Rule 424(b)(3) Reg. No. 333-121502 $81,875,000 [VECTOR LOGO] VECTOR GROUP LTD. 5% VARIABLE INTEREST SENIOR CONVERTIBLE NOTES DUE NOVEMBER 15, 2011 AND THE COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION OF THE NOTES This prospectus relates to the resale of up to 4,183,700 of our shares of common stock by certain selling securityholders. The shares that may be resold pursuant to this prospectus include 3,490,496 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of $68,309,000 aggregate principal amount of our convertible notes and 693,204 shares issuable upon conversion of $13,566,000 aggregate principal amount of additional convertible notes reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding additional investment rights (together, the "notes"). We issued the notes offered by this prospectus in a private placement in November 2004. This prospectus will be used by selling securityholders to resell their notes and the common stock issuable upon conversion of their notes. We will not receive any proceeds from this offering. The notes are convertible by securityholders prior to maturity (unless previously redeemed or repurchased pursuant to their terms) into common stock at a conversion rate of 51.0986 shares per each $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to adjustment if certain events occur. This is equivalent to an initial conversion price of $19.57 per share. We will pay interest on the notes on each February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15 of each year the notes are outstanding, beginning on February 15, 2005. The notes accrue interest at a rate of 5% per year, with an additional amount of interest payable on the notes on each interest payment date based on the amount of cash dividends actually paid by us per share on our common stock during the prior three-month period ending on the record date for such interest payment multiplied by the number of shares of our common stock into which the notes are convertible on such record date (together, the "Total Interest"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, during the period from November 18, 2004 to and including November 15, 2006, the interest payable on each interest payment date shall be the higher of (i) the Total Interest and (ii) 6 3/4% per year. The notes will mature on November 15, 2011, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. We must redeem 12.5% of the total aggregate principal amount of the notes outstanding on November 15, 2009. In addition to such redemption amount, we will also redeem on November 15, 2009 and on each interest accrual period thereafter an additional amount, if any, of the notes necessary to prevent the notes from being treated as an "Applicable High Yield Discount Obligation" under the Internal Revenue Code. The holders of the notes will have the option on November 15, 2009 to require us to repurchase some or all of their remaining notes. The redemption price for such redemptions will equal 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest thereafter, if any. The notes are our unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and rank on a parity in right of payment with all of our existing and future indebtedness to the extent described herein. The notes will effectively rank junior to any future secured indebtedness we may incur and junior to liabilities of our subsidiaries. In the event of a fundamental change, as described in this prospectus, the holders of the notes may require us to repurchase any notes held by them. In addition to the repurchase price, we will pay the "make-whole premium" described in this prospectus in cash and/or common stock to holders of notes who require us to repurchase their notes in connection with such repurchase event. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "VGR". On January 18, 2005, the closing price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $16.07 per share. THE SECURITIES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 14. NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS DATED JANUARY 19, 2005 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
PAGE ---- WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION............................................................................. 4 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE...................................................................................... 4 PROSPECTUS SUMMARY.............................................................................................. 6 RISK FACTORS.................................................................................................... 14 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS...................................................................................... 26 USE OF PROCEEDS................................................................................................. 27 RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES.............................................................................. 28 DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES........................................................................................ 29 CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES......................................................................... 48 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK.................................................................................... 52 SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS......................................................................................... 53 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION............................................................................................ 60 LEGAL MATTERS................................................................................................... 62 EXPERTS......................................................................................................... 62 WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION We are subject to the informational reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and file reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). You can inspect and copy all of this information at the Public Reference Room maintained by the SEC at its principal office at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding issuers, like us, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of this web site is: http://www.sec.gov. We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the notes and common stock offered by this prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. We have omitted parts of the registration statement as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. Statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete. You should refer to a copy of each contract or document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or incorporated by reference into this prospectus for complete information. Copies of the registration statement, including exhibits and information incorporated by reference into this prospectus, may be inspected without charge at the SEC's public reference facility or website. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference into this prospectus information we have filed with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information by referring you to those documents containing the other information. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus. Information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supercede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any filings made by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and before the termination of this offering: - Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the SEC on March 15, 2004; - Our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, filed with the SEC on May 10, 2004, for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, filed with the SEC on August 9, 2004 and for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, filed with the SEC on November 9, 2004; and - Our Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on April 19, 2004, June 7, 2004, July 14, 2004, October 6, 2004, November 17, 2004, November 23, 2004, December 21, 2004 and January 11, 2005, respectively. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superceded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other document subsequently filed which is also incorporated by reference herein modifies or supercedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superceded shall not be deemed, except as so modified, to constitute a part of this prospectus. You can obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference through us or the SEC. Documents incorporated by reference are available from us without charge. You may obtain documents 4 incorporated by reference in this prospectus by sending a request in writing to the following address or by telephone: Vector Group Ltd. Attention: Investor Relations 100 S.E. Second Street, 32nd Floor Miami, Florida 33131 (305) 579-8000 You should rely only on the information provided or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or a prospectus supplement or amendment. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume the information in this prospectus or a prospectus supplement or amendment is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the documents. 5 PROSPECTUS SUMMARY This summary highlights some information from this prospectus. Because it is a summary, it does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the "Risk Factors" section and the financial statements and the notes to those statements incorporated by reference into this prospectus. As used in this prospectus, the terms "Vector", "we", "our" and "us" and similar terms refer to Vector Group Ltd. and all of our consolidated subsidiaries, including VGR Holding Inc., Liggett Group Inc., Vector Tobacco Ltd., Liggett Vector Brands Inc. and New Valley Corporation, except with respect to the section entitled "Description of Notes" and where it is clear that these terms mean only Vector Group Ltd. VECTOR GROUP We are a holding company for a number of businesses. We are engaged principally in: - the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the United States through our subsidiary Liggett Group Inc., and - the development and marketing of the low nicotine and nicotine-free QUEST cigarette products and the development of reduced risk cigarette products through our subsidiary Vector Tobacco Inc. Our majority-owned subsidiary, New Valley Corporation, is currently engaged in the real estate business and is seeking to acquire additional operating companies and real estate properties. New Valley owns 50% of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, which operates the largest residential brokerage company in the New York metropolitan area. We are controlled by Bennett S. LeBow, our Chairman and the Chairman of New Valley, who beneficially owns approximately 34.9% of our common stock. Liggett Liggett is the successor to the Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company, which was founded in 1873. Liggett, which is currently the fifth largest manufacturer of cigarettes in the United States in terms of unit sales (as of the closing of the combination of RJR Tobacco and Brown & Williamson's United States tobacco businesses in July 2004), shipped approximately 9.8 billion cigarettes during 2003. Liggett believes, based on published industry sources, that this accounted for 2.4% of the total cigarettes shipped in the United States during 2003. Liggett has a history of introducing innovative products to improve its competitive position in the discount cigarette segment, which Liggett's management believes has been the primary growth segment for the industry for over a decade. In 1980, Liggett was the first major domestic cigarette manufacturer to successfully introduce discount cigarettes as an alternative to premium priced cigarettes. In 1989, Liggett established a new price point within the discount market segment by introducing PYRAMID, a branded discount product which, at that time, sold for less than most other discount cigarettes. In 1999, Liggett introduced LIGGETT SELECT, one of the fastest growing brands in the deep discount category. LIGGETT SELECT is now the largest seller in Liggett's family of brands, comprising 55.5% of Liggett's unit volume in the first nine months of 2004, and 50.9% in the 2003 calendar year, 42.1% in 2002 and 6 31.4% in 2001. These product introductions allowed Liggett to increase its market share through greater penetration of the discount segment. Liggett believes, based on published industry sources, that Liggett's discount cigarette shipments represented 7.3% of this market segment for 2003. In April 2002, we acquired the stock of The Medallion Company, Inc. for a total purchase price of $110 million. Medallion, a discount cigarette manufacturer, is a participating manufacturer under the Master Settlement Agreement (described below). Medallion has no payment obligations under the Master Settlement Agreement unless its market share exceeds approximately 0.28% of total cigarettes sold in the United States (which amounted to approximately 1.1 billion units in 2003). Following the purchase of the Medallion stock, Vector Tobacco merged into Medallion and Medallion changed its name to Vector Tobacco Inc. For purposes of this prospectus, references to the Liggett segment encompass the manufacture and sale of conventional cigarettes and include the former operations of Medallion (which operations are held for legal purposes as part of Vector Tobacco). Liggett has also taken a unique approach to the litigation proceedings against U.S. cigarette manufacturers concerning the harmful effects of cigarette consumption. Beginning in 1996, Liggett settled, independently of its four major competitors, the tobacco litigation brought by various state attorneys general against it and the other major cigarette manufacturers. Liggett believes that it has gained a sustainable cost advantage over its competitors through these settlement initiatives. Under the Master Settlement Agreement reached in November 1998 with 46 state attorneys general, the three largest cigarette manufacturers must make settlement payments to the 46 states based on how many cigarettes are sold annually. Liggett, however, is not required to make any payments unless its market share exceeds approximately 1.65% of the U.S. cigarette market. Additionally, Vector Tobacco, the legal successor by merger to Medallion, likewise has no payment obligation unless its market share exceeds approximately 0.28% of the U.S. market. Vector Tobacco Vector Tobacco is engaged in the development and marketing of the low nicotine and nicotine-free QUEST cigarette products and the development of reduced risk cigarette products. QUEST. In January 2003, Vector Tobacco introduced QUEST, its brand of low nicotine and nicotine-free cigarette products. The product is currently available in eight states, and sales of cigarettes in those eight states account for approximately 30% of all cigarette sales in the United States. QUEST is designed for adult smokers who are interested in reducing their levels of nicotine intake and is available in both menthol and nonmenthol styles. Each style offers three different packagings, with decreasing amounts of nicotine - QUEST 1, 2 and 3. QUEST 1, the low nicotine variety, contains 0.6 milligrams of nicotine. QUEST 2, the extra-low nicotine variety, contains 0.3 milligrams of nicotine. QUEST 3, the nicotine-free variety, contains only trace levels of nicotine - no more than 0.05 milligrams of nicotine per cigarette. QUEST cigarettes utilize a proprietary process that enables the production of nicotine-free tobacco that tastes and smokes like tobacco in conventional cigarettes. All six QUEST varieties are sold in box style packs and are priced comparably to other premium brands. We continue to support the brand by point-of-purchase awareness campaigns and other store-related promotions. The premium segment of the tobacco industry is currently experiencing intense competitive activity, with increased discounting of premium brands at all levels of retail. Given these marketplace conditions, and the results that we have seen to date with QUEST, we determined during the second quarter of 2004 to postpone indefinitely the national launch of QUEST. Vector Tobacco continues to explore potential opportunities to expand the market for the brand on a more limited basis. Any determination as to future expansion of the market presence of the QUEST brand will be based on the 7 ongoing and projected demand for the product, market conditions in the premium segment and the prevailing regulatory environment, including any restrictions on the advertising of the product. In October 2003, we announced that Jed E. Rose, Ph.D., Director of Duke University Medical Center's Nicotine Research Program and co-inventor of the nicotine patch, had conducted a study at Duke University Medical Center to provide preliminary evaluation of the use of the QUEST technology as a smoking cessation aid. In the preliminary study on QUEST, 33% of QUEST 3 smokers were able to achieve four-week continuous abstinence, a standard threshold for smoking cessation. We believe these results show promise for the QUEST technology as a smoking cessation aid. We have asked the Food and Drug Administration to supply us with guidance as to the additional research and regulatory filings necessary to market QUEST as a smoking cessation product. We believe that obtaining the Food and Drug Administration's approval to market QUEST as a smoking cessation product will be an important factor in the long-term commercial success of the QUEST brand. No assurance can be given that such approval can be obtained or as to the timing of any such approval if received. OMNI. In November 2001, Vector Tobacco launched nationwide its OMNI brand, which was the first reduced carcinogen cigarette that smokes, tastes and burns like other premium cigarettes. In comparison to comparable styles of the leading U.S. cigarette brand, OMNI cigarettes produced significantly lower levels of many of the recognized carcinogens and toxins that the medical community has identified as major contributors to lung cancer and other diseases in smokers. Acceptance of OMNI was limited, and the product is not currently being distributed. Vector Tobacco was unable to achieve the anticipated breadth of distribution and sales of the OMNI product due in part to the lack of success of its advertising and marketing efforts in differentiating OMNI from other conventional cigarettes with consumers through the "reduced carcinogen" message. Over the next several years, our in-house research program, together with third-party collaborators, plans to conduct appropriate studies as to the human effects of OMNI's reduction of carcinogens and, based on these studies, we will review the marketing and positioning of the OMNI brand in order to formulate a strategy for its long-term success. New Valley We currently own 55.1% of New Valley (NASDAQ: NVAL), which is engaged in the following businesses: - New Valley Realty Division, and - 50% ownership of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC New Valley Realty Division. Through its Realty Division, New Valley is engaged in the real estate business and owns two commercial office buildings in Princeton, New Jersey and a 50% interest in the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, which is reopening in the fourth quarter of 2004 after a major renovation. On December 23, 2004, New Valley agreed to sell the two office buildings for $71.5 million. The closing of that sale, which is subject to customary conditions, is currently scheduled to occur in February 2005. New Valley also seeks to acquire additional operating companies and real estate properties. Douglas Elliman Realty. New Valley owns 50% of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, which operates the largest residential brokerage company in the New York metropolitan area through its two subsidiaries, Douglas Elliman, LLC and Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Together, the two brokerage companies have 54 offices with more than 2,500 real estate brokers in the metropolitan New York area. The companies achieved combined sales of approximately $6.8 billion of real estate for the year ended December 31, 2003. In 2003, Douglas Elliman Realty was ranked as the ninth largest residential brokerage company in the United States based on closed sales volume by the Real Trends broker survey. 8 Douglas Elliman, LLC was founded in 1911 and has grown to be one of Manhattan's leading residential brokers by specializing in the highest end of the sales and rental marketplaces. It has 14 offices in New York City, more than 1,000 real estate brokers and sales volume of approximately $4 billion of real estate for the year ended December 31, 2003. Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate is headquartered in Huntington, New York and is the largest residential brokerage company on Long Island with 40 offices. During 2003, Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate closed approximately 6,955 transactions, representing sales volume of approximately $2.8 billion of real estate. Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate serves approximately 250 communities from Manhattan to Montauk. STRATEGY Our strategy is to maximize shareholder value by increasing the profitability of our subsidiaries in the following ways: Liggett - Capitalize upon Liggett's cost advantage in the U.S. cigarette market due to the favorable treatment that it receives under settlement agreements with the state attorney generals and the Master Settlement Agreement, - Focus marketing efforts on the discount segment, continue to build volume and margin in core discount brands (LIGGETT SELECT and EVE) and utilize core brand equity to selectively build distribution, - Continue product development to provide the best quality products relative to other discount products in the marketplace, - Increase efficiency by developing and adopting an organizational structure to maximize profit potential, - Expand the portfolio of private and control label partner brands utilizing flexible promotional strategies, - Bring niche-driven brands to the market in the future, and - Pursue strategic acquisitions of smaller tobacco manufacturers. Vector Tobacco - Take a measured approach to expanding the market presence of the QUEST brand through additional marketing and promotional campaigns, - Continue to pursue the QUEST technology as a smoking cessation aid, and - Continue to conduct appropriate studies as to the effects on humans of OMNI's reduction of carcinogens and review the marketing and positioning of the OMNI brand in order to formulate a strategy for its long-term success. New Valley - Continue to grow Douglas Elliman operations by utilizing its strong brand name recognition and pursuing strategic and financial opportunities, - Continue to leverage our expertise as direct investors by actively pursuing real estate 9 investments in the United States and abroad which we believe will generate above-market returns, - Acquire operating companies through mergers, asset purchases, stock acquisitions or other means, and - Invest New Valley's excess funds opportunistically in situations that we believe can maximize shareholder value. We were incorporated in the State of Delaware on September 7, 1999. The mailing address of our principal executive offices is 100 S.E. Second Street, Miami, Florida 33131. Our telephone number at that address is (305) 579-8000. Our website address is www.vectorgroupltd.com. Our website and the information contained in our website are not incorporated into this prospectus or the registration statement of which it forms a part. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS Liggett Vector Brands Restructuring. On October 6, 2004, we announced a plan to restructure the operations of Liggett Vector Brands Inc., our sales, marketing and distribution agent for our Liggett and Vector Tobacco subsidiaries. Liggett Vector Brands is realigning its sales force and adjusting its business model to more efficiently serve its chain and independent accounts nationwide. In connection with the restructuring, we have eliminated approximately 330 full-time positions and 135 part-time positions, effective December 15, 2004. As a result of these actions, we currently expect to realize annual cost savings of approximately $30 million beginning in 2005. We will recognize pre-tax restructuring charges currently estimated to total approximately $12.06 million, of which approximately $4.43 million has been recognized in the third quarter of 2004 and approximately $7.63 million will be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2004. Approximately $5.88 million of the charges relate to employee severance and benefit costs and approximately $6.18 million relate to contract termination and other associated costs. Approximately $2.5 million of these charges represent non-cash items. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2004, we will incur other charges for various compensation and related payments to employees which are related to the restructuring. We expect these additional charges to total approximately $1.8 million and they will be included in operating, selling, administrative and general expenses. Tobacco Quota Elimination. In October 2004, federal legislation was enacted which will eliminate the federal tobacco quota system and price support system. Pursuant to the legislation, manufacturers of tobacco products will be assessed $10.1 billion over a ten year period to compensate tobacco growers and quota holders for the elimination of their quota rights. Cigarette manufacturers will be responsible for 96.3% of the assessment, which will be allocated based on relative unit volume of domestic cigarette shipments. The three largest manufacturers will be entitled to a credit of a portion of the assessment payable by them against certain of their MSA obligations. We currently estimate that Liggett's assessment will be approximately $25 million for the first year of the program, which began October 1, 2004. The ultimate impact of this legislation cannot be determined, but there is a risk that smaller manufacturers, such as Liggett and Vector Tobacco, will be disproportionately affected by the legislation and that this legislation could have a material adverse effect on us. Effective October 22, 2004, Liggett increased the list price of all its brands by $.65 per carton. The increase was taken due to the recently passed federal tobacco buyout legislation. 10 THE OFFERING The following is a brief summary of some of the terms of the notes offered for resale in this prospectus. For a more complete description of the terms of the notes, see the "Description of Notes" section in this prospectus. 11
Issuer................................. Vector Group Ltd. Securities Offered..................... $81,875,000 in principal amount of 5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes due 2011. This prospectus also relates to the offering of shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes and upon conversion of the notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights by the holders. Maturity............................... November 15, 2011 Interest............................... Annual Rate: 5%, with an additional amount of interest payable on each interest payment date based on the amount of cash dividends paid by us per share on our common stock during the prior three-month period ending on the record date for such interest payment multiplied by the number of shares of our common stock into which the notes are convertible on such record date (together, the "Total Interest"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, during the period from November 18, 2004 to and including November 15, 2006, the interest payable on each interest payment date shall be the higher of (i) the Total Interest and (ii) 6 3/4% per year. Payment Frequency: Every quarter on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 First Payment: February 15, 2005 Conversion Rights...................... The notes are convertible, at the holders' option at any time following the date of issuance until the maturity date, unless previously redeemed or repurchased as described below, into our common stock at an initial conversion price of $19.57 per share of common stock, subject to adjustment. The initial conversion ratio is 51.0986 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes. The conversion price is subject to adjustment for various events. Mandatory Redemption................... We must redeem 12.5% of the total aggregate principal amount of the notes outstanding on November 15, 2009. We will also redeem on November 15, 2009 and on each interest accrual period thereafter an additional amount, if any, of the notes necessary to prevent the notes from being treated as an "Applicable High Yield Discount Obligation" under the Internal Revenue Code. The holders of the notes will have the option on November 15, 2009 to require us to repurchase some or all of their remaining notes. The redemption price for such redemptions will equal 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. 12
Repurchase at Option of the Holders If a fundamental change (as defined in "Description of the Notes - Upon a Fundamental Change.............. Repurchase of Notes at Option of the Holders Upon a Fundamental Change") occurs, subject to certain conditions and restrictions, we will be required to repurchase the notes, at the option of the holders theeof, at 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus, under certain circumstances, the "make-whole premium" described in this prospectus in cash and/or common stock to holders of notes who require us to repurchase their notes in connection with such repurchase event. Ranking................................ The notes are our unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and rank on a parity in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness. The notes will effectively rank junior to any future secured indebtedness we may incur and junior to liabilities of our subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2004, after application of the proceeds of the offering of the notes, these notes would have been effectively junior to approximately $116.6 million of indebtedness of our subsidiaries. Use of Proceeds........................ We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale by any selling securityholders of the notes or the underlying common stock offered by this prospectus. Events of Default...................... The following are events of default under the indenture for the notes: - we fail to deliver within 30 days the required number of shares of common stock upon conversion, - we fail for 30 days to reserve shares of common stock issuable upon conversion, - we fail to pay interest or registration default payments when due and that failure continues for 5 days, - we fail to pay the principal and any premium on the notes when due, - we fail to perform any other covenant in the indenture or the notes and that failure continues for 60 days after notice to us by the trustee or the holders of a least 25% in the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes, - we fail to pay when due the principal of any indebtedness for money borrowed by us or any of our subsidiaries in excess of $10 million if the indebtedness is not discharged and such failure continues for 30 days or more, or, if such indebtedness has been accelerated and such acceleration is not annulled, within 30 days after written notice to us by the trustee of the holders of at least 25% in the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes, - final unsatisfied judgments not covered by insurance aggregating in excess of $10 million, at any one time, are rendered against us or any significant subsidiary and not stayed, bonded or discharged within 60 days, and - certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to us or any of our significant subsidiaries specified in the indenture. 13
See "Description of Notes - Events of Default and Remedies." Registration Rights.................... This prospectus is part of a registration statement filed pursuant to a registration rights agreement we entered into with the initial purchasers listed therein. If we fail to comply with certain of our obligations under the registration rights agreement, we will pay liquidated damages on the notes. See "Description of the Notes - Registration Rights." Trading Market......................... The notes issued in the initial private placement are eligible for trading in the PORTAL system. However, notes sold using this prospectus will no longer be eligible for trading in the PORTAL system. We do not intend to list the notes on any other national securities exchange or automated quotation system. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "VGR". Risk Factors........................... Investment in the notes and the underlying common stock involves a high degree of risk. Therefore, you should carefully consider all information in this prospectus and in particular the matters set forth in the "Risk Factors" section. RISK FACTORS Before you invest in our securities, you should be aware that we are subject to various risks, including the ones listed below, the occurrence of any of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. You should carefully consider these risk factors, as well as the other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, in evaluating an investment in our securities. Although the risks identified below represent those we believe are the most significant risks at the present time, additional risks of which we are currently unaware or that we currently deem immaterial could also materially impair our business operations. RISKS RELATING TO OUR COMPANY WE AND OUR SUBSIDIARIES HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF INDEBTEDNESS. We and our subsidiaries have significant indebtedness and debt service obligations. At September 30, 2004, we and our subsidiaries had total outstanding indebtedness of $308 million. In addition, subject to the terms of any future agreements, we and our subsidiaries will be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future. There is a risk that we will not be able to generate sufficient funds to repay our debt. If we cannot service our fixed charges, it would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. WE ARE A HOLDING COMPANY AND DEPEND ON CASH PAYMENTS FROM OUR SUBSIDIARIES, WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO CONTRACTUAL AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS, IN ORDER TO SERVICE OUR DEBT AND TO PAY DIVIDENDS ON OUR COMMON STOCK. We are a holding company and have no operations of our own. We hold our interests in our various businesses through our wholly-owned subsidiary, VGR Holding Inc. In addition to our own cash resources, our ability to pay interest on our convertible notes and to pay dividends on our common stock depends on the ability of VGR Holding to make cash available to us. VGR Holding's ability to pay dividends to us depends primarily on the ability of Liggett, its wholly-owned subsidiary, and New Valley, in which we indirectly hold an approximately 55.1% interest, to generate cash and make it available to VGR Holding. Liggett's revolving credit agreement permits Liggett to pay cash dividends to VGR Holding only if Liggett's borrowing availability exceeds $5 million for the 30 days prior to payment of the dividend and immediately after giving effect to the dividend, and so long as no event of default has occurred under the agreement, including Liggett's compliance with the covenants in the credit facility, including an adjusted net worth and working capital requirement. As the controlling stockholder of New Valley, we must deal fairly with New Valley, which may limit our ability to enter into transactions with New Valley that result in the receipt of cash from New Valley and to influence New Valley's dividend policy. In addition, since we indirectly own only approximately 55.1% of the common shares of New Valley, a significant portion of any cash and other assets distributed by New Valley will be received by persons other than us and our subsidiaries. Our receipt of cash payments, as dividends or otherwise, from our subsidiaries is an important source of our liquidity and capital resources. If we do not have sufficient cash resources of our own and do not receive payments from our subsidiaries in an amount sufficient to repay our debts and to pay dividends on our common stock, we must obtain additional funds from other sources. There is a risk that we will not be able to obtain additional funds at all or on terms acceptable to us. Our inability to service 14 these obligations and to continue to pay dividends on our common stock would significantly harm us and the value of the notes and our common stock. OUR LIQUIDITY COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED IF TAXING AUTHORITIES PREVAIL IN THEIR ASSERTION THAT WE INCURRED A TAX OBLIGATION IN 1998 AND 1999 IN CONNECTION WITH THE PHILIP MORRIS BRAND TRANSACTION. In connection with the 1998 and 1999 transaction with Philip Morris Incorporated, in which a subsidiary of Liggett contributed three of its premium cigarette brands to Trademarks LLC, a newly-formed limited liability company, we recognized in 1999 a pre-tax gain of $294.1 million in our consolidated financial statements and established a deferred tax liability of $103.1 million relating to the gain. In such transaction, Philip Morris acquired an option to purchase the remaining interest in Trademarks for a 90-day period commencing in December 2008, and we have an option to require Philip Morris to purchase the remaining interest for a 90-day period commencing in March 2010. Upon exercise of the options during either of the 90-day periods commencing in December 2008 or in March 2010, we will be required to pay tax in the amount of the deferred tax liability, which will be offset by the benefit of any deferred tax assets, including any net operating losses, available to us at that time. In connection with an examination of our 1998 and 1999 federal income tax returns, the Internal Revenue Service issued to us in September 2003 a notice of proposed adjustment. The notice asserts that, for tax reporting purposes, the entire gain should have been recognized in 1998 and in 1999 in the additional amounts of $150 million and $129.9 million, respectively, rather than upon the exercise of the options during either of the 90-day periods commencing in December 2008 or in March 2010. If the Internal Revenue Service were to ultimately prevail with the proposed adjustment, it would result in the potential acceleration of tax payments of approximately $120 million, including interest, net of tax benefits, through September 30, 2004. These amounts have been previously recognized in our consolidated financial statements as tax liabilities. In addition, we have filed a protest with the Appeals Division of the Internal Revenue Service. Although no payment is due with respect to these matters during the appeal process, interest is accruing on the disputed amounts. There is a risk that the taxing authorities will ultimately prevail in their assertion that we incurred a tax obligation prior to the exercise dates of these options and we will be required to make such tax payments prior to 2009 or 2010. If that were to occur and any necessary financing were not available to us, our liquidity could be materially adversely affected, which in turn would materially adversely affect our ability to meet payment obligations under the notes and the value of our common stock. LIGGETT FACES INTENSE COMPETITION IN THE DOMESTIC TOBACCO INDUSTRY. Liggett is considerably smaller and has fewer resources than its major competitors and, as a result, has a more limited ability to respond to market developments. Management Science Associates data indicate that the three largest cigarette manufacturers controlled approximately 84.9% of the United States cigarette market during 2003. Philip Morris is the largest and most profitable manufacturer in the market, and its profits are derived principally from its sale of premium cigarettes. Philip Morris had approximately 62.3% of the premium segment and 46.7% of the total domestic market during 2003. During 2003, Liggett's share of the premium cigarette segment was 0.2%, and its share of the total domestic cigarette market was 2.4%. Philip Morris and RJR Tobacco, the two largest cigarette manufacturers, have historically, because of their dominant market share, been able to determine cigarette prices for the various pricing tiers within the industry. The other cigarette manufacturers historically have brought their prices into line with the levels established by these two major manufacturers. In July 2004, RJR Tobacco and Brown & Williamson, the second and third largest cigarette manufacturers, completed the combination of their United States tobacco businesses to create Reynolds American Inc. This transaction will further consolidate the dominance of the domestic cigarette market 15 by Philip Morris and the newly created Reynolds American, who will have a combined market share of approximately 76%. This concentration of United States market share could make it more difficult for Liggett and Vector Tobacco to compete for shelf space in retail outlets and could impact price competition in the market, either of which could have a material adverse affect on their sales volume, operating income and cash flows, which would harm us and the value of the notes and our common stock. LIGGETT'S BUSINESS IS HIGHLY DEPENDENT ON THE DISCOUNT CIGARETTE SEGMENT. Liggett depends more on sales in the discount cigarette segment of the market, relative to the full-price premium segment, than its major competitors. Approximately 94.6% of Liggett's unit sales in 2003, and all of Liggett's unit volume in the first nine months of 2004, were generated in the discount segment. The discount segment is highly competitive, with consumers having less brand loyalty and placing greater emphasis on price. While the four major manufacturers all compete with Liggett in the discount segment of the market, the strongest competition for market share has recently come from a group of small manufacturers and importers, most of which sell low quality, deep discount cigarettes. While Liggett's share of the discount market increased to 7.3% in 2003 from 6.7% in 2002 and 6.5% in 2001, Management Science Associates data indicate that the discount market share of these other smaller manufacturers and importers increased to 37.8% in 2003 from 33.5% in 2002 and 26.9% in 2001 due to their increased competitive discounting. If pricing in the discount market continues to be impacted by these smaller manufacturers and importers, margins in Liggett's only current market segment could be negatively affected, which in turn could negatively affect the value of the notes and our common stock. LIGGETT'S MARKET SHARE IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DECLINE. In years prior to 2000, Liggett suffered a substantial decline in unit sales and associated market share. Liggett's unit sales and market share increased during each of 2000, 2001 and 2002, and its market share increased in 2003 while its unit sales declined. During the first nine months of 2004, Liggett's unit sales and market share declined compared to the same period in the prior year. This earlier market share erosion resulted in part from Liggett's highly leveraged capital structure that existed until December 1998 and its limited ability to match other competitors' wholesale and retail trade programs, obtain retail shelf space for its products and advertise its brands. The decline in recent years also resulted from adverse developments in the tobacco industry, intense competition and changes in consumer preferences. According to Management Science Associates data, Liggett's overall domestic market share during 2003 and 2002 was 2.4%, compared with 2.1% for 2001. Liggett's share of the premium segment was 0.2% in 2003 and 0.3% in 2002 and 2001, and its share of the discount segment during 2003 was 7.3%, up from 6.7% in 2002 and 6.5% for 2001. If Liggett's market share continues to decline, Liggett's sales volume, operating income and cash flows could be materially adversely affected, which in turn could negatively affect the value of the notes and our common stock. THE DOMESTIC CIGARETTE INDUSTRY HAS EXPERIENCED DECLINING UNIT SALES IN RECENT PERIODS. Industry-wide shipments of cigarettes in the United States have been generally declining for a number of years, with published industry sources estimating that domestic industry-wide shipments decreased by approximately 4.1% during 2003. According to Management Science Associates data, domestic industry-wide shipments decreased by 1.4% in 2002 compared to 2001. Liggett's management believes that industry-wide shipments of cigarettes in the United States will generally continue to decline as a result of numerous factors. These factors include health considerations, diminishing social acceptance of smoking, and a wide variety of federal, state and local laws limiting smoking in restaurants, bars and other public places, as well as federal and state excise tax increases and settlement-related expenses which have contributed to high cigarette price levels in recent years. If this decline in industry-wide shipments continues and Liggett is unable to capture market share from its competitors, or if the industry as a whole 16 is unable to offset the decline in unit sales with price increases, Liggett's sales volume, operating income and cash flows could be materially adversely affected, which in turn could negatively affect the value of the notes and our common stock. LITIGATION AND REGULATION WILL CONTINUE TO HARM THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY. The cigarette industry continues to be challenged on numerous fronts. New cases continue to be commenced against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers. As of September 30, 2004, there were approximately 384 individual suits, 28 purported class actions and 18 governmental and other third-party payor health care reimbursement actions pending in the United States in which Liggett was a named defendant. A civil lawsuit has been filed by the United States federal government seeking disgorgement of approximately $289 billion from various cigarette manufacturers, including Liggett. Trial of the case began on September 21, 2004. In addition to these cases, in 2000, an action against cigarette manufacturers involving approximately 1,000 named individual plaintiffs was consolidated before a single West Virginia state court. Liggett is a defendant in most of the cases pending in West Virginia. In January 2002, the court severed Liggett from the trial of the consolidated action. Approximately 38 purported class action complaints have been filed against the cigarette manufacturers for alleged antitrust violations. As new cases are commenced, the costs associated with defending these cases and the risks relating to the inherent unpredictability of litigation continue to increase. There are six individual actions where Liggett is the only defendant, with one of these cases currently scheduled for trial in January 2005 and one in early 2005. In April 2004, in one of these cases, a jury in a Florida state court action awarded compensatory damages of $0.5 million against Liggett. In addition, plaintiff's counsel is seeking legal fees of $0.8 million. Liggett has appealed the verdict. In May 2003, a Florida intermediate appellate court overturned a $790 million punitive damages award against Liggett and decertified the Engle smoking and health class action. In May 2004, the Florida Supreme Court agreed to review the case. Oral argument was held on November 3, 2004. If the intermediate appellate court's ruling is not upheld on further appeal, it will have a material adverse effect on us. In November 2000, Liggett filed the $3.45 million bond required under the bonding statute enacted in 2000 by the Florida legislature which limits the size of any bond required, pending appeal, to stay execution of a punitive damages verdict. In May 2001, Liggett reached an agreement with the class in the Engle case, which provided assurance to Liggett that the stay of execution, in effect under the Florida bonding statute, would not be lifted or limited at any point until completion of all appeals, including to the United States Supreme Court. As required by the agreement, Liggett paid $6.27 million into an escrow account to be held for the benefit of the Engle class, and released, along with Liggett's existing $3.45 million statutory bond, to the court for the benefit of the class upon completion of the appeals process, regardless of the outcome of the appeal. In June 2002, the jury in an individual case brought under the third phase of the Engle case awarded $37.5 million (subsequently reduced by the court to $25.1 million) of compensatory damages against Liggett and two other defendants and found Liggett 50% responsible for the damages. The verdict, which is subject to the outcome of the Engle appeal, has been overturned as a result of the appellate court's ruling discussed above. It is possible that additional cases could be decided unfavorably and that there could be further adverse developments in the Engle case. Liggett may enter into discussions in an attempt to settle particular cases if it believes it is appropriate to do so. We cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future settlements and judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that those requirements will not be able to be met. In recent years, there have been a number of restrictive regulatory actions from various federal administrative bodies, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration. There have also been adverse political decisions and other unfavorable 17 developments concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry, including the commencement and certification of class actions and the commencement of third-party payor actions. These developments generally receive widespread media attention. We are not able to evaluate the effect of these developing matters on pending litigation or the possible commencement of additional litigation, but our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any smoking-related litigation, which in turn could negatively affect the value of the notes and our common stock. LIGGETT HAS SIGNIFICANT SALES TO A SINGLE CUSTOMER. During 2003, 16.6% of Liggett's total revenues, 17.7% of Liggett's revenues in the discount segment and 15.6% of our consolidated revenues were generated by sales to Liggett's largest customer. Liggett's contract with this customer currently extends through June 30, 2005. If this customer discontinues its relationship with Liggett or experiences financial difficulties, Liggett's results of operations could be materially adversely affected. LIGGETT MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY RECENT LEGISLATION TO ELIMINATE THE FEDERAL TOBACCO QUOTA SYSTEM. In October 2004, federal legislation was enacted which will eliminate the federal tobacco quota system and price support system. Pursuant to the legislation, manufacturers of tobacco products will be assessed $10.1 billion over a ten year period to compensate tobacco growers and quota holders for the elimination of their quota rights. Cigarette manufacturers will be responsible for 96.3% of the assessment, which will be allocated based on relative unit volume of domestic cigarette shipments. The three largest manufacturers will be entitled to a credit of a portion of the assessment payable by them against certain of their MSA obligations. We currently estimate that Liggett's assessment will be approximately $25 million for the first year of the program which began October 1, 2004. The ultimate impact of this legislation cannot be determined, but there is a risk that smaller manufacturers, such as Liggett and Vector Tobacco, will be disproportionately affected by the legislation, which could have a material adverse effect on us. EXCISE TAX INCREASES ADVERSELY AFFECT CIGARETTE SALES. Cigarettes are subject to substantial and increasing federal, state and local excise taxes. The federal excise tax on cigarettes is currently $0.39 per pack. State and local sales and excise taxes vary considerably and, when combined with the current federal excise tax, may currently exceed $4.00 per pack. Proposed further tax increases in various jurisdictions are currently under consideration or pending. In 2004, 10 states enacted increases in excise taxes. Congress has considered significant increases in the federal excise tax or other payments from tobacco manufacturers, and several states have pending legislation proposing further state excise tax increases. We believe that increases in excise and similar taxes have had an adverse impact on sales of cigarettes. Further substantial federal or state excise tax increases could accelerate the trend away from smoking and could have a material adverse effect on Liggett's sales and profitability, which in turn could negatively affect the value of the notes and our common stock. VECTOR TOBACCO IS SUBJECT TO RISKS INHERENT IN NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES. We have made, and plan to continue to make, significant investments in Vector Tobacco's development projects in the tobacco industry. Vector Tobacco is in the business of developing and marketing the low nicotine and nicotine-free QUEST cigarette products and developing reduced risk 18 cigarette products. These initiatives are subject to high levels of risk, uncertainties and contingencies, including the challenges inherent in new product development. There is a risk that continued investments in Vector Tobacco will harm our results of operations, liquidity or cash flow. The substantial risks facing Vector Tobacco include: Risks of market acceptance of new products. In November 2001, Vector Tobacco launched nationwide its reduced carcinogen OMNI cigarettes. During 2002, acceptance of OMNI in the marketplace was limited, with revenues of only approximately $5.1 million on sales of 70.7 million units. During 2003, OMNI sales activity was minimal as Vector Tobacco has not been actively marketing the OMNI product, and the product is not currently in distribution. Vector Tobacco was unable to achieve the anticipated breadth of distribution and sales of the OMNI product due, in part, to the lack of success of its advertising and marketing efforts in differentiating OMNI from other conventional cigarettes with consumers through the "reduced carcinogen" message. Over the next several years, our in-house research program, together with third-party collaborators, plans to conduct appropriate studies as to the human effects of OMNI's reduction of carcinogens and, based on these studies, we will review the marketing and positioning of the OMNI brand in order to formulate a strategy for its long-term success. OMNI has not been a commercially successful product to date, and there is a risk that we will be unable to take action to significantly increase the level of OMNI sales in the future. Vector Tobacco introduced its low nicotine and nicotine-free QUEST cigarettes in an initial seven-state market in January 2003 and in Arizona in January 2004. During the second quarter of 2004, based on an analysis of the market data obtained since the introduction of the QUEST product, we determined to postpone indefinitely the national launch of QUEST. A national launch of the QUEST brands would require the expenditure of substantial additional sums for advertising and sales promotion, with no assurance of consumer acceptance. Low nicotine and nicotine-free cigarettes may not ultimately be accepted by adult smokers and also may not prove to be commercially successful products. Adult smokers may decide not to purchase cigarettes made with low nicotine and nicotine-free tobaccos due to taste or other preferences, or due to the use of genetically modified tobacco or other product modifications. Recoverability of costs of inventory. At September 30, 2004, approximately $2.8 million of our inventory was associated with Vector Tobacco's QUEST product. We estimate an inventory reserve for excess quantities and obsolete items, taking into account future demand and market conditions. During the second quarter of 2004, we recognized a non-cash charge of $37 million to adjust the carrying value of excess leaf tobacco inventory for the QUEST product, based on estimates of future demand and market conditions. If actual demand or market conditions in the future are less favorable than those estimated, additional inventory write-downs may be required. Third party allegations that Vector Tobacco products are unlawful or bear deceptive or unsubstantiated product claims. Vector Tobacco is engaged in the development and marketing of low nicotine and nicotine-free cigarettes and the development of reduced risk cigarette products. With respect to OMNI, which is not currently being distributed by Vector Tobacco, reductions in carcinogens have not yet been proven to result in a safer cigarette. Like other cigarettes, the OMNI and QUEST products also produce tar, carbon monoxide, other harmful by-products, and, in the case of OMNI, increased levels of nitric oxide and formaldehyde. There are currently no specific governmental standards or parameters for these products and product claims. There is a risk that federal or state regulators may object to Vector Tobacco's reduced carcinogen and low nicotine and nicotine-free cigarette products as unlawful or allege they bear deceptive or unsubstantiated product claims, and seek the removal of the products from the marketplace, or significant changes to advertising. Various concerns regarding Vector Tobacco's advertising practices have been expressed to Vector Tobacco by certain state attorneys general. Vector 19 Tobacco has engaged in discussions in an effort to resolve these concerns and Vector Tobacco has recently agreed to suspend all print advertising for its QUEST brand while discussions are pending. If Vector Tobacco is unable to advertise its QUEST brand, it could have a material adverse effect on sales of QUEST. Allegations by federal or state regulators, public health organizations and other tobacco manufacturers that Vector Tobacco's products are unlawful, or that its public statements or advertising contain misleading or unsubstantiated health claims or product comparisons, may result in litigation or governmental proceedings. Vector Tobacco's defense against such claims could require it to incur substantial expense and to divert significant efforts of its scientific and marketing personnel. An adverse determination in a judicial proceeding or by a regulatory agency could have a material and adverse impact on Vector Tobacco's business, operating results and prospects. Potential extensive government regulation. Vector Tobacco's business may become subject to extensive additional domestic and international government regulation. Various proposals have been made for federal, state and international legislation to regulate cigarette manufacturers generally, and reduced constituent cigarettes specifically. It is possible that laws and regulations may be adopted covering matters such as the manufacture, sale, distribution and labeling of tobacco products as well as any health claims associated with reduced carcinogen and low nicotine and nicotine-free cigarette products and the use of genetically modified tobacco. A system of regulation by agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Trade Commission and the United States Department of Agriculture may be established. In addition, a group of public health organizations submitted a petition to the Food and Drug Administration, alleging that the marketing of the OMNI product is subject to regulation by the FDA under existing law. Vector Tobacco has filed a response in opposition to the petition. The FTC also has expressed interest in the regulation of tobacco products made by tobacco manufacturers, including Vector Tobacco, which bear reduced carcinogen claims. The ultimate outcome of any of the foregoing cannot be predicted, but any of the foregoing could have a material adverse impact on Vector Tobacco's business, operating results and prospects. Necessity of obtaining Food and Drug Administration approval to market QUEST as a smoking cessation product. In October 2003, we announced that Jed E. Rose, Ph.D., Director of Duke University Medical Center's Nicotine Research Program and co-inventor of the nicotine patch, had conducted a study at Duke University Medical Center to provide preliminary evaluation of the use of the QUEST technology as a smoking cessation aid. We have asked the Food and Drug Administration to supply us with guidance as to the additional research and regulatory filings necessary to market QUEST as a smoking cessation product. We believe that obtaining the Food and Drug Administration's approval to market QUEST as a smoking cessation product will be an important factor in the long-term commercial success of the QUEST brand. No assurance can be given that such approval can be obtained or as to the timing of any such approval if received. Competition from other cigarette manufacturers with greater resources. The cigarette industry is highly competitive. Vector Tobacco's competitors generally have substantially greater resources than Vector Tobacco has, including financial, marketing and personnel resources. Other major tobacco companies have stated that they are working on reduced risk cigarette products and have made publicly available at this time only limited additional information concerning their activities. Philip Morris has announced it is developing products that potentially reduce smokers' exposure to harmful compounds in cigarette smoke and may introduce such a product during 2004. RJR has stated that in 2003 it began a phased expansion into a select number of retail chain outlets of a cigarette product that primarily heats rather than burns tobacco, which it claims reduces the toxicity of its smoke. In 2002, Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation announced it was test marketing a new cigarette with reduced levels of many toxins which it may introduce on a national basis. There is a substantial likelihood that other major tobacco companies will continue to introduce new products that are designed to compete directly with Vector Tobacco's reduced carcinogen and low nicotine and nicotine-free products. 20 Potential disputes concerning intellectual property. Vector Tobacco's ability to commercially exploit its proprietary technology for its reduced carcinogen and low nicotine and nicotine-free products depends in large part on its ability to obtain and defend issued patents, to obtain further patent protection for its existing technology in the United States and other jurisdictions, and to operate without infringing on the patents and proprietary rights of others both in the United States and abroad. Additionally, it must be able to obtain appropriate licenses to patents or proprietary rights held by third parties if infringement would otherwise occur, both in the United States and in foreign countries. Intellectual property rights, including Vector Tobacco's patents (owned or licensed), involve complex legal and factual issues. Any conflicts resulting from third party patent applications and granted patents could significantly limit Vector Tobacco's ability to obtain meaningful patent protection or to commercialize its technology. If necessary patents currently exist or are issued to other companies that contain competitive or conflicting claims, Vector Tobacco may be required to obtain licenses to use these patents or to develop or obtain alternative technology. Licensing agreements, if required, may not be available on acceptable terms or at all. If licenses are not obtained, Vector Tobacco could be delayed in, or prevented from, pursuing the further development or marketing of its new cigarette products. Any alternative technology, if feasible, could take several years to develop. Litigation which could result in substantial cost also may be necessary to enforce any patents to which Vector Tobacco has rights, or to determine the scope, validity and unenforceability of other parties' proprietary rights which may affect Vector Tobacco's rights. Vector Tobacco also may have to participate in interference proceedings declared by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to determine the priority of an invention or in opposition proceedings in foreign counties or jurisdictions, which could result in substantial costs. There is a risk that its licensed patents would be held invalid by a court or administrative body or that an alleged infringer would not be found to be infringing. The mere uncertainty resulting from the institution and continuation of any technology-related litigation or any interference or opposition proceedings could have a material and adverse effect on Vector Tobacco's business, operating results and prospects. Vector Tobacco may also rely on unpatented trade secrets and know-how to maintain its competitive position, which it seeks to protect, in part, by confidentiality agreements with employees, consultants, suppliers and others. There is a risk that these agreements will be breached or terminated, that Vector Tobacco will not have adequate remedies for any breach, or that its trade secrets will otherwise become known or be independently discovered by competitors. Dependence on key scientific personnel. Vector Tobacco's business depends on the continued services of key scientific personnel for its continued development and growth. The loss of Dr. Anthony Albino, Vice President of Public Health, Dr. Robert Bereman, Vice President of Chemical Research, or Dr. Mark A. Conkling, Vice President of Genetic Research, could have a serious negative impact upon Vector Tobacco's business, operating results and prospects. Ability to raise capital and manage growth of business. If Vector Tobacco succeeds in introducing to market and increasing consumer acceptance for its new cigarette products, Vector Tobacco will be required to obtain significant amounts of additional capital and manage substantial volume from its customers. There is a risk that adequate amounts of additional capital will not be available to Vector Tobacco to fund the growth of its business. To accommodate growth and compete effectively, Vector Tobacco will also be required to attract, integrate, motivate and retain additional highly skilled sales, technical and other employees. Vector Tobacco will face competition for these people. Its ability to manage volume also will depend on its ability to scale up its tobacco processing, production and 21 distribution operations. There is a risk that it will not succeed in scaling its processing, production and distribution operations and that its personnel, systems, procedures and controls will not be adequate to support its future operations. Potential delays in obtaining tobacco, other raw materials and any technology needed to produce products. Vector Tobacco is dependent on third parties to produce tobacco and other raw materials that Vector Tobacco requires to manufacture its products. In addition, the growing of new tobacco and new seeds is subject to adverse weather conditions. Vector Tobacco may also need to obtain licenses to technology subject to patents or proprietary rights of third parties to produce its products. The failure by such third parties to supply Vector Tobacco with tobacco, other raw materials and technology on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, in the absence of readily available alternative sources, would have a serious negative impact on Vector Tobacco's business, operating results and prospects. There is also a risk that interruptions in the supply of these materials and technology may occur in the future. Any interruption in their supply could have a serious negative impact on Vector Tobacco. THE ACTUAL COSTS AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATED WITH RESTRUCTURINGS OF OUR TOBACCO BUSINESS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM AMOUNTS WE ESTIMATE. In recent years, we have undertaken a number of initiatives to streamline the cost structure of our tobacco business and improve operating efficiency and long-term earnings. For example, during 2002, the sales, marketing and support functions of our Liggett and Vector Tobacco subsidiaries were combined. Effective year-end 2003, we closed Vector Tobacco's Timberlake, North Carolina manufacturing facility and moved all production to Liggett's facility in Mebane, North Carolina. In April 2004, we eliminated a number of positions in our tobacco operations and subleased excess office space. In October 2004, we announced a plan to restructure the operations of Liggett Vector Brands, effective December 15, 2004. We may consider various additional opportunities to further improve efficiencies and reduce costs. These prior and current initiatives have involved material restructuring and impairment charges, and any future actions taken are likely to involve material charges as well. These restructuring charges are based on our best estimate at the time of restructuring. The status of the restructuring activities is reviewed on a quarterly basis and any adjustments to the reserve, which could differ materially from previous estimates, are recorded as an adjustment to operating income. Although we may estimate that substantial cost savings will be associated with these restructuring actions, there is a risk that these actions could have a serious negative impact on our tobacco business and that any estimated increases in profitability cannot be achieved. NEW VALLEY IS SUBJECT TO RISKS RELATING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH IT OPERATES. Risks of real estate ventures. New Valley has two significant investments, Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC and the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa (reopening in the fourth quarter 2004) where it holds only a 50% interest. New Valley must seek approval from other parties for important actions regarding these joint ventures. Since these other parties' interests may differ from those of New Valley, a deadlock could arise that might impair the ability of the ventures to function. Such a deadlock could significantly harm the ventures. New Valley plans to pursue a variety of real estate development projects. Development projects are subject to special risks including potential increase in costs, changes in market demand, inability to meet deadlines which may delay the timely completion of projects, reliance on contractors who may be unable to perform and the need to obtain various governmental and third party consents. Risks relating to the residential brokerage business. Through its investment in Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC New Valley is subject to the risks and uncertainties endemic to the residential brokerage 22 business. Both Douglas Elliman and Prudential Elliman Real Estate operate as franchisees of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Prudential Douglas Elliman operates each of its offices under its franchiser's brand name, but generally does not own any of the brand names under which it operates. The franchiser has significant rights over the use of the franchised service marks and the conduct of the two brokerage companies' business. Prudential Douglas Elliman's franchiser also has the right to terminate Douglas Elliman's and Prudential Douglas Elliman's franchises, upon the occurrence of certain events, including a bankruptcy or insolvency event, a change in control, a transfer of rights under the franchise agreements and a failure to promptly pay amounts due under the franchise agreements. A termination of Douglas Elliman's or Prudential Douglas Elliman's franchise agreement could adversely affect New Valley's investment in Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC. Interest rates in the United States are currently near 40-year lows. The low interest rate environment in recent years has significantly contributed to high levels of existing home sales and residential prices and has positively impacted Douglas Elliman Realty's operating results. However, the residential real estate market tends to be cyclical and typically is affected by changes in the general economic conditions that are beyond Douglas Elliman Realty's control. Any of the following could have a material adverse effect on Douglas Elliman Realty's residential business by causing a general decline in the number of home sales and/or prices, which in turn, could adversely affect its revenues and profitability: - periods of economic slowdown or recession, - a change in the current low interest rate environment resulting in rising interest rates, - decreasing home ownership rates, or - declining demand for real estate. All of Douglas Elliman Realty's current operations are located in the New York metropolitan area. Local and regional economic conditions in this market could differ materially from prevailing conditions in other parts of the country. A downturn in the residential real estate market or economic conditions in that region could have a material adverse effect on Douglas Elliman Realty and New Valley's investment in that company. NEW VALLEY'S POTENTIAL INVESTMENTS ARE UNIDENTIFIED AND MAY NOT SUCCEED. New Valley currently holds a significant amount of marketable securities and cash not committed to any specific investments. This subjects a security holder to increased risk and uncertainty because a security holder will not be able to evaluate how this cash will be invested and the economic merits of particular investments. There may be substantial delay in locating suitable investment opportunities. In addition, New Valley may lack relevant management experience in the areas in which New Valley may invest. There is a risk that New Valley will fail in targeting, consummating or effectively integrating or managing any of these investments. WE DEPEND ON OUR KEY PERSONNEL. We depend on the efforts of our executive officers and other key personnel. While we believe that we could find replacements for these key personnel, the loss of their services could have a significant adverse effect on our operations. FAILURE TO ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE INTERNAL CONTROLS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 404 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS AND STOCK PRICE. 23 We are in the process of documenting and testing our internal control procedures in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting and a report by our independent auditors addressing these assessments. During the course of our testing we may identify deficiencies which we may not be able to remediate in time to meet the deadline imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for compliance with the requirements of Section 404. In addition, if we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Failure to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment could have a material adverse effect on our stock price. RISKS RELATING TO THE OFFERING THE NOTES WILL BE UNSECURED AND ARE EFFECTIVELY SUBORDINATED TO INDEBTEDNESS AND OTHER LIABILITIES OF OUR SUBSIDIARIES. The notes are general, unsecured obligations, pari passu in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior debt except for any secured indebtedness. Holders of any secured indebtedness would have claims that are superior to your claims as a holder of the notes to the extent of the value of the assets securing such other indebtedness. If we become insolvent, file for bankruptcy, reorganize our business or close down, the assets which serve as collateral for any secured indebtedness would be available to satisfy the obligations under the secured indebtedness before any payments were to be made on the notes. Further, the notes are effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities (including trade payables and liabilities to judgment creditors) of our subsidiaries. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of one of our subsidiaries, the subsidiary may not have sufficient assets to make payments to us following payment by the subsidiary of its liabilities. The indenture permits us to incur indebtedness and permits our subsidiaries to incur senior or other debt or liabilities. In addition to our own cash resources, we will rely on cash payments from our subsidiaries to fund our obligations, including payments on the notes. Liggett's revolving credit agreement contains significant restrictions on its ability to make distributions to us. This agreement and other future debt agreements may not permit our subsidiaries to distribute enough cash to us to allow us to make all payments required on the notes, even in the case of an event of default under the notes. THE INDENTURE DOES NOT CONTAIN FINANCIAL COVENANTS AND DOES NOT RESTRICT THE INCURRENCE OF DEBT BY US OR OUR SUBSIDIARIES AND, AS A RESULT, OUR SUBSIDIARIES CAN INCUR ADDITIONAL INDEBTEDNESS OR ENTER INTO OTHER AGREEMENTS THAT RESTRICT THE PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS TO US. The indenture does not contain any financial covenants or restrictions prohibiting the incurrence of indebtedness, including additional senior indebtedness, by us or the incurrence of any indebtedness by our subsidiaries. The indenture also does not prohibit our subsidiaries from entering into agreements that restrict the subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends or make other cash distributions to us. In addition, the indenture does not restrict the payment of dividends or the issuance or repurchase of securities by us. The indenture does not contain any covenants or other provisions to afford protection to holders of the notes in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, restructuring, merger, spin-off or similar transaction that may adversely affect holders of the notes except to the extent described under "Description of Notes - Repurchase of Notes at Option of the Holders Upon a Fundamental Change." The term "fundamental change" is limited to certain specified transactions and may not include other events that may involve an actual change of control. 24 OUR ABILITY TO PURCHASE THE NOTES WITH CASH AT YOUR OPTION AND OUR ABILITY TO SATISFY OUR OBLIGATIONS UPON A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE OR AN EVENT OF DEFAULT MAY BE LIMITED. Holders of notes may require us to purchase all or a portion of their notes for cash upon the occurrence of specific circumstances involving the events described under "Description of Notes -- Repurchase of Notes at Option of the Holders Upon a Fundamental Change" and "Description of Notes -- Events of Default and Remedies." We cannot assure you that, if required, we would have sufficient cash or other financial resources at that time or would be able to arrange sufficient financing necessary to pay the purchase price for all notes tendered by holders thereof. In addition, our ability to repurchase notes in the event of a fundamental change or an event of default may be prohibited or limited by law, by regulatory authorities, by the other agreements related to our indebtedness and by indebtedness and agreements that we or our subsidiaries may enter into from time to time, which may replace, supplement or amend our existing or future indebtedness. Our failure to repurchase tendered notes would constitute an event of default under the indenture. THE MAKE-WHOLE PREMIUM PAYABLE ON NOTES CONVERTED OR REPURCHASED IN CONNECTION WITH THE OCCURRENCE OF A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE MAY NOT ADEQUATELY COMPENSATE YOU FOR THE LOST OPTION VALUE OF THE NOTES AS A RESULT OF SUCH FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE. If a fundamental change occurs, we will in certain circumstances pay a make-whole premium on notes converted or repurchased in connection with such fundamental change. The amount of the make-whole premium will be determined based on the date on which the fundamental change becomes effective and the price per share of our common stock in the fundamental change as described below under "Description of the Notes -- Repurchase of Notes at Option of the Holders Upon a Fundamental Change." While the make-whole premium is designed to compensate holders of notes for the lost option time value of their notes as a result of such fundamental change, such make-whole premium is only an approximation of such lost value and may not adequately compensate holders of notes for such loss. In addition, if the price paid per share of our common stock in the fundamental change is less than the common stock price at the date of issuance of the notes, there will be no make-whole premium. NO PUBLIC TRADING MARKET FOR THE NOTES EXISTS. Prior to the initial private placement, there was no public market for these notes. The notes issued in the initial private placement are eligible for trading in the PORTAL system. However, the notes resold using this prospectus will no longer trade in the PORTAL system. We do not intend to list the notes on any national securities exchange or automated quotation system. If any of the notes are traded after they are initially issued, they may trade at a discount from their initial offering price. The trading price of the notes may depend on prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities and other factors, including economic conditions and our financial condition, performance and prospects. WE HAVE MANY POTENTIALLY DILUTIVE SECURITIES OUTSTANDING. At September 30, 2004, we had outstanding options granted to employees to purchase approximately 9,122,859 shares of our common stock, at prices ranging from $3.73 to $37.60 per share, of which options for 8,510,523 shares are exercisable during 2004. We also have outstanding two series of convertible notes maturing in July 2008 and November 2011, respectively, which are currently convertible into 8,863,570 shares of our common stock (9,556,773 shares of common stock if the rights to purchase additional notes are exercised in full). The issuance of these shares will cause dilution which may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. The availability for sale of significant quantities of our common stock could adversely affect the prevailing market price of the stock. 25 OUR STOCK PRICE MAY BE VOLATILE. The trading price of our common stock has ranged between $13.86 and $17.38 per share over the past 52 weeks. The overall market and the price of our common stock may fluctuate greatly. The trading price of our common stock may be significantly affected by various factors, including: - the depth and liquidity of the trading market for our common stock, - quarterly variations in its actual or anticipated operating results, - changes in investors' and analysts' perceptions of the business and legal risks facing us and the tobacco industry, - changes in estimates of its earnings by investors and analysts, and - announcements or activities by its competitors. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS In addition to historical information, this prospectus contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities law. Forward-looking statements include information relating to our intent, belief or current expectations, primarily with respect to, but not limited to: - economic outlook, - capital expenditures, - cost reduction, - cash flows, - operating performance, - litigation, - impairment charges and cost savings associated with restructurings of our tobacco operations, and - related industry developments (including trends affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations). We identify forward-looking statements in this prospectus by using words or phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may be", "objective", "plan", "seek", "predict", "project" and "will be" and similar words or phrases or their negatives. The forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from our anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the following: 26 - general economic and market conditions and any changes therein, due to acts of war and terrorism or otherwise, - governmental regulations and policies, - effects of industry competition, - impact of restructurings on our tobacco business and our ability to achieve any increases in profitability estimated to occur as a result of these restructurings, - uncertainty related to litigation, and - risks inherent in our new product development initiatives. Further information on risks and uncertainties specific to our business include the risk factors discussed above under "Risk Factors" and in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Although we believe the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is a risk that these expectations will not be attained and that any deviations will be material. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. We disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained in this prospectus to reflect any changes in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. USE OF PROCEEDS The selling securityholders will receive all of the proceeds from the sale of the notes and common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale by any selling securityholder of the notes or the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes offered by the selling securityholders under this prospectus, but we have agreed to pay the expenses of preparing this prospectus and the related registration statement. We received net proceeds of approximately $63 million from our sale of the notes to the initial purchasers, after deducting the estimated offering expenses payable by us. We used the proceeds of the offering to redeem at par all of the remaining $63 million principal amount of the 10% Senior Secured Notes due March 31, 2006 issued by the Company's subsidiary, VGR Holding Inc. 27 RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods indicated is as follows: - ---------------- (1) For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings include pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations and fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest) and amortization of capitalized interest. Earnings are also adjusted to exclude equity in gain or loss of affiliates. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, capitalized interest (including amounts charged to income and capitalized during the period), a portion of rental expense (deemed by us to be representative of the interest factor of rental payments), amortization of debt issuance costs and amortization of debt discount costs. For the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2004, earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges as evidenced by a less than one-to-one coverage ratio as shown above. Additional earnings of approximately $47.2 million and $18.3 million were necessary for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively, and $26.3 million and $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively, to provide a one-to-one coverage for us. 28
YEAR ENDED NINE MONTHS DECEMBER 31, ENDED SEPT. 30, ---------------------------------------------- --------------- 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2003 2004 ---------------------------------------------- --------------- Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (1) 6.4x 8.8x 2.2x - - - - DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES Set forth below is a summary of certain provisions of the notes and the registration rights agreement. The notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of November 18, 2004, between us and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee. The following summary of the notes, the indenture and the registration rights agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified by reference to all of the provisions of the indenture, including the definitions of certain terms used in the indenture. Copies of the indenture and the registration rights agreement may be obtained from us upon request. As used in this section, references to "us", "we", "our" or the "Company" refer to Vector Group Ltd., exclusive of its subsidiaries. Whenever particular provisions or defined terms of the indenture (or the form of note which is a part thereof) or the registration rights agreement are referred to in this summary, such provisions or defined terms are incorporated by reference as a part of the statements made and such statements are qualified in their entirety by such reference. GENERAL We issued the notes having a principal amount of $65,500,000 in a private transaction on November 18, 2004, with the initial buyers having an option to buy up to an additional $16,375,000 of principal amount of notes on or before March 18, 2005. The notes are our general unsecured obligations and constitute "senior indebtedness" of the Company, ranking pari passu with all other unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. The notes have been issued only in fully registered form, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. The notes will mature on November 15, 2011, unless earlier repurchased by us at a holders' option upon an event of default under the notes as described under " -- Events of Default and Remedies" or upon our fundamental change as described under " -- Repurchase of Notes at Option of the Holders Upon a Fundamental Change" or redeemed at a holder's option as described under " -- Mandatory Redemption and Redemption at the Option of the Holders" or converted at a holder's option as described under " -- Conversion Rights". In addition, at least 12.5% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes outstanding will be subject to mandatory redemption on November 15, 2009 as described under " -- Mandatory Redemption and Redemption at the Option of the Holders". Interest on the notes will accrue at the rate of 5% per annum and will be payable in arrears quarterly on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15, commencing on February 15, 2005, to the noteholders of record on the immediately preceding February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 (the "Record Date"). On each interest payment date, an additional amount in interest on the notes shall also be payable in an amount equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of common stock into which such notes were convertible on the Record Date and (ii) the total cash dividends and cash distributions we paid per share of common stock during the three-month period ending on such Record Date (together, the "Total Interest"). Interest on the notes will accrue from the date of original issuance or, if interest has already been paid, from the date it was most recently paid. Interest will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, during the period from November 18, 2004 to and including November 15, 2006, the interest payable on each interest payment date shall be the higher of (i) the Total Interest and (ii) 6 3/4% per annum. Payment of interest will be made by check mailed to each holder at such holder's address as set forth upon our registry books or, upon the written request of a holder of in excess of $2 million principal amount of notes, by wire transfer. No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or conversion of notes, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith. Until otherwise designated by us, our office or agency will be the corporate trust office of the trustee presently located at Sixth & Marquette, N9303-120, Minneapolis, MN 55479; Attn: Corporate Trust Services. 29 The indenture does not contain any financial covenants or any restrictions on our payment of dividends, our issuance or repurchase of our securities or our incurrence of indebtedness, including senior indebtedness. The indenture contains no covenants or other provisions to afford the holders protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction or a change of control of us, except to the limited extent described under " -- Repurchase of Notes at Option of Holders Upon a Fundamental Change". CONVERSION RIGHTS The holders will have the right to convert any portion of the principal amount of the notes at any time prior to the close of business on the maturity date of the notes, unless previously redeemed or repurchased. The conversion price for the notes is $19.57 per share, which is equal to a conversion rate per share of approximately 51.0986 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the notes, subject to adjustment as described below. The holders may convert his or her notes in part so long as the part converted is $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000. Except as set forth immediately below, his or her right to convert notes called for redemption or delivered for repurchase and not withdrawn will terminate at the close of business on the business day immediately prior to the redemption date or repurchase date, unless we subsequently fail to pay the applicable redemption price or repurchase price. If a redemption date occurs on an interest payment date, conversion rights with respect to the notes subject to the redemption will expire at the close of business on the applicable redemption date. If the notes are converted on an interest payment date, the interest due on the interest payment date will be paid to the holders whose notes are being redeemed or converted on that date and such holders will not be required to repay that amount. The effect of this clause is to ensure that in the event of a redemption or conversion on an interest payment date we will be required to pay, and the redeeming or converting holders will be entitled to receive and keep the economic value of, the interest payment due on that date. Holders converting any notes or portions thereof will be entitled to receive any accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being converted as of the conversion date to the extent provided for below. If the conversion date occurs between the close of business on the Record Date and the opening of business on the immediately following interest payment date, we will pay the holders in cash, on such interest payment date, an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid interest through the conversion date on the principal amount of notes the holders are converting; provided, however, if we pay the holders on such interest payment date an amount equal to the interest otherwise payable to the holders as if the holders had not converted any notes or portion thereof prior to such interest payment date, the holders will promptly pay to us an amount equal to the difference between (1) such interest payment received and (2) the amount of accrued and unpaid interest through the conversion date for the principal amount the holders converted. We will not issue any fractional shares of common stock upon conversion. If the issuance would result in the issuance of a fraction of a share of common stock, we will round such fraction of a share of common stock up to the nearest whole share. If we fail to issue and deliver or caused to be delivered to the holders, or such holders' nominee or nominees, such number of shares of common stock to which the holders are entitled upon conversion of any notes within 3 trading days after the delivery by such holders of a notice of conversion, and if on or after such third trading day such holders purchase (in an open market transaction or otherwise) shares of common stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the holders of shares of common stock that such holders anticipated receiving from us upon the conversion (a "Buy-In"), then we shall, within 3 business days after such holders' request and in the holders' discretion, either (i) pay cash to such holders in an amount equal to the holders' total purchase price (including brokerage commissions, if any) for the shares of common stock so purchased (the "Buy-In Price"), at which point our obligation to deliver such certificate (and to issue such common stock) shall terminate, or (ii) promptly honor our obligation to deliver to the holders a certificate or certificates representing such common stock and pay cash to the 30 holders in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Buy-In Price over the product of (A) such number of shares of common stock, times (B) the closing price of the common stock on the conversion date. We will not effect any conversion of notes, and no holders shall have the right to convert any portion of their notes, to the extent that after giving effect to such conversion (including any make-whole premium), such holders (together with such holders' affiliates) would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such conversion (the "Conversion Limitation"), subject to certain exceptions. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by the holders and its affiliates shall include the number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes with respect to which the determination is being made, but shall exclude the number of shares of common stock which would be issuable upon (A) conversion of the remaining, nonconverted portion of the notes beneficially owned by the holders or any of its affiliates and (B) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or nonconverted portion of any other securities of the Company subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by the holders or any of their affiliates. Except as provided below, the conversion price will be subject to adjustment following the issuance of the notes upon certain events, including: (a) any payment of dividends or distribution on our common stock in shares of common stock, or subdivision or combination of our outstanding common stock into a greater or smaller number of shares, (b) any issuance to all or substantially all holders of our common stock of rights, options or warrants entitling them to subscribe for or purchase our common stock at less than the then current market price of our common stock (determined in accordance with the indenture), (c) any distribution to all or substantially all holders of our common stock of shares of capital stock (other than common stock), evidences of indebtedness or other non-cash assets (including securities, but excluding the portion of any dividends or distributions paid in cash, or those dividends, rights, options, warrants and distributions referred to in clauses (a) and (b) above or distributions in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding up and excluding distributions pursuant to a rights plan), and (d) any purchase of shares of our common stock by means of a tender offer. In any case in which these provisions require that an adjustment be made to the conversion price, in lieu of the adjustment, we may, at our option, distribute to holders of notes, concurrently with the distribution to the holders of our common stock, such shares of our common stock, rights, options, warrants, any shares of our capital stock (other than common stock), evidences of indebtedness or other non-cash assets (or the fair market value, as reasonably determined by our Board of Directors, of the foregoing in cash) that such holders of notes would have been entitled to receive had such notes been converted immediately prior to the record date relating to the event that would have caused such adjustment (without regard to the Conversion Limitation). No adjustment need be made for any issuance of common stock pursuant to a plan of ours for reinvestment of dividends or interest, or to the extent the notes become convertible into the right to receive cash, or if the holders of the notes may participate in the transaction that would otherwise give rise to an adjustment described above, or for issuances of cash dividends or distributions which the holders are entitled to receive as interest, or as provided above. 31 From time to time and to the extent permitted by law, we may reduce the conversion price by any amount for any period, if the period is at least 20 days and if the decrease is irrevocable during the period, if the Board of Directors has made a determination that such reduction would be in our best interests or the Board of Directors deems it advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax to holders of common stock resulting from any dividend or distribution or similar event, and we provide the holders with 15 days prior notice of any increase in the conversion price. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences". Certain holders may, in some circumstances, be deemed to have received a distribution or dividend subject to United States federal income tax as a result of an adjustment or the nonoccurrence of an adjustment to the conversion price. CONVERSION PROCEDURE To convert a note, the holder must complete and manually sign the conversion notice on the back of the note specifying the principal amount of such note the holder seeks to convert and deliver the conversion notice, together with the note and any required interest payment, to the office of the conversion agent for the notes, which will initially be the office of the trustee. In addition, the holder must furnish any appropriate endorsements and transfer documents required by the conversion agent and pay any tax or duty payable as a result of any transfer involving the issuance or delivery of the shares of common stock in a name other than that of the registered holder of the note. The note will be deemed to be converted on the date on which the holder has satisfied all of these requirements. RANKING The notes are our unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness and rank pari passu with all other of our unsubordinated indebtedness. The notes will effectively rank junior, however, to any future secured indebtedness we may incur and junior to liabilities of our subsidiaries. We will not incur or issue any subordinated indebtedness unless such indebtedness is unsecured and subordinated to the notes on terms no less favorable than those applicable to senior indebtedness which constitutes Designated Senior Indebtedness under the Indenture dated as of July 5, 2001 between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, (the "2001 Indenture") under which our 6 1/4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2008 are issued and outstanding. The notes shall constitute "Senior Indebtedness", and we have designated the notes as "Designated Senior Indebtedness", in each case under the 2001 Indenture. We conduct our operations through our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our ability to meet our cash obligations in the future in part will be dependent upon the ability of our subsidiaries to make cash distributions to us. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities. Our subsidiaries have no obligation to pay any amounts due on the notes or to provide us with funds for our payment obligations, whether by dividends, distributions, loans or other payments. In addition, any payment of dividends, distributions, loans or advances by our subsidiaries to us could be subject to statutory or contractual restrictions. As of September 30, 2004, we did not have any outstanding senior indebtedness and, after application of the proceeds of the offering of the notes, our subsidiaries would have had $116.6 million of indebtedness. The indenture does not restrict our or our subsidiaries' incurrence of senior indebtedness or other indebtedness or our ability to transfer assets or business operations to our subsidiaries, subject to the 32 provisions described under " -- Repurchase of Notes at Option of the Holders Upon a Fundamental Change" and " -- Limitation on Merger, Sale or Consolidation". MANDATORY REDEMPTION AND REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF THE HOLDERS On November 15, 2009, 12.5% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes outstanding will be subject to mandatory redemption on a pro rata basis. In addition to such redemption amount, we will also redeem on November 15, 2009 and on each interest accrual period thereafter an additional amount, if any, of the notes necessary to prevent the notes from being treated as an "Applicable High Yield Discount Obligation" within the meaning of section 163(i)(l) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The holders of the notes will have the option on November 15, 2009 to require us to repurchase some or all of their remaining notes. The redemption price shall equal 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed, together with accrued and unpaid interest and any registration default payments to, but excluding, the redemption date. REDEMPTION AT OUR OPTION We have no right to redeem the notes at our option at any time prior to the maturity date. REPURCHASE OF NOTES AT OPTION OF THE HOLDERS UPON A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE In the event of a fundamental change, as defined below, we are required to make an offer to purchase all of the notes at a cash repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest and registration default payments, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase. Additionally, we will be required to pay a "make-whole premium" on the repurchased notes if a fundamental change occurs before November 15, 2011 determined by reference upon the table provided in the indenture and based on the date the fundamental change becomes effective and the stock price, or a linear interpolation thereof as described below under "Make-Whole Premium". Each holder may accept the repurchase offer with respect to all or a portion of the notes held by such holder by delivering to us a repurchase notice, provided that the principal amount of the notes the holder requires us to repurchase must be $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. We will make the repurchase offer within 15 business days following a fundamental change and it will remain open for 10 business days following its commencement. Upon expiration of the repurchase offer period, we shall purchase all notes tendered in response to the repurchase offer. A "fundamental change" means any transaction or event resulting in either a change of control event or a termination of trading of our common stock. A "termination of trading" shall occur if our common stock (or other securities into which the notes are then convertible) is neither listed for trading on a U.S. national securities exchange nor approved for trading on an established automated over-the-counter trading market in the United States. Except as provided below, a "change of control" means the occurrence, after the original issue date of the notes, of one or more of the following events: (1) any sale, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of our property or assets to any person or group of related persons (other than to any of our wholly owned subsidiaries) as defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of securities within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act, other than any 33 sale, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition in which (x) persons who, directly or indirectly, are beneficial owners (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of our voting stock immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately after such transaction at least a majority of the total voting power of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation or entity purchasing such properties or assets in such sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition and (y) persons who, directly or indirectly, are beneficial owners of our voting stock immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately after such transaction shares of common stock of the corporation or entity purchasing such properties or assets in such sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition in a proportion that does not, on the whole, materially differ from such ownership immediately prior to the transaction; (2) the approval by the holders of our capital stock of any plan or proposal for liquidation or dissolution; (3) if any "person" or "group" (as these terms are used for purposes of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) (other than Bennett S. LeBow or his immediate family, any beneficiary of the estate of Bennett S. LeBow or his immediate family or any trust or partnership controlled by any of the foregoing (the "LeBow Persons")) is or shall become the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by our issued and outstanding voting stock; (4) if at any time Bennett S. LeBow and/or any LeBow Person is or shall become the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act,) either individually or collectively, directly or indirectly, of 65% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by our issued and outstanding voting stock; or (5) we consolidate with, or merge with or into, another person or any person consolidates with, or merges with or into, us, other than any consolidation or merger in which (x) persons who, directly or indirectly, are beneficial owners (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of our voting stock immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately after such transaction at least a majority of the total voting power of the outstanding voting stock of the continuing or surviving corporation or entity and (y) persons who, directly or indirectly, are beneficial owners of our voting stock immediately prior to such transaction beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately after such transaction shares of common stock of the continuing or surviving corporation or entity in a proportion that does not, on the whole, materially differ from such ownership immediately prior to the transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a merger or consolidation shall not be deemed to constitute a "change of control" if (i) at least 90% of the consideration (excluding cash payments for fractional shares or pursuant to statutory appraisal rights) in such merger or consolidation consists of shares of capital stock that are, or immediately after the transaction or event will be, traded on a national securities exchange in the United States or quoted on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market (or which shall be so traded or quoted when issued or exchanged in connection with such merger or consolidation) (these securities being referred to as "publicly traded securities") and (ii) as a result of such merger or consolidation the notes become convertible into such publicly traded securities, excluding cash payments for fractional shares. The definition of change of control includes a phrase relating to the sale, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of "all or substantially all" of our assets. The term "all or substantially all" as used in the definition of "change of control" has not been interpreted under New York law (which 34 is the governing law of the indenture) to represent a specific quantitative test. Accordingly, our obligation to make the repurchase offer upon a fundamental change, and the ability of the holders to require us to make and consummate such an offer, as a result of a sale, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of less than all of our assets may be uncertain. On or before the repurchase date, we will: - accept for payment notes or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the repurchase offer, - deposit with the paying agent cash sufficient to pay the repurchase price, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, of all notes so tendered, and - deliver to the trustee the notes so accepted, together with an officers' certificate listing the notes or portions thereof being purchased by us. The paying agent will promptly mail to the holders of notes so accepted payment in an amount equal to the repurchase price, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and the trustee will promptly authenticate and mail or deliver to such holders a new note or notes equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the notes surrendered. We will promptly mail or deliver any notes not accepted to their holders. We will announce publicly the results of the repurchase offer on or as soon as practicable after the repurchase date. The fundamental change purchase feature of the notes also may make more difficult or discourage a takeover of us and, thus, the removal of incumbent management. The fundamental change purchase feature resulted from negotiations between us and the initial purchasers of the notes. The provisions of the indenture relating to a fundamental change may not afford the holders protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, restructuring, merger, spin-off or similar transaction that may adversely affect the holders, if such transaction does not constitute a fundamental change under the indenture. Moreover, certain events with respect to us which may involve an actual change of control of us may not constitute a fundamental change for purposes of the indenture. If a repurchase offer is made, we may not have available funds sufficient to pay the repurchase price for all of the notes that might be delivered by holders seeking to accept the repurchase offer. Our failure to make or consummate the repurchase offer or pay the repurchase price when due would give the trustee and the holders the rights described under " -- Events of Default and Remedies." At any time following the occurrence of a fundamental change and the delivery of a repurchase notice by a holders and before the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the date of repurchase, a holders may withdraw his repurchase notice and the paying agent will promptly return to the holders the notes with respect to which a repurchase notice has been withdrawn. To the extent applicable, we will comply with the provisions of Rule 13e-4 and 14e-1 or any other tender offer rules under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws, and will file a Schedule 13e-4 or any other schedule if required under such rules, in connection with any offer by us to repurchase notes at the option of the holders upon a fundamental change. 35 MAKE-WHOLE PREMIUM The "make-whole premium" shall be determined by reference to the table below (the "make-whole premium table") and is based on the date that the applicable fundamental change becomes effective (the "Effective Date") and the stock price. The "stock price" means the price paid per share of common stock in the transaction constituting the applicable fundamental change, determined as follows: (i) if holders of common stock receive only cash in the fundamental change, the stock price shall be the cash amount paid per share of common stock; or (ii) in all other circumstances, the stock price shall be the arithmetic average of the closing prices per share of the common stock on the ten trading days prior to, but not including, the Effective Date. The following table shows what the make-whole premium would be for various stock prices and Effective Dates set forth below, expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of the notes. MAKE-WHOLE PREMIUM TABLE (% OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT) 36
EFFECTIVE DATE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ STOCK PRICE NOV. 18, 2004 NOV. 15, 2005 NOV. 15, 2006 NOV. 15, 2007 NOV. 15, 2008 NOV. 15, 2009 NOV. 15, 2010 NOV. 15, 2011 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $13.70 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 $16.31 8.53 6.89 5.32 4.18 3.04 0.25 0.00 0.00 $19.57 23.67 21.54 19.17 16.71 14.03 10.54 6.54 0.00 $22.83 22.76 20.39 17.69 14.73 11.32 7.30 2.28 0.00 $26.10 22.23 19.72 16.85 13.67 10.01 5.75 0.63 0.00 $29.36 21.92 19.33 16.37 13.08 9.33 5.05 0.16 0.00 $32.62 21.73 19.09 16.09 12.76 8.99 4.74 0.01 0.00 $35.88 21.61 18.95 15.93 12.58 8.81 4.60 0.00 0.00 $39.14 21.53 18.86 15.83 12.47 8.72 4.55 0.00 0.00 $42.41 21.48 18.80 15.77 12.41 8.67 4.52 0.00 0.00 $45.67 21.44 18.76 15.73 12.38 8.64 4.51 0.00 0.00 $48.93 21.42 18.74 15.71 12.36 8.63 4.51 0.00 0.00 The exact stock price and repurchase dates may not be as set forth in the table, in which case: - If the stock price is between two stock price amounts listed on the Make-Whole Premium Table or the Effective Date is between two dates listed on the Make-Whole Premium Table, the make-whole premium shall be determined by linear interpolation between the amounts set forth in the Make-Whole Premium Table for the higher and lower stock price amounts and the two dates, as applicable, based on a 365-day or 366-day year, as applicable, - If the stock Price on the Effective Date exceeds $48.93 per share (subject to certain adjustment), (the "Stock Price Cap"), the amount of the make-whole premium will be equal to the make-whole premium as if the stock price were $48.93 (subject to certain adjustment), and - If the stock price on the Effective Date is less than or equal to $13.70 per share (subject to certain adjustment), (the "Stock Price Threshold"), no make-whole premium will be paid. The Stock Prices set forth in the first column are subject to adjustment. We may pay the make-whole premium in shares of common stock (other than cash paid in lieu of fractional shares), in cash, in the same form of consideration into which shares of common stock have been converted in connection with the applicable fundamental change or in any combination of the foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our right to pay the make-whole premium for the notes, in whole or in part, in shares of our common stock is subject to the various provisions, including: - our providing timely written notice of our election to pay all or part of the make-whole premium in shares of our common stock, - our common stock to be issued as payment for the make-whole premium being approved for listing on a U.S. national securities exchange or the Nasdaq National Market, the Nasdaq SmallCap Market or any similar system of automated dissemination of quotations of securities, - there being sufficient authorized but unissued (or issued but not outstanding) shares of common stock to issue the issue the shares of common stock in connection with the make-whole premium, and such shares of common stock will upon issue, be duly and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable and free of any preemptive or similar rights, and - the receipt by the trustee of an (1) officers' certificate stating that the terms of the issuance of the shares of common stock are in conformity with the indenture, (2) an opinion of counsel to the effect that the shares of common stock to be issued by us in payment of the fundamental change conversion in respect of the notes have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered pursuant to the terms of the indenture in payment of such make-whole premium will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and (3) an officer's certificate, stating that the conditions to the issuance of the shares of common stock have been satisfied. 37 LIMITATION ON MERGER, SALE OR CONSOLIDATION We may not, directly or indirectly, consolidate with or merge with or into another person or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, and we will not permit any person to consolidate with or merge into us or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to us, unless: - either (i) we are the continuing person or (ii) the person (if other than us) formed by such consolidation or into which we are merged or the person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, our properties and assets substantially as an entirety (the "Surviving Entity"), (1) shall be either (a) organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, or (b) organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States and has, or immediately after the transaction or event will have, common stock traded on a national securities exchange in the United States or quoted on the Nasdaq National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market and a worldwide total market capitalization of its equity securities before giving effect to the consolidation or merger of at least $250 million, and (2) the surviving entity shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, all of our obligations under the notes and the indenture, - immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no event of default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default, shall have occurred and be continuing, and - we or the surviving entity have delivered to the trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel stating that the transaction comply with the provisions of the indenture. Upon any consolidation with, or merger into, any other person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of our properties and assets substantially as an entirety, the successor person formed by such consolidation or into which we are merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, us under the indenture with the same effect as if such successor person had been named as us therein, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor person shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under the indenture and the notes. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES The indenture defines an event of default as: - our (A) failure to deliver the required number of shares of common stock into which notes shall have been connected within 30 business days after the applicable conversion date or (B) notice, written or oral, to any holders, including by way of public announcement or through any agents of any holder, at any time, of our intention not to comply with a request for conversion of any notes into shares of common stock that is tendered in accordance with the provisions of the notes, - at any time following the 30th consecutive business day that a holder's (i) pro rata share of the number of shares of our common stock reserved for the purpose of issuance upon conversion of all notes is exceeded by (ii) the number of shares of common stock that 38 such holder would be entitled to receive upon a conversion of the full principal amount of such holder's notes (without regard to the Conversion Limitation, as defined in the indenture), - a default in the payment of interest or registration default payments, if any, on any notes when due and payable which default continues for a period of five days, - a default in the payment of the principal amount, the redemption price, the fundamental change repurchase price or any applicable make-whole premium on any note when it becomes due and payable, - a default in our performance of any of our covenants, agreements or conditions in the indenture or the notes (other than a default specified in the bullet points above), which default continues for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to us by the trustee or to us and the trustee by the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes a written notice specifying such default and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "notice of default" thereunder, - a default by us or any of our significant subsidiaries (as defined under Regulation S-X of the Exchange Act) in the payment of the principal or interest on any loan agreement or other instrument under which there may be outstanding, or by which there may be evidenced, any debt for money borrowed in excess of $10 million in the aggregate of us and any of our significant subsidiaries (other than indebtedness for borrowed money secured only by the real property to which the indebtedness relates and which is non-recourse to us or to our significant subsidiary), whether such debt now exists or shall hereafter be created, resulting in such debt becoming or being declared due and payable prior to its stated maturity, and such acceleration shall not have been rescinded or annulled within 30 days after written notice specifying such default and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "notice of default" thereunder has been received by us or such significant subsidiary from the trustee or by the trustee, us and such significant subsidiary by the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes (provided that if any time before a judgment or decree has been obtained by the trustee as provided in the indenture, such default is remedied or cured by us or such significant subsidiary within the applicable cure period, or is waived by the holders of such indebtedness, default under this clause shall be deemed to have been remedied, cured or waived, as the case may be), - one or more final unsatisfied judgments not covered by insurance aggregating in excess of $10 million, at any one time, are rendered against us or any significant subsidiary and not stayed, bonded or discharged within 60 days, - our failure to give the notice of the occurrence of a fundamental change as and when required by the indenture, - the entry by a court having jurisdiction of (i) a decree or order for relief in respect of us or any of our significant subsidiaries of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (ii) a decree or order adjudging us or any of our significant subsidiaries as bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, 39 adjustment or composition of or in respect of us or any of our significant subsidiaries under any applicable federal or state law or (iii) a decree or order appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of us or any of our significant subsidiaries or of any substantial part of our property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of our affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days, or - the commencement by us or any of our significant subsidiaries of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or our or any of our significant subsidiaries consent to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of us or any of our significant subsidiaries in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against us or any of our significant subsidiaries, or the filing by us or any of our significant subsidiaries of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable federal or state law, or consent by us or any of our significant subsidiaries to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of us or any of our significant subsidiaries or of any substantial part of property of us or any of our significant subsidiaries, or the making by us or any of our significant subsidiaries of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by us or any of our significant subsidiaries in writing of the inability of us or any of our significant subsidiaries to pay the debt of us or any of our significant subsidiaries generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by us or any of our significant subsidiaries in furtherance of any such action. If a default occurs and is continuing, the trustee must, within 10 days after the trustee's receiving notice or having knowledge of the occurrence of such default, give the holders notice of such default. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, other than an event of default described above relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to us or any of our significant subsidiaries, then in every such case, unless the principal of all of the notes shall have already become due and payable, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding, by notice in writing to us, and to the trustee if such notice is given by holders, may declare all principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on or with respect to the notes to be due and payable immediately. If an event of default described above relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to us occurs, all principal, premium, if any, accrued interest, if any, will be immediately due and payable on all outstanding notes without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or the holders. The holders of no less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of notes generally are authorized to rescind such acceleration if all existing events of default, other than the non-payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the notes that have become due solely by such acceleration, have been cured or waived. Prior to the declaration of acceleration of the maturity of the notes, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes at the time outstanding may waive on behalf of all the holders any default, except a default relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to us, or a default in the payment of principal of, interest on, or registration default payments with respect to any note not yet cured, or a default with respect to any covenant or provision that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holders of each outstanding note affected. Subject to the provisions 40 of the indenture relating to the duties of the trustee, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the holders, unless those holders have offered to the trustee reasonable security or indemnity. Subject to all provisions of the indenture and applicable law, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes at the time outstanding will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee. No holders may pursue any remedy under the indenture, except for a default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the notes, unless: - the holders has previously given written notice to the trustee of a continuing event of default, - the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes make a written request to the trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such event of default in the name of the trustee, - the holders offer to the trustee indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against any loss, liability or expense, - the trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of security after the receipt of the request, and offer of security or indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding, and - the trustee has not received a contrary direction from the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes during such 60 day period. It should also be noted the Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by the indenture at the request of the holders, unless such holders offer to the trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by the trustee in compliance with such request. AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS We may enter into a supplemental indenture with the trustee for certain purposes without the consent of the holders. With the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes at the time outstanding, we and the trustee are permitted to amend or supplement the indenture or any supplemental indenture, but no such modification may, without the consent of each holders affected thereby: - reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest, if any, on the notes, - reduce the principal amount of, or extend the maturity date of, the notes, - make any change that impairs or adversely affects the conversion rights of the notes, - reduce the redemption price, the fundamental change repurchase price or the make-whole premium or amend or modify in any manner adverse to the holders our obligation to make such payments, whether through an amendment or waiver of provisions in the covenants or definitions or otherwise, 41 - modify the provisions with respect to the right of holders to cause us to redeem the notes on the redemption date or to repurchase notes upon a fundamental change in a manner adverse to holders, - make any interest or principal on the notes payable in money other than that stated in the notes or other than in accordance with the provisions of the indenture, - impair the right of any holder to receive payment of the principal amount of or interest or registration default payments, if any, on a holder's notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such holder's notes, - reduce the quorum or voting requirements under the indenture, - change the ranking of the notes in a manner adverse to the holders, - make any change in the amendment provisions which require each holder's consent or in the waiver provisions, - reduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding notes, the consent of whose holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in the indenture, - modify any of the provisions in the indenture concerning the holders consent requirement described above or the provisions in the indenture concerning the waiver of past defaults, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of the indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of each outstanding note affected thereby, or - modify the provisions of the indenture in a manner adverse to the holders in any material respect. TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE We have initially appointed the trustee as security registrar, paying agent and conversion agent, acting through its corporate trust office. We reserve the right to: - vary or terminate the appointment of the security registrar, paying agent or conversion agent, - appoint additional paying agents or conversion agents, or - approve any change in the office through which any security registrar or any paying agent or conversion agent acts. A holder may transfer or convert the notes in accordance with the indenture. We or the trustee may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements, legal opinions and transfer documents, and to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the indenture. We are not required to issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any notes during the 15 days period 42 immediately preceding the mailing of any notice of redemption right or the 10 days period before the redemption date. The registered holders of a note may be treated as the owner of it for all purposes. BOOK ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM The notes are evidenced by one or more global notes, which were deposited on the date of the closing of the sale of the notes with, or on behalf of, the depositary and registered in the name of Cede & Co. as the depositary's nominee. Except as set forth below, the global note may be transferred, in whole or in part, only to another nominee of the depositary or to a successor of the depositary or its nominee. The holders may hold his or her interests in the global note directly through the depositary if the holders are participants in the depositary, or the holders may hold his or her interests in the global note indirectly through organizations which are participants in the depositary. Transfers between holders whose interests in the global note are directly or indirectly held by the depositary will be effected in accordance with the depositary's rules and will be settled in same-day funds. The depositary has advised us that it is a limited-purpose trust company that was created to hold securities for its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in such securities between its participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its participants. The depositary's participants include securities brokers and dealers (including Jefferies), banks and trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to the depositary's system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies, known as indirect participants, that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly. Holders may elect to hold notes purchased by them through the depositary. Holders who are not participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of the depositary only through direct or indirect participants. We expect that pursuant to procedures established by the depositary: - upon deposit of the global notes, the depositary will credit the accounts of participants with an interest in the global notes, and - ownership of the notes evidenced by the global notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary (with respect to the interests of participants), the participants and the indirect participants. The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery in definitive form of securities that they own and that security interests in negotiable instruments can only be perfected by delivery of securities representing the instruments. Consequently, his or her ability to transfer notes evidenced by the global notes will be limited to such extent. So long as the depositary or its nominee is the registered owner of a note, the depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holders of the notes represented by the global notes for all purposes under the indenture and the notes. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global note will not be entitled to have notes represented by such global note registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated notes, and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the indenture for any purpose, including with respect to the giving of any directions, instructions or approvals to the trustee thereunder. As a result, the ability of a person having a beneficial interest in notes represented by a global note to pledge 43 such interest to persons that do not participate in the depositary's system, or to otherwise take actions with respect to such interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interest. Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of notes by the depositary, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of the depositary relating to such notes. Payments with respect to the principal of, premium, if any, interest on any note represented by a global note registered in the name of the depositary or its nominee on the applicable record date will be payable by the trustee to or at the direction of the depositary or its nominee in its capacity as the registered holders of the global notes representing such notes under the indenture. We and the trustee may treat the persons in whose names the notes, including the global notes, are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Consequently, neither we nor the trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for the payment of such amounts to beneficial owners of notes (including, principal, premium, if any, or interest), or immediately to credit the accounts of the relevant participants with such payment, in amounts proportionate to their respective holdings in principal amount of beneficial interests in the global notes as shown on the records of the depositary. Payments by the direct and the indirect participants to the beneficial owners of notes will be governed by standing instructions and customary practice and will be the responsibility of the direct or indirect participants. If the holders desire to convert his or her notes into common stock pursuant to the terms of the notes, the holders should contact his or her broker or other participants or indirect participants to obtain information on procedures, including proper forms and cut-off times, for submitting such requests. PHYSICAL SECURITIES If: - we notify the trustee in writing that the depositary is no longer willing or able to act as a depositary and we are unable to locate a qualified successor within 90 days, or - an event of default has occurred and is continuing and the notes become due and payable under the indenture, and the trustee requests that physical notes be issued, then, upon surrender by the depositary of the global notes, physical notes will be issued to each person that the depositary identifies as the beneficial owner of the notes represented by the global notes. In addition, subject to certain conditions, any person having a beneficial interest in a global note may, upon request to the trustee, exchange such beneficial interest for notes in the form of physical notes. Upon any such issuance, the trustee is required to register such physical notes in the name of such person or persons (or the nominee of any thereof), and cause the same to be delivered thereto. Neither we nor the trustee shall be liable for any delay by the depositary or any direct or indirect participant in identifying the beneficial owners of the notes, and we and the trustee may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, instructions from the depositary for all purposes (including with respect to the registration and delivery, and the respective principal amounts, of the notes to be issued). 44 VOTING RIGHTS The holders of the notes shall have no voting rights as the holders of the notes, except as required by law. GOVERNING LAW The indenture and the notes provide that they are to be governed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to choice of laws provisions. THE TRUSTEE Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the trustee under the indenture. A successor trustee may be appointed in accordance with the terms of the indenture. The indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the trustee, in the event it becomes our creditor, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions with us and our subsidiaries, but if it acquires any conflicting interest (as defined), it must eliminate such conflict or resign. In case an event of default shall occur (and shall not be cured or waived), the trustee will be required to use the degree of care of a prudent person in the conduct of its own affairs in the exercise of its powers. Subject to such provisions, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any of the holders of notes, unless they shall have offered to the trustee reasonable security or indemnity. REGISTRATION RIGHTS We have entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the notes for the benefit of the holders of the notes and the common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes. The following is a summary of the registration rights agreement and is not complete. The holders should refer to the registration rights agreement for a full description of the registration rights that apply to the notes. We agreed to file a shelf registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, under the Securities Act to register resales of the notes and the shares of common stock into which the notes are convertible, referred to as registrable securities. We agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to have the shelf registration statement declared effective within 180 days after the first date of original issuance of the notes, and to keep it effective until the earliest of: - two years after the closing date; - the last date on which in the opinion of counsel to us the holding period applicable to sales of all registrable securities under Rule 144(k) has expired; - the date as of which all registrable securities have been transferred under Rule 144 under circumstances in which any legend borne by such notes or conversion shares relating to restrictions on transferability thereof, under the 1933 Act or otherwise, is removed; and - the date when all registrable securities shall have been registered under the Securities Act and disposed of; 45 We are permitted to suspend the use of the prospectus which is a part of the shelf registration statement for a period not to exceed (i) 30 consecutive days at any one time; (ii) 45 days in the aggregate in any three-month period; or (iii) 90 days in the aggregate during any 12-month period (a "Suspension Period"), in each case only for valid business reasons, to be determined in good faith by the Company in its reasonable judgment, including pending corporate developments, public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and similar events. A holders of registrable securities that sells registrable securities pursuant to the shelf registration statement generally is required to provide information about itself and the specifics of the sale, be named as a selling securityholders in the related prospectus and deliver a prospectus to purchasers, be subject to relevant civil liability provisions under the Securities Act in connection with such sales and be bound by the provisions of the registration rights agreements which are applicable to such holders. If: - on or prior to the 180th day after the first date of original issuance of the notes the shelf registration statement has not been declared effective by the SEC, - we fail with respect to a note holders that supplies the questionnaire described below to supplement the shelf registration statement in a timely manner in order to name additional selling securities holders, or - after the shelf registration statement has been declared effective the shelf registration statement ceases to be effective or fails to be usable in connection with resales of notes and the common stock issuable upon the conversion of the notes (without being succeeded within 3 business days by a replacement shelf registration statement filed and declared effective) or usable (including as a result of a Suspension Period) for the offer and sale of notes for a period of time (including any Suspension Period) which exceeds: (x) 30 consecutive days at any time; (y) 45 days in the aggregate in any three-month period; or (z) 90 days in the aggregate in any 12-month period, (each such event referred to in the three clauses above, a registration default), then, in each case, we will pay, until such failure is cured, liquidated damages equal to (i) 0.5% per annum for the notes for the period up to and including the 90th day during which such registration default has occurred and is continuing, and (ii) 1.0% per annum for the notes for the period including and subsequent to the 91st day during which such registration default has occurred and is continuing. We agreed to give notice of our intention to file the shelf registration statement, which we refer to as a filing notice, to each of the holders of the notes in the same manner as we would give notice to holders of notes under the indenture. The filing notice seeks, among other things, a determination from each such holders as to whether such holders elected to have its notes and the common stock issuable on conversion thereof registered for sale pursuant to the shelf registration statement. Any holders of notes wishing to include its registrable securities is required to deliver to us a properly completed and signed selling securityholders notice and questionnaire. Depending on how quickly the shelf registration statement is declared effective, a holders who responds at the end of the period may not have its registrable securities included until after the shelf registration statement is declared effective. No holders are entitled to have the registrable securities held by it covered by the shelf registration statement unless such holders agrees in writing to be bound by all the provisions of the registration rights agreement applicable to such holders. 46 Holders of notes are required to deliver the questionnaire prior to the effectiveness of the shelf registration statement so that they can be named as selling securityholders in the prospectus. Upon receipt of any completed questionnaires after the effectiveness of the shelf registration statement, we are required, as promptly as practicable but in any event within ten business days of receipt, to file any amendments or supplements to the shelf registration statement so that such securityholders may use the prospectus, subject to our right to suspend under certain circumstances; provided, however, that if a supplement to the related prospectus or a post effective amendment to the shelf registration statement is required to permit the holders to deliver the prospectus to purchasers of registrable securities, we shall not be required to file more than one such supplement during any 20 day period and one such post-effective amendment in any 60 day period. Under the registration rights agreement all selling securityholders are required to deliver a prospectus to purchasers and will be bound by the provisions of the agreement. We agreed to pay all expenses of the shelf registration statement, provide each holders that is selling registrable securities pursuant to the shelf registration statement copies of the related prospectus and take other actions as are required to permit, subject to the foregoing, registered resales of the registrable securities. 47 CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES The following section summarizes the material United States federal income tax consequences of purchasing, owning, and disposing of the notes and common stock into which you may convert the notes. This is not a complete analysis of all the potential tax consequences that you may need to consider before investing based on your particular circumstances. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the applicable treasury regulations promulgated or proposed under the Code, judicial authority and current administrative rulings and practice. All of these may change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This summary deals only with beneficial owners who hold notes and common stock as "capital assets" and does not address tax consequences under special tax rules. Special tax rules may apply to certain types of investors, including but not limited to banks, tax-exempt organizations or funds, pension funds, insurance companies, dealers in securities or foreign currencies, persons participating in a hedging transaction or a "straddle" or "conversion transaction" for tax purposes, or persons that have a "functional currency" other than the U.S. dollar. This summary discusses the tax consequences to holders who purchase the notes at their "issue price" (the first price at which a substantial portion of the notes is sold to the public) and generally does not discuss the tax consequences to subsequent purchasers of the notes. We have not sought any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the statements and conclusions in the following summary. We cannot guarantee the IRS will agree with these statements and conclusions. Before you invest in these securities, you should consult your own tax advisor to determine how the United States federal income and estate tax laws apply to your particular situation and for information about any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign taxing jurisdiction or under any applicable tax treaty. The following discussion is limited to the U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to a "U.S. Holder" of a note. You are a "U.S. Holder" if you are: - a citizen or resident (as defined in Section 7701(b)(1) of the Code) of the United States, - a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes, or a partnership or other entity taxable as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes, organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof or therein, - an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of the source, or - a trust, (1) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and for which one or more U.S. persons can make all significant decisions or (2) that has a valid election in effect under applicable treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person. In addition, if a holder is an entity treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes, the tax treatment of the partnership and each partner of such partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. Partnerships which hold notes or common stock, and partners in such partnerships, should consult their tax advisors. 48 TAXATION OF INTEREST You generally must include interest on a note in your income as ordinary income at the time you receive or accrue interest, in accordance with your method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes. SALE, EXCHANGE OR REDEMPTION OF THE NOTES Except as described below under "Conversion of the Notes", you generally will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange or redemption of a note equal to the difference between: - the amount of cash proceeds and the fair market value of any property you receive on the sale, exchange or redemption (except any portion that is accrued but unpaid interest not previously included in income, which is taxable as ordinary income), and - your adjusted tax basis in the note. Your adjusted tax basis generally will equal the cost of the note to you, less any principal payments you have received. This capital gain or loss will be long-term if you have held the note for more than one year and will be short-term if you have held the note one year or less. Long-term capital gains for non-corporate taxpayers, including individuals, are taxed at a maximum rate of 15%, and short-term capital gains are taxed at a maximum rate of 35%. Corporate taxpayers pay a maximum regular tax rate of 35% on all capital gains and ordinary income. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. EARLY REDEMPTION In the event of a change of control, the holders of notes will have the right to require Vector to purchase their notes. Treasury regulations provide that the right of holders of the notes to require redemption of the notes upon the occurrence of a change of control will not affect the yield or maturity date of the notes if, based on all the facts and circumstances as of the issue date, the likelihood that a change of control giving rise to the redemption right will occur is a "remote" or "incidental" contingency. Vector intends to take the position that such likelihood is a remote or incidental contingency and, consequently, does not intend to treat this redemption provision of the notes as affecting the computation of the yield or maturity date of the notes. CONSTRUCTIVE DIVIDENDS ON THE NOTES The conversion price of the notes may change under certain circumstances. In such a case, you may be treated as having received a constructive distribution whether or not you ever exercise your conversion privilege. The constructive distribution will be taxable as dividend income, subject to a possible dividends received deduction if you are a corporate holder, to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, if, and to the extent that, the adjustment in the conversion price increases your proportionate interest in the fully diluted common stock. Moreover, common stockholders themselves will generally be treated as having received a constructive distribution if there is not a full adjustment to the conversion price of the notes to reflect a stock dividend or other event increasing the proportionate interest of the common stockholders in our assets or earnings and profits. In such an event, the constructive distribution will be taxable as ordinary income, subject to a possible dividends received deduction if you are a corporate holder, to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Under these circumstances, it is possible that you could be required to pay tax even though you did not receive any cash or other property. 49 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES If we fail to register the notes with the SEC on a shelf registration statement to permit you to resell your notes, we will be required to pay you liquidated damages, as described above under "Description of Notes -- Registration Rights". We intend to take the position for United States federal income tax purposes that any payments of liquidated damages should be taxable to you as additional ordinary income when received or accrued, in accordance with your method of tax accounting. This position is based in part on the assumption that as of the date of issuance of the notes, the possibility that liquidated damages will have to be paid is a remote or incidental contingency within the meaning of applicable treasury regulations. Our determination that such possibility is a remote or incidental contingency is binding on you, unless you explicitly disclose that you are taking a different position to the IRS on your tax return for the year during which you acquire the notes. However, the IRS may take a contrary position from that described above, which could affect the timing and character of both your income from the notes and our deduction with respect to the payments of liquidated damages. If you convert your notes prior to the payment of liquidated damages, liquidated damages paid to you will be treated as a distribution on your common stock in the manner discussed under " - -- Dividends on Common Stock" below. If we fail to file a registration statement, you should consult your tax advisors concerning the appropriate tax treatment of the payment of liquidated damages with respect to the notes. CONVERSION OF THE NOTES You generally will not recognize any income, gain or loss on conversion of a note into common stock, except for any cash you receive instead of a fractional share of common stock. Your tax basis in the common stock will be the same as your adjusted tax basis in the note at the time of conversion, reduced by any basis allocable to any fractional share interest for which you received cash. For capital gains purposes, your holding period for the common stock will generally include the holding period of the note you converted. To the extent the fair market value of shares of common stock received is attributable to accrued interest, the fair market value of such stock will be taxable as ordinary income, your tax basis in such shares generally will equal the amount of such accrued interest included in income, and the holding period for such shares will begin on the date of conversion. You should treat cash you receive instead of a fractional share of common stock as a payment in exchange for the fractional share of common stock. This will generally result in capital gain or loss (measured by the difference between the cash you received for the fractional share and your adjusted tax basis in the fractional share). DIVIDENDS ON COMMON STOCK Generally, distributions are treated as a dividend and taxed as dividend income to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Thereafter, distributions are treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your tax basis in the common stock, and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of such stock. Under legislation enacted in 2003, with respect to U.S. Holders that are non-corporate taxpayers, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002 and before January 1, 2009, dividends will generally be subject to tax at the lower applicable capital gains rate, provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied. A dividend distribution to a corporate holder may qualify for the 70% dividends received deduction if the holder owns less than 20% of the voting power and value of our stock, not counting non- 50 voting, nonconvertible, non-participating preferred stock. A corporate holder that owns 20% or more of the voting power and value of our stock, other than non-voting, non-convertible, non-participating preferred stock, generally will qualify for an 80% dividends received deduction. SALE, EXCHANGE OR REDEMPTION OF COMMON STOCK On the sale, exchange or redemption of common stock, you generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between: - the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received on the sale, exchange or redemption, and - your adjusted tax basis in the common stock. This capital gain or loss will be long-term if you have held the stock for more than one year and will be short-term if you have held the stock for one year or less. The tax rates on long-term and short-term capital gains applicable to non-corporate taxpayers are discussed above under " -- Dividends on Common Stock". A holder's basis and holding period in common stock received upon conversion of a note are determined as discussed above under " -- Conversion of the Notes". INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX In general, we must report to the record holders of the notes and common stock, other than corporations other exempt holders, and to the IRS, payments of principal, premium and interest on a note, payments of dividends on common stock, payments of the proceeds of the sale or other disposition of a note and payments of the proceeds of the sale or other disposition of common stock. The payer must withhold backup withholding tax at a rate of up to 31% if: - the payee fails to furnish a taxpayer identification number (which, for an individual, generally is his social security number) to the payer or establish an exemption from backup withholding, - the IRS notifies the payer that the number furnished by the payee is incorrect, - the payee has underreported interest, dividends or original issue discount, or - the payee has failed to certify under the penalty of perjury that he is not subject to backup withholding under the Code. Certain holders, including, among others, all corporations and certain tax-exempt organizations, generally are exempt from such backup withholding. You generally may credit any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules against your United States federal income tax, and you may receive a refund, if you furnish the required information to the IRS. 51 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK This summary does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and all applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law. GENERAL Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, authorizes us to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.10 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share. As of January 18, 2005, there were 41,773,591 shares of our common stock, and no shares of our preferred stock, issued and outstanding. COMMON STOCK The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. Subject to the prior rights of any outstanding preferred stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as the Board of Directors may declare out of funds legally available for payment of dividends. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preference of any then outstanding preferred stock. The holders of common stock have no right to convert their common stock into any other securities. The common stock has no preemptive or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. All outstanding shares of common stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The rights of holders of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of holders of any series of preferred stock that we may designate in the future. PREFERRED STOCK The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock from time to time in one or more series and for such consideration as the Board may determine and subject to certain restrictions, with such designations, preferences and rights, and such qualifications, limitations and restrictions, as the Board may determine with respect thereto by duly adopted resolution or resolutions. The issuance of preferred stock may delay, defer or prevent our change in control without further action by the stockholders and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of holders of our common stock. As of the date hereof, no shares of preferred stock are issued and outstanding. OPTIONS AND OTHER DILUTIVE SECURITIES At September 30, 2004, we had outstanding options granted to employees to purchase 9,112,859 shares of our common stock, at prices ranging from $3.73 to $37.60 per share, of which options for 8,510,523 shares are exercisable during 2004. We also have outstanding two series of convertible notes maturing in July 2008 and November 2011, respectively, which are currently convertible into 8,863,570 shares of our common stock (9,556,773 shares of common stock if the rights to purchase additional notes are exercised in full). 52 ANTITAKEOVER EFFECTS OF PROVISIONS OF DELAWARE LAW We are a Delaware corporation subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Section 203 generally provides that a stockholder acquiring more than 15%, but less than 85%, of the outstanding voting stock of a corporation subject to Section 203 may not engage in a "business combination," as defined in Section 203, with the corporation for a period of three years from the date on which that stockholder became an "interested stockholder," as defined in Section 203, unless: - prior to such date the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction in which the stockholder became an interested stockholder, or - the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized by the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation not owned by the interested stockholder. A "business combination" includes a merger, asset sale and certain other transactions with an interested stockholder. In general, an "interested stockholder" is a person or entity who, together with affiliates thereof, owns, or within three years prior to the determination of the interested stockholder status, did own, 15% or more of the voting stock of the corporation. Section 203 could prohibit or delay a merger or other takeover or change of control transaction with respect to our company and, accordingly, may discourage actions that could result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by our stockholders. TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR The transfer agent and registrar for the common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, New York, New York. SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS The notes were originally issued by us, in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, to entities believed by us to be qualified institutional buyers. Selling securityholders, including their transferees, pledgees or donees or their successors, may from time to time offer and sell any or all the notes and common stock into which the notes are convertible pursuant to this prospectus. The selling securityholders have represented to us that they purchased the notes and the common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes for their own account for investment only and not with a view toward selling or distributing them, except through sales registered under the Securities Act or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. We agreed with the initial purchasers of the notes to file this registration statement to register the resale of the notes and the common stock. We agreed to prepare and file all necessary amendments and supplements to the registration statement to keep it effective until the date on which the notes and the common stock issuable upon their conversion no longer qualify as "registrable securities" under our registration rights agreement, subject to our ability to suspend the registration statement under certain circumstances for valid business reasons. The following table sets forth, as of January 18, 2005, information regarding the beneficial ownership of the notes and our common stock by the selling securityholders. The information is based on information provided by or on behalf of the selling securityholders. Information about the selling 53 securityholders may change over time. Any material changed information will be set forth in prospectus supplements. The selling securityholders may offer from time to time all, some or none of the notes or common stock into which the notes are convertible. See "Plan of Distribution". Thus, we cannot estimate the amount of the notes or the common stock that will be held by the selling securityholders upon termination of any sales. In addition, the selling securityholders identified below may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of all or a portion of their notes since the date on which they provided the information about their notes in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Except as otherwise may be described in the footnotes below, none of the selling securityholders has had any material relationship with us or our affiliates within the past three years. 54
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF NUMBER OF SHARES OF SHARES SHARES OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT COMMON OF COMMON COMMON OF NOTES STOCK STOCK STOCK PERCENTAGE OF BENEFICIALLY PERCENTAGE OF BENEFICIALLY THAT MAY BE SOLD BENEFICIALLY COMMON OWNED NOTES OWNED PURSUANT TO OWNED STOCK THAT MAY BE SOLD OUTSTANDING BEFORE THIS THIS PROSPECTUS AFTER THIS OUTSTANDING NAME (1) (2) OFFERING (3) OFFERING (4) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Barnet Partners Ltd. (5) $ 1,562,500 1.9% 0 79,842 0 * Basso Holdings Ltd. (6) (7) $ 1,621,000 2.0% 0 82,831 0 * Basso Multi-Strategy Holding Fund Ltd. (7) (8) $ 3,784,000 4.6% 0 193,358 0 * Canyon Balanced Equity Master Fund, Ltd. (9) (10) $ 312,500 * 55,961 15,969 55,961 * Canyon Capital Arbitrage Master Fund, Ltd. (10) (11) $ 1,000,000 1.2% 0 51,099 0 * Canyon Value Realization Fund, L.P. (10) (12) $ 812,500 * 145,782 41,518 145,782 * The Canyon Value Realization Fund (Cayman), Ltd. (10) (13) $ 2,968,750 3.6% 538,929 151,700 538,929 1.6% 55
Canyon Value Realization MAC 18, Ltd. (RMF) (10) $ 312,500 * 53,933 15,969 53,933 * CitiCanyon, Ltd. (10) (15) $ 312,500 * 51,905 15,969 51,905 * Hamilton Multi-Strategy Master Fund, L.P. (16) $ 1,377,500 1.7% 182,562 70,389 182,562 * Highbridge International LLC (17) $ 41,250,000 50.4% 0 2,107,819 0 4.8% Institutional Benchmarks Master Fund, Ltd.(10) (18) $ 218,750 * 37,712 11,178 37,712 * Jefferies Paragon Master Fund, Ltd. (19) $ 10,000,000 12.2% 0 510,987 0 1.2% Lakeshore International, Ltd. (20) (21) $ 3,593,000 4.4% 0 183,598 0 * Man MAC 2 Limited (22) (23) $ 1,903,750 2.3% 252,149 97,279 252,149 * Merced Partners Limited Partnership (24) $ 1,718,000 2.1% 0 87,788 0 * Peoples Benefit Life Insurance Company Teamsters (25) $ 625,000 * 0 31,937 0 * SPhinX Special Situations Fund SPC (10) (26) $ 62,500 * 13,990 3,194 13,990 * St. Albans Partners Ltd. (27) $ 2,343,750 2.9% 0 119,763 0 * Tamarack International, Ltd. (21) (28) $ 1,718,000 2.1% 0 87,788 0 * - ------------- * Less than 1%. (1) Includes the aggregate principal amount of notes issuable upon exercise in full of the additional investment rights held by the holder. (2) Amount of total notes outstanding includes the $13,566,000 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of all the remaining additional investment rights. (3) Assumes conversion of all of the securityholders' notes, including the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes issuable upon exercise of the additional investment rights held by the holder, at a conversion price of $19.57 per share of common stock. (4) Calculated based on Rule 13d-3(d)(i) of the Exchange Act using shares of common stock outstanding as of January 18, 2005. In calculating this amount, we treated as outstanding the number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of all of that particular securityholder's notes. We did not assume, however, the conversion of any other securityholder's notes. (5) Includes $1,250,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $312,500 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights. John Wagner acts as portfolio manager for the selling securityholder and exercises voting control and dispositive power over these securities. (6) Includes $1,200,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $421,000 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issued upon exercise of additional investment rights. (7) Basso Asset Management, L.P. acts as investment manager for Basso Multi-Strategy Holding Fund Ltd., and Basso Capital Management, L.P. acts as investment manager for Basso Holdings Ltd. Basso GP, LLC is the general partner of Basso Asset Management, L.P. and Basso Capital Management, L.P., and Howard I. Fischer as a managing member of Basso GP, LLC exercises investment power and voting control over these securities. Howard I. Fischer disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities. (8) Includes $2,800,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $984,000 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issued upon exercise of additional investment rights. 56
Yield Strategies Fund I, L.P. (29) $ 1,562,500 1.9% 0 79,842 0 * Yield Strategies Fund II, L.P. (30) $ 1,562,500 1.9% 0 79,842 0 * Any other holder of notes or future transferee from any holder (31) $ 1,250,000 1.5% 0 63,874 0 * (9) Includes $250,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $62,500 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights. (10) Canyon Capital Advisors LLC acts as the investment advisor for the selling securityholder and has the power to direct investments by the selling securityholder. The managing partners of Canyon Capital Advisors LLC are Joshua S. Friedman, Mitchell R. Julis, R. Christian, B. Evensen and K. Robert Turner. The selling securityholder has informed us that (i) it is an affiliate of Canyon Partners Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer, (ii) it purchased the securities in the ordinary course of business, and (iii) at the time of purchase, the selling securityholder had no agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the securities. Also beneficially owned the following principal amounts of our 6.25% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2008: Canyon Balanced Equity Master Fund, Ltd. - $1,380,000, convertible into 55,961 shares of our common stock; Canyon Value Realization Fund, L.P. - $3,595,000, convertible into 145,782 shares of our common stock; The Canyon Value Realization Fund (Cayman), Ltd. - $13,290,000, convertible into 538,929 shares of our common stock; Canyon Value Realization MAC 18, Ltd. (RMF) - $1,330,000, convertible into 53,933 shares of our common stock; CitiCanyon, Ltd. - $1,280,000, convertible into 51,905 shares of our common stock; Institutional Benchmarks Master Fund, Ltd. - $930,000, convertible into 37,712 shares of our common stock; and SPhinX Special Situations Fund SPC - $345,000, convertible into 13,990 shares of our common stock. (11) Includes $800,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $200,000 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights. (12) Includes $650,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $162,500 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights. (13) Includes $2,375,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $593,750 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights. (14) Includes $250,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $62,500 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights. (15) Includes $250,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $62,500 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights. (16) Includes $1,102,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $275,500 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights. Hamilton Investment Management GP, LLC is the general partner of the selling securityholder and exercises voting control and dispositive power over these securities. The members of the general partner are Michael Knox, James Wohlmacher, Sandra Satz, Evan Zimmerman, Neil Kennedy, Geoff Cragin and James McNeil. Also beneficially owned $4,502,000 principal amount of our 6.25% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2008, convertible into 182,562 shares of our common stock. (17) Includes $33,000,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $8,250,000 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights. Each of Highbridge Capital Management, LLC, Glenn Dubin and Henry Swieca disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities. Highbridge Capital Management, LLC is the trading manager of the selling securityholder and exercises voting control and dispositive power over these securities. Glenn Dubin and Henry Swieca control Highbridge Capital Management, LLC. The selling securityholder has informed us that (i) it is an affiliate of Highbridge Capital Corporation, a 57 registered broker-dealer, (ii) it purchased the securities in the ordinary course of business, and (iii) at the time of purchase, the selling securityholder had no agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the securities. (18) Includes $175,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $43,750 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights. (19) Includes $8,000,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $2,000,000 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights. The selling securityholder is managed by Jefferies Asset Management, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jefferies Group, Inc. Michael Handler and Joseph Contorinis are the portfolio managers at Jefferies Asset Management, LLC and exercise voting control and dispositive power over these securities. Jefferies & Company, Inc. ("Jefferies"), a registered broker-dealer and a separate wholly-owned subsidiary of Jefferies Group, Inc., was the placement agent for the offering of notes. Jefferies or its affiliates have from time to time provided investment banking, general financing and banking services to us and our affiliates, for which they have received customary compensation. The selling securityholder has informed us that (i) it purchased the securities as an investment and not as compensation for investment banking services, and (ii) at the time of purchase, the selling securityholder had no agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the securities. (20) Includes $2,875,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $718,000 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issued upon exercise of additional investment rights. (21) Hunter Capital Management, L.P. ("Hunter Capital") acts as the investment manager for the selling securityholder. EBF & Associates, L.P. ("EBF") is the general partner of Hunter Capital, and Global Capital Management, Inc. ("Global Capital") is the general partner of EBF. John D. Brandenborg and Michael J. Frey are the sole shareholders of Global Capital. As such, each of Hunter Capital, EBF, Global Capital, Mr. Brandenborg and Mr. Frey has dispositive power and voting control over these securities, but each disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities. (22) Includes $1,523,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $380,750 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights. (23) Also beneficially owned $6,218,000 principal amount of our 6.25% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2008, convertible into 252,149 shares of our common stock. (24) Includes $1,375,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $343,000 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issued upon exercise of additional investment rights. Global Capital is the general partner of the selling securityholder. John D. Brandenborg and Michael J. Frey are the sole shareholders of Global Capital. As such, each of Global Capital, Mr. Brandenborg and Mr. Frey has dispositive power and voting control over these securities, but each disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities. (25) Includes $625,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued. John Wagner acts as portfolio manager for the selling securityholder and exercises voting control and dispositive power over these securities. (26) Includes $50,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $12,500 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights. 58 (27) Includes $1,875,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $468,750 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights. John Wagner acts as portfolio manager for the selling securityholder and exercises voting control and dispositive power over these securities. (28) Includes $1,375,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $343,000 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issued upon exercise of additional investment rights. (29) Includes $1,250,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $312,500 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights. John Wagner acts as portfolio manager for the selling securityholder and exercises voting control and dispositive power over these securities. (30) Includes $1,250,000 aggregate principal amount of initial notes issued and $312,500 aggregate principal amount of additional notes issuable upon exercise of additional investment rights. John Wagner acts as portfolio manager for the selling securityholder and exercises voting control and dispositive power over these securities. (31) Information about other selling securityholders will be set forth in prospectus supplements, if required. Assumes that any other holders of notes, or any future transferees, pledgees, donees or successors of or from any such other holders of notes, do not beneficially own any common stock other than the common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes at the initial conversion rate. 59 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION We will not receive any of the proceeds of the sale of the notes or the underlying common stock offered by this prospectus. The notes and the underlying common stock may be sold from time to time to purchasers: - directly by the selling securityholders; or - through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents that may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the selling securityholders or the purchasers of the notes and the underlying common stock. The selling securityholders and any such broker-dealers or agents that participate in the distribution of the notes and the underlying common stock may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales. As a result, any profits on the sale of the notes and underlying common stock by selling securityholders and any discounts, commissions or concessions received by any such broker-dealers or agents might be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. If the selling securityholders were to be deemed underwriters, the selling securityholders may be subject to certain statutory liabilities, including, but not limited to, those set forth in Sections 11, 12 and 17 of the Securities Act and Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange Act. If the notes and underlying common stock are sold through underwriters or broker-dealers, the selling securityholders will be responsible for underwriting discounts or commissions or agent's commissions. The notes and underlying common stock may be sold in one or more transactions at: - fixed prices, - prevailing market prices at the time of sale, - varying prices determined at the time of sale, or - negotiated prices. These sales may be effected in transactions: - on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the notes and underlying common stock may be listed or quoted at the time of the sale, including the New York Stock Exchange in the case of the common stock, - in the over-the-counter market, - in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market, - through the writing of options, whether the options are listed on an option exchange or otherwise, - through the settlement of short sales, or - through other types of transactions. 60 These transactions may include block transactions or crosses. Crosses are transactions in which the same broker acts as an agent on both sides of the trade. In connection with sales of the notes and underlying common stock or otherwise, the selling securityholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions. These broker-dealers or financial institutions may in turn engage in short sales of the notes and underlying common stock in the course of hedging their positions. The selling securityholders may also sell the notes and underlying common stock short and deliver notes and underlying common stock to close out short positions, or loan or pledge notes and underlying common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell the notes and underlying common stock. The selling securityholders may pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the convertible notes or shares of common stock owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares of common stock from time to time pursuant to this prospectus or any amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act, amending, if necessary, the list of selling securityholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as selling securityholders under this prospectus. The selling securityholders also may transfer and donate the shares of common stock in other circumstances in which case the transferees, donees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus. To our knowledge, there are currently no plans, arrangements or understandings between any selling securityholders and any underwriter, broker-dealer or agent regarding the sale of the notes and the underlying common stock by the selling securityholders. Selling securityholders may decide not to sell any of the notes and the underlying common stock offered by them pursuant to this prospectus. In addition, there may be circumstances where a selling securityholder may transfer, devise or gift the notes and the underlying common stock by other means not described in this prospectus. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "VGR". We cannot assure you as to the development of liquidity or any trading market for the notes. See "Risk Factors - No public trading market for the notes exists". With respect to a particular offering of notes or common stock, to the extent required, an accompanying prospectus supplement or, if appropriate, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part will be prepared and will set forth the following information: - the specific notes or common stock to be offered or sold, - the names of the selling securityholders, - the respective purchase prices and public offering prices and other material terms of the offering, - the names of any participating agents, broker-dealers or underwriters, and - any applicable commissions, discounts, concessions and other items constituting compensation from the selling securityholders. There can be no assurance that any selling securityholder will sell any or all of the notes or underlying common stock pursuant to this prospectus. In addition, any notes or underlying common stock covered by this prospectus that qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A of the Securities 61 Act may be sold under Rule 144 or Rule 144A, as the case may be, rather than pursuant to this prospectus. The securityholders and any other person participating in such distribution will be subject to the Exchange Act. The Exchange Act rules include, without limitation, Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the notes and the underlying common stock by the selling securityholders and any other such person. In addition, Regulation M of the Exchange Act may restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution of the notes and the underlying common stock to engage in market-making activities with respect to the particular notes and the underlying common stock being distributed for a period of up to five business days prior to the commencement of such distribution. This may affect the marketability of the notes and the underlying common stock and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to the notes and the underlying common stock. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement filed as an exhibit to this registration statement, we have agreed to indemnify the selling securityholders and the selling securityholders have agreed to indemnify us against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act, or we will be entitled to contribution in connection with these liabilities. We have agreed to pay substantially all of the expenses incidental to the registration, offering and sale of the notes and underlying common stock to the public other than commissions, fees and discounts of underwriters, brokers, dealers and agents. LEGAL MATTERS The validity of the issuance of the notes and the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes has been passed upon by McDermott Will & Emery LLP, Los Angeles, California. EXPERTS The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule incorporated in this prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered certified public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. 62