UNIVERSAL CORP /VA/ - Quarter Report: 2012 December (Form 10-Q)

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 QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
	OR
o 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: 001-00652

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



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

9201 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond, Virginia (Address of principal executive offices)		23235 (Zip Code)

804-359-9311

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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 o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):



Large accelerated filer x	Accelerated filer o	Non-accelerated filer o	Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

As of January 31, 2013, the total number of shares of common stock outstanding was 23,320,861.

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS



Item No.		Page
	PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1.	Financial Statements	3
2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	25
3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	30
4.	Controls and Procedures	31
	PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
1.	Legal Proceedings	32
1A.	Risk Factors	32
2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	33
6.	Exhibits	34

	Signatures	35

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands of dollars, except per share data)



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Nine Months Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
Sales and other operating revenues	$	680,029		$	672,420		$	1,816,607		$	1,792,911
Costs and expenses
Cost of goods sold	554,588			525,315			1,461,087			1,432,022
Selling, general and administrative expenses	60,928			64,747			169,406			183,985
Other income	—			(11,111		)	—			(20,703		)
Restructuring costs	—			399			3,687			10,220
Charge for European Commission fine in Italy	—			—			—			49,091
Operating income	64,513			93,070			182,427			138,296
Equity in pretax earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	(1,241		)	1,072			(192		)	(2,264		)
Interest income	183			519			410			1,240
Interest expense	5,670			6,175			17,778			17,373
Income before income taxes and other items	57,785			88,486			164,867			119,899
Income taxes	18,070			26,884			50,633			48,972
Net income	39,715			61,602			114,234			70,927
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	(4,173		)	(3,149		)	(7,586		)	(4,625		)
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation	35,542			58,453			106,648			66,302
Dividends on Universal Corporation convertible perpetual preferred stock	(3,712		)	(3,712		)	(11,137		)	(11,137		)
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders	$	31,830		$	54,741		$	95,511		$	55,165

Earnings per share attributable to Universal Corporation common shareholders:
Basic	$	1.36		$	2.36		$	4.09		$	2.38
Diluted	$	1.25		$	2.06		$	3.75		$	2.34

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	23,406			23,238			23,361			23,220
Diluted	28,517			28,381			28,470			28,309

Total comprehensive income, net of income taxes	$	48,424		$	55,477		$	121,582		$	56,725
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of income taxes	(4,274		)	(3,097		)	(7,878		)	(4,527		)
Comprehensive income attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes	$	44,150		$	52,380		$	113,704		$	52,198

Dividends declared per common share	$	0.50		$	0.49		$	1.48		$	1.45

See accompanying notes.

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands of dollars)



	December 31,			December 31,			March 31,
	2012			2011			2012
	(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	341,572		$	152,368		$	261,699
Accounts receivable, net	351,655			406,541			390,790
Advances to suppliers, net	118,380			94,732			135,317
Accounts receivable—unconsolidated affiliates	5,673			912			7,370
Inventories—at lower of cost or market:
Tobacco	742,895			862,991			682,095
Other	60,067			57,261			53,197
Prepaid income taxes	15,734			13,661			20,819
Deferred income taxes	36,591			52,766			51,025
Other current assets	68,999			71,121			88,317
Total current assets	1,741,566			1,712,353			1,690,629

Property, plant and equipment
Land	17,151			16,976			17,087
Buildings	232,780			225,010			228,982
Machinery and equipment	553,383			531,183			537,031
	803,314			773,169			783,100
Less accumulated depreciation	(509,913		)	(469,414		)	(479,908		)
	293,401			303,755			303,192
Other assets
Goodwill and other intangibles	99,118			99,293			99,266
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	92,775			84,306			93,312
Deferred income taxes	21,227			13,683			23,634
Other noncurrent assets	52,638			56,249			56,886
	265,758			253,531			273,098

Total assets	$	2,300,725		$	2,269,639		$	2,266,919

See accompanying notes.

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands of dollars)



	December 31,			December 31,			March 31,
	2012			2011			2012
	(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Notes payable and overdrafts	$	87,423		$	130,165		$	128,016
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	164,831			199,408			187,790
Accounts payable—unconsolidated affiliates	54			7,207			295
Customer advances and deposits	60,537			45,061			16,832
Accrued compensation	25,870			20,638			30,659
Income taxes payable	18,727			12,085			12,866
Current portion of long-term obligations	210,000			15,000			16,250
Total current liabilities	567,442			429,564			392,708

Long-term obligations	185,000			395,000			392,500
Pensions and other postretirement benefits	139,105			95,656			140,529
Other long-term liabilities	86,938			87,147			90,609
Deferred income taxes	45,791			50,941			44,583
Total liabilities	1,024,276			1,058,308			1,060,929

Shareholders’ equity
Universal Corporation:
Preferred stock:
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value, 500,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding	—			—			—
Series B 6.75% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, no par value, 220,000 shares authorized, 219,999 shares issued and outstanding (219,999 at December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2012)	213,023			213,023			213,023
Common stock, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 23,324,880 shares issued and outstanding (23,245,254 at December 31, 2011, and 23,257,175 at March 31, 2012)	197,805			194,806			196,135
Retained earnings	910,454			844,150			854,654
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(73,305		)	(58,880		)	(80,361		)
Total Universal Corporation shareholders' equity	1,247,977			1,193,099			1,183,451
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	28,472			18,232			22,539
Total shareholders' equity	1,276,449			1,211,331			1,205,990

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	2,300,725		$	2,269,639		$	2,266,919

See accompanying notes.

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands of dollars)



	Nine Months Ended December 31,
	2012			2011
	(Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	114,234		$	70,927
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	32,418			31,496
Amortization	1,278			1,277
Provision for losses on advances and guaranteed loans to suppliers	2,834			10,432
Foreign currency remeasurement loss (gain), net	(10,433		)	4,812
Equity in net loss (income) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends	(181		)	18,769
Gain on fire loss insurance settlement	—			(9,592		)
Gain on sale of property in Brazil	—			(11,111		)
Restructuring costs	3,687			10,220
Charge for European Commission fine in Italy	—			49,091
Other, net	13,467			16,289
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net	44,405			(132,623		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	201,709			59,987

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(23,596		)	(30,251		)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	3,363			18,650
Proceeds from fire loss insurance settlement	—			9,933
Other	1,004			—
Net cash used by investing activities	(19,229		)	(1,668		)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance (repayment) of short-term debt, net	(36,878		)	(11,336		)
Issuance of long-term obligations	—			100,000
Repayment of long-term obligations	(13,750		)	(95,000		)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(1,945		)	(94		)
Issuance of common stock	493			134
Repurchase of common stock	(5,053		)	(4,004		)
Dividends paid on convertible perpetual preferred stock	(11,137		)	(11,137		)
Dividends paid on common stock	(34,334		)	(33,320		)
Proceeds from termination of interest rate swap agreements	—			13,388
Other	—			(3,539		)
Net cash used by financing activities	(102,604		)	(44,908		)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(3		)	(2,050		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	79,873			11,361
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	261,699			141,007
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	341,572		$	152,368

See accompanying notes.

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Universal Corporation, with its subsidiaries (“Universal” or the “Company”), is the leading global leaf tobacco supplier. Because of the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, the results of operations for any fiscal quarter will not necessarily be indicative of results to be expected for other quarters or a full fiscal year. All adjustments necessary to state fairly the results for the period have been included and were of a normal recurring nature. Certain amounts in prior year statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

NOTE 2. ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Effective April 1, 2012, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update 2011-08, “Testing for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2011-08”). The objective of ASU 2011-08 is to simplify the process of testing for goodwill impairment by permitting companies to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Under this guidance, companies are only required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit if the qualitative evaluation indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying amount. The adoption of ASU 2011-08 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements.

NOTE 3. GUARANTEES, OTHER CONTINGENT LIABILITIES, AND OTHER MATTERS

Guarantees and Other Contingent Liabilities

Guarantees of Bank Loans and Other Contingent Liabilities

Guarantees of bank loans to growers for crop financing and construction of curing barns or other tobacco producing assets are industry practice in Brazil and support the farmers’ production of tobacco there. At December 31, 2012, the Company’s total exposure under guarantees issued by its operating subsidiary in Brazil for banking facilities of farmers in that country was approximately $30 million ($35 million face amount including unpaid accrued interest, less $5 million recorded for the fair value of the guarantees). All of these guarantees expire within one year. The subsidiary withholds payments due to the farmers on delivery of tobacco and forwards those payments to the third-party banks. Failure of farmers to deliver sufficient quantities of tobacco to the subsidiary to cover their obligations to the third-party banks could result in a liability for the subsidiary under the related guarantees; however, in that case, the subsidiary would have recourse against the farmers. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company’s subsidiary could be required to make at December 31, 2012 was the face amount, $35 million including unpaid accrued interest ($38 million at December 31, 2011, and $26 million at March 31, 2012). The fair value of the guarantees was a liability of approximately $5 million at December 31, 2012 ($5 million at December 31, 2011, and $6 million at March 31, 2012). In addition to these guarantees, the Company has other contingent liabilities totaling approximately $6 million at December 31, 2012.

European Commission Fines in Italy

In 2002, the Company reported that it was aware that the European Commission (the "Commission") was investigating certain aspects of the leaf tobacco markets in Italy. One of the Company's subsidiaries, Deltafina, S.p.A. ("Deltafina"), buys and processes tobacco in Italy. The Company reported that it did not believe that the Commission investigation in Italy would result in penalties being assessed against it or its subsidiaries that would be material to the Company’s earnings. The reason the Company held this belief was that it had received conditional immunity from the Commission because Deltafina had voluntarily informed the Commission of the activities that were the basis of the investigation.

On December 28, 2004, the Company received a preliminary indication that the Commission intended to revoke Deltafina’s immunity for disclosing in April 2002 that it had applied for immunity. Neither the Commission’s Leniency Notice of February 19, 2002, nor Deltafina’s letter of provisional immunity, contains a specific requirement of confidentiality. The potential for such disclosure was discussed with the Commission in March 2002, and the Commission never told Deltafina that disclosure would affect Deltafina’s immunity. On November 15, 2005, the Company received notification from the Commission that the Commission had imposed fines totaling €30 million on Deltafina and the Company jointly for infringing European Union antitrust law in connection with the purchase and processing of tobacco in the Italian raw tobacco market. In January 2006, the Company and Deltafina each filed appeals in the General Court of the European Union ("General Court"). Deltafina’s appeal was held on September 28, 2010. For strategic reasons related to the defense of the Deltafina appeal, Universal withdrew its appeal. On September 9, 2011, the General Court issued its decision, in which it rejected Deltafina’s application to reinstate immunity. Deltafina appealed the decision of the

General Court to the European Court of Justice, and a hearing was held in November 2012. Effective with the September 9, 2011 General Court decision, the Company recorded a charge for the full amount of the fine (€30 million) plus accumulated interest (€5.9 million). The charge totaled $49.1 million at the exchange rate in effect on the date of the General Court decision. The accrued liability is reported in other long-term liabilities. Deltafina maintains a bank guarantee in favor of the Commission in the amount of the fine plus accumulated interest in order to stay execution during the appeals process. The Company expects the appeal to be concluded within fifteen months, and any fine and interest Deltafina may ultimately be required to pay would not be due until the European Court of Justice issues its decision.

Hupan, Chalanuk and Da Silva Lawsuits

As previously disclosed, the Company was named along with multiple other defendants in Hupan, et al. v. Alliance One International, Inc., et al., Chalanuk, et al. v. Alliance One International, Inc., et al. and Da Silva, et. al. v. Alliance One International, Inc. et.al., which are separate but related lawsuits filed in Delaware state court seeking damages related to birth defects in Argentine children that were alleged to have been caused by exposure to herbicides and pesticides used in the production of tobacco by Tabacos Norte, S.A. The Company was sued based upon its alleged business dealings with the co-defendants in the production of tobacco by Tabacos Norte, S.A. On jurisdictional grounds, the Company did not believe that it should be a party to the lawsuits, and its outside counsel so advised the counsel for the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs subsequently agreed to dismiss the Company from the lawsuits without prejudice. Orders dismissing the Company from the lawsuits were entered by the court in December 2012.

Other Legal and Tax Matters

In addition to the above-mentioned matters, various subsidiaries of the Company are involved in other litigation and tax examinations incidental to their business activities. While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management is vigorously defending the matters and does not currently expect that any of them will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or financial position. However, should one or more of these matters be resolved in a manner adverse to management’s current expectation, the effect on the Company’s results of operations for a particular fiscal reporting period could be material.

Advances to Suppliers

In some regions where the Company operates, it provides agronomy services and seasonal advances of seed, fertilizer, and other supplies to tobacco farmers for crop production, or makes seasonal cash advances to farmers for the procurement of those inputs. These advances are short term, are repaid upon delivery of tobacco to the Company, and are reported in advances to suppliers in the consolidated balance sheets. Primarily in Brazil, the Company has made long-term advances to tobacco farmers to finance curing barns and other farm infrastructure. In addition, due to low crop yields and other factors, in some years individual farmers may not deliver sufficient volumes of tobacco to fully repay their seasonal advances, and the Company may extend repayment of those advances into the following crop year. The long-term portion of advances is included in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Both the current and the long-term portions of advances to suppliers are reported net of allowances recorded when the Company determines that amounts outstanding are not likely to be collected. Short-term and long-term advances to suppliers totaled $186 million at December 31, 2012, $187 million at December 31, 2011, and $225 million at March 31, 2012. The related valuation allowances totaled $56 million at December 31, 2012, $78 million at December 31, 2011, and $74 million at March 31, 2012, and were estimated based on the Company’s historical loss information and crop projections. The allowances were increased by provisions for estimated uncollectible amounts of approximately $3 million and $10 million in the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These provisions are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Interest on advances is recognized in earnings upon the farmers’ delivery of tobacco in payment of principal and interest. Accrual of interest is discontinued when an advance is not expected to be fully collected.

Recoverable Value-Added Tax Credits

In many foreign countries, the Company’s local operating subsidiaries pay significant amounts of value-added tax (“VAT”) on purchases of unprocessed and processed tobacco, crop inputs, packing materials, and various other goods and services. In some countries, VAT is a national tax, and in other countries it is assessed at the state level. Items subject to VAT vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, as do the rates at which the tax is assessed. When tobacco is sold to customers in the country of origin, the operating subsidiaries generally collect VAT on those sales. The subsidiaries are normally permitted to offset their VAT payments against the collections and remit only the incremental VAT collections to the tax authorities. When tobacco is sold for export, VAT is normally not assessed. In countries where tobacco sales are predominately for export markets, VAT collections generated on downstream sales are often not sufficient to fully offset the subsidiaries’ VAT payments. In those situations, unused VAT credits can accumulate. Some jurisdictions have procedures that allow companies to apply for refunds of unused VAT credits from the tax authorities, but the refund process often takes an extended period of time and it is not uncommon for refund applications to be challenged or rejected in part on technical grounds. Other jurisdictions may permit companies to sell or transfer unused VAT credits to third parties in private transactions, although approval for such transactions must normally be obtained from the tax authorities, limits on the amounts that can be transferred are usually imposed, and the proceeds realized may be heavily discounted from the face value of the credits. Due to these factors, local operating subsidiaries in some countries can accumulate significant balances of VAT credits over time. The Company reviews these balances on a regular basis and records valuation allowances on the credits to reflect amounts that are not expected to be recovered, as well as discounts anticipated on credits that are expected to be sold or transferred. At December 31, 2012 , the aggregate balance of recoverable tax credits held by the Company’s subsidiaries totaled approximately $77 million ($83 million at December 31, 2011, and $82 million at March 31, 2012), and the related valuation allowances totaled approximately $26 million ($25 million at December 31, 2011, and $25 million at March 31, 2012). The net balances are reported in other current assets and other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

In June 2011, tax authorities in Brazil completed an audit of inter-state VAT filings by the Company’s operating subsidiary there and issued assessments for tax, penalties, and interest for tax periods from 2006 through 2009 totaling approximately $23 million based on the exchange rate for the Brazilian currency at December 31, 2012. Management of the operating subsidiary and outside counsel believe that errors were made by the tax authorities in determining portions of the assessment and that various defenses support the subsidiary’s positions. Accordingly, the subsidiary took steps to contest the full amount of the assessment. As of December 31, 2012, a portion of the subsidiary’s arguments had been accepted, and the outstanding assessments had been reduced to approximately $18 million. The subsidiary is continuing to contest the full remaining amount of the assessment. While the range of reasonably possible loss is zero up to the full $18 million remaining assessment, based on the strength of the subsidiary's defenses, no loss within that range is considered probable at this time and no liability has been recorded at December 31, 2012.

Sale of Property in Brazil

In November 2011, the Company sold land and buildings in Brazil that were most recently used for storage in exchange for $9.4 million in cash and two warehouses having an aggregate fair value of approximately $11.2 million. The transaction resulted in a gain of $11.1 million, which is reported in other income in the consolidated statement of income and retained earnings. In the consolidated statement of cash flows, the cash proceeds received in the transaction are included in proceeds from the sale of property, plant, and equipment in cash flows from investing activities. The fair value of the warehouses received was excluded from the statement of cash flows since it was non-cash consideration.

Fire Loss Insurance Settlement

In June 2011, an operating subsidiary of the Company in Europe completed settlement of an insurance claim related to a fire in 2010 that destroyed a portion of its facility and temporarily suspended factory operations. The Company and its subsidiary maintained general liability, business interruption, and replacement cost property insurance coverage on the facility. As part of the final settlement, the subsidiary received approximately $9.9 million of insurance proceeds to cover the cost of reconstructing the damaged portion of the facility and replacing equipment that was destroyed in the fire. A gain of approximately $9.6 million was recorded on the involuntary conversion of those assets in the quarter ended June 30, 2011, and is reported in other income in the consolidated statement of income. In addition, the subsidiary received insurance proceeds totaling approximately $6.9 million for business interruption related to the fire. Approximately $4.8 million of the business interruption recovery was recognized in earnings in fiscal year 2011, and the remaining $2.1 million was recognized in the quarter ended June 30, 2011. In the consolidated statement of cash flows, the insurance proceeds attributable to the property and equipment destroyed in the fire are reported in cash flows from investing activities. All other insurance proceeds have been reported in cash flows from operating activities. Reconstruction of the facility was completed by the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, and the factory is fully operational.

Statutory Severance and Pension Obligations in Malawi

In fiscal year 2008, the Company’s operating subsidiary in Malawi recorded a charge to accrue statutory severance obligations based on court rulings that found the severance benefits payable to employees upon retirement, death, involuntary termination, or termination by mutual agreement under the Malawi Employment Act of 2000, even in cases where employees are covered by a company-sponsored pension benefit. Because the effect of the court rulings was to entitle some employees to both private pension benefits and statutory severance benefits in cases of normal retirement, some of the rulings were appealed to higher courts. Effective June 1, 2011, new Employment and Pension legislation was enacted into law in Malawi. The new legislation changed prior law related to statutory severance benefits by eliminating the requirement to pay those benefits to employees in cases of normal retirement. At the same time, the legislation created a new requirement to provide pension benefits to employees who meet specified service criteria. The pension benefit to which employees are entitled under the new law enacted June 1, 2011 is generally equivalent to the accumulated statutory severance benefit under the old law, but it considers any pension or gratuity benefits previously or currently provided to employees under a company’s private pension programs. The Company’s operating subsidiary in Malawi has historically provided pension and gratuity payments to specified employee groups that reduce or offset the pension obligations provided under the new law. The Malawi subsidiary accounted for the enactment of the new legislation in its financial statements during the quarter ended June 30, 2011, by reversing approximately $4 million of the statutory severance liability no longer required under the new law.

NOTE 4. RESTRUCTURING AND IMPAIRMENT COSTS

Since the beginning of fiscal year 2011, Universal has recorded approximately $37 million of restructuring and impairment costs related to various initiatives to adjust operations and reduce costs. Approximately $12 million of those costs related to the closing of the Company’s leaf tobacco processing facility in Canada. The remaining amounts were associated with various other cost reduction initiatives, including voluntary early retirement offers and involuntary separations at the Company’s headquarters and operating locations in the United States, South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, as well as costs related to the termination of a business arrangement with a supplier and processor of tobacco in Europe in response to market changes. The restructuring and impairment costs primarily related to operating subsidiaries that are part of the North America and Other Regions reportable segments.

A summary of the restructuring costs recorded during the nine months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, is as follows:



	Nine Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands of dollars)	2012		2011

Employee termination benefits	$	3,687	$	7,123
Other restructuring costs	—		3,097
Total	$	3,687	$	10,220

A reconciliation of the Company’s liability for the employee termination benefits and other restructuring costs discussed above for the nine months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, is as follows:



(in thousands of dollars)	Employee Termination Benefits			Other Costs			Total

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2011:
Balance at beginning of year	$	6,386		$	225		$	6,611
Costs charged to expense	7,123			3,097			10,220
Payments	(12,017		)	(2,994		)	(15,011		)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	1,492		$	328		$	1,820

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2012:
Balance at beginning of year	$	1,271		$	291		$	1,562
Costs charged to expense	3,687			—			3,687
Payments	(4,902		)	(291		)	(5,193		)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	56		$	—		$	56

Most of the restructuring liability remaining at December 31, 2012 is expected to be paid by the end of the current fiscal year. Universal continually reviews its business for opportunities to realize efficiencies, reduce costs, and realign its operations in response to business changes. The Company may incur additional restructuring costs and asset impairment charges in future periods as business changes occur and additional cost savings initiatives are implemented.

NOTE 5. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Nine Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2012			2011			2012			2011

Basic Earnings Per Share
Numerator for basic earnings per share
Net income attributable to Universal Corporation	$	35,542		$	58,453		$	106,648		$	66,302
Less: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock	(3,712		)	(3,712		)	(11,137		)	(11,137		)
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of basic earnings per share	31,830			54,741			95,511			55,165

Denominator for basic earnings per share
Weighted average shares outstanding	23,406			23,238			23,361			23,220

Basic earnings per share	$	1.36		$	2.36		$	4.09		$	2.38

Diluted Earnings Per Share
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders	$	31,830		$	54,741		$	95,511		$	55,165
Add: Dividends on convertible perpetual preferred stock (if conversion assumed)	3,712			3,712			11,137			11,137
Earnings available to Universal Corporation common shareholders for calculation of diluted earnings per share	35,542			58,453			106,648			66,302

Denominator for diluted earnings per share
Weighted average shares outstanding	23,406			23,238			23,361			23,220
Effect of dilutive securities (if conversion or exercise assumed)
Convertible perpetual preferred stock	4,800			4,775			4,794			4,769
Employee share-based awards	311			368			315			320
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	28,517			28,381			28,470			28,309

Diluted earnings per share	$	1.25		$	2.06		$	3.75		$	2.34

For the nine months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, certain stock appreciation rights and certain stock options outstanding were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would have been antidilutive. These shares totaled 300,800 at a weighted-average exercise price of $58.15 for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, and 435,801 at a weighted-average exercise price of $55.81 for the nine months ended December 31, 2011.

NOTE 6. INCOME TAXES

The Company is subject to the tax laws of many jurisdictions. Changes in tax laws or the interpretation of tax laws can affect the Company's earnings, as can the resolution of pending and contested tax issues. The consolidated income tax rate is affected by a number of factors, including the mix of domestic and foreign earnings and investments, local tax rates of subsidiaries, repatriation of foreign earnings, the effect of exchange rate changes on deferred taxes, and the Company's ability to utilize foreign tax credits.

The consolidated effective income tax rate on pretax earnings was approximately 31% for both the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2012, respectively. That rate was slightly lower than the 35% U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to the effect of changes in exchange rates on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries and a lower net effective tax rate on dividend income from unconsolidated operations.

The consolidated effective income tax rates on pretax earnings were approximately 30% and 41% for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2011, respectively. The rate for the nine-month period was significantly higher than normal because the Company did not record an income tax benefit on the non-deductible fine portion of the charge recorded in September 2011 for the European Commission fine and interest in Italy (approximately $40 million of the total $49.1 million charge). Without that item, the effective income tax rates would have been approximately 29% for the nine months. That rate and the effective rate for the quarter were lower than the 35% federal statutory rate primarily due to the effect of exchange rate changes on deferred income taxes of certain foreign subsidiaries, the recognition of foreign tax credits related to earnings of subsidiaries in the Company's African region, a lower net effective tax rate on dividend income from unconsolidated operations, and recoveries of prior year state income taxes.

NOTE 7. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Universal is exposed to various risks in its worldwide operations and uses derivative financial instruments to manage two specific types of risks – interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. Interest rate risk has been managed by entering into interest rate swap agreements, and foreign currency exchange rate risk has been managed by entering into forward foreign currency exchange contracts. However, the Company’s policy also permits other types of derivative instruments. In addition, foreign currency exchange rate risk is also managed through strategies that do not involve derivative instruments, such as using local borrowings and other approaches to minimize net monetary positions in non-functional currencies. The disclosures below provide additional information about the Company’s hedging strategies, the derivative instruments used, and the effects of these activities on the consolidated statements of income and the consolidated balance sheets. In the consolidated statements of cash flows, the cash flows associated with all of these activities are reported in net cash provided by operating activities. The Company has not hedged any net investment in the equity of subsidiaries denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.

Hedging Strategy for Interest Rate Risk

The Company previously entered into receive-fixed/pay-floating interest rate swap agreements totaling $245 million notional amount that were designated and qualified as hedges of the exposure to changes in the fair value of the underlying debt instruments created by fluctuations in prevailing market interest rates. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2012, several of those swap contracts in the notional amount of $50 million were settled on maturity of the underlying debt, and the remaining contracts in the total notional amount of $195 million were settled prior to maturity at an aggregate gain of approximately $13 million. That gain is being amortized over the remaining terms of the underlying debt instruments as a reduction in interest expense. No fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements were outstanding at December 31, 2012.

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2012, the Company entered into receive-floating/pay-fixed interest rate swap agreements that were designated and qualify as hedges of the exposure to changes in interest payment cash flows created by fluctuations in variable interest rates on its outstanding amortizing bank term loan. Although no significant ineffectiveness is expected with this hedging strategy, the effectiveness of the interest rate swaps is evaluated on a quarterly basis. The aggregate notional amount of the interest rate swaps will be reduced over a five-year period as payments are made on the loan. At December 31, 2012, the total notional amount of the swaps was approximately $95 million, which corresponded with the outstanding balance of the loan.

Cash Flow Hedging Strategy for Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Related to Forecast Purchases of Tobacco and Related Processing Costs

The majority of the tobacco production in most countries outside the United States where Universal operates is sold in export markets at prices denominated in U.S. dollars. However, purchases of tobacco from farmers and most processing costs (such as labor and energy) in those countries are usually denominated in the local currency. Changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the local currencies where tobacco is grown and processed affect the ultimate U.S. dollar cost of the processed tobacco. From time to time, the Company has entered into forward contracts to sell U.S. dollars and buy the local currency at future dates

that coincide with the expected timing of a portion of the tobacco purchases and processing costs. This strategy offsets the variability of future U.S. dollar cash flows for tobacco purchases and processing costs for the foreign currency notional amount hedged. This hedging strategy has been used mainly for tobacco purchases and processing costs in Brazil.

The aggregate U.S. dollar notional amount of forward contracts entered for these purposes during the first nine months of fiscal years 2013 and 2012, was as follows:



	Nine Months Ended December 31,
(in millions of dollars)	2012		2011

Tobacco purchases	$	64.3	$	63.7
Processing costs	13.7		23.3
Total	$	78.0	$	87.0

All contracts related to tobacco purchases were designated and qualify as hedges of the future cash flows associated with the forecast purchases of tobacco. As a result, except for amounts related to any ineffective portion of the hedging strategy, changes in fair values of the forward contracts have been recognized in comprehensive income as they occurred, but only recognized in earnings upon sale of the related tobacco to third-party customers. Forward contracts related to processing costs have not been designated as hedges, and gains and losses on those contracts have been recognized in earnings on a mark-to-market basis.

Purchases of the 2011-2012 crop were completed in August 2012, and all forward contracts to hedge those purchases matured and settled by that time. All hedged forecast purchases of tobacco occurred within the originally designated time period and, as a result, no hedges were discontinued.

Hedging Strategy for Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Related to Net Local Currency Monetary Assets and Liabilities of Foreign Subsidiaries

Most of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries transact the majority of their sales in U.S. dollars and finance the majority of their operating requirements with U.S. dollar borrowings, and therefore use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. These subsidiaries normally have certain monetary assets and liabilities on their balance sheets that are denominated in the local currency. Those assets and liabilities can include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, advances to farmers and suppliers, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, recoverable value-added taxes, and other items. Net monetary assets and liabilities denominated in the local currency are remeasured into U.S. dollars each reporting period, generating gains and losses that the Company records in earnings as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses. The level of net monetary assets or liabilities denominated in the local currency normally fluctuates throughout the year based on the operating cycle, but it is most common for monetary assets to exceed monetary liabilities, sometimes by a significant amount. When this situation exists and the local currency weakens against the U.S. dollar, remeasurement losses are generated. Conversely, remeasurement gains are generated on a net monetary asset position when the local currency strengthens against the U.S. dollar. To manage a portion of its exposure to currency remeasurement gains and losses, the Company may enter into forward contracts to buy or sell the local currency at future dates coinciding with expected changes in the overall net local currency monetary asset position of the subsidiary. The Company does not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. Gains and losses on forward contracts would be recorded in earnings as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses for each reporting period as they occurred, and thus directly offset the related remeasurement losses or gains in the consolidated statements of income for the notional amount hedged. No forward contracts were entered for this purpose in fiscal year 2012, or through the first nine months of fiscal year 2013. To further mitigate currency remeasurement exposure, the Company’s foreign subsidiaries may utilize short-term local currency financing during certain periods. This strategy, while not involving the use of derivative instruments, is intended to minimize the subsidiary’s net monetary position by financing a portion of the local currency monetary assets with local currency monetary liabilities, thus hedging a portion of the overall position.

Several of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries transact the majority of their sales and finance the majority of their operating requirements in their local currency, and therefore use their respective local currencies as the functional currency for reporting purposes. From time to time, these subsidiaries sell tobacco to customers in transactions that are not denominated in the functional currency. In those situations, the subsidiaries routinely enter into forward exchange contracts to offset currency risk for the period of time that a fixed-price order and the related trade account receivable are outstanding with the customer. The contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes.

Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income

The table below outlines the effects of the Company’s use of derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Nine Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands of dollars)	2012			2011			2012			2011

Fair Value Hedges - Interest Rate Swap Agreements
Derivative
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	3,195
Location of gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Interest expense
Hedged Item
Description of hedged item	Fixed rate long-term debt
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(3,195	)
Location of gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Interest expense

Cash Flow Hedges - Interest Rate Swap Agreements
Derivative
Effective Portion of Hedge
Gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(9	)	$	(820	)	$	(1,462	)	$	(820	)
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings	$	(237	)	$	—		$	(692	)	$	—
Location of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings	Interest expense
Ineffective Portion of Hedge
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Location of gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Selling, general and administrative expenses
Hedged Item
Description of hedged item	Floating rate interest payments on term loan

Cash Flow Hedges - Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
Derivative
Effective Portion of Hedge
Gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	—		$	99		$	(7,900	)	$	3,430
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings	$	(2,759	)	$	1,520		$	(8,503	)	$	5,343
Location of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings	Cost of goods sold
Ineffective Portion and Early De-designation of Hedges
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings	$	—		$	—		$	(1,325	)	$	858
Location of gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Selling, general and administrative expenses
Hedged Item
Description of hedged item	Forecast purchases of tobacco in Brazil

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges - Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings	$	(193	)	$	(67	)	$	(2,152	)	$	1,023
Location of gain (loss) recognized in earnings	Selling, general and administrative expenses

For the interest rate swap agreements designated as fair value hedges, since the hedges had no ineffectiveness, the gain or loss recognized in earnings on the derivative was offset by a corresponding loss or gain on the underlying hedged debt. For the interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges, as of December 31, 2012, approximately $1.1 million is expected to be reclassified over the next twelve months from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense.

For the forward foreign currency exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges of tobacco purchases in Brazil, a net hedge loss of approximately $0.2 million remained in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2012. That balance reflects net losses on settled contracts related to the 2011-2012 crop, less the amount reclassified to earnings related to tobacco sold through December 31, 2012. The majority of the balance in the accumulated other comprehensive loss will be recognized in earnings as a component of cost of goods sold in fiscal year 2013 as the remaining 2011-2012 Brazilian crop tobacco is sold to customers. Based on the hedging strategy, as the gain or loss is recognized in earnings, it is expected to be offset by a change in the direct cost for the tobacco or by a change in sales prices if the strategy has been mandated by the customer. Generally, margins on the sale of the tobacco will not be significantly affected.

Effect of Derivative Financial Instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets

The table below outlines the effects of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and March 31, 2012:



	Derivatives in a Fair Value Asset Position							Derivatives in a Fair Value Liability Position
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value as of						Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value as of
(in thousands of dollars)	Balance Sheet Location	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2012		Balance Sheet Location	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2012

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Interest rate swap agreements designated as fair value hedges	Other non-current assets	$	—	$	—	$	—	Long-term obligations	$	—	$	—	$	—

Interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges	Other non-current assets	—		—		—		Other long-term liabilities	1,889		820		1,119

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	Other current assets	—		—		83		Accounts payable and accrued expenses	—		63		925
Total		$	—	$	—	$	83		$	1,889	$	883	$	2,044

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	Other current assets	$	239	$	15	$	273	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	537	$	474	$	427
Total		$	239	$	15	$	273		$	537	$	474	$	427

NOTE 8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Universal measures certain financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value based on applicable accounting guidance. The financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value include money market funds, trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans, interest rate swap agreements, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, and guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers. The application of the fair value guidance to nonfinancial assets and liabilities primarily includes assessments of goodwill and long-lived assets for potential impairment.

Under the accounting guidance, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The framework for measuring fair value is based on a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between observable inputs (i.e., inputs that are based on market data obtained from independent sources) and unobservable inputs (i.e., inputs that require the Company to make its own assumptions about market participant assumptions because little or no market data exists). There are three levels within the fair value hierarchy:



Level		Description

1		quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the reporting date;

2		quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and

3		unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

In measuring the fair value of liabilities, the Company considers the risk of non-performance in determining fair value.

At December 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2012, the Company had certain financial assets and financial liabilities that were required to be measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis. These assets and liabilities are listed in the tables below and are classified based on how their values were determined under the fair value hierarchy:



	December 31, 2012
(in thousands of dollars)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Assets
Money market funds	$	136,528	$	—	$	—	$	136,528
Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans	18,907		—		—		18,907
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	—		239		—		239
Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value	$	155,435	$	239	$	—	$	155,674

Liabilities
Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers	$	—	$	—	$	5,025	$	5,025
Interest rate swap agreements	—		1,889		—		1,889
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	—		537		—		537
Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value	$	—	$	2,426	$	5,025	$	7,451



	December 31, 2011
(in thousands of dollars)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Assets
Money market funds	$	100,728	$	—	$	—	$	100,728
Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans	18,263		—		—		18,263
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	—		15		—		15
Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value	$	118,991	$	15	$	—	$	119,006

Liabilities
Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers	$	—	$	—	$	4,837	$	4,837
Interest rate swap agreements	—		820		—		820
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	—		537		—		537
Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value	$	—	$	1,357	$	4,837	$	6,194



	March 31, 2012
(in thousands of dollars)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Assets
Money market funds	$	48,546	$	—	$	—	$	48,546
Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans	19,803		—		—		19,803
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	—		356		—		356
Total financial assets measured and reported at fair value	$	68,349	$	356	$	—	$	68,705

Liabilities
Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers	$	—	$	—	$	5,932	$	5,932
Interest rate swap agreements	—		1,119		—		1,119
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts	—		1,352		—		1,352
Total financial liabilities measured and reported at fair value	$	—	$	2,471	$	5,932	$	8,403

Money market funds

The fair value of money market funds, which are reported in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets, is based on quoted market prices (Level 1). The fair values of these investments approximate cost due to the short-term maturities and the high credit quality of the issuers of the underlying securities.

Trading securities associated with deferred compensation plans

Trading securities represent mutual fund investments that are matched to employee deferred compensation obligations. These investments are bought and sold as employees defer compensation, receive distributions, or make changes in the funds underlying their accounts. Quoted market prices (Level 1) are used to determine the fair values of the mutual funds.

Interest rate swap agreements

The fair values of interest rate swap agreements are determined based on dealer quotes using a discounted cash flow model matched to the contractual terms of each instrument. Since inputs to the model are observable and significant judgment is not required in determining the fair values, interest rate swaps are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

The fair values of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are also determined based on dealer quotes using a discounted cash flow model matched to the contractual terms of each instrument. Since inputs to the model are observable and significant judgment is not required in determining the fair values, forward foreign currency exchange contracts are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers

The Company guarantees bank loans to tobacco growers in Brazil for crop financing and construction of curing barns or other tobacco producing assets. In the event that the farmers default on their payments to the banks, the Company would be required to perform under the guarantees. The Company regularly evaluates the likelihood of farmer defaults based on an expected loss analysis and records the fair value of its guarantees as an obligation in its consolidated financial statements. The fair value of the guarantees is determined using the expected loss data for all loans outstanding at each measurement date. The present value of the cash flows associated with the estimated losses is then calculated at a risk-adjusted interest rate (4.2% as of December 31, 2012, 7.3% as of December 31, 2011 and 6.6% as of March 31, 2012) that is aligned with the expected duration of the liability and includes an adjustment for nonperformance risk. This approach is sometimes referred to as the “contingent claims valuation method.” Although historical loss data is an observable input, significant judgment is required in applying this information to the portfolio of guaranteed loans outstanding at each measurement date and in selecting a risk-adjusted interest rate. Significant increases or decreases in the risk-adjusted interest rate may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. The guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers are therefore classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

A reconciliation of the change in the balance of the financial liability for guarantees of bank loans to tobacco growers (Level 3) for the nine months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 is provided below. A significant number of the loans in the portfolio reached their maturity dates during fiscal year 2012. The Company satisfied its obligations under the related guarantees by remitting payment to the banks and taking title to the loans, thereby reducing the guarantee liability.



	Nine Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands of dollars)	2012			2011

Balance at beginning of year	$	5,932		$	20,699
Transfer to allowance for loss on direct loans to farmers (removal of prior crop year and other loans from portfolio)	(5,609		)	(19,123		)
Transfer from allowance for loss on direct loans to farmers (addition of current crop year loans)	4,825			4,276
Change in discount rate and estimated collection period	96			676
Currency remeasurement	(219		)	(1,691		)
Balance at end of period	$	5,025		$	4,837

Universal has not elected to report at fair value any financial instruments or any other assets or liabilities that are not required to be reported at fair value under current accounting guidance.

Long-term Obligations

The fair value of the Company’s long-term obligations, including the current portion, was approximately $401 million at December 31, 2012, $430 million at December 31, 2011, and $428 million at March 31, 2012. The Company estimates the fair value of its long-term obligations using Level 2 inputs which are based upon quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current interest rates available to the Company for debt of similar terms and maturities.

NOTE 9. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The Company has several defined benefit pension plans covering U.S. salaried employees and certain foreign and other employee groups. These plans provide retirement benefits based primarily on employee compensation and years of service. The Company also provides postretirement health and life insurance benefits for eligible U.S. employees attaining specific age and service levels.

The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost were as follows:



	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	Three Months Ended December 31,						Three Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands of dollars)	2012			2011			2012			2011

Service cost	$	1,229		$	891		$	151		$	188
Interest cost	3,174			3,413			582			578
Expected return on plan assets	(3,544		)	(3,700		)	(31		)	(33		)
Settlement costs	1,975			—			—			—
Net amortization and deferral	2,522			2,384			56			(58		)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	5,356		$	2,988		$	758		$	675



	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	Nine Months Ended December 31,						Nine Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands of dollars)	2012			2011			2012			2011

Service cost	$	3,499		$	3,455		$	445		$	566
Interest cost	9,493			10,250			1,727			1,734
Expected return on plan assets	(10,238		)	(11,055		)	(93		)	(101		)
Settlement costs	3,304			—			—			—
Net amortization and deferral	7,886			5,061			156			(175		)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	13,944		$	7,711		$	2,235		$	2,024

During the nine months ended December 31, 2012, the Company made contributions of approximately $11.4 million to its pension plans. Additional contributions of approximately $3.6 million are expected during the remaining three months of fiscal year 2013, including $2.6 million to the Company's ERISA-regulated U.S. plan and $1.0 million to its non-ERISA regulated and other plans.

NOTE 10. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Universal’s shareholders have approved Executive Stock Plans (“Plans”) under which officers, directors, and employees of the Company may receive grants and awards of common stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share awards (“PSAs”), stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), incentive stock options, and non-qualified stock options. The Company’s practice is to award grants of stock-based compensation to officers on an annual basis at the first regularly-scheduled meeting of the Executive Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) in the fiscal year following the public release of the Company’s financial results for the prior year. The Compensation Committee administers the Company’s Plans consistently following previously defined guidelines. Awards of restricted stock, RSUs, PSAs, SARs, and non-qualified stock options are currently outstanding under the Plans. The non-qualified stock options and SARs have an exercise price equal to the closing price of a share of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. All stock options currently outstanding are fully vested and exercisable, and they expire ten years after the grant date. The SARs are settled in shares of common stock, vest in equal one-third tranches one, two, and three years after the grant date, and expire ten years after the grant date, except that SARs granted after fiscal year 2007 expire on the earlier of three years after the grantee’s retirement date or ten years after the grant date. The RSUs vest five years from the grant date and are then paid out in shares of common stock. Under the terms of the RSU awards, grantees receive dividend equivalents in the form of additional RSUs that vest and are paid out on the same date as the original RSU grant. The PSAs vest three years from the grant date, are paid out in shares of common stock at the vesting date, and do not carry rights to dividends or dividend equivalents prior to vesting. Shares ultimately paid out under PSA grants are dependent on the achievement of predetermined performance measures established by the Compensation Committee and can range from zero to 150% of the stated award. The Company’s outside directors automatically receive restricted stock units or shares of restricted stock following each annual meeting of shareholders. RSUs awarded to outside directors vest three years after the grant date, and restricted shares vest upon the individual’s retirement from service as a director.

During the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, Universal issued the following stock-based awards, representing the regular annual grants to officers and outside directors of the Company:



	Nine Months Ended December 31,
	2012		2011

SARs:
Number granted	—		170,400
Exercise price	N/A		$	37.86
Grant date fair value	N/A		$	7.46

RSUs:
Number granted	75,950		71,900
Grant date fair value	$	44.39	$	37.29

PSAs:
Number granted	60,850		42,600
Grant date fair value	$	38.14	$	31.95

As indicated in the table above, the Compensation Committee awarded only grants of RSUs and PSAs in the current fiscal year, and did not award any grants of SARs. The grant date fair value of the SARs awarded in the prior fiscal year was estimated using the Black-Scholes pricing model and the following assumptions:



	2011

Expected term	5 years
Expected volatility	35.80%
Expected dividend yield	5.07%
Risk-free interest rate	1.66%

Fair value expense for stock-based compensation is recognized ratably over the period from grant date to the earlier of: (1) the vesting date of the award, or (2) the date the grantee is eligible to retire without forfeiting the award. For employees who are already eligible to retire at the date an award is granted, the total fair value of all non-forfeitable awards is recognized as expense at the date of grant. As a result, Universal typically incurs higher stock compensation expense in the first quarter of each fiscal year when grants are awarded than in the other three quarters. For PSAs, the Company generally recognizes fair value expense ratably over the performance and vesting period based on management’s judgment of the ultimate award that is likely to be paid out based on the achievement of the predetermined performance measures. For the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded total stock-based compensation expense of approximately $4.7 million and $4.9 million, respectively. The Company expects to recognize stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1.0 million during the remaining three months of fiscal year 2013.

NOTE 11. OPERATING SEGMENTS

The principal approach used by management to evaluate the Company’s performance is by geographic region, although the dark air-cured and oriental tobacco businesses are each evaluated on the basis of their worldwide operations. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on operating income after allocated overhead expenses (excluding significant non-recurring charges or credits), plus equity in the pretax earnings of unconsolidated affiliates.

Operating results for the Company’s reportable segments for each period presented in the consolidated statements of income were as follows:



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Nine Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands of dollars)	2012			2011			2012			2011

SALES AND OTHER OPERATING REVENUES
Flue-cured and burley leaf tobacco operations:
North America	$	85,521		$	109,743		$	205,377		$	236,101
Other regions⁽¹⁾	551,903			529,476			1,461,417			1,423,275
Subtotal	637,424			639,219			1,666,794			1,659,376
Other tobacco operations⁽²⁾	42,605			33,201			149,813			133,535
Consolidated sales and other operating revenues	$	680,029		$	672,420		$	1,816,607		$	1,792,911

OPERATING INCOME
Flue-cured and burley leaf tobacco operations:
North America	$	5,235		$	13,234		$	9,764		$	23,864
Other regions⁽¹⁾	59,292			69,382			168,068			146,732
Subtotal	64,527			82,616			177,832			170,596
Other tobacco operations⁽²⁾	(1,255		)	814			8,090			4,044
Segment operating income	63,272			83,430			185,922			174,640
Deduct: Equity in pretax (earnings) loss of unconsolidated affiliates ⁽³⁾	1,241			(1,072		)	192			2,264
Restructuring costs ⁽⁴⁾	—			(399		)	(3,687		)	(10,220		)
Charge for European Commission fine in Italy ⁽⁴⁾	—			—			—			(49,091		)
Add: Other income⁽⁴⁾	—			11,111			—			20,703
Consolidated operating income	$	64,513		$	93,070		$	182,427		$	138,296


(1)	Includes South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia regions, as well as inter-region eliminations.


(2)	Includes Dark Air-Cured, Special Services, and Oriental, as well as inter-company eliminations. Sales and other operating revenues for this reportable segment include limited amounts for Oriental because its financial results consist principally of equity in the pretax earnings of an unconsolidated affiliate.


(3)	Item is included in segment operating income, but is not included in consolidated operating income.


(4)	Item is not included in segment operating income, but is included in consolidated operating income.

NOTE 12. CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

A reconciliation of the changes in Universal Corporation shareholders’ equity and noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries for the nine months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:



	Nine Months Ended December 31, 2012									Nine Months Ended December 31, 2011
(in thousands of dollars)	Universal Corporation			Non-controlling Interests			Total			Universal Corporation			Non-controlling Interests			Total

Balance at beginning of year	$	1,183,451		$	22,539		$	1,205,990		$	1,185,606		$	13,799		$	1,199,405
Changes in common stock
Issuance of common stock	493			—			493			140			—			140
Repurchase of common stock	(969		)	—			(969		)	(661		)	—			(661		)
Accrual of stock-based compensation	4,686			—			4,686			4,857			—			4,857
Withholding of shares from stock-based compensation for grantee income taxes (SARs, RSUs, and PSAs)	(2,970		)	—			(2,970		)	(1,522		)	—			(1,522		)
Dividend equivalents on RSUs	430			—			430			384			—			384

Changes in retained earnings
Net income	106,648			7,586			114,234			66,302			4,625			70,927
Cash dividends declared
Series B 6.75% convertible perpetual preferred stock	(11,137		)	—			(11,137		)	(11,137		)	—			(11,137		)
Common stock	(34,600		)	—			(34,600		)	(33,555		)	—			(33,555		)
Repurchase of common stock	(4,681		)	—			(4,681		)	(2,827		)	—			(2,827		)
Dividend equivalents on RSUs	(430		)	—			(430		)	(384		)	—			(384		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes	(634		)	292			(342		)	(11,880		)	(98		)	(11,978		)
Foreign currency hedge, net of income taxes	1,023			—			1,023			(4,963		)	—			(4,963		)
Interest rate hedge, net of income taxes	(501		)	—			(501		)	(533		)	—			(533		)
Pension and other postretirement benefits, net of income taxes	7,168			—			7,168			3,272			—			3,272
Other changes in noncontrolling interests
Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders	—			(1,945		)	(1,945		)	—			(94		)	(94		)
Balance at end of period	$	1,247,977		$	28,472		$	1,276,449		$	1,193,099		$	18,232		$	1,211,331

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

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the following “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Among other things, these statements relate to the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, and future business plans, operations, opportunities, and prospects. In addition, the Company and its representatives may from time to time make written or oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in reports to shareholders. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of words such as we “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “could,” “should,” “may,” “plan,” “will,” “predict,” “estimate,” and similar expressions or words of similar import. These forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current knowledge and assumptions about future events and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated results, prospects, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, anticipated levels of demand for and supply of our products and services; costs incurred in providing these products and services; timing of shipments to customers; changes in market structure; government regulation; product taxation; industry consolidation and evolution; changes in exchange rates and interest rates; regulation and litigation impacts on our customers; and general economic, political, market, and weather conditions. For a further description of factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements as these statements speak only as of the date when made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this report. This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

After significant seasonal working capital investment in the first half of the fiscal year, we generally expect inventory levels and other working capital items to decrease in the second half of our fiscal year as crops in Africa are shipped and South American shipments near completion. By December 31, 2012, we saw the beginning of the seasonal contraction in our working capital levels with inventory levels declining, cash flow provided by operations increasing, cash balances increasing, and debt levels decreasing from September 30, 2012 levels. We funded our working capital needs for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, using a combination of cash on hand, short-term borrowings, customer advances, and operating cash flows. Our working capital needs for the first nine months of fiscal year 2013 have been reduced largely due to accelerated processing and shipping of tobacco, sales of uncommitted inventories, smaller crops this year, and carryover shipments from last year's large crops in some origins.

Our liquidity and capital resource requirements are predominantly short term in nature and relate to working capital for tobacco crop purchases. Working capital needs are seasonal within each geographic region. The geographic dispersion and the timing of working capital needs permit us to predict our general level of cash requirements, although crop size, prices paid to farmers, shipment and delivery timing, and currency fluctuations affect requirements each year. Peak working capital requirements are generally reached during the first and second fiscal quarters. Each geographic area follows a cycle of buying, processing, and shipping, although in many regions, we also provide agricultural materials to farmers during the growing season. The timing of the elements of each cycle is influenced by such factors as local weather conditions and individual customer shipping requirements, which may change the level or the duration of crop financing. Despite a predominance of short-term needs, we maintain a relatively large portion of our total debt as long-term to reduce liquidity risk. We also periodically have large cash balances that we utilize to meet our working capital requirements.

Operating Activities

Our operating activities provided $202 million in net cash flows during the nine months ended December 31, 2012. That amount was $142 million higher than the amount generated during the same period last year, primarily due to lower working capital needs this fiscal year. This increase is also reflected in our cash and cash equivalent balances which are $189 million higher than December 31, 2011 levels. Tobacco inventory increased by $61 million from March 31, 2012 levels on seasonal leaf purchases and ended the period at $743 million. Tobacco inventory levels were $120 million lower than December 31, 2011 levels, principally due to smaller crops, coupled with accelerated shipments in South America and some African origins and reductions in uncommitted inventories in key origins. Inventory is usually financed with a mix of cash, notes payable, and customer deposits, depending on our available cash balances, borrowing capabilities, interest rates, and exchange rates, as well as those of our customers.

Accounts receivable decreased by $39 million compared to March 31, 2012, reflecting seasonal decreases including collections on shipments of large African carryover crops. Accounts receivable were $55 million lower than December 31, 2011 levels, largely due to smaller crops, accelerated shipments in some origins, and the mix of customer sales.

We generally do not purchase material quantities of tobacco on a speculative basis. The majority of our inventories are not considered to be at risk as they are committed for sale to customers. At December 31, 2012, our uncommitted inventories were $77 million, or about 10% of total tobacco inventory, compared to $143 million, or about 21% of our March 31, 2012 inventory, and $124 million, or about 14% of our December 31, 2011 inventory. Our uncommitted inventories at December 31, 2012, were at very low levels for our business and reflect leaf sales that have reduced uncommitted inventories in several key origins, as well as the smaller crops.

Investing Activities

During the nine months ended December 31, 2012, we invested about $24 million in our fixed assets compared to $30 million in the nine months ended December 31, 2011. Depreciation expense was approximately $32 million and $31 million in the nine months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Our intent is to limit routine capital spending to a level below depreciation expense in order to maintain strong cash flow. We currently have no major capital expenditures approved for the next twelve months. However, from time to time, we identify opportunities that may require significant capital investment. In the nine months ended December 31, 2011, we received $19 million in proceeds from the sale of fixed assets, including the sale of our Canadian facilities and land and storage buildings in Brazil, and we received $10 million from an insurance settlement on assets destroyed by a fire.

Financing Activities

We consider the sum of notes payable and overdrafts, long-term debt (including the current portion), and customer advances and deposits, less cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments on our balance sheet to be our net debt. We also consider our net debt plus shareholders' equity to be our net capitalization. Net debt decreased by about $91 million to $201 million during the nine months ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to lower working capital requirements. Net debt as a percentage of net capitalization was approximately 14% at December 31, 2012, reflecting lower than normal seasonal expansion and higher cash balances, and was below our target range. This ratio is down from about 19% at March 31, 2012, and down from approximately 26% at December 31, 2011. Net debt was about $231 million lower than December 31, 2011 levels, reflecting lower working capital needs. In the nine months ended December 31, 2012, we used cash to repay $14 million of maturing long-term debt. As of December 31, 2012, we were in compliance with all covenants of our debt agreements, which require us to maintain certain levels of tangible net worth and observe restrictions on debt levels. We had $450 million available under a committed revolving credit facility that will mature in November 2016 and $342 million in cash and cash equivalents. Our short-term debt totaled $87 million, and we had $210 million of current maturities of long-term debt. In addition, we had about $431 million in unused, uncommitted credit lines. Our seasonal working capital requirements typically increase significantly between March and September and decline after September. Available capital resources from our cash balances, committed credit facility, and uncommitted credit lines exceed our normal working capital needs, current maturities of long-term debt, any cash payments related to our E.U. fine appeal, and currently anticipated capital expenditure requirements over the next twelve months. While our available capital resources exceed these anticipated needs, we may explore issuing additional long-term debt in order to better control liquidity risk.

Our Board of Directors approved our current share repurchase program in November 2011. The program expires in November 2013 and authorizes purchases of up to $100 million of our common stock. Under the authorization, we may purchase shares from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at prices not exceeding prevailing market rates. During the first nine months of this fiscal year, we purchased 115,112 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $6 million (average share price per share of $49.09), based on trading dates. We did not purchase any shares under this program prior to the beginning of this fiscal year. In determining our level of share repurchase activity, our intent is to use only cash available after meeting our capital investment, dividend, and working capital requirements. Repurchases of shares under the repurchase program may vary based on management discretion, as well as changes in cash flow generation and availability. As of December 31, 2012, our available authorization under the program was $94 million and approximately 23 million common shares were outstanding.

Derivatives

From time to time, we use interest rate swap agreements to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates. At December 31, 2012, the fair value of our outstanding interest rate swap agreements was a liability of about $2 million, and the notional amount swapped was approximately $95 million. These agreements were entered into to eliminate the variability of cash flows in the interest payments on our variable rate amortizing term loan. Under the swap agreements, we receive variable rate interest and pay fixed rate interest. The swaps are accounted for as cash flow hedges.

We also enter forward contracts from time to time to hedge certain foreign currency exposures, primarily related to forecast purchases of tobacco and related processing costs in Brazil, as well as our net monetary asset exposure in local currency there. We generally account for our hedges of forecast tobacco purchases as cash flow hedges. At December 31, 2012, we had no open hedge contracts for those purposes. We had other forward contracts outstanding that were not designated as hedges, and the fair value of those contracts was not material at December 31, 2012.

Results of Operations

Amounts described as net income and earnings per diluted share in the following discussion are attributable to Universal Corporation and exclude earnings related to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries.

Net income for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, was $106.6 million, or $3.75 per diluted share, compared with last year's net income of $66.3 million, or $2.34 per diluted share for the same period. The comparison of the current and prior year periods is affected by several unusual items, which are described below, and amount to net pretax charges of $3.7 million ($0.05 per diluted share) for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, and $38.6 million ($1.39 per diluted share) for the same period last year. For the three months ended December 31, 2012, net income of $35.5 million, or $1.25 per diluted share, compared with net income for the prior year's third quarter of $58.5 million, or $2.06 per diluted share, which included unusual items amounting to a net pretax benefit of $10.7 million ($0.25 per diluted share).

Segment operating income, which excludes those unusual items, was $185.9 million for the nine-month period, an increase of $11.3 million over the prior year, as improved results in the Other Regions and Other Tobacco Operations segments were partly offset by a decline in the North America segment. Revenues increased by 1% to $1.8 billion for the first nine months of fiscal year 2013, mostly as a result of higher volumes from carryover crop sales from the prior year and accelerated shipments of current crop tobaccos. Segment operating income declined by 24% to $63.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2012, compared with the prior year on lower volumes and margins in all segments. Revenues increased for the quarter by 1% to $680 million on those lower volumes at higher average prices.

The following table sets forth the unusual items included in reported results:



	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	December 31,					December 31,
(in millions of dollars, except per share amounts)	2012		2011			2012			2011
(Charges) and gains
Charge for European Commission fine in Italy ⁽¹⁾	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	(49.1	)
Restructuring costs ⁽²⁾	—		(0.4		)	(3.7		)	(10.2		)
Gain on fire loss insurance settlement in Europe ⁽³⁾	—		—			—			9.6
Gain on sale of facility in Brazil ⁽⁴⁾	—		11.1			—			11.1

Total effect on operating income	$	—	$	10.7		$	(3.7	)	$	(38.6	)

Total effect on net income	$	—	$	7.0		$	(1.5	)	$	(39.4	)

Total effect on diluted earnings per share	$	—	$	0.25		$	(0.05	)	$	(1.39	)

(1) Fines and accumulated interest from the September 9, 2011, decision by the General Court of the European Union rejecting an Italian subsidiary's application to reinstate immunity related to infringements of European Union antitrust law in the Italian raw tobacco market.

(2) Restructuring charges, primarily related to workforce reductions in the United States, South America, Europe, and Africa.

(3) The fire loss insurance settlement related to a plant fire in Europe in 2010. The operating assets have been replaced.

(4) Sale of land and storage buildings in Brazil in November 2011.

Flue-cured and Burley Leaf Tobacco Operations

Nine Months

Operating income for the flue-cured and burley tobacco operations, which include the North America and Other Regions segments, increased by 4.2% to $177.8 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, as improved results in the Other

Regions segment were partially offset by a decline in the North America segment. Revenues for the group of about $1.7 billion were relatively flat compared with the previous year. Earnings for the Other Regions segment were $168.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, an increase of about 15% compared with earnings of $146.7 million for the comparable prior year period. The improvement was driven primarily by higher sales volumes in South America and Africa, mainly as a result of carryover shipments from last year's large crops, as well as accelerated shipment timing this year compared to slower deliveries last year. Those factors were partly offset by decreased earnings in Europe because of the absence of last year's insurance recoveries, lower results in some origins due to the timing of shipments, and unfavorable exchange rates. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the segment were reduced, mostly due to currency remeasurement and exchange gains and lower provisions for suppliers. Revenues for the Other Regions segment were up by about 3% to $1.5 billion, reflecting increased overall leaf volumes, offset in part by lower average prices on carryover shipments of African tobaccos.

Operating income for the North America segment decreased by $14.1 million to $9.8 million, mainly due to lower shipment volumes and fewer carryover and old crop sales in the current period. Similarly, revenues for this segment were down by 13% to $205.4 million on those volume declines, offset in part by higher tobacco processing volumes.

Third Quarter

Operating income for the flue-cured and burley tobacco operations decreased by $18.1 million to $64.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013, compared to the same period last year on lower volumes and margins in most origins. Revenues for the group of $637.4 million were flat versus the prior year, on decreased volumes at higher average prices. Operating income for the Other Regions segment was down by 15% to $59.3 million compared with the prior year. Although South America's results benefited from higher shipments of carryover crops in Brazil, that improvement was more than offset by lower results in Africa from reduced volumes and higher unit costs due to the smaller crops, as well as a less favorable product mix. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the Other Regions segment were down for the quarter due primarily to lower provisions for suppliers and favorable currency remeasurement and exchange comparisons to the same period last year. In addition, segment results were reduced by the absence of $6.3 million in dividend income from unconsolidated subsidiaries recorded in the third quarter of fiscal year 2012. Revenues for the Other Regions segment increased by 4% to $551.9 million as higher average prices outweighed lower volumes.

Operating income for the North America segment was $5.2 million, down by $8.0 million, on reduced volumes, fewer domestic old crop sales due to depleted inventories, and product mix. Those factors also decreased revenues for this segment, which declined by 22% to $85.5 million.

Other Tobacco Operations

The Other Tobacco Operations segment operating income increased by $4.0 million to $8.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, compared with the same period for the previous fiscal year. Results for the dark tobacco business improved for both the quarter and the nine months, due in part to recovery from the Indonesian crop shortages affecting last year's comparable results. Results for the oriental joint venture also improved for the nine-month period versus the prior year on lower operating expenses due to the effects of a stronger U.S. dollar. Operating income for the segment for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013 was a loss of $1.3 million, down $2.1 million compared with the prior year, as benefits from a favorable product mix for the dark tobacco business were outweighed by volume reductions for the oriental joint venture due to earlier shipments this fiscal year. Revenues for this segment increased for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, by 12%, to $149.8 million, and for the third fiscal quarter by 28% to $42.6 million. The increases in both periods reflected the higher sales for the dark tobacco business but were largely attributable to the timing of shipments of oriental tobaccos into the United States.

Other Information

Cost of goods sold increased by about 2% to $1.5 billion for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, consistent with higher revenues for the period, and was up about 6%, to $554.6 million, for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013 due to higher unit costs on reduced volumes in some origins. Selling, general, and administrative costs declined by $14.6 million for the nine-month period and by $3.8 million in the third fiscal quarter, compared with the respective prior periods. The decrease for the quarter was mainly due to lower provisions for suppliers, while the nine-month period also included favorable comparisons from currency remeasurement and exchange gains, partially offset by higher compensation and benefit accruals and the previous year's reversal of non-income tax provisions due to a favorable tax ruling in South America.

Interest expense for the nine months ended December 31, 2012, of $17.8 million was relatively flat compared to the prior year. Interest expense for the third quarter decreased about 8% to $5.7 million mostly due to reduced average debt levels in the current fiscal year. The consolidated effective income tax rate for both the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2012, was approximately 31%. The effective income tax rates for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2011, were approximately

30% and 41%, respectively. The nine-month rate in the prior period was significantly higher than normal because the Company did not record an income tax benefit on the non-deductible fine portion of the charge for the European Commission fine and interest in Italy. Without that item, the effective income tax rate would have been approximately 29%. The rates in all periods were lower than the 35% federal statutory rate because of the effect of changes in exchange rates on deferred income tax assets and liabilities as well as lower effective rates on income from certain foreign subsidiaries.

In September 2011, the Company announced that the General Court of the European Union issued a decision rejecting the appeal of Deltafina, S.p.A, its Italian subsidiary. That appeal related to the European Commission's revocation of Deltafina's immunity from a fine of €30 million (about $41 million on September 9, 2011) assessed against Deltafina and Universal jointly for actions in connection with Deltafina's purchase and processing of tobacco in the Italian raw tobacco market between 1995 and 2002. Deltafina has appealed the decision of the General Court to the European Court of Justice. Effective with the September 9, 2011 General Court decision, the Company recorded a charge for the full amount of the fine (€30 million) plus accumulated interest (€5.9 million). The charge totaled $49.1 million at the exchange rate in effect on the date of the General Court decision. The appeal process is likely to be concluded within fifteen months.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, an insurance settlement was received for replacement cost recovery on the factory and equipment destroyed in a fire at the Company's sheet tobacco operations in Europe in 2010. The settlement generated a gain of $9.6 million. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2012, the Company sold land and storage buildings in Brazil in exchange for other property and $9.4 million in cash. The transaction resulted in a gain of $11.1 million. Both of these gains are reported in other income in the consolidated statements of income.

General Overview

The hard work and depth of local market knowledge from our teams on the ground around the world enabled us to deliver good results to our customers and shareholders in the nine months ended December 31, 2012. Despite our success thus far, we still face challenges for the remainder of the fiscal year. We anticipate lower shipments in the fourth quarter. Last year, we began shipping tobacco later compared to the current year, and crops were larger. These factors caused volumes to be skewed toward the second half of last year. Larger volumes of uncommitted inventories were also available for sale last year, and we have sold a significant amount of those stocks. Our uncommitted stocks were only 10% of total inventory at December 31, 2012, and remain at very low levels.

On a positive note, sales of uncommitted inventories, smaller crops, and earlier shipments in the current year have reduced our working capital requirements and provided strong cash generation through the third quarter of fiscal year 2013. We returned more than $50 million to shareholders in the nine months ended December 31, 2012 through dividends and share repurchases and have a strong balance sheet position to support the requirements of the upcoming crop cycle. Our improved financial position will serve us well, as we expect to return to more normal crop sizes in the next fiscal year.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rates

After inventory is purchased, interest rate risk is limited in our business because customers usually pre-finance purchases or pay market rates of interest for inventory purchased for their accounts. We bill our customers interest on tobacco purchased for their order at certain points in the inventory cycle. That interest is paid at rates based on current markets for variable rate debt. If we fund our committed tobacco inventory with fixed-rate debt, we might not be able to recover interest at that fixed rate if current market interest rates were to fall. As of December 31, 2012, tobacco inventory of $743 million included $666 million in inventory that was committed for sale to customers and $77 million that was not committed. Committed inventory, after deducting about $61 million in customer deposits, represents our potential net exposure of about $605 million. We normally maintain a portion of our debt at variable interest rates in order to mitigate such interest rate risk related to carrying fixed-rate debt. At December 31, 2012, we had large cash balances that we plan to use to fund seasonal purchases of tobacco. These cash balances reduce our financing needs. Debt carried at variable interest rates was approximately $87 million at December 31, 2012. Although a hypothetical 1% change in short-term interest rates would result in a change in annual interest expense of approximately $1 million, that amount would be at least partially mitigated by changes in charges to customers. Our policy is to work toward a level of floating-rate liabilities, including customer deposits, that reflects our average committed inventory levels over time.

Currency

The international leaf tobacco trade generally is conducted in U.S. dollars, thereby limiting foreign exchange risk to that which is related to leaf purchase and production costs, overhead, and income taxes in the source country. We also provide farmer advances that are directly related to leaf purchases and are denominated in the local currency. Any currency gains or losses on those advances are usually offset by decreases or increases in the cost of tobacco, which is priced in the local currency. However, the effect of the offset may not occur until a subsequent quarter or fiscal year. Most of our tobacco operations are accounted for using the U.S. dollar as the functional currency. Because there are no forward foreign exchange markets in many of our major countries of tobacco origin, we often manage our foreign exchange risk by matching funding for inventory purchases with the currency of sale, which is usually the U.S. dollar, and by minimizing our net local currency monetary position in individual countries. We are vulnerable to currency remeasurement gains and losses to the extent that monetary assets and liabilities denominated in local currency do not offset each other. In addition to foreign exchange gains and losses, we are exposed to changes in the cost of tobacco due to changes in the value of the local currency in relation to the U.S. dollar. We routinely enter forward currency exchange contracts to hedge against the effects of currency movements on purchases of tobacco to reduce the volatility of costs. In addition, from time-to-time we enter forward contracts to hedge balance sheet exposures.

In certain tobacco markets that are primarily domestic, we use the local currency as the functional currency. Examples of these markets are Hungary, Poland, and the Philippines. In other markets, such as Western Europe, where export sales have been primarily in local currencies, we also use the local currency as the functional currency. In each case, reported earnings are affected by the translation of the local currency into the U.S. dollar.

Derivatives Policies

Hedging interest rate exposure using swaps and hedging foreign exchange exposure using forward contracts are specifically contemplated to manage risk in keeping with management's policies. We may use derivative instruments, such as swaps, forwards, or futures, which are based directly or indirectly upon interest rates and currencies to manage and reduce the risks inherent in interest rate and currency fluctuations. When we use foreign currency derivatives to mitigate our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations, we may choose not to designate them as hedges for accounting purposes, which may result in the effects of the derivatives being recognized in our earnings in periods different from the items that created the exposure.

We do not utilize derivatives for speculative purposes, and we do not enter into market risk-sensitive instruments for trading purposes. Derivatives are transaction specific so that a specific debt instrument, forecast purchase, contract, or invoice determines the amount, maturity, and other specifics of the hedge. We routinely review counterparty risk as part of our derivative program.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports we file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated, with the participation of other members of management, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with this evaluation that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

European Commission Fines in Italy

In 2002, we reported that we were aware that the European Commission (the "Commission") was investigating certain aspects of the leaf tobacco markets in Italy. One of our subsidiaries, Deltafina, S.p.A. ("Deltafina"), buys and processes tobacco in Italy. We reported that we did not believe that the Commission investigation in Italy would result in penalties being assessed against us or our subsidiaries that would be material to our earnings. The reason we held this belief was that we had received conditional immunity from the Commission because Deltafina had voluntarily informed the Commission of the activities that were the basis of the investigation.

On December 28, 2004, we received a preliminary indication that the Commission intended to revoke Deltafina’s immunity for disclosing in April 2002 that it had applied for immunity. Neither the Commission’s Leniency Notice of February 19, 2002, nor Deltafina’s letter of provisional immunity, contains a specific requirement of confidentiality. The potential for such disclosure was discussed with the Commission in March 2002, and the Commission never told Deltafina that the disclosure would affect Deltafina’s immunity. On November 15, 2005, we received notification from the Commission that the Commission had imposed fines totaling €30 million on Deltafina and Universal Corporation jointly for infringing European Union antitrust law in connection with the purchase and processing of tobacco in the Italian raw tobacco market. In January 2006, Universal Corporation and Deltafina each filed appeals in the General Court ("General Court"). Deltafina’s appeal was held on September 28, 2010. For strategic reasons related to the defense of the Deltafina appeal, we withdrew our appeal. On September 9, 2011, the General Court issued its decision, in which it rejected Deltafina’s application to reinstate immunity. Deltafina has appealed the decision of the General Court to the European Court of Justice, and a hearing was held in November 2012. Effective with the September 9, 2011 General Court decision, we recorded a charge for the full amount of the fine (€30 million) plus accumulated interest (€5.9 million). The charge totaled $49.1 million at the exchange rate in effect on the date of the General Court decision. Deltafina maintains a bank guarantee in favor of the Commission in the amount of the fine plus accumulated interest in order to stay execution during the appeals process. We expect the appeal to be concluded within fifteen months, and any fine and interest Deltafina may ultimately be required to pay would not be due until the European Court of Justice issues its decision.

Hupan, Chalanuk and Da Silva Lawsuits

As previously disclosed, we were named along with multiple other defendants in Hupan, et al. v. Alliance One International, Inc., et al., Chalanuk, et al. v. Alliance One International, Inc., et al. and Da Silva, et. al. v. Alliance One International, Inc. et.al., which are separate but related lawsuits filed in Delaware state court seeking damages related to birth defects in Argentine children that were alleged to have been related to caused by herbicides and pesticides used in the production of tobacco by Tabacos Norte, S.A. We were sued based upon our alleged business dealings with the co-defendants in the production of tobacco by Tabacos Norte, S.A. On jurisdictional grounds, we did not believe that we should be a party to the lawsuits, and our outside counsel so advised the counsel for the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs subsequently agreed to dismiss us from the lawsuits without prejudice. Orders dismissing us from the lawsuits were entered by the court in December 2012.

Other Legal Matters

In addition to the above-mentioned matters, some of our subsidiaries are involved in other litigation or legal matters incidental to their business activities. While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, we are vigorously defending them and do not currently expect that any of them will have a material adverse effect on our business or financial position. However, should one or more of these matters be resolved in a manner adverse to our current expectation, the effect on our results of operations for a particular fiscal reporting period could be material.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

As of the date of this report, there are no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012. In evaluating our risks, readers should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or operating results, in addition to the other information set forth in this report and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table provides information concerning our repurchase shares of our common stock during the three-month period ended December 31, 2012:



Period ⁽¹⁾	Total Number of Shares Repurchased	Average Price Paid Per Share ⁽²⁾		Total Number of Shares Repurchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs ⁽³⁾	Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs ⁽³⁾

October 1, 2012 to October 31, 2012	—	$	—	—	$	100,000,000
November 1, 2012 to November 30, 2012	50,570	48.35		50,570	97,554,784
December 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012	64,542	49.66		64,542	94,349,371
Total	115,112	$	49.09	115,112	$	94,349,371


(1)	Repurchases are based on the date the shares were traded. This presentation differs from the consolidated statement of cash flows, where the cost of share repurchases is based on the date the transactions were settled.


(2)	Amounts listed for average price paid per share include broker commissions paid in the transactions.

(3)

A stock repurchase plan, which was authorized by our Board of Directors, became effective and was publicly announced on November 8, 2011. This stock repurchase plan authorizes the purchase of up to $100 million in common stock in open market or privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions and other factors. This stock repurchase program will expire on the earlier of November 15, 2013, or when we have exhausted the funds authorized for the program.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS



12		Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges, and Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preference Dividends.*

31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

32.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.*

32.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.*

101.0		Interactive Data File (Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language)).*

		Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2012, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and (iv) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

* Filed herewith

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:	February 5, 2013	UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
		(Registrant)

		/s/ David C. Moore
		David C. Moore, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer)

		/s/ Robert M. Peebles
		Robert M. Peebles, Vice President and Controller
		(Principal Accounting Officer)