Information
Report Showcases Significant Gains in Renewable Energy, Emissions Reduction, and Farmer Support Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV), ("Universal" or the "Company"), a global business-to- business agriproducts company,
Original sourceAI Summary
Universal Corporation releases its 2025 Sustainability Report highlighting major gains. Renewable electricity consumption increased to 17.8%, approaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 7.7% year-over-year, with approved targets. Universal contracted over 200,000 farmers, enhancing agricultural practices and safety. The report is aligned with global sustainability reporting frameworks and initiatives.
Sentiment Rationale
The emphasis on sustainability aligns with market trends favoring ESG investments, similar to previous cases with other companies that have successfully integrated sustainability into their business models, leading to increased investor interest and price appreciation.
Trading Thesis
The long-term sustainability commitments and resulting gains could position UVV favorably in the agricultural sector, likely enhancing its competitive advantage over time, similar to trends observed in other sustainable companies.
Market-Moving
- Universal Corporation releases its 2025 Sustainability Report highlighting major gains.
- Renewable electricity consumption increased to 17.8%, approaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 7.7% year-over-year, with approved targets.
Key Facts
- Universal Corporation releases its 2025 Sustainability Report highlighting major gains.
- Renewable electricity consumption increased to 17.8%, approaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 7.7% year-over-year, with approved targets.
- Universal contracted over 200,000 farmers, enhancing agricultural practices and safety.
- The report is aligned with global sustainability reporting frameworks and initiatives.
Companies Mentioned
- ADM (ADM)
- MON (MON)
- CAG (CAG)
Corporate Developments
The article outlines significant business strategy shifts in sustainability, suggesting potential future revenue growth and positive investor sentiment, similar to trends seen in peer companies focused on ESG.
Report Showcases Significant Gains in Renewable Energy, Emissions Reduction, and Farmer Support
Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV), ("Universal" or the "Company"), a global business-to- business agriproducts company, announces the release of its 2025 Sustainability Report.
"Building on decades of commitment, sustainability remains central to Universal's strategy and long-term success," said Preston D. Wigner, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Corporation. "By integrating sustainability into our global business, we are better positioned to serve customers, support farmers, strengthen our supply chain, and protect the environment."
During fiscal year 2025, Universal achieved significant progress towards its sustainability goals including:
Environmental Progress:
- Increased renewable electricity consumption by nearly sixfold, with 17.8% of global electricity sourced from renewables, advancing toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Reduced combined Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 7.7% year-over-year, and secured Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approval for near-term, long-term, and net-zero targets.
- Recycled 28.8 million liters of water, a 24% increase over the prior year, and expanded water stewardship programs in high-risk regions.
- Planted over 13 million trees globally and strengthened traceability for curing fuel, with 69% of farmers using 100% traceable fuel.
Social Impact:
- Directly contracted with more than 200,000 tobacco farmers and completed over 2 million farm visits, reinforcing Good Agricultural Practices and Agricultural Labor Practices.
- Distributed 445,000 personal protection equipment (PPE) kits to farmers.
- Advanced workplace safety through global Behavioral-Based Safety programs and completed 28,000 inspections, a 33% increase year-over-year.
Governance & Transparency:
- Conducted a double materiality assessment aligned with the European Union Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
- Expanded the quality, consistency, and scope of the data disclosed in alignment with leading reporting frameworks and evolving regulatory expectations.
Universal's 2025 Sustainability Report details the Company's performance from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, and was prepared in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), with consideration of the EU CSRD and guidance from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The 2025 Sustainability Report is available at www.universalcorp.com/sustainability.
About Universal Corporation
Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV) is a global agricultural company with over 100 years of experience supplying products and innovative solutions to meet our customers' evolving needs and precise specifications. Through our diverse network of farmers and partners across more than 30 countries on five continents, we are a trusted provider of high-quality, traceable products. We leverage our extensive supply chain expertise, global reach, integrated processing capabilities, and commitment to sustainability to provide a range of products and services designed to drive efficiency and deliver value to our customers. For more information, visit www.universalcorp.com.
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Universal Corporation Investor Relations
Phone: (804) 359-9311
Fax: (804) 254-3584
Email: investor@universalleaf.com