Earnings - Universal Corp & Costco

On May 23rd after the close we received FY 2017 & Q4 results from Universal Corp(UVV).  The company reported Q4 EPS loss of $1.64 on revenues of $650 million. The loss was a result of a mandatory conversion of UVV's 6.75% convertible perpetual preferred shares into approximately 2.5 million common shares, which resulted in a one time cost at $74.4 million reducing EPS by $2.99(basic) & $2.90(diluted).  For the year the company reported EPS of $0.88 on revenues slightly down at $2.07 billion. If you add back the share conversion charge for the quarter UVV earned on a diluted basis $1.35, and for the year $3.88. Both numbers are down from $1.95 & $3.92 respectively in 2016. Shares took a 5 point hit on the news, and have been extremely choppy in 2017 after hitting a high of $83.35 in February. Here is part of managements statement:


Mr. Freeman stated, “I am pleased to announce that Universal delivered solid results again this year despite supply headwinds, most notably from the weather-reduced crop sizes in Brazil and ongoing challenging market conditions in Tanzania. Although we had anticipated ending the year with slightly lower volumes, earlier shipment timing as well as attractive green prices in some origins resulting in some additional purchases by our customers boosted shipments later in our fiscal year, allowing us to improve our market share and achieve lamina sales volumes that were slightly above those of the prior fiscal year.






 Costco(COST) reported their FY'17 Q3 results with EPS of $1.59 on revenues up 8% from last year to $28.22 billion.  Remember that during the quarter the company announced a special $7 per share dividend that was paid to shareholders.  Overall a solid operating quarter in what's been a challenging environment for many retailers. Shares are up $4.99, or 2.8% in after hours trading to $178.50.  I'm sure most of the company's recent success has been due to my recent trips to eat the famous always $1.50 hot dog.