8-K

UNIVERSAL CORPORATION

Date: August 4, 2026

/s/ Catherine H. Claiborne

Catherine H. Claiborne

Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): July 29, 2026

Universal Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Virginia

001-00652

54-0414210

(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)

(Commission

File Number)

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

9201 Forest Hill Avenue

Richmond, Virginia

23235

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (804) 359-9311

Not applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, no par value	UVV	New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 5.02.

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On July 29, 2026, J. Patrick O’Keefe notified Universal Corporation (the “Company”) of his intention to retire as Vice President, Ingredients of the Company and Senior Vice President, Universal Ingredients, Inc.

The Company will work to identify a successor with the assistance of an executive search firm. To support a smooth transition of leadership, Mr. O’Keefe will remain in his current role until a successor is appointed and will subsequently provide support to ensure a smooth transition process.

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 hereunto duly authorized.