e10vq
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For The Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2011
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
incorporation or organization)
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1-5759
Commission File Number
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65-0949535
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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100 S.E. Second Street
Miami, Florida 33131
305/579-8000 |
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(Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code,
of the principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be
filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange
Act), during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required
to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
þ Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its
corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). þ
Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of large
accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act.
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þ Large accelerated filer
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o Accelerated filer
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o Non-accelerated filer
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
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o Smaller reporting company |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act. o Yes þ No
At May 5, 2011, Vector Group Ltd. had 74,997,348 shares of common stock outstanding.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page |
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PART
I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
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Item 1.
Vector Group Ltd. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited): |
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2 |
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3 |
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4 |
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5 |
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6 |
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34 |
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48 |
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48 |
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49 |
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49 |
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49 |
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50 |
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1
VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
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2011 |
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2010 |
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ASSETS: |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
276,416 |
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$ |
299,825 |
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Investment securities available for sale |
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67,201 |
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78,754 |
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Accounts receivable trade |
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16,881 |
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1,849 |
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Inventories |
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115,157 |
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107,079 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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33,364 |
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31,786 |
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Restricted assets |
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2,539 |
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2,661 |
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Other current assets |
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3,473 |
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4,809 |
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Total current assets |
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515,031 |
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526,763 |
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Property, plant and equipment, net |
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55,283 |
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55,412 |
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Investment in Escena, net |
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13,308 |
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13,354 |
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Long-term investments accounted for at cost |
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41,283 |
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46,033 |
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Long-term investments accounted for under the equity method |
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12,148 |
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10,954 |
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Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses |
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83,752 |
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80,416 |
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Investments in townhomes |
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7,812 |
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16,275 |
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Restricted assets |
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7,745 |
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8,694 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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35,157 |
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37,828 |
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Intangible asset |
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107,511 |
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107,511 |
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Prepaid pension costs |
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14,322 |
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13,935 |
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Other assets |
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31,209 |
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32,420 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
924,561 |
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$ |
949,595 |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIENCY: |
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Current liabilities: |
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Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt |
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$ |
29,864 |
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$ |
51,345 |
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Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt |
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157 |
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480 |
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Current portion of employee benefits |
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1,014 |
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1,014 |
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Accounts payable |
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6,372 |
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9,027 |
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Accrued promotional expenses |
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12,996 |
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14,327 |
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Income taxes payable, net |
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10,164 |
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11,617 |
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Accrued excise and payroll taxes payable, net |
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23,242 |
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18,523 |
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Settlement accruals |
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80,796 |
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48,071 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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34,117 |
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36,963 |
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Accrued interest |
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9,452 |
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20,824 |
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Other current liabilities |
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12,017 |
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14,681 |
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Total current liabilities |
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220,191 |
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226,872 |
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Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion |
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501,751 |
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506,052 |
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Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt |
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141,910 |
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141,012 |
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Non-current employee benefits |
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39,049 |
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38,742 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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51,417 |
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51,815 |
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Other liabilities |
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31,598 |
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31,336 |
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Total liabilities |
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985,916 |
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995,829 |
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Commitments and contingencies |
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Stockholders deficiency: |
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Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized |
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Common stock, par value $0.10 per share, 150,000,000 shares authorized,
78,407,654 and 78,349,590 shares issued and 74,997,348 and
74,939,284 shares outstanding |
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7,500 |
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7,494 |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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Accumulated deficit |
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(55,931 |
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(45,327 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income |
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(67 |
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4,456 |
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Less: 3,410,306 and 3,410,306 shares of common stock in treasury, at cost |
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(12,857 |
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(12,857 |
) |
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Total stockholders deficiency |
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(61,355 |
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(46,234 |
) |
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Total liabilities and stockholders deficiency |
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$ |
924,561 |
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$ |
949,595 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
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Three Months |
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Three Months |
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Ended |
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Ended |
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March 31, 2011 |
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March 31, 2010 |
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Revenues* |
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$ |
260,378 |
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$ |
222,087 |
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Expenses: |
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Cost of goods sold* |
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205,177 |
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169,911 |
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Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses |
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23,725 |
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21,158 |
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Operating income |
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31,476 |
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31,018 |
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Other income (expenses): |
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Interest expense |
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(24,928 |
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(18,805 |
) |
Change in fair value of derivatives embedded within
convertible debt |
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(575 |
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(2,714 |
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Equity income from non-consolidated real
estate businesses |
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4,904 |
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4,571 |
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Gain on the sale of investment securities available for sale |
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13,035 |
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4,664 |
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Gain on liquidation of long-term investment |
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4,136 |
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Gain on sale
of townhome |
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3,135 |
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Other, net |
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839 |
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126 |
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Income before provision for income taxes |
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32,022 |
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18,860 |
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Income tax expense |
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12,649 |
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6,922 |
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Net income |
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$ |
19,373 |
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$ |
11,938 |
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Per basic common share: |
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Net income applicable to common shares |
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$ |
0.25 |
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$ |
0.16 |
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Per diluted common share: |
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Net income applicable to common shares |
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$ |
0.25 |
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$ |
0.14 |
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Cash distributions and dividends declared per share |
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$ |
0.40 |
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$ |
0.38 |
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* |
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Revenues and Cost of goods sold include excise taxes of $127,634 and $111,193, respectively. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIENCY
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Unaudited
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Accumulated |
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Additional |
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Other |
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Common Stock |
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Paid-In |
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Accumulated |
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Comprehensive |
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Treasury |
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Shares |
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Amount |
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Capital |
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Deficit |
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(Loss) Income |
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Stock |
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Total |
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Balance, December 31, 2010 |
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74,939,284 |
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$ |
7,494 |
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$ |
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$ |
(45,327 |
) |
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$ |
4,456 |
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$ |
(12,857 |
) |
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$ |
(46,234 |
) |
Net income |
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19,373 |
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19,373 |
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Pension-related minimum liability adjustments,
net of income taxes |
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409 |
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409 |
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Forward contract adjustments, net of income taxes |
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8 |
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8 |
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Unrealized gain on long-term investment securities,
accounted for under the equity method,
net of income taxes |
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259 |
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259 |
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Change in net unrealized gain on investment
securities, net of income taxes |
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2,622 |
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2,622 |
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Net unrealized gains reclassified into net income,
net of income taxes |
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(7,821 |
) |
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(7,821 |
) |
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Unrealized gain on investment securities,
net of income taxes |
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(5,199 |
) |
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Total other comprehensive income |
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(4,523 |
) |
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Total comprehensive income |
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14,850 |
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Distributions and dividends on common stock |
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(665 |
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(29,977 |
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(30,642 |
) |
Exercise of stock options, net of 300,799 shares
to pay exercise price |
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|
106,421 |
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11 |
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(11 |
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Surrender of shares in connection with option
exercise |
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(48,357 |
) |
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(5 |
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(763 |
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(768 |
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Tax benefit of stock options exercised |
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|
665 |
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|
665 |
|
Amortization of deferred compensation |
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|
774 |
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|
774 |
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|
Balance, March 31, 2011 |
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|
74,997,348 |
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|
$ |
7,500 |
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|
$ |
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|
$ |
(55,931 |
) |
|
$ |
(67 |
) |
|
$ |
(12,857 |
) |
|
$ |
(61,355 |
) |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
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|
Three Months |
|
|
Three Months |
|
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|
Ended |
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Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2011 |
|
|
March 31, 2010 |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
$ |
554 |
|
|
$ |
13,163 |
|
|
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|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
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|
|
Sale or maturity of investment securities |
|
|
17,792 |
|
|
|
6,933 |
|
Purchase of investment securities |
|
|
(1,788 |
) |
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|
Proceeds from sale or liquidation of long-term investments |
|
|
8,886 |
|
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|
|
Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses |
|
|
(1,672 |
) |
|
|
(605 |
) |
Distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses |
|
|
2,165 |
|
|
|
2,154 |
|
Proceeds
from sale of townhome, net |
|
|
11,635 |
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies |
|
|
(405 |
) |
|
|
(536 |
) |
Decrease (increase) in non-current restricted assets |
|
|
831 |
|
|
|
(331 |
) |
Issuance of notes receivable |
|
|
(91 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
Capital expenditures |
|
|
(2,661 |
) |
|
|
(3,795 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by investing activities |
|
|
34,692 |
|
|
|
3,823 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from debt issuance |
|
|
433 |
|
|
|
2,112 |
|
Repayments of debt |
|
|
(1,444 |
) |
|
|
(1,168 |
) |
Borrowings under revolver |
|
|
216,843 |
|
|
|
216,456 |
|
Repayments on revolver |
|
|
(244,076 |
) |
|
|
(210,997 |
) |
Dividends and distributions on common stock |
|
|
(31,076 |
) |
|
|
(30,024 |
) |
Proceeds from exercise of Vector options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
138 |
|
Tax benefit of options exercised |
|
|
665 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities |
|
|
(58,655 |
) |
|
|
(23,483 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(23,409 |
) |
|
|
(6,497 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
|
|
299,825 |
|
|
|
209,454 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
|
$ |
276,416 |
|
|
$ |
202,957 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
1. |
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
(a) Basis of Presentation:
The condensed consolidated financial statements of Vector Group Ltd. (the Company or
Vector) include the accounts of VGR Holding LLC (VGR Holding), Liggett Group LLC
(Liggett), Vector Tobacco Inc. (Vector Tobacco), Liggett Vector Brands LLC (Liggett
Vector Brands), New Valley LLC (New Valley) and other less significant subsidiaries. All
significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Liggett and Vector Tobacco are engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the
United States. New Valley is engaged in the real estate business and is seeking to acquire
additional operating companies and real estate properties.
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company are unaudited and,
in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments necessary (which are normal and
recurring) to state fairly the Companys consolidated financial position, results of
operations and cash flows. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read
in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in
the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The consolidated results of operations for interim
periods should not be regarded as necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected
for the entire year.
(b) Distributions and Dividends on Common Stock:
The Company records distributions on its common stock as dividends in its condensed
consolidated statement of stockholders equity to the extent of retained earnings and
accumulated paid-in capital. Any amounts exceeding retained earnings are recorded as a
reduction to additional paid-in capital. Any amounts then exceeding accumulated paid-in
capital are recorded as an increase to accumulated deficit.
(c) Earnings Per Share (EPS):
Information concerning the Companys common stock has been adjusted to give retroactive
effect to the 5% stock dividend paid to Company stockholders on September 29, 2010. All per
share amounts have been presented as if the stock dividends had occurred on January 1, 2010.
Net income for purposes of determining basic EPS was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months |
|
|
Three Months |
|
|
|
Ended |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2011 |
|
|
March 31, 2010 |
|
Net income |
|
$ |
19,373 |
|
|
$ |
11,938 |
|
Income attributable to
participating securities |
|
|
(397 |
) |
|
|
(263 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income available to
common stockholders |
|
$ |
18,976 |
|
|
$ |
11,675 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Net income for purposes of determining diluted EPS was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months |
|
|
Three Months |
|
|
|
Ended |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2011 |
|
|
March 31, 2010 |
|
Net income |
|
$ |
19,373 |
|
|
$ |
11,938 |
|
Income attributable
to 6.75% Variable Interest Senior
Convertible Exchange Notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(257 |
) |
Income attributable to
participating securities |
|
|
(397 |
) |
|
|
(263 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income available to
common stockholders |
|
$ |
18,976 |
|
|
$ |
11,418 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted EPS were calculated using the following shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months |
|
|
Three Months |
|
|
|
Ended |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2011 |
|
|
March 31, 2010 |
|
Weighted-average shares for basic EPS |
|
|
74,491,590 |
|
|
|
74,258,591 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plus incremental shares related to
stock options |
|
|
268,584 |
|
|
|
155,188 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plus incremental shares related to
convertible debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,948,142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average shares for fully diluted EPS |
|
|
74,760,174 |
|
|
|
81,361,921 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following stock options, non-vested restricted stock and shares issuable upon the
conversion of convertible debt were outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2011
and 2010 but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months |
|
|
Three Months |
|
|
|
Ended |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2011 |
|
|
March 31, 2010 |
|
Number of stock options |
|
|
183,411 |
|
|
|
534,914 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average exercise price |
|
$ |
23.36 |
|
|
$ |
17.28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average shares of non-
vested restricted stock |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
16,212 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average expense per share |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
16.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average number of shares
issuable upon conversion of debt. |
|
|
17,143,180 |
|
|
|
10,195,039 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average conversion price. |
|
$ |
15.61 |
|
|
$ |
15.70 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
(d) Comprehensive Income:
Other comprehensive income is a component of stockholders equity and includes such items as
the unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale, forward foreign
contracts and minimum pension liability adjustments. The Companys comprehensive income was
$14,850 and $19,645 for the three months ended
March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(e) Fair Value of Derivatives Embedded within Convertible Debt:
The Company has estimated the fair market value of the embedded derivatives based principally
on the results of a valuation model. The estimated fair value of the derivatives embedded
within the convertible debt is based principally on the present value of future dividend
payments expected to be received by the convertible debt holders over the term of the debt.
The discount rate applied to the future cash flows is estimated based on a spread in the yield
of the Companys debt when compared to risk-free securities with the same duration; thus, a
readily determinable fair market value of the embedded derivatives is not available. The
valuation model assumes future dividend payments by the Company and utilizes interest rates and
credit spreads for secured to unsecured debt, unsecured to subordinated debt and subordinated
debt to preferred stock to determine the fair value of the derivatives embedded within the
convertible debt. The valuation also considers other items, including current and future
dividends and the volatility of Vectors stock price. The range of estimated fair market
values of the Companys embedded derivatives was between $145,023 and $139,220. The Company
recorded the fair market value of its embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs at
$142,067 as of March 31, 2011. At December 31, 2010, the range of estimated fair market values
of the Companys embedded derivatives was between $138,701 and $144,391. The Company recorded
the fair market value of its embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs at $141,492 as
of December 31, 2010. The estimated fair market value of the Companys embedded derivatives
could change significantly based on future market conditions. (See Note 4.)
(f) New Accounting Pronouncements:
In January 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance intended to improve disclosure about
fair value measurements. The guidance requires entities to disclose significant transfers in
and out of fair value hierarchy levels and the reasons for the transfers and to present
information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements separately in the reconciliation
of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Additionally, the
guidance clarifies that a reporting entity should provide fair value measurements for each
class of assets and liabilities and disclose the inputs and valuation techniques used for fair
value measurements using significant other observable inputs (Level 2) and significant
unobservable inputs (Level 3). This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods
beginning after December 15, 2009 except for the disclosure about purchases, sales, issuances
and settlements in the Level 3 reconciliation, which will be effective for interim and annual
periods beginning after December 15, 2010. As this guidance provides only disclosure
requirements, the adoption of this guidance did not impact the Companys condensed consolidated
financial statements.
In April 2011, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to clarify when a restructuring
constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. In evaluating whether a restructuring constitutes a
troubled debt restructuring, a creditor must separately conclude that two conditions exist: (1)
the restructuring constitutes a concession and (2) the debtor is experiencing financial
difficulties. The guidance will be effective for our interim and annual reporting periods
beginning after June 15, 2011 and will be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the
annual period of adoption. The Company does not anticipate that the guidance will have an
impact on the Companys condensed consolidated financial statements.
8
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Leaf tobacco |
|
$ |
60,111 |
|
|
$ |
54,479 |
|
Other raw materials |
|
|
4,513 |
|
|
|
4,073 |
|
Work-in-process |
|
|
355 |
|
|
|
2,067 |
|
Finished goods |
|
|
72,866 |
|
|
|
67,773 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories at current cost |
|
|
137,845 |
|
|
|
128,392 |
|
LIFO adjustments |
|
|
(22,688 |
) |
|
|
(21,313 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
115,157 |
|
|
$ |
107,079 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company has a leaf inventory management program whereby, among other things, it is
committed to purchase certain quantities of leaf tobacco. The purchase commitments are for
quantities not in excess of anticipated requirements and are at prices, including carrying
costs, established at the commitment date. At March 31, 2011, Liggett had leaf tobacco
purchase commitments of approximately $48,800. |
|
|
|
All of the Companys inventories at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 have been reported
under the LIFO method. |
|
|
Long-term investments consist of investments in the following: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2011 |
|
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
|
|
Carrying |
|
|
Fair |
|
|
Carrying |
|
|
Fair |
|
|
|
Value |
|
|
Value |
|
|
Value |
|
|
Value |
|
Investment
partnerships |
|
$ |
52,532 |
|
|
$ |
77,433 |
|
|
$ |
45,134 |
|
|
$ |
70,966 |
|
Real estate
partnership |
|
|
899 |
|
|
|
1,121 |
|
|
|
899 |
|
|
|
1,136 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
53,431 |
|
|
$ |
78,554 |
|
|
$ |
46,033 |
|
|
$ |
72,102 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The changes in the fair value of these investments were as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Balance as of January 1 |
|
$ |
72,102 |
|
|
$ |
69,940 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions |
|
|
(8,886 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realized gain on liquidation of long-term investment |
|
|
4,136 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in unrealized gain on long-term investments |
|
|
15,428 |
|
|
|
1,018 |
|
Unrealized gains reclassified into net income |
|
|
(4,226 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized (loss) gain on long-term Investments |
|
|
11,202 |
|
|
|
1,018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of March 31 |
|
$ |
78,554 |
|
|
$ |
70,958 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
|
The Company accounts for one of its long-term investments under the equity method and had
equity income of $763 and $0 related to this limited partnership for the three months ended March
31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The carrying value of this investment was approximately
$12,148 as of March 31, 2011 which approximated its fair value because the underlying
securities are classified as available for sale. |
|
|
|
In addition, a long-term investment with a carrying value of $35,000 as of March 31, 2011 was
liquidated and the Company received approximately $52,700 in April 2011. We anticipate
receiving an additional $2,800 in the second quarter of 2011. |
|
4. |
|
NOTES PAYABLE, LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS |
|
|
Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations consist of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Vector: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015, net of unamortized
discount of $701 and $730 |
|
$ |
414,299 |
|
|
$ |
414,270 |
|
6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Note due
2014, net of unamortized discount of $37,860 and $38,353* |
|
|
12,140 |
|
|
|
11,647 |
|
6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Exchange Notes
due 2014, net of unamortized discount of $63,124 and $64,713* |
|
|
44,406 |
|
|
|
42,817 |
|
3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures due
2026, net of unamortized discount of $82,888 and $83,060* |
|
|
27,112 |
|
|
|
26,940 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liggett: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolving credit facility |
|
|
8,477 |
|
|
|
35,710 |
|
Term loan under credit facility |
|
|
6,089 |
|
|
|
6,222 |
|
Equipment loans |
|
|
18,347 |
|
|
|
19,030 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
745 |
|
|
|
761 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations |
|
|
531,615 |
|
|
|
557,397 |
|
Less: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current maturities |
|
|
(29,864 |
) |
|
|
(51,345 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount due after one year |
|
$ |
501,751 |
|
|
$ |
506,052 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
The fair value of the derivatives embedded within the 6.75% Variable Interest
Convertible Note ($19,485 at March 31, 2011 and $20,219 at December 31, 2010,
respectively), the 6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Exchange Notes
($36,931 at March 31, 2011 and $38,324 at December 31, 2010, respectively), and the
3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures ($85,651 at March 31, 2011
and $82,949 at December 31, 2010, respectively) is separately classified as
a derivative liability in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. |
Revolving Credit Facility Liggett:
Liggett has a $50,000 credit facility with Wachovia Bank, N.A. (Wachovia) under which $8,477
was outstanding at March 31, 2011. Availability as determined under the facility was
approximately $27,500 based on eligible collateral at March 31, 2011.
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 Vector:
The Company has outstanding $415,000 principal amount of its 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
(the Senior Secured Notes). The Senior Secured Notes were sold in August 2007 ($165,000),
September 2009 ($85,000),
10
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
April 2010 ($75,000) and December 2010 ($90,000) in private offerings to qualified
institutional investors in accordance with Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933.
In May 2008 and June 2010, the Company completed offers to exchange the Senior Secured Notes
then outstanding for an equal amount of newly issued 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015. On
April 12, 2011, the Company commenced an offer to exchange the Senior Secured Notes issued in
December 2010 for an equal amount of newly issued 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015. The new
Senior Secured Notes have substantially the same terms as the original Notes, except that the
new Senior Secured Notes have been registered under the Securities Act.
Non-cash Interest Expense Vector:
Components of non-cash interest expense is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months |
|
|
Three Months |
|
|
|
Ended |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2011 |
|
|
March 31, 2010 |
|
Amortization of debt discount |
|
$ |
2,282 |
|
|
$ |
1,638 |
|
Amortization of deferred finance costs |
|
|
1,417 |
|
|
|
1,002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,699 |
|
|
$ |
2,640 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value of Notes Payable and Long-term Debt:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2011 |
|
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
|
|
Carrying |
|
|
Fair |
|
|
Carrying |
|
|
Fair |
|
|
|
Value |
|
|
Value |
|
|
Value |
|
|
Value |
|
Notes payable and
long-term debt |
|
$ |
531,615 |
|
|
$ |
802,503 |
|
|
$ |
557,397 |
|
|
$ |
827,247 |
|
|
|
Tobacco-Related Litigation: |
|
|
|
Overview |
|
|
|
Since 1954, Liggett and other United States cigarette
manufacturers have been named as defendants in numerous direct,
third-party and purported class actions predicated on the theory
that cigarette manufacturers should be liable for damages alleged
to have been caused by cigarette smoking or by exposure to
secondary smoke from cigarettes. New cases continue to be
commenced against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers. The
cases generally fall into the following categories: (i) smoking
and health cases alleging personal injury brought on behalf of
individual plaintiffs (Individual Actions); (ii) smoking and
health cases primarily alleging personal injury or seeking
court-supervised programs for ongoing medical monitoring, as well
as cases alleging the use of the terms lights and/or ultra
lights constitutes a deceptive and unfair trade practice, common
law fraud or violation of federal law, purporting to be brought on behalf of a class of individual
plaintiffs (Class Actions); and (iii) health care cost recovery actions brought by various
foreign and domestic governmental plaintiffs and non-governmental plaintiffs seeking
reimbursement for health care expenditures allegedly caused by cigarette smoking and/or
disgorgement of profits (Health Care Cost Recovery Actions). 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. The future financial impact of the risks
and expenses of litigation |
11
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
are not quantifiable at this time. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, and 2010, Liggett
incurred legal expenses and other litigation costs totaling
approximately $1,969 and $1,648,
respectively.
Litigation is subject to uncertainty and it is possible that there could be adverse
developments in pending or future cases. An unfavorable outcome or settlement of pending
tobacco-related litigation could encourage the commencement of additional litigation. Damages
claimed in some tobacco-related litigation are or can be significant.
Although Liggett has been able to obtain required bonds or relief from bonding requirements in
order to prevent plaintiffs from seeking to collect judgments while adverse verdicts are on
appeal, there remains a risk that such relief may not be obtainable in all cases. This risk
has been reduced given that a majority of states now limit the dollar amount of bonds or
require no bond at all. Liggett has secured approximately $5,059 in bonds as of March 31, 2011.
In June 2009, Florida amended its existing bond cap statute by adding a $200,000 bond cap that
applies to all Engle progeny cases (defined below) in the aggregate and establishes individual
bond caps for individual Engle progeny cases in amounts that vary depending on the number of
judgments in effect at a given time. The legislation applies to judgments entered after the
effective date of the legislation and remains in effect until December 31, 2012. Certain
plaintiffs have challenged the constitutionality of the bond cap statute. In one of these
cases, the court upheld the constitutionality of the statute which was recently affirmed on
appeal. Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of such challenges, it is possible that
the Companys financial position, results of operations, or cash flows could be materially
affected by an unfavorable outcome of such challenges.
The Company and its subsidiaries record provisions in their consolidated financial statements
for pending litigation when they determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and the
amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. At the present time, while it is reasonably
possible that an unfavorable outcome in a case may occur, except as disclosed in this Note 5:
(i) management has concluded that it is not probable that a loss has been incurred in any of
the pending tobacco-related cases; or (ii) management is unable to estimate the possible loss
or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of any of the pending
tobacco-related cases and, therefore, management has not provided any amounts in the
consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes, if any. Liggett believes, and has
been so advised by counsel, that it has valid defenses to the litigation pending against it, as
well as valid bases for appeal of adverse verdicts. All such cases are, and will continue to
be vigorously defended. However, Liggett may enter into settlement discussions in particular
cases if it believes it is in its best interest to do so.
Individual Actions
As of March 31, 2011, there were 36 individual cases pending against Liggett and/or the
Company, where one or more individual plaintiffs allege injury resulting from cigarette
smoking, addiction to cigarette smoking or exposure to secondary smoke and seek
compensatory and, in some cases, punitive damages. These cases do not include Engle
progeny cases (described below) or the approximately 100 individual cases pending in West
Virginia state court as part of a consolidated action. The following table lists the
number of individual cases by state that are pending against Liggett or its affiliates as
of March 31, 2011 (excluding Engle progeny cases in Florida and the consolidated cases in
West Virginia):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
State |
|
of Cases |
|
Florida |
|
|
16 |
|
New York |
|
|
9 |
|
Louisiana |
|
|
3 |
|
Maryland |
|
|
3 |
|
Missouri |
|
|
2 |
|
West Virginia |
|
|
2 |
|
Ohio |
|
|
1 |
|
12
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
|
Liggett Only Cases. There are currently seven cases pending where Liggett is the only
tobacco company defendant. Cases where Liggett is the only defendant could increase
substantially as a result of the Engle progeny cases. |
|
|
In February 2009, in Ferlanti v. Liggett Group, a Florida state court jury awarded compensatory
damages and a judgment, in the amount of $816, was entered by the court. That judgment was
affirmed on appeal and was paid by Liggett in March 2011. In September 2010, the court awarded
plaintiffs attorneys fees of $996. The parties appealed the attorneys fee award and the
appeal is pending. Liggett previously accrued $2,000 for the Ferlanti case. In Blitch v. R.J.
Reynolds, an Engle progeny case, trial commenced on March 14, 2011 and on March 23, 2011, the
jury returned a defense verdict. The time for plaintiff to notice an appeal has not yet run. In
Katz v. R.J. Reynolds, another Engle progeny case, trial was set for April 2011, but was
recently continued. There has been no recent activity in Hausrath v. Philip Morris, a case
pending in New York state court, where two individuals are suing. The other three individual
actions, in which Liggett is the only tobacco company defendant, are dormant. |
|
|
In Davis v. Liggett Group, which was another Liggett only individual case, judgment was entered
against Liggett in the amount of $540 plus attorneys fees and was affirmed on appeal. The
judgment was paid by Liggett in 2009 and this matter is concluded. |
|
|
The plaintiffs allegations of liability in cases in which individuals seek recovery for
injuries allegedly caused by cigarette smoking are based on various theories of recovery,
including negligence, gross negligence, breach of special duty, strict liability, fraud,
concealment, misrepresentation, design defect, failure to warn, breach of express and implied
warranties, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, concert of action, unjust enrichment, common law
public nuisance, property damage, invasion of privacy, mental anguish, emotional distress,
disability, shock, indemnity and violations of deceptive trade practice laws, the federal
Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), state RICO statutes and antitrust
statutes. In many of these cases, in addition to compensatory damages, plaintiffs also seek
other forms of relief including treble/multiple damages, medical monitoring, disgorgement of
profits and punitive damages. Although alleged damages often are not determinable from a
complaint, and the law governing the pleading and calculation of damages varies from state to
state and jurisdiction to jurisdiction, compensatory and punitive damages have been
specifically pleaded in a number of cases, sometimes in amounts ranging into the hundreds of
millions and even billions of dollars. |
|
|
Defenses raised in individual cases include lack of proximate cause, assumption of the risk,
comparative fault and/or contributory negligence, lack of design defect, statute of
limitations, equitable defenses such as unclean hands and lack of benefit, failure to state a
claim and federal preemption. |
|
|
In addition to several adverse verdicts against Liggett, jury awards in individual cases have
also been returned against other cigarette manufacturers. The awards in these individual
actions, often in excess of millions of dollars, may be for both compensatory and punitive
damages. There are several significant jury awards against other cigarette manufacturers which
are currently on appeal and several final awards, have been paid. |
|
|
Engle Progeny Cases. In 2000, a jury in Engle v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. rendered a
$145,000,000 punitive damages verdict in favor of a Florida Class against certain cigarette
manufacturers, including Liggett. Pursuant to the Florida Supreme Courts July 2006 ruling in
Engle, which decertified the class on a prospective basis, and affirmed the appellate courts
reversal of the punitive damages award, former class members had one year from January 11, 2007
in which to file individual lawsuits. In addition, some individuals who filed suit prior to
January 11, 2007, and who claim they meet the conditions in Engle, are attempting to avail
themselves of the Engle ruling. Lawsuits by individuals requesting the benefit of the Engle
ruling, whether filed before or after the January 11, 2007 deadline, are referred to as the
Engle progeny cases. Liggett and the Company are named in 6,717 Engle progeny cases in both
federal (3,694 cases) and state (3,023 cases) courts in Florida. Other cigarette manufacturers
are also named as defendants in these cases, although as a case proceeds, one or more
defendants may ultimately be dismissed from the action. These cases include approximately 8,960
plaintiffs, 671 of which represent state court consortium claims. The number of state court
Engle progeny cases may increase |
13
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
|
as multi-plaintiff cases continue to be severed into individual cases. The total number of
plaintiffs may also increase as a result of attempts by existing plaintiffs to add additional
parties. |
|
|
As of April 13, 2011, in addition to the Lukacs case (described below), the following Engle
progeny cases have resulted in judgments against Liggett: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensatory |
|
|
|
|
Date |
|
Case Name |
|
County |
|
Damages |
|
Punitive Damages |
|
Status |
August 2009 |
|
Campbell v. R.J. Reynolds |
|
Escambia |
|
$ |
156 |
|
|
None |
|
Affirmed by |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DCA, Defendants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
filed Motion with |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DCA for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
certification to FL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sup. Ct. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 2010 |
|
Douglas v. R.J. Reynolds |
|
Hillsborough |
|
$ |
1,350 |
|
|
None |
|
On appeal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 2010 |
|
Clay v. R.J. Reynolds |
|
Escambia |
|
$ |
349 |
|
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
|
On appeal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 2010 |
|
Putney v. R.J. Reynolds |
|
Broward |
|
$ |
3,008 |
|
|
None |
|
On appeal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 2011 |
|
Tullo v. R.J. Reynolds |
|
Palm Beach |
|
$ |
225 |
|
|
None |
|
Will be appealed |
|
|
Through March 31, 2011, there were 25 plaintiffs verdicts in Engle progeny cases,
including the five referenced above, and 13 defense verdicts. Other cases have been dismissed
by the court on summary judgment. For further information on the Engle case and on Engle
progeny cases, see Class Actions Engle Case, below. |
|
|
Lukacs Case. In June 2002, the jury in a Florida state court action entitled Lukacs v. R.J.
Reynolds Tobacco Co., awarded $37,500 in compensatory damages, jointly and severally, in a case
involving Liggett and two other cigarette manufacturers, which amount was subsequently reduced
by the court. The jury found Liggett 50% responsible for the damages incurred by the plaintiff.
The Lukacs case was the first case to be tried as an individual Engle progeny case, but was
tried almost five years prior to the Florida Supreme Courts final decision in Engle. In
November 2008, the court entered final judgment in the amount of $24,835, plus interest from
June 2002. Plaintiff filed a motion seeking an award of attorneys fees from Liggett based on
plaintiffs prior proposal for settlement. In March 2010, the Third District Court of Appeal
affirmed the decision, per curiam. In June 2010, Liggett paid its share of the judgment and
settled claims for attorneys fees and accrued interest for a total payment of $14,361. |
|
|
|
Class Actions |
|
|
As of March 31, 2011, there were six actions pending for which either a class had been
certified or plaintiffs were seeking class certification, where Liggett is a named defendant,
including one alleged price fixing case. Other cigarette manufacturers are also named in these
actions. |
|
|
Plaintiffs allegations of liability in class action cases are based on various theories of
recovery, including negligence, gross negligence, strict liability, fraud, misrepresentation,
design defect, failure to warn, nuisance, breach of express and implied warranties, breach of
special duty, conspiracy, concert of action, violation of deceptive trade practice laws and
consumer protection statutes and claims under the federal and state anti-racketeering statutes.
Plaintiffs in the class actions seek various forms of relief, including compensatory and
punitive damages, treble/multiple damages and other statutory damages and penalties, creation
of medical monitoring and smoking cessation funds, disgorgement of profits, and injunctive and
equitable relief. |
|
|
Defenses raised in these cases include, among others, lack of proximate cause, individual
issues predominate, assumption of the risk, comparative fault and/or contributory negligence,
statute of limitations and federal preemption. |
14
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
|
Engle Case. In May 1994, Engle was filed against Liggett and others in Miami-Dade County,
Florida. The class consisted of all Florida residents who, by November 21, 1996, have
suffered, presently suffer or have died from diseases and medical conditions caused by their
addiction to cigarette smoking. In July 1999, after the conclusion of Phase I of the trial,
the jury returned a verdict against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers on certain issues
determined by the trial court to be common to the causes of action of the plaintiff class.
The jury made several findings adverse to the defendants including that defendants conduct
rose to a level that would permit a potential award or entitlement to punitive damages.
Phase II of the trial was a causation and damages trial for three of the class plaintiffs and a
punitive damages trial on a class-wide basis before the same jury that returned the verdict in
Phase I. In April 2000, the jury awarded compensatory damages of $12,704 to the three class
plaintiffs, to be reduced in proportion to the respective plaintiffs fault. In July 2000, the
jury awarded approximately $145,000,000 in punitive damages, including $790,000 against
Liggett. |
|
|
In May 2003, Floridas Third District Court of Appeal reversed the trial court and remanded the
case with instructions to decertify the class. The judgment in favor of one of the three class
plaintiffs, in the amount of $5,831, was overturned as time barred and the court found that
Liggett was not liable to the other two class plaintiffs. |
|
|
In July 2006, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the decision vacating the punitive damages
award and held that the class should be decertified prospectively, but determined that the
following Phase I findings are entitled to res judicata effect in Engle progeny cases: (i) that
smoking causes lung cancer, among other diseases; (ii) that nicotine in cigarettes is
addictive; (iii) that defendants placed cigarettes on the market that were defective and
unreasonably dangerous; (iv) that defendants concealed material information knowing that the
information was false or misleading or failed to disclose a material fact concerning the health
effects or addictive nature of smoking; (v) that defendants agreed to conceal or omit
information regarding the health effects of cigarettes or their addictive nature with the
intention that smokers would rely on the information to their detriment; (vi) that defendants
sold or supplied cigarettes that were defective; and (vii) that defendants were negligent. The
Florida Supreme Court decision also allowed former class members to proceed to trial on
individual liability issues (using the above findings) and compensatory and punitive damage
issues, provided they filed their individual lawsuits by January 2008. In December 2006, the
Florida Supreme Court added the finding that defendants sold or supplied cigarettes that, at
the time of sale or supply, did not conform to the representations made by defendants. In
October 2007, the United States Supreme Court denied defendants petition for writ of
certiorari. As a result of the Engle decision, approximately 8,960 plaintiffs have claims
pending against the Company and Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers. |
|
|
Three federal district courts (in the Merlob, Brown and Burr cases) ruled that the findings in
Phase I of the Engle proceedings could not be used to satisfy elements of plaintiffs claims,
and two of those rulings (Brown and Burr) were certified by the trial court for interlocutory
review. The certification was granted by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh
Circuit and the appeals were consolidated (in February 2009, the appeal in Burr was dismissed
for lack of prosecution). In July 2010, the Eleventh Circuit ruled that plaintiffs do not have
an unlimited right to use the findings from the original Engle trial to meet their burden of
establishing the elements of their claims at trial. Rather, plaintiffs may only use the
findings to establish specific facts that they demonstrate with a reasonable degree of
certainty were actually decided by the original Engle jury. The Eleventh Circuit remanded the
case to the district court to determine what specific factual findings the Engle jury actually
made. All federal cases were stayed pending review by the Eleventh Circuit. On December 22,
2010, stays were lifted in 12 cases selected by plaintiffs. |
|
|
In December 2010, in the Martin case, a case against R.J. Reynolds, the Florida District Court
of Appeals issued the first ruling by a Florida intermediate appellate court to address the
Brown decision discussed above. The panel held that the trial court correctly construed the
Florida Supreme Courts 2006 decision in Engle in instructing the jury on the preclusive effect
of the Phase I Engle proceedings, expressly disagreeing with certain aspects of the Brown
decision. This decision could lead to other adverse rulings by state appellate courts. |
|
|
Other Class Actions. In Smith v. Philip Morris, a Kansas state court case filed in February
2000, plaintiffs allege that cigarette manufacturers conspired to fix cigarette prices in
violation of antitrust laws. Plaintiffs seek to recover
|
15
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
|
an unspecified amount in actual and punitive damages. Class certification was granted in
November 2001. Discovery is ongoing. |
|
|
Class action suits have been filed in a number of states against cigarette manufacturers,
alleging, among other things, that use of the terms light and ultra light constitutes
unfair and deceptive trade practices, among other things. In December 2008, the United States
Supreme Court, in Altria Group v. Good, ruled that the Federal Cigarette Labeling and
Advertising Act did not preempt the state law claims asserted by the plaintiffs and that they
could proceed with their claims under the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act. This ruling has
resulted in the filing of additional lights class action cases in other states against other
cigarette manufacturers. Although Liggett was not a defendant in the Good case, and is not a
defendant in most of the other lights class actions, an adverse ruling or commencement of
additional lights related class actions could have a material adverse effect on the Company. |
|
|
In November 1997, in Young v. American Tobacco Co., a purported personal injury class action
was commenced on behalf of plaintiff and all similarly situated residents in Louisiana who,
though not themselves cigarette smokers, are alleged to have been exposed to secondhand smoke
from cigarettes which were manufactured by the defendants, and who suffered injury as a result
of that exposure. The plaintiffs seek to recover an unspecified amount of compensatory and
punitive damages. In October 2004, the trial court stayed this case pending the outcome of an
appeal in another matter. |
|
|
In February 1998, in Parsons v. AC & S Inc., a case pending in West Virginia, the personal
injury class was commenced on behalf of all West Virginia residents who allegedly have personal
injury claims arising from exposure to cigarette smoke and asbestos fibers. The complaint
seeks to recover unspecified damages. The case has been stayed as a result of the December
2000 bankruptcy of three of the defendants. |
|
|
In June 1998, in Cleary v. Philip Morris, a putative class action was brought in Illinois state
court on behalf of persons who were allegedly injured by: (i) defendants purported conspiracy
to conceal material facts regarding the addictive nature of nicotine; (ii) defendants alleged
acts of targeting their advertising and marketing to minors; and (iii) defendants claimed
breach of the publics right to defendants compliance with laws prohibiting the distribution
of cigarettes to minors. Plaintiffs sought disgorgement of all profits unjustly received
through defendants sale of cigarettes to plaintiffs and the class. In March 2009, plaintiffs
filed a third amended complaint adding, among other things, allegations regarding defendants
sale of lights cigarettes. The case was then removed to federal court on the basis of this
new claim. In November 2009, plaintiffs filed a revised motion for class certification as to
the three proposed classes, which motion was denied by the court. In February 2010, the court
granted summary judgment in favor of defendants as to all claims, other than a lights claim
involving another cigarette manufacturer. The court granted leave to the plaintiffs to
reinstate the motion as to the addiction claims. Plaintiffs filed a Fourth Amended Complaint in
an attempt to resurrect their addiction claims. In June 2010, the court granted defendants
motion to dismiss the Fourth Amended Complaint and in July 2010, the court denied plaintiffs
motion for reconsideration. In August 2010, plaintiffs appealed to the United States Court of
Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Oral argument occurred on April 7, 2011. |
|
|
In April 2001, in Brown v. Philip Morris USA, a California state court granted in part
plaintiffs motion for class certification and certified a class comprised of adult residents
of California who smoked at least one of defendants cigarettes during the applicable time
period and who were exposed to defendants marketing and advertising activities in California.
In March 2005, the court granted defendants motion to decertify the class based on a recent
change in California law. In June 2009, the California Supreme Court reversed and remanded the
case to the trial court for further proceedings regarding whether the class representatives
have, or can, demonstrate standing. In August 2009, the California Supreme Court denied
defendants rehearing petition and issued its mandate. In September 2009, plaintiffs sought
reconsideration of the courts September 2004 order finding that plaintiffs allegations
regarding lights cigarettes are preempted by federal law, in light of the United States
Supreme Court decision in Good. In March 2010, the trial court granted reconsideration of its
September 2004 order granting partial summary judgment to defendants with respect to
plaintiffs lights claims on the basis of judicial decisions issued since its order was
issued, including Good, thereby reinstating plaintiffs lights claims. |
16
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
|
Since the trial courts prior ruling decertifying the class was reversed on appeal by the
California Supreme Court, the parties and the court are treating all claims currently being
asserted by the plaintiffs as certified, subject, however, to defendants challenge to the
class representatives standing to assert their claims. In December 2010, defendants filed a
motion for a determination that the class representatives, as set forth in plaintiffs tenth
amended complaint, lack standing to pursue the claims. The court granted defendants motion
and scheduled a hearing for June 21, 2011 on plaintiffs motion for leave to amend and
defendants motion to dismiss. |
|
|
Although not technically a class action, in In Re: Tobacco Litigation (Personal Injury Cases),
a West Virginia state court consolidated approximately 750 individual smoker actions that were
pending prior to 2001 for trial of certain common issues. In January 2002, the court severed
Liggett from the trial of the consolidated action, which commenced in June 2010 and ended in a
mistrial. A new trial is scheduled for October 17, 2011. If the case were to proceed against
Liggett, it is estimated that Liggett could be a defendant in approximately 100 of the
individual cases. |
|
|
In addition to the cases described above, numerous class actions remain certified against other
cigarette manufacturers. Adverse decisions in these cases could have a material adverse affect
on Liggetts sales volume, operating income and cash flows. |
|
|
|
Health Care Cost Recovery Actions |
|
|
As of March 31, 2011, there were three Health Care Cost Recovery Actions pending against
Liggett. Other cigarette manufacturers are also named in these cases. The claims asserted in
health care cost recovery actions vary. Although, typically, no specific damage amounts are
pled, it is possible that requested damages might be in the billions of dollars. In these
cases, plaintiffs typically assert equitable claims that the tobacco industry was unjustly
enriched by their payment of health care costs allegedly attributable to smoking and seek
reimbursement of those costs. Relief sought by some, but not all, plaintiffs include punitive
damages, multiple damages and other statutory damages and penalties, injunctions prohibiting
alleged marketing and sales to minors, disclosure of research, disgorgement of profits, funding
of anti-smoking programs, additional disclosure of nicotine yields, and payment of attorney and
expert witness fees. |
|
|
Other claims asserted include the equitable claim of indemnity, common law claims of
negligence, strict liability, breach of express and implied warranty, breach of special duty,
fraud, negligent misrepresentation, conspiracy, public nuisance, claims under state and federal
statutes governing consumer fraud, antitrust, deceptive trade practices and false advertising,
and claims under RICO. |
|
|
DOJ Lawsuit. In September 1999, the United States government commenced litigation against
Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers in the United States District Court for the District
of Columbia. The action sought to recover an unspecified amount of health care costs paid and
to be paid by the federal government for lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and other
smoking-related illnesses allegedly caused by the fraudulent and tortious conduct of
defendants, to restrain defendants and co-conspirators from engaging in alleged fraud and other
allegedly unlawful conduct in the future, and to compel defendants to disgorge the proceeds of
their unlawful conduct. Claims were asserted under RICO. |
|
|
In August 2006, the trial court entered a Final Judgment against each of the cigarette
manufacturing defendants, except Liggett. In May 2009, the United States Court of Appeals for
the District of Columbia affirmed most of the district courts decision. In February 2010, the
government and all defendants, other than Liggett, filed petitions for writ of certiorari to
the United States Supreme Court. In June 2010, the United States Supreme Court, without
comment, denied review. As a result, the cigarette manufacturing defendants, other than
Liggett, are now subject to the trial courts Final Judgment which ordered the following
relief: (i) an injunction against committing any act of racketeering relating to the
manufacturing, marketing, promotion, health consequences or sale of cigarettes in the United
States; (ii) an injunction against participating directly or indirectly in the management or
control of the Council for Tobacco Research, the Tobacco Institute, or the Center for Indoor
Air Research, or any successor or affiliated entities of each (iii) an injunction against
making, or causing to be made in any way, any material false, misleading, or deceptive
statement or representation or engaging in any public relations or marketing endeavor
|
17
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
|
that is disseminated to the United States public and that misrepresents or suppresses
information concerning cigarettes; (iv) an injunction against conveying any express or implied
health message though use of descriptors on cigarette packaging or in cigarette advertising or
promotional material, including lights, ultra lights, and low tar, which the court found
could cause consumers to believe one cigarette brand is less hazardous than another brand; (v)
the issuance of corrective statements in various media regarding the adverse health effects
of smoking, the addictiveness of smoking and nicotine, the lack of any significant health
benefit from smoking low tar or light cigarettes, defendants manipulation of cigarette
design to ensure optimum nicotine delivery and the adverse health effects of exposure to
environmental tobacco smoke; (vi) the disclosure of defendants public document websites and
the production of all documents produced to the government or produced in any future court or
administrative action concerning smoking and health; (vii) the disclosure of disaggregated
marketing data to the government in the same form and on the same schedules as defendants now
follow in disclosing such data to the Federal Trade Commission for a period of ten years;
(viii) certain restrictions on the sale or transfer by defendants of any cigarette brands,
brand names, formulas or cigarette business within the United States; and (ix) payment of the
governments costs in bringing the action. |
|
|
It is unclear what impact, if any, the Final Judgment will have on the cigarette industry as a
whole. To the extent that the Final Judgment leads to a decline in industry-wide shipments of
cigarettes in the United States or otherwise results in restrictions that adversely affect the
industry, Liggetts sales volume, operating income and cash flows could be materially adversely
affected. |
|
|
In City of St. Louis v. American Tobacco Company, a case pending in Missouri state court
since December 1998, the City of St. Louis and approximately 38 hospitals and former hospitals
seek recovery of costs expended by the hospitals on behalf of patients who suffer, or have
suffered, from illnesses allegedly resulting from the use of cigarettes. In June 2005, the
court granted defendants motion for summary judgment as to claims for damages which accrued
prior to November 16, 1993. In April 2010, the court further determined that each plaintiff is
barred from seeking damages which accrued more than five years prior to the time that that
plaintiff joined the suit. In that same order, the court granted partial summary judgment for
defendants barring plaintiffs claims for future damages. In July 2010, the court dismissed
certain other claims brought by plaintiffs, on the grounds they were preempted. In October
2010, the trial court granted defendants summary judgment with respect to plaintiffs fraud and
negligent misrepresentation claims. Trial commenced on January 31, 2011. On April 29, 2011,
the jury returned a defense verdict on all claims. |
|
|
In June 2005, the Jerusalem District Court in Israel added Liggett as a defendant in an action
commenced in 1998 by the largest private insurer in that country, General Health Services,
against the major United States cigarette manufacturers. The plaintiff seeks to recover the
past and future value of the total expenditures for health care services provided to residents
of Israel resulting from tobacco related diseases, court ordered interest for past expenditures
from the date of filing the statement of claim, increased and/or punitive and/or exemplary
damages and costs. The court ruled that, although Liggett had not sold product in Israel since
at least 1978, it might still have liability for cigarettes sold prior to that time. Motions
filed by defendants are pending. |
|
|
In Crow Creek Sioux Tribe v. American Tobacco Company, a South Dakota case filed in 1997, the
plaintiff seeks to recover damages based on various theories of recovery as a result of alleged
sales of tobacco products to minors. The case is dormant. |
|
|
|
Upcoming Trials |
|
|
In addition to the trial in the City of St. Louis case, which concluded in April 2011, as
discussed above, as of March 31, 2011, there were 31 Engle progeny cases scheduled for trial in
2011. Several other Engle progeny cases are scheduled for trial in 2012. Additionally, a Florida individual case
is scheduled for trial on September 12, 2011. The Company and/or Liggett and other cigarette
manufacturers are currently named as defendants in each of these cases, although as a case
proceeds, one or more defendants may ultimately be dismissed from the action. Cases against
other cigarette manufacturers are also currently scheduled for trial in 2011. Trial dates are
subject to change. |
18
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
|
MSA and Other State Settlement Agreements |
|
|
In March 1996, March 1997 and March 1998, Liggett entered into settlements of smoking-related
litigation with 45 states and territories. The settlements released Liggett from all
smoking-related claims made by those states and territories, including claims for health care
cost reimbursement and claims concerning sales of cigarettes to minors. |
|
|
In November 1998, Philip Morris, Brown & Williamson, R.J. Reynolds and Lorillard (the Original
Participating Manufacturers or OPMs) and Liggett (together with any other tobacco product
manufacturer that becomes a signatory, the Subsequent Participating Manufacturers or SPMs)
(the OPMs and SPMs are hereinafter referred to jointly as the Participating Manufacturers)
entered into the Master Settlement Agreement (the MSA) with 46 states, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern
Mariana Islands (collectively, the Settling States) to settle the asserted and unasserted
health care cost recovery and certain other claims of the Settling States. The MSA received
final judicial approval in each Settling State. |
|
|
As a result of the MSA, the Settling States released Liggett from: |
|
|
|
all claims of the Settling States and their respective political subdivisions and other
recipients of state health care funds, relating to: (i) past conduct arising out of the
use, sale, distribution, manufacture, development, advertising and marketing of tobacco
products; (ii) the health effects of, the exposure to, or research, statements or warnings
about, tobacco products; and |
|
|
|
|
all monetary claims of the Settling States and their respective subdivisions and other
recipients of state health care funds relating to future conduct arising out of the use
of, or exposure to, tobacco products that have been manufactured in the ordinary course of
business. |
|
|
The MSA restricts tobacco product advertising and marketing within the Settling States and
otherwise restricts the activities of Participating Manufacturers. Among other things, the MSA
prohibits the targeting of youth in the advertising, promotion or marketing of tobacco
products; bans the use of cartoon characters in all tobacco advertising and promotion; limits
each Participating Manufacturer to one tobacco brand name sponsorship during any 12-month
period; bans all outdoor advertising, with certain limited exceptions; prohibits payments for
tobacco product placement in various media; bans gift offers based on the purchase of tobacco
products without sufficient proof that the intended recipient is an adult; prohibits
Participating Manufacturers from licensing third parties to advertise tobacco brand names in
any manner prohibited under the MSA; and prohibits Participating Manufacturers from using as a
tobacco product brand name any nationally recognized non-tobacco brand or trade name or the
names of sports teams, entertainment groups or individual celebrities. |
|
|
The MSA also requires Participating Manufacturers to affirm corporate principles to comply with
the MSA and to reduce underage use of tobacco products and imposes restrictions on lobbying
activities conducted on behalf of Participating Manufacturers. In addition, the MSA provides
for the appointment of an independent auditor to calculate and determine the amounts of
payments owed pursuant to the MSA. |
|
|
Under the payment provisions of the MSA, the Participating Manufacturers are required to make
annual payments of $9,000,000 (subject to applicable adjustments, offsets and reductions).
These annual payments are allocated based on unit volume of domestic cigarette shipments. The
payment obligations under the MSA are the several, and not joint, obligation of each
Participating Manufacturer and are not the responsibility of any parent or affiliate of a
Participating Manufacturer. |
|
|
Liggett has no payment obligations under the MSA except to the extent its market share exceeds
a market share exemption of approximately 1.65% of total cigarettes sold in the United States.
Vector Tobacco has no payment obligations under the MSA except to the extent its market share
exceeds a market share exemption of
|
19
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
|
approximately 0.28% of total cigarettes sold in the United States. According to data from
Management Science Associates, Inc., Liggett and Vector Tobaccos domestic shipments accounted
for approximately 3.5%, of the total cigarettes sold in the United States in 2010. If Liggetts
or Vector Tobaccos market share exceeds their respective market share exemption in a given
year, then on April 15 of the following year, Liggett and/or Vector Tobacco, as the case may
be, must pay on each excess unit an amount equal (on a per-unit basis) to that due from the
OPMs for that year. On December 31, 2010, Liggett and Vector Tobacco paid $96,500 of the
approximately $144,200 of 2010 MSA payment obligations determined by the independent auditor.
On April 15, 2011, Liggett and Vector Tobacco paid an additional approximately $26,700. Liggett
and Vector Tobacco disputed the balance of approximately $21,000. |
|
|
|
Certain MSA Disputes |
|
|
NPM Adjustment. In March 2006, an economic consulting firm selected pursuant to the MSA
determined that the MSA was a significant factor contributing to the loss of market share of
Participating Manufacturers, to non-participating manufacturers, for 2003. This is known as the
NPM Adjustment. The economic consulting firm subsequently rendered the same decision with
respect to 2004 and 2005. In March 2009, a different economic consulting firm made the same
determination for 2006. As a result, the manufacturers are entitled to potential NPM
Adjustments to their 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 MSA payments. The Participating Manufacturers
may also be entitled to potential NPM Adjustments to their 2007, 2008 and 2009 payments
pursuant to an agreement entered into in June 2009 between the OPMs and the Settling States
under which the OPMs agreed to make certain payments for the benefit of the Settling States, in
exchange for which the Settling States stipulated that the MSA was a significant factor
contributing to the loss of market share of Participating Manufacturers in 2007, 2008 and
2009. A Settling State that has diligently enforced its qualifying escrow statute in the year
in question may be able to avoid application of the NPM Adjustment to the payments made by the
manufacturers for the benefit of that Settling State. |
|
|
For 2003 2010, Liggett and Vector Tobacco, as applicable, disputed that they owed the
Settling States the NPM Adjustments as calculated by the Independent Auditor. As permitted by
the MSA, Liggett and Vector Tobacco withheld payment associated with these NPM Adjustment
amounts. For 2003, Liggett and Vector Tobacco paid the NPM adjustment amount of $9,345 to the
Settling States although both companies continue to dispute that this amount is owed. The
total amount withheld (or paid into a disputed payment account) by Liggett and Vector Tobacco
for 2004 2010 was $46,917. At March 31, 2011, included in Other assets on the Companys
condensed consolidated balance sheet was a noncurrent receivable of $6,542 relating to the
$9,345 payment. |
|
|
The following amounts have not been expensed by the Company as they relate to Liggett and
Vector Tobaccos NPM Adjustment claims: $6,542 for 2003, $3,789 for 2004 and $800 for 2005.
Liggett and Vector Tobacco have expensed all disputed amounts related to the NPM Adjustment
since 2005. |
|
|
Since April 2006, notwithstanding provisions in the MSA requiring arbitration, litigation was
filed in 49 Settling States over the issue of whether the application of the NPM Adjustment for
2003 is to be determined through litigation or arbitration. These actions relate to the
potential NPM Adjustment for 2003, which the independent auditor under the MSA previously
determined to be as much as $1,200,000 for all Participating Manufacturers. All but one of the
48 courts that have decided the issue have ruled that the 2003 NPM Adjustment dispute is
arbitrable. All 47 of those decisions are final. One court, the Montana Supreme Court, ruled
that Montanas claim of diligent enforcement must be litigated. The United States Supreme Court
denied certiorari with respect to that opinion. In response to a proposal from the OPMs and
many of the SPMs, 45 of the Settling States, representing approximately 90% of the allocable
share of the Settling States, entered into an agreement providing for a nationwide arbitration
of the dispute with respect to the NPM Adjustment for 2003. In June 2010, the three person
arbitration panel was selected and procedural hearings, discovery and briefing on legal issues
of general application commenced. Because states representing more than 80% of the allocable
share signed the agreement, signing states will receive a 20% reduction of any potential 2003
NPM adjustment. There can be no assurance that Liggett or Vector Tobacco will receive any
adjustment as a result of these proceedings. |
|
|
Gross v. Net Calculations. In October 2004, the independent auditor notified Liggett and all
other Participating Manufacturers that their payment obligations under the MSA, dating from the
agreements execution in late 1998,
|
20
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
|
had been recalculated using net unit amounts, rather than gross unit amounts (which had
been used since 1999). |
|
|
Liggett objected to this retroactive change and disputed the change in methodology. Liggett
contends that the retroactive change from gross to net unit amounts is impermissible for
several reasons, including: |
|
|
|
use of net unit amounts is not required by the MSA (as reflected by, among
other things, the use of gross unit amounts through 2005); |
|
|
|
|
such a change is not authorized without the consent of affected parties to the
MSA; |
|
|
|
|
the MSA provides for four-year time limitation periods for revisiting
calculations and determinations, which precludes recalculating Liggetts 1997
Market Share (and thus, Liggetts market share exemption); and |
|
|
|
|
Liggett and others have relied upon the calculations based on gross unit
amounts since 1998. |
|
|
The change in the method of calculation could result in Liggett owing, at a minimum,
approximately $10,500, plus interest, of additional MSA payments for prior years, because the
proposed change from gross to net units would serve to lower Liggetts market share
exemption under the MSA. The Company estimates that Liggetts future MSA payments would be at
least approximately $2,300 higher if the method of calculation is changed. No amounts have been
expensed or accrued in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for any
potential liability relating to the gross versus net dispute. There can be no assurance
that Liggett will not be required to make additional payments, which payments could adversely
affect the Companys consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. |
|
|
Litigation Challenging the MSA. In Freedom Holdings Inc. v. Cuomo, litigation pending in
federal court in New York, certain importers of cigarettes alleged that the MSA and certain
related New York statutes violate federal antitrust and constitutional law. The district court
granted New Yorks motion to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim. On appeal,
the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit held that if all of the allegations
of the complaint were assumed to be true, plaintiffs had stated a claim for relief on antitrust
grounds. In January 2009, the district court granted New Yorks motion for summary judgment,
dismissing all claims brought by the plaintiffs. Plaintiffs appealed the decision. In October
2010, the Second Circuit affirmed. The United States Supreme Court declined to review the
decision. |
|
|
In Grand River Enterprises Six Nations, Ltd. v. King, another proceeding pending in federal
court in New York, plaintiffs sought to enjoin the statutes enacted by New York and other
states in connection with the MSA on the grounds that the statutes violate the Commerce Clause
of the United States Constitution and federal antitrust laws. In September 2005, the United
States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit held that if all of the allegations of the
complaint were assumed to be true, plaintiffs had stated a claim for relief and that the New
York federal court had jurisdiction over the other defendant states. On remand, the trial court
held that plaintiffs are unlikely to succeed on the merits. After discovery, in November 2009,
the parties cross-moved for summary judgment. In March 2011, the United States District Court
for the Southern District of New York granted defendants motion for summary judgment. |
|
|
Similar challenges to the MSA and MSA-related state statutes are pending in several other
states. Liggett and the other cigarette manufacturers are not defendants in these cases.
Litigation challenging the validity of the MSA, including claims that the MSA violates
antitrust laws, has not been successful to date. |
|
|
In October 2008, Vibo Corporation, Inc., d/b/a General Tobacco (Vibo) commenced litigation in
the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky against each of the
Settling States and certain Participating Manufacturers, including Liggett and Vector Tobacco.
Vibo sought damages from Participating Manufacturers under antitrust laws. Vibo alleged, among
other things, that the market share exemptions (i.e.,
|
21
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
|
grandfathered shares) provided to certain SPMs under the MSA, including Liggett and Vector
Tobacco, violate federal antitrust and constitutional law. In January 2009, the district court
dismissed the complaint. In January 2010, the court entered final judgment in favor of the
defendants. Vibo appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. A
decision is pending. |
|
|
Other State Settlements. The MSA replaces Liggetts prior settlements with all states and
territories except for Florida, Mississippi, Texas and Minnesota. Each of these four
states, prior to the effective date of the MSA, negotiated and executed settlement
agreements with each of the other major tobacco companies, separate from those settlements
reached previously with Liggett. Except as described below, Liggetts agreements with
these states remain in full force and effect. These states settlement agreements with
Liggett contained most favored nation provisions which could reduce Liggetts payment
obligations based on subsequent settlements or resolutions by those states with certain
other tobacco companies. Beginning in 1999, Liggett determined that, based on each of
these four states settlements with United States Tobacco Company, Liggetts payment
obligations to those states had been eliminated. With respect to all non-economic
obligations under the previous settlements, Liggett believes it is entitled to the most
favorable provisions as between the MSA and each states respective settlement with the
other major tobacco companies. Therefore, Liggetts non-economic obligations to all states
and territories are now defined by the MSA. |
|
|
In 2003, as a result of a dispute with Minnesota regarding the settlement agreement described
above, Liggett agreed to pay $100 a year, in any year cigarettes manufactured by Liggett are
sold in that state. In 2003 and 2004, the Attorneys General for Florida, Mississippi and Texas
advised Liggett that they believed that Liggett had failed to make certain required payments
under the respective settlement agreements with these states. In December 2010, Liggett settled
with Florida and agreed to pay $1,200 and to make further annual payments of $250 for a period
of 21 years, starting in March 2011. The payments in years 12 21 will be subject to an
inflation adjustment. These payments are in lieu of any other payments allegedly due to Florida
under the original settlement agreement. The Company accrued approximately $3,200 for this
matter in 2010. There can be no assurance that Liggett will be able to resolve the matters with Texas
and Mississippi or that Liggett will not be required to make additional payments which could
adversely affect the Companys consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash
flows. |
|
|
Cautionary Statement. Management is not able to predict the outcome of the litigation pending
or threatened against Liggett. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties. For example, the
jury in the Lukacs case, an Engle progeny case tried in 2002, awarded $24,835 in compensatory
damages plus interest against Liggett and two other defendants and found Liggett 50%
responsible for the damages. The verdict was affirmed on appeal and Liggett paid $14,361 in
June 2010. To date, Liggett has been found liable in five other Engle progeny cases, which are
currently on appeal. As a result of the Engle decision, over 6,700 lawsuits are pending
against the Company and Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers. Liggett has also had
verdicts entered against it in other individual cases, which verdicts were affirmed on appeal.
It is possible that other cases could be decided unfavorably against Liggett and that Liggett
will be unsuccessful on appeal. Liggett may attempt to settle particular cases if it believes
it is in its best interest to do so. |
|
|
Management cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future defense costs,
settlements or judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that
those requirements will not be able to be met. An unfavorable outcome of a pending smoking and
health case could encourage the commencement of additional similar litigation, or could lead to
multiple adverse decisions in the Engle progeny cases. Management is unable to make a
reasonable estimate with respect to the amount or range of loss that could result from an
unfavorable outcome of the cases pending against Liggett or the costs of defending such cases
and as a result has not provided any amounts in its condensed consolidated financial statements
for unfavorable outcomes. The complaints filed in these cases rarely detail alleged damages.
Typically, the claims set forth in an individuals complaint against the tobacco industry seek
money damages in an amount to be determined by a jury, plus punitive damages, costs and legal
fees. |
|
|
The tobacco industry is subject to a wide range of laws and regulations regarding the
marketing, sale, taxation and use of tobacco products imposed by local, state and federal
governments. There have been a number of
|
22
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
|
restrictive regulatory actions, adverse legislative and political decisions and other
unfavorable developments concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry. These
developments may negatively affect the perception of potential triers of fact with respect to
the tobacco industry, possibly to the detriment of certain pending litigation, and may prompt
the commencement of additional litigation or legislation. |
|
|
It is possible that the Companys consolidated financial position, results of operations or
cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any of the
smoking-related litigation. |
|
|
Liggetts and Vector Tobaccos management are unaware of any material environmental conditions
affecting their existing facilities. Liggetts and Vector Tobaccos management believe that
current operations are conducted in material compliance with all environmental laws and
regulations and other laws and regulations governing cigarette manufacturers. Compliance with
federal, state and local provisions regulating the discharge of materials into the environment,
or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, has not had a material effect on
the capital expenditures, results of operations or competitive position of Liggett or Vector
Tobacco. |
|
|
In February 2004, Liggett Vector Brands and another cigarette manufacturer entered into a five
year agreement with a subsidiary of the American Wholesale Marketers Association to support a
program to permit certain tobacco distributors to secure, on reasonable terms, tax stamp bonds
required by state and local governments for the distribution of cigarettes. This agreement has
been extended through February 2014. Under the agreement, Liggett Vector Brands has agreed to
pay a portion of losses, if any, incurred by the surety under the bond program, with a maximum
loss exposure of $500 for Liggett Vector Brands. To secure its potential obligations under the
agreement, Liggett Vector Brands has delivered to the subsidiary of the association a $100
letter of credit and agreed to fund up to an additional $400. Liggett Vector Brands has
incurred no losses to date under this agreement, and the Company believes the fair value of
Liggett Vector Brands obligation under the agreement was immaterial at March 31, 2011. |
|
|
In December 2009, a complaint was filed against Liggett in Alabama state court by the estate of
a woman who died, in 2007, in a house fire allegedly caused by the ignition of contents of the
house by a Liggett cigarette. The plaintiff sued under the Alabama Extended Manufacturers
Liability Doctrine and for breach of warranty and negligence. The plaintiff sought both
compensatory and punitive damages. In January 2010, Liggett removed the case to federal court.
In February 2010, Liggett filed a motion to dismiss the case and plaintiff filed a motion to
remand. In September 2010, the court granted plaintiffs motion to remand, but the order was
stayed pending non-binding mediation of the dispute, which occurred in January 2011. The matter
was settled for $30. |
|
|
There may be several other proceedings, lawsuits and claims pending against the Company
and certain of its consolidated subsidiaries unrelated to tobacco or tobacco product
liability. Management is of the opinion that the liabilities, if any, ultimately
resulting from such other proceedings, lawsuits and claims should not materially affect
the Companys financial position, results of operations or cash flows. |
|
|
The Companys provision for income taxes in interim periods is based
on an estimated annual effective income tax rate derived, in part,
from estimated annual pre-tax results from ordinary operations. The
annual effective income tax rate is reviewed and, if necessary,
adjusted on a quarterly basis. |
|
|
|
The Companys income tax expense consisted of the following: |
23
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months |
|
|
Three Months |
|
|
|
Ended |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2011 |
|
|
March 31, 2010 |
|
Income before provision for
income taxes |
|
$ |
32,022 |
|
|
$ |
18,860 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense using estimated
annual effective income tax rate |
|
|
12,649 |
|
|
|
7,422 |
|
Reduction of valuation allowance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(500 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense |
|
$ |
12,649 |
|
|
$ |
6,922 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company recorded a benefit of $500 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 resulting
from the reduction of a previously established valuation allowance of a deferred tax asset.
The valuation allowance was reduced for the recognition of state tax net operating losses at
Vector Tobacco Inc. after evaluating the impact of the negative and positive evidence that such
asset would be realized. |
|
|
The components of Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses were as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2011 |
|
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
Douglas Elliman Realty LLC |
|
$ |
48,750 |
|
|
$ |
46,421 |
|
New Valley Oaktree Chelsea Eleven LLC |
|
|
11,065 |
|
|
|
10,958 |
|
Fifty Third-Five Building LLC |
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
|
18,000 |
|
Sesto Holdings S.r.l. |
|
|
5,037 |
|
|
|
5,037 |
|
Lofts 21 LLC |
|
|
900 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in non-consolidated real
estate businesses |
|
$ |
83,752 |
|
|
$ |
80,416 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential Brokerage Business. New Valley recorded income of $3,404 and $4,571 for the
three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, associated with Douglas Elliman
Realty, LLC. New Valley received cash distributions from Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC of $1,075
and $1,962 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The summarized
financial information of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC is as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2011 |
|
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
Cash |
|
$ |
44,855 |
|
|
$ |
45,032 |
|
Other current assets |
|
|
6,296 |
|
|
|
5,989 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net |
|
|
14,789 |
|
|
|
15,556 |
|
Trademarks |
|
|
21,663 |
|
|
|
21,663 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
38,435 |
|
|
|
38,424 |
|
Other intangible assets, net |
|
|
1,273 |
|
|
|
1,337 |
|
Other non-current assets |
|
|
3,073 |
|
|
|
3,416 |
|
Notes payable current |
|
|
676 |
|
|
|
1,067 |
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
14,810 |
|
|
|
21,765 |
|
Notes payable long term |
|
|
867 |
|
|
|
1,129 |
|
Other long-term liabilities |
|
|
10,793 |
|
|
|
10,500 |
|
Members equity |
|
|
103,238 |
|
|
|
96,956 |
|
24
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
78,044 |
|
|
$ |
76,661 |
|
Costs and expenses |
|
|
71,501 |
|
|
|
67,175 |
|
Depreciation expense |
|
|
936 |
|
|
|
900 |
|
Amortization expense |
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
77 |
|
Other income |
|
|
977 |
|
|
|
397 |
|
Interest expense, net |
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
278 |
|
Income tax expense |
|
|
199 |
|
|
|
271 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
6,280 |
|
|
$ |
8,357 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aberdeen Townhomes LLC. In February 2011,
Aberdeen sold one of its two remaining
townhomes for $11,635, net of closing costs, and recorded gain on
sale of townhome of $3,135. |
|
|
New Valley Oaktree Chelsea Eleven, LLC. Chelsea sold six units during the quarter ended
March 31, 2011. As of the financial statement issue date, sales of 40 of the 54 luxury
residential units have closed. |
|
|
As of March 31, 2011, Chelsea Eleven LLC had
approximately $39,328 of total assets and
$10,142 of total liabilities, excluding amounts owed to New Valley Oaktree Chelsea Eleven LLC
(approximately $114,418 at March 31, 2011). |
|
|
As of March 31, 2011, the Company had received net distributions of $1,393 from New Valley
Oaktree Chelsea Eleven LLC. New Valley recorded equity income of $1,500 for the three months
ended March 31, 2011 related to New Valley Chelsea. The Companys maximum exposure to loss
on our investment in New Valley Chelsea Eleven LLC is $11,065 at March 31, 2011. |
|
|
Fifty Third-Five Building LLC. In 2010, New Valley, through its NV 955 LLC subsidiary, contributed
$18,000 to a joint venture, Fifty Third-Five Building LLC (JV), of which it owns 50%. In 2010,
the JV acquired a defaulted real estate loan, collateralized by real estate located in Manhattan, NY for approximately $35,500. The previous lender had commenced proceedings seeking to foreclose
its mortgage. Upon acquisition of the loan, the JV succeeded to the rights of the previous lender
in the litigation. On April 27, 2011, the court granted the
JVs motion for summary judgment,
dismissing certain substantive defenses raised by the borrower and
the other named parties, facilitating advancement of the foreclosure
process. |
|
|
Lofts 21 LLC. In February 2011, New Valley LLC invested $900 for an approximate 12% interest in
Lofts 21 LLC. Lofts 21 LLC acquired an existing property in Manhattan, NY, which is scheduled
to be developed into condominiums. New Valley LLC will account for Lofts 21 LLC under the equity
method of accounting. Lofts 21 LLC is a variable interest entity;
however, New Valley LLC is not the primary beneficiary. New Valley
LLCs maximum exposure to loss as a result of this investment is
$900. |
|
|
St. Regis Hotel, Washington, D.C. As of March 31, 2011, the Company does not anticipate
receiving any additional installments related to the sale of the tax credits related to its
former interest in St. Regis Hotel. |
|
|
The components of the Companys investment in Escena are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Land and land improvements |
|
$ |
11,112 |
|
|
$ |
11,112 |
|
Building and building improvements |
|
|
1,471 |
|
|
|
1,471 |
|
Other |
|
|
1,177 |
|
|
|
1,144 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,760 |
|
|
|
13,727 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation |
|
|
(452 |
) |
|
|
(373 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
13,308 |
|
|
$ |
13,354 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company recorded operating income of approximately $467 and $282 for three months
ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, from Escena. |
25
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
8. |
|
INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS |
|
|
The Companys recurring financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices in Active |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Markets for Identical |
|
|
Significant Other |
|
|
Significant
Unobservable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
Observable Inputs |
|
|
Inputs |
|
Description |
|
Total |
|
|
(Level 1) |
|
|
(Level 2) |
|
|
(Level 3) |
|
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Money market funds |
|
$ |
236,776 |
|
|
$ |
236,776 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Certificates of deposit |
|
|
1,990 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,990 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bonds |
|
|
5,301 |
|
|
|
5,301 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment securities
available for sale |
|
|
67,201 |
|
|
|
63,430 |
|
|
|
3,771 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
311,268 |
|
|
$ |
305,507 |
|
|
$ |
5,761 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of derivatives
embedded within
convertible debt |
|
$ |
142,067 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
142,067 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices in Active |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Markets for Identical |
|
|
Significant Other |
|
|
Significant Unobservable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
Observable Inputs |
|
|
Inputs |
|
Description |
|
Total |
|
|
(Level 1) |
|
|
(Level 2) |
|
|
(Level 3) |
|
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Money market funds |
|
$ |
267,333 |
|
|
$ |
267,333 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Certificates of deposit |
|
|
2,773 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,773 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bonds |
|
|
5,300 |
|
|
|
5,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment securities
available for sale |
|
|
78,754 |
|
|
|
74,640 |
|
|
|
4,114 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
354,160 |
|
|
$ |
347,273 |
|
|
$ |
6,887 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of derivatives
embedded within
convertible debt |
|
$ |
141,492 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
141,492 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The fair value of investment securities available for sale included in Level 1 are based
on quoted market prices from various stock exchanges. The Level 2 investment securities
available for sale were not registered and do not have direct market quotes. |
|
|
The fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt were derived using a valuation
model and have been classified as Level 3. The valuation model assumes future dividend
payments by the Company and utilizes interest rates and credit spreads for secured to unsecured
debt, unsecured to subordinated debt and subordinated debt to preferred stock to determine the
fair value of the derivatives embedded within the convertible debt. The changes in fair value
of derivatives embedded within convertible debt are presented on the Condensed Consolidated
Statements of Operations. The fair value of derivatives embedded
within convertible debt was $142,067 and $155,729 as of
March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The losses of $575 and $2,714 from the embedded
derivatives in the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were primarily
the result of declining spreads between corporate convertible debt and risk free investments offset
by interest payments during the period. |
|
|
In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, the
Company is required to record assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
Generally, assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as a
result of impairment charges. The Company had no nonrecurring nonfinancial assets subject to
fair value measurements as of March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. |
26
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
|
|
The Companys significant business segments for the three months ended
March 31, 2011 and 2010 were Tobacco and Real Estate. The Tobacco
segment consists of the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and the
research related to reduced risk products. The Real Estate segment
includes the Companys investments in consolidated and non-consolidated real estate businesses. The accounting policies of
the segments are the same as those described in the summary of
significant accounting policies. |
|
|
|
Financial information for the Companys operations before taxes for
the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real |
|
|
Corporate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tobacco |
|
|
Estate |
|
|
and Other |
|
|
Total |
|
Three months ended March 31, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
260,378 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
260,378 |
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
36,425 |
|
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
(5,106 |
) |
|
|
31,476 |
|
Equity income on non-consolidated
real estate businesses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,904 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,904 |
|
Identifiable assets |
|
|
446,473 |
|
|
|
104,872 |
(1) |
|
|
373,216 |
|
|
|
924,561 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,998 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
581 |
|
|
|
2,659 |
|
Capital expenditures |
|
|
2,626 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2,661 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
222,087 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
222,087 |
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
34,932 |
|
|
|
282 |
|
|
|
(4,196 |
) |
|
|
31,018 |
|
Equity income on non-consolidated
real estate businesses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,571 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,571 |
|
Identifiable assets |
|
|
406,691 |
|
|
|
65,297 |
(1) |
|
|
271,092 |
|
|
|
743,080 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
2,073 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
579 |
|
|
|
2,720 |
|
Capital expenditures |
|
|
3,445 |
|
|
|
321 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
3,795 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes investments accounted for under the equity method of
accounting of $90,863 and $51,809 as of March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. |
10. |
|
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
|
|
The accompanying condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented
pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X, Rule 3-10, Financial Statements
of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered. Each of
the subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, and all
guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several. The Companys investments in its
consolidated subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting. |
|
|
Certain revisions have been made to the presentation of income tax expense (benefit) in the Condensed
Consolidating Statements of Operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 to conform to the 2011 presentation.
The revisions increased parent income taxes from a $9,928 income tax expense to a tax benefit of $4,165 and
decreased the consolidating adjustments to income tax benefit from $14,093 to $0. Consolidated net income and
income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2010 have not changed. The Company does not
believe these revisions are material to the condensed consolidating financial statements as of March 31, 2010 or to
any prior years consolidating financial statements. |
27
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated |
|
|
|
Parent/ |
|
|
Subsidiary |
|
|
Non- |
|
|
Consolidating |
|
|
Vector Group |
|
|
|
Issuer |
|
|
Guarantors |
|
|
Guarantors |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Ltd. |
|
ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
269,723 |
|
|
$ |
5,789 |
|
|
$ |
904 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
276,416 |
|
Investment securities
available for sale |
|
|
67,201 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67,201 |
|
Accounts receivable
trade |
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,875 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,881 |
|
Intercompany receivables |
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(120 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Inventories |
|
|
|
|
|
|
115,156 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
115,157 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
29,875 |
|
|
|
3,489 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,364 |
|
Income taxes receivable |
|
|
64,081 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(64,081 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Restricted assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,428 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,539 |
|
Other current assets |
|
|
312 |
|
|
|
2,998 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,473 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
431,312 |
|
|
|
146,735 |
|
|
|
1,185 |
|
|
|
(64,201 |
) |
|
|
515,031 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net |
|
|
592 |
|
|
|
54,691 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55,283 |
|
Investment in Escena, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,308 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,308 |
|
Long-term investments accounted
for at cost |
|
|
40,385 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
898 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,283 |
|
Long-term investments accounted
for under the equity method |
|
|
12,148 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,148 |
|
Investments in non- consolidated
real estate businesses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
83,752 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
83,752 |
|
Investment in townhomes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,812 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,812 |
|
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries |
|
|
245,885 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(245,885 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Restricted assets |
|
|
1,890 |
|
|
|
5,855 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,745 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
23,451 |
|
|
|
103,368 |
|
|
|
10,085 |
|
|
|
(101,747 |
) |
|
|
35,157 |
|
Intangible asset |
|
|
|
|
|
|
107,511 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
107,511 |
|
Prepaid pension costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,322 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,322 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
16,362 |
|
|
|
14,847 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,209 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
772,025 |
|
|
$ |
447,329 |
|
|
$ |
117,040 |
|
|
$ |
(411,833 |
) |
|
$ |
924,561 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS
DEFICIENCY: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of notes
payable and long-term debt |
|
$ |
11,000 |
|
|
$ |
18,737 |
|
|
$ |
127 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
29,864 |
|
Fair value of derivatives
embedded within
convertible debt |
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
157 |
|
Current portion of employee
benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,014 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
435 |
|
|
|
5,230 |
|
|
|
707 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,372 |
|
Intercompany payables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(120 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Accrued promotional
expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,996 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,996 |
|
Income taxes payable, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,840 |
|
|
|
43,405 |
|
|
|
(64,081 |
) |
|
|
10,164 |
|
Accrued excise and payroll
taxes payable, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,242 |
|
Settlement accruals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
80,796 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80,796 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
33,040 |
|
|
|
1,077 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,117 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
|
9,452 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,452 |
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
3,787 |
|
|
|
7,684 |
|
|
|
546 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
57,871 |
|
|
|
181,736 |
|
|
|
44,785 |
|
|
|
(64,201 |
) |
|
|
220,191 |
|
Notes payable, long-term debt and
other obligations, less current
portion |
|
|
486,957 |
|
|
|
14,470 |
|
|
|
324 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
501,751 |
|
Fair value of derivatives embedded
within convertible debt |
|
|
141,910 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
141,910 |
|
Non-current employee
benefits |
|
|
21,414 |
|
|
|
17,635 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,049 |
|
Deferred income
taxes |
|
|
124,835 |
|
|
|
27,794 |
|
|
|
535 |
|
|
|
(101,747 |
) |
|
|
51,417 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
393 |
|
|
|
30,426 |
|
|
|
779 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,598 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
833,380 |
|
|
|
272,061 |
|
|
|
46,423 |
|
|
|
(165,948 |
) |
|
|
985,916 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders deficiency |
|
|
(61,355 |
) |
|
|
175,268 |
|
|
|
70,617 |
|
|
|
(245,885 |
) |
|
|
(61,355 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and
stockholders
deficiency |
|
$ |
772,025 |
|
|
$ |
447,329 |
|
|
$ |
117,040 |
|
|
$ |
(411,833 |
) |
|
$ |
924,561 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated |
|
|
|
Parent/ |
|
|
Subsidiary |
|
|
Non- |
|
|
Consolidating |
|
|
Vector Group |
|
|
|
Issuer |
|
|
Guarantors |
|
|
Guarantors |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Ltd. |
|
ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
283,409 |
|
|
$ |
16,214 |
|
|
$ |
202 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
299,825 |
|
Investment securities
available for sale |
|
|
78,754 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
78,754 |
|
Accounts receivable
trade |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,846 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,849 |
|
Intercompany receivables |
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(62 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Inventories |
|
|
|
|
|
|
107,079 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
107,079 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
27,470 |
|
|
|
4,316 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,786 |
|
Income taxes receivable |
|
|
51,260 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(51,260 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Restricted assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,310 |
|
|
|
351 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,661 |
|
Other current assets |
|
|
1,329 |
|
|
|
3,335 |
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,809 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
442,284 |
|
|
|
135,100 |
|
|
|
701 |
|
|
|
(51,322 |
) |
|
|
526,763 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net |
|
|
609 |
|
|
|
54,803 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55,412 |
|
Investment in Escena, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,354 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,354 |
|
Long-term investments accounted
for at cost |
|
|
45,134 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
899 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,033 |
|
Long-term investments accounted
for under the equity method |
|
|
10,954 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,954 |
|
Investments in non- consolidated
real estate businesses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80,416 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80,416 |
|
Investment in townhomes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,275 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,275 |
|
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries |
|
|
259,594 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(259,594 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Restricted assets |
|
|
2,673 |
|
|
|
6,021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,694 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
22,742 |
|
|
|
106,321 |
|
|
|
12,011 |
|
|
|
(103,246 |
) |
|
|
37,828 |
|
Intangible asset |
|
|
|
|
|
|
107,511 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
107,511 |
|
Prepaid pension costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,935 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,935 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
17,710 |
|
|
|
14,710 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,420 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
801,700 |
|
|
$ |
438,401 |
|
|
$ |
123,656 |
|
|
$ |
(414,162 |
) |
|
$ |
949,595 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS
DEFICIENCY: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of notes
payable and long-term debt |
|
$ |
11,000 |
|
|
$ |
40,222 |
|
|
$ |
123 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
51,345 |
|
Fair value of derivatives
embedded within
convertible debt |
|
|
480 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
480 |
|
Current portion of employee
benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,014 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
1,098 |
|
|
|
6,405 |
|
|
|
1,524 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,027 |
|
Intercompany payables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(62 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Accrued promotional
expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,327 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,327 |
|
Income taxes payable, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,719 |
|
|
|
42,158 |
|
|
|
(51,260 |
) |
|
|
11,617 |
|
Accrued excise and payroll
taxes payable, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,523 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,523 |
|
Settlement accruals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,071 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,071 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
34,622 |
|
|
|
2,341 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,963 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
|
20,824 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,824 |
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
6,530 |
|
|
|
7,670 |
|
|
|
481 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,681 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
74,554 |
|
|
|
159,354 |
|
|
|
44,286 |
|
|
|
(51,322 |
) |
|
|
226,872 |
|
Notes payable, long-term debt and
other obligations, less current
portion |
|
|
484,675 |
|
|
|
21,020 |
|
|
|
357 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
506,052 |
|
Fair value of derivatives embedded
within convertible debt |
|
|
141,012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
141,012 |
|
Non-current employee
benefits |
|
|
21,047 |
|
|
|
17,695 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38,742 |
|
Deferred income
taxes |
|
|
126,508 |
|
|
|
28,118 |
|
|
|
435 |
|
|
|
(103,246 |
) |
|
|
51,815 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
30,520 |
|
|
|
678 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,336 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
847,934 |
|
|
|
256,707 |
|
|
|
45,756 |
|
|
|
(154,568 |
) |
|
|
995,829 |
|
Commitments and contingencies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders deficiency |
|
|
(46,234 |
) |
|
|
181,694 |
|
|
|
77,900 |
|
|
|
(259,594 |
) |
|
|
(46,234 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and
stockholders
deficiency |
|
$ |
801,700 |
|
|
$ |
438,401 |
|
|
$ |
123,656 |
|
|
$ |
(414,162 |
) |
|
$ |
949,595 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated |
|
|
|
Parent/ |
|
|
Subsidiary |
|
|
Non- |
|
|
Consolidating |
|
|
Vector Group |
|
|
|
Issuer |
|
|
Guarantors |
|
|
Guarantors |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Ltd. |
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
260,378 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
260,378 |
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of goods sold |
|
|
|
|
|
|
205,177 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
205,177 |
|
Operating, selling,
administrative and
general expenses |
|
|
6,330 |
|
|
|
17,552 |
|
|
|
(157 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,725 |
|
Management fee expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,208 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,208 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating (loss)
income |
|
|
(6,330 |
) |
|
|
35,441 |
|
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
2,208 |
|
|
|
31,476 |
|
Other income (expenses): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
|
(24,486 |
) |
|
|
(433 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(24,928 |
) |
Changes in fair value
of derivatives
embedded within
convertible debt |
|
|
(575 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(575 |
) |
Equity income on
non-consolidated
real estate
businesses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,904 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,904 |
|
Gain on investment
securities
available for
sale |
|
|
13,035 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,035 |
|
Gain on liquidation of
long-term investment |
|
|
4,136 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,136 |
|
Gain on sale
of townhome |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,135 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,135 |
|
Equity income in
consolidated
subsidiaries |
|
|
27,658 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(27,658 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Management fee income |
|
|
2,208 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,208 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other, net |
|
|
829 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
839 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before
provision for income
taxes |
|
|
16,475 |
|
|
|
35,018 |
|
|
|
8,187 |
|
|
|
(27,658 |
) |
|
|
32,022 |
|
Income tax benefit
(expense) |
|
|
2,898 |
|
|
|
(12,272 |
) |
|
|
(3,275 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,649 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
19,373 |
|
|
$ |
22,746 |
|
|
$ |
4,912 |
|
|
$ |
(27,658 |
) |
|
$ |
19,373 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated |
|
|
|
Parent/ |
|
|
Subsidiary |
|
|
Non- |
|
|
Consolidating |
|
|
Vector Group |
|
|
|
Issuer |
|
|
Guarantors |
|
|
Guarantors |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Ltd. |
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
222,087 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
222,087 |
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of goods sold |
|
|
|
|
|
|
169,911 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
169,911 |
|
Operating, selling,
administrative and
general expenses |
|
|
5,218 |
|
|
|
16,195 |
|
|
|
(255 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,158 |
|
Management fee expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,130 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,130 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating (loss)
income |
|
|
(5,218 |
) |
|
|
33,851 |
|
|
|
255 |
|
|
|
2,130 |
|
|
|
31,018 |
|
Other income (expenses): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
|
(18,575 |
) |
|
|
(219 |
) |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(18,805 |
) |
Changes in fair value
of derivatives
embedded within
convertible debt |
|
|
(2,714 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,714 |
) |
Equity income on
non-consolidated
real estate
businesses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,571 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,571 |
|
Gain on investment
securities
available for
sale |
|
|
4,664 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,664 |
|
Equity income in
consolidated
subsidiaries |
|
|
27,368 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(27,368 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Management fee income |
|
|
2,130 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,130 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other, net |
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before
provision for income
taxes |
|
|
7,773 |
|
|
|
33,640 |
|
|
|
4,815 |
|
|
|
(27,368 |
) |
|
|
18,860 |
|
Income tax
benefit (expense) |
|
|
4,165 |
|
|
|
(9,132 |
) |
|
|
(1,955 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,922 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
11,938 |
|
|
$ |
24,508 |
|
|
$ |
2,860 |
|
|
$ |
(27,368 |
) |
|
$ |
11,938 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated |
|
|
|
Parent/ |
|
|
Subsidiary |
|
|
Non- |
|
|
Consolidating |
|
|
Vector Group |
|
|
|
Issuer |
|
|
Guarantors |
|
|
Guarantors |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Ltd. |
|
Net cash (used in) provided by
operating activities |
|
$ |
(7,786 |
) |
|
$ |
49,780 |
|
|
$ |
595 |
|
|
$ |
(42,035 |
) |
|
$ |
554 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing
activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sale or maturity of investment
securities |
|
|
17,792 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,792 |
|
Purchase of investment
securities |
|
|
(1,788 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,788 |
) |
Proceeds from sale or
liquidation of long-term
investments |
|
|
8,886 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,886 |
|
Investment in non-
consolidated real estate
businesses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,672 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,672 |
) |
Distributions from
non-consolidated real estate
businesses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,165 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,165 |
|
Proceeds from sale of
townhome, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,635 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,635 |
|
Increase in cash surrender
value of life insurance
policies |
|
|
(286 |
) |
|
|
(119 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(405 |
) |
Decrease in non-current
restricted assets |
|
|
543 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
240 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
831 |
|
Issuance of notes receivable |
|
|
(91 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(91 |
) |
Investments in
subsidiaries |
|
|
(540 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
540 |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
(2,617 |
) |
|
|
(33 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,661 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in)
investing activities |
|
|
24,505 |
|
|
|
(2,688 |
) |
|
|
12,335 |
|
|
|
540 |
|
|
|
34,692 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from
financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from debt
issuance |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
373 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
433 |
|
Repayments of debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,038 |
) |
|
|
(406 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,444 |
) |
Borrowings under revolver |
|
|
|
|
|
|
216,843 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
216,843 |
|
Repayments on revolver |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(244,076 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(244,076 |
) |
Capital contributions received |
|
|
|
|
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
(540 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Intercompany dividends paid |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(29,800 |
) |
|
|
(12,235 |
) |
|
|
42,035 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends and distributions
on common stock |
|
|
(31,076 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(31,076 |
) |
Tax benefit of options
exercised |
|
|
665 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
665 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by
financing activities |
|
|
(30,405 |
) |
|
|
(57,517 |
) |
|
|
(12,228 |
) |
|
|
41,495 |
|
|
|
(58,655 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (decrease) increase in cash
and cash equivalents |
|
|
(13,686 |
) |
|
|
(10,425 |
) |
|
|
702 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(23,409 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents,
beginning of period |
|
|
283,409 |
|
|
|
16,214 |
|
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
299,825 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of
period |
|
$ |
269,723 |
|
|
$ |
5,789 |
|
|
$ |
904 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
276,416 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated |
|
|
|
Parent/ |
|
|
Subsidiary |
|
|
Non- |
|
|
Consolidating |
|
|
Vector Group |
|
|
|
Issuer |
|
|
Guarantors |
|
|
Guarantors |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Ltd. |
|
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities |
|
$ |
18,368 |
|
|
$ |
48,836 |
|
|
$ |
1,074 |
|
|
$ |
(55,115 |
) |
|
$ |
13,163 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing
activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sale or maturity of investment
securities |
|
|
6,933 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,933 |
|
Investment in non-
consolidated real estate
businesses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(605 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(605 |
) |
Distributions from
non-consolidated real estate
businesses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,154 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,154 |
|
Increase in cash surrender
value of life insurance
policies |
|
|
(425 |
) |
|
|
(111 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(536 |
) |
Decrease (increase)
in non-current restricted
assets |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
(350 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(331 |
) |
Proceeds from sale of fixed
assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
Investments in
subsidiaries |
|
|
(1,731 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,731 |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures |
|
|
(29 |
) |
|
|
(3,445 |
) |
|
|
(321 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,795 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in)
investing activities |
|
|
4,767 |
|
|
|
(3,903 |
) |
|
|
1,228 |
|
|
|
1,731 |
|
|
|
3,823 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from
financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from debt
issuance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,112 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,112 |
|
Repayments of debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,140 |
) |
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,168 |
) |
Borrowings under revolver |
|
|
|
|
|
|
216,456 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
216,456 |
|
Repayments on revolver |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(210,997 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(210,997 |
) |
Capital contributions received |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,450 |
|
|
|
281 |
|
|
|
(1,731 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Intercompany dividends paid |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(52,900 |
) |
|
|
(2,215 |
) |
|
|
55,115 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends and distributions
on common stock |
|
|
(30,024 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(30,024 |
) |
Proceeds from exercise of
Vector options and warrants |
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by
financing activities |
|
|
(29,886 |
) |
|
|
(45,019 |
) |
|
|
(1,962 |
) |
|
|
53,384 |
|
|
|
(23,483 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (decrease) increase in cash
and cash equivalents |
|
|
(6,751 |
) |
|
|
(86 |
) |
|
|
340 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,497 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents,
beginning of period |
|
|
204,133 |
|
|
|
5,004 |
|
|
|
317 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
209,454 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of
period |
|
$ |
197,382 |
|
|
$ |
4,918 |
|
|
$ |
657 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
202,957 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Overview
We are a holding company and are engaged principally in:
|
|
|
the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the United States through our Liggett
Group LLC and Vector Tobacco Inc. subsidiaries, and |
|
|
|
|
the real estate business through our New Valley LLC subsidiary, which 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. |
All of our tobacco operations unit sales volume in 2010 and for the three months of 2011 was
in the discount segment, which management believes has been the primary growth segment in the
industry for more than a decade. The significant discounting of premium cigarettes in recent years
has led to brands, such as EVE, that were traditionally considered premium brands to become more
appropriately categorized as discount, following list price reductions.
Our tobacco subsidiaries cigarettes are produced in approximately 137 combinations of length,
style and packaging. Liggetts current brand portfolio includes:
|
|
|
PYRAMID the industrys first deep discount product with a brand identity
re-launched in the second quarter of 2009, and |
|
|
|
|
GRAND PRIX re-launched as a national brand in 2005, |
|
|
|
|
LIGGETT SELECT a leading brand in the deep discount category, |
|
|
|
|
EVE a leading brand of 120 millimeter cigarettes in the branded discount
category, and |
|
|
|
|
USA and various Partner Brands and private label brands. |
In 1999, Liggett introduced LIGGETT SELECT, one of the leading brands in the deep discount
category. LIGGETT SELECTs unit volume was 10.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and
13.0% of Liggetts unit volume for the year ended December 31, 2010. In September 2005, Liggett
repositioned GRAND PRIX to distributors and retailers nationwide. GRAND PRIXs unit volume was
14.9% of Liggetts unit volume for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 18.5% for the year
ended December 31, 2010. In April 2009, Liggett repositioned PYRAMID as a box-only brand with a
new low price to specifically compete with brands which are priced at the lowest level of the deep
discount segment. PYRAMID is now the largest seller in Liggetts family of brands with 51.6% of
Liggetts unit volume for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 42.6% for the year ended
December 31, 2010.
Under the Master Settlement Agreement reached in November 1998 with 46 states and various
territories, the three largest cigarette manufacturers must make settlement payments to the states
and territories based on how many cigarettes they sell 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 has no payment obligation unless its market share exceeds
approximately 0.28% of the U.S. market. Liggetts and Vector Tobaccos payments under the Master
Settlement Agreement are based on each companys incremental
34
market share above the minimum threshold applicable to such company. We believe that our
tobacco subsidiaries have gained a sustainable cost advantage over their competitors as a result of
the settlement.
The discount segment is a challenging marketplace, with consumers having less brand loyalty
and placing greater emphasis on price. Liggetts competition is now divided into two segments. The
first segment is made up of the three largest manufacturers of cigarettes in the United States,
Philip Morris USA Inc., Reynolds America Inc., and Lorillard Tobacco Company. The three largest
manufacturers, while primarily premium cigarette based companies, also produce and sell discount
cigarettes. The second segment of competition is comprised of a group of smaller manufacturers and
importers, most of which sell deep discount cigarettes. Our largest competitor in this segment is
Commonwealth Brands, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Imperial Tobacco PLC).
Recent Developments
Senior Secured Notes. In December 2010, we sold an additional $90,000 principal amount of our
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (the Senior Secured Notes) in private offerings to qualified
institutional investors in accordance with Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. On April 12,
2011, we commenced an offer to exchange the Secured Notes issued in December 2010 for an equal
amount of newly issued 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015. The new Secured Notes have substantially
the same terms as the original notes, except that the new Secured Notes have been registered under
the Securities Act.
New Valley Oaktree Chelsea Eleven, LLC. Chelsea Eleven LLC sold six condominium units during
the three months ended March 31, 2011. As of the financial statement issue date, 40 of the 54
units in the Chelsea Eleven LLC real estate development had been sold.
As
of March 31, 2011, Chelsea Eleven LLC had approximately $39,328
of total assets and $10,142
of total liabilities, excluding amounts owed to New Valley Oaktree Chelsea Eleven LLC
(approximately $114,418 at March 31, 2011).
As of March 31, 2011, we had received net distributions of $1,393 from New Valley Oaktree
Chelsea Eleven LLC. We recorded equity income of $1,500 for the three months ended March 31, 2011
related to New Valley Chelsea. Our maximum exposure to loss on our investment in New
Valley Chelsea Eleven LLC is $11,065 at March 31, 2011.
Aberdeen
Townhomes LLC. In February 2011, Aberdeen sold one of its two remaining townhomes
for $11,635, net of closing costs, and recorded a gain on sale of
townhome
of $3,135.
Long-term Investments. One of our long-term investments was liquidated in January 2011. We
received proceeds of $8,886 and recorded a gain of $4,136 for the three months ended March 31,
2011. In addition, a long-term investment with a carrying value of $35,000 as of March 31, 2011
was liquidated and we received approximately $52,700 in April 2011. We anticipate receiving an
additional $2,800 in the second quarter of 2011.
Recent Developments in Tobacco-Related Litigation
The cigarette industry continues to be challenged on numerous fronts. New cases continue to be
commenced against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers. As of March 31, 2011, there were
approximately 6,750 individual suits, six purported class actions and three healthcare cost
recovery actions pending in the United States in which Liggett or us, or both, were named as a
defendant. To date, adverse verdicts have been entered against Liggett in five Engle progeny
35
cases. As
of March 31, 2011, 31 alleged Engle progeny cases, where Liggett is currently
named as a defendant, were scheduled for trial in 2011 and several
cases are scheduled for trial in 2012.
Liggett Only Cases. There are currently seven cases pending where Liggett is the only tobacco
company defendant. Cases where Liggett is the only defendant could increase substantially as a
result of the Engle progeny cases.
In February 2009, in Ferlanti v. Liggett Group, a Florida state court jury awarded
compensatory damages and a judgment, in the amount of $816 was entered by the court. That judgment
was affirmed on appeal and was paid by Liggett in March 2011.
In September 2010, the court awarded plaintiffs attorneys fees of $996. The parties
appealed the attorneys fee award and the appeal is pending. Liggett previously accrued $2,000 for
the Ferlanti case. In Blitch v. R.J. Reynolds, an Engle progeny case, trial commenced on March
14, 2011 and on March 23, 2011, the jury returned a defense verdict. The time for plaintiff to
notice an appeal has not yet run. In Katz v. R.J. Reynolds, another Engle progeny case, trial was
set for April 2011, but was recently continued. There has been no recent activity in Hausrath v.
Philip Morris, a case pending in New York state court, where two individuals are suing. The other
three individual actions, in which Liggett is the only tobacco company defendant, are dormant.
Engle Progeny Cases. In 2000, a jury in Engle v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. rendered a
$145,000,000 punitive damages verdict in favor of a Florida Class against certain cigarette
manufacturers, including Liggett. Pursuant to the Florida Supreme Courts July 2006 ruling in
Engle, which decertified the class on a prospective basis, and affirmed the appellate courts
reversal of the punitive damages award, former class members had one year from January 11, 2007 in
which to file individual lawsuits. In addition, some individuals who filed suit prior to January
11, 2007, and who claim they meet the conditions in Engle, are attempting to avail themselves of
the Engle ruling. Lawsuits by individuals requesting the benefit of the Engle ruling, whether
filed before or after the January 11, 2007 deadline, are referred to as the Engle progeny cases.
Liggett and the Company have been named in 6,717 Engle progeny cases in both federal (3,694 cases)
and state (3,023 cases) courts in Florida. Other cigarette manufacturers have also been named as
defendants in these cases, although as a case proceeds, one or more defendants may ultimately be
dismissed from the action. These cases include approximately 8,960 plaintiffs, 671 of which
represent state court consortium claims. The number of state court Engle progeny cases may
increase as multi-plaintiff cases continue to be severed into individual cases. The total number of
plaintiffs may also increase as a result of attempts by existing plaintiffs to add additional
parties.
Through March 31, 2011, there were 25 plaintiffs verdicts in Engle progeny cases, including
five adverse verdicts against Liggett, and 13 defense verdicts.
Critical Accounting Policies
There are no material changes from the critical accounting policies set forth in Item 7,
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of our
Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2010. Please refer to that section and
the information below for disclosures regarding the critical accounting policies related to our
business.
Results of Operations
The following discussion provides an assessment of our results of operations, capital
resources and liquidity and should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated
36
financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. The condensed
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of VGR Holding, Liggett, Vector Tobacco,
Liggett Vector Brands, New Valley and other less significant subsidiaries.
For purposes of this discussion and other consolidated financial reporting, our significant
business segments for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were Tobacco and Real Estate.
The Tobacco segment consists of the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and the research related to
reduced risk products. The Real Estate segment includes our
investments in consolidated and non-consolidated real estate businesses.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tobacco |
|
$ |
260,378 |
|
|
$ |
222,087 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tobacco |
|
$ |
36,425 |
|
|
$ |
34,932 |
|
Real estate |
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
282 |
|
Corporate and other |
|
|
(5,106 |
) |
|
|
(4,196 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating income |
|
$ |
31,476 |
|
|
$ |
31,018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 Compared to Three Months ended March 31, 2010
Revenues. All of our revenues were from the Tobacco segment for the first quarter of 2011 and
2010. Liggett increased the list price of LIGGETT SELECT, EVE, and GRAND PRIX by $0.60 per carton
in January 2010, an additional $0.65 per carton in May 2010, and an additional $0.75 per carton in
October 2010. Liggett increased the list price of PYRAMID by $1.30 per carton in January 2011.
All of our sales for the first quarter of 2011 and 2010 were in the discount category. For
the three months ended March 31, 2011, revenues were $260,378 compared to $222,087 for the three
months ended March 31, 2010. Revenues increased by 17.2% ($38,291) due to a favorable price
variance of $12,420 primarily related to increases in price of PYRAMID, a favorable sales mix of
$1,326, and a favorable sales volume of $24,560 (approximately 327.4 million units).
Tobacco Gross Profit. Tobacco gross profit was $55,201 for the three months ended March 31,
2011 compared to $52,176 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. This represented an increase of
$3,025 (5.8%) from the 2010 period. This increase was due primarily to higher volumes. As a
percentage of revenues (excluding federal excise taxes), Tobacco gross profit decreased to 41.6% in
the 2011 period compared to gross profit of 47.1% in the 2010 period due to sales mix.
Expenses.
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were
$23,725 for the three
months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $21,158 for the same period last year, an increase of
$2,567 (12.1%). Tobacco expenses were $18,776 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared
to $17,244 for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $1,532, which was primarily the
result of higher sales force expenses due to an increase in sales force in 2011. Tobacco product
liability legal expenses and other litigation costs were $2,039 and $1,648 for the
37
three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Expenses at the corporate level
increased from $4,196 to $5,106 due to the timing of expenses.
Operating income. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, Tobacco segment operating income
increased from $34,932 in 2010 to $36,425 in 2011 primarily due to increased volume in 2011. The
real estate segment operating income was $157 for the three months ended March in 2011 compared
to $282 for the same period last year and related primarily to Escenas operations.
Other income (expenses). Other income was $546 for the three months ended March 31, 2011
compared to expenses of $12,158 for the same period last year. For the three months ended March
31, 2011, other income primarily consisted of a realized gain on investments held for sale of
$13,035, a realized gain on liquidation of long-term investment of $4,136, a realized gain on sale
of townhome of $3,135 and equity income on non-consolidated real estate businesses of $4,904. This
income was offset by interest expense of $24,928 and charges of $575 for changes in fair value of
derivatives embedded within convertible debt. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, other
expenses primarily consisted of interest expense of $18,805 and charges of $2,714 for changes in
fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt. These expenses were offset by a
realized gain on investments held for sale of $4,664 and equity income on non-consolidated real
estate businesses of $4,571.
The value of the embedded derivatives is contingent on changes in interest rates of debt
instruments maturing over the duration of the convertible debt, our stock price as well as
projections of future cash and stock dividends over the term of the
debt. The losses of $575 and $2,714 from the embedded derivatives in
the three months ended
March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were primarily the result of declining spreads between corporate convertible debt
and risk free investments offset by interest payments during the period.
Income before income taxes. Income before income taxes for the three months ended March 31,
2011 was $32,022 compared to $18,860 for the three months ended March 31, 2010.
Income tax provision. The income tax provision was $12,649 and $6,922 for the three months
ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Our provision for income taxes in interim periods is
based on an estimated annual effective income tax rate derived, in part, from estimated annual
pre-tax results from ordinary operations in accordance with guidance on accounting for income taxes
on interim periods. We recorded a benefit of approximately $500 for the three months ended March
31, 2010 resulting from the reduction of a previously established valuation allowance of a deferred
tax asset. The net deferred tax asset has been recognized for state tax net operating losses at
Vector Tobacco Inc. after evaluating the impact of the negative and positive evidence that such
asset would be realized.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Net cash and cash equivalents decreased $23,409 and $6,497 for the three months ended March
31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Net cash provided from operations was $554 and $13,163 for the three months ended March 31,
2011 and 2010, respectively. The change related to an increase in Liggetts accounts receivable and
increased interest and income tax payments in 2011. The increase in accounts receivable was due to
an extension of collection terms on PYRAMID sales by five days in 2011. These changes were offset
by increased operating income and increases in the accrual for payments under the Master Settlement
Agreement due to increased unit volume in 2011. Liggett makes payments under the Master Settlement
Agreement in December and April.
38
Cash provided by investing activities was $34,692 and $3,823 for the three months ended March
31, 2009 and 2010, respectively. In the first three months of 2011, cash provided by investing
activities was from the proceeds from the sale or maturity of investment securities of $17,792,
proceeds from the sale or liquidation of long-term investments of $8,886, distributions from
non-consolidated real estate businesses of $2,165, proceeds from the
sale of a townhome of $11,635 and
the decrease in non-current restricted assets of $831 offset by cash used for the purchase of
investment securities of $1,788, purchase of real estate businesses of $1,672, capital
expenditures of $2,661, an increase in cash surrender value of corporate- owned life insurance
policies of $405 and the issuance of notes receivable of $91. In the first three months of 2010,
cash provided by investing activities was from the proceeds from the sale or maturity of investment
securities of $6,933, distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses of $2,154 offset
by an increase in non-current restricted assets of $331, cash used for a purchase of real estate
businesses of $605, cash used for capital expenditures of $3,795, and an increase in cash surrender
value of corporate- owned life insurance policies of $536.
Cash used in financing activities was $58,655 and $23,483 for the three months ended March 31,
2011 and 2010, respectively. In the first three months of 2011, cash was primarily used for
distributions on common stock of $31,076, net repayments of debt under the revolver of $27,233 and
repayment of debt of $1,444 offset by proceeds from debt issuance of $433 and tax benefit of
options exercised of $665. In the first three months of 2010, cash was primarily used for
distributions on common stock of $30,024, and repayments of debt of $1,168 offset by proceeds from
debt issuance of $2,112, net borrowings of debt under the revolver of $5,459 and proceeds from
exercise of options of $138.
Liggett. Liggett has a $50,000 credit facility with Wachovia Bank, N.A. under which $8,477
was outstanding at March 31, 2011. Availability as determined under the facility was approximately
$27,500 based on eligible collateral at March 31, 2011. The facility contains covenants that
provide that Liggetts earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined
under the facility, on a trailing twelve-month basis, shall not be less than $100,000 if Liggetts
excess availability, as defined, under the facility is less than $20,000. The covenants also
require that annual capital expenditures, as defined under the facility, shall not exceed $10,000
(before a maximum carryover amount of $2,500) during any fiscal year; except in 2010, where Liggett
was permitted capital expenditures up to $33,000, as amended, as of August 31, 2010. At March 31,
2011, management believed that Liggett was in compliance with all covenants under the credit
facility; Liggetts EBITDA, as defined, were approximately $115,300 for the twelve months ended
March 31, 2011.
In June 2002, the jury in an individual case brought under the third phase of the Engle case
awarded $24,835 of compensatory damages against Liggett and two other defendants and found Liggett
50% responsible for the damages. Liggett paid its share of the damages award and plaintiffs claim
for interest and attorneys fees ($14,361). To date, five other verdicts have been entered in
Engle progeny cases against Liggett in the total amount of approximately $6,097. Two of the
verdicts have been affirmed on appeal. It is possible that additional cases could be decided
unfavorably. Liggett may enter into discussions in an attempt to settle particular cases if it
believes it is appropriate to do so. An unfavorable outcome of a pending smoking and health case
could encourage the commencement of additional similar litigation. In recent years, there have
been a number of adverse regulatory, political and other developments concerning cigarette smoking
and the tobacco industry. These developments generally receive widespread media attention. Neither
we nor Liggett are able to evaluate the effect of these developing matters on pending litigation or
the possible commencement of additional litigation or regulation. See Note 5 to our condensed
consolidated financial statements and Legislation and Regulation below for a description of
legislation, regulation and litigation.
Management cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future settlements or
judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that those requirements
39
will not be able to be met. Management is unable to make a reasonable estimate of the amount
or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the cases pending against Liggett
or the costs of defending such cases. It is possible that our consolidated financial position,
results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable
outcome in any such tobacco-related litigation.
In December 2010, we sold at 103% of face value an additional $90,000 principal amount of the
Senior Secured Notes in a private offering to qualified institutional investors in accordance with
Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. We received net proceeds from the 2010 offering of
approximately $90,850. Following the December 2010 offering, a total of $415,000 principal amount
of the Senior Secured Notes were outstanding.
The Senior Secured Notes pay interest on a semi-annual basis at a rate of 11% per year and
mature on August 15, 2015. We may redeem some or all of the Senior Secured Notes at any time prior
to August 15, 2011 at a make-whole redemption price. On or after August 15, 2011 we may redeem
some or all of the Senior Secured Notes at a premium that will decrease over time, plus accrued and
unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the redemption date. In the event of a change
of control, as defined in the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes, each holder of the
Senior Secured Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of its Senior Secured Notes at a
repurchase price equal to 101% of their aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest
and liquidated damages, if any to the date of purchase.
The Senior Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis
by all of our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that are engaged in the conduct of our cigarette
businesses. In addition, some of the guarantees are collateralized by second priority or first
priority security interests in certain collateral of some of the subsidiary guarantors pursuant to
security and pledge agreements.
The indenture contains covenants that restrict the payment of dividends by us if our
consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, which is defined in
the indenture as Consolidated EBITDA, for the most recently ended four full quarters is less than
$50,000. The indenture also restricts the incurrence of debt if our Leverage Ratio and our Secured
Leverage Ratio, as defined in the indenture, exceed 3.0 and 1.5, respectively. Our Leverage Ratio
is defined in the indenture as the ratio of our and our guaranteeing subsidiaries total debt less
the fair market value of our cash, investments in marketable securities and long-term investments
to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the indenture. Our Secured Leverage Ratio is defined in the
indenture in the same manner as the Leverage Ratio, except that secured indebtedness is substituted
for indebtedness. The following table summarizes the requirements of these financial covenants and
the results of the calculation, as defined by the indenture.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indenture |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
Covenant |
|
Requirement |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Consolidated EBITDA, as defined |
|
$ |
50,000 |
|
|
$ |
198,423 |
|
|
$ |
184,151 |
|
Leverage ratio, as defined |
|
<3.0 to 1 |
|
|
0.5 to 1 |
|
|
|
0.5 to 1 |
|
Secured leverage ratio, as defined |
|
<1.5 to 1 |
|
|
0.1 to 1 |
|
|
|
0.1 to 1 |
|
We and our subsidiaries have significant indebtedness and debt service obligations. At
March 31, 2011, we and our subsidiaries had total outstanding indebtedness (including the embedded
derivative liabilities related to our convertible notes) of approximately $716,200. We must redeem
$11,000 of our 3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures by June 15,
2011, and we may be required to purchase $99,000 of the debentures on June 15, 2012.
Approximately
40
$157,500 of our 6.75% convertible debt matures in 2014 and $415,000 of our 11% senior
secured notes matures in 2015. 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 believe that our cigarette operations are positive cash flow generating units and will
continue to be able to sustain their operations without any significant liquidity concerns.
In order to meet the above liquidity requirements as well as other anticipated liquidity needs
in the normal course of business, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $276,400,
investment securities available for sale of approximately $67,200, long-term investments with an
estimated value of approximately $78,600 and availability under Liggetts credit facility of
approximately $27,500 at March 31, 2011. Management currently anticipates that these amounts, as
well as expected cash flows from our operations, proceeds from public and/or private debt and
equity financing, management fees and other payments from subsidiaries should be sufficient to meet
our liquidity needs over the next 12 months. We may acquire or seek to acquire additional
operating businesses through merger, purchase of assets, stock acquisition or other means, or to
make other investments, which may limit our liquidity otherwise available.
On a quarterly basis, we evaluate our investments to determine whether an impairment has
occurred. If so, we also make a determination if such impairment is considered temporary or
other-than-temporary. We believe that the assessment of temporary or other-than-temporary
impairment is facts and circumstances driven. However, among the matters that are considered in
making such a determination are the period of time the investment has remained below its cost or
carrying value, the likelihood of recovery given the reason for the decrease in market value and
our original expected holding period of the investment.
Market Risk
We are exposed to market risks principally from fluctuations in interest rates, foreign
currency exchange rates and equity prices. We seek to minimize these risks through our regular
operating and financing activities and our long-term investment strategy. Our market risk
management procedures cover all market risk sensitive financial instruments.
As of March 31, 2011, approximately $14,600 of our outstanding debt at face value had variable
interest rates determined by various interest rate indices, which increases the risk of fluctuating
interest rates. Our exposure to market risk includes interest rate fluctuations in connection with
our variable rate borrowings, which could adversely affect our cash flows. As of March 31, 2011,
we had no interest rate caps or swaps. Based on a hypothetical 100 basis point increase or
decrease in interest rates (1%), our annual interest expense could increase or decrease by
approximately $146.
In addition, as of March 31, 2011, approximately $83,700 ($267,530 principal amount) of
outstanding debt had a variable interest rate determined by the amount of the dividends on our
common stock. The difference between the stated value of the debt and carrying value is due
principally to certain embedded derivatives, which were separately valued and recorded upon
issuance.
Changes to the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives are reflected within our
statements of operations as Changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible
debt. The value of the embedded derivative is contingent on changes in interest rates of debt
instruments maturing over the duration of the convertible debt as well as projections of future
cash and stock dividends over the term of the debt and changes in the closing stock price at the
end of each quarterly period. Based on a hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in
interest rates (1%), our annual Changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible
41
debt could increase or decrease by approximately $5,600 with approximately $339 resulting from the
embedded derivative associated with our 6.75% Note due 2014, $643 resulting from the embedded
derivative associated with our 6.75% exchange notes due 2014, and the remaining $4,618 resulting
from the embedded derivative associated with our 3.875% variable interest senior convertible
debentures due 2026. An increase in our quarterly dividend rate by $0.10 per share would increase
interest expense by approximately $6,750 per year.
We have estimated the fair market value of the embedded derivatives based principally on the
results of a valuation model. The estimated fair value of the derivatives embedded within the
convertible debt is based principally on the present value of future dividend payments expected to
be received by the convertible debt holders over the term of the debt. The discount rate applied
to the future cash flows is estimated based on a spread in yield of our debt when compared to
risk-free securities with the same duration; thus, a readily determinable fair market value of the
embedded derivatives is not available. The valuation model assumes our future dividend payments and
utilizes interest rates and credit spreads for secured to unsecured debt, unsecured to subordinated
debt and subordinated debt to preferred stock to determine the fair value of the derivatives
embedded within the convertible debt. The valuation also considers items, including current and
future dividends and the volatility of Vectors stock price. The range of estimated fair market
values of our embedded derivatives was between $145,023 and $139,220. We recorded the fair market
value of our embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs at $142,067 as of March 31, 2011.
The estimated fair market value of our embedded derivatives could change significantly based on
future market conditions.
We held investment securities available for sale totaling $67,201 at March 31, 2011, which
includes 13,891,205 shares of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. carried at $15,975.
We and New Valley also hold long-term investments in various investment partnerships. These
investments are illiquid, and their ultimate realization is subject to the performance of the
underlying entities.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our financial statements for
further information on New Accounting Pronouncements.
Legislation and Regulation
Reports with respect to the alleged harmful physical effects of cigarette smoking have been
publicized for many years and, in the opinion of Liggetts management, have had and may continue to
have an adverse effect on cigarette sales. Since 1964, the Surgeon General of the United States and
the Secretary of Health and Human Services have released a number of reports which state that
cigarette smoking is a causative factor with respect to a variety of health hazards, including
cancer, heart disease and lung disease, and have recommended various government actions to reduce
the incidence of smoking. In 1997, Liggett publicly acknowledged that, as the Surgeon General and
respected medical researchers have found, smoking causes health problems, including lung cancer,
heart and vascular disease, and emphysema.
On June 22, 2009, the President signed into law the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco
Control Act (Public Law 111-31). The law grants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) broad
authority over the manufacture, sale, marketing and packaging of tobacco products, although FDA is
prohibited from issuing regulations banning all cigarettes or all smokeless tobacco products, or
requiring the reduction of nicotine yields of a tobacco product to zero. Among other measures, the
law (under various deadlines):
|
|
|
increases the number of health warnings required on cigarette and smokeless tobacco
products, increases the size of warnings on packaging and in advertising, |
42
|
|
|
requires FDA
to develop graphic warnings for cigarette packages, and grants FDA authority to require
new warnings; |
|
|
|
|
requires practically all tobacco product advertising to eliminate color and imagery
and instead consist solely of black text on white background; |
|
|
|
|
imposes new restrictions on the sale and distribution of tobacco products, including
significant new restrictions on tobacco product advertising and promotion, as well as
the use of brand and trade names; |
|
|
|
|
bans the use of light, mild, low or similar descriptors on tobacco products; |
|
|
|
|
bans the use of characterizing flavors in cigarettes other than tobacco or
menthol; |
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gives FDA the authority to impose tobacco product standards that are appropriate for
the protection of the public health (by, for example, requiring reduction or
elimination of the use of particular constituents or components, requiring product
testing, or addressing other aspects of tobacco product construction, constituents,
properties or labeling); |
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requires manufacturers to obtain FDA review and authorization for the marketing of
certain new or modified tobacco products; |
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requires pre-market approval by FDA for tobacco products represented (through
labels, labeling, advertising, or other means) as presenting a lower risk of harm or
tobacco-related disease; |
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requires manufacturers to report ingredients and harmful constituents and requires
FDA to disclose certain constituent information to the public; |
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mandates that manufacturers test and report on ingredients and constituents
identified by FDA as requiring such testing to protect the public health, and allows
FDA to require the disclosure of testing results to the public; |
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requires manufacturers to submit to FDA certain information regarding the health,
toxicological, behavioral or physiologic effects of tobacco products; |
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prohibits use of tobacco containing a pesticide chemical residue at a level greater
than allowed under federal law; |
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requires FDA to establish good manufacturing practices to be followed at tobacco
manufacturing facilities; |
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requires tobacco product manufacturers (and certain other entities) to register with
FDA; |
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authorizes FDA to require the reduction of nicotine (although it may not require the
reduction of nicotine yields of a tobacco product to zero) and the potential reduction
or elimination of other constituents, including menthol; |
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imposes (and allows FDA to impose) various recordkeeping and reporting requirements
on tobacco product manufacturers; and |
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grants FDA the regulatory authority to impose broad additional restrictions. |
The
law also required establishment, within FDAs new Center for Tobacco Products, of a
Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) to provide advice, information and
recommendations with respect to the safety, dependence or health issues related to tobacco
products, including:
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a recommendation on modified risk applications; |
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a recommendation on the effects of tobacco product nicotine yield alteration and
whether there is a threshold level below which nicotine yields do not produce
dependence; |
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a report on the public health impact of the use of menthol in cigarettes; and |
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a report on the public health impact of dissolvable tobacco products. |
The TPSAC completed its review of the use of menthol in cigarettes and issued a report with
recommendations to FDA in March 2011. The report states that removal of menthol cigarettes from
the marketplace would benefit public health in the United States, but does not expressly
43
recommend
that FDA ban menthol cigarettes. FDA is considering the report and recommendations of the TPSAC
and will make a determination about what future regulatory action(s), if any, it believes are
warranted. A decision by FDA to ban menthol in tobacco products could have a material adverse
effect on us.
The law imposes user fees on certain tobacco product manufacturers in order to fund
tobacco-related FDA activities. User fees will be allocated among tobacco product classes
according to a formula set out in the legislation, and then among manufacturers and importers
within each class based on market share. FDA user fees for Liggett and Vector Tobacco for 2010
were $10,083 and we estimate that they will be significantly higher in the future.
The law also imposes significant new restrictions on the advertising and promotion of tobacco
products. For example, as required under the law, FDA has finalized certain portions of
regulations previously adopted by FDA in 1996 (which were struck down by the Supreme Court in 2000
as beyond FDAs authority). Subject to limitations imposed by a federal injunction (discussed
below), these regulations took effect on June 22, 2010. As written, these regulations
significantly limit the ability of manufacturers, distributors and retailers to advertise and
promote tobacco products, by, for example, restricting the use of color and graphics in
advertising, limiting the use of outdoor advertising, restricting
the sale and distribution of non-tobacco items and services, gifts, and sponsorship of events,
and imposing restrictions on the use for cigarette or smokeless tobacco products of trade or brand
names that are used for nontobacco products.
In August 2009, several cigarette manufacturers filed a federal lawsuit against FDA
challenging the constitutionality of a number of the restrictions imposed by these regulations,
including the ban on color and graphics, limits on the right to make truthful statements regarding
modified risk tobacco products, restrictions on the placement of outdoor advertising, and a ban on
the distribution of product samples. On January 4, 2010, a federal judge ruled that the
regulations ban on the use of color and graphics in certain tobacco product advertising was
unconstitutional and prohibited FDA from enforcing that ban. The judge, however, let stand
numerous other advertising and promotion restrictions. In March 2010, both parties appealed this
decision. We cannot predict the future course or outcome of this lawsuit. In May 2010, FDA issued
a guidance document indicating that it intends to exercise its enforcement discretion and not
commence enforcement actions based upon these provisions during the pendency of the litigation.
In April 2010, a number of cigarette manufacturers filed a federal lawsuit against FDA
challenging the restrictions on trade or brand names based upon First Amendment and other grounds.
In May 2010, FDA issued a guidance document indicating that FDA is aware of concerns regarding the
trade and brand name restrictions and is considering what changes, if any, would be appropriate to
address those concerns. FDA also indicated that while the agency is considering those issues, it
intends to exercise its enforcement discretion and not commence trade or brand name enforcement
actions for the duration of its consideration where: (1) The trade or brand name of the cigarettes
or smokeless tobacco product was registered, or the product was marketed, in the United States on
or before June 22, 2009; or (2) The first marketing or registration in the United States of the
tobacco product occurs before the first marketing or registration in the United States of the
non-tobacco product bearing the same name; provided, however, that the tobacco and non-tobacco
product are not owned, manufactured, or distributed by the same, related, or affiliated entities
(including as a licensee). The lawsuit was subsequently stayed, at the request of the parties,
while FDA is in the process of evaluating these concerns. We cannot predict the future course or
outcome of FDAs deliberations or this litigation.
FDA law requires premarket review of new tobacco products. A new tobacco product is one
that was not commercially marketed in the U.S. before February 15, 2007 or that was modified after
that date. In general, before a company may commercially market a new tobacco product, it must
either (a) submit an application and obtain an order from FDA permitting the product to be
marketed; or (b) submit a report and receive an FDA order finding the product to be
44
substantially
equivalent to a predicate tobacco product that was commercially marketed in the U.S. prior to
February 15, 2007. A substantially equivalent tobacco product is one that has the same
characteristics as the predicate or one that has different characteristics but does not raise
different questions of public health.
Manufacturers of products first introduced after February 15, 2007 and before March 22, 2011
who submitted a substantial equivalence report to FDA prior to March 23, 2011 may continue to
market the tobacco product unless FDA issues an order that the product is not substantially
equivalent. Failure to submit the report before March 23, 2011, or FDAs conclusion that such a
new tobacco product is not substantially equivalent, will cause the product to be deemed
misbranded and/or adulterated. After March 22, 2011, a new tobacco product may not be marketed
without an FDA substantial equivalence determination. Prior to the deadline, Liggett and Vector
Tobacco submitted substantial equivalence reports to FDA for numerous products. It is possible
that FDA could determine some, or all, of these products are not substantially equivalent to a
preexisting tobacco product. Such a determination could prevent us from marketing these products
in the United States and could have a material adverse effect on
us.
In January 2011, FDA issued a guidance document along with a proposed rule to establish the process
and criteria for requesting an exemption from substantial equivalence requirements. We cannot
predict how FDA will interpret and apply these requirements, or whether FDA will deem our products
to be substantially equivalent to already marketed tobacco
products.
Separately, the law also
requires FDA to issue future regulations regarding the promotion and marketing of tobacco products
sold through non-face-to-face transactions.
FDA has been acting to implement the law and will
continue to implement various provisions over time. Liggett and Vector Tobacco have been
monitoring FDA tobacco initiatives and have made various regulatory submissions to FDA in order to
comply with new requirements.
It is likely that the new tobacco law could result in a decrease in cigarette sales in the
United States, including sales of Liggetts and Vector Tobaccos brands. Total compliance and
related costs are not possible to predict and depend substantially on the future requirements
imposed by FDA under the new tobacco law. Costs, however, could be substantial and could have a
material adverse effect on the companies financial condition, results of operations, and cash
flows. In addition, FDA has a number of investigatory and enforcement tools available to it. We
are aware, for example, that FDA has already requested company-specific information from
competitors. FDA has also initiated a program to award contracts to states to assist with
compliance and enforcement activities. Failure to comply with the new tobacco law and with FDA
regulatory requirements could result in significant financial penalties and could have a material
adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operation of both Liggett and
Vector Tobacco. At present, we are not able to predict whether the new tobacco law will impact
Liggett and Vector Tobacco to a greater degree than other companies in the industry, thus affecting
its competitive position.
Liggett and Vector Tobacco provide ingredient information annually, as required by law, to the
states of Massachusetts, Texas and Minnesota. Several other states are considering ingredient
disclosure legislation.
In October 2004, the Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004 (FETRA) was signed into
law. FETRA provides for the elimination of the federal tobacco quota and price support program
through an industry funded buyout of tobacco growers and quota holders. Pursuant to the
legislation, manufacturers of tobacco products have been assessed $10,140,000 over a ten year
period, commencing in 2005, to compensate tobacco growers and quota holders for the elimination of
their quota rights. Cigarette manufacturers are currently responsible for 95% of the assessment
(subject to adjustment in the future), which is allocated based on relative unit volume of domestic
cigarette shipments. Liggetts and Vector Tobaccos assessment was $31,161 for 2010. Management
anticipates that the assessment will be higher for 2011. The relative cost of the legislation to
the three largest cigarette manufacturers will likely be less than the cost to smaller
manufacturers, including Liggett and Vector Tobacco, because one effect of the
45
legislation is that
the three largest manufacturers are no longer obligated to make certain contractual payments,
commonly known as Phase II payments, that they agreed in 1999 to make to tobacco-producing states.
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.
Cigarettes are subject to substantial and increasing federal, state and local excise taxes.
On April 1, 2009, the federal cigarette excise tax increased from $0.39 to $1.01 per pack. State
excise taxes vary considerably and, when combined with sales taxes, local taxes and the federal
excise tax, may exceed $4.00 per pack. Many states are considering, or have pending, legislation
proposing further state excise tax increases. Management believes increases in excise and similar
taxes have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on sales of cigarettes.
Over the last several years all 50 states and the District of Columbia have enacted virtually
identical legislation requiring cigarettes to meet a laboratory test standard for reduced ignition
propensity. Cigarettes that meet this standard are referred to as fire standards compliant or
FSC, and are sometimes commonly called self-extinguishing. All of the cigarettes that Liggett
and Vector Tobacco manufacture are fire standards compliant. Compliance with such legislation could
be burdensome and costly and could harm the business of Liggett and Vector Tobacco, particularly if
there were to be varying standards from state to state.
In November 2008, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rescinded guidance it issued in 1966
that generally permitted statements concerning cigarette tar and nicotine yields if they were
based on the Cambridge Filter Method, sometimes called the FTC method. In its rescission notice,
the FTC also indicated that advertisers should no longer use terms suggesting the FTCs endorsement
or approval of any specific test method, including terms such as per FTC Method or other phrases
that state or imply FTC endorsement or approval of the Cambridge Filter Method or other
machine-based methods for measuring cigarette tar or nicotine yields. Also in its rescission
notice, the FTC indicated that cigarette descriptors such as light and ultra light have not
been defined by the FTC, nor has the FTC provided any guidance or authorization for their use. The
FTC indicated that to the extent descriptors are used in a manner that convey an overall impression
that is false, misleading, or unsubstantiated, such use could be
actionable. The FTC further indicated that companies must ensure that any continued use of
descriptors does not convey an erroneous or unsubstantiated message that a particular cigarette
presents a reduced risk of harm or is otherwise likely to mislead consumers. In response to the
FTCs action, we have removed all reference to tar and nicotine testing from our point-of-sale
advertising. In addition, the new tobacco law imposes a ban which took effect in June 2010 on
the use of light, mild, low or similar descriptors on tobacco product labels and in labeling
or advertising. To the extent descriptors are no longer used to market or promote our cigarettes,
this may have a material adverse effect on us.
A wide variety of federal, state and local laws limit the advertising, sale and use of
cigarettes, and these laws have proliferated in recent years. For example, many local laws prohibit
smoking in restaurants and other public places, and many employers have initiated programs
restricting or eliminating smoking in the workplace. There are various other legislative efforts
pending at the federal, state or local level which seek to, among other things, eliminate smoking
in public places, curtail affirmative defenses of tobacco companies in product liability
litigation, and further restrict the sale, marketing and advertising of cigarettes and other
tobacco products. This trend has had, and is likely to continue to have, an adverse effect on us.
It is not possible to predict what, if any, additional legislation, regulation or other
governmental action will be enacted or implemented, or to predict what the impact of the new FDA
tobacco law will be on these pending legislative efforts.
In addition to the foregoing, there have been a number of other restrictive regulatory
actions, adverse legislative and political decisions and other unfavorable developments concerning
cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry. These developments may negatively
46
affect the
perception of potential triers of fact with respect to the tobacco industry, possibly to the
detriment of certain pending litigation, and may prompt the commencement of additional similar
litigation or legislation.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
In addition to historical information, this report 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:
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economic outlook, |
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capital expenditures, |
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cost reduction, |
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new legislation, |
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cash flows, |
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operating performance, |
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litigation, |
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impairment charges and cost saving associated with restructurings of our tobacco
operations, and |
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related industry developments (including trends affecting our business, financial
condition and results of operations). |
We identify forward-looking statements in this report 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:
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general economic and market conditions and any changes therein, due to acts of war
and terrorism or otherwise, |
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impact of current crises in capital and credit markets, including any continued
worsening, |
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governmental regulations and policies, |
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effects of industry competition, |
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impact of business combinations, including acquisitions and divestitures, both
internally for us and externally in the tobacco industry, |
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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, |
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impact of new legislation on our competitors payment obligations, results of
operations and product costs, i.e. the impact of recent federal legislation eliminating |
47
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the federal tobacco quota system and providing for regulation of tobacco products by
the FDA, |
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impact of substantial increases in federal, state and local excise taxes, |
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uncertainty related to product liability litigation including the Engle progeny
cases pending in Florida; and, |
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potential additional payment obligations for us under the Agreement and other
settlement agreements with the states. |
Further information on risks and uncertainties specific to our business include the risk
factors discussed above in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
Operations and under Item 1A, Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The information under the caption Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations Market Risk is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal
executive officer and principal financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our
disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, and, based
on their evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded
that these controls and procedures are effective.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the period
covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially
affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
48
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. |
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Legal Proceedings |
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Reference is made to Note 5, incorporated herein by reference, to our condensed
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report which contains a
general description of certain legal proceedings to which our
company, or its subsidiaries are a party and certain
related matters. Reference is also made to Exhibit 99.1 for additional information
regarding the pending smoking-related legal proceedings to which Liggett or us
is a party. A copy of Exhibit 99.1 will be furnished without charge upon written
request to us at our principal executive offices, 100 S.E. Second St., 32nd
Floor, Miami, Florida 33131, Attn. Investor Relations. |
Item 1A. |
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Risk Factors |
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Except as set forth below, there are no material changes from the risk factors set forth
in Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2010. Please refer to that section for disclosures regarding the risks and
uncertainties related to our business. The risk factors in the Annual Report on Form
10-K entitled Litigation will continue to harm the tobacco industry, Individual
tobacco-related cases have increased as a result of the Florida Supreme Courts ruling
in Engle and Liggett may have additional payment obligations under the Master
Settlement Agreement and its other settlement agreements with the states are revised to
reflect the updated information concerning the number and status of cases and other
matters discussed under Note 5 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and in
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition Recent Developments
Tobacco Settlement Agreements, Recent Developments in Legislation, Regulation and
Tobacco-Related Litigation, and Legislation and Regulation. |
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10.1 |
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Vector Group Ltd. Senior Executive Incentive Compensation
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in
Vectors Form 8-K dated January 14, 2011). |
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10.2 |
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Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of January
14, 2011, between Liggett and Ronald J. Bernstein
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 in Vectors
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010). |
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31.1 |
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Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to
Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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31.2 |
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Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to
Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.1 |
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Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.2 |
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Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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99.1 |
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Material Legal Proceedings |
49
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned
thereunto duly authorized.
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
(Registrant)
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By: |
/s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III
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J. Bryant Kirkland III |
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Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer |
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Date: May 5, 2011
50
exv31w1
EXHIBIT 31.1
RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I, Howard M. Lorber, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Vector Group Ltd.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances
under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in
this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations
and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and
internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and
15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to
the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control
over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and
presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth
fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably
likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit
committee of registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of
internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the
registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a
significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 5, 2011
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/s/ Howard M. Lorber
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Howard M. Lorber |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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exv31w2
EXHIBIT 31.2
RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
I, J. Bryant Kirkland III, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Vector Group Ltd.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances
under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in
this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations
and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and
internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and
15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to
the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control
over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and
presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth
fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably
likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit
committee of registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
|
(a) |
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all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to
adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report
financial information; and |
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(b) |
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any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over
financial reporting. |
Date: May 5, 2011
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/s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III
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J. Bryant Kirkland III |
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Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer |
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exv32w1
EXHIBIT 32.1
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Vector Group Ltd. (the Company) on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended March 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date
hereof (the Report), I, Howard M. Lorber, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002, that, to my knowledge:
|
1. |
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The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
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2. |
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The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
May 5, 2011
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/s/ Howard M. Lorber
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Howard M. Lorber |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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exv32w2
EXHIBIT 32.2
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Vector Group Ltd. (the Company) on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended March 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date
hereof (the Report), I, J. Bryant Kirkland III, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002, that, to my knowledge:
|
1. |
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The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
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2. |
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The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
May 5, 2011
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/s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III
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J. Bryant Kirkland III |
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Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer |
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exv99w1
Exhibit 99.1
I. INDIVIDUAL SMOKER CASES
Florida
a) Engle Progeny Cases.
Pursuant to the Florida Supreme Courts July 2006 ruling in Engle v. Liggett Group Inc.,
which decertified the Engle class on a prospective basis, former class members had one year
from January 11, 2007 to file individual lawsuits. In addition, some individuals who filed
suit prior to January 11, 2007, and who claim they meet the conditions in Engle, are
attempting to avail themselves of the Engle ruling. Lawsuits by individuals requesting the
benefit of the Engle ruling, whether filed before or after the January 11, 2007 mandate, are
hereinafter referred to as the Engle progeny cases. As of March 31, 2011, Liggett and/or
the Company were named in 6,717 Engle progeny cases in both state and federal courts in
Florida. These cases include approximately 8,960 plaintiffs. The total number of
plaintiffs include 671 state court consortium claims. The total number of state court cases
may likely increase as courts may require multi-plaintiff cases to be severed into
individual cases. The total number of plaintiffs may increase as a result of attempts by
existing plaintiffs to add additional parties. For more information on the Engle case, see
Note 5. Contingencies. As of March 31, 2011, 31 alleged Engle progeny cases, where
Liggett is currently a named defendant, were scheduled for trial in 2011. These cases, and
cases that have been tried and are currently on appeal, or will be appealed, are described
below. Several additional cases are also currently scheduled for trial in 2012, or will be
scheduled for trial in 2012.
Allen, J. v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 16-2007-CA-11674-AXXXMA, Circuit
Court of the 4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Duval County (case filed 12/11/07).
One individual suing. The case is scheduled for trial starting 07/11/11.
Alvarez v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 07-30302, Circuit Court of the
11th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 09/17/07). Two
individuals suing. The case is scheduled for trial starting 09/26/11.
Baker v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 16-2007-CA-008311-EXXXMA, Circuit Court of
the 4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Duval County (case filed 01/11/08). One
individual suing. The case is scheduled for trial starting 10/10/11.
Bronstein v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 10-28219, Circuit Court of the
17th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Broward County (case filed 11/29/07). One
individual suing. The case is presently scheduled for the trial period 06/27/11
09/23/11.
Campbell v. R.J. Reynolds., et al., Case No. 2008-CA-2147, Circuit Court of the
1st Judicial Circuit, Florida, Escambia County (case filed 07/08/08). This is a
wrongful death action which proceeded to jury trial in July 2009. In August 2009, the jury
returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff and awarded compensatory damages in the amount
of $7,800,000. The jury apportioned damages as follows: plaintiff 57%, R.J. Reynolds
39%, Philip Morris 2%, and Liggett 2% ($156,000). No punitive damages were awarded
against Liggett. In March 2011, the compensatory award was affirmed on appeal. Plaintiff
moved for an award of attorneys fees against Liggett pursuant to the fee shifting
provisions of Floridas proposal for settlement statute based on a settlement offer that was
not accepted by Liggett. The parties reached a confidential settlement agreement regarding
the attorneys fees incurred through trial, which agreement is contingent upon the pending
appeal of the compensatory damages award.
1
Calloway v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-21770, Circuit Court of the
17th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Broward County (case filed 05/15/08). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is
scheduled for the trial period 06/27/11 09/23/11.
Ciccone v. Brown & Williamson, et al., Case No. 04-13258, Circuit Court of the
17th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Broward County (case filed 08/19/04). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is
scheduled for the trial period 03/28/11 06/24/11.
Clay v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 2007-CA-003020, Circuit Court of the
1st Judicial Circuit, Florida, Escambia County (case filed 12/13/07). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. Trial
commenced on March 22, 2010. On April 13, 2010, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the
plaintiff and awarded compensatory damages in the amount of $3,490,000. The jury
apportioned damages as follows: plaintiff 30%, Liggett 10% ($349,000), R.J. Reynolds
60%. The jury found Liggett liable for $1,000,000 in punitive damages. Defendants
appealed the judgment. Plaintiff moved for an award of attorneys fees against Liggett
pursuant to the fee shifting provisions of Floridas proposal for settlement statute based
on a settlement offer that was not accepted by Liggett. The parties reached a confidential
settlement agreement regarding the attorneys fees incurred through trial, which agreement
is contingent upon the pending appeal of the compensatory damages award.
Collins v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 16-2007-CA-11175-EXXXMA, Circuit Court of
the 4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Duval County (case filed 11/29/07). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is
scheduled for trial starting 10/31/11.
Cox v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 01-2008-CA-3712, Circuit Court of the
8th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Alachua County (case filed 07/25/08). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is
scheduled for trial starting 08/08/11.
Dawes v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 07-36725, Circuit Court of the
17th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Broward County (case filed 12/28/07). One
individual suing. The case is scheduled for the trial period 09/26/11 12/16/11.
Douglas v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-8108, Circuit Court of the
13th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Hillsborough County (case filed 11/02/07). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. On March 10,
2010, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff and awarded compensatory damages
in the amount of $5,000,000. The jury apportioned damages as follows: plaintiff 50%,
Liggett 27% ($1,350,000), Philip Morris 18% and R.J. Reynolds 5%. No punitive
damages were awarded. Defendants appealed the judgment. Plaintiff moved for an award of
attorneys fees against Liggett pursuant to the fee shifting provisions of Floridas
proposal for settlement statute based on a settlement offer that was not accepted by
Liggett. The parties reached a confidential settlement agreement regarding the attorneys
fees incurred through trial, which agreement is contingent upon the pending appeal of the
compensatory damages award.
Duque v. Philip Morris, et al., Case No. 07-46324, Circuit Court of the
11th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 12/28/07). One
individual suing. The case is scheduled for trial starting 09/06/11.
2
Eshbaugh v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 07-CA-017247, Circuit Court of the
20th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Lee County (case filed 12/13/07). One individual
suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoking. The case is scheduled
for trial starting 09/06/11.
Hallgren v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 10-761, Circuit Court of the
10th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Highlands County (case filed 06/22/10). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is
scheduled for trial starting 10/10/11.
Hancock v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 07-36725, Circuit Court of the
17th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Broward County (case filed 06-03-10). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is
scheduled for trial in 10/11.
Jewett v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 16-2007-CA-012087-IXXXMA, Circuit Court of
the 4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Duval County (case filed 12/20/07). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is
scheduled for trial starting 05/02/11.
Johnson v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 16-2007-CA-011654-GXXXMA, Circuit Court
of the 4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Duval County (case filed 12/11/07). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is
scheduled for trial starting 09/06/11.
Kaplan v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-26341, Circuit Court of the
17th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Broward County (case filed 05/01/08). One
individual suing. The case was scheduled for trial starting 04/11/11, but was removed from the trial calendar and has to be rescheduled.
Kirchen-Hawkins v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 50 2008-CA-039473, Circuit Court
of the 15th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Palm Beach County (case filed 12/08/10).
One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is
scheduled for trial starting 09/12/11.
Marotta v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 07-36723, Circuit Court of the
17th
Judicial Circuit, Florida, Broward County (case filed 12/28/08). One individual suing
on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is scheduled for the
trial period 06/27/11 09/23/11.
Marraffino v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-22565, Circuit Court of the
17th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Broward County (case filed 05/20/08). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. Trial commenced on 4/14/11 and the court granted a mistrial during opening statements.
McLaughlin v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 2008-CA-0104, Circuit Court of the
1st Judicial Circuit, Florida, Escambia County (case filed 01/10/08). Two
individuals suing. The case is scheduled for trial starting 09/12/11.
Putney v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 07-36668, Circuit Court of the
17th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Broward County (case filed 12/28/07). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. Trial commenced
in March 2010. On April 26, 2010, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff and
awarded compensatory damages in the amount of $15,000,000. The jury apportioned damages as
follows: plaintiff 35%, Liggett 20% ($3,008,138), Philip Morris 15% and R.J.
Reynolds 30%. No punitive damages were awarded against Liggett. Defendants appealed the
judgment. Plaintiff moved for an award of attorneys fees against Liggett pursuant to the
fee shifting provisions of Floridas proposal for settlement
statute based on a settlement offer that was not accepted by Liggett. Entitlement to an
attorney fee award has been entered, and the amount of such award will be determined in a
separate proceeding.
3
Richter v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 50 2008-CA-038650, Circuit Court of the
15th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Palm Beach County (case filed 12/08/08). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is
scheduled for trial starting 09/12/11.
Rizzuto v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. H27-CA-2008-003318, Circuit Court of the
5th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Hernando County (case filed 05/21/08). The case
is scheduled for trial starting 05/02/11.
Rivenberg v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 07-15646, Circuit Court of the
20th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Lee County (case filed 11/20/07). One individual
suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is scheduled for
trial in 09/11.
Robirts v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 16-2008-CA-000500-XXXXMA, Circuit Court
of the 4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Duval County (case filed 01/10/08). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is
scheduled for trial starting 10/10/11.
Starr-Blundell v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 16-2007-CA-12167-BXMA, Circuit
Court of the 4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Duval County (case filed 12/20/07).
One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoking. The case
is scheduled for trial starting 11/28/11.
Syzmanski v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 07-CA-015501, Circuit Court of the
20th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Lee County (case filed 11/20/07). One individual
suing. The case is scheduled for trial starting 10/04/11.
Tatum v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 2007-CA-3066, Circuit Court of the
1st Judicial Circuit, Florida, Escambia County (case filed 12/18/07). One
individual suing. The case is scheduled for trial starting 07/18/11.
Tullo v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 2008-CA-035457, Circuit Court of the
15th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Palm Beach County (case filed 11/14/08). One
individual suing. Trial commenced in March 2011. On April 13, 2011, the jury returned a
verdict in favor of the plaintiff and awarded compensatory damages in the amount of
$4,500,000. The jury apportioned damages as follows: plaintiff 45%, Liggett 5%
($225,000), Philip Morris 45% and Lorillard 5%. No punitive damages were awarded. The
defendants intend to appeal.
Weingart v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-CA-038878, Circuit Court of the
15th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Palm Beach County. One individual suing on
behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is scheduled for trial
starting 06/27/11.
Welch v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 16-2007-CA-011552-CXXXMA, Circuit Court of
the 4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Duval County (case filed 12/07/07). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is
scheduled for trial starting 11/28/11.
4
Ward v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 2008-CA-2135, Circuit Court of the
1st Judicial Circuit, Florida, Escambia County (case filed 12/13/07). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is
scheduled for trial starting 07/18/11.
Washington v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 16-2007-CA-11552-BXXXMA, Circuit Court
of the 4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Duval County (case filed 12/07/07). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is
scheduled for trial starting 09/06/11.
West v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 16-2007-CA-11525-XXXMA, Circuit Court of the
4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Duval County (case filed 12/06/07). One
individual suing. The case is scheduled for trial starting 08/08/11.
b) Other Individual Cases.
Beatty v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 50-2009-CA-032435 (AB), Circuit Court of
the 15th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Palm Beach County (case filed 09/24/09). Two
individuals suing. This case is scheduled for trial starting 09/12/11.
Bryant v. Philip Morris Inc., et al., Case No. 50-2008-CA-25429 (AJ), Circuit Court
of the 15th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Palm Beach County (case filed 08/25/08).
One individual suing as personal representative of the estate and survivors of a deceased
smoker.
Caldwell v. Philip Morris Inc., et al., Case No. 08-000391 (AA), Circuit Court of
the 15th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Palm Beach County (case filed 01/07/08). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker.
Cowart v. Liggett Group Inc., et al., Case No. 98-01483-CA, Circuit Court of the
4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Duval County (case filed 03/16/98). One
individual suing. Liggett is the only tobacco company defendant in this case. The case is
dormant.
Diamond v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-24533, Circuit Court of the
17th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Broward County (case filed 05/30/08). One
individual suing.
Ferlanti v. Liggett Group LLC, Case No. 03-21697, Circuit Court of the
17th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Broward County (case filed 12/11/03). An
individual sued on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. Liggett was the
sole defendant in this action. Trial concluded in February 2009 and the jury returned a
verdict for plaintiff and a judgment of $815,972 was entered against Liggett. The final
judgment was entered on March 30, 2009 and was, thereafter, affirmed on appeal. Liggett
paid the judgment in March 2011. In September 2010, the court awarded plaintiff legal fees
of $996,000. The parties have appealed the attorneys fee award,
Fine v. Philip Morris, Inc., et al., Case No. 08-000383 (AA), Circuit Court of the
15th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Palm Beach County (case filed 01/07/08). One
individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker.
Grose v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-38276, Circuit Court of the
17th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Broward County (case filed 08/15/08). One
individual suing as personal representative of the estate and survivors of a deceased
smoker. In addition to Liggett Group LLC, Vector Tobacco Inc. is a named defendant.
Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. A hearing has not been scheduled.
5
Hikin, et al. v. Philip Morris Inc., et al., Case No. 08-57479, Circuit Court of the
17th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Broward County (case filed 11/21/08). Two
individuals suing.
Laschke, et al. v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 96-8131-CI-008, Circuit Court of
the 6th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Pinellas County (case filed 12/20/96). Two
individuals suing. The dismissal of the case was reversed on appeal, and the case was
remanded to the trial court. An amended complaint was filed by the plaintiffs. In January
2006, defendants filed motions to dismiss the amended complaint. A hearing has not been
scheduled.
McKeever v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., et al., Case No. 09-87681, Circuit Court of
the 11th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 12/04/09). Two
individuals suing.
Meckler v. Liggett Group Inc., Case No. 97-03949-CA, Circuit Court of the
4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Duval County (case filed 07/10/97). One
individual suing. Liggett is the only tobacco company defendant in this case. The case is
dormant.
Rawls v. Liggett Group Inc., Case No. 97-01354-CA, Circuit Court of the
4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Duval County (case filed 03/06/97). One
individual suing. Liggett is the only tobacco company defendant in this case. The case is
dormant.
Spivak v. Philip Morris Inc., et al., Case No. 08-19309 (AH), Circuit Court of the
15th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Palm Beach County (case filed 06/26/08). One
individual suing as personal representative of the estate and survivors of a deceased
smoker.
Spry v. Liggett Group LLC, et al., Case No. 06-31216 CICI, Circuit Court of the
7th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Volusia County (case filed 07/27/06). Two
individuals suing.
Whitney v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 2011-CA-286J, Circuit Court of the
8th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Alachua County (case filed 01/27/11).
Louisiana
Hunter, et al. v. R. J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 2002/18748m, Circuit Court of the
Civil District Court, Louisiana, Parish of Orleans (case filed 12/04/02). Two individuals
suing. The case has been dismissed as abandoned. Plaintiffs are challenging the order of
abandonment.
Oser v. The American Tobacco Co., et al., Case No. 97-9293, Circuit Court of the
Civil District Court, Louisiana, Parish of Orleans (case filed 05/27/97). One individual
suing.
Reese, et al. v. R. J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 2003-12761, Circuit Court of the
22nd Judicial District Court, Louisiana, St. Tammany Parish (case filed
06/10/03). Five individuals suing.
Maryland
Burik, et al. v. John Crane-Houdaille, Inc. et al., Case No. 24-X-08-000429, Circuit
Court, Maryland, Baltimore City (case filed 06/09/10). Plaintiff is suing individually and
as personal representative of the estate of a deceased smoker. Plaintiff seeks damages
allegedly caused to decedent by exposure to asbestos and cigarettes, with claims against
certain asbestos
manufacturer defendants and certain tobacco company defendants, including Liggett. The
defendants, including Liggett, filed a motion to dismiss in July 2010. Plaintiff filed a
Response to the Defendants Motion to Dismiss on 07/29/10. The motion is pending.
6
Kraska, et al. v. John Crane-Houdaille, Inc. et al., Case No. 24X08000209, Circuit
Court, Maryland, Baltimore City (case filed 08/02/10). Plaintiff is suing individually and
as personal representative of the estate of a deceased smoker. Plaintiff seeks damages
allegedly caused to decedent by exposure to asbestos and cigarettes, with claims against
certain asbestos manufacturer defendants and certain tobacco company defendants, including
Liggett. Liggett joined in and adopted the Defendants Motion to Dismiss on 10/08/10. The
motion is pending.
Love, et al. v. John Crane-Houdaille, Inc. et al., Case No. 24-X-08-000120, Circuit
Court, Maryland, Baltimore City (case filed 06/01/10). Plaintiff and his wife seek damages
allegedly caused by exposure to asbestos and cigarettes, with claims against certain
asbestos manufacturer defendants and certain tobacco company defendants, including Liggett.
The defendants filed a motion to dismiss in July 2010. Plaintiffs filed a Response to the
Defendants Motion to Dismiss on 07/29/10. The motion is pending.
Schoppert, et al., v. John Crane-Houdaille, Inc., et al., Case No. 24-X-07-000300,
Circuit Court, Maryland, Baltimore City (case filed 02/19/10). Plaintiffs are husband and
wife. Plaintiffs seek damages allegedly caused to Plaintiff Leon D. Schoppert by exposure
to asbestos and cigarette smoke, with claims against certain asbestos manufacturer
defendants and certain tobacco company defendants, including Liggett. Liggett joined in and
adopted the Defendants Motion to Dismiss on 08/18/10. Plaintiffs filed a response to
Liggetts Motion to Dismiss on 08/20/10. The motion is pending.
Missouri
Nuzum, et al. v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, et al., Case No.
03-cv-237237, Circuit Court, Missouri, Jackson County (case filed 05/21/03). Two
individuals suing.
Putnam v. R, J, Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 1116-cv-00030, Circuit
Court, Missouri, Jackson County (case filed 01/06/11). One individual suing.
New York
Brantley v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 114317/01, Supreme Court
of New York, New York County (case filed 07/23/01). One individual suing. In March 2011,
the case was stayed by the court until a status conference in September 2011.
Debobes v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 29544/92, Supreme Court of
New York, Nassau County (case filed 10/17/97). One individual suing.
Hausrath, et al. v. Liggett Group LLC, Case No. I2001-09526, Supreme Court of New
York, Erie County (case filed 01/24/02). Two individuals suing. Liggett is the only
defendant in this case.
James v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 103034/02, Supreme Court of
New York, New York County (case filed 04/04/97). One individual suing.
Shea, et al. v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 008938/03, Supreme
Court of New York, Nassau County (case filed 10/17/97). Two individuals suing. In December
2008, the
trial court granted defendants motion to dismiss plaintiffs claims for punitive damages as
barred by the prior settlement with the New York Attorney General, but denied the
defendants motion to dismiss the case. The dismissal of the punitive damages claim was
affirmed by the intermediate appellate court in May 2010. Plaintiffs motion to reargue the
decision was denied by the appellate court.
7
Standish v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 18418-97, Supreme Court
of New York, Bronx County (case filed 07/28/97). One individual suing.
Tomasino, et al. v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 027182/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County (case filed 09/23/97). Two individuals suing. In
June 2009, the trial court granted defendants motion to dismiss plaintiffs claims for
punitive damages as barred by the prior settlement with the New York Attorney General, but
denied the defendants motion to dismiss the case. The dismissal of the punitive damages
claim was affirmed by the intermediate appellate court in May 2010. Plaintiffs motion to
reargue the decision was denied by the appellate court.
Yedwabnick v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 20525/97, Supreme Court
of New York, Queens County (case filed 09/19/97). One individual suing.
Ohio
Croft, et al. v. Akron Gasket & Packing, et al., Case No. CV04541681, Court of
Common Pleas, Ohio, Cuyahoga County (case filed 08/25/05). Two individuals suing.
West Virginia
Brewer, et al. v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 01-C-82, Circuit
Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed 03/20/01). Two individuals suing.
Little v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 01-C-235, Circuit Court,
West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed 06/04/01). One individual suing.
II. CLASS ACTION CASES
a) Smoking Related
Brown, et al. v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., (In Re: Tobacco II Cases), Case No.
711400, Superior Court of California, County of San Diego (case filed 10/01/97). The action
was brought against the major U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including Liggett, seeking to
recover restitution, disgorgement of profits and other equitable relief under California
Business and Professions Code. In April 2001, under the California Unfair Competition Laws
and the Consumer Legal Remedies Act, the court granted in part the plaintiffs motion for
certification of a class composed of residents of California who smoked at least one of the
defendants cigarettes from June 10, 1993 through April 23, 2001, and who were exposed to
the defendants marketing and advertising activities in California. Certification was
granted as to the plaintiffs claims that the defendants violated § 17200 of the California
Business and Professions Code pertaining to unfair competition. The court, however, refused
to certify the class under the California Legal Remedies Act or the plaintiffs common law
claims. Following the November 2004 passage of a proposition in California that changed the
law regarding cases of this nature, the defendants
8
moved to decertify the class. In March 2005, the court granted the defendants motion, and
plaintiffs appealed that decertification order. In September 2006, the California Court of
Appeal affirmed the class decertification order. In May 2009, the California Supreme Court
reversed the class decertification order and remanded the case for further proceedings
regarding whether there are class representatives that can demonstrate standing. In June
2009, the defendants filed a Petition for Rehearing in the California Supreme Court, which
was denied by the court in August 2009. Additionally, in September 2009, plaintiffs
counsel informed the trial court that plaintiffs intend to seek reconsideration of the trial
courts September 2004 order finding that plaintiffs allegations regarding lights
cigarettes are preempted by federal law. Plaintiffs contend that the recent decision in
Altria v. Good, by the United States Supreme Court, necessitates reconsideration of the
trial courts September 2004 preemption ruling. In March 2010, the trial court granted
reconsideration of its September 2004 order granting partial summary judgment to defendants
with respect to plaintiffs lights claims on the basis of judicial decisions issued since
its order was issued, including the United States Supreme Courts ruling in Altria, thereby
reinstating plaintiffs lights claims. Since the trial courts prior ruling decertifying
the class was reversed on appeal by the California Supreme Court, the parties and the court
are treating all claims currently being asserted by the plaintiffs as certified, subject,
however, to defendants challenge to the class representatives standing to assert their
claims. The plaintiffs filed a tenth amended complaint in September 2010. In December 2010,
defendants filed a motion for a determination that the class representatives lack standing
and are not adequate to represent the class. Argument on this motion occurred on February
23, 2011 and the court, thereafter, issued an order determining that the representative
plaintiffs lack standing. A hearing on plaintiffs motion for leave to amend, and
defendants motion to dismiss, is scheduled for 06/21/11.
Cleary, et al. v. Philip Morris, Inc., et al., Case No. 09-cv-01596, USDC Northern
District of Illinois (case was originally filed 06/03/98 in Circuit Court of Cook County,
Illinois). The action was brought on behalf of persons who have allegedly been injured by
(1) the defendants purported conspiracy pursuant to which defendants allegedly concealed
material facts regarding the addictive nature of nicotine; (2) the defendants alleged acts
of targeting their advertising and marketing to minors; and (3) the defendants claimed
breach of the publics right to defendants compliance with laws prohibiting the
distribution of cigarettes to minors. The plaintiffs seek disgorgement of all profits
unjustly received through defendants sale of cigarettes to plaintiffs. In March 2009,
plaintiffs filed a Third Amended Complaint replacing one named class representative with a
new plaintiff and adding new allegations regarding defendants sale of light cigarettes.
In March 2009, defendants filed a notice of removal to the United States District Court for
the Northern District of Illinois. In November 2009, plaintiffs filed a revised motion for
class certification. On February 1, 2010, the court granted summary judgment in favor of
defendants as to all claims, other than a lights claim involving another cigarette
manufacturer. On February 22, 2010, the court denied plaintiffs motion for class
certification as to each purported class of plaintiffs, but, allowed plaintiffs an
opportunity to reinstate the motion as to the addiction claim, if the plaintiffs identified
a new class representative, which they did, on April 13, 2010. Plaintiffs filed a Fourth
Amended Complaint in an attempt to resurrect their addiction claims. In June 2010, the
court granted defendants motion to dismiss the Fourth Amended Complaint. Plaintiffs
motion for reconsideration was denied by the court. In August 2010, plaintiffs filed a
notice of appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Oral
argument occurred on 04/07/11.
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In Re: Tobacco Litigation (Personal Injury Cases), Case No. 00-C-5000, Circuit
Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed 01/18/00). Although not technically a class
action, the court consolidated approximately 750 individual smoker actions that were pending
prior to 2001 for
trial on some common related issues. Liggett was severed from trial of the consolidated
action. Trial commenced in June 2010 and ended in a mistrial. A new trial is scheduled for
10/17/11.
Parsons, et al. v. A C & S Inc., et al., Case No. 98-C-388, Circuit Court, West
Virginia, Onio County (case filed 02/09/98). This personal injury class action is brought
on behalf of plaintiffs decedent and all West Virginia residents who allegedly have
personal injury claims arising from their exposure to cigarette smoke and asbestos fibers.
The complaint seeks to recover unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for all
potential members of the class. The case is stayed as a result of the December 2000
bankruptcy petitions filed by three defendants in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the
District of Delaware.
Young, et al. v. American Brands Inc., et al., Case No. 97-19984cv, Civil District
Court, Louisiana, Orleans Parish (case filed 11/12/97). This purported personal injury
class action is brought on behalf of plaintiff and all similarly situated residents in
Louisiana who, though not themselves cigarette smokers, have been exposed to secondhand
smoke from cigarettes which were manufactured by the defendants, and who suffered injury as
a result of that exposure. The class has not been certified. The plaintiffs seek to
recover an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. In October 2004, the
trial court stayed this case pending the outcome of an appeal in Scott v. American Tobacco
Co.
b) Price Fixing
Smith, et al. v. Philip Morris, Inc., et al., Case No. 00-cv-26, District Court,
Kansas, Seward County (case filed 02/07/00). In this class action, plaintiffs allege that
defendants conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in Kansas.
The court granted class certification in November 2001 and discovery is proceeding. A status
conference was conducted in August 2010 at which time the court ordered the parties to
non-binding mediation. In November 2010, defendants filed a motion for summary judgment.
III. HEALTH CARE COST RECOVERY ACTIONS
City of St. Louis, et al. v. American Tobacco Company, Inc., et al., Case No.
cv-982-09652, Circuit Court, Missouri, City of St. Louis (case filed 11/16/98). The City of
St. Louis and approximately 38 hospitals seek to recover past and future unpaid or
unreimbursed health-care costs expended, or to be expended, by hospitals on behalf of
patients suffering from tobacco-related illnesses, as well as the increased costs associated
with the treatment of all patients, from defendants, including Liggett Group LLC. In June
2005, the court granted defendants motion for summary judgment as to claims for damages
which accrued prior to November 16, 1993. In April 2010, the court further determined that
each plaintiff is barred from seeking any damages which accrued more than five years prior
to the time that that plaintiff joined the suit. In that same order, the court granted
partial summary judgment for defendants barring plaintiffs claim for future damages, which
include damages that may accrue after August 23, 2007 or a later date (but prior to trial)
as the court may determine by subsequent order. In June 2010, the court denied plaintiffs
motion for summary judgment asserting collateral estoppel. In July 2010, the court granted
in part defendants motion for partial summary judgment based on preemption, regarding:
failure to warn claims, whether sounding in negligence or in strict liability; negligent
omission (although not including the negligent misrepresentation or fraudulent omission
claims); and targeted marketing claims. In October 2010, the Court granted partial
summary judgment on claims alleging misrepresentation, concealment and omission. Claims
for civil conspiracy,
aiding and abetting, strict liability, negligent design, restitution and punitive damages
are pending. Trial commenced on 01/31/11 and on 04/29/11, the jury
returned a defense verdict on all claims.
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Crow Creek Sioux Tribe v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No.
cv-97-09-082, Tribal Court of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, South Dakota (case filed
09/26/97). The plaintiff seeks to recover actual and punitive damages, restitution,
funding of a clinical cessation program, funding of a corrective public education program
and disgorgement of unjust profits from alleged sales to minors. The case is dormant.
General Health Services (Kupat Holim Clalit) v. Philip Morris, Inc., et al., Case
No. 1571/98, District Court, Jerusalem, Israel (case filed 09/28/98). General Health
Services seeks to recover the past and future value of the total expenditures for
health-care services provided to residents of Israel resulting from tobacco related disease
along with interest, increased and/or exemplary damages and costs. Motions filed by the
defendants are pending before the Israel Supreme Court.
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