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EX-99.2 - EXHIBIT 99.2 - UNIVERSAL CORP /VA/uvv-exhibit99220140630xdiv.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:
4:00 p.m. ET
 
Phone: (804) 359-9311
 
 
 
Fax: (804) 254-3584
 
 
 
Email: investor@universalleaf.com
 
 

Universal Corporation Reports First Quarter Results
Richmond, VA • August 7, 2014 / PRNEWSWIRE
HIGHLIGHTS
Revenues down 37%, to $271.5 million due to later timing of customer shipments
Fiscal year volumes expected to be comparable to prior year
Improved gross margin
Net income of $0.7 million
Segment operating income declined by $14.0 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 2015, which ended on June 30, 2014, was $0.7 million, or a loss of $0.13 per diluted share. Those results were down from net income of $58.3 million, or $2.05 per diluted share for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014. Results for last year’s first quarter 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 in Brazil related to excise tax credits. Excluding that non-recurring gain, first quarter net income was down $4.5 million compared to the same period last year. Results for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, also included an income tax benefit of $8.0 million (or $0.34 per diluted share) arising from a subsidiary’s payment of a portion of a fine following the unsuccessful appeal of a long-running court case. Segment operating income declined by $14.0 million compared to the same period last year. Revenues for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 of $271.5 million were down 37.4% on a combination of lower volumes due to later timing of receipt of shipment instructions from customers and lower average prices.
Mr. Freeman stated, “Our first quarter of fiscal year 2015 has been heavily influenced by lower volumes that are a result of typical oversupply market patterns, including a slow start in Brazil and later timing of customer orders and current crop shipments. In recent years, we have completed most of our shipments by the end of our fiscal year, reducing first quarter volumes from carryover crop shipments. Given this shift and the oversupply conditions, our reduced volumes in the first fiscal quarter were expected this

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Universal Corporation
Page 2

year. A predominance of our shipments should occur in the second half of the fiscal year. Overall, customer orders are in line with our expectations, and based upon the current backlog of shipments, we anticipate that volumes for fiscal year 2015 will not be materially different from those of last year, barring any unexpected logistical challenges.
“Due to the current season’s production oversupply, we continue to take a measured approach to the remainder of fiscal year 2015. Markets have been developing slowly in some origins as customers have been monitoring market conditions while evaluating their leaf needs and inventory durations, and shipping has been progressing at a slower pace than normal. At the same time, we have been very deliberate in our purchases, making reductions where possible, and we are working to minimize uncommitted inventories, which at the end of June 2014 were within our normal range. We are not seeing the market pricing volatility that depressed margins in South America last year, and green leaf prices have declined this year in most origins. Although it is very early, the current production outlook for next year's crops indicates that leaf production will also decline, consistent with market correction patterns.”

FLUE-CURED AND BURLEY LEAF TOBACCO OPERATIONS
OTHER REGIONS:
The Other Regions segment reported an operating loss of $10.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, driven by reduced shipment volumes in all regions, reflecting a decline of $5.4 million compared with the prior year’s first quarter loss of $5.2 million. The lower volumes were mainly attributable to a slower pace of customer orders and delivery of shipping instructions typical in a market oversupply situation. In Brazil, the impact from the volume reduction was somewhat mitigated by an improved mix and better margins from a return to orderly green leaf purchase markets compared with the volatile situation there last year that pressured margins. In Africa, the normally low first quarter volumes were further reduced by delayed shipment timing, compared with the prior year. In Asia, volume declines from delayed shipments were more than offset by benefits from favorable currency remeasurement and exchange comparisons. Selling, general, and administrative costs for this segment were down for the quarter, as foreign currency remeasurement and exchange improvements, mostly in Asia and South America, and lower supplier provisions, were partly offset by a large value-added tax valuation allowance in South America. Revenues for the Other Regions segment of $197.6 million were down by about 33% compared to the same period last year, on reduced volumes and slightly lower green leaf tobacco prices.

NORTH AMERICA:
Operating income for the North America segment was down $0.7 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2014, compared to last year’s first quarter, as lower volumes from carryover crop sales due to delayed shipment timing were partly offset by better margins. Selling, general, and administrative costs for the North America segment were flat. Revenues for this segment decreased by $32.5 million to $31.7 million on those lower volumes.

OTHER TOBACCO OPERATIONS
The Other Tobacco Operations segment operating income for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 of $1.3 million was down by $7.9 million compared with the same period last year. The decline was attributable mainly to the dark tobacco operations, on reduced volumes from a lower quality Indonesian wrapper crop compared with the prior year. Results for the oriental joint venture were affected by lower volumes as well, due to shipment timing, but those effects were mitigated by the beneficial currency remeasurement and exchange impact from the relative strengthening of the Turkish lira compared with the same period last year. Revenues for this segment decreased by about 42% to $42.2 million primarily due to the volume declines in the dark tobacco business, partly offset by higher green tobacco prices. Selling, general, and administrative costs for the segment were flat compared with the prior year quarter.


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Universal Corporation
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OTHER ITEMS
Cost of goods sold decreased by about 40% to $215.9 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2014, compared with the same period last year, mainly attributable to the reduced volumes and slightly lower green leaf costs. Selling, general, and administrative costs for the first fiscal quarter declined by $2.8 million on a combination of foreign currency remeasurement and exchange gains compared with losses in the prior year, lower provisions for suppliers, offset by higher accruals for value-added tax reserves.
Interest expense of $4.0 million was down $1.3 million, reflecting lower average debt balances and interest rates during the first fiscal quarter compared with the prior year.
Income taxes for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 were impacted by a non-recurring benefit of $8.0 million arising from the partial payment of the European Commission fine by our Italian subsidiary in June. Excluding that item, the consolidated income tax rate for the quarter was approximately 35%, which was comparable to the effective rate in last year’s first fiscal quarter and to the statutory federal U.S. tax rate.



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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. In addition, the total for segment operating income referred to in this discussion is a non-GAAP 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 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. A reconciliation of the total for segment operating income to consolidated operating income is in Note 3. Segment Information, included in this earnings release. The Company evaluates its segment performance excluding certain significant charges or credits. The Company believes this measure, which excludes these items that it believes are not indicative of its core operating results, provides investors with important information that is useful in understanding its business results and trends.
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, 2014, 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, 2014.
At 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on August 7, 2014, 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 6, 2014. A taped replay of the call will be available through August 20, 2014, by dialing (855) 859-2056. The confirmation number to access the replay is 76784375.

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, 2014, were $2.5 billion. For more information on Universal Corporation, visit its website at www.universalcorp.com.





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Universal Corporation
Page 5

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


 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
Sales and other operating revenues
 
$
271,472

 
$
433,528

 
Costs and expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold
 
215,932

 
362,060

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
63,777

 
66,619

 
Other income
 

 
(81,619
)
 
Operating income (loss)
 
(8,237
)
 
86,468

 
Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
 
601

 
1,529

 
Interest income
 
143

 
261

 
Interest expense
 
4,020

 
5,306

 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
(11,513
)
 
82,952

 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
(12,038
)
 
29,039

 
Net income
 
525

 
53,913

 
Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
 
192

 
4,396

 
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation
 
717

 
58,309

 
Dividends on Universal Corporation convertible perpetual preferred stock
 
(3,712
)
 
(3,712
)
 
Earnings (loss) available to Universal Corporation common shareholders
 
$
(2,995
)
 
$
54,597

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Universal Corporation common shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
(0.13
)
 
$
2.34

 
Diluted
 
$
(0.13
)
 
$
2.05

 

See accompanying notes.



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Universal Corporation
Page 6

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of dollars)

 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
March 31,
 
 
2014
  
2013
 
2014
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
  
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
148,457

  
$
124,469

 
$
163,532

Accounts receivable, net
 
238,900

  
259,613

 
468,015

Advances to suppliers, net
 
77,273

  
64,721

 
134,621

Accounts receivable—unconsolidated affiliates
 
82,196

  
62,040

 
7,375

Inventories—at lower of cost or market:
 


  


 


Tobacco
 
1,047,613

  
1,078,040

 
639,812

Other
 
83,484

  
63,425

 
67,219

Prepaid income taxes
 
30,688

  
18,649

 
27,866

Deferred income taxes
 
20,431

  
37,494

 
22,052

Other current assets
 
78,186

  
126,202

 
142,755

Total current assets
 
1,807,228

  
1,834,653

 
1,673,247

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
 
 
  
 
 
 
Land
 
17,239

  
17,187

 
17,275

Buildings
 
241,909

  
235,506

 
239,913

Machinery and equipment
 
574,178

  
553,752

 
562,597

 
 
833,326

  
806,445

 
819,785

Less: accumulated depreciation
 
(528,596
)
  
(519,103
)
 
(523,239
)
 
 
304,730

  
287,342

 
296,546

Other assets
 
 
  
 
 
 
Goodwill and other intangibles
 
99,429

  
99,738

 
99,453

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
 
94,802

  
96,992

 
95,305

Deferred income taxes
 
18,616

  
29,482

 
14,562

Other noncurrent assets
 
76,599

  
88,443

 
91,794

 
 
289,446

  
314,655

 
301,114

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
2,401,404

  
$
2,436,650

 
$
2,270,907


See accompanying notes.






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Universal Corporation
Page 7

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of dollars)

 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
March 31,
 
 
2014
  
2013
 
2014
 
 
(Unaudited)
  
(Unaudited)
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
  
 
 
 
Notes payable and overdrafts
 
$
205,370

 
$
133,109

 
$
62,905

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
198,085

 
275,677

 
212,422

Accounts payable—unconsolidated affiliates
 
42

 
21

 
65

Customer advances and deposits
 
61,147

 
64,071

 
15,869

Accrued compensation
 
26,213

 
29,627

 
31,772

Income taxes payable
 
12,072

 
18,965

 
15,694

Current portion of long-term obligations
 
117,500

 
212,500

 
116,250

Total current liabilities
 
620,429

  
733,970

 
454,977

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term obligations
 
235,000

 
177,500

 
240,000

Pensions and other postretirement benefits
 
82,759

 
132,331

 
85,081

Other long-term liabilities
 
36,279

 
36,261

 
34,457

Deferred income taxes
 
36,346

 
42,083

 
45,500

Total liabilities
 
1,010,813

 
1,122,145

 
860,015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 30,2013 and March 31, 2014)
 
213,023

  
213,023

 
213,023

Common stock, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 23,169,976 shares issued and outstanding (23,192,039 at June 30, 2013 and 23,216,312 at March 31, 2014)
 
206,538

 
201,557

 
206,446

Retained earnings
 
972,068

  
949,271

 
993,093

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(33,752
)
  
(73,710
)
 
(34,332
)
Total Universal Corporation shareholders' equity
 
1,357,877

  
1,290,141

 
1,378,230

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
 
32,714

 
24,364

 
32,662

Total shareholders' equity
 
1,390,591

 
1,314,505

 
1,410,892

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
2,401,404

  
$
2,436,650

 
$
2,270,907


See accompanying notes.




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Universal Corporation
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UNIVERSAL CORPORATION     
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of dollars)
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
525

 
$
53,913

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


 


Depreciation
 
8,653

 
10,587

Amortization
 
409

 
415

Net provision for losses (recoveries) on advances and guaranteed loans to suppliers
 
(516
)
 
2,946

Foreign currency remeasurement loss (gain), net
 
(1,283
)
 
2,534

   Gain on favorable outcome of excise tax case in Brazil
 

 
(81,619
)
Other, net
 
(4,395
)
 
(12,731
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net
 
(118,286
)
 
(209,035
)
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities
 
(114,893
)
 
(232,990
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
 
(16,808
)
 
(10,368
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
 
393

 
145

Net cash used by investing activities
 
(16,415
)
 
(10,223
)
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Issuance (repayment) of short-term debt, net
 
142,489

 
31,739

Repayment of long-term obligations
 
(3,750
)
 
(2,500
)
Issuance of common stock
 
187

 
457

Repurchase of common stock
 
(7,202
)
 
(14,145
)
Dividends paid on convertible perpetual preferred stock
 
(3,712
)
 
(3,712
)
Dividends paid on common stock
 
(11,844
)
 
(11,676
)
Net cash used by financing activities
 
116,168

 
163

 
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
65

 
(345
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
(15,075
)
 
(243,395
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
163,532

 
367,864

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
148,457

 
$
124,469


See accompanying notes.

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Universal Corporation
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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. Certain amounts in prior year statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. 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, 2014.

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)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic Earnings Per Share
 
 
 
 
 
Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation
 
$
717

 
$
58,309

 
Less: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock
 
(3,712
)
 
(3,712
)
 
Earnings (loss) available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of basic earnings (loss) per share
 
$
(2,995
)
 
$
54,597

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
 
23,223,343

 
23,316,764

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Basic earnings (loss) per share
 
$
(0.13
)
 
$
2.34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
 
 
 
 
Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) available to Universal Corporation common shareholders
 
$
(2,995
)
 
$
54,597

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

 
3,712

 
Earnings (loss) available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
$
(2,995
)
 
$
58,309

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
 
23,223,343

 
23,316,764

 
Effect of dilutive securities (if conversion or exercise assumed)
 

 

 
Convertible perpetual preferred stock
 

 
4,812,279

 
Employee share-based awards
 

 
336,311

 
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
23,223,343

 
28,465,354

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
$
(0.13
)
 
$
2.05

 




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Universal Corporation
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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, 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)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
SALES AND OTHER OPERATING REVENUES
 
 
 
 
Flue-cured and burley leaf tobacco operations:
 
 
 
 
North America
 
$
31,698

   
$
64,151

Other regions (1)
 
197,572

   
296,260

Subtotal
 
229,270

   
360,411

Other tobacco operations (2)
 
42,202

 
73,117

Consolidated sales and other operating revenues
 
$
271,472

  
$
433,528

 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
 
 
 
 
Flue-cured and burley leaf tobacco operations:
 
 
 
 
North America
 
$
1,679

   
$
2,355

Other regions (1)
 
(10,575
)
   
(5,184
)
Subtotal
 
(8,896
)
   
(2,829
)
Other tobacco operations (2)
 
1,260

   
9,207

Segment operating income (loss)
 
(7,636
)
   
6,378

Deduct: Equity in pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates (3)
 
(601
)
 
(1,529
)
Add: Other income (4)
 

 
81,619

Consolidated operating income (loss)
 
$
(8,237
)
  
$
86,468


(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) 
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.
(4) 
Other income represents the gain on the favorable outcome of the IPI tax credit case in Brazil. This item is excluded from segment operating income, but is included in consolidated operating income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.




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