Universal Corporation Announces Improved First Quarter Earnings

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- George C. Freeman, III,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Corporation (NYSE: UVV),
announced that net income for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, which
ended on June 30, 2008, was $21.1 million, or $0.64 per diluted share. Those
results represented a significant improvement over last year's income from
continuing operations of $18.2 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, which
included about $3.3 million in restructuring costs ($0.08 per diluted share),
primarily related to Canadian and African operations. The year-to-year
improvement in first quarter results was due to higher shipments in several
countries, a lower effective income tax rate, and the absence of write-downs
in Africa and restructuring charges. Net income last year was $18.7 million,
or $0.54 per diluted share, including the results of discontinued operations.
Revenues for the quarter were about $506 million, a 12% increase over last
year due to increases in tobacco prices related to higher prices paid to
farmers and the weak U.S. dollar, as well as higher volumes.
Mr. Freeman stated, "The year has begun on a positive note. Our
operations continue to be strong, and we have made significant operating
improvements in Africa since last year. Although we have more work to do and
the improvements have not yet shown up in income, it is gratifying to see the
results of the hard work of so many people. To be sure, we have our usual
complement of timing differences in the quarter compared to last year.
Although some shipments from South America are later this year, we enjoyed the
benefits of carryover sales of leaf in other areas. Looking ahead, we are
continuing to work with our customers and suppliers to ensure security of
supply, a key issue for the industry. We do not expect that current low
levels of inventory available for sale will be drastically increased after
this season's crops are complete, despite significantly larger burley crops in
Africa. The tight markets, combined with the weak U.S. dollar and competition
from alternative crops for farm acreage, make controlling the cost of leaf a
continuing and extraordinary challenge for us. We have been working to find
the delicate balance between controlling cost and providing the required
incentives to farmers. We are on solid financial footing. By June 30, 2008, we
had purchased about 1.4 million shares of our common stock for a total of $71
million. We continue to return funds to shareholders through dividends and
share repurchases, and we believe that we have been taking the necessary
actions to improve our performance for the long term."
The North America segment of the flue-cured and burley operations reported
a small loss in the quarter, which is a seasonally low operating period.
Their performance was significantly better than last year primarily because of
increased volumes of old crop tobacco in the United States and Canada. Those
shipments also caused revenues for this segment to increase by nearly 40% to
$48 million.
The Other Regions segment of the flue-cured and burley operations earned
$35 million, compared to $32 million in the same quarter in fiscal year 2008.
The primary reason for the improvement was the absence of charges in Africa
related to the Company's exit from flue-cured growing projects in Malawi. In
the first quarter last year, Africa operations recognized $5 million in
write-downs, which were more than offset by higher shipments of old crop
burley tobacco. Although no carryover burley tobacco was available this year,
the region benefited from sales of old crop flue-cured tobacco, which largely
offset the absence of burley sales. In South America, results were hampered
by delayed shipments, lower currency-related gains on local currency assets
and forward contracts, and an unfavorable variance on loss provisions on
farmer receivables and guarantees. Results of European operations improved
primarily on higher volumes in its tobacco sheet business. Revenues for the
Other Regions segment increased by about 17% to about $400 million due to
higher local currency prices paid to farmers in most areas and the weak U.S.
dollar, as well as higher volumes in several countries.
Earnings for Other Tobacco Operations segment were much lower in the
quarter because, as the Company noted last year, a major portion of the
volumes of the Special Services group were absorbed by other operating units
and certain customers discontinued just-in-time services. These changes
caused acceleration of shipments last year. Further purchases by affected
customers will be reflected in results as the crops in each region are sold in
their normal seasonal pattern. Segment operating earnings were $3.4 million
compared to $7.1 million last year. Revenues were $56 million, down $16
million from last year, largely related to Special Services.
The Company's effective income tax rate on pre-tax earnings from
continuing operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, and expected for
fiscal year 2009, was approximately 33%. That rate is significantly below
last year's rate for the quarter of 38.5%. The reasons for the change are
described in the accompanying financial statements.
Additional information
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; 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, 2008 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 year ended March
31, 2008.
At 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on August 5, 2008, the Company will host a
conference call to discuss these results. Those wishing to listen to the call
may do so by visiting http://www.universalcorp.com at that time. A replay of
the webcast will be available at that site for three months. A taped replay
of the call will also be available until November 4, 2008, by dialing (800)
642-1687. The confirmation number to access the replay is 58923101.
Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Universal Corporation is one of the
world's leading tobacco merchants and processors and conducts business in more
than 35 countries. Its revenues from continuing operations for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2008, were $2.1 billion. For more information on
Universal Corporation, visit its web site at http://www.universalcorp.com.

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

Three Months Ended
June 30,
2008 2007
(Unaudited)

Sales and other operating revenues $506,287 $450,217

Costs and expenses
Cost of goods sold 403,253 366,049
Selling, general and administrative
expenses 64,847 51,107
Restructuring costs - 3,304

Operating income 38,187 29,757
Equity in pretax earnings (loss) of
unconsolidated affiliates (50) 1,143
Interest income 950 4,288
Interest expense 7,666 11,391

Income before income taxes and other items 31,421 23,797
Income taxes 10,281 9,156
Minority interests, net of income taxes 29 (3,537)

Income from continuing operations 21,111 18,178
Income from discontinued operations, net
of income taxes 0 530
Net income 21,111 18,708

Dividends on convertible perpetual
preferred stock (3,712) (3,713)
Earnings available to common shareholders $17,399 $14,995

Basic earnings per common share:
From continuing operations $0.65 $0.53
From discontinued operations - 0.02
Net income $0.65 $0.55

Diluted earnings per common share:
From continuing operations $0.64 $0.52
From discontinued operations - 0.02
Net income $0.64 $0.54

See accompanying notes.

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands of dollars)
June 30, June 30, March 31,
2008 2007 2008
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)

ASSETS

Current
Cash and cash equivalents $141,805 $320,764 $186,070
Short-term investments 28,939 - 58,889
Accounts receivable, net 224,854 213,100 231,107
Advances to suppliers, net 116,254 66,717 149,376
Accounts receivable -
unconsolidated affiliates 16,183 47,343 43,718
Inventories - at lower of cost
or market:
Tobacco 965,244 814,564 602,945
Other 63,766 45,713 42,562
Prepaid income taxes 13,005 9,036 17,696
Deferred income taxes 24,281 22,824 22,737
Other current assets 93,216 54,099 61,960
Current assets of discontinued
operations - 8,295 -
Total current assets 1,687,547 1,602,455 1,417,060

Property, plant and equipment
Land 16,516 16,795 16,460
Buildings 256,470 242,966 254,737
Machinery and equipment 517,272 519,097 519,695
790,258 778,858 790,892
Less accumulated depreciation (463,345) (422,401) (456,059)
326,913 356,457 334,833
Other assets
Goodwill and other intangibles 106,413 104,371 106,647
Investments in unconsolidated
affiliates 115,744 105,931 116,185
Deferred income taxes 50,164 78,285 49,632
Other noncurrent assets 92,922 130,343 109,755
365,243 418,930 382,219

Total assets $2,379,703 $2,377,842 $2,134,112

See accompanying notes.

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands of dollars)
June 30, June 30, March 31,
2008 2007 2008
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current
Notes payable and overdrafts $260,590 $124,221 $126,229
Accounts payable and accrued
expenses 233,493 259,117 210,354
Accounts payable -
unconsolidated affiliates 119 27 10,343
Customer advances and deposits 165,945 132,434 21,030
Accrued compensation 19,128 15,874 25,484
Income taxes payable 7,133 12,863 8,886
Current portion of
long-term obligations - 164,000 -
Current liabilities of
discontinued operations - 2,757 -
Total current liabilities 686,408 711,293 402,326

Long-term obligations 399,496 398,122 402,942

Pensions and other
postretirement benefits 91,776 103,218 88,278

Other long-term liabilities 81,828 86,728 84,958

Deferred income taxes 44,072 30,663 36,795

Total liabilities 1,303,580 1,330,024 1,015,299

Minority interests 3,171 2,286 3,182

Shareholders' equity
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, 5,000,000
shares authorized, 219,999
shares issued and outstanding
(219,999 at June 30, 2007,
and March 31, 2008) 213,023 213,023 213,023
Common stock, no par value,
100,000,000 shares
authorized, 26,095,635
shares issued and outstanding
(27,356,307 at June 30, 2007,
and 27,162,150 at March 31,
2008) 200,763 196,809 206,436
Retained earnings 671,322 674,303 711,655
Accumulated other
comprehensive loss (12,156) (38,603) (15,483)
Total shareholders'
equity 1,072,952 1,045,532 1,115,631
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity $2,379,703 $2,377,842 $2,134,112

See accompanying notes.

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands of dollars)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
2008 2007
(Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES OF
CONTINUING OPERATIONS:
Net income $21,111 $18,708
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash used by operating activities of
continuing operations:
Net loss (income) from discontinued
operations - (530)
Depreciation 10,292 10,813
Amortization 249 393
Provisions for losses on advances and
guaranteed loans to suppliers 3,766 780
Restructuring costs - 3,304
Other, net 10,003 (2,469)
Changes in operating assets and
liabilities, net (182,739) (73,597)
Net cash used by operating
activities of continuing operations (137,318) (42,598)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES OF
CONTINUING OPERATIONS:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (6,126) (6,851)
Purchases of short-term investments (9,658) -
Maturities and sales of short-term
investments 39,608 -
Proceeds from sale of business, less cash
of business sold - 25,156
Proceeds from sale of property, plant
and equipment, and other 3,866 110
Net cash provided by investing activities
of continuing operations 27,690 18,415

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES OF
CONTINUING OPERATIONS:
Issuance (repayment) of short-term debt, net 127,318 (13,761)
Issuance of common stock 37 15,773
Repurchase of common stock (47,229) -
Dividends paid on convertible
perpetual preferred stock (3,712) (3,713)
Dividends paid on common stock (11,729) (12,054)
Other - (1)
Net cash provided (used) by financing
activities of continuing operations 64,685 (13,756)

Net cash used by continuing operations (44,943) (37,939)

CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Net cash provided by operating activities
of discontinued operations - 3,149
Net cash used by investing activities
of discontinued operations - (5)
Net cash used by financing activities
of discontinued operations - (2,443)

Net cash provided by discontinued operations - 701

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 678 65
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (44,265) (37,173)
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing
operations at beginning of year 186,070 358,236
Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued
operations at beginning of year - 239
Less: Cash and cash equivalents of
discontinued operations at end of period - 538

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $141,805 $320,764

See accompanying notes.

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Universal Corporation, with its subsidiaries ("Universal" or the
"Company"), is one of the world's leading leaf tobacco merchants and
processors. The Company previously had operations in lumber and building
products and in agri-products. The lumber and building products businesses,
along with a portion of the agri-products operations, were sold during fiscal
year 2007. The remaining agri-products businesses, or the assets of those
businesses, were sold during fiscal year 2008. The lumber and building
products operations and the agri-products operations are reported as
discontinued operations for all periods in the Company's financial statements.
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.
This press release 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, 2008.
NOTE 2. GUARANTEES AND OTHER CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Guarantees of bank loans to growers for crop financing and construction of
curing barns or other tobacco producing assets are industry practice in Brazil
and support the farmers' production of tobacco there. At June 30, 2008, the
Company's total exposure under guarantees issued by its operating subsidiary
in Brazil for banking facilities of farmers in that country was approximately
$180 million. About 57% of these guarantees expire within one year, and
nearly all of the remainder expire within five years. 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 third-party banks could result in a liability for the subsidiary under the
related guarantee; 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 is the face amount, $180
million, and any unpaid accrued interest ($170 million plus unpaid accrued
interest as of June 30, 2007, and $218 million plus unpaid accrued interest at
March 31, 2008). The accrual recorded for the fair value of the guarantees
was approximately $14 million and $9 million at June 30, 2008 and 2007,
respectively, and approximately $13 million at March 31, 2008. The accrual
was increased by approximately $1.3 million in the quarter ended June 30,
2008, due to the adoption of SFAS 157, "Fair Value Measurements." In addition
to these guarantees, the Company has other contingent liabilities totaling
approximately $59 million, primarily related to a bank guarantee that bonds an
appeal of a 2006 fine in the European Union.
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 claims and does not currently expect that any of them will have
a material adverse effect on the Company's 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.
NOTE 3. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per share for
the periods presented in the consolidated statements of income.

Three Months Ended
June 30,
(in thousands, except per share data) 2008 2007

Basic Earnings Per Share
Numerator for basic earnings per share
From continuing operations:
Income from continuing operations $21,111 $18,178
Less: Dividends on convertible perpetual
preferred stock (3,712) (3,713)
Earnings available to common shareholders
from continuing operations 17,399 14,465
From discontinued operations:
Earnings available to common shareholders
from discontinued operations - 530
Net income available to common shareholders $17,399 $14,995

Denominator for basic earnings per share
Weighted average shares outstanding 26,897 27,126

Basic earnings per share:
From continuing operations $0.65 $0.53
From discontinued operations - 0.02
Net income per share $0.65 $0.55

Diluted Earnings Per Share
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
From continuing operations:
Earnings available to common shareholders
from continuing operations $17,399 $14,465
Add: Dividends on convertible perpetual
preferred stock (if conversion assumed) - -
Earnings available to common shareholders
from continuing operations for calculation
of diluted earnings per share 17,399 14,465
From discontinued operations:
Earnings available to common shareholders
from discontinued operations - 530
Net income available to common shareholders $17,399 $14,995

Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding 26,897 27,126
Effect of dilutive securities (if conversion
or exercise assumed)
Convertible perpetual preferred stock - -
Employee share-based awards 218 433
Denominator for diluted earnings per share 27,115 27,559

Diluted earnings per share:
From continuing operations $0.64 $0.52
From discontinued operations - 0.02
Net income per share $0.64 $0.54

NOTE 4. INCOME TAXES
The Company's consolidated effective income tax rate on pre-tax earnings
from continuing operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, and expected
for fiscal year 2009, was approximately 33%. The rate was lower than the 35%
U.S. federal statutory rate, primarily due to anticipated utilization in the
current fiscal year of foreign tax credit carryforwards, for which a valuation
allowance had previously been established. This anticipated utilization is
due to the impact on the Company's overall tax position of the continued
weakness of the U.S. dollar relative to the Brazilian currency and expected
effects of tax planning. Under accounting guidance for income taxes, the
reversal of the valuation allowance is treated as an adjustment to the
effective tax rate for the year in which the determination is made to the
extent the change is due to current fiscal year income. The impact of
reversing the allowance is a reduction in income tax expense for the year of
approximately $3 million. Another important factor contributing to the lower
effective tax rate is the expected improvement in earnings in the African
region where income tax rates are generally below the U.S. rate because of the
structure of the ownership of the region. This factor more than offsets the
impact of state taxes on income projected to be earned in the United States.
For the quarter ended June 30, 2007, the effective income tax rate was
approximately 38.5%. The rate was higher than the U.S. federal statutory
income tax rate primarily because of excess foreign taxes recorded in
countries where the tax rates exceed the U.S. rates. In addition, the
restructuring charges provided tax benefits at a rate that was lower than the
statutory rate, which increased the effective tax rate for the quarter.
NOTE 5. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The principal approach used by management to evaluate the Company's
performance is by geographic region, although some components of the business
are 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 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) 2008 2007

SALES AND OTHER OPERATING REVENUES

Flue-cured and burley leaf tobacco operations:
North America $48,427 $34,764
Other regions (1) 401,485 343,287
Subtotal 449,912 378,051
Other tobacco operations (2) 56,375 72,166

Consolidated sales and other operating revenues $506,287 $450,217

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

Flue-cured and burley leaf tobacco operations:
North America $(426) $(5,185)
Other regions (1) 35,185 32,258
Subtotal 34,759 27,073
Other tobacco operations (2) 3,378 7,131

Segment operating income 38,137 34,204

Less:
Equity in pretax earnings (loss) of
unconsolidated affiliates (3) (50) 1,143
Restructuring costs (4) - 3,304

Consolidated operating income $38,187 $29,757

(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 not included in
consolidated operating income.

(4) Item is not included in segment operating income, but is included in
consolidated operating income.

SOURCE Universal Corporation

Karen M. L. Whelan of Universal Corporation, +1-804-359-9311, Fax:
+1-804-254-3594, investor@universalleaf.com