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EX-99.2 - EXHIBIT 99.2 - UNIVERSAL CORP /VA/uvv-exhibit992x20130630xdi.htm
EX-99.3 - EXHIBIT 99.3 - UNIVERSAL CORP /VA/uvv-exhibit993x20130630xjo.htm

Exhibit 99.1
P.O. Box 25099 ~ Richmond, VA 23260 ~ Phone: (804) 359-9311 ~ Fax: (804) 254-3584
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
P R E S S R E L E A S E
CONTACT:
Candace C. Formacek
RELEASE:
2:15 p.m. ET
 
Phone: (804) 359-9311
 
 
 
Fax: (804) 254-3584
 
 
 
Email: investor@universalleaf.com
 
 

Universal Corporation Reports First Quarter Results
Richmond, VA • August 6, 2013 / PRNEWSWIRE
HIGHLIGHTS
Non-recurring pretax gain from excise tax case of $81.6 million.
Diluted earnings per share increased $1.24, to $2.05.
Net income up $35.2 million, to $58.3 million.
Lower carryover shipments reduced operating results.
Segment operating income decreased by $37.8 million, to $6.4 million.
Revenues down $27.9 million, to $433.5 million.
___________________________________________________________________________________
George C. Freeman, III, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV), announced that net income for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, which ended on June 30, 2013, was $58.3 million, or $2.05 per diluted share. Those results included a gain of $81.6 million before tax ($53.1 million after tax, or $1.98 per diluted share), which resulted from the favorable outcome of litigation by the Company's operating subsidiary in Brazil related to previous years' excise tax credits. Excluding that non-recurring gain, which is discussed further below, first quarter net income decreased $17.9 million compared to the same period last year, when net income was $23.1 million, or $0.81 per diluted share. As expected, carryover shipments of tobacco were considerably lower in the first quarter of this fiscal year as shipments of the smaller crops grown in fiscal year 2013 were substantially completed by March 31, 2013. Conversely, last year's first quarter results benefited significantly from carryover shipments of large African crops. Segment operating results, which exclude unusual items, declined by $37.8 million, reflecting the reduced carryover shipments of African tobaccos this year and unfavorable currency remeasurement and exchange comparisons in the Company's Other Regions segment. Those results were partially offset by improved performance in the Company's North America and Other Tobacco Operations segments. Revenues for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 of $433.5 million were down $27.9 million on a combination of the lower volumes at higher average prices.


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Universal Corporation
Page 2

The $81.6 million gain resulted from the favorable conclusion during the quarter of a longstanding lawsuit challenging the Brazilian government's denial of the Company's rights to claim certain excise tax credits generated in previous years. The outcome of the case entitles the Company to the previously denied excise tax credits, as well as additional credits for interest from the dates the tax credits should have been available (approximately $104 million at the June 30, 2013 exchange rate). All avenues of appeal by either party have been exhausted, and the Company is now permitted to utilize the total amount of the credits to offset future federal tax obligations for a period of up to five years. The amount of the gain, which is reported in Other Income, reflects the Company's current estimate of the actual tax credits that are likely to be realized in current and future periods, after deducting attorneys' fees and credits used to satisfy certain federal taxes due immediately on the interest portion of the award.

Mr. Freeman stated, “Our results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 benefited from the favorable outcome of a Brazilian tax case. The related gain that we recorded in this quarter increased diluted earnings per share by $1.98, although the cash flow benefits are expected to be realized across current and future fiscal years. However, as we indicated last quarter, sales volumes in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 were substantially lower than in the first quarter of the prior year due to the unusually low level of carryover shipments, which reduced our operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2013. As the larger South American and African current year crops shipments ramp up in the second and third quarters, our sales volumes will increase, although our uncommitted inventories remain at extremely low levels, limiting additional sales from that source. We are still expecting a reduction in overall volumes shipped during fiscal year 2014 compared to fiscal year 2013.

“We are also watching crop development as the seasons unfold, particularly in the United States where crop sizes have been negatively impacted by recent high levels of rainfall. Burley crop levels are down from earlier projections in some origins, exacerbating the undersupply conditions expected for that type of tobacco this year. In addition, global demand is strong, and we are seeing volatile green tobacco prices in Brazil that have disrupted markets and pressured margins there. Changes in shipment timing, crop sizes, and market pricing are not unusual in our business, and we still expect fiscal year 2014 to be a solid year.

“We remain committed to being a leader in our industry and continually evaluate opportunities to meet the evolving needs of our customers and our industry. To this end, we have announced today that one of our subsidiaries has formed a business with a premier botanical extraction company to produce liquid nicotine for use in electronic cigarettes. This new business is still in its initial stages, and it is too early to predict future results. The electronic cigarette industry is developing rapidly, and as a leader in leaf tobacco sourcing and agronomic research, we are pleased to bring our expertise to this dynamic market.”

FLUE-CURED AND BURLEY LEAF TOBACCO OPERATIONS:
Operating income for the Company's flue-cured and burley tobacco operations, which includes the North America and Other Regions segments, decreased by about $38.6 million, to an operating loss of $2.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, while revenues for those operations declined by about 9%, to $360.4 million, compared to the same quarter last year. In the Other Regions segment, operating income decreased by $40.0 million to an operating loss of $5.2 million primarily due to the absence of large carryover shipments of African crops which benefited results in the prior year. The lower carryover shipment volumes were partly offset by higher current crop shipments from the larger crops this year. The segment's results were also affected by margin pressures in South America from a rapid escalation of green leaf prices there. Selling, general, and administrative costs were up for the quarter, as net currency remeasurement and exchange losses, mostly in Africa and Asia, compared with gains last year. Revenues for the Other Regions segment

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Universal Corporation
Page 3

fell by about 12% to $296.3 million on the African volume declines, mitigated somewhat by higher green leaf tobacco prices in most origins.
Operating income for the North America segment improved by $1.4 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2013, compared to last year's first quarter as a less favorable product mix in the United States was offset by higher volumes in Central America and lower factory overhead. Selling, general, and administrative costs for the North America segment were flat. Revenues for the segment increased by about 6% to $64.2 million on increased volumes and green leaf prices.

OTHER TOBACCO OPERATIONS:
The Other Tobacco Operations segment operating income for the first fiscal quarter of $9.2 million was up 10% compared with the same period last year, on improved performance in the dark tobacco business. The dark tobacco earnings increase was driven mainly by a more favorable product mix despite slightly lower volumes. Results for the oriental joint venture declined for the first quarter on currency remeasurement losses, which outweighed benefits from higher sales. Revenues for this segment increased by about 15% to $73.1 million due to higher green tobacco prices and the more favorable product mix in the dark tobacco operations, as well as the timing of shipments of oriental tobaccos into the United States. Selling, general, and administrative costs for the segment were flat compared with the prior year.

OTHER ITEMS:
Cost of goods sold decreased by about 2% to $362.1 million in the quarter, due to reduced volumes partially offset by higher overall leaf costs. Selling, general, and administrative costs for the first fiscal quarter increased by $17.4 million, with $12.5 million of this increase resulting from net currency remeasurement and exchange losses in the current fiscal year compared with gains in the previous year.
Interest expense was down $0.9 million reflecting lower average debt balances during the first quarter compared with last year. The effective income tax rate for the first fiscal quarter of 2014 was about 35% compared to 34% last year. Those rates approximate the 35% U.S. federal statutory rate.


-- M O R E --

Universal Corporation
Page 4

Additional information

Amounts included in the previous discussion are attributable to Universal Corporation and exclude earnings related to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries.
This information includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company cautions readers that any statements contained herein regarding earnings and expectations for its performance are forward-looking statements based upon management's current knowledge and assumptions about future events, including anticipated levels of demand for and supply of its 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; and general economic, political, market, and weather conditions. Actual results, therefore, could vary from those expected. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties, and other factors can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, and in other documents the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This information should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.
At 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on August 6, 2013, the Company will host a conference call to discuss these results. Those wishing to listen to the call may do so by visiting www.universalcorp.com at that time. A replay of the webcast will be available at that site through November 5, 2013. A taped replay of the call will be available through August 20, 2013, by dialing (855) 859-2056. The confirmation number to access the replay is 27518030.

Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Universal Corporation is the leading global leaf tobacco supplier and conducts business in more than 30 countries. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, were $2.5 billion. For more information on Universal Corporation, visit its website at www.universalcorp.com.





-- M O R E --

Universal Corporation
Page 5

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands of dollars, except per share data)


 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
(Unaudited)
Sales and other operating revenues
 
$
433,528

 
$
461,391

Costs and expenses
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold
 
362,060

 
369,361

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
66,619

 
49,203

Other income
 
(81,619
)
 

Operating income
 
86,468

 
42,827

Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
 
1,529

 
1,369

Interest income
 
261

 
157

Interest expense
 
5,306

 
6,170

Income before income taxes and other items
 
82,952

 
38,183

Income taxes
 
29,039

 
12,950

Net income
 
53,913

 
25,233

Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
 
4,396

 
(2,108
)
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation
 
58,309

 
23,125

Dividends on Universal Corporation convertible perpetual preferred stock
 
(3,712
)
 
(3,712
)
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders
 
$
54,597

 
$
19,413

 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share attributable to Universal Corporation common shareholders:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
2.34

 
$
0.83

Diluted
 
$
2.05

 
$
0.81


See accompanying notes.



-- M O R E --

Universal Corporation
Page 6

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of dollars)

 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
March 31,
 
 
2013
  
2012
 
2013
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
  
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
124,469

  
$
207,393

 
$
367,864

Accounts receivable, net
 
259,613

  
292,633

 
401,747

Advances to suppliers, net
 
64,721

  
78,260

 
132,100

Accounts receivable—unconsolidated affiliates
 
62,040

  
59,858

 
555

Inventories—at lower of cost or market:
 
 
  
 
 
 
Tobacco
 
1,078,040

  
962,347

 
623,377

Other
 
63,425

  
61,162

 
57,745

Prepaid income taxes
 
18,649

  
17,921

 
6,245

Deferred income taxes
 
37,494

  
51,967

 
32,127

Other current assets
 
126,202

  
65,610

 
124,213

Total current assets
 
1,834,653

  
1,797,151

 
1,745,973

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
 
 
  
 
 
 
Land
 
17,187

  
17,059

 
17,125

Buildings
 
235,506

  
228,191

 
234,694

Machinery and equipment
 
553,752

  
539,310

 
545,478

 
 
806,445

  
784,560

 
797,297

Less: accumulated depreciation
 
(519,103
)
  
(486,925
)
 
(509,829
)
 
 
287,342

  
297,635

 
287,468

Other assets
 
 
  
 
 
 
Goodwill and other intangibles
 
99,738

  
99,211

 
99,048

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
 
96,992

  
89,189

 
94,405

Deferred income taxes
 
29,482

  
21,219

 
23,783

Other noncurrent assets
 
88,443

  
50,097

 
55,478

 
 
314,655

  
259,716

 
272,714

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
2,436,650

  
$
2,354,502

 
$
2,306,155


See accompanying notes.






-- M O R E --

Universal Corporation
Page 7

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of dollars)

 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
March 31,
 
 
2013
  
2012
 
2013
 
 
(Unaudited)
  
(Unaudited)
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
  
 
 
 
Notes payable and overdrafts
 
$
133,109

 
$
149,855

 
$
105,318

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
275,677

 
207,526

 
225,648

Accounts payable—unconsolidated affiliates
 
21

 
54

 
4,739

Customer advances and deposits
 
64,071

 
69,371

 
24,914

Accrued compensation
 
29,627

 
29,843

 
36,694

Income taxes payable
 
18,965

 
17,459

 
14,034

Current portion of long-term obligations
 
212,500

 
17,500

 
211,250

Total current liabilities
 
733,970

  
491,608

 
622,597

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term obligations
 
177,500

 
390,000

 
181,250

Pensions and other postretirement benefits
 
132,331

 
140,820

 
135,629

Other long-term liabilities
 
36,261

 
85,454

 
36,838

Deferred income taxes
 
42,083

 
40,200

 
42,184

Total liabilities
 
1,122,145

 
1,148,082

 
1,018,498

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity
 
 
  
 
 
 
Universal Corporation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock:
 
 
  
 
 
 
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value, 500,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding
 

  

 

Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, no par value, 220,000 shares authorized, 219,999 shares issued and outstanding (219,999 at June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2013)
 
213,023

  
213,023

 
213,023

Common stock, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 23,192,039 shares issued and outstanding (23,356,713 at June 30, 2012, and 23,343,973 at March 31, 2013)
 
201,557

 
196,410

 
202,579

Retained earnings
 
949,271

  
862,480

 
918,509

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(73,710
)
  
(90,229
)
 
(75,540
)
Total Universal Corporation shareholders' equity
 
1,290,141

  
1,181,684

 
1,258,571

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
 
24,364

 
24,736

 
29,086

Total shareholders' equity
 
1,314,505

 
1,206,420

 
1,287,657

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
2,436,650

  
$
2,354,502

 
$
2,306,155


See accompanying notes.




-- M O R E --

Universal Corporation
Page 8

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION     
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of dollars)
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
(Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
53,913

 
$
25,233

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
10,587

 
10,803

Amortization
 
415

 
434

Provision for losses on advances and guaranteed loans to suppliers
 
2,946

 
1,459

Foreign currency remeasurement loss (gain), net
 
2,534

 
(8,790
)
Equity in net loss (income) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends
 
(1,014
)
 
(1,237
)
Gain on favorable outcome of excise tax case in Brazil
 
(81,619
)
 

Other, net
 
(11,717
)
 
(2,258
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net
 
(209,035
)
 
(83,580
)
Net cash used by operating activities
 
(232,990
)
 
(57,936
)
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
 
(10,368
)
 
(8,726
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
 
145

 
1,965

Net cash used by investing activities
 
(10,223
)
 
(6,761
)
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Issuance (repayment) of short-term debt, net
 
31,739

 
26,958

Repayment of long-term obligations
 
(2,500
)
 
(1,250
)
Issuance of common stock
 
457

 

Repurchase of common stock
 
(14,145
)
 

Dividends paid on convertible perpetual preferred stock
 
(3,712
)
 
(3,712
)
Dividends paid on common stock
 
(11,676
)
 
(11,396
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
163

 
10,600

 
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(345
)
 
(209
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
(243,395
)
 
(54,306
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
367,864

 
261,699

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
124,469

 
$
207,393


See accompanying notes.

-- M O R E --

Universal Corporation
Page 9

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Universal Corporation, with its subsidiaries (“Universal” or the “Company”), is the leading global leaf tobacco merchant and processor. Because of the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, the results of operations for any fiscal quarter will not necessarily be indicative of results to be expected for other quarters or a full fiscal year. All adjustments necessary to state fairly the results for the period have been included and were of a normal recurring nature. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.

NOTE 2.   EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
Basic Earnings Per Share
 
 
 
 
Numerator for basic earnings per share
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation
 
$
58,309

 
$
23,125

Less: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock
 
(3,712
)
 
(3,712
)
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of basic earnings per share
 
$
54,597

 
$
19,413

 
 
 
 
 
 Denominator for basic earnings per share
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
 
23,317

 
23,297

 
 
 
 
 
 Basic earnings per share
 
$
2.34

 
$
0.83

 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
 
 
 
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
 
 
 
 
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders
 
$
54,597

 
$
19,413

Add: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock (if conversion assumed)
 
3,712

 
3,712

Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of diluted earnings per share
 
$
58,309

 
$
23,125

 
 
 
 
 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
 
23,317

 
23,297

Effect of dilutive securities (if conversion or exercise assumed)
 
 
 
 
Convertible perpetual preferred stock
 
4,812

 
4,788

Employee share-based awards
 
336

 
306

Denominator for diluted earnings per share
 
28,465

 
28,391

 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
2.05

 
$
0.81





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Universal Corporation
Page 10

NOTE 3. SEGMENT INFORMATION

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. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on operating income after allocated overhead expenses (excluding significant non-recurring charges or credits), plus equity in the pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates.

Operating results for the Company’s reportable segments for each period presented in the consolidated statements of income were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands of dollars)
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
SALES AND OTHER OPERATING REVENUES
 
 
 
 
Flue-cured and burley leaf tobacco operations:
 
 
 
 
North America
 
$
64,151

   
$
60,486

Other regions (1)
 
296,260

   
337,533

Subtotal
 
360,411

 
398,019

Other tobacco operations (2)
 
73,117

   
63,372

Consolidated sales and other operating revenues
 
$
433,528

 
$
461,391

 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING INCOME
 
 
 
 
Flue-cured and burley leaf tobacco operations:
 
 
 
 
North America
 
$
2,355

   
$
978

Other regions (1)
 
(5,184
)
   
34,841

Subtotal
 
(2,829
)
 
35,819

Other tobacco operations (2)
 
9,207

   
8,377

Segment operating income
 
6,378

 
44,196

Deduct: Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates (3)
 
(1,529
)
 
(1,369
)
Add: Other income (4)
 
81,619

 

Consolidated operating income
 
$
86,468

 
$
42,827


(1)
Includes South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia regions, as well as inter-region eliminations.
(2)
Includes Dark Air-Cured, Special Services, and Oriental, as well as inter-company eliminations. Sales and other operating revenues for this reportable segment include limited amounts for Oriental because its financial results consist principally of equity in the pretax earnings of an unconsolidated affiliate.
(3)
Item is included in segment operating income, but is not included in consolidated operating income.
(4)
Item is not included in segment operating income, but is included in consolidated operating income.



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