distributions, or make changes in the funds
underlying their accounts. Quoted market prices (Level 1) are used to determine the fair values of the mutual funds.
Interest rate swap agreements
The fair values of interest rate swap agreements are determined based on dealer quotes using a discounted cash flow model
matched to the contractual terms of each instrument. Since inputs to the model are observable and significant judgment is not required
in determining the fair values, interest rate swaps are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts
The fair values of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are also determined based on dealer quotes using a discounted
cash flow model matched to the contractual terms of each instrument. Since inputs to the model are observable and significant
judgment is not required in determining the fair values, forward foreign currency exchange contracts are classified within Level 2
of the fair value hierarchy.
Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers
The Company guarantees bank loans to tobacco growers in Brazil for crop financing. In the event that the farmers default
on their payments to the banks, the Company would be required to perform under the guarantees. The Company regularly evaluates
the likelihood of farmer defaults based on an expected loss analysis and records the fair value of its guarantees as an obligation in
its consolidated financial statements. The fair value of the guarantees is determined using the expected loss data for all loans
outstanding at each measurement date. The present value of the cash flows associated with the estimated losses is then calculated
at a risk-adjusted interest rate that is aligned with the expected duration of the liability and includes an adjustment for nonperformance
risk. This approach is sometimes referred to as the “contingent claims valuation method.” Although historical loss data is an
observable input, significant judgment is required in applying this information to the portfolio of guaranteed loans outstanding at
each measurement date and in selecting a risk-adjusted interest rate. Significant increases or decreases in the risk-adjusted interest
rate may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. The guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers are
therefore classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
A reconciliation of the change in the balance of the financial liability for guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers (Level
3) for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 is provided below.
Balance at beginning of year ...............................................................................................................................
Payments under the guarantees and transfers to allowance for loss on direct loans to farmers (removal of
prior crop year loans from the portfolio) .........................................................................................................
Provision for loss or transfers from allowance for loss on direct loans to farmers (addition of current crop
year loans)........................................................................................................................................................
Change in discount rate and estimated collection period ....................................................................................
Currency remeasurement .....................................................................................................................................
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
$
1,177
$
1,628
(1,210)
(2,550)
1,044
28
(65)
1,854
59
186
Balance at end of year..........................................................................................................................................
$
974
$
1,177
Long-term Debt
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was approximately $370 million at each of the balance sheet dates March 31,
2018 and 2017. The Company estimates the fair value of its long-term debt using Level 2 inputs which are based upon quoted market
prices for the same or similar obligations or on calculations that are based on the current interest rates available to the Company for
debt of similar terms and maturities.
65
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
NOTE 10. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Benefit Plans
Description of Plans
The Company sponsors several defined benefit pension plans covering salaried and certain hourly employees in the U.S.,
as well as certain foreign and other employee groups. These plans provide retirement benefits based primarily on employee
compensation and years of service. Plan assets consist primarily of equity and fixed income investments. The Company also sponsors
defined benefit plans that provide postretirement health and life insurance benefits for eligible U.S. employees and retirees who have
attained specific age and service levels, although postretirement life insurance benefits were discontinued several years ago for all
employees who were not already retired. The health benefits are funded by the Company as the costs of those benefits are incurred.
The plan design includes cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance. The life insurance benefits are funded with
deposits to a reserve account held by an insurance company. The Company has the right to amend or discontinue its pension and
other postretirement benefit plans at any time.
In the following disclosures, the term “accumulated benefit obligation” (“ABO”) represents the actuarial present value of
estimated future benefit payments earned by participants in the Company's defined benefit pension plans as of the balance sheet date
without regard to the estimated effect of future compensation increases on those benefits. The term does not apply to other
postretirement benefits. “Projected benefit obligation” refers to the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) for pension benefits and
the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) for other postretirement benefits. These amounts represent the actuarial
present value of estimated future benefit payments earned by participants in the benefit plans as of the balance sheet date. For pension
benefits, the projected benefit obligation includes the estimated effect of future compensation increases on those benefits.
Actuarial Assumptions
Assumptions used for financial reporting purposes to compute net periodic benefit cost and benefit obligations for the
Company's primary defined benefit plans were as follows:
Pension Benefits
Other Postretirement Benefits
2018
2017
2016
2018
2017
2016
Discount rates:
Benefit cost for plan year ...........................
Benefit obligation at end of plan year ........
4.10%
4.10%
4.10%
4.10%
3.80%
4.10%
3.90%
3.90%
3.80%
3.90%
3.70%
3.80%
Expected long-term return on plan assets:
Benefit cost for plan year ...........................
7.00%
7.00%
7.25%
3.00%
3.00%
3.00%
Salary scale:
Benefit cost for plan year ...........................
Benefit obligation at end of plan year ........
4.00%
4.00%
4.00%
4.00%
Healthcare cost trend rate..............................
N/A
N/A
4.50%
4.00%
N/A
4.00%
4.00%
4.00%
4.00%
8.10%
6.70%
4.50%
4.00%
7.00%
Changes in the discount rates in the above table reflect prevailing market interest rates at the end of each fiscal year when
the benefit obligations are actuarially measured. The expected long-term return on plan assets is developed from financial models
used to project future returns on the underlying assets of the funded plans and is reviewed on an annual basis. The healthcare cost
trend rate used by the Company is based on a study of medical cost inflation rates that is reviewed and updated annually for continued
applicability. The revised trend assumption of 8.10% in 2018 declines gradually to 4.50% in 2026. The Company has caps in place
on postretirement medical benefits that limit its cost for a large segment of the retiree population. As a result, changes to the healthcare
cost trend rate have a limited impact on the postretirement medical plan liability and expense.
66
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, and Funded Status
The following table reflects the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets in 2018 and 2017, as well as the funded status
of the plans at March 31, 2018 and 2017:
Pension
Benefits
March 31,
Other Postretirement
Benefits
March 31,
2018
2017
2018
2017
Actuarial present value of benefit obligation:
Accumulated benefit obligation ...................................................................... $
270,666 $
266,764
Projected benefit obligation ............................................................................
273,658
269,250
$
32,945
$
36,786
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year .............................................. $
269,250
$
275,505
$
36,786
$
37,225
Service cost .....................................................................................................
Interest cost .....................................................................................................
Effect of discount rate change.........................................................................
Foreign currency exchange rate changes ........................................................
Settlements ......................................................................................................
Other................................................................................................................
5,177
10,801
1,209
1,268
—
781
5,382
10,441
489
(1,111)
(10,955)
4,108
Benefit payments.............................................................................................
(14,828)
(14,609)
229
1,471
612
(151)
—
(3,212)
(2,790)
247
1,535
(191)
286
—
766
(3,082)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year ........................................................ $
273,658
$
269,250
$
32,945
$
36,786
Change in plan assets:
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year ..................................................... $
220,151
$
217,859
$
3,054
$
1,565
Actual return on plan assets ............................................................................
Employer contributions ...................................................................................
Settlements ......................................................................................................
Foreign currency exchange rate changes ........................................................
15,902
7,891
—
452
16,450
10,676
(10,322)
97
105
3,098
—
—
71
4,500
—
—
Benefit payments.............................................................................................
(14,828)
(14,609)
(2,790)
(3,082)
Plan assets at fair value, end of year ............................................................... $
229,568
$
220,151
$
3,467
$
3,054
Funded status:
Funded status of the plans, end of year ........................................................... $
(44,090) $
(49,099) $
(29,478) $
(33,732)
The settlements for pension benefits in fiscal year 2017 were attributable to the termination of a foreign pension plan during
the year and the transfer of assets in settlement of the participants' benefit obligations to defined contribution plans. The Company
funds its non-regulated U.S. pension plan, one of its foreign pension plans, and its postretirement medical plans on a pay-as-you-go
basis as the benefit payments are incurred. Those plans account for approximately 87% of the $44.1 million unfunded pension
obligation and approximately 95% of the $29.5 million unfunded postretirement benefit obligation shown on the funded status line
in the above table at March 31, 2018.
67
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
The funded status of the Company’s plans at the end of fiscal years 2018 and 2017 was reported in the consolidated balance
sheets as follows:
Pension
Benefits
March 31,
Other Postretirement
Benefits
March 31,
2018
2017
2018
2017
Non-current asset (included in other noncurrent assets).................................... $
2,308
$
1,710
$
— $
—
Current liability (included in accounts payable and accrued expenses) ............
Non-current liability (reported as pensions and other postretirement benefits)
(8,599)
(37,796)
(1,106)
(49,703)
(2,431)
(27,047)
(2,746)
(30,986)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets ................................... $
(44,087) $
(49,099) $
(29,478) $
(33,732)
Additional information on the funded status of the Company’s plans as of the respective measurement dates for the fiscal
years ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, is as follows:
Pension
Benefits
March 31,
Other Postretirement
Benefits
March 31,
2018
2017
2018
2017
For plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Aggregate projected benefit obligation (PBO)................................................ $
261,581
$
260,826
$
32,945
$
36,786
Aggregate fair value of plan assets .................................................................
215,182
210,017
3,467
3,054
For plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan
assets:
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation (ABO)..........................................
Aggregate fair value of plan assets .................................................................
258,708
215,182
258,424
210,017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
Pension Benefits
Other Postretirement Benefits
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
2018
2017
2016
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost ................................................ $
5,177
$
5,382
$
5,953
$
229
$
247
$
Interest cost ................................................
10,801
10,441
10,037
Expected return on plan assets...................
(15,962)
(15,154)
(15,110)
Settlement gain...........................................
Net amortization and deferral ....................
—
3,735
(912)
4,576
—
4,394
1,471
(87)
—
(620)
1,535
(42)
—
(394)
Net periodic benefit cost ............................ $
3,751
$
4,333
$
5,274
$
993
$
1,346
$
286
1,539
(58)
—
(431)
1,336
A one-percentage-point increase or decrease in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would not result in a significant
change to the March 31, 2018 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation or the aggregate service and interest cost components
of the net periodic postretirement benefit expense for fiscal year 2019.
68
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Amounts Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at the beginning of the year are amortized as a component of
net periodic benefit cost during the year. The amounts recognized in other comprehensive income or loss for fiscal years 2018 and
2017 and the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at the end of those fiscal years are shown below. All
amounts shown are before allocated income taxes.
Pension
Benefits
March 31,
Other Postretirement
Benefits
March 31,
2018
2017
2018
2017
Change in net actuarial loss (gain):
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year..................................................... $
74,045
$
79,299
$
(6,286) $
(7,234)
Losses (gains) arising during the year .............................................................
Amortization included in net periodic benefit cost during the year ................
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year ...............................................................
1,390
(6,102)
69,333
2,313
(7,567)
74,045
Change in prior service cost (benefit):
Prior service cost (benefit), beginning of year.................................................
(12,070)
(15,061)
Prior service cost (benefit) arising during the year .........................................
Amortization included in net periodic benefit cost during the year ................
Prior service cost (benefit), end of year...........................................................
—
2,367
(9,703)
—
2,991
(12,070)
(1,580)
619
(7,247)
(112)
(867)
14
(965)
554
394
(6,286)
(108)
(4)
—
(112)
Total amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss
at end of year, before income taxes ............................................................. $
59,630
$
61,975
$
(8,212) $
(6,398)
Amounts in the above table reflect the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. The accumulated other comprehensive
loss reported in the consolidated balance sheets also includes pension and other postretirement benefit amounts related to ownership
interests in unconsolidated affiliates.
The Company expects to recognize approximately $5.2 million of the March 31, 2018 net actuarial loss and $2.4 million
of the March 31, 2018 prior service benefit in net periodic benefit cost during fiscal year 2019.
Allocation of Pension Plan Assets
The Company has established, and periodically adjusts, target asset allocations for its investments in its U.S. ERISA-
regulated defined benefit pension plan, which represents 94% of consolidated plan assets and 82% of consolidated PBO at March 31,
2018, to balance the needs of liquidity, total return, and risk control. The assets are required to be diversified across asset classes
and investment styles to achieve that balance. During the year, the asset allocation is reviewed for adherence to the target policy
and rebalanced to the targeted weights. The Company reviews the expected long-term returns of the asset allocation each year to
help determine whether changes are needed. The return is evaluated on a weighted-average basis in relation to inflation. The assumed
long-term rate of return used to calculate annual benefit expense is based on the asset allocation and expected market returns for the
respective asset classes.
69
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
The weighted–average target pension asset allocation and target ranges at the March 31, 2018 measurement date and the
actual asset allocations at the March 31, 2018 and 2017 measurement dates by major asset category were as follows:
Major Asset Category
Target
Allocation
Actual Allocation
March 31,
Range
2018
2017
Fixed income securities
Equity securities......................................................................................
(1) .....................................................................
Alternative investments ..........................................................................
29.0% 19% - 39%
66.0% 56% - 76%
5.0% 0% - 10%
27.4%
65.9%
6.7%
31.9%
61.7%
6.4%
Total...................................................................................................
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
(1)
Actual amounts include high yield securities and cash balances held for the payment of benefits.
Universal makes regular contributions to its pension and other postretirement benefit plans. As previously noted, for
postretirement health benefits, contributions reflect funding of those benefits as they are incurred. The Company expects to make
contributions of approximately $15.3 million to its defined benefit pension plans in fiscal year 2019, including $6.0 million to its
ERISA-regulated U.S. plan and $9.3 million to its non-ERISA regulated and other plans.
Estimated future benefit payments to be made from the Company’s plans are as follows:
Fiscal Year
Pension
Benefits
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
2019.................................................................................................................................................................... $
22,601
$
2020....................................................................................................................................................................
2021....................................................................................................................................................................
2022....................................................................................................................................................................
2023....................................................................................................................................................................
2024 - 2028 ........................................................................................................................................................
16,117
17,622
17,235
17,497
91,433
2,819
2,726
2,639
2,536
2,458
10,971
Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets
Assets held by the Company's defined benefit pension plans primarily consist of equity securities, fixed income securities,
and alternative investments. Equity securities are primarily invested in actively-traded mutual funds with underlying common stock
investments in U.S. and foreign companies ranging in size from small to large corporations. Fixed income securities are also held
primarily through actively-traded mutual funds with the underlying investments in both U.S. and foreign securities. The methodologies
for determining the fair values of the plan assets are outlined below. Where the values are based on quoted prices for the securities
in an active market, they are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Where secondary pricing sources are used, they are
classified as Level 2 of the hierarchy. Pricing models that use significant unobservable inputs are classified as Level 3.
• Equity securities: Investments in equity securities through actively-traded mutual funds are valued based on the net
asset values of the units held in the respective funds, which are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally
recognized securities exchanges. These securities are classified as Level 1.
•
Fixed income securities: Fixed income investments that are held through mutual funds are valued based on the net
asset values of the units held in the respective funds, which are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally
recognized securities exchanges. These securities are classified as Level 1. Other fixed income investments are valued
at an estimated price that a dealer would pay for a similar security on the valuation date using observable market inputs
and are classified as Level 2. These market inputs may include yield curves for similarly rated securities. Small amounts
of cash are held in common collective trusts. Fixed income securities also include insurance assets, which are valued
based on an actuarial calculation. Those securities are classified as Level 3.
70
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
• Alternative investments: Real estate assets are valued using valuation models that incorporate income and market
approaches, including external appraisals, to derive fair values. The hedge fund allocation is a fund of hedge funds
and is valued by the manager based on the net asset value of each fund. These models use significant unobservable
inputs and are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
Fair values of the assets of the Company’s pension plans as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, classified based on how their
values were determined under the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
March 31, 2018
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Equity securities.......................................................................................... $
Fixed income securities (1) ..........................................................................
Alternative investments ..............................................................................
58,667
$
— $
— $
58,667
142,329
—
10,836
—
3,550
14,186
156,715
14,186
Total investments................................................................................... $
200,996
$
10,836
$
17,736
$
229,568
March 31, 2017
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Equity securities.......................................................................................... $
Fixed income securities (1) ..........................................................................
Alternative investments ..............................................................................
65,637
$
— $
— $
65,637
128,214
—
10,134
—
3,072
13,094
141,420
13,094
Total investments................................................................................... $
193,851
$
10,134
$
16,166
$
220,151
(1)
Includes high yield securities and cash and cash equivalent balances.
Other Benefit Plans
Universal and several subsidiaries offer employer defined contribution savings plans. Amounts charged to expense for
these plans were approximately $2.3 million for fiscal year 2018, $2.6 million for fiscal year 2017, and $2.4 million for fiscal year
2016.
NOTE 11. COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK
Common Stock
At March 31, 2018, the Company’s shareholders had authorized 100,000,000 shares of its common stock, and 24,930,725
shares were issued and outstanding. Holders of the common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters requiring
a vote. Holders of the common stock are also entitled to receive dividends when, as, and if declared by the Company’s Board of
Directors. The Board of Directors customarily declares and pays regular quarterly dividends on the outstanding common shares;
however, such dividends are at the Board’s full discretion, and there is no obligation to continue them.
Preferred Stock
Authorized and Outstanding Shares
The Company is also authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, 500,000 shares of which are reserved
for Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock and 220,000 of which were reserved for Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual
Preferred Stock. No Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock has been issued. In 2006, 220,000 shares of Series B 6.75%
Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock were issued under this authorization. As discussed below, all of those shares were converted
during fiscal year 2017, and none were outstanding at March 31, 2018.
Conversion of Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock
In December 2016, holders of 111,072 shares of the Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock voluntarily
exercised their conversion rights under the original issuance terms of the preferred shares. The Company chose to satisfy the full
conversion obligation for those preferred shares with shares of its common stock, issuing 2,487,118 common shares at the applicable
conversion rate in exchange for the preferred shares tendered. The consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2017 reflected a non-
cash reclassification of $107.6 million from preferred stock to common stock to reflect the conversion of those preferred shares.
71
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
On January 9, 2017, the Company announced a mandatory conversion of all 107,418 remaining outstanding shares of the
preferred stock after meeting the requirements to initiate the mandatory conversion under the original terms of the preferred shares.
The Company chose to satisfy the conversion obligation for the mandatory conversion in cash, paying approximately $178.4 million
for those preferred shares on January 31, 2017 to complete the conversion.
With the completion of the mandatory conversion in January 2017, the Company’s outstanding equity securities consist
only of its common stock. Dividend payments on the preferred shares, which previously totaled approximately $15 million annually,
have been discontinued. Although the conversions of the preferred stock into common stock or for cash did not impact the Company’s
net income, the shares converted for cash under the mandatory conversion in January 2017 resulted in a one-time reduction of retained
earnings of approximately $74.4 million during the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2017, representing the excess of the conversion
cost over the carrying value of those shares. The reduction in retained earnings resulted in a corresponding one-time reduction of
earnings available to common shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 for purposes of determining the amounts reported
for basic and diluted earnings per share.
Share Repurchase Programs
Universal’s Board of Directors has authorized programs to repurchase outstanding shares of the Company’s capital stock
(common and preferred stock). Under these programs, the Company has made and may continue to make share repurchases from
time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at prices not exceeding prevailing market rates. Programs
have been in place continuously throughout fiscal years 2016 through 2018. The current program, which replaced an expiring
program, was authorized and became effective on November 7, 2017. It authorizes the purchase of up to $100 million of the
Company's outstanding common stock and expires on the earlier of November 15, 2019, or when the funds authorized for the program
have been exhausted. At March 31, 2018, $91 million of the authorization remained available for share repurchases under the current
program.
There were no share repurchases for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. Repurchases of common stock under
the programs for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 were as follows:
Number of shares repurchased.........................................................................................................................................
Cost of shares repurchased (in thousands of dollars) ...................................................................................................... $
Weighted-average cost per share ..................................................................................................................................... $
403,624
21,610
53.54
Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2018
NOTE 12. EXECUTIVE STOCK PLANS AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Executive Stock Plans
The Company’s shareholders have approved executive stock plans under which officers, directors, and employees of the
Company may receive grants and awards of common stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share
awards (“PSAs”), stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), incentive stock options, and non-qualified stock options. Currently, grants
are outstanding under the 1997 Executive Stock Plan, the 2002 Executive Stock Plan, the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, and the 2017
Stock Incentive Plan. Together, these plans are referred to in this disclosure as the “Plans.” Up to 1,000,000 shares may be issued
under the 2017 Stock Incentive Plan, with no specific share limit for any of the award types. New awards may no longer be issued
under the 1997, 2002, and 2007 Plans.
The Company’s practice is to award grants of stock-based compensation to officers at the first regularly-scheduled meeting
of the Executive Compensation, Nominating, and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation
Committee”) in the fiscal year following the public release of the Company’s financial results for the prior year. In recent years, the
Compensation Committee has awarded only grants of RSUs and PSAs. All stock options granted in previous years were either
exercised or had expired before fiscal year 2016, and all SARs were either exercised or had expired by the end of fiscal year 2017.
Outside directors automatically receive restricted stock units following each annual meeting of shareholders.
72
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Non-qualified stock options and SARs previously granted under the Plans had an exercise price equal to the market price
of a share of common stock on the date of grant. SARs granted under the Plans vested in equal one-third tranches one, two, and
three years after the grant date and expired 10 years after the grant date, except that SARs granted after fiscal year 2007 expired on
the earlier of 3 years after the grantee’s retirement date or 10 years after the grant date. RSUs awarded under the Plans vest 5 years
from the grant date and are then paid out in shares of common stock. Under the terms of the RSU awards, grantees receive dividend
equivalents in the form of additional RSUs that vest and are paid out on the same date as the original RSU grant. The PSAs vest 3
years from the grant date, are paid out in shares of common stock at the vesting date, and do not carry rights to dividends or dividend
equivalents prior to vesting. Shares ultimately paid out under PSA grants are dependent on the achievement of predetermined
performance measures established by the Compensation Committee and can range from zero to 150% of the stated award. RSUs
awarded to outside directors vest 3 years after the grant date, and restricted stock vests upon the individual’s retirement from service
as a director.
SARs
The following tables summarize the Company’s SAR activity and related information for fiscal years 2016 and 2017:
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Shares
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2016:
Outstanding at beginning of year .........................................................................................................................
169,601
$
Exercised ..............................................................................................................................................................
Cancelled/expired.................................................................................................................................................
(6,200)
(11,200)
Outstanding at end of year ...................................................................................................................................
152,201
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2017:
Exercised ..............................................................................................................................................................
(135,334)
Cancelled/expired.................................................................................................................................................
(16,867)
Outstanding at end of year ...................................................................................................................................
— $
59.82
51.32
62.66
59.96
61.72
45.82
—
Total intrinsic value of awards exercised............................................................................................................. $
Total fair value of awards vested ......................................................................................................................... $
555
$
— $
26
—
Intrinsic value in the above table is based on the difference between the market price of the underlying shares at the exercise
date and the exercise price of the SARs.
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2017
2016
73
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
RSUs, Restricted Stock, and PSAs
The following table summarizes the Company’s RSU, restricted stock, and PSA activity for fiscal years 2016 through 2018:
RSUs
Restricted Stock
PSAs
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Shares
Shares
Shares
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2016:
Unvested at beginning of year ...................
264,397
$
Granted.......................................................
Vested.........................................................
Unvested at end of year..............................
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2017:
Granted.......................................................
Vested.........................................................
Forfeited.....................................................
80,932
(42,384)
302,945
74,776
(51,544)
(539)
Unvested at end of year..............................
325,638
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2018:
Granted.......................................................
Vested.........................................................
Forfeited.....................................................
72,032
(60,751)
—
Unvested at end of year..............................
336,919
$
48.10
51.62
41.64
49.95
55.27
44.57
55.63
52.01
64.13
45.51
—
55.77
48,100
$
42.33
153,475
$
—
—
—
—
48,100
42.33
—
(17,900)
—
30,200
—
—
—
—
42.26
—
42.37
—
—
—
86,212
(85,387)
154,300
58,805
(52,230)
(525)
160,350
39,100
(41,667)
(6,783)
30,200
$
42.37
151,000
$
45.58
45.06
38.14
48.13
49.17
53.56
49.17
46.86
60.37
46.41
46.41
50.50
Shares granted and vested in the above table include dividend equivalents on RSUs and any shares awarded above the base
grant under the performance provisions of PSAs. Shares forfeited or canceled include any reductions from the base PSA grant under
those same performance provisions. The fair values of RSUs, restricted stock, and PSAs are based on the market price of the common
stock on the grant date.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Fair value expense for stock-based compensation is recognized ratably over the period from grant date to the earlier of (1)
the vesting date of the award, or (2) the date the grantee is eligible to retire without forfeiting the award. For employees who are
already eligible to retire at the date an award is granted, the total fair value of the award is recognized as expense at the date of grant.
For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, total stock-based compensation expense and the related income tax
benefit recognized were as follows:
Total stock-based compensation expense ................................................................................ $
Income tax benefit recorded on stock-based compensation expense ...................................... $
7,610
2,397
$
$
6,475
2,266
$
$
5,206
1,822
At March 31, 2018, the Company had $5.6 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock-based awards,
which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.1 years.
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
74
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND OTHER MATTERS
Commitments
The Company enters into contracts to purchase tobacco from farmers in a number of the countries where it operates. Contracts
in most countries cover one annual growing season. Primarily with the farmer contracts in Brazil, Malawi, Mozambique, the
Philippines, Guatemala, and Mexico, the Company provides seasonal financing to support the farmers’ production of their crops or
guarantees their financing from third-party banks. At March 31, 2018, the Company had contracts to purchase approximately $644
million of tobacco to be delivered during the coming fiscal year and $114 million of tobacco to be delivered in subsequent years.
These amounts are estimates since actual quantities purchased will depend on crop yields, and prices will depend on the quality of
the tobacco delivered and other market factors. Tobacco purchase obligations have been partially funded by short-term advances to
farmers and other suppliers, which totaled approximately $123 million, net of allowances, at March 31, 2018. The Company withholds
payments due to farmers on delivery of the tobacco to satisfy repayment of the financing it provided to the farmers. As noted above
and discussed in more detail below, the Company also has arrangements to guarantee bank loans to farmers in Brazil, and payments
are also withheld on delivery of tobacco to satisfy repayment of those loans. In addition to its contractual obligations to purchase
tobacco, the Company had commitments related to agricultural materials, approved capital expenditures, and various other
requirements that approximated $52 million at March 31, 2018.
Guarantees and Other Contingent Liabilities
Guarantees of Bank Loans and Other Contingent Liabilities
Guarantees of bank loans to growers for crop financing have long been industry practice in Brazil and support the farmers’
production of tobacco there. The Company's operating subsidiary in Brazil had guarantees outstanding at March 31, 2018, all of
which expire within one year. As noted above, the subsidiary withholds payments due to the farmers on delivery of tobacco and
forwards those payments to the third-party banks. Failure of farmers to deliver sufficient quantities of tobacco to the subsidiary to
cover their obligations to the third-party banks could result in a liability for the subsidiary under the related guarantees; however, in
that case, the subsidiary would have recourse against the farmers. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the
Company’s subsidiary could be required to make at March 31, 2018, was the face amount, $20 million including unpaid accrued
interest ($17 million as of March 31, 2017). The fair value of the guarantees was a liability of approximately $1 million at March 31,
2018 ($1 million at March 31, 2017). In addition to these guarantees, the Company has other contingent liabilities totaling
approximately $2 million at March 31, 2018, primarily under outstanding letters of credit.
Value-Added Tax Assessments in Brazil
As discussed in Note 1, the Company's local operating subsidiaries pay significant amounts of value-added tax ("VAT") in
connection with their normal operations. In Brazil, VAT is assessed at the state level when green tobacco is transferred between
states. The Company's operating subsidiary there pays VAT when tobaccos grown in the states of Santa Catarina and Parana are
transferred to its factory in the state of Rio Grande do Sul for processing. The subsidiary has received assessments for additional
VAT plus interest and penalties from the tax authorities for the states of Santa Catarina and Parana based on audits of the subsidiary's
VAT filings for specified periods. In June 2011, tax authorities for the state of Santa Catarina issued assessments for tax, interest,
and penalties for periods from 2006 through 2009 totaling approximately $14 million. In September 2014, tax authorities for the
state of Parana issued an assessment for tax, interest, and penalties for periods from 2009 through 2014 totaling approximately $17
million. These amounts are based on the exchange rate for the Brazilian currency at March 31, 2018. Management of the operating
subsidiary and outside counsel believe that errors were made by the tax authorities for both states in determining all or significant
portions of these assessments and that various defenses support the subsidiary's positions.
With respect to the Santa Catarina assessments, the subsidiary took appropriate steps to contest the full amount of the claims.
As of March 31, 2018, a portion of the subsidiary's arguments had been accepted, and the outstanding assessment had been reduced,
although interest on the remaining assessment has continued to accumulate. The reduced assessment, together with the related
accumulated interest through the end of the current reporting period, totaled approximately $15 million at the March 31, 2018
exchange rate. The subsidiary is continuing to contest the full remaining amount of the assessment. While the range of reasonably
possible loss is zero up to the full $15 million remaining assessment, based on the strength of the subsidiary's defenses, no loss within
that range is considered probable at this time and no liability has been recorded at March 31, 2018.
With respect to the Parana assessment, management of the subsidiary and outside counsel challenged the full amount of
the claim. A significant portion of the Parana assessment was based on positions taken by the tax authorities that management and
outside counsel believe deviate significantly from the underlying statutes and relevant case law. In addition, under the law, the
subsidiary's tax filings for certain periods covered in the assessment were no longer open to any challenge by the tax authorities. In
December 2015, the Parana tax authorities withdrew the initial claim and subsequently issued a new assessment covering the same
tax periods. The new assessment totaled approximately $5 million at the March 31, 2018 exchange rate, reflecting a substantial
reduction from the original $17 million assessment. Notwithstanding the reduction, management and outside counsel continue to
75
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
believe that the new assessment is not supported by the underlying statutes and relevant case law and have taken the necessary steps
to challenge the full amount of the claim. The range of reasonably possible loss is considered to be zero up to the full $5 million
assessment. However, based on the strength of the subsidiary's defenses, no loss within that range is considered probable at this
time and no liability has been recorded at March 31, 2018.
In both states, the process for reaching a final resolution to the assessments is expected to be lengthy, and management is
not currently able to predict when either case will be concluded. Should the subsidiary ultimately be required to pay any tax, interest,
or penalties in either case, the portion paid for tax would generate value-added tax credits that the subsidiary may be able to recover.
Tanzania Fair Competition Commission Proceeding
In June 2012, the Company’s Tanzanian subsidiary, Tanzania Leaf Tobacco Company Ltd. (“TLTC”), entered into a two
crop-year supply agreement for unprocessed “green” tobacco with a newly-formed Tanzanian subsidiary of one of the Company’s
major customers. The agreement involved green tobacco purchases from four of the approximately 400 grower cooperatives in
Tanzania, which allowed the customer and its Tanzanian subsidiary on a small test basis to evaluate whether it would be a viable
alternative for the customer to establish its own vertically integrated supply operations in that market. Prior to that time, the customer’s
subsidiary did not exist, and it only purchased processed Tanzanian tobacco from tobacco dealers in specified amounts and only for
certain grades and stalk positions. In contrast, the agreement with TLTC required the customer’s subsidiary to purchase green tobacco
on a “run of crop” basis. “Run of crop” requires the purchase of all green tobacco produced on the tobacco plant, regardless of grade
or stalk position. The agreement, therefore, enabled the customer’s subsidiary on a small test basis to evaluate the quality of green
tobacco purchased on a “run of crop” basis and to assess how such tobacco would be suited to the customer's tobacco requirements.
The customer unilaterally elected to establish its own vertically integrated supply operations in Tanzania after the expiration of the
agreement, and its subsidiary began purchasing green tobacco directly from Tanzanian grower cooperatives during the second crop
year thereafter.
Despite the pro-competitive object and effect of the agreement between TLTC and the customer’s subsidiary, in October
2016, the Tanzania Fair Competition Commission (“FCC”) notified TLTC and the customer’s subsidiary that it reviewed the agreement
and provisionally concluded that it infringed Tanzania antitrust law by having the object and effect of preventing competition in the
purchase of unprocessed green tobacco in the area in which the four grower cooperatives were located. The FCC also provisionally
concluded that the Company’s U.S. subsidiary, Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Inc. (“ULT”), and additional subsidiaries of the
customer, were jointly and severally liable for the actions of TLTC and the customer’s Tanzanian subsidiary, respectively. TLTC
and ULT submitted a written response contesting the FCC’s allegations, and on February 27, 2018, the FCC issued its decision to
TLTC and ULT which confirmed its initial conclusion that the agreement infringed Tanzanian antitrust law. In its decision, the FCC
concluded incorrectly that the parties to the agreement unfairly benefited in the amount of $105 thousand. The FCC arbitrarily
assessed a fine jointly against TLTC and ULT of approximately $197 million and a fine jointly against the customer’s Tanzanian
subsidiary and another subsidiary of the customer exceeding $1 billion.
TLTC and ULT have worked closely with expert legal advisors and economists on this matter. Based on these engagements
and consultations, the Company firmly believes the FCC’s allegations are frivolous and clearly without merit or support from the
facts, law or economic analysis. The Company further believes the FCC’s proceedings were rife with irregularities and did not
comply with applicable legal and regulatory procedures with respect to this matter, including failing to establish jurisdiction over
ULT or to offer a legal justification for including ULT in the proceeding. To the contrary, the Company believes the facts, law and
economic analysis clearly support the legality and pro-competitive nature of the agreement and support a proper conclusion that
there was no infringement of Tanzania antitrust law, and the agreement had no negative impact on the Tanzania tobacco market. The
Company further believes the FCC’s proposed fine is ludicrous, unwarranted and contrary to Tanzania law. TLTC and ULT
immediately appealed the FCC findings to the Tanzania Fair Competition Tribunal, which immediately stayed the execution of any
FCC fines. The Company is unable to predict how long the appeal process will take; however, the Company believes it could last
several years. At this time, the Company believes that the likelihood of incurring any material liability in this matter is remote, and
no amount has been recorded.
Other Contingent Liabilities
Various subsidiaries of the Company are involved in other litigation and tax examinations incidental to their business
activities. While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management is vigorously defending the matters
and does not currently expect that any of them will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or financial position.
However, should one or more of these matters be resolved in a manner adverse to management’s current expectation, the effect on
the Company’s results of operations for a particular fiscal reporting period could be material.
76
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Major Customers
A material part of the Company’s business is dependent upon a few customers. The Company's six largest customers are
Altria Group, Inc, British American Tobacco plc, China Tobacco International, Inc., Imperial Brands plc, Japan Tobacco, Inc., and
Philip Morris International, Inc. In the aggregate, these customers have accounted for approximately 70% of consolidated revenue
for each of the past three fiscal years. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, revenue from Philip Morris
International, Inc. was approximately $520 million, $590 million, and $640 million, respectively. For the same periods, Imperial
Brands plc accounted for revenue of approximately $270 million, $230 million, and $210 million, respectively, and British American
Tobacco plc accounted for revenue of approximately $230 million, $220 million, and $230 million, respectively. These customers
primarily do business with various affiliates in the Company’s flue-cured and burley leaf tobacco operations. The loss of, or substantial
reduction in business from, any of these customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Accounts Receivable
The Company’s operating subsidiaries perform credit evaluations of customers’ financial condition prior to the extension
of credit. Generally, accounts receivable are unsecured and are due within 30 days. When collection terms are extended for longer
periods, interest and carrying costs are usually recovered. Credit losses are provided for in the financial statements, and historically
such amounts have not been material. The allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $2 million and $4 million at March 31,
2018 and 2017, respectively. At March 31, 2018 and 2017, net accounts receivable by reportable operating segment were as follows:
March 31,
2018
2017
Flue-Cured and Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations:
North America.................................................................................................................................................. $
44,726
$
111,520
Other Regions...................................................................................................................................................
Subtotal ........................................................................................................................................................
Other Tobacco Operations....................................................................................................................................
296,213
340,939
36,180
294,799
406,319
32,969
Consolidated accounts receivable, net ................................................................................................................. $
377,119
$
439,288
Acquisition of Partner's Interest in Tobacco Processing Joint Venture
For a number of years, the Company held a 50% joint venture ownership interest in Procesadora Unitab, S.A., a tobacco
processing entity in Guatemala. In December 2015, the Company acquired the 50% interest held by its joint venture partner for $6
million in cash. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, "Business Combinations" (“ASC 805”), the
transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, which required the Company to record all underlying
assets and liabilities of the entity at their fair values as of the transaction date and to consolidate the financial statements of the entity.
Based on those fair values, the Company recorded a pretax gain of $3.4 million on the transaction during the third quarter of fiscal
year 2016. The gain is reported in Other Income in the consolidated statements of income. The purchase price of the newly-acquired
50% interest approximated fair value, and the gain resulted from remeasuring the Company’s original 50% ownership interest in the
entity to fair value. No goodwill or identifiable intangible assets were recorded as part of the transaction, and acquisition-related
costs were not significant.
The allocation of the fair values to the net assets acquired was complete at the time the transaction was recorded. Based
on the nature of its operations, the net assets of the acquired entity are comprised primarily of property, plant, and equipment, and
the fair values recorded for those assets totaled approximately $12 million based primarily on a third-party appraisal. The acquired
entity is included in the Company’s North America operating segment.
NOTE 14. OPERATING SEGMENTS
Universal’s operations involve selecting, procuring, processing, packing, storing, shipping, and financing 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 non-combustible tobacco products that are intended to provide consumers with an alternative to traditional
combustible products. A substantial portion of the Company’s revenues are derived from sales to a limited number of large,
multinational cigarette manufacturers.
77
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
The principal approach used by management to evaluate the Company’s performance is by geographic region, although the
dark air-cured and oriental tobacco businesses are each evaluated on the basis of their worldwide operations. Oriental tobacco
operations consist principally of a 49% interest in an affiliate, and the performance of those operations is evaluated based on the
Company’s equity in the pretax earnings of that affiliate. Under this structure, the Company has the following primary operating
segments: North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Dark Air-Cured, Oriental, and Special Services. North America,
South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia are primarily involved in flue-cured and/or burley leaf tobacco operations for supply to
cigarette manufacturers. The Dark Air-Cured group supplies dark air-cured tobacco principally to manufacturers of cigars, pipe
tobacco, and smokeless tobacco products, and the Oriental business supplies oriental tobacco to cigarette manufacturers. From time
to time, the segments may trade in tobaccos that differ from their main varieties, but those activities are not significant to their overall
results. Special Services includes the Company's laboratory services business, which provides physical and chemical product testing
and smoke testing for customers, its food ingredients business, and its liquid nicotine joint venture.
The five regional operating segments serving the Company’s cigarette manufacturer customer base share similar
characteristics in the nature of their products and services, production processes, class of customer, product distribution methods,
and regulatory environment. Based on the applicable accounting guidance, four of the regions – South America, Africa, Europe,
and Asia – are aggregated into a single reporting segment, “Other Regions”, because they also have similar economic characteristics.
North America is reported as an individual operating segment because its economic characteristics differ from the other regions,
generally because its operations require lower working capital investments for crop financing and inventory. The Dark Air-Cured,
Oriental and Special Services segments, which have dissimilar characteristics in some of the categories mentioned above, are reported
together as “Other Tobacco Operations” because each is below the measurement threshold for separate reporting.
Universal incurs 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 allocated to the various operating segments, generally on the basis of tobacco volumes planned to be
purchased and/or processed. Management believes this method of allocation is representative of the value of the related services
provided to the operating segments. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on operating income after
allocated overhead expenses, plus equity in the pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates.
78
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Reportable segment data as of, or for, the fiscal years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, is as follows:
Sales and Other Operating Revenues
Operating Income
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
2018
2017
2016
Flue-Cured and Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations:
North America ......................................................... $
308,691
$
416,438
$
361,827
$
23,220
$
35,151
$
31,147
Other Regions
(1) ....................................................
1,482,188
1,422,991
1,538,971
Subtotal ...............................................................
1,790,879
1,839,429
1,900,798
Other Tobacco Operations
(2)
......................................
Segment total ...............................................................
Deduct: Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated
affiliates (3)
................................................
(4) .........
Restructuring and impairment costs
Add: Other income (5) .............................................
243,068
2,033,947
231,789
2,071,218
219,575
2,120,373
147,263
170,483
10,129
180,612
(9,125)
—
—
143,349
178,500
9,984
188,484
(5,774)
(4,359)
—
143,596
174,743
11,325
186,068
(5,422)
(2,389)
3,390
Consolidated total ........................................................ $
2,033,947
$
2,071,218
$
2,120,373
$
171,487
$
178,351
$
181,647
Segment Assets
March 31,
Goodwill
March 31,
2018
2017
2016
2018
2017
2016
Flue-Cured and Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations:
North America ...................................................... $
368,672
$
357,406
$
364,003
$
— $
— $
Other Regions
(1)
.................................................
1,460,961
1,465,109
1,548,517
Subtotal .........................................................
(2) ......................................
Other Tobacco Operations
1,829,633
1,822,515
1,912,520
338,999
300,890
318,657
97,094
97,094
1,713
97,159
97,159
1,644
—
97,318
97,318
1,713
Segment and consolidated totals.................................. $
2,168,632
$
2,123,405
$
2,231,177
$
98,807
$
98,803
$
99,031
Depreciation and Amortization
Capital Expenditures
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
2018
2017
2016
Flue-Cured and Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations:
North America ...................................................... $
4,772
$
4,626
$
4,314
$
3,316
$
4,202
$
2,282
Other Regions
(1) .................................................
Subtotal .........................................................
Other Tobacco Operations
(2)
......................................
24,547
29,319
5,574
26,106
30,732
5,238
29,187
33,501
4,143
21,820
25,136
8,901
21,619
25,821
9,809
Segment and consolidated totals.................................. $
34,893
$
35,970
$
37,644
$
34,037
$
35,630
$
25,122
27,404
19,749
47,153
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Includes South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia regions, as well as inter-region eliminations.
Includes Dark Air-Cured, Oriental, and Special Services, as well as intercompany eliminations. Sales and other operating revenues, goodwill, depreciation and
amortization, and capital expenditures include limited amounts or no amounts for Oriental because the business is accounted for on the equity method and its
financial results consist principally of equity in the pretax earnings of the unconsolidated affiliate. The investment in the unconsolidated affiliate is included
in segment assets and was approximately $89.3 million, $78.1 million, and $81.8 million, at March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.
Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is included in segment operating income (Other Tobacco Operations segment), but is reported below
consolidated operating income and excluded from that total in the consolidated statements of income.
Restructuring and impairment costs are excluded from segment operating income, but are included in consolidated operating income in the consolidated
statements of income (see Note 2).
Other income in fiscal year 2016 represents a gain from remeasuring to fair value the Company's original 50% ownership in Procesadora Unitab, S.A., a tobacco
processing joint venture in Guatemala, upon acquiring the 50% interest held by the Company's joint venture partner (See Note 13).
79
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Geographic data as of, or for, the fiscal years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, is presented below. Sales and other
operating revenues are attributed to individual countries based on the final destination of the shipment. Long-lived assets generally
consist of net property, plant, and equipment, goodwill, and other intangibles.
Geographic Data
Sales and Other Operating Revenues
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
Belgium ..................................................................................................................................................... $
339,391
$
320,735
$
371,580
United States..............................................................................................................................................
China .........................................................................................................................................................
Germany ....................................................................................................................................................
Poland........................................................................................................................................................
Russia ........................................................................................................................................................
Netherlands................................................................................................................................................
249,281
120,859
114,386
110,445
49,619
45,698
320,731
137,855
123,649
94,681
84,784
91,266
All other countries .....................................................................................................................................
1,004,268
897,517
275,147
135,032
155,180
85,057
109,559
121,767
867,051
Consolidated total...................................................................................................................................... $
2,033,947
$
2,071,218
$
2,120,373
Long-Lived Assets
March 31,
2018
2017
2016
United States.............................................................................................................................................. $
88,196
$
85,145
$
84,072
Brazil .........................................................................................................................................................
Mozambique..............................................................................................................................................
All other countries .....................................................................................................................................
141,087
47,800
145,638
134,074
50,311
146,698
133,727
53,069
154,090
Consolidated total...................................................................................................................................... $
422,721
$
416,228
$
424,958
80
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
NOTE 15. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following table summarizes the changes in the balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) attributable to the Company for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016:
(in thousands of dollars)
Foreign currency translation:
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
2018
2017
2016
Balance at beginning of year........................................................................................................................
$ (33,138) $ (26,992) $ (31,138)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(5,806), $3,715, and
$(2,119)) ................................................................................................................................................
14,162
(6,899)
Less: Net loss on foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interests ............................
372
753
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes.............
14,534
(6,146)
3,934
212
4,146
Other changes:
Reclassification to retained earnings
(5) .................................................................................................
Balance at end of year ..................................................................................................................................
(5,338)
—
—
$ (23,942) $ (33,138) $ (26,992)
Foreign currency hedge:
Balance at beginning of year........................................................................................................................
$
(258) $
675
$ (1,834)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(944), $991, and $(1,060)) ..
Reclassification of net (gain) loss to earnings (net of tax expense (benefit) of $827, $(489), and
(1) .................................................................................................................................................................
$(291))
1,416
(1,841)
1,969
(1,193)
908
540
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes.............
223
(933)
2,509
Balance at end of year ..................................................................................................................................
$
(35) $
(258) $
675
Interest rate hedge:
Balance at beginning of year........................................................................................................................
$
1,398
$ (6,997) $ (1,982)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(1,182), $(3,150), and
$4,489)...................................................................................................................................................
(2) ..............
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes.............
Reclassification of net loss to earnings (net of tax benefit of $(433), $(1,370), and $(1,787))
3,687
811
4,498
5,849
2,546
8,395
(8,335)
3,320
(5,015)
Other changes:
Reclassification to retained earnings
(5) .................................................................................................
Balance at end of year ..................................................................................................................................
632
—
—
$
6,528
$
1,398
$ (6,997)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Balance at beginning of year........................................................................................................................
$ (37,561) $ (39,036) $ (40,040)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:
Net gain (loss) arising during the year (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(527), $751, and $1,035)
(3) .....
(4) ......................
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes.............
Amortization included in earnings (net of tax benefit of $(933), $(1,546), and $(1,576))
295
(1,395)
(1,921)
2,318
2,613
2,870
1,475
2,925
1,004
Other changes:
Reclassification to retained earnings
(5) .................................................................................................
Balance at end of year ..................................................................................................................................
(7,667)
—
—
$ (42,615) $ (37,561) $ (39,036)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of year ...........................................................
$ (60,064) $ (69,559) $ (72,350)
81
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(1)
Gain (loss) on foreign currency cash flow hedges related to forecast purchases of tobacco is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) to cost of goods sold when the tobacco is sold to customers. See Note 8 for additional information.
(2)
Gain (loss) on interest rate cash flow hedges is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense when the
related interest payments are made on the debt or upon termination of the interest rate swap agreements prior to their scheduled maturity dates.
See Note 8 for additional information.
(3)
These items arise from the remeasurement of the assets and liabilities of the Company's defined benefit pension plans. Those remeasurements
are made on an annual basis at the end of the fiscal year. See Note 10 for additional information.
(4)
This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 10 for
additional information.
(5)
In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update 2018-02, which addressed the disproportionate
income tax effects on pretax amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) arising from the enactment of the Tax Cuts
and Jobs Act of 2017. With the adoption of ASU 2018-02, the disproportionate tax effects were reclassified to retained earnings, and the resulting
tax effects remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reflective of the rates which those amounts will ultimately be
taxed.
82
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
NOTE 16. UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
Unaudited quarterly financial data for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 is provided in the table below. Due
to the seasonal nature of the Company's business, management believes it is generally more meaningful to focus on cumulative rather
than quarterly results.
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2018
Operating Results:
Sales and other operating revenues ...................................................................... $
284,622
$
488,248
$
653,581
$
607,496
Gross profit...........................................................................................................
Net income ...........................................................................................................
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation ...............................................
Earnings per common share:
Basic.................................................................................................................
Diluted..............................................................................................................
53,857
3,321
3,577
0.14
0.14
93,076
28,306
26,167
1.03
1.02
108,518
116,497
50,219
45,400
1.80
1.78
34,322
30,518
1.21
1.20
Cash Dividends Declared:
Per share of common stock ..................................................................................
0.54
0.54
0.55
0.55
Market Price Range of Common Stock:
High ......................................................................................................................
Low.......................................................................................................................
75.70
63.15
65.90
55.00
60.45
52.05
53.85
45.95
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2017
Operating Results:
Sales and other operating revenues ...................................................................... $
295,475
$
456,942
$
668,771
$
650,030
Gross profit...........................................................................................................
Net income (loss)..................................................................................................
Net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation .....................................
Earnings (loss) available to Universal Corporation common shareholders after
dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock .........................................
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Universal Corporation common
shareholders:
Basic.................................................................................................................
Diluted..............................................................................................................
Cash Dividends Declared:
Per share of convertible perpetual preferred stock ...............................................
Per share of common stock ..................................................................................
Market Price Range of Common Stock:
High ......................................................................................................................
Low.......................................................................................................................
52,197
(7,504)
(5,476)
87,844
26,498
25,264
135,453
119,185
57,062
53,647
36,450
32,869
(9,163)
21,577
49,960
(41,484)
(0.40)
(0.40)
16.88
0.53
57.75
52.26
0.95
0.90
16.87
0.53
61.69
55.29
2.17
1.92
16.88
0.54
64.20
52.40
(1.64)
(1.64)
—
0.54
83.35
63.30
Note: Earnings (loss) per share amounts for each fiscal year may not equal the total of the four quarterly amounts due to differences
in weighted-average outstanding shares for the respective periods and to the fact that the Company’s convertible perpetual
preferred stock was antidilutive for some periods in fiscal year 2017.
83
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
Significant items included in the quarterly results were as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2018
• Third Quarter – Net income attributable to Universal Corporation included a $10.5 million reduction of income tax
expense from the initial provisional accounting for the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017,
which increased diluted earnings per share for the quarter by $0.41.
•
Fourth Quarter – Net income attributable to Universal Corporation included a $6.0 million adjustment to the initial
provisional accounting for the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowered the net reduction in income tax
expense recorded in the third quarter from $10.5 million to $4.5 million and reduced diluted earnings per share for the
quarter by $0.24.
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2017
•
•
Second Quarter – Results included restructuring and impairment costs totaling $3.7 million, primarily related to the
Company's decision to close its tobacco processing facility in Hungary. The Company is now processing tobaccos
sourced from Hungary in its factories in Italy. The costs incurred for the change in operations in Hungary included
statutory employee termination benefits and impairment charges related to certain property and equipment. Those costs
reduced net income attributable to Universal Corporation by $2.4 million and diluted earnings per share by $0.09.
Fourth Quarter – The conversion of 107,418 shares of the Company's Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred
Stock for cash resulted in a one-time reduction of retained earnings of approximately $74.4 million during the quarter
ending March 31, 2018, representing the excess of the conversion cost over the carrying value of those preferred shares.
The reduction in retained earnings resulted in a corresponding one-time reduction of earnings available to common
shareholders for purposes of determining the amounts reported for basic and diluted earnings per share for those periods.
The reduction in earnings available to common shareholders decreased diluted earnings per share for the quarter by
$2.90.
84
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Universal Corporation
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Universal Corporation (the Company) as of March 31, 2018 and
2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended March 31, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item
15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at March 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB),
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control-
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and
our report dated May 25, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required
to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error
or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether
due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis,
evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial
statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1971.
Richmond, Virginia
May 25, 2018
85
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Universal Corporation
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Universal Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2018, based on criteria established
in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013
framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Universal Corporation, (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective
internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2018, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB),
the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of income,
comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2018, and the
related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) and our report dated May 25, 2018 expressed an
unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment
of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal
Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with
respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness
exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing
such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for
our opinion.
Definitions and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets
of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being
made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance
regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a
material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections
of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes
in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Richmond, Virginia
May 25, 2018
86
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
For the three years ended March 31, 2018, there were no changes in independent auditors, nor were there any disagreements
between the Company and its independent auditors on any matter of accounting principles, practices, or financial disclosures.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be
disclosed in reports filed by the Company under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time
periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s
management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding
required disclosure. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated, with the participation of the
Company’s management, the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule
13a-15(e)), as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s management, including
its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were
effective.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial
reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed
to provide reasonable assurance to management and the Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of the
consolidated financial statements. Due to inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all
errors or misstatements in the financial statements, and even control procedures that are determined to be effective can provide only
reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions.
As required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(c), the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with
the participation of other members of management, assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting as of March 31, 2018. The evaluation was based on the criteria set forth in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework”
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (“the COSO criteria”). Based
on this assessment, the Company’s management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective
as of March 31, 2018.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, has audited the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2018. Their report on this audit appears on page 86 of this Annual Report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s last
fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
87
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
PART III
Except as to the matters set forth below, information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s
2018 Proxy Statement.
The following are executive officers of the Company as of May 25, 2018:
Name and Age
G. C. Freeman, III (54) Chairman, President, and
Position
Chief Executive Officer
A. L. Hentschke (48)
Senior Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer
D. C. Moore (62)
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
T. G. Broome (64)
Executive Vice President and
Sales Director, Universal
Leaf Tobacco Company, Inc.
P. D. Wigner (49)
Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary
J.C. Kroner (50)
Senior Vice President
J. A. Huffman (56)
Senior Vice President,
Information and Planning,
Universal Leaf Tobacco
Company, Inc.
C. H. Claiborne (57)
Vice President and Assistant
Secretary
Business Experience During Past The Five Years
Mr. Freeman was elected Chairman of the Board in August 2008, Chief
Executive Officer effective April 2008, President in December 2006,
and Vice President in November 2005. Mr. Freeman served as General
Counsel and Secretary from February 2001 until November 2005 and
has been employed with the Company since 1997.
Mr. Hentschke was elected Senior Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer in April 2015. From January 2013 to April 2015, he served as
Executive Vice President of Universal Leaf Tobacco Company,
Incorporated ("Universal Leaf"). From November 2009 to January
2013, Mr. Hentschke served as President and Chief Executive Officer
of Universal Leaf Tabacos, Limitada, the Company's operating
subsidiary in Brazil. He has been employed with the Company and its
affiliates since 1991.
Mr. Moore was elected Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer effective September 2008. Mr. Moore served as Vice President
and Chief Administrative Officer from April 2006 until September
2008, as Senior Vice President of Universal Leaf from September 2005
until April 2006, and as Managing Director of Universal Leaf
International SA from April 2002 until September 2005. He has been
employed with the Company since 1978.
Mr. Broome was elected Executive Vice President and Sales Director,
Universal Leaf, in October 2012. From April 2011 through October
2012, Mr. Broome served as Executive Vice President. From September
1998 through March 2011, Mr. Broome served as Senior Vice President-
Sales. He has been employed with the Company since 1994.
Mr. Wigner was elected Vice President in August 2007, and General
Counsel and Secretary in November 2005 and also served as Chief
Compliance Officer from November 2007 until September 2012. Mr.
Wigner served as Senior Counsel of Universal Leaf from November
2004 until November 2005. He has been employed with the Company
since 2003.
Mr. Kroner was elected Senior Vice President in February 2018. He
has served as Senior Vice President of Universal Leaf from September
2014 to the present, and Vice President from October 2011 to September
2014. He has been employed with the Company since July 1993.
Mr. Huffman was elected Senior Vice President, Information and
Planning, Universal Leaf, in August 2007. From September 2003 to
August 2007, Mr. Huffman served as Senior Vice President. From
September 2002 to September 2003, Mr. Huffman served as Vice
President and Controller. He has been employed with the Company
since 1996.
Mrs. Claiborne was elected Vice President and Assistant Secretary in
February 2018. She served as Assistant Secretary from 2001 to February
2018. From October 2004 to February 2018, Mrs. Claiborne served as
Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Secretary of Universal
Leaf. She has been employed with the Company since December 1999.
88
Name and Age
C. C. Formacek (58)
R. M. Peebles (60)
Business Experience During Past The Five Years
Position
Vice President and Treasurer Ms. Formacek was elected Vice President and Treasurer effective April
2012. Ms. Formacek served as Treasurer of Universal Leaf from April
2011 through March 2012. She joined the Company in September 2009
and served as Assistant Treasurer of Universal Leaf from that time through
March 2011.
Vice President and Controller Mr. Peebles was elected Vice President and Controller in April 2011. Mr.
Peebles joined the Company in September 2003 and served as Controller
from that time through March 2011.
There are no family relationships between any of the above officers.
The Company has a Code of Conduct that includes the NYSE requirements for a “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics”
and the SEC requirements for a “Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers.” The Code of Conduct is applicable to all officers,
employees, and outside directors of the Company, including the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal
accounting officer. A copy of the Code of Conduct is available through the “Corporate Governance-Overview” section of the
Company’s website at www.universalcorp.com. If the Company amends a provision of the Code of Conduct, or grants a waiver
from any such provision to a director or executive officer, the Company will disclose such amendments and the details of such
waivers on the Company’s website www.universalcorp.com to the extent required by the SEC or the NYSE.
The information required by Items 407(c)(3), (d)(4) and (d)(5) of Regulation S-K is contained under the captions “Corporate
Governance and Committees—Committees of the Board—Compensation Committee,” “Corporate Governance and Committees—
Committees of the Board—Audit Committee” of the Company’s 2018 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated by
reference herein.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Refer to the captions “Executive Compensation” and “Directors’ Compensation” in the Company’s 2018 Proxy Statement,
which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Refer to the caption “Stock Ownership” in the Company’s 2018 Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein
by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Refer to the caption “Certain Transactions” in the Company’s 2018 Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated
herein by reference. The information required by Item 407(a) of Regulation S-K is contained under the caption “Corporate Governance
and Committees—Director Independence” of the Company’s 2018 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated by reference
herein.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Refer to the captions “Audit Information – Fees of Independent Auditors” and “Audit Information – Pre-Approval Policies
and Procedures” in the Company’s 2018 Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
89
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)
The following are filed as part of this Annual Report:
1. Financial Statements.
PART IV
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016
Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2018 and 2017
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2018, 2017,
and 2016
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, on Internal Control Over Financial
Reporting
2. Financial Statement Schedules.
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
3. Exhibits. The exhibits are listed in the Exhibit Index immediately following the signature pages to this Annual Report.
(b)
Exhibits
The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section to this Annual Report.
(c)
Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts appears on the following page of this Annual Report. All other
schedules are not required under the related instructions or are not applicable and therefore have been omitted.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
90
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Universal Corporation
Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016
Description
(in thousands of dollars)
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2016:
Allowance for doubtful accounts (deducted from accounts
receivable) ...........................................................................
$
Balance at
Beginning
of Year
Net
Additions
(Reversals)
Charged
to Expense
Additions
Charged
to Other
Accounts
Deductions (1)
Balance
at End
of Year
5,482
$
6,970
$
— $
(3,353) $
9,099
Allowance for supplier accounts (deducted from advances
to suppliers and other noncurrent assets).............................
34,673
815
Allowance for recoverable taxes (deducted from other
current assets and other noncurrent assets)..........................
23,218
1,755
—
—
(6,623)
28,865
(6,221)
18,752
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2017:
Allowance for doubtful accounts (deducted from accounts
receivable) ...........................................................................
$
9,099
$
(5,071) $
— $
(81) $
3,947
Allowance for supplier accounts (deducted from advances
to suppliers and other noncurrent assets).............................
28,865
(857)
Allowance for recoverable taxes (deducted from other
current assets and other noncurrent assets)..........................
18,752
(3,392)
—
—
(934)
27,074
(2,808)
12,552
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2018:
Allowance for doubtful accounts (deducted from accounts
receivable) ...........................................................................
$
3,947
$
(2,006) $
— $
(158) $
1,783
Allowance for supplier accounts (deducted from advances
to suppliers and other noncurrent assets).............................
27,074
3,730
Allowance for recoverable taxes (deducted from other
current assets and other noncurrent assets)..........................
12,552
1,732
—
—
(9,084)
21,720
395
14,679
(1)
Includes direct write-offs of assets and currency remeasurement.
91
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
May 25, 2018
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
By:
/s/ GEORGE C. FREEMAN, III
George C. Freeman, III
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date
May 25, 2018
May 25, 2018
May 25, 2018
May 25, 2018
May 25, 2018
May 25, 2018
May 25, 2018
May 25, 2018
May 25, 2018
May 25, 2018
Signature
/s/ GEORGE C. FREEMAN, III
George C. Freeman, III
Title
Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ DAVID C. MOORE
David C. Moore
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ ROBERT M. PEEBLES
Robert M. Peebles
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ JOHN B. ADAMS, JR.
John B. Adams, Jr.
/s/ DIANA F. CANTOR
Diana F. Cantor
/s/ LENNART R. FREEMAN
Lennart R. Freeman
/s/ THOMAS H. JOHNSON
Thomas H. Johnson
/s/ MICHAEL T. LAWTON
Michael T. Lawton
/s/ EDDIE N. MOORE, JR.
Eddie N. Moore, Jr.
/s/ ROBERT C. SLEDD
Robert C. Sledd
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
92
EXHIBIT INDEX
3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, effective August 9, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to the
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K Registration Statement filed August 9, 2011, File No. 001-00652).
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws (as of August 3, 2010) (incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated August 3, 2010, File No. 001-00652).
4.1
Indenture between the Registrant and Chemical Bank, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 25, 1991, File No. 001-00652).
4.2 Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to
Registrant’s Form 8-A Registration Statement, dated May 7, 1999, File No. 001-00652).
10.1 Form of Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Incorporated Executive Life Insurance Agreement (incorporated herein by
reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1994, File No. 001-00652).
10.2 Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Incorporated Deferred Income Plan (incorporated herein by reference to the
Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K, dated February 8, 1991, File No. 001-00652).
10.3 Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Incorporated Benefit Replacement Plan (incorporated herein by reference to the
Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K, dated February 8, 1991, File No. 001-00652).
10.4 Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Incorporated 1994 Benefit Replacement Plan (incorporated herein by reference to
the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1994, File No. 001-00652).
10.5 Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Incorporated 1996 Benefit Restoration Plan (incorporated herein by reference to
the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996, File No. 001-00652).
10.6 Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Incorporated 1994 Deferred Income Plan, amended and restated as of July 1, 1998
(incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
30, 1998, File No. 001-00652).
10.7 Universal Corporation Outside Directors’ Deferred Income Plan, restated as of October 1, 1998 (incorporated herein
by reference to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998, File No.
001-00652).
10.8 Revised Form of Universal Corporation Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Agreement (incorporated herein by
reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 9, 2010, File No. 001-00652).
10.9 Form Change of Control Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-
K filed November 10, 2008, File No. 001-00652).
10.10 Universal Corporation Director’s Charitable Award Program (incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998, File No. 001-00652).
10.11 Universal Corporation 1997 Executive Stock Plan, as amended on August 7, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference
to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, File No. 001-00652).
10.12 Universal Corporation 2002 Executive Stock Plan, as amended on August 7, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference
to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, File No. 001-00652).
10.13 Form of Restricted Stock Units Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed November 10, 2008, File No. 001-00652).
10.14 Universal Corporation 2007 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan effective August 7, 2012 (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit A to the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement filed June 28, 2012, File No. 001-00652).
93
10.15 Universal Corporation Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to the
Registrant's definitive proxy statement filed June 25, 2014, File No. 001-00652).
10.16 Universal Corporation 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's definitive proxy
statement filed June 26, 2017 (File No. 001-00652).
10.17 Form of Universal Corporation 2010 Restricted Stock Units Agreement with Schedule of Awards to named executive
officers (incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2010, File No. 001-00652).
10.18 Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Incorporated Deferred Income Plan III, amended and restated as of December 31,
2008 (incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March
31, 2010, File No. 001-00652).
10.19 Universal Corporation Outside Directors' Deferred Income Plan III, amended and restated as of December 31, 2008,
and amended as of February 1, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-
K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, File No. 001-00652).
10.20 Form of Universal Corporation 2011 Restricted Stock Units Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to the
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, File No. 001-00652).
10.21 Form of Universal Corporation Performance Share Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to the
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, File No. 001-00652).
10.22 Credit Agreement dated December 30, 2014 among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative
Agent, SunTrust Bank and AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, as Co-Syndication Agents and Keybank National Association
and Capital One, National Association, as Co-Documentation Agents (incorporated herein by reference to the
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 30, 2014 (December 23, 2014), File No. 001-00652).
12 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preference Dividends.*
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.*
23 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.*
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.1 Statement of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.*
32.2 Statement of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.*
101
Interactive Data File (Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, furnished in XBRL
(eXtensible Business Reporting Language)).*
Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Statements
of Income for each of the three years ended March 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income for each of the three years ended March 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, (iii) the Consolidated Balance
Sheets at March 31, 2018 and 2017, (iv) the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of the three years ended
March 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, (v) the Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for each of the three years
ended March 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and (vii) Schedule II -
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
_________
* Filed herewith.
94
Early depiction of tobacco being loaded onto ships
using hogsheads.
Jaquelin P. Taylor, Portrait
Universal Corporation Headquarters
Universal facility during the early twentieth century.
Transporting tobacco in Richmond, Virginia (circa late 1800s).
IN THE
BEGINNING
In 1918 Virginia tobacconist Jaquelin P. Taylor, pursuing a bold
vision to build the largest tobacco leaf dealer organization in the
world, led the consolidation of six prominent leaf merchants to
form Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Incorporated (“Universal”).
Universal’s original charter stated that the Company’s business was
“to buy, sell and deal in leaf tobacco whether for its own account or
on commission.” Today, 100 years later, we have vastly enlarged our
scope of operations from a U.S. company to a global enterprise. We
have also expanded our activities to provide services beyond simply
buying tobacco.
COMPANY ORIGINS
Universal Corporation traces its origins
back to the late nineteenth century and
the efforts of Jaquelin Plummer Taylor of
Orange County, Virginia.
1886
J.P. Taylor & Company formed. It was
known as “the great shipping and
exporting establishment, the largest in
the South.”
1911
U.S. Supreme Court orders breakup of
American Tobacco Company under the
terms of the Sherman Antitrust Act of
1890, paving the way for the formation
of Universal Leaf Tobacco Company.
1917
“Doughboys”popularize American
cigarette brands in Europe during World
War I. Cigarette sales increase dramatically.
1910s
1918
The Virginia State Corporation Commission
issued a Charter of Incorporation for
Universal Leaf Tobacco Company,
Incorporated.
1918
Universal purchased about 10 percent
of the U.S. market during the 1918 and
1919 crop years.
1918
Universal has administrative offices in New
York City and Richmond, Virginia. New York
was considered the world wide center in
tobacco trade.
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at
the offices of the Company, 9201 Forest Hill Avenue,
Richmond, Virginia, on Thursday, August 2, 2018. A
proxy statement and request for proxies are included in
this mailing to shareholders.
STOCK LISTED
New York Stock Exchange
STOCK SYMBOL
UVV
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
The Company offers to its common shareholders an
automatic dividend reinvestment and cash payment
plan to purchase additional shares. The Company bears
all brokerage and service fees. Booklets describing the
plan in detail are available upon request.
TRANSFER AGENT & REGISTRAR &
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN AGENT
Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions
P.O. Box 1342
Brentwood, New York 11717
Toll-Free: (866) 804-4445
Outside U.S.: (702) 414-6868
Email: shareholder@broadridge.com
or
Universal Corporation
Investor Relations
(804) 254-3789
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Ernst & Young LLP
The Edgeworth Building
2100 East Cary Street, Suite 201
Richmond, Virginia 23223
INVESTOR RELATIONS
Contact:
Candace C. Formacek
Vice President and Treasurer
Jennifer S. Rowe
Assistant Vice President, Capital Markets
(804) 254-3789
Information Requests:
(804) 254-3789
or
Email: investor@universalleaf.com
DIVIDEND PAYMENTS
Dividend declarations are subject to approval by the
Company’s Board of Directors. Dividends on the
Company’s common stock have traditionally been paid
quarterly in February, May, August, and November to
shareholders of record on the second Monday of the
previous month.
SEC FORM 10-K
Shareholders may obtain additional copies of the
Company’s annual report to the Securities and Exchange
Commission on its website or by writing to the Treasurer
of the Company.
ABOUT US
For 100 years, Universal Corporation has been finding
innovative solutions to serve our customers and meet
their leaf tobacco needs. We built a global presence,
solidified long-term relationships with customers and
suppliers, adapted to changing agricultural practices,
embraced state of the art technology and emerged
as the recognized industry leader. Today, we conduct
business in over 30 countries on five continents, employ
more than 24,000 permanent and seasonal workers,
and are the leading global leaf supplier.
Universal Corporation has a long history of operating
with integrity, honesty, and a focus on quality. We are
a vital link in the leaf tobacco supply chain, providing
expertise in working with large numbers of farmers,
efficiently selling various qualities of leaf to a broad global
customer base, adapting to meet evolving customer
needs, and delivering products that meet stringent
quality and regulatory specifications.
As we move into our next 100 years, we will build
on our history by seeking opportunities to leverage
both our assets and expertise. We will continue our
commitment to leadership in setting industry standards,
operating with transparency, providing products that are
responsibly‐sourced, and investing in and strengthening
the communities where we operate.
ANNUAL REPORT
C E N T E N N I A L E D I T I O N
EST
2018 1918
P.O. Box 25099
Richmond, Virginia 23260
USA
WWW.UNIVERSALCORP.COM