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Tag: Universal

  • Universal Ingredients Executive O’Keefe to Retire

    Universal Ingredients Executive O’Keefe to Retire

    Universal Corporation announced that Patrick O’Keefe, vice president of ingredients and senior vice president of Universal Ingredients, plans to retire. The company has begun a search for his successor, with O’Keefe remaining in his role until a replacement is appointed and assisting with the transition.

    Universal president and CEO Preston D. Wigner credited O’Keefe with helping expand Universal Ingredients through acquisitions, strategic investments, and new commercial initiatives during his six-year tenure. O’Keefe said he was confident the business had built a strong foundation for future growth and would support a smooth leadership transition. Universal Ingredients will continue operating under its current leadership team during the search process.

  • Universal Ups Dividend, Sets Annual Meeting for Aug. 4

    Universal Ups Dividend, Sets Annual Meeting for Aug. 4

    Universal Corporation announced a quarterly dividend increase to $0.83 per share, payable on August 3, to shareholders on record as of July 13. The increase raises the annualized dividend to $3.32 per share and implies a dividend yield of approximately 6.1% based on the company’s May 18 closing share price of $54.46. The move extends Universal’s track record of annual dividend growth to 56 consecutive years, underscoring its focus on shareholder returns and stable cash generation.

    Chairman, president, and CEO Preston D. Wigner said the dividend increase reflects the strength of the company’s business strategy, operational consistency, and long-term customer relationships across its global agriproducts platform. Management emphasized that predictable dividend growth remains a core part of Universal’s shareholder value proposition, supported by diversified sourcing, integrated processing capabilities, and a broad international supply chain network spanning more than 30 countries.

    The company also confirmed that its 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will take place on August 4 at its headquarters, with a record date of June 4.

  • Universal Appoints Diel as CFO

    Universal Appoints Diel as CFO

    Universal Corporation appointed Steven S. Diel as senior vice president and chief financial officer, effective April 1, succeeding Johan C. Kroner, who will remain with the company as a senior vice president through July 1, to support the transition. Diel, a Universal executive since 2018, brings more than 25 years of experience in finance, corporate development, and strategy, most recently serving as vice president and CFO of Universal Ingredients, and previously leading acquisitions totaling more than $350 million that helped establish the company’s ingredients segment. Chairman, president, and CEO Preston D. Wigner said Diel’s promotion reflects confidence in his financial leadership and strategic execution as Universal seeks to strengthen performance and drive long-term shareholder value.

  • Universal Announces Quarterly Dividend

    Universal Announces Quarterly Dividend

    Universal Corporation announced its board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.82 per share, payable May 4, to shareholders of record as of April 15. The company, operating across more than 30 countries, said the dividend reflects its ongoing shareholder return strategy. Universal has more than a century of experience supplying agricultural products through an international network of farmers and partners, supported by integrated processing capabilities and sustainability-focused supply chain operations.

  • Universal Announces 3Q Conference Call

    Universal Announces 3Q Conference Call

    Universal Corporation announced it will release results for its fiscal third quarter 2026 before market open on February 9, followed by a conference call and webcast at 5 p.m. ET. The company will host the call in listen-only format via its website, with a replay available online through May 9, and by phone through February 23.

  • Universal Tabs Mittal as New CFO

    Universal Tabs Mittal as New CFO

    Universal Corporation announced the appointment of Anubhav Mittal as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective February 17, following the completion of its CFO search process. Mittal brings 20 years of global finance, strategy, and business transformation experience, most recently serving as CFO of ADM Nutrition, Archer Daniels Midland’s approximately $8 billion nutrition, flavors, and ingredients business. He succeeds Johan C. Kroner, who will retire as CFO on the same date and remain with the company as a senior vice president through July 1, to support a smooth transition.

  • Universal CEO Presenting at ICR Conference 2026

    Universal CEO Presenting at ICR Conference 2026

    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 Secures $1.4 Billion Credit Facility

    Universal Secures $1.4 Billion Credit Facility

    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 Announces New HR Chief

    Universal Announces New HR Chief

    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 Reports Strong First-Half 2026, Announced Dividend

    Universal Reports Strong First-Half 2026, Announced Dividend

    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.