38.71
-1.78%
Close of 9 Nov 2026, in USD
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About Universal
From its filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission
Universal is based in Richmond, Virginia and is incorporated in Virginia. Its shares trade on NYSE under the ticker UVV. The SEC classifies its business as wholesale-farm product raw materials. In the fiscal year to 31 March 2026, it reported revenue of $2.89bn and net income of $32.6m. At that date it held total assets of $2.77bn and shareholders' equity of $1.42bn.
Universal Corporation is a global business-to-business agriproducts company with over 100 years of experience supplying products and innovative solutions to meet our customers’ evolving needs. With operations in over 30 countries on five continents, we are uniquely positioned to leverage our worldwide network to access a diverse, reliable supply of plant-based materials. This presence, combined with our supply chain expertise, integrated processing capabilities, and commitment to sustainability, enables us to deliver high-quality, customizable, and traceable value-added agriproducts essential to our customers’ success.
We have two operating segments: Tobacco Operations and Ingredients Operations. Our Tobacco Operations segment involves procuring and processing flue-cured, burley, dark air-cured, and oriental leaf tobacco for manufacturers of consumer tobacco products and performing related services. We are the leading global leaf tobacco supplier. Through our Ingredients Operations segment, we procure raw materials globally and process the raw materials through a variety of value-added manufacturing processes to produce high-quality, innovative, specialty plant-based ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, botanical extracts, and flavorings for consumer-packaged goods manufacturers, retailers, and food and beverage companies. We do not sell any direct-to-consumer products. Rather, we support consumer product manufacturers by selling them transformed agriproducts and performing related services for them.
Quoted from its 10-K, filed 1 Jun 2026. Read the filing on SEC.gov ↗
Company facts
- Sector
- Consumer Staples
- Industry
- Tobacco
- Listed since
- 17 Mar 1980
- Employees
- 25,000
- Website
- universalcorp.com ↗
- Head office
- 9201 FOREST HILL AVENUE, RICHMOND, VA, 23235
- Incorporated in
- VA
- Classification
- Wholesale-Farm Product Raw Materials
- Filer status
- Large accelerated filer
Leadership
Pay as last reported
- Mr. Preston WignerChairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, since 2005$4.4m
- Mr. Johan KronerChief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President$2.2m
- Mr. Airton HentschkeChief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President$3.1m
- Mr. J. Patrick O'KeefeSenior Vice President of Universal Global Ventures, Inc., Vice President - Ingredients$1.2m
- Mr. M. StarkeSenior Vice President, Sales Director
- Mrs. Catherine ClaiborneVice President, General Counsel, Secretary$1.4m
- Mr. Scott BleicherVice President, Controller
- Mr. S. DielVice President - Business Development
- Mr. Thomas JohnsonLead Independent Director$270,989
- Mrs. Diana CantorIndependent Director$244,489
- Mr. Lennart FreemanIndependent Director$239,489
- Mr. Michael LawtonIndependent Director$248,989
Environmental, social and governance
Scores out of 100, from our data supplier
- Overall
- 73
- Environment
- 77
- Social
- 89
- Governance
- 53
- Direct emissions (scope 1)
- 108,983 t
- Energy emissions (scope 2)
- 47,233 t
- Women in the workforce
- 50%
- Carbon reduction policy
- Yes
- Human rights policy
- Yes
SWOT analysis
AI-generated by our data supplier. Not written or checked by our editors.
Strengths
- Universal Corp has several key strengths that contribute to its success in the industry. One of its main strengths is its extensive global presence, allowing the company to serve a wide range of customers across different markets and regions. This gives Universal Corp a competitive advantage in terms of market reach and customer base. Another strength of Universal Corp is its expertise in leaf tobacco processing and sourcing. The company has a long history in the tobacco industry and has developed strong relationships with growers worldwide. This enables Universal Corp to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality tobacco to meet the demands of its customers. Additionally, Universal Corp's strong financial position is a significant strength. The company has a solid financial foundation, enabling it to invest in research and development, technology upgrades, and expansion opportunities. This financial stability gives Universal Corp a competitive edge and helps it sustain long-term growth.
Weaknesses
- Despite its strengths, Universal Corp also faces certain weaknesses that could impact its performance. One weakness is its dependence on the tobacco industry. The company's business operations are heavily reliant on the demand for tobacco products, which can be affected by factors such as changes in consumer preferences, regulatory policies, and public health concerns. Another weakness of Universal Corp is its vulnerability to fluctuations in exchange rates. Since the company operates globally and deals with various currencies, changes in exchange rates can impact its financial results. This exposes Universal Corp to foreign exchange risks and adds to its overall business risk profile. Furthermore, Universal Corp's limited diversification is a weakness. The company primarily focuses on tobacco processing and related services, which leaves it exposed to the cyclicality of the tobacco industry. Diversifying into other industries or product lines could help mitigate this risk and provide additional sources of revenue.
Opportunities
- Universal Corp has several opportunities that it can leverage to enhance its growth prospects. One opportunity is the increasing demand for alternative tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. By expanding its product portfolio to include these alternatives, Universal Corp can tap into new market segments and capitalize on changing consumer preferences. Another opportunity lies in the growing trend of sustainable and socially responsible practices. Universal Corp can position itself as a leader in sustainable tobacco sourcing and processing, aligning with the increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products. This would not only improve the company's brand image but also attract a wider customer base. Furthermore, Universal Corp can explore partnerships and alliances with other companies in the tobacco industry or related sectors. Collaborations can facilitate knowledge sharing, innovation, and market expansion, leading to mutually beneficial growth opportunities.
Threats
- Universal Corp faces several threats that could potentially hinder its growth and profitability. One major threat is the increasing global anti-tobacco sentiment and stricter regulations surrounding tobacco products. This threat poses challenges to the industry as a whole and may result in decreased demand for tobacco, impacting Universal Corp's business. Another threat is the intense competition within the tobacco industry. Universal Corp competes with other multinational companies and local players, making it essential to differentiate its offerings and maintain competitive pricing and quality standards. Failure to do so could lead to a loss of market share. Additionally, economic downturns and recessions can pose a threat to Universal Corp's business. During periods of economic uncertainty, consumers may reduce discretionary spending, including tobacco purchases. This can negatively impact the company's sales and revenue growth. In conclusion, Universal Corp has strengths that position it well in the tobacco industry, but it also faces weaknesses and threats that require strategic attention. By capitalizing on opportunities and addressing weaknesses and threats, the company can navigate challenges and continue to thrive in a rapidly changing market.
Sources and methodology
- Data on this tab
- Our data supplier
- Chart on the Overview
- TradingView
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