Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, sales and other operating revenue were $702.3 million, down from $770.9 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2024, primarily due to lower tobacco sales volumes [17] - Operating income for the fourth quarter was $42.8 million, compared to $68.2 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2024, also driven by lower tobacco sales volumes [17] - Net income attributable to Universal Corporation was $9.3 million or $0.37 per share, down from $40.3 million or $1.61 per share in the same quarter of fiscal year 2024 [18] - For the full year of fiscal year 2025, sales and operating revenue increased to $2.95 billion from $2.75 billion in fiscal year 2024, mainly due to higher tobacco sales prices [19] - Net income for fiscal year 2025 was $95 million or $3.78 per share, down from $119.6 million or $4.78 per share in fiscal year 2024 [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Segment operating income for the tobacco operations segment was $240.2 million for fiscal year 2025, up from $222.4 million in fiscal year 2024, driven mainly by higher sales prices [21] - Segment operating income for the Ingredients Operations segment was $12.3 million for fiscal year 2025, compared to $3.9 million in fiscal year 2024, primarily due to higher sales volumes [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of March 31, 2025, the estimated unsold flue-cured and burley stock was 22 million kilos, up 11 million from December 31 [48] - The company reported a 20% uncommitted inventory level as of March 31, 2025 [47] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company's strategy focuses on three pillars: maximizing tobacco operations, growing ingredients operations, and strengthening the organization [10] - The company aims to grow Universal Ingredients through organic growth and measured acquisitions, leveraging its strong reputation for quality and service [12] - Sustainability is a core part of the business, with a commitment to high standards and transparency in the supply chain [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted strong customer demand in the tobacco segment, with expectations of increased global flue-cured and burley production in the current growing season [23] - The company is optimistic about the ingredients segment, having completed a major expansion project and focusing on organic growth [24] - Management addressed the completion of the Mozambique investigation, stating it did not materially impact financials [25] Other Important Information - The company declared its 55th annual dividend increase, with a quarterly dividend of $0.82 per share, reflecting a commitment to returning value to shareholders [9] - The company completed a pension risk transfer transaction resulting in a one-time pretax pension settlement charge of approximately $14 million [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: How should SG&A be viewed for fiscal 2026? - Management indicated that they cannot provide forward-looking guidance but noted that SG&A for fiscal year 2025 was approximately $305 million, down $5 million from the prior year [32][33] Question: Will there be ongoing legal expenses related to the Mozambique situation? - Management confirmed that the Mozambique investigation has been completed, and there will be no ongoing legal expenses related to it [36] Question: What are the expectations for tobacco margins and growth in fiscal 2026? - Management acknowledged that as the market moves towards a balanced supply, it is difficult to predict customer behavior regarding inventory levels and demand [39][40] Question: What are the current uncommitted inventory levels for tobacco? - The company reported a 20% uncommitted inventory level as of March 31, 2025 [47] Question: How does the company view the growth of nicotine pouches? - Management noted that the demand for leaf tobacco remains strong, and they are participating in next-generation product categories, including nicotine pouches [90] Question: What is the outlook for the ingredients segment's profit? - Management stated that they expect to improve margins in the ingredients segment through increased sales and scale [72][73]