"We believe our leading market position, global footprint, and proven sustainability practices will continue to enable us to generate stable cash flow from our tobacco business."
— George Freeman, CEO
03Detailed Report
UVV
Universal Corporation
Period
Q4 2024
CurrencyUSD
Report TypeQuarterly Earnings
GeneratedJun 16, 2026
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Executive Summary
Universal Corporation (UVV) reported robust financial performance for the fourth quarter of 2024, with a net income of $40.3 million, equating to $1.61 per diluted share. The year witnessed strong demand in the tobacco segment bolstered by favorable crop conditions in Africa, although higher green tobacco prices and tight supply affected operating efficiencies. The company highlighted progress in its ingredients business, with ongoing investments aimed at expanding its capacity and innovative product offerings. However, fiscal year-end total debts rose due to increased working capital requirements stemming from accelerated purchases necessary to maintain product supply. Management expects operational improvements to hit the bottom line in the coming fiscal year, contributing to stronger margins.
Key Performance Indicators
Revenue
Increasing
770.86M
QoQ: -6.17% | YoY: 11.08%
Gross Profit
Increasing
149.25M
19.36% margin
QoQ: -10.60% | YoY: 21.53%
Operating Income
Increasing
66.01M
QoQ: -24.53% | YoY: 25.98%
Net Income
Decreasing
40.32M
QoQ: -24.24% | YoY: -24.93%
EPS
Decreasing
1.62
QoQ: -24.30% | YoY: -25.35%
Revenue Trend
Margin Analysis
Financial Highlights
Revenue: $770.86 million (YoY +11.08%, QoQ -6.17%) Gross Profit: $149.25 million (YoY +21.53%, QoQ -10.60%) Operating Income: $66.01 million (YoY +25.98%, QoQ -24.53%) Net Income: $40.32 million (YoY -24.93%, QoQ -24.24%) EPS: $1.61 (YoY -25.35%, QoQ -24.30%) Cash Flow: Net cash used by operating activities was -$27.895 million. Debt Levels: Total Debt of $1.064 billion with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.740, indicating high leverage. Current Ratio: 2.96, reflecting solid short-term financial health with ample liquidity.
Income Statement
Metric
Value
YoY Change
QoQ Change
Revenue
770.86M
11.08%
-6.17%
Gross Profit
149.25M
21.53%
-10.60%
Operating Income
66.01M
25.98%
-24.53%
Net Income
40.32M
-24.93%
-24.24%
EPS
1.62
-25.35%
-24.30%
Key Financial Ratios
Gross Profit Margin
Weak
19.40%
Gross profit margin is below industry norms, profitability concerns
Operating Profit Margin
Fair
8.56%
Operating margin is moderate, room for improvement in cost management
Net Profit Margin
Fair
5.23%
Net profit margin is moderate, room for improvement in cost management
Return on Assets
Weak
1.37%
Return on assets suggests inefficient capital allocation
Return on Equity
Weak
2.81%
Return on equity suggests inefficient capital allocation
Current Ratio
Strong
2.96
Current ratio indicates excellent liquidity and financial flexibility