UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                        FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDEDJUNE 30, 20222023
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ______________TO_______________

Commission File Number: 001-00652

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia54-0414210
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
9201 Forest Hill Avenue,Richmond,Virginia23235
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

804-359-9311
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of Exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par valueUVVNew York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yesþ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated FilerþAccelerated filerNon-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting companyEmerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No
As of August 1, 2022,July 31, 2023, the total number of shares of common stock outstanding was 24,602,321.24,636,600.



UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item No.Item No.PageItem No.Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1.1.1.
2.2.2.
3.3.3.
4.4.4.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
1.1.1.
2.2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
5.5.
6.6.6.
2




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Three Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30,
2022202120232022
(Unaudited)(Unaudited)
Sales and other operating revenuesSales and other operating revenues$429,822 $350,029 Sales and other operating revenues$517,722 $429,822 
Costs and expensesCosts and expensesCosts and expenses
Cost of goods soldCost of goods sold350,104 287,556 Cost of goods sold431,210 350,104 
Selling, general and administrative expensesSelling, general and administrative expenses66,452 49,844 Selling, general and administrative expenses75,477 66,452 
Restructuring and impairment costs— 2,024 
Operating incomeOperating income13,266 10,605 Operating income11,035 13,266 
Equity in pretax earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliatesEquity in pretax earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates(553)609 Equity in pretax earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates(4,166)(553)
Other non-operating income (expense)Other non-operating income (expense)(62)48 Other non-operating income (expense)725 (62)
Interest incomeInterest income237 73 Interest income1,365 237 
Interest expenseInterest expense6,724 6,208 Interest expense15,543 6,724 
Income before income taxes and other items6,164 5,127 
Income (loss) before income taxes and other itemsIncome (loss) before income taxes and other items(6,584)6,164 
Income taxesIncome taxes3,363 1,215 Income taxes(1,423)3,363 
Net income2,801 3,912 
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)(5,161)2,801 
Less: net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiariesLess: net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries4,029 2,445 Less: net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries3,097 4,029 
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation$6,830 $6,357 
Net income (loss) attributable to Universal CorporationNet income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation$(2,064)$6,830 
Earnings per share:
Earnings (loss) per share:Earnings (loss) per share:
BasicBasic$0.28 $0.26 Basic$(0.08)$0.28 
DilutedDiluted$0.27 $0.26 Diluted$(0.08)$0.27 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:Weighted average common shares outstanding:Weighted average common shares outstanding:
BasicBasic24,769,015 24,694,489 Basic24,842,171 24,769,015 
DilutedDiluted24,935,554 24,852,151 Diluted24,842,171 24,935,554 
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxesTotal comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes$(1,283)$12,746 Total comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes$(795)$(1,283)
Less: comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interestsLess: comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests4,358 2,416 Less: comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests3,241 4,358 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal CorporationComprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation$3,075 $15,162 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation$2,446 $3,075 
Dividends declared per common shareDividends declared per common share$0.79 $0.78 Dividends declared per common share$0.80 $0.79 

See accompanying notes.

3


UNIVERSAL CORPORATION     
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of dollars)
June 30,June 30,March 31,June 30,June 30,March 31,
202220212022202320222023
(Unaudited)(Unaudited)(Unaudited)(Unaudited)
ASSETSASSETSASSETS
Current assetsCurrent assetsCurrent assets
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$86,566 $84,688 $81,648 Cash and cash equivalents$80,518 $86,566 $64,690 
Accounts receivable, netAccounts receivable, net319,114 279,900 385,437 Accounts receivable, net375,564 319,114 402,073 
Advances to suppliers, netAdvances to suppliers, net99,875 70,377 129,838 Advances to suppliers, net111,176 99,875 170,801 
Accounts receivable—unconsolidated affiliatesAccounts receivable—unconsolidated affiliates48,512 52,047 4,540 Accounts receivable—unconsolidated affiliates73,286 48,512 12,210 
Inventories—at lower of cost or net realizable value:Inventories—at lower of cost or net realizable value:Inventories—at lower of cost or net realizable value:
TobaccoTobacco1,080,362 874,381 822,513 Tobacco1,100,722 1,080,362 833,876 
OtherOther198,966 140,249 194,161 Other198,730 198,966 202,907 
Prepaid income taxesPrepaid income taxes11,370 17,804 13,095 Prepaid income taxes21,640 11,370 16,493 
Other current assetsOther current assets90,380 85,016 116,779 Other current assets93,153 90,380 99,840 
Total current assetsTotal current assets1,935,145 1,604,462 1,748,011 Total current assets2,054,789 1,935,145 1,802,890 
Property, plant and equipmentProperty, plant and equipmentProperty, plant and equipment
LandLand23,872 23,439 23,959 Land24,930 23,872 24,926 
BuildingsBuildings294,179 293,734 293,935 Buildings312,014 294,179 311,138 
Machinery and equipmentMachinery and equipment669,967 661,753 668,451 Machinery and equipment705,045 669,967 689,220 
988,018 978,926 986,345 1,041,989 988,018 1,025,284 
Less accumulated depreciationLess accumulated depreciation(642,918)(627,279)(641,227)Less accumulated depreciation(685,042)(642,918)(674,122)
345,100 351,647 345,118 356,947 345,100 351,162 
Other assetsOther assetsOther assets
Operating lease right-of-use assetsOperating lease right-of-use assets41,099 31,281 40,243 Operating lease right-of-use assets36,890 41,099 40,505 
Goodwill, netGoodwill, net213,902 173,041 213,998 Goodwill, net213,893 213,902 213,922 
Other intangibles, netOther intangibles, net89,352 69,905 92,571 Other intangibles, net77,290 89,352 80,101 
Investments in unconsolidated affiliatesInvestments in unconsolidated affiliates75,188 85,064 81,006 Investments in unconsolidated affiliates73,466 75,188 76,184 
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes14,532 18,013 11,616 Deferred income taxes15,187 14,532 13,091 
Pension assetPension asset12,704 11,764 12,667 Pension asset10,516 12,704 9,984 
Other noncurrent assetsOther noncurrent assets52,356 50,916 41,115 Other noncurrent assets48,681 52,356 51,343 
499,133 439,984 493,216 475,923 499,133 485,130 
Total assetsTotal assets$2,779,378 $2,396,093 $2,586,345 Total assets$2,887,659 $2,779,378 $2,639,182 

See accompanying notes.
4


UNIVERSAL CORPORATION     
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of dollars)

June 30,June 30,March 31,June 30,June 30,March 31,
202220212022202320222023
(Unaudited)(Unaudited)(Unaudited)(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITYLIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITYLIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilitiesCurrent liabilitiesCurrent liabilities
Notes payable and overdraftsNotes payable and overdrafts$454,659 $153,337 $182,639 Notes payable and overdrafts$359,832 $454,659 $195,564 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses235,618 158,013 272,042 
Accounts payableAccounts payable88,362 121,702 83,213 
Accounts payable—unconsolidated affiliatesAccounts payable—unconsolidated affiliates88 18 5,308 Accounts payable—unconsolidated affiliates1,495 88 5,830 
Customer advances and depositsCustomer advances and deposits19,438 9,307 13,724 Customer advances and deposits103,436 19,438 3,061 
Accrued compensationAccrued compensation15,933 18,576 27,281 Accrued compensation20,890 15,933 33,108 
Income taxes payableIncome taxes payable5,708 5,919 7,427 Income taxes payable5,620 5,708 3,274 
Current portion of operating lease liabilitiesCurrent portion of operating lease liabilities10,568 7,998 10,303 Current portion of operating lease liabilities10,673 10,568 11,404 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilitiesAccrued expenses and other current liabilities127,564 113,916 106,533 
Current portion of long-term debtCurrent portion of long-term debt— — — Current portion of long-term debt— — — 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities742,012 353,168 518,724 Total current liabilities717,872 742,012 441,987 
Long-term debtLong-term debt518,798 518,297 518,547 Long-term debt616,948 518,798 616,809 
Pensions and other postretirement benefitsPensions and other postretirement benefits51,528 55,622 52,890 Pensions and other postretirement benefits42,725 51,528 42,769 
Long-term operating lease liabilitiesLong-term operating lease liabilities28,727 20,826 29,617 Long-term operating lease liabilities23,343 28,727 25,540 
Other long-term liabilitiesOther long-term liabilities30,024 59,815 34,464 Other long-term liabilities29,160 30,024 32,512 
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes48,230 46,810 47,334 Deferred income taxes44,432 48,230 42,613 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities1,419,319 1,054,538 1,201,576 Total liabilities1,474,480 1,419,319 1,202,230 
Shareholders’ equityShareholders’ equityShareholders’ equity
Universal Corporation:Universal Corporation:Universal Corporation:
Preferred stock:Preferred stock:Preferred stock:
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value, 500,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstandingSeries A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value, 500,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding— — — Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value, 500,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding— — — 
Common stock, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized 24,605,889 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2022 (24,577,254 at June 30, 2021 and 24,550,019 at March 31, 2022)332,520 327,471 330,662 
Common stock, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized 24,636,600 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2023 (24,605,889 at June 30, 2022 and 24,555,361 at March 31, 2023)Common stock, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized 24,636,600 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2023 (24,605,889 at June 30, 2022 and 24,555,361 at March 31, 2023)338,445 332,520 337,247 
Retained earningsRetained earnings1,081,309 1,074,586 1,094,192 Retained earnings1,114,822 1,081,309 1,136,898 
Accumulated other comprehensive lossAccumulated other comprehensive loss(88,066)(98,232)(84,311)Accumulated other comprehensive loss(72,547)(88,066)(77,057)
Total Universal Corporation shareholders' equityTotal Universal Corporation shareholders' equity1,325,763 1,303,825 1,340,543 Total Universal Corporation shareholders' equity1,380,720 1,325,763 1,397,088 
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiariesNoncontrolling interests in subsidiaries34,296 37,730 44,226 Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries32,459 34,296 39,864 
Total shareholders' equityTotal shareholders' equity1,360,059 1,341,555 1,384,769 Total shareholders' equity1,413,179 1,360,059 1,436,952 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equityTotal liabilities and shareholders' equity$2,779,378 $2,396,093 $2,586,345 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$2,887,659 $2,779,378 $2,639,182 

See accompanying notes.


5


UNIVERSAL CORPORATION     
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of dollars)
Three Months Ended June 30,
20222021
(Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income$2,801 $3,912 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization14,129 12,058 
Net provision for losses (recoveries) on advances to suppliers(42)(328)
Foreign currency remeasurement (gain) loss, net(968)506 
Foreign currency exchange contracts9,920 1,127 
Restructuring and impairment costs— 2,024 
Restructuring payments— (1,776)
Other, net7,001 (2,726)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net(258,612)(141,720)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities(225,771)(126,923)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment(15,070)(14,428)
Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash held by the business1,168 — 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment292 1,589 
Net cash used by investing activities(13,610)(12,839)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance of short-term debt, net271,663 49,439 
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests(5,145)(980)
Dividends paid on common stock(19,155)(18,876)
Other(1,892)(2,432)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities245,471 27,151 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents(1,172)78 
Net decrease in cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents4,918 (112,533)
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year87,648 203,221 
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$92,566 $90,688 
Supplemental Information:
Cash and cash equivalents$86,566 $84,688 
Restricted cash (Other noncurrent assets)6,000 6,000 
Total cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents$92,566 $90,688 
Three Months Ended June 30,
20232022
(Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)$(5,161)$2,801 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization14,754 14,129 
Net provision for losses (recoveries) on advances to suppliers1,382 (42)
Inventory writedowns2,327 4,853 
Stock-based compensation expense3,859 3,682 
Foreign currency remeasurement (gain) loss, net1,530 (968)
Foreign currency exchange contracts7,803 9,920 
Deferred income taxes(2,406)(3,377)
Equity in net loss (income) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends2,630 443 
Other, net1,400 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
Accounts and notes receivable23,457 68,032 
Inventories(263,171)(281,844)
Other assets4,240 (16,739)
Accounts payable(1,110)(50,200)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities7,833 16,529 
Income taxes(2,336)(581)
Customer advances and deposits100,473 6,191 
Net cash used by operating activities(103,891)(225,771)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment(17,960)(15,070)
Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash held by the business— 1,168 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment326 292 
Net cash used by investing activities(17,634)(13,610)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance of short-term debt, net163,804 271,663 
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests(4,164)(5,145)
Dividends paid on common stock(19,398)(19,155)
Other(2,893)(1,892)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities137,349 245,471 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents(1,172)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents15,828 4,918 
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year64,690 87,648 
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$80,518 $92,566 
Supplemental Information:
Cash and cash equivalents$80,518 $86,566 
Restricted cash (Other noncurrent assets)— 6,000 
Total cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents$80,518 $92,566 

See accompanying notes.
6


UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1.   BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Universal Corporation, which together with its subsidiaries is referred to herein as “Universal” or the “Company,” is a global business-to-business agri-products supplier to consumer product manufacturers. The Company is the leading global leaf tobacco supplier and provides high-quality plant-based ingredients to food and beverage end markets. 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. This Form 10-Q 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, 2022.

    The extent to which the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will impact the Company's financial condition, results of operations and demand for its products and services will depend2023 (the “2023 Annual Report on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. Such developments may include the ongoing geographic spread and mutations of COVID-19, the severity of the pandemic, the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak and the type and duration of actions that may be taken by various governmental authorities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on the U.S. and the global economies, markets and supply chains. At June 30, 2022, it is not possible to predict the overall impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and demand for its products and services.Form 10-K”).

NOTE 2.   ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Pronouncements to be Adopted in Future Periods
In March 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting" ("ASU 2020-04"). ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions related to contract modifications and hedge accounting to address the transitions from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The guidance permits an entity to consider contract modification due to reference rate reform to be an event that does not require contract remeasurement at the modification date or reassessment of a previous accounting determination. ASU 2020-04 also temporarily allows hedge relationships to continue without de-designation upon changes due to reference rate reform. The standard is effective upon issuance and can be applied as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 3.   BUSINESS COMBINATION

Acquisition of Shank's Extracts, LLC
On October 4, 2021, the Company acquired 100% of the capital stock of Shank's Extracts, LLC. (“Shank's”), a flavors and extracts processing company, for approximately $100 million in cash and $2.4 million of additional working capital on-hand at the date of acquisition. The acquisition of Shank's diversifies the Company's product offerings and generates new opportunities for its plant-based ingredients platform.

A portion of the goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition was attributable to the assembled workforce of Shank's. The goodwill and intangibles recognized for the Shank's acquisition are deductible for U.S. income tax purposes. The transaction was treated as an asset acquisition for U.S. Federal tax purposes, resulting in a step-up of tax basis to fair value. The Company determined the Shank's operations are not material to the Company’s consolidated results. Therefore, pro forma information is not presented.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, the Company incurred $2.3 million of acquisition-related transaction costs for the purchase of Shank's. The acquisition-related costs were expensed as incurred and recorded in selling, general, and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of income.

In November 2021, the Company acquired the land and buildings utilized by Shank's operations for $13.3 million. The purchase of the land and buildings resulted in the elimination of the $8.5 million operating lease right-of-use asset and lease liability recognized on the acquisition date for Shank's.
7

The following table summarizes the final purchase price allocation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the Shank's acquisition.
(in thousands of dollars)
Shank's
October 4, 2021
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$754 
Accounts receivable, net6,643 
Inventory15,792 
Other current assets415 
Property, plant and equipment (net)11,000 
Operating lease right-of-use assets8,531 
Intangibles
Customer relationships24,000 
Developed technology4,500 
Non-compete agreements3,000 
Goodwill41,061 
Total assets acquired115,696 
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses6,159 
Customer advances and deposits351 
Accrued compensation655 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities8,531 
Total liabilities assumed15,696 
Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed$100,000 

NOTE 4.  RESTRUCTURING AND IMPAIRMENT COSTS

Universal continually reviews its business for opportunities to realize efficiencies, reduce costs, and realign its operations in response to business changes. Restructuring and impairment costs are periodically incurred in connection with those activities.

There were no restructuring and impairment costs incurred for the three months ended June 30, 2022.

Tobacco Operations
During the three months ended June 30, 2021, the Company incurred $1.5 million of termination and impairment costs associated with restructuring of tobacco buying and administrative operations in Africa.

Ingredients Operations
During the three months ended June 30, 2021, the Company incurred $0.5 million of impairment costs on property, plant, and equipment associated with wind-down of our subsidiary, Carolina Innovative Food Ingredients, Inc. (“CIFI”), a sweet potato processing operation located in Nashville, North Carolina that was announced in fiscal year 2021.

NOTE 5.2.  REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

The majority of the Company’s consolidated revenue consists of sales of processed leaf tobacco to customers. The Company also earns revenue from processing leaf tobacco owned by customers and from various other services provided to customers. Additionally, the Company has fruit and vegetable processing operations, as well as flavor and extract services that
8

provide customers with a range of food ingredient products. Payment terms with customers vary depending on customer creditworthiness, product types, services provided, and other factors. Contract durations and payment terms for all revenue categories generally do not exceed one year. Therefore, the Company has applied a practical expedient to not adjust the transaction price for the effects of financing components, as the Company expects that the period from the time the revenue for a transaction is recognized to the time the customer pays for the related good or service transferred will be one year or less. Shipping and handling costs under sales contracts with customers are treated as fulfillment costs and included in the transaction price. Below is a description of the major revenue-generating categories from contracts with customers.

Tobacco Sales
The majority of the Company’s business involves purchasing leaf tobacco from farmers in the origins where it is grown, processing and packing the tobacco in its factories, and then transferring ownership and control of the tobacco to customers. On a much smaller basis, the Company also sources processed tobacco from third-party suppliers for resale to customers. The contracts for tobacco sales with customers create a performance obligation to transfer tobacco to the customer. Transaction prices for the sale of tobaccos are primarily based on negotiated fixed prices, but the Company does have a small number of cost-plus contracts with certain customers. Cost-plus arrangements provide the Company reimbursement of the cost to purchase and process the tobacco, plus a contractually agreed-upon profit margin. The Company utilizes the most likely amount methodology under the accounting guidance to recognize revenue for cost-plus arrangements with customers. Shipping and handling costs under tobacco sales contracts with customers are treated as fulfillment costs and included in the transaction price. Taxes assessed by government authorities on the sale of leaf tobacco products are excluded from the transaction price. At the point in time that the customer obtains control over the tobacco, which is typically aligned with physical shipment under the contractual terms with the customer, the Company completes its performance obligation and recognizes the revenue for the sale.

Ingredient Sales
In recent fiscal years, theThe Company has diversified operations through the acquisition of established companies that offer customers a wide range of both liquid and dehydrated fruit and vegetable ingredient products, flavors, and extracts. These operations procure raw materials from domestic and international growers and suppliers and through a variety of processing steps including sorting, cleaning, pressing, mixing, extracting, and blending to manufacture finished goods utilized in both human and pet food. The contracts for food ingredients with customers create a performance obligation to transfer the manufactured finished goods to the customer. Transaction prices for the sale of food ingredients are primarily based on negotiated fixed prices. At the point in time that the customer obtains control over the finished product, which is typically aligned with physical shipment under the contractual terms with the customer, the Company completes its performance obligation and recognizes the revenue for the sale.

Processing Revenue
Processing and packing of customer-owned tobacco and ingredients is a short-duration process. Processing charges are primarily based on negotiated fixed prices per unit of weight processed. Under normal operating conditions, customer-owned raw materials that are placed into the production line exits as processed and packed product and is then later transported to customer-designated transfer locations. The revenue for these services is recognized when the performance obligation is satisfied, which is generally when processing is completed. The Company’s operating history and contract analyses indicate that customer requirements for processed tobacco and food ingredients products are consistently met upon completion of processing.
7



Other Operating Sales and Revenue from Contracts with Customers
From time to time, the Company enters into various arrangements with customers to provide other value-added services that may include blending, chemical and physical testing of products, storage, and tobacco cutting services for select manufacturers. These other arrangements and operations are a much smaller portion of the Company’s business, and are separate and distinct contractual agreements from the Company’s tobacco and food ingredients sales or third-party processing arrangements with customers. The transaction prices and timing of revenue recognition of these items are determined by the specifics of each contract.

9

Disaggregation of Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenue by significant revenue-generating category:
Three Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands of dollars)(in thousands of dollars)20222021(in thousands of dollars)20232022
Tobacco salesTobacco sales$320,017 $270,264 Tobacco sales$415,356 $320,017 
Ingredient salesIngredient sales77,546 51,888 Ingredient sales70,658 77,546 
Processing revenueProcessing revenue19,492 16,696 Processing revenue19,064 19,492 
Other sales and revenue from contracts with customersOther sales and revenue from contracts with customers12,067 10,765 Other sales and revenue from contracts with customers11,292 12,067 
Total revenue from contracts with customers Total revenue from contracts with customers429,122 349,613  Total revenue from contracts with customers516,370 429,122 
Other operating sales and revenuesOther operating sales and revenues700 416 Other operating sales and revenues1,352 700 
Consolidated sales and other operating revenues Consolidated sales and other operating revenues$429,822 $350,029  Consolidated sales and other operating revenues$517,722 $429,822 

    Other operating sales and revenues consists principally of interest on advances to suppliers.suppliers and dividend payments from deconsolidated affiliates.

NOTE 6.3. OTHER CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND OTHER MATTERS

Other Contingent Liabilities

Other Contingent Liabilities (Letters of credit)
The Company had other contingent liabilities totaling approximately $1 million at June 30, 2022,2023, primarily related to outstanding letters of credit.

Value-Added Tax Assessments in Brazil
As further discussed below, the Company’s local operating subsidiaries pay significant amounts of value-added tax (“VAT”) in connection with their operations, which generate tax credits that they normally are entitled to recover through offset, refund, or sale to third parties. In Brazil, VAT is assessed at the state level when green tobacco is transferred between states. The Company’s operating subsidiary there pays VAT when tobaccos grown in the states of Santa Catarina and Parana are transferred to its factory in the state of Rio Grande do Sul for processing. The subsidiary has received assessments for additional VAT plus interest and penalties from tax authorities for the states of Santa Catarina and Parana based on audits of the subsidiary’s VAT filings for specified periods. In June 2011, tax authorities for the state of Santa Catarina issued assessments for tax, interest, and penalties for periods from 2006 through 2009 totaling approximately $9$10 million. In September 2014, tax authorities for the state of Parana issued an assessment for tax, interest, and penalties for periods from 2009 through 2014 totaling approximately $11 million. Those amounts are based on the exchange rate for the Brazilian currency at June 30, 2022.2023. Management of the operating subsidiary and outside counsel believe that errors were made by the tax authorities for both states in determining all or significant portions of these assessments and that various defenses support the subsidiary’s positions.

With respect to the Santa Catarina assessments, the subsidiary took appropriate steps to contest the full amount of the claims. As of June 30, 2022,2023, a portion of the subsidiary’s arguments had been accepted, and the outstanding assessment had been reduced. The reduced assessment, together with the related accumulated interest through the end of the current reporting period, totaled approximately $9$10 million (at the June 30, 20222023 exchange rate). The subsidiary is continuing to contest the full remaining amount of the assessment. While the range of reasonably possible loss is zero up to the full $9$10 million remaining assessment with interest, based on the strength of the subsidiary’s defenses, no loss within that range is considered probable at this time and no liability has been recorded at June 30, 2022.2023.
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With respect to the Parana assessment, management of the subsidiary and outside counsel challenged the full amount of the claim. A significant portion of the Parana assessment was based on positions taken by the tax authorities that management and outside counsel believe deviate significantly from the underlying statutes and relevant case law. In addition, under the law, the subsidiary’s tax filings for certain periods covered in the assessment were no longer open to any challenge by the tax authorities. In December 2015, the Parana tax authorities withdrew the initial claim and subsequently issued a new assessment covering the same tax periods, reflecting a substantial reduction from the original assessment. In fiscal year 2020, the Parana tax authorities acknowledged the statute of limitations related to claims prior to December 2010 had expired and reduced the assessment to $3 million (at the June 30, 20222023 exchange rate). Notwithstanding the reduced assessment, management and outside counsel continue to believe that the new assessment is not supported by the underlying statutes and relevant case law and have
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challenged the full amount of the claim. The range of reasonably possible loss is considered to be zero up to the full $3 million assessment. However, based on the strength of the subsidiary's defenses, no loss within that range is considered probable at this time and no liability has been recorded at June 30, 2022.2023.

In both states, the process for reaching a final resolution to the assessments is expected to be lengthy, and management is not currently able to predict when either case will be concluded. Should the subsidiary ultimately be required to pay any tax, interest, or penalties in either case, the portion paid for tax would generate VAT credits that the subsidiary may be able to recover.
Other Legal and Tax Matters
Various subsidiaries of the Company are involved in 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 matters and does not currently expect that any of them will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or 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.

Advances to Suppliers

In many sourcing origins where the Company operates, it provides agronomy services and seasonal advances of seed, seedlings, fertilizer, and other supplies to tobacco farmers for crop production, or makes seasonal cash advances to farmers for the procurement of those inputs. These advances are short term, are repaid upon delivery of tobacco to the Company, and are reported in advances to suppliers in the consolidated balance sheets. In several origins, the Company has made long-term advances to tobacco farmers to finance curing barns and other farm infrastructure. In some years, due to low crop yields and other factors, individual farmers may not deliver sufficient volumes of tobacco to fully repay their seasonal advances, and the Company may extend repayment of those advances into future crop years. The long-term portion of advances is included in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Both the current and the long-term portions of advances to suppliers are reported net of allowances recorded when the Company determines that amounts outstanding are not likely to be collected. Short-term and long-term advances to suppliers totaled $138 million at June 30, 2023, $120 million at June 30, 2022, $92and $199 million at March 31, 2023. The related valuation allowances totaled $26 million at June 30, 2021, and $153 million at March 31, 2022. The related valuation allowances totaled2023, $17 million at June 30, 2022, $18 million at June 30, 2021, and $19$24 million at March 31, 2022,2023, and were estimated based on the Company’s historical loss information and crop projections. The allowances were increased by net provisions of approximately $1.4 million in the three-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and decreased by net recoveries of approximately $42 thousand and $328 thousand in the three-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.2022. These net recoveriesprovisions and provisionsrecoveries are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Interest on advances is recognized in earnings upon the farmers’ delivery of tobacco in payment of principal and interest.

Recoverable Value-Added Tax Credits

In many foreign countries, the Company’s local operating subsidiaries pay significant amounts of VAT on purchases of unprocessed and processed tobacco, crop inputs, packing materials, and various other goods and services. In some countries, VAT is a national tax, and in other countries it is assessed at the state level. Items subject to VAT vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, as do the rates at which the tax is assessed. When tobacco is sold to customers in the country of origin, the operating subsidiaries generally collect VAT on those sales. The subsidiaries are normally permitted to offset their VAT payments against the collections and remit only the incremental VAT collections to the tax authorities. When tobacco is sold for export, VAT is normally not assessed. In countries where tobacco sales are predominately for export markets, VAT collections generated on downstream sales are often not sufficient to fully offset the subsidiaries’ VAT payments. In those situations, unused VAT credits can accumulate. Some jurisdictions have procedures that allow companies to apply for refunds of unused VAT credits from the tax authorities, but the refund process often takes an extended period of time and it is not uncommon for refund applications to be challenged or rejected in part on technical grounds. Other jurisdictions may permit companies to sell or transfer unused VAT credits to third parties in private transactions, although approval for such transactions must normally be obtained from the tax
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authorities, limits on the amounts that can be transferred may be imposed, and the proceeds realized may be heavily discounted from the face value of the credits. Due to these factors, local operating subsidiaries in some countries can accumulate significant balances of VAT credits over time. The Company reviews these balances on a regular basis and records valuation allowances on the credits to reflect amounts that are not expected to be recovered, as well as discounts anticipated on credits that are expected to be sold or transferred. At June 30, 2022,2023, the aggregate balance of recoverable tax credits held by the Company’s subsidiaries totaled approximately $77$76 million ($6177 million at June 30, 2021,2022, and $67$64 million at March 31, 2022)2023), and the related valuation allowances totaled approximately $22 million ($1922 million at June 30, 2021,2022, and $21$22 million at March 31, 2022)2023). The net balances are reported in other current assets and other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

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Long-Term Debt

At June 30, 2022, the Company had a $225 million five-year term loan maturing December 2023 and a $295 million seven-year term loan maturing December 2025. Under the senior unsecured bank credit facility, $150 million of terms loans bear interest at variable rates plus a margin based on the Company's credit metrics and interest payments remained unhedged at June 30, 2022. The Company maintains receive-floating/pay-fixed interest rates swap agreements for a portion of the outstanding five and seven-year term loans. See Note 11 for additional information on outstanding interest rate swap agreements.

Shelf Registration and Stock Repurchase Plan

In November 2020 the Company filed an undenominated automatic universal shelf registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to provide for the future issuance of an undefined amount of securities as determined by the Company and offered in one or more prospectus supplements prior to issuance.

A stock repurchase plan, which was authorized by the Company's Board of Directors, became effective and was publicly announced on November 5, 2020.2, 2022. This stock repurchase plan authorizesauthorized the purchase of up to $100 million in common and/or preferred stock in open market or privately negotiated transactions through November 15, 20222024 or when funds for the program have been exhausted, subject to market conditions and other factors. The program had $97$100 million of remaining capacity for repurchases of common and/or preferred stock at June 30, 2022.2023.

Sale of Idled Tanzania Operations

During the three months ended June 30, 2022, the Company entered into a sales agreement to sell all outstanding shares of common stock, which included all properties, of the idled companies in Tanzania for $8.5 million. The Company had received $1.3$5.7 million whenof the transaction closed in$8.5 million sales agreement as of June 2022.30, 2023. The remaining $2.8 million outstanding proceeds will bewere received in installments by JuneJuly 2023.

Restricted Cash Release of Deferred Proceeds from Acquisition of Silva International, Inc.
During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company released $6.0 million, held in a third-party escrow account, to one of Silva's selling shareholders. The amounts were held in escrow since the date of acquisition, as the employee had a post-combination service requirement with forfeitable payment provisions. Therefore, under ASC Topic 805, "Business Combinations," the amounts held in escrow were treated as a contingent consideration arrangement and expensed as compensation expense in selling, general, and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of income. As of December 31, 2022, all amounts have been released to the selling shareholder, who remains employed by the Company, and expensed in the Company's consolidated statements of income.

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NOTE 7.4.   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 share and per share data)20222021
Basic Earnings Per Share
Numerator for basic earnings per share
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation$6,830 $6,357 
Denominator for basic earnings per share
Weighted average shares outstanding24,769,015 24,694,489 
Basic earnings per share$0.28 $0.26 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation$6,830 $6,357 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding24,769,015 24,694,489 
Effect of dilutive securities
Employee and outside director share-based awards166,539 157,662 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share24,935,554 24,852,151 
Diluted earnings per share$0.27 $0.26 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except share and per share data)20232022
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share
Net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation$(2,064)$6,830 
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average shares outstanding24,842,171 24,769,015 
Basic earnings (loss) per share$(0.08)$0.28 
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share
Net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation$(2,064)$6,830 
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding24,842,171 24,769,015 
Effect of dilutive securities
Employee and outside director share-based awards— 166,539 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share24,842,171 24,935,554 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share$(0.08)$0.27 

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NOTE 8.5.   INCOME TAXES

    The Company operates in the United States and many foreign countries and is subject to the tax laws of many jurisdictions. Changes in tax laws or the interpretation of tax laws can affect the Company’s earnings, as can the resolution of pending and contested tax issues. The Company's consolidated effective income tax rate is affected by a number ofvarious factors, including the mix and timing of domestic and foreign earnings, discrete items, and the effect of exchange rate changes on taxes.

Three months ended June 30, 2023
The Company's consolidated effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was a benefit of 21.6%.

Three months ended June 30, 2022
    The Company's consolidated effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2022 was 54.6%. The consolidated effective income tax rate forIn the three months ended June 30, 2022, was affected by the sale of theCompany sold its idled Tanzania operations that resulted inand recognized $1.1 million of additional income taxes. Without this item, themthe consolidated effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2022 would have been approximately 36.2%.
Additionally, the sale of the Company's idled Tanzania operations resulted in a $1.8 million reduction to consolidated interest expense related to the removal of an uncertain tax position.

    The Company's consolidated effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was 23.7%. There were no discrete items that impacted the income tax provision for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
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NOTE 9.6.   GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

The Company's changes in goodwill at June 30, 20222023 and 20212022 consisted of the following:
(in thousands of dollars)(in thousands of dollars)Three Months Ended June 30,(in thousands of dollars)Three Months Ended June 30,
2022202120232022
Balance at beginning of fiscal yearBalance at beginning of fiscal year$213,998 $173,051 Balance at beginning of fiscal year$213,922 $213,998 
Foreign currency translation adjustmentForeign currency translation adjustment(96)(10)Foreign currency translation adjustment(29)(96)
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period$213,902 $173,041 Balance at end of period$213,893 $213,902 

The Company's intangible assets primarily consist of capitalized customer-related intangibles, trade names, proprietary developed technology and noncompetition agreements. The Company's intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following at June 30, 20222023 and 20212022 and at March 31, 2022:2023:
(in thousands, except useful life)(in thousands, except useful life)June 30, 2022(in thousands, except useful life)June 30, 2023
Useful Life (years)Gross Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying ValueUseful Life (years)Gross Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying Value
Customer relationshipsCustomer relationships1113$86,500 $(11,895)$74,605 Customer relationships1113$86,500 $(19,626)$66,874 
Trade namesTrade names511,100 (4,380)6,720 Trade names511,100 (6,600)4,500 
Developed technologyDeveloped technology3139,300 (4,260)5,040 Developed technology139,300 (5,406)3,894 
Noncompetition agreementsNoncompetition agreements454,000 (1,063)2,937 Noncompetition agreements454,000 (2,013)1,987 
OtherOther5690 (640)50 Other5737 (702)35 
Total intangible assetsTotal intangible assets$111,590 $(22,238)$89,352 Total intangible assets$111,637 $(34,347)$77,290 
June 30, 2021June 30, 2022
Useful Life (years)Gross Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying ValueUseful Life (years)Gross Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying Value
Customer relationshipsCustomer relationships1113$62,500 $(4,710)$57,790 Customer relationships1113$86,500 $(11,895)$74,605 
Trade namesTrade names511,100 (2,160)8,940 Trade names511,100 (4,380)6,720 
Developed technologyDeveloped technology34,800 (2,400)2,400 Developed technology3139,300 (4,260)5,040 
Noncompetition agreementsNoncompetition agreements51,000 (300)700 Noncompetition agreements454,000 (1,063)2,937 
OtherOther5777 (702)75 Other5690 (640)50 
Total intangible assetsTotal intangible assets$80,177 $(10,272)$69,905 Total intangible assets$111,590 $(22,238)$89,352 
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March 31, 2022
Useful Life (years)Gross Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying Value
Customer relationships(1)
1113$86,500 $(9,963)$76,537 
Trade names511,100 (3,825)7,275 
Developed technology(1)
3139,300 (3,773)5,527 
Noncompetition agreements(1)
454,000 (825)3,175 
Other5736 (679)57 
Total intangible assets$111,636 $(19,065)$92,571 
(1)On October 4, 2021, the Company acquired 100% of the capital stock of Shank's for approximately $100 million in cash and $2.4 million of additional working capital on-hand at the date of acquisition. The Shank's acquisition resulted in $31.5 million of intangible assets. See Note 3 for additional information.
March 31, 2023
Useful Life (years)Gross Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying Value
Customer relationships1113$86,500 $(17,693)$68,807 
Trade names511,100 (6,045)5,055 
Developed technology3139,300 (5,319)3,981 
Noncompetition agreements454,000 (1,775)2,225 
Other5721 (688)33 
Total intangible assets$111,621 $(31,520)$80,101 
Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the asset's estimated useful economic life as noted above.

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The Company's amortization expense for intangible assets for the three months ended June 30, 20222023 and 20212022 was:
(in thousands of dollars)(in thousands of dollars)Three Months Ended June 30,(in thousands of dollars)Three Months Ended June 30,
0020222021
20232022
Amortization ExpenseAmortization Expense$3,173 $2,403 Amortization Expense$2,827 $3,173 

Amortization expense for the developed technology intangible asset is recorded in cost of goods sold in the consolidated income statements of income. The amortization expense for other intangible assets is recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

As of June 30, 2022,2023, the expected future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows:
Fiscal Year (in thousands of dollars)Fiscal Year (in thousands of dollars)Fiscal Year (in thousands of dollars)
2023 (excluding the three months ended June 30, 2022)$9,263 
202411,268 
2024 (excluding the three months ended June 30, 2023)2024 (excluding the three months ended June 30, 2023)$8,452 
2025202511,812 202511,049 
202620268,452 20269,232 
2027 and thereafter48,557 
202720278,077 
2028 and thereafter2028 and thereafter40,480 
Total expected future amortization expenseTotal expected future amortization expense$89,352 Total expected future amortization expense$77,290 

NOTE 10.   LEASES

The Company, as a lessee, enters into operating leases for land, buildings, equipment, and vehicles. For all operating leases with terms greater than 12 months and with fixed payment arrangements, a lease liability and corresponding right-of-use asset are recognized in the balance sheet for the term of the lease by calculating the net present value of future lease payments. On the date of lease commencement, the present value of lease liabilities is determined by discounting the future lease payments by the Company’s collateralized incremental borrowing rate, adjusted for the lease term and currency of the lease payments. If a lease contains a renewal option that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise, the Company accounts for the original lease term and expected renewal term in the calculation of the lease liability and right-of-use asset.
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The following table sets forth the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet:
(in thousands of dollars)June 30, 2022June 30, 2021March 31, 2022
Assets
   Operating lease right-of-use assets$41,099 $31,281 $40,243 
Liabilities
    Current portion of operating lease liabilities$10,568 $7,998 $10,303 
    Long-term operating lease liabilities28,727 20,826 29,617 
          Total operating lease liabilities$39,295 $28,824 $39,920 
The following table sets forth the location and amount of operating lease costs included in the Company's consolidated statement of income:
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands of dollars)20222021
Income Statement Location
   Cost of goods sold$2,704 $2,578 
   Selling, general, and administrative expenses2,503 2,305 
          Total operating lease costs(1)
$5,207 $4,883 
(1)Includes variable operating lease costs.
The following table reconciles the undiscounted cash flows to the operating lease liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet:
(in thousands of dollars)June 30, 2022
Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities
2023 (excluding the three months ended June 30, 2022)$9,459 
202410,714 
20258,523 
20265,285 
20274,075 
2028 and thereafter8,558 
          Total undiscounted cash flows for operating leases$46,614 
          Less: Imputed interest(7,319)
Total operating lease liabilities$39,295 

As of June 30, 2022, the Company had no leases that have not yet commenced.

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The following table sets forth supplemental information related to operating leases:
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except lease term and incremental borrowing rate)20222021
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities$3,290 $2,777 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating leases4,527 2,741 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (years)5.315.44
Weighted Average Collateralized Incremental Borrowing Rate5.81 %4.12 %

NOTE 11.7.   DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Universal is exposed to various risks in its worldwide operations and uses derivative financial instruments to manage two specific types of risks – interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. Interest rate risk has been managed by entering into interest rate swap agreements, and foreign currency exchange rate risk has been managed by entering into forward and option foreign currency exchange contracts. However, the Company’s policy also permits other types of derivative instruments. In addition, foreign currency exchange rate risk is also managed through strategies that do not involve derivative instruments, such as using local borrowings and other approaches to minimize net monetary positions in non-functional currencies. The disclosures below provide additional information about the Company’s hedging strategies, the derivative instruments used, and the effects of these activities on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and the consolidated balance sheets. In the consolidated statements of cash flows, the cash flows associated with all of these activities are reported in net cash provided by operating activities.
Cash Flow Hedging Strategy for Interest Rate Risk
In February 2019,December 2022, the Company entered into receive-floating/pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements that were designated and qualify as hedges of the exposure to changes in interest payment cash flows created by fluctuations in variable interest rates on two outstanding non-amortizing bank term loans that were funded as part of a new bank credit facility in December 2018.2022. Although no significant ineffectiveness is expected with this hedging strategy, the effectiveness of the interest rate swaps is evaluated on a quarterly basis. At June 30, 2022,2023, the total notional amount of the interest rate swaps was $370$310 million, which corresponded withto a portion of the originalaggregate outstanding balance of the term loans. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, the Company converted $150 million from the balance in its revolving credit line into the existing term loans, splitting the balance equally between them. At June 30, 2022, the Company is not hedging the interest payments on the additional $150 million of term loans. The increase to the principal balance of the term loans does not have an impact to the effectiveness analysis of the interest rate swap agreements.

Previously, the Company had receive-floating/pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements that were designated and qualified as cash flow hedges for two outstanding non-amortizing bank loans that were repaid concurrent with closing on the new bank credit facility.facility in December 2022. Those swap agreements, which had an aggregate notional amount of $370 million corresponding to a portion of the principal balance on the repaid loans, were subsequently terminated in February 2019 concurrent with the inception of the new swap agreements. The fair value of the previous swap agreements, approximately $5.4$11.8 million, was received from the counterparties in December 2022 upon termination and wasis being amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings as a reduction of interest expense through the original maturity dates of those agreements. As of June 30, 2022, the entire deferred gain has been amortized.

Cash Flow Hedging Strategy for Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Related to Sales of Crop Inputs, Forecast Purchases of Tobacco, and Related Processing Costs
The majority of the tobacco production in most countries outside the United States where Universal operates is sold in export markets at prices denominated in U.S. dollars. However, sales of crop inputs (such as seeds and fertilizers) to farmers, purchases of tobacco from farmers, and most processing costs (such as labor and energy) in those countries are usually denominated in the local currency. Changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the local currencies where tobacco is grown and processed affect the ultimate U.S. dollar sales of crop inputs and cost of processed tobacco. From time to time, the
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Company enters into forward and option contracts to buy U.S. dollars and sell the local currency at future dates that coincide with the sale of crop inputs to farmers. In the case of forecast purchases of tobacco and the related processing costs, the Company enters into forward and option contracts to sell U.S. dollars and buy the local currency at future dates that coincide with the expected timing of a portion of the tobacco purchases and processing costs. These strategies offset the variability of future U.S.
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dollar cash flows for sales of crop inputs, tobacco purchases, and processing costs for the foreign currency notional amount hedged. These hedging strategies have been used mainly for tobacco purchases, processing costs, and sales of crop inputs in Brazil, although the Company has also enteredperiodically enters into hedges for a portion of the tobacco purchases in Africa.

The aggregate U.S. dollar notional amount of forward and option contracts entered into for these purposes during the three-month periods in fiscal years 20232024 and 20222023 was as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30,
(in millions of dollars)(in millions of dollars)20222021(in millions of dollars)20232022
Tobacco purchasesTobacco purchases$— $42.0 Tobacco purchases$30.3 $— 
Processing costsProcessing costs1.0 10.2 Processing costs4.9 1.0 
Crop input salesCrop input sales— 20.8 Crop input sales— — 
TotalTotal$1.0 $73.0 Total$35.2 $1.0 

Fluctuations in exchange rates and in the amount and timing of fixed-price orders from customers for their purchases from individual crop years routinely cause variations in the U.S. dollar notional amount of forward contracts entered into from one year to the next. All contracts related to tobacco purchases and crop input sales were designated and qualified as hedges of the future cash flows associated with the forecast purchases of tobacco. As a result, changes in fair values of the forward contracts have been recognized in comprehensive income as they occurred, but only recognized in earnings as a component of cost of goods sold upon sale of the related tobacco to third-party customers.

The table below presents the expected timing of when the remaining accumulated other comprehensive gains and losses as of June 30, 20222023 for cash flows hedges of tobacco purchases and crop input sales are expected to be recognized in earnings.
Hedging ProgramHedging ProgramCrop YearGeographic Location(s)Fiscal Year EarningsHedging ProgramCrop YearGeographic Location(s)Fiscal Year Earnings
Tobacco purchasesTobacco purchases2023Brazil2024Tobacco purchases2023Brazil2024
Tobacco purchasesTobacco purchases2022Brazil, Africa2023Tobacco purchases2022Brazil2024
Tobacco purchases2021Brazil2023
Crop input salesCrop input sales2023Brazil2024Crop input sales2024Brazil2025
Crop input salesCrop input sales2022Brazil2023Crop input sales2023Brazil2024
Forward contracts related to processing costs have not been designated as hedges, and gains and losses on those contracts have been recognized in earnings on a mark-to-market basis.

Hedging Strategy for Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Related to Net Local Currency Monetary Assets and Liabilities of Foreign Subsidiaries
Most of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries transact the majority of their sales in U.S. dollars and finance the majority of their operating requirements with U.S. dollar borrowings, and therefore use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. These subsidiaries normally have certain monetary assets and liabilities on their balance sheets that are denominated in the local currency. Those assets and liabilities can include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, advances to farmers and suppliers, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, recoverable value-added taxes, operating lease liabilities, and other items. Net monetary assets and liabilities denominated in the local currency are remeasured into U.S. dollars each reporting period, generating gains and losses that the Company records in earnings as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses. The level of net monetary assets or liabilities denominated in the local currency normally fluctuates throughout the year based on the operating cycle, but it is most common for monetary assets to exceed monetary liabilities, sometimes by a significant amount. When this situation exists and the local currency weakens against the U.S. dollar, remeasurement losses are generated. Conversely, remeasurement gains are generated on a net monetary asset position when the local currency strengthens against the U.S. dollar. To manage a portion of its exposure to currency remeasurement gains and losses, the Company enters into forward contracts to buy or sell the local currency at future dates coinciding with expected changes in the overall net local currency monetary asset position of the subsidiary. Gains and losses on the forward contracts are recorded in earnings as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses for each reporting period as they occur, and thus directly offset the related remeasurement losses or gains in the consolidated statements of income for the notional amount hedged. The Company does not
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designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. The contracts are generally arranged to hedge the subsidiary's projected exposure to currency remeasurement risk for specified periods of time, and new contracts are entered as necessary throughout the year to replace previous contracts as they mature. The Company is currently using forward currency contracts to
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manage its exposure to currency remeasurement risk in Brazil. The total notional amounts of contracts outstanding at June 30, 20222023 and 2021,2022, and March 31, 2022,2023, were approximately $83.0 million, $110.1 million, $16.7 million, and $59.5$42.8 million, respectively. To further mitigate currency remeasurement exposure, the Company’s foreign subsidiaries may utilize short-term local currency financing during certain periods. This strategy, while not involving the use of derivative instruments, is intended to minimize the subsidiary’s net monetary position by financing a portion of the local currency monetary assets with local currency monetary liabilities, thus hedging a portion of the overall position.

Several of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries transact the majority of their sales and finance the majority of their operating requirements in their local currency, and therefore use their respective local currencies as the functional currency for reporting purposes. From time to time, these subsidiaries sell tobacco to customers in transactions that are not denominated in the functional currency. In those situations, the subsidiaries routinely enter into forward exchange contracts to offset currency risk for the period of time that a fixed-price order and the related trade account receivable are outstanding with the customer. The contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes.

1815


Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income
The table below outlines the effects of the Company’s use of derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statements of income:
Three Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands of dollars)(in thousands of dollars)20222021(in thousands of dollars)20232022
Cash Flow Hedges - Interest Rate Swap AgreementsCash Flow Hedges - Interest Rate Swap AgreementsCash Flow Hedges - Interest Rate Swap Agreements
DerivativeDerivativeDerivative
Effective Portion of HedgeEffective Portion of HedgeEffective Portion of Hedge
Gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive lossGain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss$3,901 $(1,396)Gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss$10,096 $3,901 
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earningsGain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings$(1,605)$(2,223)Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings$1,209 $(1,605)
Gain on terminated interest rate swaps amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earningsGain on terminated interest rate swaps amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings$— $353 Gain on terminated interest rate swaps amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings$1,570 $— 
Location of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earningsLocation of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earningsInterest expenseLocation of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earningsInterest expense
Ineffective Portion of HedgeIneffective Portion of HedgeIneffective Portion of Hedge
Gain (loss) recognized in earningsGain (loss) recognized in earnings$— $— Gain (loss) recognized in earnings$— $— 
Location of gain (loss) recognized in earningsLocation of gain (loss) recognized in earningsSelling, general and administrative expensesLocation of gain (loss) recognized in earningsSelling, general and administrative expenses
Hedged ItemHedged ItemHedged Item
Description of hedged itemDescription of hedged itemFloating rate interest payments on term loanDescription of hedged itemFloating rate interest payments on term loans
Cash Flow Hedges - Foreign Currency Exchange ContractsCash Flow Hedges - Foreign Currency Exchange ContractsCash Flow Hedges - Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
DerivativeDerivativeDerivative
Effective Portion of HedgeEffective Portion of HedgeEffective Portion of Hedge
Gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive lossGain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss$(947)$8,233 Gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss$2,080 $(947)
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earningsGain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings$957 $(516)Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings$806 $957 
Location of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earningsLocation of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earningsCost of goods soldLocation of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earningsCost of goods sold
Ineffective Portion and Early De-designation of HedgesIneffective Portion and Early De-designation of HedgesIneffective Portion and Early De-designation of Hedges
Gain (loss) recognized in earningsGain (loss) recognized in earnings$(1,125)$668 Gain (loss) recognized in earnings$1,910 $(1,125)
Location of gain (loss) recognized in earningsLocation of gain (loss) recognized in earningsSelling, general and administrative expensesLocation of gain (loss) recognized in earningsSelling, general and administrative expenses
Hedged ItemHedged ItemHedged Item
Description of hedged itemDescription of hedged itemForecast purchases of tobacco in Brazil and AfricaDescription of hedged item Forecast purchases of tobacco in Brazil and Africa
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges - Foreign Currency Exchange ContractsDerivatives Not Designated as Hedges - Foreign Currency Exchange ContractsDerivatives Not Designated as Hedges - Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
Gain (loss) recognized in earningsGain (loss) recognized in earnings$(1,007)$4,604 Gain (loss) recognized in earnings$(2,486)$(1,007)
Location of gain (loss) recognized in earningsLocation of gain (loss) recognized in earningsSelling, general and administrative expensesLocation of gain (loss) recognized in earningsSelling, general and administrative expenses
    
For the interest rate swap agreements, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and any ineffective portion is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.

For the forward foreign currency exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges of tobacco purchases in Brazil and Africa, andas well as the crop input sales in Brazil, a net hedge gain of approximately $4.8$6.3 million remained in accumulated other comprehensive loss at June 30, 2022.2023. That balance reflects gains and losses on contracts related to the 2023 2022, and 20212022 Brazil crops, the 2022 Africa crop, and the 20222024 and 2023 Brazil crop input sales, less the amounts reclassified to earnings related to tobacco sold through June 30, 2022.2023. Based on the hedging strategy, as the gain or loss is recognized in earnings, it is expected to
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be offset by a change
16


in the direct cost for the tobacco or by a change in sales prices if the strategy has been mandated by the customer. Generally, margins on the sale of the tobacco will not be significantly affected.

Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
The table below outlines the effects of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 20222023 and 2021,2022, and March 31, 2022:2023:
Derivatives in a Fair Value Asset PositionDerivatives in a Fair Value Liability PositionDerivatives in a Fair Value Asset PositionDerivatives in a Fair Value Liability Position
Balance
Sheet
Location
Fair Value as ofBalance
Sheet
Location
Fair Value as ofBalance
Sheet
Location
Fair Value as ofBalance
Sheet
Location
Fair Value as of
(in thousands of dollars)(in thousands of dollars)June 30, 2022June 30, 2021March 31, 2022June 30, 2022June 30, 2021March 31, 2022(in thousands of dollars)June 30, 2023June 30, 2022March 31, 2023June 30, 2023June 30, 2022March 31, 2023
Derivatives Designated as Hedging InstrumentsDerivatives Designated as Hedging InstrumentsDerivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Interest rate swap agreementsInterest rate swap agreementsOther
non-current
assets
$4,345 $— $— Other
long-term
liabilities
$— $24,892 $1,161 Interest rate swap agreementsOther
non-current
assets
$5,810 $4,345 $— Other
long-term
liabilities
$— $— $3,077 
Foreign currency exchange contractsForeign currency exchange contractsOther
current
assets
1,158 5,423 10,957 Accounts
payable and
accrued
expenses
393 2,063 3,200 Foreign currency exchange contractsOther
current
assets
2,227 1,158 7,102 Accounts
payable and
accrued
expenses
1,674 393 890 
TotalTotal$5,503 $5,423 $10,957 $393 $26,955 $4,361 Total$8,037 $5,503 $7,102 $1,674 $393 $3,967 
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging InstrumentsDerivatives Not Designated as Hedging InstrumentsDerivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Foreign currency exchange contractsForeign currency exchange contractsOther
current
assets
$7,531 $3,124 $13,111 Accounts
payable and
accrued
expenses
$12 $88 $64 Foreign currency exchange contractsOther
current
assets
$787 $7,531 $1,320 Accounts
payable and
accrued
expenses
$2,841 $12 $435 
TotalTotal$7,531 $3,124 $13,111 $12 $88 $64 Total$787 $7,531 $1,320 $2,841 $12 $435 

Substantially all of the Company's foreign exchange derivative instruments are subject to master netting arrangements whereby the right to offset occurs in the event of default by a participating party. The Company has elected to present these contracts on a gross basis in the consolidated balance sheets.

NOTE 12.8.   FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Universal measures certain financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value based on applicable accounting guidance. The financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value include money market funds, trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans, interest rate swap agreements, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations. The application of the fair value guidance to nonfinancial assets and liabilities primarily includes the determination of fair values for goodwill and long-lived assets when indicators of potential impairment are present.

    Under the accounting guidance, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The framework for measuring fair value is based on a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between observable inputs and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs are based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs require the Company to make its own assumptions about the value placed on an asset or liability by market participants because little or no market data exists.

There are three levels within the fair value hierarchy:
LevelDescription
1quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the reporting date;
2quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and
3unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

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17


    As permitted under the accounting guidance, the Company uses net asset value per share ("NAV") as a practical expedient to measure the fair value of its money market funds. The fair values for those funds are presented under the heading "NAV" in the tables that follow in this disclosure. In measuring the fair value of liabilities, the Company considers the risk of non-performance in determining fair value. Universal has not elected to report at fair value any financial instruments or any other assets or liabilities that are not required to be reported at fair value under current accounting guidance.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

At June 30, 20222023 and 2021,2022, and at March 31, 2022,2023, the Company had certain financial assets and financial liabilities that were required to be measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis. These assets and liabilities are listed in the tables below and are classified based on how their values were determined under the fair value hierarchy or the NAV practical expedient:
June 30, 2022June 30, 2023
Fair Value HierarchyFair Value Hierarchy
(in thousands of dollars)(in thousands of dollars)NAVLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total(in thousands of dollars)NAVLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
AssetsAssetsAssets
Money market fundsMoney market funds$334 $— $— $— $334 Money market funds$566 $— $— $— $566 
Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plansTrading securities associated with deferred compensation plans— 11,666 — — 11,666 Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans— 11,884 — — 11,884 
Interest rate swap agreementsInterest rate swap agreements— — 4,345 — 4,345 Interest rate swap agreements— — 5,810 — 5,810 
Foreign currency exchange contractsForeign currency exchange contracts— — 8,689 — 8,689 Foreign currency exchange contracts— — 3,014 — 3,014 
Total financial assets measured and reported at fair valueTotal financial assets measured and reported at fair value$334 $11,666 $13,034 $— $25,034 Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value$566 $11,884 $8,824 $— $21,274 
LiabilitiesLiabilitiesLiabilities
Foreign currency exchange contractsForeign currency exchange contracts$— $— $405 $— $405 Foreign currency exchange contracts$— $— $4,515 $— $4,515 
Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair valueTotal financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value$— $— $405 $— $405 Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value$— $— $4,515 $— $4,515 
June 30, 2021June 30, 2022
Fair Value HierarchyFair Value Hierarchy
(in thousands of dollars)(in thousands of dollars)NAVLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total(in thousands of dollars)NAVLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
AssetsAssetsAssets
Money market fundsMoney market funds$1,992 $— $— $— $1,992 Money market funds$334 $— $— $— $334 
Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plansTrading securities associated with deferred compensation plans— 15,735 — — 15,735 Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans— 11,666 — — 11,666 
Interest rate swap agreementsInterest rate swap agreements— — 4,345 — 4,345 
Foreign currency exchange contractsForeign currency exchange contracts— — 8,547 — 8,547 Foreign currency exchange contracts— — 8,689 — 8,689 
Total financial assets measured and reported at fair valueTotal financial assets measured and reported at fair value$1,992 $15,735 $8,547 $— $26,274 Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value$334 $11,666 $13,034 $— $25,034 
LiabilitiesLiabilitiesLiabilities
Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations - long term$— $— $— $2,532 2,532 
Interest rate swap agreements— — 24,892 — 24,892 
Foreign currency exchange contractsForeign currency exchange contracts— — 2,151 — 2,151 Foreign currency exchange contracts$— $— $405 $— $405 
Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair valueTotal financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value$— $— $27,043 $2,532 $29,575 Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value$— $— $405 $— $405 

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March 31, 2022March 31, 2023
Fair Value HierarchyFair Value Hierarchy
(in thousands of dollars)(in thousands of dollars)NAVLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total(in thousands of dollars)NAVLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
AssetsAssetsAssets
Money market fundsMoney market funds$334 $— $— $— $334 Money market funds$400 $— $— $— $400 
Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plansTrading securities associated with deferred compensation plans— 13,655 — — 13,655 Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans— 11,698 — — 11,698 
Foreign currency exchange contractsForeign currency exchange contracts— — 24,068 — 24,068 Foreign currency exchange contracts— — 8,422 — 8,422 
Total financial assets measured and reported at fair valueTotal financial assets measured and reported at fair value$334 $13,655 $24,068 $— $38,057 Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value$400 $11,698 $8,422 $— $20,520 
LiabilitiesLiabilitiesLiabilities
Interest rate swap agreementsInterest rate swap agreements$— $— $1,161 $— $1,161 Interest rate swap agreements$— $— $3,077 $— $3,077 
Foreign currency exchange contractsForeign currency exchange contracts— — 3,264 — 3,264 Foreign currency exchange contracts— — 1,325 — 1,325 
Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair valueTotal financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value$— $— $4,425 $— $4,425 Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value$— $— $4,402 $— $4,402 

Money market funds

The fair value of money market funds, which are reported in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets, is based on NAV, which is the amount at which the funds are redeemable and is used as a practical expedient for fair value. These funds are not classified in the fair value hierarchy, but are disclosed as part of the fair value table above.

Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans

Trading securities represent mutual fund investments that are matched to employee deferred compensation obligations. These investments are bought and sold as employees defer compensation, receive distributions, or make changes in the funds underlying their accounts. Quoted market prices (Level 1) are used to determine the fair values of the mutual funds.

Interest rate swap agreements

The fair values of interest rate swap agreements are determined based on dealer quotes using a discounted cash flow model matched to the contractual terms of each instrument. Since inputs to the model are observable and significant judgment is not required in determining the fair values, interest rate swaps are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Foreign currency exchange contracts

The fair values of forward and option foreign currency exchange contracts are also determined based on dealer quotes using a discounted cash flow model matched to the contractual terms of each instrument. Since inputs to the model are observable and significant judgment is not required in determining the fair values, forward and option foreign currency exchange contracts are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations

The Company estimates the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations by applying an income approach model that utilizes probability-weighted discounted cash flows. The Company acquired FruitSmart, Inc. in fiscal year 2020 and recognized a contingent consideration liability of $6.7 million on the date of acquisition. Each period the Company evaluates the fair value of the acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations. During the year ended March 31, 2021, the evaluation resulted in a reduction of $4.2 million of contingent consideration of the original $6.7 million liability recorded. During the year ended March 31, 2022, the evaluation of the contingent liability resulted in a reduction of the remaining $2.5 million contingent consideration recorded. Significant judgment is applied to this model and therefore the acquisition-related contingent consideration obligation was classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

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A reconciliation of the change in the balance of the acquisition-related contingent consideration obligation (Level 3) for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 is provided below.
(in thousands of dollars)Three Months Ended June 30,
20222021
Balance beginning of year$— $2,532 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liability0— 
Balance at end of period$— $2,532 
Long-term Debt

The following table summarizes the fair and carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt, including theand if applicable any current portion, at each of the balance sheet dates June 30, 2022,2023, and 20212022 and March 31, 2022:2023:
(in millions of dollars)(in millions of dollars)June 30, 2022June 30, 2021March 31, 2022(in millions of dollars)June 30, 2023June 30, 2022March 31, 2023
Fair market value of long term obligationsFair market value of long term obligations$517 $517 $517 Fair market value of long term obligations$620 $517 $621 
Carrying value of long term obligationsCarrying value of long term obligations$520 $520 $520 Carrying value of long term obligations$620 $520 $620 
The Company estimates the fair value of its long-term debt using Level 2 inputs which are based upon quoted market prices for the same or similar obligations or on calculations that are based on the current interest rates available to the Company for debt of similar terms and maturities.

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Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

    Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis primarily relate to long-lived assets, right-of-use operating lease assets and liabilities, goodwill and intangibles, and other current and noncurrent assets. These assets and liabilities fair values are also evaluated for impairment when potential indicators of impairment exist. Accordingly, the nonrecurring measurement of the fair value of these assets and liabilities are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Acquisition Accounting for Business Combinations

The Company accounts for acquisitions qualifying under ASC 805, "Business Combinations," which requires, among other things, that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The fair values of consideration transferred and net assets acquired are determined using a combination of Level 2 and Level 3 inputs as specified in the fair value hierarchy in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” The Company believes that the fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on reasonable assumptions.

Long-Lived Assets
    
The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events, changes in business conditions, or other circumstances provide an indication that such assets may be impaired.

NOTE 13.9.   PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The Company sponsors several defined benefit pension plans covering eligible U.S. salaried employees and certain foreign and other employee groups. These plans provide retirement benefits based primarily on employee compensation and years of service. The Company also sponsors defined benefit plans that provide postretirement health and life insurance benefits for eligible U.S. employees attaining specific age and service levels, although postretirement life insurance is no longer provided for active employees.

23

The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement BenefitsPension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
Three Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands of dollars)(in thousands of dollars)2022202120222021(in thousands of dollars)2023202220232022
Service costService cost$1,545 $1,650 $32 $47 Service cost$1,282 $1,545 $25 $32 
Interest costInterest cost2,335 2,259 241 239 Interest cost2,901 2,335 264 241 
Expected return on plan assetsExpected return on plan assets(3,324)(3,385)(19)(22)Expected return on plan assets(3,888)(3,324)(16)(19)
Net amortization and deferralNet amortization and deferral1,001 976 (172)(115)Net amortization and deferral203 1,001 (189)(172)
Net periodic benefit costNet periodic benefit cost$1,557 $1,500 $82 $149 Net periodic benefit cost$498 $1,557 $84 $82 
During the three months ended June 30, 2022,2023, the Company made contributions of approximately $0.9$0.3 million to its pension plans. Additional contributions of $3.3$3.6 million are expected during the remaining nine months of fiscal year 2023.2024.

NOTE 14.10.   STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Universal’sThe Company's shareholders have approved the ExecutiveUniversal Corporation 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (“Plan”) under which officers, directors, and employees of the Company may receive grants and awards of common stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share units (“PSUs”), stock appreciation rights, incentive stock options, and non-qualified stock options. The Company’s practice is to award grants of stock-based compensation to officers on an annual basis at the first regularly-scheduled meeting of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) in the fiscal year following the public release of the Company’s financial results for the prior year. The Compensation Committee administers the Company’s Plan consistently, following previously defined guidelines. In recent years, the Compensation Committee has awarded only grants of RSUs and PSUs. Awards of restricted stock, RSUs, and PSUs are currently outstanding under the Plan.

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RSUs awarded prior to fiscal year 2022 vest 5 years after the grant date and those awarded beginning in fiscal year 2022 vest 3 years after the grant date. After vesting RSUs are paid out in shares of common stock. Under the terms of the RSU awards, grantees receive dividend equivalents in the form of additional RSUs that vest and are paid out on the same date as the original RSU grant. The PSUs vest at the end of a performance period of three years that begins with the year of the grant, are paid out in shares of common stock shortly after the vesting date, and do not carry rights to dividends or dividend equivalents prior to vesting. Shares ultimately paid out under PSU grants are dependent on the achievement of predetermined performance measures established by the Compensation Committee and can range from zero to 150% of the stated award. The Company’s outside directors receive RSUs following the annual meeting of shareholders. RSUs awarded to outside directors prior to fiscal year 2020 vest 3 years after the grant date and those granted beginning in fiscal year 2020 vest 1 year after the grant date. Restricted shares vest upon the individual’s retirement from service as a director.

During the three-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, and 2021, Universalthe Company issued the following stock-based awards, representing the regular annual grants to officers and outside directors of the Company:
Three Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30,
2022202120232022
RSUs:RSUs:RSUs:
Number grantedNumber granted65,405 58,160 Number granted71,750 65,405 
Grant date fair valueGrant date fair value$63.69 $57.41 Grant date fair value$52.02 $63.69 
PSUs:PSUs:PSUs:
Number grantedNumber granted48,315 48,650 Number granted57,400 48,315 
Grant date fair valueGrant date fair value$54.46 $47.95 Grant date fair value$43.01 $54.46 

Fair value expense for restricted stock units is recognized ratably over the period from grant date to the earlier of: (1) the vesting date of the award, or (2) the date the grantee is eligible to retire without forfeiting the award. For employees who are already eligible to retire at the date an award is granted, the total fair value of all non-forfeitable awards is recognized as expense
24

at the date of grant. As a result, Universal typically incurs higher stock compensation expense in the first quarter of each fiscal year when grants are awarded to officers than in the other three quarters. For PSUs, the Company generally recognizes fair value expense ratably over the performance and vesting period based on management’s judgment of the ultimate award that is likely to be paid out based on the achievement of the predetermined performance measures. The Company accounts for forfeitures of stock-based awards as they occur. For the three-month periods ended June 30, 20222023 and 2021,2022, the Company recorded total stock-based compensation expense of approximately $3.7$3.9 million and $3.0$3.7 million, respectively. The Company expects to recognize stock-based compensation expense of approximately $3.6$3.7 million during the remaining nine months of fiscal year 2023.2024.

NOTE 15.11. OPERATING SEGMENTS

The Company conducts operations across two reportable operating segments, Tobacco Operations and Ingredients Operations.

The Tobacco Operations segment activities involve selecting, procuring, processing, packing, storing, shipping, and financing leaf tobacco for sale to, or for the account of, manufacturers of consumer tobacco products throughout the world. Through various operating subsidiaries located in tobacco-growing countries around the world and significant ownership interests in unconsolidated affiliates, the Company processes and/or sells flue-cured and burley tobaccos, dark air-cured tobaccos, and oriental tobaccos. Flue-cured, burley, and oriental tobaccos are used principally in the manufacture of cigarettes, and dark air-cured tobaccos are used mainly in the manufacture of cigars, pipe tobacco, and smokeless tobacco products. Some of these tobacco types are also increasingly used in the manufacture of non-combustible tobacco products that are intended to provide consumers with an alternative to traditional combustible products. The Tobacco Operations segment also provides physical and chemical product testing and smoke testing for tobacco customers. A substantial portion of the Company’s Tobacco Operations' revenues are derived from sales to a limited number of large, multinational cigarette and cigar manufacturers.

The Ingredients Operations segment provides its customers with a broad variety of plant-based ingredients for both human and pet consumption. The Ingredients Operations segment utilizes a variety of value-added manufacturing processes converting raw materials into a wide spectrum of fruit and vegetable juices, concentrates, dehydrated products, flavors, and botanical extracts. Customers for the Ingredients Operations segment include large multinational food and beverage companies, smaller independent manufacturers, and retail organizations. FruitSmart, Silva, and Shank's are the primary operations for the Ingredients Operations segment. FruitSmart manufactures fruit and vegetable juices, purees, concentrates, essences, fibers, seeds,
21


seed oils, and seed powders. Silva is primarily a dehydrated product manufacturer of fruit and vegetable based flakes, dices, granules, powders, and blends. Shank's manufactures flavors and botanical extracts and also offers bottling and custom packaging for customers.

25

The Company currently evaluates the performance of its segments based on operating income after allocated overhead expenses, plus equity in the pretax earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates. Operating results for the Company’s reportable segments for each period presented in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income were as follows.
Three Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands of dollars)(in thousands of dollars)20222021(in thousands of dollars)20232022
SALES AND OTHER OPERATING REVENUESSALES AND OTHER OPERATING REVENUESSALES AND OTHER OPERATING REVENUES
Tobacco Operations Tobacco Operations$348,063 $293,843  Tobacco Operations$443,908 $348,063 
Ingredients Operations Ingredients Operations81,759 56,186  Ingredients Operations73,814 81,759 
Consolidated sales and other operating revenuesConsolidated sales and other operating revenues$429,822 $350,029 Consolidated sales and other operating revenues$517,722 $429,822 
OPERATING INCOME
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
Tobacco Operations Tobacco Operations$8,116 $8,889  Tobacco Operations$8,883 $8,116 
Ingredients Operations Ingredients Operations4,597 4,349  Ingredients Operations(2,014)4,597 
Segment operating incomeSegment operating income12,713 13,238 Segment operating income6,869 12,713 
Deduct: Equity in pretax (earnings) loss of unconsolidated affiliates (1)
Deduct: Equity in pretax (earnings) loss of unconsolidated affiliates (1)
553 (609)
Deduct: Equity in pretax (earnings) loss of unconsolidated affiliates (1)
4,166 553 
Restructuring and impairment costs (2)
— (2,024)
Consolidated operating incomeConsolidated operating income$13,266 $10,605 Consolidated operating income$11,035 $13,266 

(1)Equity in pretax earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates is included in segment operating income (Tobacco Operations), but is reported below consolidated operating income and excluded from that total in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
(2)Restructuring and impairment costs are excluded from segment operating income, but are included in consolidated operating income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. See Note 4 for additional information.

2622


NOTE 16.12. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

    The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company for the three months ended June 30, 20222023 and 2021:2022:
Three Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands of dollars)(in thousands of dollars)20222021(in thousands of dollars)20232022
Foreign currency translation:Foreign currency translation:Foreign currency translation:
Balance at beginning of yearBalance at beginning of year$(40,965)$(35,135)Balance at beginning of year$(44,233)$(40,965)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translationNet gain (loss) on foreign currency translation(6,888)1,719 Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation(568)(6,888)
Less: Net (gain) loss on foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interestsLess: Net (gain) loss on foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interests329 (29)Less: Net (gain) loss on foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interests144 329 
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxesOther comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes(6,559)1,690 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes(424)(6,559)
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period$(47,524)$(33,445)Balance at end of period$(44,657)$(47,524)
Foreign currency hedge:Foreign currency hedge:Foreign currency hedge:
Balance at beginning of yearBalance at beginning of year$3,579 $(414)Balance at beginning of year$4,899 $3,579 
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments (net of tax (expense) benefit of $25 and $(1,566))(1,611)5,698 
Reclassification of (gain) loss to earnings (net of tax expense (benefit) of $218 and $(108)) (1)
(508)284 
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(15) and $25)Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(15) and $25)91 (1,611)
Reclassification of (gain) loss to earnings (net of tax expense (benefit) of $188 and $218) (1)
Reclassification of (gain) loss to earnings (net of tax expense (benefit) of $188 and $218) (1)
(627)(508)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxesOther comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes(2,119)5,982 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes(536)(2,119)
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period$1,460 $5,568 Balance at end of period$4,363 $1,460 
Interest rate hedge:Interest rate hedge:Interest rate hedge:
Balance at beginning of yearBalance at beginning of year$(860)$(19,480)Balance at beginning of year$5,253 $(860)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(819) and $293)3,082 (1,103)
Reclassification of (gain) loss to earnings (net of tax expense (benefit) of $(337) and $(392)) (2)
1,268 1,477 
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(2,666) and $(819))Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(2,666) and $(819))7,431 3,082 
Reclassification of (gain) loss to earnings (net of tax expense (benefit) of $734 and $(337)) (2)
Reclassification of (gain) loss to earnings (net of tax expense (benefit) of $734 and $(337)) (2)
(2,045)1,268 
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxesOther comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes4,350 374 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes5,386 4,350 
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period$3,490 $(19,106)Balance at end of period$10,639 $3,490 
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Balance at beginning of yearBalance at beginning of year$(46,065)$(52,008)Balance at beginning of year$(42,976)$(46,065)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation:
Amortization included in earnings (net of tax expense (benefit) of $(144) and $(175))(3)
573 759 
Amortization included in earnings (net of tax expense (benefit) of $(14) and $(144))(3)
Amortization included in earnings (net of tax expense (benefit) of $(14) and $(144))(3)
84 573 
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxesOther comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes573 759 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes84 573 
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period$(45,492)$(51,249)Balance at end of period$(42,892)$(45,492)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of periodTotal accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period$(88,066)$(98,232)Total accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period$(72,547)$(88,066)
(1)    Gain (loss) on foreign currency cash flow hedges related to forecast purchases of tobacco and crop input sales is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to cost of goods sold when the tobacco is sold to customers. See Note 117 for additional information.
(2)    Gain (loss) on interest rate cash flow hedges is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense when the related interest payments are made on the underlying debt, or as amortized to interest expense over the period to original maturity for terminated swap agreements. See Note 117 for additional information.
(3)    This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 139 for additional information.

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NOTE 17.13. CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

A reconciliation of the changes in Universal Corporation shareholders’ equity and noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries for the three months ended June 30, 20222023 and 20212022 is as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30, 2022Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 Three Months Ended June 30, 2023Three Months Ended June 30, 2022
(in thousands of dollars)(in thousands of dollars)Universal CorporationNon-controlling InterestsTotalUniversal CorporationNon-controlling InterestsTotal(in thousands of dollars)Universal CorporationNon-controlling InterestsTotalUniversal CorporationNon-controlling InterestsTotal
Balance at beginning of three-month periodBalance at beginning of three-month period$1,340,543 $44,226 $1,384,769 $1,307,299 $41,126 $1,348,425 Balance at beginning of three-month period$1,397,088 $39,864 $1,436,952 $1,340,543 $44,226 $1,384,769 
Changes in common stockChanges in common stock    Changes in common stock    
Accrual of stock-based compensationAccrual of stock-based compensation3,682 — 3,682 2,966 — 2,966 Accrual of stock-based compensation3,859 — 3,859 3,682 — 3,682 
Withholding of shares from stock-based compensation for grantee income taxesWithholding of shares from stock-based compensation for grantee income taxes(2,090)— (2,090)(2,432)— (2,432)Withholding of shares from stock-based compensation for grantee income taxes(2,963)— (2,963)(2,090)— (2,090)
Dividend equivalents on RSUsDividend equivalents on RSUs266 — 266 264 — 264 Dividend equivalents on RSUs302 — 302 266 — 266 
Changes in retained earningsChanges in retained earnings    Changes in retained earnings    
Net income6,830 (4,029)2,801 6,357 (2,445)3,912 
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)(2,064)(3,097)(5,161)6,830 (4,029)2,801 
Cash dividends declaredCash dividends declared  Cash dividends declared  
Common stockCommon stock(19,447)— (19,447)(19,170)— (19,170) Common stock(19,710)— (19,710)(19,447)— (19,447)
Dividend equivalents on RSUsDividend equivalents on RSUs(266)— (266)(264)— (264)Dividend equivalents on RSUs(302)— (302)(266)— (266)
Other comprehensive income (loss)Other comprehensive income (loss)(3,755)(329)(4,084)8,805 29 8,834 Other comprehensive income (loss)4,510 (144)4,366 (3,755)(329)(4,084)
Other changes in noncontrolling interestsOther changes in noncontrolling interestsOther changes in noncontrolling interests
Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholdersDividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders— (5,145)(5,145)— (980)(980)Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders— (4,164)(4,164)— (5,145)(5,145)
OtherOther— (427)(427)— — — Other— — — — (427)(427)
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period$1,325,763 $34,296 $1,360,059 $1,303,825 $37,730 $1,341,555 Balance at end of period$1,380,720 $32,459 $1,413,179 $1,325,763 $34,296 $1,360,059 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “our,” “us” or “Universal” or the “Company” refer to Universal Corporation together with its subsidiaries. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the following “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Among other things, these statements relate to the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, and future business plans, operations, opportunities, and prospects. In addition, the Company and its representatives may from time to time make written or oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in reports to shareholders. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of words such as we “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “could,” “should,” “may,” “plan,” “will,” “predict,” “estimate,” and similar expressions or words of similar import. These forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current knowledge and assumptions about future events and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated results, prospects, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic;pandemic and new subvariants; success in pursuing strategic investments or acquisitions and integration of new businesses and the impact of these new businesses on future results; product purchased not meeting quality and quantity requirements; our reliance on a few large customers; our ability to maintain effective information systems and safeguard confidential information; anticipated levels of demand for and supply of our products and services; costs incurred in providing these products and services;services including increased transportation costs and delays attributed to global supply chain challenges; timing of shipments to customers; higher inflation rates; changes in market structure; government regulation and other stakeholder expectations; economic and political conditions in the countries in which we and our customers operate, including the ongoing impacts from the conflict in Ukraine; product taxation; industry consolidation and evolution; changes in exchange rates and interest rates; impacts of regulation and litigation on our customers; industry-specific risks related to our plant-based ingredient businesses; exposure to certain regulatory and financial risks related to climate change; changes in estimates and assumptions underlying our critical accounting policies; the promulgation and adoption of new accounting standards; new government regulations and interpretation of existing standards and regulations; and general economic, political, market, and weather conditions. For a further description of factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022.2023. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements as these statements speak only as of the date when made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this report. This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022.2023.

Results of Operations

Amounts described as net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per diluted share in the following discussion are attributable to Universal Corporation and exclude earnings related to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries. Adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share, and the total for segment operating income (loss) referred to in this discussion are non-GAAP financial measures. These measures are not financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as substitutes for operating income (loss), net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, diluted earnings (loss) per share, cash from operating activities or any other operating or financial performance measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, and may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures reported by other companies. A reconciliation of adjusted operating income (loss) to consolidated operating (income), adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation to consolidated net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation and adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share to diluted earnings (loss) per share are provided in Other Items below. In addition, we have provided a reconciliation of the total for segment operating income (loss) to consolidated operating income (loss) in Note 15.11. "Operating Segments" to the consolidated financial statements. Management evaluates the consolidated Company and segment performance excluding certain significant charges or credits. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude items that we believe are not indicative of our core operating results, provide investors with important information that is useful in understanding our business results and trends.

Overview

WeOur tobacco operations performed well and are pleased withoff to a good start for our start to fiscal year 2023. In the quarter ended June 30, 2022, we continued to effectively navigate increased costs, particularly rising prices for green leaf tobacco, and shipping constraints. We succeeded in getting a significant amount of carryover tobacco shipped out of Brazil, and our plant-based ingredients platform continued to exceed our expectations.

Results2024. Segment operating income was higher for our Tobacco Operations segment were down modestly in the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2021, largely on unfavorable foreign currency comparisons due to2022, even though we did not have the strong U.S. dollar.benefit of large shipments of carryover tobacco from certain origins that we had in first quarter of fiscal year 2023. Demand for leaf tobacco from our customers remains strong, and flue-cured, burley, oriental,our level of uncommitted tobacco inventory was 16% of tobacco inventory at June 30, 2023. We are forecasting increased leaf tobacco production in fiscal year 2024,
25


compared to fiscal year 2023, and wrapperbelieve that even with that increased production, leaf tobacco will remain in an undersupply position.

We are also
29

anticipating a reductionpleased with the ongoing progress we are making to integrate our plant-based ingredients platform, and we continue to execute on our strategy to invest in African burley tobacco crop sizesand expand the platform’s capabilities for future growth in existing and new products. For the quarter ended June 30, 2023, the platform faced soft demand, due to weather conditions there. Whilehigh customer inventory levels, and our earnings for the platform were below our expectations. We believe that many of our customers are continuing to draw down on their raw materials inventories after building inventories to protect against prior supply chain uncertainties. These inventory challenges have been more extensive and persistent in duration than we were ablehad forecasted. In addition, the expansion of the platform’s capabilities has added to shipour costs, while a greater amount of carryover tobacco out of Brazilsharp drop in certain new crop raw material prices resulted in inventory write-downs in the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023. We continue to believe the inventory challenges are temporary and expect excess inventory levels held by our customers to eventually work down. One of the main objectives of our current investments in our plant-based ingredients platform is to expand our portfolio to include more value-added products for our customers. We believe that we are well-positioned to capitalize on demand from our customers, and that with the investments we are making, we are a stronger partner for current and future customers due to the expanded range of capabilities and products that we can offer them. We are encouraged by ongoing customer engagements regarding existing business and new business opportunities.

Our costs, notably interest costs and prices for green leaf tobacco, remained high in the quarter ended June 30, 2023, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2021, we continue to face a challenging logistical environment. We are also continuing to see increased2022. Interest costs for leaf tobacco across virtually all markets.

Our Ingredients Operations segment performed wellwere more than double on higher interest rates in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, compared to the same quarter in fiscal year 2023. Sales for allOur debt balances, the sum of our businesses in this segmentnotes payable and overdrafts and long-term obligations, were uprelatively flat in the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, compared to the same quarter ended June 30, 2021, with strong volumes for both humanin the prior fiscal year, as working capital requirements to fund larger tobacco crops and pet food product categories. In our Ingredients Operations segment, we are also seeing rising costs for raw materials and the impact of higher freight costs. Synergies captured across the plant-based ingredients platform continue to make good progress. Our businesses are working together on new product development and strategies to serve the platform’s diverse customers which utilize our portfolio of plant-based ingredients and botanical extracts and flavorings offerings. Results for the Ingredients Operations segment for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, include our October 2021 purchase of Shank’s Extracts, LLC (“Shank’s”).green tobacco prices were partially offset by increased customer deposits.

Our elevated borrowing levels reflect our acquisition of Shank’s as well as higher tobacco inventory levels, largely dueWe continue to higher green leaf tobacco prices and tobacco shipment timing. We expect our seasonal borrowing levels to decrease in the second half of our fiscal year in line with our tobacco crop shipments, which are weighted to that period.

At Universal, we are committed to providingmake transparency around our sustainability efforts and goals.goals a priority. We recently completed our annual submission to the global non-profit organization CDP regarding climate change, forestry, and water risk to provide more information on our achievements in these areas to our stakeholders. We are also excitedcontinue to announce that we have engaged awork with third partyparties to aid in analyzingverify our emissions and communicatingestablish our climate change policy as well aspathway to provide independent, third party verificationnet zero through the identification and prioritization of high-impact projects throughout our results.footprint.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTSFINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTSFINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Three Months Ended June 30,ChangeThree Months Ended June 30,Change
(in millions of dollars, except per share data)(in millions of dollars, except per share data)20222021$%(in millions of dollars, except per share data)20232022$%
Consolidated ResultsConsolidated ResultsConsolidated Results
Sales and other operating revenueSales and other operating revenue$429.8 $350.0 $79.8 23 %Sales and other operating revenue$517.7 $429.8 $87.9 20 %
Cost of goods soldCost of goods sold$350.1 $287.6 $62.5 22 %Cost of goods sold$431.2 $350.1 $81.1 23 %
Gross Profit MarginGross Profit Margin18.5 %17.8 %70 bpsGross Profit Margin16.7 %18.5 %-183 bps
Selling, general and administrative expensesSelling, general and administrative expenses$66.5 $49.8 $16.6 33 %Selling, general and administrative expenses$75.5 $66.5 $9.0 14 %
Restructuring and impairment costs$— $2.0 $(2.0)(100)%
Operating income (as reported)$13.3 $10.6 $2.7 25 %
Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP)*$13.3 $12.6 $0.6 %
Diluted earnings per share (as reported)$0.27 $0.26 $0.01 %
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP)*$0.25 $0.30 $(0.05)(17)%
Operating income (loss)Operating income (loss)$11.0 $13.3 $(2.2)(17)%
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (as reported)Diluted earnings (loss) per share (as reported)$(0.08)$0.27 $(0.35)(130)%
Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share (non-GAAP)*Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share (non-GAAP)*$(0.08)$0.25 $(0.33)(132)%
Segment ResultsSegment ResultsSegment Results
Tobacco operations sales and other operating revenuesTobacco operations sales and other operating revenues$348.1 $293.8 $54.2 18 %Tobacco operations sales and other operating revenues$443.9 $348.1 $95.8 28 %
Tobacco operations operating incomeTobacco operations operating income$8.1 $8.9 $(0.8)(9)%Tobacco operations operating income$8.9 $8.1 $0.8 %
Ingredients operations sales and other operating revenuesIngredients operations sales and other operating revenues$81.8 $56.2 $25.6 46 %Ingredients operations sales and other operating revenues$73.8 $81.8 $(7.9)(10)%
Ingredient operations operating income$4.6 $4.3 $0.2 %
Ingredient operations operating income (loss)Ingredient operations operating income (loss)$(2.0)$4.6 $(6.6)(144)%
*See Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Financial Measures in Other Items below.

Net incomeloss for the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, was $6.8$(2.1) million, or $0.27$(0.08) per diluted share, compared with $6.4net income of $6.8 million, or $0.26$0.27 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2021.2022. Excluding restructuring and impairment costs and certain other non-recurring items, detailed in Other Items below, net income and diluted earnings per share decreased by $1.2$8.2 million and $0.05,$0.33, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2021.2022. Operating income of $11.0 million for the quarter
26


ended June 30, 2023, decreased by $2.2 million, compared to operating income of $13.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, increased by $2.7 million, compared to operating income of $10.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. Adjusted operating income, detailed in Other Items below, of $13.3 million increased by $0.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2023, compared to adjusted operating income of $12.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022.
30


Consolidated revenues increased by $79.8$87.9 million to $429.8$517.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022,2023, compared to the same period in fiscal year 2022,2023, on higher carryover tobacco sales volumesprices and prices as well as the addition of Shank’sa favorable product and geographic mix in October 2021 in the Ingredientsour Tobacco Operations segment.

Tobacco Operations

The first fiscal quarter is historically a slow quarter for our tobacco businesses. Operating income for the Tobacco Operations segment decreasedincreased by $0.8 million to $8.1$8.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, compared with the quarter ended June 30, 2021.2022. Although tobacco sales volumes were up modestly,down, Tobacco Operations segment results were downoperating income was up largely on unfavorable foreign currency comparisons due to the strong U.S. dollara more favorable product and geographic mix in the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, compared to the same quarter in the prior fiscal year, when a large amount of carryover tobacco crops were shipped. Prices for green leaf tobacco in the quarter ended June 30, 2023, were also higher than in the quarter ended June 30, 2022. Carryover crop shipments were significantly lower in Brazil in the quarter ended June 30, 2023, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2022. In Europe, sales volumes and revenues were up due to shipment timing and a favorable product mix in the quarter ended June 30, 2023, compared to the same quarter in the prior fiscal year. Carryover crop shipments were higherup in BrazilNorth America due to shipment timing in the quarter ended June 30, 2022, compared to the same quarter in the prior fiscal year, largely due to increased shipping availability. In Africa, carryover shipments were down in the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2021,2022. Results for our oriental tobacco joint venture were down significantly in the quarter ended June 30, 2023, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2022, on smaller crops grown in fiscal year 2022.unfavorable foreign currency comparisons and higher interest expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the Tobacco Operations segment were higher in the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, compared to June 30, 2021,2022, primarily on unfavorable foreign currency comparisons.higher compensation costs and higher provisions on advances to suppliers following adverse weather conditions in Africa. Revenues for the Tobacco Operations segment of $348.1$443.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, were up $54.2$95.8 million, compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year, on higher tobacco sales volumesprices and prices.a favorable product and geographic mix.

Ingredients Operations

Operating incomeloss for the Ingredients Operations segment was $(2.0) million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, compared to operating income of $4.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, compared to $4.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. Results for the segment improved year-over-year on the inclusion of the October 2021 Shank’s acquisition.2022. Sales for all of our businesses in this segment were updown in the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2021, with continued strong volumes2022, on lower demand due to our customers continuing to carry high inventory levels. Prices for both humansome key raw materials were down in the quarter ended June 30, 2023, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2022. Inventory write-downs for the Ingredients Operations segment were higher in the quarter ended June 30, 2023, compared to the same quarter in the prior fiscal year, on the changes in customer demand and pet food product categories.new crop raw material prices. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for this segment increased in the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, compared to the same quarter in the prior fiscal year, largely on the addition of Shank’s as well as higher labor costs. In the quarter ended June 30, 2022, the allocation of corporate overhead charges to the Ingredients Operations segment was also up, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2021.costs and investments in product development capabilities. Revenues for the Ingredients Operations segment of $81.8$73.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, were up $25.6down $7.9 million compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2021,2022, largely on the addition of the revenues for Shank’s as well as higherlower sales volumes and prices.volumes.

Other Items

Cost of goods sold in the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, increased by 22%23% to $350.1$431.2 million, compared with the same period in the prior fiscal year, consistent with the similar percentage increase in revenues for the current period.largely due to higher green tobacco costs. Selling, general, and administrative costs for the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, increased by $16.6$9.0 million to $66.5$75.5 million, compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year, primarily on additionalweakening of the U.S. dollar, increased compensation costs, from the acquisition of Shank’s in the Ingredients Operations segment and unfavorable foreign currency comparisons as well as inflationary increases in compensation and travel costs. Unfavorable foreign currency comparisons were approximately $6.6 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2022, comparedhigher provisions on advances to the quarter ended June 30, 2021.suppliers. Interest expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, increased by $0.5$8.8 million to $6.7$15.5 million on increased costs from higher debt balances and interest rates, partially offset by a $1.8 million interest expense accrual reversal related to the sale of our previously idled operations in Tanzania.rates.

For the three months ended June 30, 2023, our consolidated effective income tax rate on pre-tax loss was a benefit of 21.6%. For the three months ended June 30, 2022, the Company’sour consolidated effective income tax rate on pre-tax income was 54.6%. The consolidated effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2022, was affected by the sale of our idled Tanzania operations which resulted in $1.1 million of additional income taxes. Without this item, the consolidated effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2022, would have been approximately 36.2%. Additionally, the sale of our idled Tanzania operations resulted in a $1.8 million reduction to consolidated interest expense related to an uncertain tax position.
27


For the three months ended June 30, 2021, the Company’s effective tax rate on pre-tax income was 23.7%.

Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following tables settable sets forth certain non-recurring items included in reported results to reconcile adjusted operating income to consolidated operating income and adjusted net income to net income attributable to Universal Corporation:

31

Adjusted Operating Income Reconciliation
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)20222021
As Reported: Consolidated operating income$13,266 $10,605 
Restructuring and impairment costs(1)
— 2,024 
Adjusted operating income$13,266 $12,629 
Adjusted Net Income and Diluted Earnings Per Share
(in thousands and reported net of income taxes)Three Months Ended June 30,
20222021
As Reported: Net income available to Universal Corporation$6,830 $6,357 
Restructuring and impairment costs(1)
— 1,005 
Interest expense reversal on uncertain tax position and income tax from sale of operations in Tanzania(684)— 
Adjusted net income available to Universal Corporation$6,146 $7,362 
As reported: Diluted earnings per share$0.27 $0.26 
As adjusted: Diluted earnings per share$0.25 $0.30 
(1)Restructuring and impairment costs are included in Consolidated operating income in the consolidated statements of income, but excluded for purposes of Adjusted operating income, Adjusted net income available to Universal Corporation, and Adjusted diluted earnings per share. See Note 4 for additional information.
Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Reconciliation
(in thousands)Three Months Ended June 30,
20232022
As Reported: Net income (loss) available to Universal Corporation$(2,064)$6,830 
Interest expense reversal on uncertain tax position and income tax from sale of operations in Tanzania— (1,816)
Total of Non-GAAP adjustments to income (loss) before income taxes$— $(1,816)
Non-GAAP adjustments to income taxes
Income tax expense from sale of operations in Tanzania— 1,132 
Total of income tax impacts for Non-GAAP adjustments to income (loss) before income taxes and Non-GAAP adjustment to income taxes— 1,132 
As adjusted: Net income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation (Non-GAAP)$(2,064)$6,146 
As reported: Diluted earnings (loss) per share$(0.08)$0.27 
As adjusted: Diluted earnings (loss) per share$(0.08)$0.25 

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a pandemic. Foreign governmental organizations and governmental organizations in the United States have taken various actions to combat the spread of COVID-19 and its subsequent variants, including imposing stay-at-home orders, closing “non-essential” businesses and their operations, and restricting international travel. We continue to closely monitor developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic and have taken and continue to take steps intended to mitigate the potential risks and impacts to us. It is paramount that our employees who operate our businesses are safe and informed. We have assessed and regularly update our existing business continuity plans for our business in the context of this pandemic. For example, we took precautions during the pandemic with regard to employee and facility hygiene, imposed travel limitations on our employees, implemented work-from-home procedures, and we continue to assess and reevaluate protocols designed to protect our employees, customers and the public.

We continue to work with our suppliers to mitigate the impacts to our supply chain due to the pandemic. To date, we have not experienced a material impact to our supply chain, although the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in delays in certain operations during fiscal year 2021. Since March 2020, we have at times also experienced increased volatility in foreign currency exchange rates, which we believe has in part related to the uncertainties from COVID-19, as well as actions taken by governments and central banks in response to COVID-19. We are currently seeing and monitoring some logistical constraints around worldwide vessel and container availability and increased costs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

We believe we currently have sufficient liquidity to meet our current obligations and our business operations remain fundamentally unchanged other than shipping delays, which could continue to impact quarterly comparisons. This remains, however, a rapidly evolving situation, and we cannot predict the extent, resurgence, or duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of it on the global, national or local economy, including the impacts on our ability to access capital, or its effects on our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. We continue to monitor developments affecting our employees, customers and operations. We will take additional steps and reevaluate current protocols to address the spread of COVID-19 and its impacts, as necessary, and remain thankful for the hard work of our employees and the continued support of our customers, growers, and other partners during these challenging times.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Our first fiscal quarter is usually a period of significant working capital investment in both Africa and South America as tobacco crops are delivered by farmers.We funded our working capital needs in the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, using a combination of cash on hand, short-term borrowings, customer advances, and operating cash flows. We are expecting higher and longer duration working capital needs in fiscal year 2023 compared to historical levels due to increased costs, specifically higher leaf tobacco costs, and tobacco shipment timing.Tobacco crop shipments are expected to be weighted to the second half of our fiscal year.

Our liquidity and operating capital resource requirements are predominantly short term in nature and primarily relate to working capital for tobacco crop purchases. Working capital needs are seasonal within each geographic region. The geographic dispersion and the timing of working capital needs permit us to predict our general level of cash requirements, although tobacco crop size,sizes, prices paid to farmers, shipment and delivery timing, and currency fluctuations affect requirements each year. Peak working capital requirements are generally reached during the first and second fiscal quarters. Each geographic area follows a cycle of buying, processing, and shipping tobacco, and in many regions, we also provide agricultural materials to farmers during the growing season. The timing of the elements of each cycle is influenced by such factors as local weather conditions and individual customer shipping requirements, which may change the level or the duration of crop financing. Despite a predominance of short-term needs, we maintain a portion of our total debt as long-term to reduce liquidity risk. We also periodically have large cash balances that we utilize to meet our working capital requirements.

To date, COVID-19 has not had a significant impact on our operations, and we currently anticipate our current cash balances, cash flows from operations, and our available sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet our cash requirements for at least the next twelve months. This continues, however, to be a rapidly evolving situation, and we cannot predict the extent, resurgence, or duration of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of it on the global, national or local economy, including the impacts on our ability to access capital, or its effects on our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. We continue to monitor developments affecting our employees, customers and operations.

Operating Activities

WeNet cash used $225.8 million in net cash flows fromby our operations was $103.9 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2022.2023. That amount was $98.8$121.9 million higherlower than during the same period in fiscal year 2022.2023. Our working capital needs to fund our operations in the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, were higher,lower, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2021,2022, primarily on higher customer advances and deposits partially offset by increased tobacco purchase volumes and higher green tobacco costs as well asprices. Customer advances and deposits were up $84.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, compared to the same period of fiscal year 2023, due to a customer arrangement providing for a higher amount of advances on tobacco shipment and purchase timing.purchases in fiscal year 2024. Tobacco inventory levels increased by $258.0$266.8 million from March 31, 20222023 levels to $1.1 billion at June 30, 2022,2023, on seasonal leaf purchases.purchases of larger tobacco crops. Tobacco inventory levels were $206.1$20.4 million above June 30, 2021 levels, mainly due to higher green tobacco costs and tobacco shipment timing.2022 levels. We generally do not purchase material quantities of tobacco on a speculative basis.However, when we contract directly with tobacco farmers, we are often obligated to buy all stalk positions, which may contain less marketable leaf styles.At June 30, 2022,2023, our uncommitted tobacco inventories
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were $175.2 million, or about 16% of total tobacco inventory, compared to $91.1 million, or about 11% of our March 31, 2023 tobacco inventory, and $164.3 million, or about 15% of total tobacco inventory, compared to $130.1 million, or about 16% of our March 31, 2022 tobacco inventory, and $158.6 million, or about 18% of our June 30, 20212022 tobacco inventory.While we target committed inventory levels of 80% or more of total tobacco inventory, the level of these uncommitted inventory percentages is influenced by timing of farmer deliveries of new crops, as well as the receipt of customer orders.

Our balance sheet accounts reflected seasonal patterns in the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, on deliveries of tobacco crops by farmers in both South America and Africa.Accounts receivable decreased by $66.3$26.5 million from March 31, 20222023 levels, as we used collections on receivables to fund seasonal working capital needs.Advances to suppliers were $99.9$111.2 million at June 30, 2022,2023, a reduction of $30.0$59.6 million from March 31, 2022,2023, as tobacco crops were delivered in payment on some of those balances, net of new advances on currentupcoming tobacco crops.Accounts receivable—unconsolidated affiliates were up $44.0$61.1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2022,2023, on the timing of tobacco crop purchases and shipments.Notes payable and overdrafts were up $272.0$164.3 million from March 31, 20222023 levels, on increased notes payable usage rather than cash on hand to fund seasonal working capital needs. Cash balances available at March 31, 2022, were reducedCustomer advances and deposits increased by $100.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 2023, due to the Shank's acquisition and working capital requirementsa customer arrangement providing for a higher amount of advances on tobacco crop purchases in fiscal year 2022.2024.

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Accounts receivable were up $39.2$56.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023, compared to the same quarter in the prior fiscal year, on larger tobacco crops and the timing of tobacco crop purchases and shipments as well as higher leaf tobacco costs.Advances to suppliersshipments. Accounts receivable—unconsolidated affiliates were up $29.5$24.8 million atin the three months ended June 30, 2023, on larger tobacco crop sizes. Notes payable and overdrafts were down $94.8 million compared to June 30, 2022 compared to at June 30, 2021, partlylevels, in part due to higher crop input costs.Inventories—Othercustomer advances available to fund working capital needs. Accounts payable were also up indown $33.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022,2023 compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2021, on our acquisition of Shank’s.Notes payable and overdrafts were up $301.3 million compared to June 30, 2021 levels, on higher tobacco inventory costs and the acquisition of Shank’s in October 2021.Accounts payable and accrued expenses were up $77.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2021, primarily on the timing tobacco purchases.purchases in fiscal year 2023.

Investing Activities

Our capital allocation strategy focuses on four strategic priorities: strengthening and investing for growth in our leaf tobacco business; increasing our strong dividend; exploring growth opportunities for our plant-based ingredients platform that utilize our assets and capabilities;platform; and returning excess capital to our shareholders. In deciding where to invest capital resources, we look for opportunities where we believe we can earn an adequate return as well as leverage our assets and expertise or enhance our farmer base. Our capital expenditures are generally limited to those that add value, replace or maintain equipment, increase efficiency, or position us for future growth. During the quartersquarter ended June 30, 20222023 and 2021,2022, we invested about $15.1$18.0 million and $14.4$15.1 million, respectively, in our property, plant and equipment. Depreciation expense was approximately $10.9$11.9 million and $9.7$10.9 million for the three monthsquarter ended June 30, 20222023 and 2021,2022, respectively. Typically, our capital expenditures for maintenance projects are less than $30 million per fiscal year. In addition, from time to time, we undertake projects that require capital expenditures when we identify opportunities to improve efficiencies, invest in sustainability projects, add value for our customers, and position ourselves for future growth. We currently expect to spend approximately $40$65 to $50$75 million over the next twelve months on capital projects for maintenance of our facilities and other investments, including significant investments in our plant-based ingredients platform, to grow and improve our businesses.

Our Board of Directors approved our current share repurchase program in November 2020. 2022. The program authorizes the purchase of up to $100 million of our common stock through November 15, 2022.2024. Under the current authorization,program, we may purchase shares from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at prices not exceeding prevailing market rates. Repurchases of shares under the repurchase program may vary based on management discretion, as well as changes in cash flow generation and availability. During the three months ended June 30, 2022,2023, we did not purchase any shares of common stock. As of June 30, 2022,2023, approximately 24.6 million shares of our common stock were outstanding, and our available authorization under our current share repurchase program was about $96.9$100 million.

Financing Activities

We consider the sum of notes payable and overdrafts, long-term debt (including any current portion), and customer advances and deposits, less cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments on our balance sheet to be our net debt. We also consider our net debt plus shareholders' equity to be our net capitalization. Net debt as a percentage of net capitalization was approximately 41%42% at June 30, 2022,2023, up slightly from the June 30, 20212022 level of approximately 31%41%, largelyprimarily on higher debt balances due in part to the Shank’s acquisition in October 2021 as well as higher working capital requirements, and up from the March 31, 20222023 level of approximately 32%35%. As of June 30, 2022,2023, we had $86.6$80.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, our short-term debt totaled $454.7$359.8 million, and we were in compliance with all covenants of our debt agreements, which require us to maintain certain levels of tangible net worth and observe restrictions on debt levels.

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As of June 30, 2022,2023, we had $155$480 million available under athe committed revolving credit facility that will mature in December 2023,2027, and we had about $84$59 million in unused,available, uncommitted credit lines. We also maintain an effective, undenominated universal shelf registration statement that provides for future issuance of additional debt or equity securities. We have no long-term debt maturing until fiscal year 2024. 2028.

Our seasonal working capital requirements for our tobacco business typically increase significantly between March and September and decline after mid-year. Available capital resources from our cash balances, committed credit facility, and uncommitted credit lines exceed our normal working capital needs and currently anticipated capital expenditure requirements over the next twelve months.

Derivatives

From time to time, we use interest rate swap agreements to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates. At June 30, 2022,2023, the fair value of our outstanding interest rate swap agreements was an asset of about $4.3$5.8 million, and the notional amount swapped was $370$310 million. We entered into these agreements to eliminate the variability of cash flows in the interest
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payments on a portion of our variable-rate term loans. Under the swap agreements we receive variable rate interest and pay fixed rate interest. The swaps are accounted for as cash flow hedges.

We also use derivative instruments from time to time to hedge certain foreign currency exposures, primarily related to forecasted purchases of tobacco, related processing costs, and crop input sales in Brazil, as well as our net monetary balance sheet exposures in local currency there.We generally account for our hedges of forecasted tobacco purchases as cash flow hedges.At June 30, 2022,2023, the fair value of our open hedges was a net asset of about $0.8$0.6 million.

Critical Accounting Estimates
We had forward contracts outstanding that were not designated as hedges, and the fair value of those contracts was a net asset of approximately $7.5 million at June 30, 2022.

A summary of our critical accounting policies is included in
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended March 31, 2023. Our critical accounting policies have not changed from those reported in the 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.



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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Currency

The international leaf tobacco trade generally is conducted in U.S. dollars, thereby limiting foreign exchange risk to that which is related to leaf purchase and production costs, overhead, and income taxes in the source country. We also provide farmer advances that are directly related to leaf purchases and are denominated in the local currency. Any currency gains or losses on those advances are usually offset by decreases or increases in the cost of tobacco, which is priced in the local currency. However, the effect of the offset may not occur until a subsequent quarter or fiscal year. Most of our tobacco operations are accounted for using the U.S. dollar as the functional currency. Because there are no forward foreign exchange markets in many of our major countries of tobacco origin, we often manage our foreign exchange risk by matching funding for inventory purchases with the currency of sale, which is usually the U.S. dollar, and by minimizing our net local currency monetary position in individual countries. We are vulnerable to currency remeasurement gains and losses to the extent that monetary assets and liabilities denominated in local currency do not offset each other. In addition to foreign exchange gains and losses, we are exposed to changes in the cost of tobacco due to changes in the value of the local currency in relation to the U.S. dollar. We routinely enter forward currency exchange contracts to hedge against the effects of currency movements on purchases of tobacco to reduce the volatility of costs. In addition, from time-to-time we enter forward contracts to hedge balance sheet exposures.

In certain tobacco markets that are primarily domestic, we use the local currency as the functional currency. Examples of these markets are Poland and the Philippines. In other markets, such as Western Europe, where export sales have been primarily in local currencies, we also use the local currency as the functional currency. In each case, reported earnings are affected by the translation of the local currency into the U.S. dollar.

Interest Rates

We generally use both fixed and floating interest rate debt to finance our operations. Changes in market interest rates expose us to changes in cash flows for floating rate instruments and to changes in fair value for fixed-rate instruments. We normally maintain a proportion of our debt in both variable and fixed interest rates to manage this exposure, and from time to time we may enter hedge agreements to swap the interest rates. In addition, our customers may pay market rates of interest for inventory purchased on order, which could mitigate a portion of the floating interest rate exposure. We also periodically have large cash balances and may receive deposits from customers, both of which we use to fund seasonal purchases of tobacco, reducing our financing needs. Excluding the portion of our bank term loans that have been converted to fixed-rate borrowings with interest rate swaps, debt carried at variable interest rates was approximately $605$670 million at June 30, 2022.2023. Although a hypothetical 1% change in short-term interest rates would result in a change in annual interest expense of approximately $6.0$6.7 million, that amount would be at least partially mitigated by changes in charges to customers.

Derivatives Policies

Hedging interest rate exposure using swaps and hedging foreign exchange exposure using forward contracts are specifically contemplated to manage risk in keeping with management's policies. We may use derivative instruments, such as swaps, forwards, or futures, which are based directly or indirectly upon interest rates and currencies to manage and reduce the risks inherent in interest rate and currency fluctuations. When we use foreign currency derivatives to mitigate our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations, we may choose not to designate them as hedges for accounting purposes, which may result in the effects of the derivatives being recognized in our earnings in periods different from the items that created the exposure.

We do not utilize derivatives for speculative purposes, and we do not enter into market risk-sensitive instruments for trading purposes. Derivatives are transaction specific so that a specific debt instrument, forecast purchase, contract, or invoice determines the amount, maturity, and other specifics of the hedge. We routinely review counterparty risk as part of our derivative program.
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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports we file under the Securities Exchange Act, of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’sSEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer (our Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (our Principal Financial Officer), as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

We have excluded Shank's, our wholly-owned subsidiary we acquired on October 4, 2021, which is included in our Consolidated Financial Statements, from our assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2022. Shank's represented 4% of consolidated total assets as of June 30, 2022 and 3% of consolidated sales and other operating revenues for the three months ending June 30, 2022. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated, with the participation of other members of management, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Other Legal Matters

Some of our subsidiaries are involved in litigation or legal matters incidental to their business activities.  While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, we are vigorously defending them and do not currently expect that any of them will have a material adverse effect on our business or financial position. However, should one or more of these matters be resolved in a manner adverse to our current expectation, the effect on our results of operations for a particular fiscal reporting period could be material.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

As of the date of this report, there are no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 20222023 (the "2022"2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K"). In evaluating our risks, readers should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in our 20222023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or operating results, in addition to the other information set forth in this report and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

    As indicated in the following table, we did not repurchase shares of our common stock during the three-month period ended June 30, 2022:2023:
Period (1)
Total Number of Shares Repurchased
Average Price Paid Per Share (2)
Total Number of Shares Repurchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (3)
Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (3)
April 1-30, 20222023— $— — $96,946,661100,000,000 
May 1-31, 20222023— — — 96,946,661100,000,000 
June 1-30, 20222023— — — 96,946,661100,000,000 
Total— $— — $96,946,661100,000,000 
(1)Repurchases are based on the date the shares were traded. This presentation differs from the consolidated statement of cash flows, where the cost of share repurchases is based on the date the transactions were settled.

(2)Amounts listed for average price paid per share include broker commissions paid in the transactions.

(3)A stock repurchase plan, which was authorized by ourthe Company's Board of Directors, became effective and was publicly announced on November 5, 2020.3, 2022. This stock repurchase plan authorizesauthorized the purchase of up to $100 million in common and/or preferred stock in open market or privately negotiated transactions through November 15, 20222024 or when we have exhausted the funds authorized for the program have been exhausted, subject to market conditions and other factors.

Our current dividend policy anticipates the payment of quarterly dividends in the future. However, the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of common stock is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our future earnings, financial condition, and capital requirements. Under certain of our credit facilities, we must meet financial covenants relating to minimum tangible net worth and maximum levels of debt. If we were not in compliance with them, these financial covenants could restrict our ability to pay dividends. We were in compliance with all such covenants at June 30, 2022.2023.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

During the three months ended June 30, 2023, none of our directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as such terms are defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act of 1933).

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 ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101Interactive Data File (submitted electronically herewith).*
101.INS XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. 101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document 101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document 101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document 101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document 101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section and shall not be part of any registration or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
    __________
    *Filed herewith



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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
(Registrant)
Date:August 3, 20222, 2023/s/ Johan C. Kroner
Johan C. Kroner, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date:August 3, 20222, 2023/s/ Scott J. Bleicher
Scott J. Bleicher, Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)


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