Universal Corporation announced that members of its management team will attend the ICR Conference (ICR Conference of Consumer Growth Companies) 2026, being held in Orlando, Florida, January 12-14. Preston D. Wigner, chairman, president, and CEO, will deliver a company presentation on January 13, beginning at 2 p.m. EST.
A live webcast of the presentation will be available on Universal’s Investor Relations website.
Universal Corporation announced the closing of a $1.4 billion senior unsecured credit facility, effective December 9. The new 2025 Facility includes a five-year $780 million revolving credit line, a $275 million five-year term loan, and a $345 million seven-year term loan, replacing the company’s prior $1.15 billion facility.
Chairman and CEO Preston Wigner said the refinancing enhances liquidity, lowers borrowing costs, and expands banking relationships, positioning Universal to advance strategic priorities and deliver long-term shareholder value.
JPMorgan Chase, Truist Securities, and AgFirst Farm Credit Bank acted as joint bookrunners and lead arrangers for the facility.
Universal Corporation today (November 10) announced the appointment of Tatiana Santos Godoi as Chief Human Resources Officer. Godoi brings more than two decades of international human resources leadership experience across North America, Latin America, and global corporate functions. Prior to joining Universal, she served as vice president of human resources North America for Kerry, Inc. where she led HR for 50 sites across the U.S. and Canada, supporting approximately 6,000 employees. She previously held senior leadership roles at Kerry Latin America, Mars Incorporated, Newell Rubbermaid, Villares Metals, and LaticÍnos Bom Gosto.
“Tatiana’s appointment as Chief Human Resources Officer reflects our commitment to investing in leadership that strengthens our workforce and culture,” said Preston Wigner, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Corporation. “Her leadership will help strengthen our organization by aligning people and culture with our business strategy, engaging and developing our workforce, and supporting our continued growth.”
Universal Corporation reported a 3% rise in revenue for the first half and 6% growth for Q2 FY2026, driven by higher tobacco processing volumes and stronger ingredient sales. Operating income rose 18% in the first half to $102 million, though it declined 2% in the second quarter to $68 million, reflecting product mix and currency impacts. Net income increased 64% year-over-year to $43 million.
The Tobacco Operations segment posted a 2% revenue increase to $1.16 billion, with stronger processing volumes and earlier shipments. Ingredients Operations revenue grew 11% to $184 million, supported by continued demand for value-added products despite higher fixed costs and soft consumer demand.
CEO Preston Wigner said Universal delivered “strong operational performance” and remains “well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities” in both tobacco and ingredients businesses. The company also advanced its sustainability goals, expanding solar power use across multiple sites as part of its transition to renewable energy.
Universal’s board of directors also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.82 per share on the shares of the company, payable February 2, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 12, 2026.