UNIVERSAL CORP

Universal Corporation (NYSE: UVV) operates as a global business-to-business agriproducts company with over 100 years of experience supplying plant-based materials and innovative solutions to consumer product manufacturers. The company maintains operations across more than 30 countries on five continents, positioning itself as a uniquely positioned supplier leveraging worldwide networks to access diverse, reliable supplies of plant-based materials. Universal's website is www.universalcorp.com.

The company operates through two primary segments: Tobacco Operations and Ingredients Operations. The Tobacco Operations segment, which represents the majority of revenues, involves procuring and processing flue-cured, burley, dark air-cured, and oriental leaf tobacco for manufacturers of consumer tobacco products. Universal is the leading global leaf tobacco supplier, handling between 15 and 45 percent of annual production in major sourcing regions including Africa, Brazil, and the United States. The company also provides specialty services including custom blending, chemical and physical testing, reconstituted leaf manufacturing, and just-in-time delivery. Additionally, the Tobacco Operations segment participates in liquid nicotine production for next-generation tobacco products and recycled waste materials from tobacco production.

The Ingredients Operations segment, built through strategic acquisitions including FruitSmart, Silva International, and Universal Ingredients–Shank's, produces high-quality specialty plant-based ingredients such as fruit and vegetable juices, concentrates, purees, dehydrated products, botanical extracts, flavorings, and colorings for consumer-packaged goods manufacturers, retailers, and food and beverage companies.

In fiscal year 2026, Universal generated approximately $2.9 billion in consolidated revenues with total operating income of $168.5 million. The company employs more than 25,000 employees globally, with approximately 55 percent seasonal workers and 45 percent full-time employees. Nearly 42 percent of the workforce is female, and more than 23 percent of managers are female. Universal's customer base includes major multinational tobacco and food companies, with sales to the top five customers representing more than 50 percent of consolidated revenues. The company's competitive advantages include its global operational presence, supply chain expertise, integrated processing capabilities, commitment to sustainability, and long-standing relationships with both farmers and customers.