Question:
You are tasked with answering the user's question using the provided context, which includes financial statements (Income Statements, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow Statements) and financial news articles in multiple languages (English, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and Greek). Please provide a detailed and well-supported answer based on the information available. Limit your response to 100 words or fewer. If you cannot answer the question or if no relevant evidence is found, write “None”.

Answer Format:
Answer: {Answer by summarizing the financial news.}
Financial Statements Evidence: {Verify your answer using quote(s) from the financial statements (include original amounts if relevant). Write “None” if no statement evidence is available.}
Context:
Financial Statements:
| Column 1                                              | Column 2   | Column 3     | Column 4   | Column 5     | Column 6   | Column 7   | Column 8   | Column 9   | Column 10   | Column 11   | Column 12   | Column 13   | Column 14   | Column 15   | Column 16   | Column 17   | Column 18   | Column 19   | Column 20   | Column 21   |
|:------------------------------------------------------|:-----------|:-------------|:-----------|:-------------|:-----------|:-----------|:-----------|:-----------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|
|                                                       |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                       |            | December 31, |            | December 31, |            | March 31,  |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                       |            | 2023         |            | 2022         |            | 2023       |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                       |            | (Unaudited)  |            | (Unaudited)  |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| ASSETS                                                |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Current assets                                        |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Cash and cash equivalents                             |            | $            | 74,102     |              |            | $          | 71,283     |            |             | $           | 64,690      |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Accounts receivable, net                              |            | 435,306      |            |              | 536,650    |            |            | 402,073    |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Advances to suppliers, net                            |            | 159,481      |            |              | 163,237    |            |            | 170,801    |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Accounts receivable—unconsolidated affiliates         |            | 33,109       |            |              | 5,920      |            |            | 12,210     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Inventories—at lower of cost or net realizable value: |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Tobacco                                               |            | 1,009,030    |            |              | 866,380    |            |            | 833,876    |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Other                                                 |            | 196,246      |            |              | 211,561    |            |            | 202,907    |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Prepaid income taxes                                  |            | 18,304       |            |              | 17,363     |            |            | 16,493     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                       |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Other current assets                                  |            | 88,051       |            |              | 79,495     |            |            | 99,840     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Total current assets                                  |            | 2,013,629    |            |              | 1,951,889  |            |            | 1,802,890  |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                       |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Property, plant and equipment                         |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Land                                                  |            | 26,516       |            |              | 24,142     |            |            | 24,926     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Buildings                                             |            | 319,740      |            |              | 305,215    |            |            | 311,138    |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Machinery and equipment                               |            | 720,816      |            |              | 679,970    |            |            | 689,220    |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                       |            | 1,067,072    |            |              | 1,009,327  |            |            | 1,025,284  |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Less accumulated depreciation                         |            | (706,642)    |            |              | (663,333)  |            |            | (674,122)  |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                       |            | 360,430      |            |              | 345,994    |            |            | 351,162    |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Other assets                                          |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Operating lease right-of-use assets                   |            | 34,913       |            |              | 42,337     |            |            | 40,505     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Goodwill, net                                         |            | 213,891      |            |              | 213,881    |            |            | 213,922    |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Other intangibles, net                                |            | 71,697       |            |              | 82,917     |            |            | 80,101     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Investments in unconsolidated affiliates              |            | 75,335       |            |              | 72,565     |            |            | 76,184     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Deferred income taxes                                 |            | 14,855       |            |              | 10,005     |            |            | 13,091     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Pension asset                                         |            | 11,586       |            |              | 12,740     |            |            | 9,984      |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Other noncurrent assets                               |            | 37,538       |            |              | 32,575     |            |            | 51,343     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                       |            | 459,815      |            |              | 467,020    |            |            | 485,130    |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                       |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Total assets                                          |            | $            | 2,833,874  |              |            | $          | 2,764,903  |            |             | $           | 2,639,182   |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |

---

| Column 1                                                                                | Column 2   | Column 3     | Column 4   | Column 5     | Column 6   | Column 7   | Column 8   | Column 9   | Column 10   | Column 11   | Column 12   | Column 13   | Column 14   | Column 15   | Column 16   | Column 17   | Column 18   | Column 19   | Column 20   | Column 21   |
|:------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|:-----------|:-------------|:-----------|:-------------|:-----------|:-----------|:-----------|:-----------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|
|                                                                                |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            | December 31, |            | December 31, |            | March 31,  |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            | 2023         |            | 2022         |            | 2023       |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            | (Unaudited)  |            | (Unaudited)  |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                                                                                |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Current liabilities                                                                                |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Notes payable and overdrafts                                                                                |            | $            | 365,327    |              |            | $          | 348,073    |            |             | $           | 195,564     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Accounts payable                                                                                |            | 89,301       |            |              | 92,305     |            |            | 83,213     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Accounts payable—unconsolidated affiliates                                                                                |            | 122          |            |              | 57         |            |            | 5,830      |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Customer advances and deposits                                                                                |            | 19,620       |            |              | 5,365      |            |            | 3,061      |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Accrued compensation                                                                                |            | 27,967       |            |              | 21,670     |            |            | 33,108     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Income taxes payable                                                                                |            | 5,499        |            |              | 3,715      |            |            | 3,274      |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Current portion of operating lease liabilities                                                                                |            | 10,403       |            |              | 11,160     |            |            | 11,404     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities                                                                                |            | 106,635      |            |              | 115,882    |            |            | 106,533    |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Current portion of long-term debt                                                                                |            | —            |            |              | —          |            |            | —          |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Total current liabilities                                                                                |            | 624,874      |            |              | 598,227    |            |            | 441,987    |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Long-term debt                                                                                |            | 617,225      |            |              | 616,750    |            |            | 616,809    |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Pensions and other postretirement benefits                                                                                |            | 43,301       |            |              | 50,773     |            |            | 42,769     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Long-term operating lease liabilities                                                                                |            | 22,050       |            |              | 27,030     |            |            | 25,540     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Other long-term liabilities                                                                                |            | 26,609       |            |              | 22,797     |            |            | 32,512     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Deferred income taxes                                                                                |            | 41,165       |            |              | 48,584     |            |            | 42,613     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Total liabilities                                                                                |            | 1,375,224    |            |              | 1,364,161  |            |            | 1,202,230  |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Shareholders’ equity                                                                                |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Universal Corporation:                                                                                |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Preferred stock:                                                                                |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value,500,000shares authorized,noneissued or outstanding                                                                      |            | —            |            |              | —          |            |            | —          |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Common stock, no par value,100,000,000shares authorized24,559,181shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 (24,555,361at December 31, 2022 and24,555,361at March 31, 2023) |            | 344,467      |            |              | 335,160    |            |            | 337,247    |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Retained earnings                                                                                |            | 1,152,863    |            |              | 1,102,887  |            |            | 1,136,898  |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss                                                                                |            | (80,254)     |            |              | (77,255)   |            |            | (77,057)   |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Total Universal Corporation shareholders' equity                                                                                |            | 1,417,076    |            |              | 1,360,792  |            |            | 1,397,088  |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries                                                                                |            | 41,574       |            |              | 39,950     |            |            | 39,864     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Total shareholders' equity                                                                                |            | 1,458,650    |            |              | 1,400,742  |            |            | 1,436,952  |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |              |            |              |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                                                                                |            | $            | 2,833,874  |              |            | $          | 2,764,903  |            |             | $           | 2,639,182   |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |

---

| Column 1                                                                             | Column 2   | Column 3                       | Column 4   | Column 5   | Column 6   | Column 7   | Column 8   | Column 9   | Column 10   | Column 11   | Column 12   | Column 13   | Column 14   | Column 15   |
|:-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|:-----------|:-------------------------------|:-----------|:-----------|:-----------|:-----------|:-----------|:-----------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            | Nine Months Ended December 31, |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            | 2023                           |            | 2022       |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            | (Unaudited)                    |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Net income                                                                           |            | $                              | 86,914     |            |            | $          | 73,568     |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used by operating activities: |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Depreciation and amortization                                                        |            | 43,843                         |            |            | 42,844     |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Net provision for losses (recoveries) on advances to suppliers                       |            | 9,950                          |            |            | 6,127      |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Inventory writedowns                                                                 |            | 4,813                          |            |            | 10,782     |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Stock-based compensation expense                                                     |            | 10,625                         |            |            | 6,630      |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Foreign currency remeasurement (gain) loss, net                                      |            | 3,227                          |            |            | (1,335)    |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Foreign currency exchange contracts                                                  |            | 2,655                          |            |            | 14,600     |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Deferred income taxes                                                                |            | (2,078)                        |            |            | 470        |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Equity in net loss (income) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends           |            | 2,055                          |            |            | 5,717      |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Restructuring and impairment costs                                                   |            | 3,523                          |            |            | —          |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Restructuring payments                                                               |            | (999)                          |            |            | —          |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Other, net                                                                           |            | 734                            |            |            | (4,967)    |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:                                    |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Accounts and notes receivable                                                        |            | (61,434)                       |            |            | (186,039)  |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Inventories                                                                          |            | (169,129)                      |            |            | (84,250)   |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Other assets                                                                         |            | 16,539                         |            |            | 10,170     |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Accounts payable                                                                     |            | (1,422)                        |            |            | (80,355)   |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities                                       |            | (13,356)                       |            |            | 17,801     |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Income taxes                                                                         |            | 19                             |            |            | (10,191)   |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Customer advances and deposits                                                       |            | 16,784                         |            |            | (5,422)    |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Net cash provided (used) by operating activities                                     |            | (46,737)                       |            |            | (183,850)  |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                            |            | (47,732)                       |            |            | (39,430)   |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash held by the business                     |            | 3,757                          |            |            | 3,245      |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment                                  |            | 1,932                          |            |            | 1,634      |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Net cash used by investing activities                                                |            | (42,043)                       |            |            | (34,551)   |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Issuance of short-term debt, net                                                     |            | 170,433                        |            |            | 166,109    |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Issuance of long-term debt                                                           |            | —                              |            |            | 123,481    |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Repayment of long-term debt                                                          |            | —                              |            |            | (23,481)   |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests                                           |            | (5,845)                        |            |            | (6,825)    |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Repurchase of common stock                                                           |            | (4,744)                        |            |            | (3,448)    |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Dividends paid on common stock                                                       |            | (58,755)                       |            |            | (57,993)   |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Proceeds from termination of interest rate swap agreements                           |            | —                              |            |            | 11,786     |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Other                                                                                |            | (2,973)                        |            |            | (6,337)    |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Net cash provided (used) by financing activities                                     |            | 98,116                         |            |            | 203,292    |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents        |            | 76                             |            |            | (1,256)    |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents                |            | 9,412                          |            |            | (16,365)   |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                      |            | 64,690                         |            |            | 87,648     |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period                          |            | $                              | 74,102     |            |            | $          | 71,283     |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                |            |            |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |

---

| Column 1                                                                          | Column 2   | Column 3                        | Column 4   | Column 5                       | Column 6   | Column 7   | Column 8   | Column 9   | Column 10   | Column 11   | Column 12   | Column 13   | Column 14   | Column 15   | Column 16   | Column 17   | Column 18   | Column 19   | Column 20   | Column 21   | Column 22   | Column 23   | Column 24   | Column 25   | Column 26   | Column 27   |
|:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|:-----------|:--------------------------------|:-----------|:-------------------------------|:-----------|:-----------|:-----------|:-----------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|
|                                                                                |            |                                 |            |                                |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            | Three Months Ended December 31, |            | Nine Months Ended December 31, |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            | 2023                            |            | 2022                           |            | 2023       |            | 2022       |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            | (Unaudited)                     |            | (Unaudited)                    |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Sales and other operating revenues                                                |            | $                               | 821,507    |                                |            | $          | 795,039    |            |             | $           | 1,977,713   |             |             | $           | 1,875,845   |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Costs and expenses                                                                |            |                                 |            |                                |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Cost of goods sold                                                                |            | 654,556                         |            |                                | 649,539    |            |            | 1,592,533  |             |             | 1,540,368   |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses                                      |            | 78,563                          |            |                                | 67,974     |            |            | 227,846    |             |             | 206,799     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                 |            |                                |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Restructuring and impairment costs                                                |            | 924                             |            |                                | —          |            |            | 3,523      |             |             | —           |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                 |            |                                |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Operating income                                                                  |            | 87,464                          |            |                                | 77,526     |            |            | 153,811    |             |             | 128,678     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Equity in pretax earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates                     |            | 1,384                           |            |                                | 345        |            |            | (3,495)    |             |             | 208         |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Other non-operating income (expense)                                              |            | 726                             |            |                                | (69)       |            |            | 2,179      |             |             | (208)       |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Interest income                                                                   |            | 1,720                           |            |                                | 77         |            |            | 4,038      |             |             | 407         |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Interest expense                                                                  |            | 15,525                          |            |                                | 14,265     |            |            | 48,121     |             |             | 33,259      |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Income before income taxes and other items                                        |            | 75,769                          |            |                                | 63,614     |            |            | 108,412    |             |             | 95,826      |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Income taxes                                                                      |            | 14,482                          |            |                                | 12,253     |            |            | 21,498     |             |             | 22,258      |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Net income                                                                        |            | 61,287                          |            |                                | 51,361     |            |            | 86,914     |             |             | 73,568      |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Less:  net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries |            | (8,071)                         |            |                                | (9,701)    |            |            | (7,634)    |             |             | (3,223)     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Net income attributable to Universal Corporation                                  |            | $                               | 53,216     |                                |            | $          | 41,660     |            |             | $           | 79,280      |             |             | $           | 70,345      |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                 |            |                                |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                 |            |                                |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                 |            |                                |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                 |            |                                |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Earnings per share:                                                               |            |                                 |            |                                |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Basic                                                                             |            | $                               | 2.14       |                                |            | $          | 1.68       |            |             | $           | 3.19        |             |             | $           | 2.84        |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Diluted                                                                           |            | $                               | 2.12       |                                |            | $          | 1.67       |            |             | $           | 3.17        |             |             | $           | 2.82        |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                 |            |                                |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding:                                       |            |                                 |            |                                |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Basic                                                                             |            | 24,849,498                      |            |                                | 24,770,294 |            |            | 24,853,774 |             |             | 24,772,827  |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Diluted                                                                           |            | 25,055,829                      |            |                                | 24,928,426 |            |            | 25,017,167 |             |             | 24,934,447  |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                 |            |                                |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Total comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes                            |            | $                               | 55,884     |                                |            | $          | 64,082     |            |             | $           | 83,638      |             |             | $           | 80,377      |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Less: comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests        |            | (8,255)                         |            |                                | (10,071)   |            |            | (7,555)    |             |             | (2,976)     |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation                 |            | $                               | 47,629     |                                |            | $          | 54,011     |            |             | $           | 76,083      |             |             | $           | 77,401      |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
|                                                                                |            |                                 |            |                                |            |            |            |            |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |
| Dividends declared per common share                                               |            | $                               | 0.80       |                                |            | $          | 0.79       |            |             | $           | 2.40        |             |             | $           | 2.37        |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |             |

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English News:
**Universal Corporation Reports Financial Growth and Announces Dividend Increase** Universal Corporation has reported strong financial results for the quarter ending December 31, 2023, underscoring its robust performance amid rising costs. The company, known for its resilient operations, showcased a significant surge in net income, which climbed by 27.7% to $53.2 million. This represents a notable increase from the $41.7 million reported during the same period in the previous year. In addition to the impressive growth in net income, Universal Corporation also experienced a positive shift in its sales and operating revenues. For the quarter in review, revenues rose by 3.3% to reach $821.5 million, compared to $795.0 million in the same quarter of 2022. This upward trajectory in sales affirms the company's capability to navigate cost pressures related to goods sold and other operational expenses. Amid these financial achievements, Universal Corporation announced an increase in its quarterly dividend. Shareholders will receive a dividend of $0.80 per share, slightly higher than last year's $0.79 per share. This dividend is scheduled for payment on May 6, 2024, to shareholders registered as of April 8, 2024. The enhancements in Universal Corporation's financial statements reflect its strategic resilience and commitment to delivering shareholder value, through both income growth and dividend increments. As the company continues to strengthen its market position, stakeholders are poised to benefit from its ongoing operational success.

Chinese News:
环球烟草盘中异动 早盘大幅跳水5.65%报53.76美元 北京时间2024年02月08日22时33分，环球烟草（UVV.us）股票出现异动，股价快速跳水5.65%。截至发稿，该股报53.76美元/股，成交量8305股，换手率0.03%，振幅2.90%。 最近的财报数据显示，该股实现营业收入6.38亿美元，净利润28.13百万美元，每股收益1.13美元，毛利1.28亿美元，市盈率11.15倍。 机构评级方面，目前暂无机构对该股做出“买入、持有、卖出”建议。 环球烟草股票所在的烟草行业中，整体跌幅为0.81%。其相关个股中，英美烟草、Greenlane Holdings Inc、22Nd Century Group Inc涨幅较大，22Nd Century Group Inc、Kaival Brands Innovations Group Inc、英美烟草较为活跃，换手率分别为0.11%、0.11%、0.04%，振幅较大的相关个股有环球烟草、菲利普莫里斯、雾芯科技，振幅分别为2.90%、1.67%、1.62%。 环球烟草公司简介：.环球烟草公司是全球烟叶供应商。该公司从农民那里采购烟叶，进行加工然后销售给制造烟草消费品的公司。环球烟草公司自己不生产或销售任何消费品。该公司的部门包括烟草业务和配料业务。 它从烟草业务部门获得最大收入。从地理上看，它的大部分收入来自美国。

Japanese News:
ユニバーサル（UVV）は、2024年度第3四半期（10月～12月）の業績を発表し、増収・営業増益を達成しました。 2024年2月7日に公開された8-K（重要事項報告書）によると、第3四半期の売上高は前年同期比3.3％増の8億2150万ドルとなりました。営業利益は12.8％増加し、8746万ドルを記録しました。営業利益率は10.6％に向上し、前年同期の9.8％から改善されました。 調整後の1株利益（EPS）は2.12ドルで、前年同期の1.67ドルから増加しました。また、同社は四半期配当を増配し、前年同期より0.01ドル多い0.80ドルの配当を実施しました。

Spanish News:
El 7 de febrero, Universal Corporation reportó ganancias del tercer trimestre de 2,12 dólares por acción, superando los 1,67 dólares por acción registrados en el mismo período del año anterior. George C. Freeman, III, presidente y CEO de la empresa, comentó: "Universal Corporation ha demostrado nuevamente un sólido desempeño financiero y operativo en el tercer trimestre del año fiscal 2024. Los ingresos operativos y netos crecieron un 13% y un 28%, respectivamente, en comparación con el tercer trimestre del año fiscal 2023, lo que ha impulsado un aumento del 20% en los ingresos operativos y del 13% en los ingresos netos en los primeros nueve meses del año fiscal 2024, en comparación con el mismo período del año pasado." A pesar de estos resultados positivos, las acciones de UVV cayeron un 17% en el último mes, alcanzando un mínimo de 52 semanas de 44,40 dólares. El valor del RSI se situó en 22,77. En cuanto al movimiento de las acciones de Universal, estas cayeron un 0,8% para cerrar en 49,35 dólares el martes.

Greek News:
Αύξηση εσόδων κατέγραψε η Universal Corporation (UVV) για το οικονομικό έτος που έληξε στις 31 Μαρτίου 2024, με τις ενοποιημένες πωλήσεις να ανέρχονται σε 2,7 δισεκατομμύρια δολάρια, αυξημένες κατά 178,7 εκατ. δολάρια σε σχέση με το προηγούμενο έτος. Η θετική αυτή μεταβολή αποδίδεται κυρίως στις υψηλότερες τιμές πώλησης καπνού, οι οποίες αντιστάθμισαν τη μείωση των ποσοτήτων πωλήσεων, καθώς και στη βελτίωση του προϊοντικού μείγματος στον τομέα των Καπνικών. Παρά την άνοδο των εσόδων, το καθαρό εισόδημα της εταιρείας διαμορφώθηκε σε 119,6 εκατ. δολάρια ή 4,78 δολάρια ανά μετοχή μετά από αραίωση, ελαφρώς μειωμένο σε σύγκριση με τα 124,1 εκατ. δολάρια ή 4,97 δολάρια ανά μετοχή της προηγούμενης χρήσης.

Question:
How is the company allocating capital (e.g., investments, share repurchases, dividends) based on its performance and market outlook from the news? Please quote all the relevant financial information from the financial statements supporting the finding(s), if any.

Answer:

Question: How is the company allocating capital (e.g., investments, share repurchases, dividends) based on its performance and market outlook from the news? Please quote all the relevant financial information from the financial statements supporting the finding(s), if any.