Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV) Q1 2024 Earnings Call Transcript

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Ann Gurkin: Great. That’s great. And then I get an update on the outlook for the oriental tobacco crop JV was down significantly in the quarter. What’s the outlook for the year for that crop?

Johan Kroner: Yes. That one is specifically, of course, with regard to the unfavorable foreign currency comparisons due to the local currency denominated net assets and a weakening local currency environment and a high interest rate. This is about Turkey. This is specifically about Turkey. A tough environment for those folks there and we’re just trying to get through this crop.

Ann Gurkin: Okay, that’s great. That helps. CapEx for the year, I’m sorry, did that change? I didn’t have time to look in the Q, I’m sorry.

Johan Kroner: $65 million to $75 million still for the next 12 months.

Ann Gurkin: Okay. And then I need help, if you can give any help with SG&A expense for the year or interest expense. I’m struggling with those two lines. They have gone up dramatically over the next — or the past couple of years, and I don’t see how that’s coming down. So, that’s what I would need help with, sorry.

Johan Kroner: Yes. It’s early on, of course. The debt levels in Q1 were similar to last year, but certainly, the interest rates are higher. As you will know, our working capital are usually higher in the first half of the year and green leaf tobacco prices are up. But that one is all I can tell you there. With regard to the SG&A, there is lots of variables there. Of course, we’re trying to highlight the big movers in the current quarter. Certainly, the weakening US dollars in certain origins didn’t help us. And then compensation increases and the higher travel costs also impacted those numbers. So, we always and continue to look at SG&A and try to determine whether or not there is any efficiencies to be had, so we will continue to do that.

Ann Gurkin: So, using the Q4, Q1 number, SG&A number for the full year, every quarter for the full year, is that a reasonable base?

Johan Kroner: Again, we don’t give guidance there, Ann, we’ll have to see how this whole thing pans out.

Ann Gurkin: And are higher SG&A expenses related to the Ingredients business also built into that line?

Johan Kroner: Yes. The SG&A is built into [Indiscernible] yes, ma’am.

Ann Gurkin: Okay, great. And then, Jennifer, I don’t know if you have worldwide uncommitted leaf numbers?

Jennifer Rowe: Sure. 26 million kilos as of June 30th. That’s up 9 million from the March 31 number.

Ann Gurkin: Great. And then any change in priority use of capital for the business?

Johan Kroner: No, there is not.

Ann Gurkin: Okay, that’s great. Thank you. Appreciate your time.

Johan Kroner: Thank you.

George Freeman: Thank you.

Operator: There are no further questions at this time. I will now hand over to Jennifer. Please continue.

Jennifer Rowe: Thank you all for joining us on our call today.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today’s conference call. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.

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