Universal Corporation
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Universal Corporation - 10-Q quarterly report FY


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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


[ x ] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934

For the Period Ended March 31, 1996

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 1-652

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

VIRGINIA 54-0414210
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)



1501 North Hamilton Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)


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


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.
Yes X No


Common Stock, No par value - 35,042,051 shares outstanding as of May 13, 1996
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Universal Corporation and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
Three and Nine Months Ended March 31, 1996 and 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Three Months Nine Months
1996 1995 1996 1995
------------------------------ ------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales and other operating revenues $942,587 $991,270 $2,817,870 $2,622,217

Costs and expenses
Cost of goods sold 803,056 867,411 2,425,009 2,267,385
Selling, general and administrative 85,925 76,329 242,682 237,500
Interest 19,474 20,541 51,786 55,216
-------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
908,455 964,281 2,719,477 2,560,101
-------------- ------------- -------------- --------------

Income before income taxes and other items 34,132 26,989 98,393 62,116
Income taxes 13,639 10,090 39,348 24,131
Minority interests 2,752 4,013 5,617 6,258
-------------- ------------- -------------- --------------

Income from consolidated operations 17,741 12,886 53,428 31,727
Equity in net income (loss) of
unconsolidated affiliates 686 (657) 2,591 (14)
-------------- ------------- -------------- --------------

Net income $18,427 $12,229 $56,019 $31,713
============== ============= ============== ==============

Earnings per common share
$.53 $.35 $1.60 $.91
============== ============= ============== ==============


Retained earnings - Beginning of period $323,595 $332,626
Net income 56,019 31,713
Cash dividends declared ($.76-1996; $.74-1995) (26,629) (25,918)
-------------- --------------
Retained earnings - End of period $352,985 $338,421
============== ==============

Average common shares outstanding 35,035,516 35,009,358

</TABLE>
2




Universal Corporation and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

March 31, June 30,
1996 1995
--------------- ---------------
ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Current
Cash and cash equivalents $175,305 $158,093
Accounts and notes receivable 530,864 392,797
Accounts receivable - unconsolidated affiliates 18,270 13,230
Inventories - at lower of cost or market:
Tobacco 494,580 458,964
Lumber and building products 109,174 122,613
Agri-products 67,320 72,908
Other 15,124 11,988
Prepaid income taxes 1,744 8,371
Deferred income taxes 6,000 5,625
Other current assets 10,365 17,764
--------------- ---------------
Total current assets 1,428,746 1,262,353

Real estate, plant and equipment - at cost
Land 33,148 35,631
Buildings 215,732 211,146
Machinery and equipment 421,214 405,029
--------------- ---------------
670,094 651,806
Less accumulated depreciation 341,505 317,365
--------------- ---------------
328,589 334,441

Other assets
Goodwill 123,743 127,501
Other intangibles 28,199 21,759
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 28,352 23,433
Deferred income taxes 19,271 7,832
Other noncurrent assets 47,715 30,646
--------------- ---------------
247,280 211,171
--------------- ---------------

$2,004,615 $1,807,965
=============== ===============
</TABLE>
3





Universal Corporation and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

March 31, June 30,
1996 1995
--------------- ---------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current
<S> <C> <C>
Notes payable and overdrafts 521,913 $651,140
Commercial paper 50,000
Accounts payable 247,770 221,574
Accounts payable - unconsolidated affiliates 7,890 6,976
Customer advances and deposits 182,117 46,443
Accrued compensation 13,312 18,286
Income taxes payable 23,936 21,745
Current portion long-term obligations 91,734 31,476
--------------- ---------------
Total current liabilities 1,138,672 997,640

Long - term obligations 313,445 284,948

Postretirement benefits other than pensions 46,885 48,007

Other long - term liabilities 49,984 52,962

Deferred income taxes 15,024 17,211

Minority interests 29,017 17,238

Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock $100 par, 8% cumulative, authorized 75,000 shares, issued
and outstanding 4 shares
Additional preferred stock, no par value, authorized
5,000,000 shares, none issued or outstanding
Common stock, no par value, authorized 50,000,000
shares, issued and outstanding 35,042,051 shares
(35,030,314 at June 30, 1995) 75,929 75,749
Retained earnings 352,985 323,595
Foreign currency translation adjustments (17,326) (9,385)
--------------- ---------------
Total shareholders' equity 411,588 389,959
--------------- ---------------

$2,004,615 $1,807,965
=============== ===============
</TABLE>
4





Universal Corporation and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended March 31, 1996 and 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

1996 1995
------------ -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
<S> <C> <C>
Net income $56,019 $31,713
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities 34,600 41,800
Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effects from
purchase of businesses (21,257) (72,352)
------------ -------------

Net cash provided by operating activities 69,362 1,161
------------ -------------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (25,500) (22,900)
Purchase of businesses (net of cash acquired) (17,600) (60,800)
Other (2,100) 1,500
------------ -------------

Net cash used in investing activities (45,200) (82,200)
------------ -------------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayment of short-term debt - net (80,300) (900)
Repayment of long-term debt (27,400)
Issuance of long-term debt 117,200 6,800
Proceeds from minority investment in a subsidiary 10,000
Issuance of common stock 50 200
Dividends paid (26,500) (25,600)
------------ -------------

Net cash used in financing activities (6,950) (19,500)
------------ -------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 17,212 (100,539)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 158,093 166,820
------------ -------------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $175,305 $66,281
============ =============
</TABLE>
5
Universal Corporation and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 1996

All figures contained herein are unaudited and stated in thousands of dollars

1) The Company's operating segments of domestic and foreign tobacco, lumber and
building products and agri-products are seasonal by nature. Therefore, the
results of operations for the nine-month period ended March 31, 1996 are not
necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year ending June 30,
1996. All adjustments necessary to fairly state the results for such period have
been included and were of a normal recurring nature.

2) The Company provides guarantees for seasonal pre-export crop financing for
some of its subsidiaries and unconsolidated affiliates. In addition, certain
subsidiaries provide guarantees that ensure that Common Market subsidies and
value-added taxes will be repaid if the crops are not exported or if the
subsidies are not properly distributed to Common Market farmers. At March 31,
1996, total exposure under guarantees issued for banking facilities of
unconsolidated affiliates was $3 million. Other contingent liabilities
approximate $53 million and relate principally to Common Market guarantees. The
Company considers the possibility of loss on any of these guarantees to be
remote.

3) Effective in fiscal year 1995, the Company consolidated the results of
African operations previously accounted for under the equity or cost methods of
accounting. Financial data for the prior year's third quarter and nine months
has been restated to reflect the consolidation. Before the effects of the
consolidation, reported consolidated net income for the quarter and nine months
ended March 31, 1995 was $10.3 million or $.29 per share and $31.1 million or
$.89 per share, respectively.

4) The Company recognized in June 1995 a pre-tax restructuring charge of $15.6
million related to the consolidation of certain tobacco operations and a
reduction in the number of employees. The charge included $7.2 million for the
expected costs of severance payments related to approximately 200 employees
throughout the Company. The non-severance portion of the charge was for the
write-down of fixed assets in operations consolidated ($3.7 million), and other
nonoperating restructuring costs ($1.7 million). As of March 31, 1996, cash
payments of approximately $7.5 million had been made, $3.3 million of which was
for the termination of leases and the balance to cover severance costs of 170
employees.


6

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Working capital at March 31, 1996, was $290 million compared to $265
million at June 30, 1995. The increase in working capital was accounted for by
increases in current assets of $166 million and an increase in current
liabilities of $141 million. The most significant increases were accounted for
by accounts and notes receivable (up $138 million) and customer advances (up
$136 million). These increases primarily relate to the Company's tobacco
operations. Within the U.S., tobacco working capital needs are normally at their
lowest point at June 30, while the third quarter of the fiscal year includes
working capital requirements related to finalization of the current year's
flue-cured and burley crops. In addition, foreign tobacco operations have
advanced funds to farmers for fertilizer and seeds. The increase in customer
advances at March 31 reflects domestic tobacco customer prepayments for the
purchase of tobacco to be shipped in the near term. The Company has continued to
invest advances for the purchase of the Brazilian crop as described in the
Company's 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders. The consolidated balance sheet at
March 31, 1996 includes approximately $100 million of such investments. Earnings
from such investment vehicles has been less than 7% of consolidated pre-tax
earnings for the nine months ended March 31, 1996. At June 30, 1996, the Company
expects that all such funds will have been utilized for crop purchases.

Generally the Company's international tobacco operations conduct
business in U.S. dollars, thereby limiting foreign exchange risk to local
production and overhead costs. Agri-product and lumber operations enter into
foreign exchange contracts to hedge firm purchase and sales commitments for
terms of less than six months. Interest rate risk is limited because customers
in the tobacco business usually pre-finance purchases or pay market rates of
interest for inventory purchased for their accounts.

The liquidity and capital resources of the Company at March 31, 1996
remain adequate. Over the past two years the Company has announced restructuring
plans related to the consolidation of certain tobacco operations and a reduction
in the number of employees. These efforts have led to increased efficiency and
streamlined operations. Through the nine months ended March 31, 1996,
approximately $4.4 million of severance payments related to the fiscal year 1995
restructuring had been paid.

In the first quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company made some minor
structural changes in its U.S. tobacco operations. The $10 million of "Proceeds
from minority investment in a subsidiary" in the Statement of Cash Flows
represents cash proceeds from the issuance of stock in a newly formed
subsidiary. The Company treated the issuance of these shares as an equity
transaction and no gain or loss was recognized.

In February 1996 the Company sold $100 million of 6.5% ten-year notes,
in the public market, to provide long-term funding to repay long-term debt, as
it matures over the next 12 - 15 months. The net proceeds were used initially to
repay a portion of the Company's short-term bank debt and commercial paper.

7




Results of Operations

'Sales and Other Operating Revenues' decreased $49 million or 5% in the
quarter and increased $196 million or 7.5% year-to-date. In the quarter, tobacco
operations accounted for the majority of the decline as the U.S. burley crop was
greatly reduced by adverse weather. For the nine-month period, tobacco revenues
accounted for $106 million of the consolidated increase. The balance can be
attributed to lumber and building product operations which were up $87 million.
The revenue increase year-to-date related to lumber & building products was due
to a combination of a stronger Dutch guilder vis-a-vis the U.S. dollar, and the
inclusion of Heuvelman, a softwood distributor acquired last year, for the
entire current year period versus four months reported in the prior fiscal year.

Gross profits in the quarter increased $15.6 million to $140 million
and increased year-to-date $38.1 million to $393 million. The majority of the
gross profit improvement in both periods was realized in tobacco operations. In
the United States the volumes of flue-cured tobacco bought and processed were up
year-to-date. In addition, foreign tobacco gross profits for the nine months
improved. Fiscal 1995 results included writedowns of $3.9 million related to
dark tobacco operations, in the quarter and an additional $2.7 million
year-to-date as a result of sharply depressed economic conditions in Eastern
Europe which led to reduced sales activity in the region. Year-to-date lumber
and building product gross profits benefited from the inclusion of Heuvelman for
the full period, while gross profits in the quarter improved slightly. Late last
year softwood prices began to decline due to over production in supplying
countries and high inventory levels in Western European markets. This led to
increasing pressure on prices and reduced margins. Margins remained depressed
due to a sharp decline in European construction activity caused by severe winter
weather. Lower purchase prices for raw lumber, and the advent of spring are
expected to lead to increased construction activity and an improvement in
softwood margins in fiscal 1997. Agri-product gross profits were down slightly
in the quarter and nine-month periods.

'Selling and General and Administrative Expenses' in the quarter
increased 12.5% in the quarter due to higher costs related to lumber and
building products related to a stronger guilder and costs of servicing tobacco
contracts. The increase was partially offset in the nine months due to the
inclusion of a $3.8 million provision related to Eastern European customers last
year. Interest expense was down in the current year due to lower average
borrowing rates.

The outlook for the remainder of the year is positive and prospects for
next year appear favorable. The Brazilian market has opened and even though the
operating environment remains difficult, the current crop is selling well and
better results are expected. The African markets are just opening and good
demand and larger volumes are expected. Planting has begun in the United States
and, if weather conditions are favorable, larger leaf volumes are expected to be
handled in the upcoming fiscal year. The improvement in overall market
conditions and the increased operating efficiencies achieved should continue to
benefit the Company. Although there are factors beyond management's control,
such as fiscal policies in Brazil, the Company's balance and strength in the
major tobacco origins provides a firm base for growth. The Brazilian government
has reduced inflation rates to 20-year lows through fiscal policies included in
its Plano Real economic plan, which entails financial control of items such as
interest rates and exchange rates. In addition, the Brazilian government
exercises control over taxation, trade policies, foreign investment and banking.
Although there have been benefits realized from enacting the Plano Real, the
long-term viability of the government's plan is dependent on various factors,
including whether the current administration can continue to hold office, the
level of foreign currency reserves, and the confidence of the Brazilian business
sector. There were no significant changes in Brazil's fiscal policies during the
quarter ended March 31, 1996, and none have been announced that would lead the
Company to believe there would be a significant impact for the Company's fiscal
year ending June 30, 1996.

8


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits

3.2 By-laws as amended February 13, 1996

12 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges


(b) Reports on Form 8-K

Form 8-K filed on February 20, 1996. The form describes an event on
February 14, 1996, in which Universal Corporation entered into an Underwriting
Agreement and a Terms Agreement with Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. and Wheat, First
Securities, Inc. for the public offering of $100,000,000 aggregate principal
amount of its 6 1/2% Notes Due February 15, 2006. On February 20, 1996, the 6
1/2% Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture dated as of February 1, 1991
between Universal Corporation and Chemical Bank, as Trustee, and an Officers'
Certificate dated as of February 20, 1996.





9



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.




Date: May 13, 1996 UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
------------------------------------
(Registrant)



/ s / Hartwell H. Roper
------------------------------------
Hartwell H. Roper, Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer



/ s / William J. Coronado
------------------------------------
William J. Coronado, Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)