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10-Q


 

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, 2016
 

VECTOR GROUP LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
1-5759
65-0949535
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
Commission File Number
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
 
 

4400 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, Florida 33137
305-579-8000
(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.
x 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).
x 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.
x Large accelerated filer
o  Accelerated filer
o  Non-accelerated filer
o  Smaller reporting company
 
 
(Do not check if a 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 x No

At April 28, 2016, Vector Group Ltd. had 123,792,329 shares of common stock outstanding.

 



VECTOR GROUP LTD.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
Item 1. Vector Group Ltd. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


1
VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited

 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
ASSETS:
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
209,048

 
$
240,368

Investment securities available for sale
152,700

 
181,976

Accounts receivable - trade, net
20,449

 
23,889

Inventories
92,451

 
86,516

Income taxes receivable, net
4,621

 
2,841

Restricted assets
9,628

 
9,195

Other current assets
37,748

 
38,954

Total current assets
526,645

 
583,739

Property, plant and equipment, net
73,608

 
75,632

Real estate held for sale, net
23,366

 
23,318

Long-term investments
59,488

 
62,726

Investments in real estate ventures
225,033

 
217,168

Restricted assets
14,887

 
12,303

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
263,413

 
263,959

Prepaid pension costs
20,976

 
20,650

Other assets
21,373

 
21,120

Total assets
$
1,228,789

 
$
1,280,615

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY:
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
   Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt
$
25,927

 
$
8,919

 Current payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement
43,705

 
29,241

   Current portion of employee benefits
914

 
915

Income taxes payable, net
—

 
96

Litigation accruals
7,686

 
22,904

Other current liabilities
113,085

 
154,217

Total current liabilities
191,317

 
216,292

Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion
864,554

 
856,108

Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
134,348

 
144,042

Non-current employee benefits
55,171

 
55,055

Deferred income taxes, net
85,069

 
79,429

Payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement
20,094

 
20,094

Litigation accruals
22,034

 
24,718

Other liabilities
10,062

 
7,038

Total liabilities
1,382,649

 
1,402,776

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

 

Stockholders' deficiency:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized
—

 
—

Common stock, par value $0.10 per share, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 123,792,329 shares issued and outstanding
12,379

 
12,379

Accumulated deficit
(238,180
)
 
(210,113
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
(8,270
)
 
(8,313
)
Total Vector Group Ltd. stockholders' deficiency
(234,071
)
 
(206,047
)
Non-controlling interest
80,211

 
83,886

Total stockholders' deficiency
(153,860
)
 
(122,161
)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficiency
$
1,228,789

 
$
1,280,615


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

 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues:
 
 
 
   Tobacco*
$
221,015

 
$
228,085

   Real estate
159,747

 
132,256

   E-Cigarettes
38

 
419

          Total revenues
380,800

 
360,760

 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 
 
 
   Cost of sales:
 
 
 
     Tobacco*
136,738

 
157,030

     Real estate
99,678

 
84,358

     E-Cigarettes
6

 
630

        Total cost of sales
236,422

 
242,018

 
 
 
 
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
79,828

 
74,181

Litigation settlement and judgment expense
2,350

 
843

Restructuring charges
41

 
—

Operating income
62,159

 
43,718

 
 
 
 
Other income (expenses):
 
 
 
Interest expense
(30,720
)
 
(31,746
)
Change in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
9,694

 
6,460

Equity in (losses) earnings from real estate ventures
(507
)
 
338

Equity in (losses) earnings from investments
(1,671
)
 
612

Gain on sale of investment securities available for sale
567

 
13,029

Impairment of investment securities available for sale
(4,813
)
 
—

Other, net
1,047

 
1,937

Income before provision for income taxes
35,756

 
34,348

Income tax expense
14,363

 
12,867

 
 
 
 
Net income
21,393

 
21,481

 
 
 
 
Net income attributed to non-controlling interest
(2,055
)
 
(260
)
 
 
 
 
Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
$
19,338

 
$
21,221

 
 
 
 
Per basic common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
$
0.16

 
$
0.18

 
 
 
 
Per diluted common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
$
0.16

 
$
0.18

 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per share
$
0.40

 
$
0.38

                                      

* Revenues and cost of sales include excise taxes of $90,846 and $97,359, respectively.


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

3



VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited

 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Net income
$
21,393

 
$
21,481

 
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
    Change in net unrealized (losses) gains
(4,634
)
 
20,910

    Net unrealized losses (gains) reclassified into net income
4,246

 
(13,029
)
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities available for sale
(388
)
 
7,881

 


 
 
Net unrealized gains on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method:
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method
—

 
14

 
 
 
 
Net change in forward contracts
9

 
16

 
 
 
 
Net change in pension-related amounts
 
 
 
Amortization of loss
445

 
267

Net change in pension-related amounts
445

 
267

 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income
66

 
8,178

 
 
 
 
Income tax effect on:
 
 
 
    Change in net unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities
1,908

 
(8,460
)
    Net unrealized losses (gains) reclassified into net income on investment securities
(1,745
)
 
5,387

Change in unrealized gains on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method
—

 
(6
)
Forward contracts
(3
)
 
(6
)
Pension-related amounts
(183
)
 
(111
)
Income tax provision on other comprehensive income
(23
)
 
(3,196
)
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
43

 
4,982

 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
21,436

 
26,463

 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income attributed to non-controlling interest
(2,055
)
 
(260
)
Comprehensive income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
$
19,381

 
$
26,203


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


 
Vector Group Ltd. Stockholders' Deficiency
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional
 
 
 
Accumulated
Other
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Paid-In
 
Accumulated
 
Comprehensive
 
Non-controlling
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Deficit
 
Income
 
Interest
 
Total
Balance, January 1, 2016
123,792,329

 
$
12,379

 
$
—

 
$
(210,113
)
 
$
(8,313
)
 
$
83,886

 
$
(122,161
)
Net income
—

 
—

 
—

 
19,338

 
—

 
2,055

 
21,393

Total other comprehensive income
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
43

 
—

 
43

Total comprehensive income
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
21,436

Distributions and dividends on common stock
—

 
—

 
(2,307
)
 
(47,405
)
 
—

 
—

 
(49,712
)
Stock-based compensation
—

 
—

 
2,307

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,307

Contributions from non-controlling interest
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
248

 
248

Distributions to non-controlling interest
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(5,978
)
 
(5,978
)
Balance as of March 31, 2016
123,792,329

 
$
12,379

 
$
—

 
$
(238,180
)
 
$
(8,270
)
 
$
80,211

 
$
(153,860
)


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


 
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
2016
 
March 31,
2015
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
$
(4,936
)
 
$
7,828

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Sale of investment securities
51,218

 
74,591

Maturities of investment securities
343

 
947

Purchase of investment securities
(29,112
)
 
(67,628
)
Proceeds from sale or liquidation of long-term investments
—

 
1,216

Purchase of long-term investments
—

 
(5,000
)
Investments in real estate ventures
(5,795
)
 
(7,816
)
Distributions from investments in real estate ventures
12

 
—

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies
(62
)
 
(606
)
Increase in restricted assets
(3,017
)
 
(6,933
)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
—

 
3

Capital expenditures
(3,915
)
 
(3,156
)
Pay downs of investment securities
2,174

 
1,594

Investments in real estate held for sale
(49
)
 
—

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
11,797

 
(12,788
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of debt
57

 
—

Deferred financing costs
—

 
(585
)
Repayments of debt
(1,576
)
 
(1,857
)
Borrowings under revolver
59,426

 
107,668

Repayments on revolver
(41,482
)
 
(110,792
)
Dividends and distributions on common stock
(48,876
)
 
(46,350
)
Contributions from non-controlling interest
248

 
—

Distributions to non-controlling interest
(5,978
)
 
—

Proceeds from exercise of Vector options
—

 
809

Tax benefit of options exercised
—

 
274

Net cash used in financing activities
(38,181
)
 
(50,833
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(31,320
)
 
(55,793
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
240,368

 
326,365

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
209,048

 
$
270,572


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

6
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(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”), Zoom E-Cigs LLC (“Zoom”), New Valley LLC (“New Valley”) and other less significant subsidiaries. New Valley includes the accounts of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC (“Douglas Elliman”) and other less significant subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Liggett and Vector Tobacco are engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the United States. Zoom is engaged in the sale of electronic cigarettes in the United States. New Valley is engaged in the real estate business.
The unaudited, interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and, in management's opinion, contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 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.
Revisions to December 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Interest-Imputation of Interest” (“ASU 2015-03”), which requires debt issuance costs to be reported in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the face amount of the note. The guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. This amendment must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company adopted the provisions of this ASU retrospectively in the first quarter of 2016, and adjusted all prior periods accordingly.  The adoption of this ASU will simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs and reduce complexity without decreasing the usefulness of information provided to users of financial statements. 


7
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


The cumulative impacts of the application of the new ASU are presented in the table below:

 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
As Previously Reported
 
ASU Adoption
 
As Revised
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets
 
$
51,261

 
$
(30,141
)
 
$
21,120

Total assets
 
$
1,310,756

 
$
(30,141
)
 
1,280,615

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion
 
$
886,249

 
$
(30,141
)
 
$
856,108

Total liabilities
 
1,432,917

 
(30,141
)
 
1,402,776

Total stockholders' deficiency
 
(122,161
)
 
—

 
(122,161
)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficiency
 
$
1,310,756

 
$
(30,141
)
 
$
1,280,615

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Adoption of Equity Method. The Company adopted the equity method of accounting for its investments in Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (“LTS”) and Castle Brands Inc. (“Castle”) in 2015 because the Company determined that it had significant influence due to the evolution of the relationships with each company. In accordance with ASC 323-35-33, the Company has adjusted its condensed consolidated financial statements, retrospectively, on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect since inception.
The cumulative impact of the retrospective application of the equity method of accounting for the two investments are presented in the table below:

8
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


 
Three months ended
 
March 31, 2015
 
As Previously Reported
 
Revision
 
As Revised
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
$
73,944

 
$
237

 
$
74,181

 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
43,955

 
(237
)
 
43,718

 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in (losses) earnings from investments
(37
)
 
649

 
612

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other, net
1,896

 
41

 
1,937

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before provision for income taxes
33,895

 
453

 
34,348

Income tax expense
12,679

 
188

 
12,867

Net income
21,216

 
265

 
21,481

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
20,956

 
265

 
21,221

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
1,999

 
2,983

 
4,982

 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
23,215

 
3,248

 
26,463

 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
$
22,955

 
$
3,248

 
$
26,203

 
 
 
 
 
 


(b)
Distributions and Dividends on Common Stock:

The Company records distributions on its common stock as dividends in its condensed consolidated statement of stockholders' deficiency 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 to the extent paid-in-capital is available. The Company’s stock dividends are recorded as stock splits and given retroactive effect to earnings per share for all periods presented.

(c)
Revenue Recognition:

Tobacco and E-Cigarettes sales:  Revenues from sales are recognized upon the shipment of finished goods when title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the sale price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. The Company provides an allowance for expected sales returns, net of any related inventory cost recoveries (e.g. federal excise taxes). Certain sales incentives, including promotional price discounts, are classified as reductions of net sales. The Company includes federal excise taxes on tobacco sales in revenues and cost of goods sold. Since the Company’s primary line of business is tobacco, the Company’s financial position and its results of operations and cash flows have been and could continue to be materially adversely affected by significant unit sales volume declines at the Company and industry levels, regulation, litigation and defense costs, increased tobacco costs or reductions in the selling price of cigarettes in the near term.
Real estate sales: Revenue is recognized only when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, the transaction has been completed and collectibility of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Real estate commissions earned by the Company’s real estate brokerage businesses are recorded as revenue on a gross basis upon the closing

9
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


of a real estate transaction as evidenced when the escrow or similar account is closed, the transaction documents have been recorded and funds are distributed to all appropriate parties. Commissions expenses are recognized concurrently with related revenues. Property management fees and rental commissions earned are recorded as revenue when the related services are performed.

(d)
Earnings Per Share (“EPS”):

Information concerning the Company's common stock has been adjusted to give retroactive effect to the 5% stock dividend paid to Company stockholders on September 29, 2015. All per share amounts and references to share amounts have been updated to reflect the retrospective effect of the stock dividends.

Net income for purposes of determining basic and diluted EPS was as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
$
19,338

 
$
21,221

Income attributed to participating securities
(633
)
 
(630
)
Net income available to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
$
18,705

 
$
20,591



Basic and diluted EPS were calculated using the following common shares:

 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Weighted-average shares for basic EPS
118,058,860

 
116,990,724

Plus incremental shares related to stock options and non-vested restricted stock
194,424

 
201,456

Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS
118,253,284

 
117,192,180


The following were outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the effect was anti-dilutive.

 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
  Weighted-average shares of non-vested restricted stock
1,200,000

 
—

  Weighted-average expense per share
$
22.75

 
$
—

  Weighted-average number of shares issuable upon
  conversion of debt
24,895,477

 
25,779,073

  Weighted-average conversion price
$
19.63

 
$
19.32




10
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


(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 Company's debt when compared to risk-free securities with the same duration. 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 the Company's stock price. At March 31, 2016, the range of estimated fair market values of the Company's embedded derivatives was between $133,267 and $135,403. The Company recorded the fair market value of its embedded derivatives at the approximate midpoint of the range at $134,348 as of March 31, 2016. At December 31, 2015, the range of estimated fair market values of the Company's embedded derivatives was between $143,422 and $144,660. The Company recorded the fair market value of its embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the range at $144,042 as of December 31, 2015. The estimated fair market value of the Company's embedded derivatives could change significantly based on future market conditions. (See Note 6.)

(f)
Investment in Real Estate Ventures:

The Company's investment in real estate ventures are subject to evaluation under ASU No. 2015-02, "Consolidation" ("ASU 2015-02) which requires all legal entities to be evaluated as either a voting interest entity or a Variable Interest Entities ("VIE"). The guidance is effective for financial statements of public companies issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company has followed the decision tree set forth in ASC 810-10-05-6 in analyzing each of its investments in real estate ventures. The Company examines specific criteria and uses judgment when determining if the real estate venture is a VIE and then if the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Factors considered in the qualification of a VIE include sufficient equity investment at risk, disproportionate voting rights and substantially all of the activities are conducted on behalf of an investor with disproportionately few voting rights, and characteristics of a controlling financial interest.
Accounting guidance requires the Company to perform the VIE primary-beneficiary assessment for entities determined to be VIEs. The Company is required to consolidate all VIEs in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The guidance requires consolidation of VIEs that a reporting entity has a controlling financial financial interest. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly affect the VIE's economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive residual returns of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
The Company's maximum exposure to loss in its investments in unconsolidated VIEs is limited to its investment in the unconsolidated VIEs which is the carrying value. The Company's maximum exposure to loss in its investment in its consolidated VIEs is limited to its investment which is the carrying value of the investment net of the non-controlling interest. Creditors of the consolidated VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary.

(g)
Other Income, Net:

Other income, net consisted of:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Interest and dividend income
$
1,324

 
$
1,740

Gain on long-term investment
—

 
200

Impairment of long-term investments
(282
)
 
—

Other expense
5

 
(3
)
Other income, net
$
1,047

 
$
1,937



11
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


(h)
Other Current Liabilities:
Other current liabilities consisted of:
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Accounts payable
$
10,865

 
$
19,639

Accrued promotional expenses
20,733

 
24,816

Accrued excise and payroll taxes payable, net
18,690

 
26,556

Accrued interest
16,523

 
28,147

Commissions payable
8,770

 
11,008

Accrued salary and benefits
9,117

 
20,134

Other current liabilities
28,387

 
23,917

Total other current liabilities
$
113,085

 
$
154,217



(i)
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

The components of “Goodwill and other intangible assets, net” were as follows:
 
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Goodwill
 
$
70,791

 
$
70,791

 
 
 
 
 
Indefinite life intangibles:
 
 
 
 
Intangible asset associated with benefit under the MSA
 
107,511

 
107,511

Trademark - Douglas Elliman
 
80,000

 
80,000

 
 
 
 
 
Intangibles with a finite life, net
 
5,111

 
5,657

 
 
 
 
 
  Total goodwill and other intangible assets, net
 
$
263,413

 
$
263,959


(j)
Commitments:

Douglas Elliman Lease Extension. On March 31, 2016, Douglas Elliman extended the duration of an existing lease and entered into a sublease for additional space in New York. The agreement extended the lease term from 2018 to 2032. The new agreements could increase the Company’s lease commitments by $0 in 2016, $1,164 in 2017, $1,412 in 2018, $3,733 in 2019, $5,394 in 2020 and $69,460 thereafter.


(k)
New Accounting Pronouncements:

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 modifies U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") by requiring the following, among others: (1) all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit on the income statement (excess tax benefits are recognized regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period); (2) excess tax benefits are to be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows; (3) in

12
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


the area of forfeitures, an entity can still follow the current U.S. GAAP practice of making an entity-wide accounting policy election to estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or may instead account for forfeitures when they occur; and (4) classification as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows of cash paid by an employer to the taxing authorities when directly withholding shares for tax withholding purposes. ASU 2016-09 is effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2017, including interim periods. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) (“ASU 2016-08”). ASU 2016-08 does not change the core principle of the guidance stated in ASU 2014-09, instead, the amendments in this ASU are intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations and whether an entity reports revenue on a gross or net basis. ASU 2016-08 will have the same effective date and transition requirements as the new revenue standard issued in ASU 2014-09. The Company is currently evaluating the method and impact the adoption of this ASU and ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, Investments- Equity Method and Joint Ventures: Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting (“ASU 2016-07”). ASU 2016-07 eliminates the requirement to apply the equity method of accounting retrospectively when a reporting entity obtains significant influence over a previously held investment. ASU 2016-07 will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2017 and subsequent interim periods. The adoption of ASU 2016-07 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-06, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force) ("ASU 2016-06"). ASU 2016-06 clarifies the requirement for assessing whether contingent call (put) options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts. An entity performing the assessment under ASU 2016-06 is required to assess the embedded call (put) options solely in accordance with the four-step decision sequence. Consequently, when a call (put) option is contingently exercisable, an entity does not have to assess whether the event that triggers the ability to exercise a call (put) option is related to interest rates or credit risks. The amendments in ASU 2016-06 are effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2017, including interim periods. The Company is currently evaluating the method and impact the adoption of this ASU 2016-06 will have on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”), which provides guidance for accounting for leases. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to classify leases as either finance or operating leases and to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term greater than 12 months regardless of the lease classification. The lease classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest rate method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. Accounting for lessors remains largely unchanged from current U.S. GAAP. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019 and subsequent interim periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). ASU 2016-01 modifies how entities measure equity investments and present changes in the fair value of financial liabilities. Under the new guidance, entities will have to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income unless the investments qualify for the new practicality exception. A practicality exception will apply to those equity investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value and do not qualify for the practical expedient to estimate fair value under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, and as such these investments may be measured at cost. ASU 2016-01 will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018 and subsequent interim periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will have on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), (“ASU 2014-9”). ASU 2014-9 outlines a new, single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. Under the new model, recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the new standard requires that reporting companies disclose the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. As amended by ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date the new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for annual reporting

13
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


periods beginning subsequent to December 15, 2016. The new standard is required to be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or with the cumulative effect of initially applying it recognized at the date of initial application. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and it has not determined the impact of the new standard on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

2.
INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of:
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Leaf tobacco
$
51,035

 
$
49,856

Other raw materials
3,423

 
3,578

Work-in-process
918

 
789

Finished goods
65,781

 
61,493

E-Cigarettes
74

 
80

Inventories at current cost
121,231

 
115,796

LIFO adjustments
(28,780
)
 
(29,280
)
 
$
92,451

 
$
86,516


All of the Company's inventories at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are reported under the LIFO method. The $28,780 LIFO adjustment as of March 31, 2016 decreases the current cost of inventories by $19,363 for Leaf tobacco, $643 for Other raw materials, $33 for Work-in-Process, $8,736 for Finished goods and $5 for E-Cigarettes. The $29,280 LIFO adjustment as of December 31, 2015 decreased the current cost of inventories by $19,863 for Leaf tobacco, $643 for Other raw materials, $33 for Work-in-Process, $8,736 for Finished goods and $5 for E-Cigarettes.

Liggett enters into purchase commitments for leaf tobacco that will be used entirely for future production. The future quantities of leaf tobacco and prices are established at the date of the commitments. At March 31, 2016, Liggett had tobacco purchase commitments of approximately $24,397. Liggett has a single source supply agreement for fire safe cigarette paper through 2019.

The Company capitalizes the incremental prepaid cost of the MSA in ending inventory. Each year, the Company capitalizes in inventory that portion of its MSA liability that relates to cigarettes shipped to public warehouses but not sold. The amount of capitalized MSA cost in “Finished goods” inventory was $15,390 and $15,796 at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Federal excise tax in inventory was $25,159 and $23,455 at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015,



14
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


3.
INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

The components of investment securities available for sale at March 31, 2016 were as follows:

 
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Marketable equity securities
$
37,947

 
$
18,822

 
$
(238
)
 
$
56,531

Mutual funds invested in fixed income securities
20,215

 
77

 
—

 
20,292

Marketable debt securities
75,120

 
757

 
—

 
75,877

Total investment securities available for sale
$
133,282

 
$
19,656

 
$
(238
)
 
$
152,700


The components of investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2015 were as follows:

 
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Marketable equity securities
$
47,502

 
$
19,833

 
$
(62
)
 
$
67,273

Mutual funds invested in fixed income securities
20,126

 
—

 
(15
)
 
20,111

Marketable debt securities
94,540

 
52

 
—

 
94,592

Total investment securities available for sale
$
162,168

 
$
19,885

 
$
(77
)
 
$
181,976



The table below summarizes the maturity dates of marketable debt securities at March 31, 2016.

Investment Type:
Market Value
 
Under 1 Year
 
1 Year up to 5 Years
 
More than 5 Years
U.S. Government securities
$
22,730

 
$
—

 
$
22,730

 
$
—

Corporate securities
35,592

 
433

 
35,159

 
—

U.S. mortgage-backed securities
5,369

 
605

 
4,764

 
—

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
5,605

 
4,526

 
1,079

 
—

U.S. asset-backed securities
4,443

 
3,857

 
586

 
—

Index-linked U.S. bonds
2,138

 
—

 
2,138

 
—

Total marketable debt securities by maturity dates
$
75,877

 
$
9,421

 
$
66,456

 
$
—



15
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


The available-for-sale investment securities with continuous unrealized losses for less than 12 months and 12 months or greater and their related fair values were as follows:

 
In loss position for
 
 
 
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Total Fair Value
 
Total Unrealized Losses
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable equity securities
$
5,762

 
$
(238
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
5,762

 
$
(238
)
 
$
5,762

 
$
(238
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
5,762

 
$
(238
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable equity securities
$
5,938

 
$
(62
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
5,938

 
$
(62
)
Mutual funds invested in fixed income securities
10,053

 
(15
)
 
—

 
—

 
10,053

 
(15
)
 
$
15,991

 
$
(77
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
15,991

 
$
(77
)

Unrealized losses from fixed-income securities are primarily attributable to changes in interest rates. Unrealized losses
from equity and debt securities are due to market price movements. The Company believes the unrealized losses associated with the Company's equity securities will be recovered in the future.

Gross realized gains and losses on available-for-sale investment securities were as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Gross realized gains on sales
$
759

 
$
13,564

Gross realized losses on sales
(192
)
 
(535
)
Gains on sale of investment securities available for sale

$
567

 
$
13,029

 
 
 
 
Gross realized losses on other-than-temporary impairments
$
(4,813
)
 
$
—

 

 


The Company recorded an “Other-than-temporary impairment” charge of $4,813 during the three months ended March 31, 2016. The largest component of this charge was $4,772 related to Morgans Hotel Group Co., a company where Vector's President and Chief Executive Officer also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Although management generally does not have the intent to sell any specific securities at the end of the period, in the ordinary course of managing the Company's investment securities portfolio, management may sell securities prior to their maturities for a variety of reasons, including diversification, credit quality, yield and liquidity requirements and the funding of claims and obligations to policyholders.
Proceeds from investment securities sales totaled $51,218 and $74,591 and proceeds from early redemptions by issuers totaled $2,517 and $2,541 in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, mainly from sales of Corporate securities and U.S. Government securities.


16
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


4.
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

Long-term investments consisted of the following:
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Investments accounted at cost
$
39,949

 
$
41,231

Investments accounted for under the equity method
19,539

 
21,495

 
$
59,488

 
$
62,726


(a) Cost-Method Investments:

Long-term investments accounted for at cost consisted of the following:

 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
Investments partnerships
$
39,448

 
$
41,386

 
$
40,730

 
$
44,217

Real estate partnership
501

 
505

 
501

 
552

 
$
39,949

 
$
41,891

 
$
41,231

 
$
44,769



The principal business of the investment partnerships is investing in investment securities and real estate. The estimated fair value of the investment partnerships was provided by the partnerships based on the indicated market values of the underlying assets or investment portfolio. The investments in these investment partnerships are illiquid and the ultimate realization of these investments is subject to the performance of the underlying partnership and its management by the general partners. In the future, the Company may invest in other investments, including limited partnerships, real estate investments, equity securities, debt securities, derivatives and certificates of deposit, depending on risk factors and potential rates of return.
If it is determined that an other-than-temporary decline in fair value exists in long-term investments, the Company records an impairment charge with respect to such investment in its consolidated statements of operations. The Company will continue to perform additional assessments to determine the impact, if any, on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. Thus, future impairment charges may occur.
The Company has accounted for these investments using the cost method of accounting because the investments did not meet the requirements for equity method accounting.
The Company invested $5,000 in a reinsurance company during the the three months ended March 31, 2015.
The long-term investments are carried on the consolidated balance sheet at cost. The fair value determination disclosed above
would be classified as Level 3 under fair value hierarchy disclosed in Note 11 if such assets were recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The fair value determinations disclosed above were based on company assumptions, and information obtained from the partnerships based on the indicated market values of the underlying assets of the investment portfolio.


17
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited



(b) Equity-Method Investments:

Long-term investments accounted for under the equity method consisted of the following:
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31, 2015
Indian Creek Investors LP
$
3,780

 
$
4,989

Boyar Value Fund
7,286

 
7,302

Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.
8,473

 
9,204

Castle Brands, Inc.
—

 
—

 
$
19,539

 
$
21,495



The Company's investments accounted for under the equity method include the following: Indian Creek Investors LP (“Indian Creek”), Boyar Value Fund (“Boyar”), Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (“LTS”) and Castle Brands Inc. (“Castle”). At March 31, 2016, the Company's ownership percentages in Indian Creek, Boyar, LTS and Castle were 20.17%, 30.36%, 7.76% and 7.92%, respectively. The Company accounted for Indian Creek and Boyar interests as equity-method investments because the Company's ownership percentage meets the threshold for equity-method accounting. The Company accounted for the LTS and Castle interests as equity-method investments because the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over their operating and financial policies.
The Company's investments under the equity method include an investment in Boyar. The value of the investment based on the quoted market price as of March 31, 2016 was $7,286, equal to its carrying value. Ladenburg Thalmann Fund Management, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of LTS, is the manager of Boyar.

At March 31, 2016, the aggregate values of the LTS and Castle investments based on the quoted market price were $35,478 and $11,911, respectively.
The principal business of Indian Creek is investing in investment securities. Fair value approximates carrying value. The estimated fair value of the investment partnership was provided by the partnership based on the indicated market values of the underlying assets or investment portfolio. The investment in the investment partnership is illiquid and the ultimate realization of the investment is subject to the performance of the underlying partnership and its management by the general partners.
The Company received cash distributions of $285 and $1,433 from the Company's investments in long-term investments under the equity method for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company recognized equity in losses from long-term investments under the equity method of $1,671 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and equity in earnings from long-term investments under the equity method of $612 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The Company has suspended its recognition of equity losses in Castle to the extent such losses exceed its basis.
If it is determined that an other-than-temporary decline in fair value exists in long-term investments, the Company records an impairment charge with respect to such investment in its consolidated statements of operations. The Company will continue to perform additional assessments to determine the impact, if any, on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. Thus, future impairment charges may occur.


5.
NEW VALLEY LLC
Residential Brokerage Business. New Valley is engaged in the real estate business and is seeking to acquire additional real estate properties and operating companies. The Company owns a 70.59% interest in Douglas Elliman and the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include the account balances of Douglas Elliman.

18
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


Investments in real estate ventures.  New Valley also holds equity investments in various real estate projects domestically and internationally. The components of “Investments in real estate ventures” were as follows:
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
10 Madison Square Park (1107 Broadway)
$
12,123

 
$
11,391

The Marquand (11 East 68th Street)
13,054

 
13,900

11 Beach Street
13,527

 
13,209

20 Times Square (701 Seventh Avenue)
16,024

 
14,985

111 Murray Street
25,387

 
25,567

160 Leroy Street
4,530

 
3,952

215 Chrystie Street
5,666

 
5,592

The Dutch (25-19 43rd Avenue)
1,107

 
1,077

Queens Plaza (23-10 Queens Plaza South)
16,553

 
16,177

87 Park (8701 Collins Avenue)
8,770

 
8,658

125 Greenwich Street
9,870

 
9,750

West Hollywood Edition (9040 Sunset Boulevard)
14,416

 
10,510

76 Eleventh Avenue
18,487

 
17,967

Monad Terrace
6,849

 
6,608

Takanasee
4,816

 
4,680

Condominium and Mixed Use Development
171,179

 
164,023

 
 
 
 
Maryland Portfolio
—

 
—

ST Portfolio
16,270

 
15,754

Apartment Buildings
16,270

 
15,754

 
 
 
 
Park Lane Hotel
19,835

 
19,697

Hotel Taiwana
7,451

 
7,069

Coral Beach and Tennis Club
2,702

 
3,159

Hotels
29,988

 
29,925

 
 
 
 
The Plaza at Harmon Meadow
5,526

 
5,449

Commercial
5,526

 
5,449

 
 
 
 
Other
2,070

 
2,017

 
 
 
 
Investments in real estate ventures
$
225,033

 
$
217,168


19
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


 
Condominium and Mixed-Use Development:
Condominium and mixed-use development investments range in ownership percentage from 3.1% to 49.5%. New Valley recorded net equity in losses of $1,183 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from its condominium and mixed-used developments. New Valley recorded equity income of $536 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The Company recorded $300 of equity income related to its proportionate share of the Marquand’s equity earnings from the sale of two of its units during the quarter and $236 from Chelsea Eleven for a distribution of excess amounts held back in 2012 for final expenses of the investment for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, New Valley made capital contributions totaling $5,077 related to ventures where New Valley previously held an investment, primarily at 20 Times Square, 160 Leroy Street, West Hollywood Edition, and Monad Terrace. For ventures where New Valley previously held an investment, New Valley contributed its proportionate share of additional capital along with contributions by the other investment partners. New Valley's direct investment percentage did not change. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, New Valley made capital contributions totaling $1,352 primarily related to 215 Chrystie Street and the Dutch. New Valley contributed its proportionate share of additional capital along with contributions by the other investment partners. New Valley's investment percentages did not change.
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, New Valley received distributions of $258 primarily related to income from marketing fees paid by 125 Greenwich Street. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, New Valley received distributions of $236 from its investment in Chelsea Eleven, which sold its last unit in 2012, for excess amounts held back in 2012 for final expenses of the investment.
New Valley's maximum exposure to loss, net of non-controlling interest, as a result of its investments in condominium and mixed-use developments was $153,669 at March 31, 2016.

New Valley capitalized $3,520 of interest expense into the carrying value of its ventures whose projects were currently under development during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Douglas Elliman has been engaged by the developers as the sole broker or the co-broker for several of the real estate development projects that New Valley owns an interest in through its joint venture investments. Douglas Elliman had gross commissions of approximately $2,405 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from these projects.

Apartment Buildings:
Apartment building investments range in ownership percentage from 7.6% to 16.3%. New Valley recorded equity income of $516 for the three months ended March 31, 2016, related to the ST Portfolio apartment portfolio. New Valley recorded equity losses of $48 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily related to equity losses of the Maryland Portfolio. New Valley received distributions of $212 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 , primarily related to the Maryland Portfolio. New Valley has suspended its recognition of equity losses in Maryland Portfolio to the extent such losses exceed its basis. New Valley's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investment in apartment buildings was $16,270 at March 31, 2016.

Hotels:
Hotel investments range in ownership percentage from 5.2% to 49.0%. New Valley recorded equity losses of $655 for the three months ended March 31, 2016, related to hotel operations. New Valley recorded equity losses of $747 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. New Valley made capital contributions totaling $718 for the three months ended March 31, 2016, related to the Park Lane Hotel. New Valley made capital contributions totaling $533 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily related to Coral Beach and Tennis Club. New Valley's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investments in hotels was $29,988 at March 31, 2016.

20
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited



Commercial:
Commercial ventures include a contribution by New Valley of $5,931 for a 49% interest in a joint venture which purchased a shopping center, The Plaza at Harmon Meadow, in New Jersey at the end of March 2015. New Valley recorded equity income of $212 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 related to shopping center rental operations. New Valley received distributions totaling $135 for the three months ended March 31, 2016, related to Harmon Meadow. New Valley's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investments in commercial ventures was $5,526 at March 31, 2016.

Other:
Other investments in real estate ventures relate to a 50% investment in an insurance consulting company owned by Douglas Elliman.

Real Estate Held for Sale:
The components of “Real estate held for sale, net” were as follows:
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Escena, net
$
10,714

 
$
10,716

Sagaponack
12,652

 
12,602

            Real estate held for sale, net
$
23,366

 
$
23,318


Escena.  The assets of “Escena, net” were as follows:
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Land and land improvements
$
8,907

 
$
8,907

Building and building improvements
1,874

 
1,875

Other
2,004

 
1,923

 
12,785

 
12,705

Less accumulated depreciation
(2,071
)
 
(1,989
)
 
$
10,714

 
$
10,716


New Valley recorded operating income of $508 and $725 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, from Escena.

Investment in Sagaponack. In April 2015, New Valley has invested $12,502 in a residential real estate project located in Sagaponack, NY. The project is wholly owned and the balances of the project are included in the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company. As of March 31, 2016, the assets of Sagaponack consist of land and land improvements of $12,652.


21
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


6.
NOTES PAYABLE, LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS

Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations consist of:

 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Vector:
 
 
 
7.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2021, including premium of $7,685 and $8,014
$
607,685

 
$
608,014

7.5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes due 2019, net of unamortized discount of $127,301 and $132,119*
102,699

 
97,881

5.5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures due 2020, net of unamortized discount of $82,668 and $86,136*
176,082

 
172,614

Liggett:
 
 
 
Revolving credit facility
21,157

 
3,213

Term loan under credit facility
3,220

 
3,269

Equipment loans
8,227

 
9,716

Other
384

 
461

Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations
919,454

 
895,168

Less:
 
 
 
Debt issuance costs
(28,973
)
 
(30,141
)
Total notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations
890,481

 
865,027

Less:
 
 
 
Current maturities
(25,927
)
 
(8,919
)
Amount due after one year
$
864,554

 
$
856,108

______________________
* The fair value of the derivatives embedded within the 7.5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes ($66,558 at March 31, 2016 and $72,083 at December 31, 2015, respectively) and the 5.5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures ($67,790 at March 31, 2016 and $71,959 at December 31, 2015, respectively), is separately classified as a derivative liability in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Note due 2015 - Vector:
On February 3, 2015, the holder of the 6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Note due 2015, converted the remaining $25,000 principal balance of the $50,000 Note into 2,338,930 of the Company's common shares. The debt conversion resulted in a reduction of debt and an increase to equity in the amount of $25,000.

Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan Under Credit Facility - Liggett:

As of March 31, 2016, a total of $24,377 was outstanding under the revolving and term loan portions of the credit facility. Availability, as determined under the facility, was approximately $35,600 based on eligible collateral at March 31, 2016.

Shares of Common Stock per $1,000 Principal Amount due on Convertible Notes:

The conversion rates for all convertible debt outstanding as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, are summarized below:
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
Conversion Price
 
Shares per $1,000
 
Conversion Price
 
Shares per $1,000
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes due 2019
$
15.98

 
62.5743

 
$
15.98

 
62.5743

5.5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures due 2020
$
24.64

 
40.5891

 
$
24.64

 
40.5891



22
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


Non-Cash Interest Expense - Vector:

 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Amortization of debt discount, net
$
7,956

 
$
5,627

Amortization of debt issuance costs
1,168

 
966


$
9,124

 
$
6,593


Fair Value of Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt:

 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
Notes payable and long-term debt
$
919,454

(1)
$
1,292,584

 
$
895,168

(1)
$
1,297,875

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
______________________
(1) The carrying value does not include the carrying value of the embedded derivative. See Note 11.

Notes payable and long-term debt are carried on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at amortized cost. The fair value determinations disclosed above are classified as Level 2 under the fair value hierarchy disclosed in Note 11 if such liabilities were recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The estimated fair value of the Company's notes payable and long-term debt has been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies including the evaluation of the Company's credit risk as described in the Company's Form 10-K. The Company used the quoted market prices as of March 31, 2016 to determine the fair value of its publicly traded notes and debentures. The carrying value of the credit facility and term loan is equal to the fair value. The fair value of the equipment loans and other obligations was determined by calculating the present value of the required future cash flows. However, considerable judgment is required to develop the estimates of fair value and, accordingly, the estimate presented herein is not necessarily indicative of the amount that could be realized in a current market exchange.


7.
CONTINGENCIES

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. The cases have generally fallen into the following categories: (i) smoking and health cases alleging personal injury brought on behalf of individual plaintiffs (“Individual Actions”); (ii) lawsuits by individuals requesting the benefit of the Engle ruling (“Engle progeny cases”); (iii) smoking and health cases primarily alleging personal injury or seeking court-supervised programs for ongoing medical monitoring, as well as cases alleging that 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 (iv) 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”). With the commencement of new cases, the defense costs and the risks relating to the unpredictability of litigation increase. The future financial impact of the risks and expenses of litigation are not quantifiable. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, Liggett incurred tobacco product liability legal expenses and costs totaling $4,171 and $2,555, respectively. The tobacco product liability legal expenses and costs are included in the operating, selling, administrative and general expenses and litigation settlement and judgment expense line items in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

23
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


Litigation is subject to uncertainty and it is possible that there could be adverse developments in pending cases. Management reviews on a quarterly basis with counsel all pending litigation and evaluates the probability of a loss being incurred and whether an estimate can be made of the possible loss or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome. An unfavorable outcome or settlement of pending tobacco-related litigation could encourage the commencement of additional litigation. Damages awarded in tobacco-related litigation can be significant.
Bonds. 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. To obtain stays on judgments pending current appeals of the Putney, Calloway, Buchanan, Lambert, Boatright and Ward cases Liggett, as of March 31, 2016, has secured approximately $15,767 in bonds.
In June 2009, Florida amended its existing bond cap statute by adding a $200,000 bond cap that applies to all Engle progeny cases 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. In several cases, plaintiffs challenged the constitutionality of the bond cap statute, but to date the courts have upheld the constitutionality of the statute. It is possible that the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome of such challenges.
Accounting Policy. 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 7: (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 reasonably 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. Legal defense costs are expensed as incurred.
Cautionary Statement About Engle Progeny Cases. Judgments have been entered against Liggett and other industry defendants in Engle progeny cases. A number of the judgments have been affirmed on appeal and satisfied by the defendants. As of March 31, 2016, 24 Engle progeny cases where Liggett was a defendant at trial resulted in verdicts. Fifteen verdicts were returned in favor of the plaintiffs (although in two of these cases (Irimi and Cohen) the court granted defendants' motion for a new trial) and nine in favor of Liggett. In four of the cases, punitive damages were awarded against Liggett (although in Calloway, the punitive damages award was reversed and remanded to the trial court). In certain cases, the judgments were entered jointly and severally with other defendants and Liggett may face the risk that one or more co-defendants decline or otherwise fail to participate in the bonding required for an appeal or to pay their proportionate or jury-allocated share of a judgment. As a result, Liggett under certain circumstances may have to pay more than its proportionate share of any bonding or judgment related amounts. Several of the judgments remain on appeal. Except as discussed in this Note 7 regarding the cases where an adverse verdict was entered against Liggett and that remain on appeal, management is unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss from the remaining Engle progeny cases as there are currently multiple defendants in each case and, in most cases, discovery has not occurred or is limited. As a result, the Company lacks information about whether plaintiffs are in fact Engle class members (non-class members’ claims are generally time-barred), the relevant smoking history, the nature of the alleged injury and the availability of various defenses, among other things. Further, plaintiffs typically do not specify their demand for damages.
Although Liggett has generally been successful in managing litigation, litigation is subject to uncertainty and significant challenges remain, including with respect to the remaining Engle progeny cases. There can be no assurances that Liggett’s past litigation experience will be representative of future results. Judgments have been entered against Liggett in the past, in Individual Actions and Engle progeny cases, and several of those judgments were affirmed on appeal and satisfied by Liggett. It is possible that the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome or settlement of any of the remaining smoking-related litigation. 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 has entered into settlement discussions in individual cases or groups of cases, where Liggett has determined it was in its best interest to do so, and it may continue to do so in the future, including the remaining Engle progeny cases. In October 2013, Liggett announced a settlement of the claims of over 4,900 Engle progeny plaintiffs (see Engle Progeny Settlement below). As of March 31, 2016, Liggett (and in certain cases the Company) had, on an individual basis, settled 174 Engle progeny cases for approximately $5,982 in the aggregate. Three of those settlements occurred in the first quarter of 2016.

24
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


Individual Actions
As of March 31, 2016, there were 37 Individual Actions pending against Liggett and, in certain cases, 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 the remaining Engle progeny cases or the individual cases pending in West Virginia state court as part of a consolidated action. The following table lists the number of Individual Actions by state:
State
 
Number
of Cases
Florida
 
12

Maryland
 
12

New York
 
7

Louisiana
 
2

West Virginia
 
2

Missouri
 
1

Ohio
 
1

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, 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 Actions 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.
Engle Progeny Cases
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 plaintiff’s fault. In July 2000, the jury awarded approximately $145,000,000 in punitive damages, including $790,000 against Liggett.
In May 2003, Florida’s 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.

25
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


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.
Pursuant to the Florida Supreme Court’s July 2006 ruling in Engle, which decertified the class on a prospective basis, and affirmed the appellate court’s reversal of the punitive damages award, former class members had until January 2008 in which to file individual lawsuits. As a result, Liggett and the Company, and other cigarette manufacturers, were sued in thousands of Engle progeny cases in both federal and state courts in Florida. Although the Company was not named as a defendant in the Engle case, it was named as a defendant in substantially all of the Engle progeny cases where Liggett was named as a defendant.
Engle Progeny Settlement. In October 2013, the Company entered into a settlement with approximately 4,900 Engle progeny plaintiffs and their counsel. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, Liggett agreed to pay a total of approximately $110,000, with approximately $61,600 paid in a lump sum and the balance to be paid in installments over 14 years, starting in February 2015. In exchange, the claims of over 4,900 plaintiffs were dismissed with prejudice against the Company and Liggett. Due to the settlement, in 2013 the Company recorded a charge of $86,213, of which $25,213 is related to certain payments discounted to their present value using an 11% annual discount rate. The Company recorded a charge of $643 in the first quarter of 2015 for additional cases joining the settlement and the restructuring of certain payments related to several previously settled cases. The installment payments total approximately $48,000 on an undiscounted basis. The Company’s future payments will be approximately $3,400 per annum through 2028, with a cost of living increase beginning in 2021.
Notwithstanding the comprehensive nature of the Engle Progeny Settlement, approximately 255 plaintiffs’ claims remain outstanding. Therefore, the Company and Liggett may still be subject to periodic adverse judgments which could have a material adverse affect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
As of March 31, 2016, the following Engle progeny cases have resulted in judgments against Liggett:
Date
 
Case Name
 
County
 
Liggett Compensatory
Damages (as adjusted) (1)
 
Liggett Punitive Damages
 
Status (2)
June 2002
 
Lukacs v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Miami-Dade
 
$12,418
 
$—
 
Liggett satisfied the judgment and the case is concluded.
August 2009
 
Campbell v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Escambia
 
156
 
—
 
Liggett satisfied the judgment and the case is concluded.
March 2010
 
Douglas v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Hillsborough
 
1,350
 
—
 
Liggett satisfied the judgment and the case is concluded.
April 2010
 
Clay v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Escambia
 
349
 
1,000
 
Liggett satisfied the judgment and the case is concluded.
April 2010
 
Putney v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Broward
 
3,008
 
—
 
On June 12, 2013, the Fourth District Court of Appeal reversed and remanded the case for further proceedings regarding the amount of the award. Both sides sought discretionary review from the Florida Supreme Court. In February 2016, the Florida Supreme Court reinstated the jury's verdict. The defendants moved for clarification of that order, which was granted in March 2016. The court clarified that it reversed the district court's decision regarding the statute of repose only, leaving the remaining portions of the decision intact. The case will be remanded to the trial court for proceedings consistent with those portions of the district court's decision that were not reversed.
April 2011
 
Tullo v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Palm Beach
 
225
 
—
 
Liggett satisfied the judgment and other than an issue with respect to the calculation of interest on the judgment and the amount of costs owed by Liggett, the case is concluded.

26
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


January 2012
 
Ward v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Escambia
 
1
 
—
 
Liggett satisfied the merits judgment. Subsequently, the trial court entered a final judgment on attorneys' fees and costs for $981 and defendants appealed that judgment.
May 2012
 
Calloway v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Broward
 
1,530
 
—
 
A joint and several judgment for $16,100 was entered against R.J. Reynolds, Philip Morris, Lorillard and Liggett. On January 6, 2016, the Fourth District Court of Appeal reversed in part, including the $7,600 punitive damages award against Liggett, and remanded the case to the trial court for a new trial on certain issues. Both sides have moved for rehearing.
December 2012
 
Buchanan v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Leon
 
2,750
 
—
 
A joint and several judgment for $5,500 was entered against Liggett and Philip Morris. The court refused to reduce the award by decedent's comparative fault. Judgment was affirmed by the First District Court of Appeal, but the court certified an issue of conflict with another case. The defendants sought discretionary review by the Florida Supreme Court, which was declined in February 2016. The defendants are considering their appellate options.
May 2013
 
Cohen v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Palm Beach
 
—
 
—
 
In May 2013, the jury awarded compensatory damages in the amount of $2,055 and apportioned 10% of the fault to Liggett ($205). Defendants' motion seeking a new trial was granted by the trial court. Plaintiff appealed and defendants cross-appealed. Oral argument is scheduled for June 7, 2016.
August 2013
 
Rizzuto v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Hernando
 
3,479
 
—
 
Liggett settled its portion of the judgment for $1,500 and the case is concluded as to Liggett.
August 2014
 
Irimi v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Broward
 
—
 
—
 
In August 2014, the jury awarded compensatory damages in the amount of $3,123 and apportioned 1% of the fault to Liggett ($31). In January 2015, the trial court granted defendants' motion for a new trial. Plaintiff appealed.
October 2014
 
Lambert v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Pinellas
 
3,600
 
9,500
 
Liggett satisfied the judgment and the case is concluded.
November 2014
 
Boatright v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Polk
 
—
 
300
 
In November 2014, the jury awarded compensatory damages in the amount of $15,000 with 15% fault apportioned to plaintiff and 85% to Philip Morris.  The jury further assessed punitive damages against Philip Morris for $19,700 and Liggett for $300. Post trial motions were denied.  A joint and several judgment was entered in the amount of $12,750 on the compensatory damages. Judgment was further entered against Liggett for $300 in punitive damages. Defendants appealed and plaintiff cross-appealed.
June 2015
 
Caprio v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Broward
 
—
 
—
 
In February 2015, the jury answered certain questions on the verdict form, but were deadlocked as to others.  The jury returned a verdict of $559 in economic damages. The court entered a partial judgment and ordered a new trial on the remaining issues, including comparative fault and punitive damages.  Defendants appealed.
Total Damages Awarded:
28,866
 
10,800
 
 
Amounts accrued, paid or compromised:
(24,328)
 
(10,500)
 
 
Damages remaining on Appeal:
$4,538
 
$300
 
 
(1) Compensatory damages are adjusted to reflect the jury's allocation of comparative fault and only include Liggett's jury allocated share, regardless of whether a judgment was joint and several. The amounts listed above do not include attorneys' fees or statutory interest.
(2) See Exhibit 99.1 for a more complete description of the cases currently on appeal.

Through March 31, 2016, Liggett paid $35,416, including interest and attorneys' fees, to satisfy the judgments in the following Engle progeny cases: Lukacs, Campbell, Douglas, Clay, Tullo, Ward, Rizzuto and Lambert.
The Company’s current potential range of loss in the remaining cases on appeal is between $0 and $4,838 in the aggregate, plus interest and attorneys' fees, however, this is only an estimate and final damages in any case might increase as a result of pending appeals. In determining the range of loss, the Company considers potential settlements as well as future appellate relief. Except as disclosed elsewhere in this Note 7, the Company is unable to determine a range of loss related to the remaining Engle progeny cases. The Company's balance sheet as of March 31, 2016 contains an accrual of $4,323 for the Buchanan Engle progeny case. As cases proceed through the appellate process, the Company will consider accruals on a case-by-case basis if an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Appeals of Engle Progeny Judgments. In December 2010, in the Martin case, a state court case against R.J. Reynolds, the First District Court of Appeal held that the trial court correctly construed the Florida Supreme Court’s 2006 decision in Engle in instructing the jury on the preclusive effect of the Phase I Engle findings. In July 2011, the Florida Supreme Court declined to review the First District Court of Appeal’s decision. In March 2012, the United States Supreme Court declined to review the Martin case, along with the Campbell case and two other Engle progeny cases. The Martin decision has led to additional adverse rulings by other state appellate courts.

27
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


In Jimmie Lee Brown, a state court case against R.J. Reynolds, the trial court tried the case in two phases. In the first phase, the jury determined that the smoker was addicted to cigarettes that contained nicotine and that his addiction was a legal cause of his death, thereby establishing he was an Engle class member. In the second phase, the jury determined whether the plaintiff established legal cause and damages with regard to each of the underlying claims. The jury found in favor of plaintiff in both phases. In September 2011, the Fourth District Court of Appeal affirmed the judgment entered in plaintiff’s favor and approved the trial court’s procedure of bifurcating the trial. The Fourth District Court of Appeal agreed with Martin that individual post-Engle plaintiffs need not prove conduct elements as part of their burden of proof, but disagreed with Martin to the extent that the First District Court of Appeal only required a finding that the smoker was a class member to establish legal causation as to addiction and the underlying claims. The Fourth District Court of Appeal held that in addition to establishing class membership, Engle progeny plaintiffs must also establish legal causation and damages as to each claim asserted.  In so finding, the Fourth District Court of Appeal’s decision in Jimmie Lee Brown is in conflict with Martin. 
In Rey, a state court case, the trial court entered final summary judgment on all claims in favor of the Company, Liggett and Lorillard based on what has been referred to in the Engle progeny litigation as the “Liggett Rule.” The Liggett Rule stands for the proposition that a manufacturer cannot have liability to a smoker under any asserted claim if the smoker did not use a product manufactured by that particular defendant. The Liggett Rule is based on the entry of final judgment in favor of Liggett/Brooke Group in Engle on all of the claims asserted against them by class representatives Mary Farnan and Angie Della Vecchia, even though the Florida Supreme Court upheld, as res judicata, the generic finding that Liggett/Brooke Group engaged in a conspiracy to commit fraud by concealment. In September 2011, the Third District Court of Appeal affirmed in part and reversed in part holding that the defendants were entitled to summary judgment on all claims asserted against them other than the claim for civil conspiracy. Defendants’ further appellate efforts were unsuccessful.
In Douglas, a state court case, the Second District Court of Appeal issued a decision affirming the judgment of the trial court in favor of the plaintiff and upholding the use of the Engle jury findings, but certified to the Florida Supreme Court the question of whether granting res judicata effect to the Engle jury findings violates defendants’ federal due process rights. In March 2013, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the use of Engle jury findings and determined that there is no violation of the defendants’ due process rights. This was the first time the Florida Supreme Court addressed the merits of an Engle progeny case. In October 2013, the United States Supreme Court declined to review the decision and Liggett satisfied the judgment. To date, the United States Supreme Court has declined to review any Engle progeny decisions.
In Hess, a state court case, in April 2015, the Florida Supreme Court held that Engle defendants cannot raise a statute of repose defense to claims for concealment or conspiracy. Defendants' motion for rehearing was denied.
In April 2015, in Graham, a federal case, the Eleventh Circuit held that federal law impliedly preempts use of the res judicata Engle findings to establish claims for strict liability or negligence. In February 2016, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the panel’s opinion and granted Plaintiff’s motion for rehearing en banc.  Defendant's filed a motion requesting that the court enter a briefing order directing the parties to address both implied preemption and whether the application of the Engle findings violates federal due process.  That motion was granted and briefing is underway.

Maryland Cases
    
Liggett is currently a defendant in 12 multi-defendant personal injury cases in Maryland that allege claims arising from asbestos and tobacco exposure.  Liggett along with other tobacco defendants have moved (or are in the process of moving) to dismiss the cases.  In the past, motions to dismiss have generally been successful, typically resulting in the dismissal without prejudice of the tobacco company defendants, including Liggett.  Recently, however, a Maryland intermediate appellate court ruled, in Stidham, et al. v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., that dismissal of tobacco company defendants may not be appropriate where injury is asserted based on both asbestos and tobacco usage. Although Stidham is subject to further appellate review, and the scope of its holding is not yet known, it is possible that Liggett and other tobacco company defendants will not be dismissed from pending synergy exposure cases, and may be named as a defendant in asbestos-related personal injury actions in Maryland going forward, including approximately 20 additional synergy exposure cases currently pending in Maryland state court.
 
Liggett Only Cases  

There are currently three cases pending where Liggett is the only remaining defendant. Each of these cases is an Individual Action. In November 2015, in Hausrath (NY state court), one of the Individual Actions, the court entered a case management

28
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


order providing discovery deadlines. There has been no further activity in the other two Individual Actions. Cases where Liggett is the only defendant could increase as a result of the remaining Engle progeny cases.

Class Actions

As of March 31, 2016, three actions were pending for which either a class had been certified or plaintiffs were seeking class certification where Liggett is a named defendant. 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.
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, allege they were exposed to secondhand smoke from cigarettes that were manufactured by the defendants, including Liggett, and suffered injury as a result of that exposure. The plaintiffs seek to recover an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. No class certification hearing has been held. In 2013, plaintiffs’ filed a motion to stay the case and that motion was granted.
In February 1998, in Parsons v. AC & S Inc., a purported class action 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 $1,000 in compensatory and punitive damages individually and unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for the class. The case is stayed due to the December 2000 bankruptcy of three of the defendants.
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. Liggett was severed from trial of the consolidated action. After two mistrials, in May 2013, the jury rejected all but one of the plaintiffs' claims, finding in favor of plaintiffs on the claim that ventilated filter cigarettes between 1964 and July 1, 1969 should have included instructions on how to use them. The issue of damages was reserved for further proceedings. The court entered judgment in October 2013, dismissing all claims except the ventilated filter claim. The judgment was affirmed on appeal and remanded to the trial court for further proceedings. In April 2015, the plaintiffs filed a petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court which subsequently declined review. In July 2015, the trial court ruled on the scope of the ventilated filter claim and determined that only 30 plaintiffs have potentially viable claims against the non-Liggett defendants, which may be pursued in a second phase of the trial. The court intends to try the claims of these plaintiffs in six consolidated trials, each with five plaintiffs. The trial court set the first date for the consolidated trials for January 9, 2017. With respect to Liggett, the trial court requested that Liggett and plaintiffs brief whether any claims against Liggett survive given the outcome of the first phase of the trial. A hearing is scheduled for May 23, 2016. If the case proceeds against Liggett, it is estimated that Liggett could be a defendant in less than 25 of the remaining individual cases.
In addition to the cases described above, numerous class actions remain certified against other cigarette manufacturers including cases alleging, among other things, that use of the terms “lights” and “ultra lights” constitutes unfair and deceptive trade practices. Adverse decisions in these cases could have a material adverse affect on Liggett’s sales volume, operating income and cash flows.
Health Care Cost Recovery Actions
As of March 31, 2016, one Health Care Cost Recovery Action was pending against Liggett, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe v. American Tobacco Company, a South Dakota case filed in 1997, where 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 inactive. Other cigarette manufacturers are also named as defendants.
The claims asserted in health care cost recovery actions vary, but can 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

29
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


misrepresentation, conspiracy, public nuisance, claims under state and federal statutes governing consumer fraud, antitrust, deceptive trade practices and false advertising, and claims under RICO. Although no specific damage amounts are typically pleaded, 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.
Department of Justice 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 court’s decision. The United States Supreme Court denied review. As a result, the cigarette manufacturing defendants, other than Liggett, are now subject to the trial court’s 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 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 through 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 “lights” 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 government’s costs in bringing the action. In June 2014, the court approved a consent agreement between the defendants and the Department of Justice regarding the “corrective statements” to be issued by the defendants. In May 2015, the court of appeals issued an opinion on the legality of the "corrective statements," affirming them in part and reversing them in part. The implementation of the “corrective statements” is uncertain as proceedings are ongoing.
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, Liggett’s sales volume, operating income and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
Upcoming Trials
As of March 31, 2016, there were 15 Engle progeny cases scheduled for trial through March 31, 2017, where Liggett (and/or the Company) is a named defendant. Trial dates are, however, subject to change.
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.

30
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


In November 1998, Philip Morris, R.J. Reynolds and two other companies (the “Original Participating Manufacturers” or “OPMs”) and Liggett and Vector Tobacco (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 and Vector Tobacco 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 including a "Non-Participating Manufacturers Adjustment" or "NPM Adjustment"). 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 approximately 0.28% of total cigarettes sold in the United States. Liggett and Vector Tobacco’s domestic shipments accounted for 3.3% of the total cigarettes sold in the United States in 2015. If Liggett’s or Vector Tobacco’s 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 30, 2015, Liggett and Vector Tobacco pre-paid $100,000 of their approximate $115,000 2015 MSA obligation, the balance of which was paid in April 2016.
Certain MSA Disputes
NPM Adjustment.  Liggett and Vector Tobacco contend that they are entitled to an NPM Adjustment for each year from 2003 - 2015. The NPM Adjustment is a potential adjustment to annual MSA payments, available when the Participating Manufacturers suffer a market share loss to NPMs for a particular year and an economic consulting firm selected pursuant to the MSA determines that the MSA was a “significant factor contributing to” that loss. A Settling State that has “diligently enforced” its qualifying escrow statute in the year in question may be able to avoid its allocable share of the NPM Adjustment. For 2003 - 2015, 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 either paid subject to dispute, withheld payment or paid into a disputed payment account, the amounts associated with these NPM Adjustments.

31
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


The two requirements for application of the NPM Adjustment, a market share loss and a finding or agreement that the MSA was a significant factor in that loss, have been satisfied, and the Participating Manufacturers are engaged in disputes with certain of the Settling States over whether they diligently enforced their respective escrow statutes in each of the years at issue. After several years of litigation over whether the MSA’s arbitration clause required a multistate arbitration of the NPM Adjustment dispute, 48 of 49 state courts ultimately compelled the states to participate in a single, multistate arbitration of the 2003 NPM Adjustment. Notwithstanding, many states continued to refuse to arbitrate and agreed to do so only after the Participating Manufacturers agreed to a 20% reduction in their 2003 NPM Adjustment claims.
The arbitration for the 2003 NPM Adjustment began in June 2010. During the proceedings, the Participating Manufacturers decided not to contest the diligent enforcement of 16 states, with a combined allocable share of approximately 14%.
While the 2003 arbitration was underway, the Participating Manufacturers entered into a term sheet with 22 states settling the NPM Adjustment for 2003 - 2012 and agreeing to terms to address the NPM Adjustment with respect to those states for future years. The parties have been working towards converting the term sheet into a final settlement agreement.
The Participating Manufacturers continued to contest the diligence of 15 states relating to the 2003 NPM Adjustment. In September 2013, the panel found that six of those states did not diligently enforce their MSA escrow statutes in 2003.
Two of the states found non-diligent, Kentucky and Indiana, agreed to settle the dispute and enter into the term sheet described above.
The remaining four non-diligent states pursued motions in their respective state courts seeking to vacate or reduce the amount of the arbitration award. The Pennsylvania and Maryland courts refused to vacate the award but reduced the recovery by approximately 50% and state court appellate proceedings are now exhausted. The remaining two challenges to the 2003 arbitration award, in Missouri and New Mexico, remain pending in state court. In Missouri, the appellate court reversed the trial court, which had reduced the arbitration award, and reinstated the full award. The Missouri Supreme Court granted a discretionary appeal of that decision, but proceedings are currently stayed pending a possible settlement with Missouri, described below. There has been no decision in New Mexico.     
In October 2015, substantially all of the Participating Manufacturers settled the NPM Adjustment dispute with the state of New York for 2004 - 2014 and agreed to a mechanism for potential future credits against the Participating Manufacturers' MSA payments for 2015 forward.
In February 2016, Missouri agreed to join the settlement, bringing the total number of states that joined the settlement to 25.  Missouri’s joinder in the settlement will become effective, and its challenge to the arbitration award will be dismissed, only if Missouri enacts certain legislation related to the MSA’s escrow statute by June 3, 2016.
As a result of the settlements and arbitration award described above, Liggett and Vector Tobacco reduced cost of sales in the aggregate by $22,356 for years 2013 - 2015. Liggett and Vector Tobacco maybe entitled to further adjustments for 2015 forward. The remaining NPM Adjustment accrual of approximately $20,000 at March 31, 2016 relates to the disputed amounts Liggett withheld from the non-settling states for 2004 - 2010, which may be subject to payment, with interest, if Liggett loses the disputes for those years. Following release of previously disputed amounts to the state of New York as part of the October 2015 settlement, it is anticipated there will be approximately $23,000 remaining in the disputed payments accounts relating to Liggett's 2011- 2014 NPM Adjustment disputes with the non-settling states.
    Disputes over the NPM Adjustments for 2004-2014 remain to be arbitrated with the states that have not joined the settlement. The arbitration panel for the 2004 NPM Adjustment dispute has been selected and that proceeding has commenced.
“Gross” v. “Net” Calculations.  In October 2004, the independent auditor notified all Participating Manufacturers that their payment obligations under the MSA, dating from the agreement’s execution in late 1998, had been recalculated using “net” units, rather than “gross” units (which had been used since 1999). Liggett objected to this retroactive change and disputed the change in methodology.
In December 2012, the parties arbitrated the dispute. In February 2013, the arbitrators ruled that the independent auditor was precluded from recalculating Liggett’s grandfathered market share (“GFMS”) exemption. The arbitrators further ruled that, for purposes of calculating Liggett’s payment obligations, Liggett’s market share, calculated on a net basis, should be increased by a factor of 1.25%. Liggett filed a motion seeking correction of the part of the arbitrators’ decision that would require the 1.25% increase in Liggett’s market share. The states opposed Liggett’s motion.

32
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


In October 2014, the panel issued a Corrected Final Award that eliminated the 1.25% adjustment increase. The panel further determined that the independent auditor shall compute Liggett’s market share for all years after 2000 on a “net” basis, but adjust that computation to approximate “gross” market share by using actual returned product data for each year. In July 2015, the independent auditor issued calculations, purportedly based on the Corrected Final Award, which indicated that Liggett owed approximately $16,000 for years 2001 - 2013. In March 2016, the independent auditor issued revised calculations indicating that Liggett owed approximately $6,600 for years 2001 - 2013. Based on these revised calculations Liggett is fully accrued for this matter although Liggett continues to dispute the independent auditor’s calculation.
Other State Settlements.  The MSA replaced Liggett’s 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, Liggett’s agreements with these states remain in full force and effect. These states’ settlement agreements with Liggett contained most favored nation provisions which could reduce Liggett’s payment obligations based on subsequent settlements or resolutions by those states with certain other tobacco companies. Beginning in 1999, Liggett determined that, based on settlements with United States Tobacco Company, Liggett’s payment obligations to those four states were 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 state’s respective settlement with the other major tobacco companies. Therefore, Liggett’s 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 its settlement agreement, Liggett agreed to pay $100 a year in any year cigarettes manufactured by Liggett are sold in that state. The Attorneys General for Florida, Mississippi and Texas previously advised Liggett that they believed that Liggett had failed to make payments under the respective settlement agreements with those states. In 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, with the payments from year 12 forward being subject to an inflation adjustment. These payments are in lieu of any other payments allegedly due to Florida.
On January 12, 2016, the Attorney General for Mississippi commenced an action against Liggett in state court in Jackson County, Mississippi (Chancery Division) to enforce a settlement agreement between Liggett, Mississippi and several other states, alleging that Liggett is liable to Mississippi for at least $22,000 plus attorneys' fees and punitive damages. Liggett has not yet formally appeared or served responsive papers in the action, but denies the claims and intends to litigate the asserted claims. There can be no assurance that Liggett will be able to resolve the matters with Texas or Mississippi or that Liggett will not be required to make additional payments which could adversely affect the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Cautionary Statement  
Management is not able to reasonably predict the outcome of the litigation pending or threatened against Liggett or the Company. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties. Liggett has been found liable in multiple Engle progeny cases and Individual Actions, several of which were affirmed on appeal and satisfied by Liggett. 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-related case could encourage the commencement of additional litigation. Except as discussed in this Note 7, management is unable to estimate the loss 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 consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes.
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 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 Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any of the smoking-related litigation.


33
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


The activity in the Company's accruals for the MSA and tobacco litigation for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were as follows:
 
Current Liabilities
 
Non-Current Liabilities
 
Payments due under Master Settlement Agreement
 
Litigation Accruals
 
Total
 
Payments due under Master Settlement Agreement
 
Litigation Accruals
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2016
$
29,241

 
$
22,904

 
$
52,145

 
$
20,094

 
$
24,718

 
$
44,812

Expenses
14,835

 
2,504

 
17,339

 
—

 
—

 
—

NPM Settlement adjustment
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Change in MSA obligations capitalized as inventory
(406
)
 
—

 
(406
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Payments
—

 
(21,171
)
 
(21,171
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Reclassification from non-current liabilities
—

 
3,252

 
3,252

 
—

 
(3,252
)
 
(3,252
)
Interest on withholding
35

 
197

 
232

 
—

 
568

 
568

Balance as of March 31, 2016
$
43,705

 
$
7,686

 
$
51,391

 
$
20,094

 
$
22,034

 
$
42,128



The activity in the Company's accruals for the MSA and tobacco litigation for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:
 
Current Liabilities
 
Non-Current Liabilities
 
Payments due under Master Settlement Agreement
 
Litigation Accruals
 
Total
 
Payments due under Master Settlement Agreement
 
Litigation Accruals
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2015
$
26,322

 
$
3,149

 
$
29,471

 
$
25,809

 
$
25,700

 
$
51,509

Expenses
24,760

 
1,115

 
25,875

 
—

 
(195
)
 
(195
)
NPM Settlement adjustment
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Change in MSA obligations capitalized as inventory
445

 
—

 
445

 
—

 
—

 
—

Payments
—

 
(4,295
)
 
(4,295
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Reclassification from non-current liabilities
—

 
3,305

 
3,305

 
—

 
(3,305
)
 
(3,305
)
Interest on withholding
—

 
89

 
89

 
—

 
638

 
638

Balance as of March 31, 2015
$
51,527

 
$
3,363

 
$
54,890

 
$
25,809

 
$
22,838

 
$
48,647





Other Matters:
Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s management are unaware of any material environmental conditions affecting their existing facilities. Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s 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 affect on the capital expenditures, results of operations or competitive position of Liggett or Vector Tobacco.

34
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


Liggett Vector Brands entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of the Convenience Distribution 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. Under the agreement, Liggett Vector Brands has agreed to pay a portion of losses incurred by the surety under the bond program, with a maximum loss exposure of $500. The Company believes the fair value of Liggett Vector Brands’ obligation under the agreement was immaterial at March 31, 2016.
Management is of the opinion that the liabilities, if any, resulting from other proceedings, lawsuits and claims pending against the Company and certain of its consolidated subsidiaries unrelated to tobacco product liability should not materially affect the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.



8.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The following table summarizes key information related to the Company's pension plans and other postretirement benefits:

 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Service cost — benefits earned during the period
$
137

 
$
44

 
$
1

 
$
2

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
1,355

 
596

 
97

 
93

Expected return on assets
(1,519
)
 
(955
)
 
—

 
—

Amortization of net loss (gain)
464

 
139

 
(19
)
 
(24
)
Net (income) expense
$
437

 
$
(176
)
 
$
79

 
$
71



9.
RESTRUCTURING
The following table presents the activity under the Tobacco segment restructuring plan for the three months ended March 31, 2016:
 
 
Employee Severance and Benefits
 
Contract Termination/Exit Costs
 
Other
 
Total
Accrual balance as of January 1, 2016
 
$
422

 
$
48

 
$
20

 
$
490

Restructuring charges
 
—

 
41

 
—

 
41

Utilized
 
(191
)
 
(89
)
 
(20
)
 
(300
)
Accrual balance as of March 31, 2016
 
$
231

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
231

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


35
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


10.
INCOME TAXES

The Company's 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 Company's income tax expense consisted of the following:

 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Income before provision for income taxes
$
35,756

 
$
34,348

Income tax expense using estimated annual effective income tax rate
14,314

 
12,965

Impact of discrete items, net
49

 
(98
)
Income tax expense
$
14,363

 
$
12,867


The discrete item for the three months ended March 31, 2016 is primarily related to the results of a recent state income tax audit. The discrete item for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is primarily related to the rate differential in other comprehensive income and the results of recent state income tax audit.


36
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


11.
INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company's recurring financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements were as follows:

 
 
Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2016
 
 
Description
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 

Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 


Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total Gains (Losses)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
 
$
88,888

 
$
88,888

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certificates of deposit
 
3,472

 
—

 
3,472

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
 
15,802

 
15,802

 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities available for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
 
56,531

 
56,531

 
—

 
—

 
 
Mutual funds invested in fixed income securities
 
20,292

 
20,292

 
—

 
—

 
 
Fixed income securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government securities
 
22,730

 
—

 
22,730

 
—

 
 
Corporate securities
 
35,592

 
—

 
35,592

 
—

 
 
U.S. government and federal agency
 
5,369

 
—

 
5,369

 
—

 
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
5,605

 
—

 
5,605

 
—

 
 
U.S. asset-backed securities
 
4,443

 
—

 
4,443

 
—

 
 
Index-linked U.S. bonds
 
2,138

 
—

 
2,138

 
—

 
 
Total fixed income securities
 
75,877

 
—

 
75,877

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investment securities available for sale
 
152,700

 
76,823

 
75,877

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
260,862

 
$
181,513

 
$
79,349

 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
 
$
134,348

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
134,348

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonrecurring fair value measurements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term investments (1)
 
$
2,844

 
 
 
 
 
$
2,844

 
$
(282
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Long-term investments with a carrying amount of $3,126 were written down to their fair value of $2,844, resulting in an impairment charge of $282, which was included in earnings.


37
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited



 
 
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2015
 
 
Description
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 

Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 


Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total Gains (Losses)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
 
$
93,915

 
$
93,915

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certificates of deposit
 
3,469

 
—

 
3,469

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds
 
12,767

 
12,767

 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities available for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
 
67,273

 
67,273

 
—

 
—

 
 
Mutual funds invested in fixed income securities
 
20,111

 
20,111

 
—

 
—

 
 
Fixed income securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government securities
 
28,132

 
—

 
28,132

 
—

 
 
Corporate securities
 
41,561

 
—

 
41,561

 
—

 
 
U.S. government and federal agency
 
5,790

 
—

 
5,790

 
—

 
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
8,728

 
—

 
8,728

 
—

 
 
U.S. asset-backed securities
 
8,276

 
—

 
8,276

 
—

 
 
Index-linked U.S. bonds
 
2,105

 
—

 
2,105

 
—

 
 
Total fixed income securities
 
94,592

 
—

 
94,592

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investment securities available for sale
 
181,976

 
87,384

 
94,592

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
292,127

 
$
194,066

 
$
98,061

 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
 
$
144,042

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
144,042

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonrecurring fair value measurements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term investments (1)
 
$
11,189

 
 
 
 
 
$
11,189

 
$
(811
)
Real estate held for sale (2)
 
3,780

 
 
 
 
 
3,780

 
(230
)
 
 
$
14,969

 
 
 
 
 
$
14,969

 
$
(1,041
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Long-term investments with a carrying amount of $12,000 were written down to their fair value of $11,189, resulting in an impairment charge of $811, which was included in earnings.
(2)
Real estate held for sale with a carrying value of $4,010 was written down to its fair value of $3,780, resulting in an impairment charge of $230, which was included in earnings.


The fair value of the Level 2 certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is the rate offered by the financial institution. The fair value of investment securities available for sale included in Level 1 are

38
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


based on quoted market prices from various stock exchanges. The Level 2 investment securities available for sale are based on quoted market prices of securities that are thinly traded.
The fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt was derived using a valuation model. These derivatives have been classified as Level 3. The valuation model assumes future dividend payments by the Company and utilizes interest rates and credit spreads based upon the implied credit spread of the 5.50% Convertible Notes due 2020 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 consolidated statements of operations.
The value of the embedded derivatives is contingent on changes in implied interest rates of the convertible debt, the Company's stock price, stock volatility as well as projections of future cash and stock dividends over the term of the debt. The interest rate component of the value of the embedded derivative is computed by calculating an equivalent non-convertible, unsecured and subordinated borrowing cost. This rate is determined by calculating the implied rate on the Company's 2020 Convertible Notes when removing the embedded option value within the convertible security. This rate is based upon market observable inputs and influenced by the Company's stock price, convertible bond trading price, risk free interest rates and stock volatility. 
The unobservable inputs related to the valuations of the Level 3 assets and liabilities were as follows at March 31, 2016:
 
 
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
 
Fair Value at
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
2016
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range (Actual)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
 
$
134,348

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Assumed annual stock dividend
 
5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assumed annual cash dividend
 
$
1.60

 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock price
 
$
22.84

 
 
 
 
 
 
Convertible trading price (as a percentage of par value)
 
110.56
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volatility
 
18.61
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk-free rate
 
Term structure of US Treasury Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Implied credit spread
 
6.0% - 7.0% (6.5%)


The unobservable inputs related to the valuations of the Level 3 assets and liabilities were as follows at December 31, 2015:

 
 
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
 
Fair Value at
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
2015
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range (Actual)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
 
$
144,042

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Assumed annual stock dividend
 
5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assumed annual cash dividend
 
$
1.60

 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock price
 
$
23.59

 
 
 
 
 
 
Convertible trading price (as a percentage of par value)
 
114.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volatility
 
18.30
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk-free rate
 
Term structure of US Treasury Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Implied credit spread
 
5.0% - 5.5% (5.25%)



39
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited




12.
SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company's significant business segments for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were Tobacco, E-Cigarettes and Real Estate. The Tobacco segment consists of the manufacture and sale of conventional cigarettes. The E-Cigarettes segment includes the operations of the Company's e-cigarette business. The Real Estate segment includes the Company’s investment in New Valley LLC, which includes Douglas Elliman, Escena,Sagaponack and investments in real estate ventures. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.

Financial information for the Company’s operations before taxes and non-controlling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

 
 
 
 
 
Real
 
Corporate
 
 
 
Tobacco
 
E-Cigarettes
 
Estate
 
and Other
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
221,015

 
$
38

 
$
159,747

 
$
—

 
$
380,800

Operating income (loss)
61,483

(1)
(193
)
 
7,674

 
(6,805
)
 
62,159

Equity in losses from real estate ventures
—

 
—

 
(507
)
 
—

 
(507
)
Depreciation and amortization
2,440

 
—

 
2,282

 
442

 
5,164

Capital expenditures
2,618

 
—

 
1,279

 
18

 
3,915

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
228,085

 
$
419

 
$
132,256

 
$
—

 
$
360,760

Operating income (loss)
49,670

(2)
(3,164
)
 
2,151

 
(4,939
)
 
43,718

Equity in earnings from real estate ventures
—

 
—

 
338

 
—

 
338

Depreciation and amortization
2,936

 
—

 
2,908

 
437

 
6,281

Capital expenditures
956

 
—

 
2,200

 
—

 
3,156

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1) 
Operating income includes $2,350 of litigation settlement expense, and $41 of restructuring expense.
(2) 
Operating income includes $843 of litigation settlement expense.




40
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited



13. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The accompanying condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Regulation S-X, Rule 3-10, “Financial Statements of Guarantors and Affiliates Whose Securities Collateralize an Issue Registered or Being Registered.” Each of the subsidiary guarantors is 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, and all guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several.
The Company’s investments in its consolidated subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting.
The Company has outstanding $600,000 principal amount of its 7.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 that are guaranteed subject to certain customary automatic release provisions on a joint and several basis by all of the 100% owned domestic subsidiaries of the Company that are engaged in the conduct of its cigarette businesses. (See Note 6). The notes are not guaranteed by any of the Company’s subsidiaries engaged in the real estate businesses conducted through its subsidiary New Valley.
Presented herein are Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the related Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 of Vector Group. (Parent/Issuer), the guarantor subsidiaries (Subsidiary Guarantors) and the subsidiaries that are not guarantors (Subsidiary Non-Guarantors).
The indenture contains covenants that restrict the payment of dividends by the Company if the Company’s consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Consolidated EBITDA”), as defined in the indenture, for the most recently ended four full quarters is less than $75,000. The indenture also restricts the incurrence of debt if the Company’s Leverage Ratio and its Secured Leverage Ratio, as defined in the indenture, exceed 3.0 and 1.5, respectively. The Company’s Leverage Ratio is defined in the indenture as the ratio of the Company’s and the guaranteeing subsidiaries’ total debt less the fair market value of the Company’s cash, investments in marketable securities and long-term investments to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the indenture. The Company’s Secured Leverage Ratio is defined in the indenture in the same manner as the Leverage Ratio, except that secured indebtedness is substituted for indebtedness.

















41
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiary
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Parent/
 
Subsidiary
 
Non-
 
Consolidating
 
Vector Group
 
Issuer
 
Guarantors
 
Guarantors
 
Adjustments
 
Ltd.
ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
94,637

 
$
23,664

 
$
90,747

 
$
—

 
$
209,048

Investment securities available for sale
111,659

 
41,041

 
—

 
—

 
152,700

Accounts receivable - trade, net
—

 
10,451

 
9,998

 
—

 
20,449

Intercompany receivables
14,986

 
—

 
—

 
(14,986
)
 
—

Inventories
—

 
92,451

 
—

 
—

 
92,451

Deferred income taxes
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Income taxes receivable, net
23,815

 
—

 
—

 
(19,194
)
 
4,621

Restricted assets
—

 
8,214

 
1,414

 
—

 
9,628

Other current assets
1,422

 
3,588

 
32,738

 
—

 
37,748

Total current assets
246,519

 
179,409

 
134,897

 
(34,180
)
 
526,645

Property, plant and equipment, net
1,671

 
52,723

 
19,214

 
—

 
73,608

Real estate held for sale, net
—

 
—

 
23,366

 
—

 
23,366

Long-term investments
58,525

 
462

 
501

 
—

 
59,488

Investments in real estate ventures
—

 
—

 
225,033

 
—

 
225,033

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
518,783

 
—

 
—

 
(518,783
)
 
—

Restricted assets
1,716

 
13,171

 
—

 
—

 
14,887

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
—

 
107,511

 
155,902

 
—

 
263,413

Prepaid pension costs
—

 
20,976

 
—

 
—

 
20,976

Other assets
7,332

 
11,817

 
2,224

 
—

 
21,373

Total assets
$
834,546

 
$
386,069

 
$
561,137

 
$
(552,963
)
 
$
1,228,789

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt
$
—

 
$
25,836

 
$
91

 
$
—

 
$
25,927

Current portion of employee benefits
—

 
914

 
—

 
—

 
914

Intercompany payables
—

 
315

 
14,671

 
(14,986
)
 
—

Income taxes payable, net
—

 
18,949

 
245

 
(19,194
)
 
—

Litigation accruals and current payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement
—

 
51,391

 
—

 
—

 
51,391

Other current liabilities
24,938

 
54,885

 
33,262

 
—

 
113,085

Total current liabilities
24,938

 
152,290

 
48,269

 
(34,180
)
 
191,317

Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion
857,493

 
6,815

 
246

 
—

 
864,554

Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
134,348

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
134,348

Non-current employee benefits
39,660

 
15,511

 
—

 
—

 
55,171

Deferred income taxes, net
7,167

 
33,493

 
44,409

 
—

 
85,069

Other liabilities, primarily litigation accruals and payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement
5,011

 
42,279

 
4,900

 
—

 
52,190

Total liabilities
1,068,617

 
250,388

 
97,824

 
(34,180
)
 
1,382,649

Commitments and contingencies


 


 


 


 


Stockholders' (deficiency) equity attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
(234,071
)
 
135,681

 
383,102

 
(518,783
)
 
(234,071
)
Non-controlling interest
—

 
—

 
80,211

 
—

 
80,211

Total stockholders' (deficiency) equity
(234,071
)
 
135,681

 
463,313

 
(518,783
)
 
(153,860
)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficiency
$
834,546

 
$
386,069

 
$
561,137

 
$
(552,963
)
 
$
1,228,789



42
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiary
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Parent/
 
Subsidiary
 
Non-
 
Consolidating
 
Vector Group
 
Issuer
 
Guarantors
 
Guarantors
 
Adjustments
 
Ltd.
ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
111,470

 
$
12,375

 
$
116,523

 
$
—

 
$
240,368

Investment securities available for sale
131,810

 
50,166

 
—

 
—

 
181,976

Accounts receivable - trade, net
—

 
15,913

 
7,976

 
—

 
23,889

Intercompany receivables
11,293

 
—

 
—

 
(11,293
)
 
—

Inventories
—

 
86,516

 
—

 
—

 
86,516

Income taxes receivable, net
8,213

 
—

 
—

 
(5,372
)
 
2,841

Restricted assets
—

 
7,781

 
1,414

 
—

 
9,195

Other current assets
575

 
3,747

 
34,632

 
—

 
38,954

Total current assets
263,361

 
176,498

 
160,545

 
(16,665
)
 
583,739

Property, plant and equipment, net
1,711

 
54,097

 
19,824

 
—

 
75,632

Real estate held for sale, net
—

 
—

 
23,318

 
—

 
23,318

Long-term investments
61,747

 
478

 
501

 
—

 
62,726

Investments in real estate ventures
—

 
—

 
217,168

 
—

 
217,168

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
532,501

 
—

 
—

 
(532,501
)
 
—

Restricted assets
1,713

 
10,590

 
—

 
—

 
12,303

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
—

 
107,511

 
156,448

 
—

 
263,959

Prepaid pension costs
—

 
20,650

 
—

 
—

 
20,650

Other assets
7,582

 
11,769

 
1,769

 
—

 
21,120

Total assets
$
868,615

 
$
381,593

 
$
579,573

 
$
(549,166
)
 
$
1,280,615

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt
$
—

 
$
8,733

 
$
186

 
$
—

 
$
8,919

Current portion of employee benefits
—

 
915

 
—

 
—

 
915

Intercompany payables
—

 
586

 
10,707

 
(11,293
)
 
—

Income taxes payable, net
—

 
5,464

 
4

 
(5,372
)
 
96

Litigation accruals and current payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement
—

 
52,145

 
—

 
—

 
52,145

Other current liabilities
38,140

 
74,083

 
41,994

 
—

 
154,217

Total current liabilities
38,140

 
141,926

 
52,891

 
(16,665
)
 
216,292

Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion
848,368

 
7,519

 
221

 
—

 
856,108

Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
144,042

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
144,042

Non-current employee benefits
39,244

 
15,811

 
—

 
—

 
55,055

Deferred income taxes, net
2,675

 
33,791

 
42,963

 
—

 
79,429

Other liabilities, primarily litigation accruals and payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement
2,193

 
44,982

 
4,675

 
—

 
51,850

Total liabilities
1,074,662

 
244,029

 
100,750

 
(16,665
)
 
1,402,776

Commitments and contingencies


 


 


 


 


Stockholders' (deficiency) equity attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
(206,047
)
 
137,564

 
394,937

 
(532,501
)
 
(206,047
)
Non-controlling interest
—

 
—

 
83,886

 
—

 
83,886

Total stockholders' (deficiency) equity
(206,047
)
 
137,564

 
478,823

 
(532,501
)
 
(122,161
)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficiency
$
868,615

 
$
381,593

 
$
579,573

 
$
(549,166
)
 
$
1,280,615



43
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, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiary
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
  Parent/  
 
Subsidiary
 
Non-
 
Consolidating
 
Vector Group
 
  Issuer  
 
Guarantors
 
Guarantors
 
Adjustments
 
        Ltd.        
Revenues
$
—

 
$
221,142

 
$
159,747

 
$
(89
)
 
$
380,800

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
—

 
136,744

 
99,678

 
—

 
236,422

Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
9,196

 
18,273

 
52,448

 
(89
)
 
79,828

Litigation settlement and judgment expense
—

 
2,350

 
—

 
—

 
2,350

Management fee expense
—

 
2,662

 
—

 
(2,662
)
 
—

Restructuring charges
—

 
41

 
—

 
—

 
41

Operating (loss) income
(9,196
)
 
61,072

 
7,621

 
2,662

 
62,159

Other income (expenses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(29,758
)
 
(959
)
 
(3
)
 
—

 
(30,720
)
Change in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
9,694

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
9,694

Equity in losses from real estate ventures
—

 
—

 
(507
)
 
—

 
(507
)
Equity in losses from investments
(1,655
)
 
(16
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1,671
)
Gain on sale of investment securities available for sale
176

 
391

 
—

 
—

 
567

Impairment of investment securities available for sale
(41
)
 
(4,772
)
 
—

 
—

 
(4,813
)
Equity in earnings in consolidated subsidiaries
35,610

 
—

 
—

 
(35,610
)
 
—

Management fee income
2,662

 
—

 
—

 
(2,662
)
 
—

Other, net
400

 
237

 
410

 
—

 
1,047

Income before provision for income taxes
7,892

 
55,953

 
7,521

 
(35,610
)
 
35,756

Income tax benefit (expense)
11,446

 
(23,386
)
 
(2,423
)
 
—

 
(14,363
)
Net income
19,338

 
32,567

 
5,098

 
(35,610
)
 
21,393

Net income attributed to non-controlling interest
—

 
—

 
(2,055
)
 
—

 
(2,055
)
Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
$
19,338

 
$
32,567

 
$
3,043

 
$
(35,610
)
 
$
19,338

Comprehensive income attributed to non-controlling interest
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
(2,055
)
 
$
—

 
$
(2,055
)
Comprehensive income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
$
19,381

 
$
32,710

 
$
3,043

 
$
(35,753
)
 
$
19,381



44
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, 2015
 
 
 
  Parent/  
 
Subsidiary
 
Non-
 
Consolidating
 
Vector Group
 
  Issuer  
 
Guarantors
 
Guarantors
 
Adjustments
 
        Ltd.        
Revenues
$
—

 
$
228,623

 
$
132,256

 
$
(119
)
 
$
360,760

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
—

 
157,660

 
84,358

 
—

 
242,018

Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
7,194

 
21,337

 
45,769

 
(119
)
 
74,181

Litigation settlement and judgment expense
—

 
843

 
—

 
—

 
843

Management fee expense
—

 
2,562

 
—

 
(2,562
)
 
—

Operating (loss) income
(7,194
)
 
46,221

 
2,129

 
2,562

 
43,718

Other income (expenses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(30,754
)
 
(991
)
 
(1
)
 
—

 
(31,746
)
Change in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
6,460

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
6,460

Equity in earnings from real estate ventures
—

 
—

 
338

 
—

 
338

(Loss) gain on sale of investment securities available for sale
(146
)
 
13,175

 
—

 
—

 
13,029

Equity in earnings from investments
604

 
8

 
—

 
—

 
612

Equity in earnings in consolidated subsidiaries
35,994

 
—

 
—

 
(35,994
)
 
—

Management fee income
2,562

 
—

 
—

 
(2,562
)
 
—

Other, net
1,065

 
320

 
552

 
—

 
1,937

Income before provision for income taxes
8,591

 
58,733

 
3,018

 
(35,994
)
 
34,348

Income tax benefit (expense)
12,625

 
(24,184
)
 
(1,308
)
 
—

 
(12,867
)
Net income
21,216

 
34,549

 
1,710

 
(35,994
)
 
21,481

Net income attributed to non-controlling interest
—

 
—

 
(260
)
 
—

 
(260
)
Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
$
21,216

 
$
34,549

 
$
1,450

 
$
(35,994
)
 
$
21,221

Comprehensive income attributed to non-controlling interest
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
(260
)
 
$
—

 
$
(260
)
Comprehensive income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
$
27,592

 
$
32,267

 
$
1,450

 
$
(35,106
)
 
$
26,203



45
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, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiary
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
  Parent/  
 
Subsidiary
 
Non-
 
Consolidating
 
Vector Group
 
Issuer   
 
Guarantors
 
Guarantors
 
Adjustments
 
Ltd.
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
12,633

 
$
30,671

 
$
1,917

 
$
(50,157
)
 
$
(4,936
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sale of investment securities
46,497

 
4,721

 
—

 
—

 
51,218

Maturities of investment securities
343

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
343

Purchase of investment securities
(29,112
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(29,112
)
Investments in real estate ventures
—

 
—

 
(5,795
)
 
—

 
(5,795
)
Distributions from investments in real estate ventures
—

 
—

 
12

 
—

 
12

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies
—

 
(62
)
 
—

 
—

 
(62
)
Increase in restricted assets
(3
)
 
(3,014
)
 
—

 
—

 
(3,017
)
Investments in subsidiaries
(471
)
 
—

 
—

 
471

 
—

Capital expenditures
(18
)
 
(2,618
)
 
(1,279
)
 
—

 
(3,915
)
Pay downs of investment securities
2,174

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,174

Investments in real estate held for sale
—

 
—

 
(49
)
 
—

 
(49
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
19,410

 
(973
)
 
(7,111
)
 
471

 
11,797

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of debt
—

 
—

 
57

 
—

 
57

Repayments of debt
—

 
(1,545
)
 
(31
)
 
—

 
(1,576
)
Borrowings under revolver
—

 
59,426

 
—

 
—

 
59,426

Repayments on revolver
—

 
(41,482
)
 
—

 
—

 
(41,482
)
Capital contributions received
—

 
100

 
371

 
(471
)
 
—

Intercompany dividends paid
—

 
(34,908
)
 
(15,249
)
 
50,157

 
—

Dividends and distributions on common stock
(48,876
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(48,876
)
Contributions from non-controlling interest
—

 
—

 
248

 
—

 
248

Distributions to non-controlling interest
—

 
—

 
(5,978
)
 
—

 
(5,978
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(48,876
)
 
(18,409
)
 
(20,582
)
 
49,686

 
(38,181
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(16,833
)
 
11,289

 
(25,776
)
 
—

 
(31,320
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
111,470

 
12,375

 
116,523

 
—

 
240,368

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
94,637

 
$
23,664

 
$
90,747

 
$
—

 
$
209,048



46
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, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiary
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
  Parent/  
 
Subsidiary
 
Non-
 
Consolidating
 
Vector Group
 
Issuer   
 
Guarantors
 
Guarantors
 
Adjustments
 
Ltd.        
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
$
(1,451
)
 
$
58,885

 
$
(4,122
)
 
$
(45,484
)
 
$
7,828

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sale of investment securities
60,176

 
14,415

 
—

 
—

 
74,591

Maturities of investment securities
947

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
947

Purchase of investment securities
(66,152
)
 
(1,476
)
 
—

 
—

 
(67,628
)
Proceeds from sale or liquidation of long-term investments
1,106

 
—

 
110

 
—

 
1,216

Purchase of long-term investments
(5,000
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(5,000
)
Investments in real estate ventures
—

 
—

 
(7,816
)
 
—

 
(7,816
)
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies
(558
)
 
(48
)
 
—

 
—

 
(606
)
Increase in restricted assets
(1
)
 
(6,932
)
 
—

 
—

 
(6,933
)
Pay downs of investment securities
1,594

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,594

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
—

 
3

 
—

 
—

 
3

Investments in subsidiaries
(1,969
)
 
—

 
—

 
1,969

 
—

Capital expenditures
—

 
(956
)
 
(2,200
)
 
—

 
(3,156
)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(9,857
)
 
5,006

 
(9,906
)
 
1,969

 
(12,788
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred financing costs
—

 
(585
)
 
—

 
—

 
(585
)
Repayments of debt
—

 
(1,797
)
 
(60
)
 
—

 
(1,857
)
Borrowings under revolver
—

 
107,668

 
—

 
—

 
107,668

Repayments on revolver
—

 
(110,792
)
 
—

 
—

 
(110,792
)
Capital contributions received
—

 
1,950

 
19

 
(1,969
)
 
—

Intercompany dividends paid
—

 
(43,955
)
 
(1,529
)
 
45,484

 
—

Dividends and distributions on common stock
(46,350
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(46,350
)
Proceeds from exercise of Vector options
809

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
809

Tax benefit of options exercised
274

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
274

Net cash used in financing activities
(45,267
)
 
(47,511
)
 
(1,570
)
 
43,515

 
(50,833
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(56,575
)
 
16,380

 
(15,598
)
 
—

 
(55,793
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
211,751

 
9,724

 
104,890

 
—

 
326,365

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
155,176

 
$
26,104

 
$
89,292

 
$
—

 
$
270,572



47


ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)


Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is designed to provide a reader of Vector Group Ltd.’s financial statements with a narrative from our management's perspective. Our MD&A is divided into the following sections:
•Overview and Recent Developments
•Results of Operations
•Summary of Real Estate Investments
•Liquidity and Capital Resources

Please read this discussion along with our MD&A and audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 and Notes thereto, included in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements and related Notes as of and for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016.

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,
•
the sale of electronic cigarettes in the United States through our Zoom E-Cigs LLC subsidiary, and
•
the real estate business through our New Valley LLC subsidiary, which is seeking to acquire or invest in additional real estate properties or projects. New Valley owns 70.59% of Douglas Elliman, which operates the largest residential brokerage company in the New York metropolitan area
Zoom entered the United States e-cigarette market in limited retail distribution outlets in 2013. Zoom’s operations are included in our “E-Cigarettes” reporting segment. We have seen significant changes in the e-cigarette market over the past year with declines in the sales of disposable and rechargeable e-cigarettes while open-system vapor products that feature refillable tanks and use low-cost flavored liquids have demonstrated mixed results. Additionally, we believe uncertainties exist related to the regulation of e-cigarettes, including open-system vapor products. Given the current market situation, our primary focus on e-cigarettes is to pursue opportunities if they occur.



Recent Developments
Investments in Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services (“LTS”) and Castle Brands Inc. (”Castle”). The Company adopted the equity method of accounting for its investments in LTS and Castle in 2015 because the Company determined that it had significant influence due to the evolution of the relationships with each company.  The Company has adjusted its condensed consolidated financial statements, retrospectively, as if the equity method had been in effect since inception.


Recent Developments in Smoking-Related Litigation

There are no material changes from the Recent Developments in Smoking-Related Litigation set forth in Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2015. Please refer to that section and the information below for disclosures regarding the critical accounting policies related to our business.


48


Critical Accounting Policies

There are no material changes from the critical accounting policies set forth in Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2015. 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 financial statements 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, 2016 and 2015 were Tobacco, E-Cigarettes and Real Estate. The Tobacco segment consists of the manufacture and sale of cigarettes. The E-Cigarettes segment includes the operations of Zoom. The Real Estate segment includes our investment in New Valley LLC, which includes Douglas Elliman, Escena, Indian Creek, Sagaponack and investments in real estate ventures.

 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
Tobacco
$
221,015

 
$
228,085

 
E-Cigarettes
38

 
419

 
Real Estate
159,747

 
132,256

 
  Total revenues
$
380,800

 
$
360,760

 
Operating income (loss):
 
 
 
 
Tobacco
$
61,483

(1) 
$
49,670

(2) 
E-Cigarettes
(193
)
 
(3,164
)
 
Real Estate
7,674

 
2,151

 
Corporate and Other
(6,805
)
 
(4,939
)
 
Total operating income
$
62,159

 
$
43,718

 
____________________
(1)  
Operating income includes $2,350 of litigation settlement expense, and $41 of restructuring expense.
(2)  
Operating income includes $843 of litigation settlement expense.



Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

Revenues. Total revenues were $380,800 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $360,760 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The $20,040 (5.6%) increase in revenues was due to an increase in Real Estate revenues of $27,491 primarily related to Douglas Elliman's brokerage revenues, offset by a $381 decline in E-Cigarettes revenues and a $7,070 decline in Tobacco revenues.

49


Cost of sales. Total cost of sales were $236,422 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $242,018 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The $5,596 (2.3%) decline in cost of sales was due to an increase in Real Estate cost of sales of $15,320 related to an increase of real estate commission expense at Douglas Elliman. This was offset by a $20,292 decline in Tobacco cost of sales primarily related to decreased sales volume and lower MSA expense as well as a $624 decline in E-cigarette cost of sales. The Tobacco segment's MSA expense declined by $9,925 for three months ended March 31, 2016 as a result of a $4,510 adjustment related to the receipt of the final calculation of our 2015 liability from the MSA's independent auditor as well as $5,415 due primarily to a combination of a higher industry volume and lower unit sales volumes for three months ended March 31, 2016. The calculation of our benefit from the MSA is an estimate based upon taxable unit shipments of cigarettes in the U.S. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we estimated taxable shipments in the U.S. would decline by 3% in 2016. Our annual MSA expense changes by approximately $1,800 for each percentage change in the estimated shipment volumes in the U.S. market.
Expenses. Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $79,828 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $74,181 for the same period last year. This was an increase of $5,647 (7.6%) of which $6,648 was due to an increase in Real Estate operating, selling, general and administrative expenses primarily at Douglas Elliman and an increase in Corporate and Other expense of $1,866. This was offset by a decline in E-Cigarette operating, selling, general and administrative expenses of $2,727 and a decline in Tobacco operating, selling, general and administrative expenses of $140.
Operating income. Operating income was $62,159 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $43,718 for the same period last year, an increase of $18,441 (42.2%). Tobacco operating income increased by $11,813, Real Estate operating income increased by $5,523 primarily related to Douglas Elliman, and E-Cigarette operating losses declined by $2,971. This was offset by an increase of $1,866 in Corporate and Other expenses.
Other income (expenses). Other expenses were $26,403 and $9,370 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, other expenses primarily consisted of interest expense of $30,720, impairment of investment securities available for sale of $4,813 (primarily related to our investment in Morgans Hotel Group Co.) and equity loss on long-term investments of $1,671. This was offset by income of $9,694 from changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt, gain on sale of investment securities available for sale of $567, other income of $1,047 and equity income on real estate ventures of $507. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, other expenses primarily consisted of interest expense of $31,746 . This was offset by a gain on sale of investment securities available for sale of $13,029, income of $6,460 from changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt, equity earnings in income on real estate ventures of $338, equity in earnings from investments of $612 and interest and other income of $1,937.
Income before provision for income taxes. Income before income taxes was $35,756 and $34,348 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Income tax expense. Income tax expense was $14,363 and $12,867 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, 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 income before provision for income taxes in accordance with guidance on accounting for income taxes on interim periods. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, our income tax expense was increased by $49 due primarily to a change in the marginal state tax rate as a result of recent state legislations changes, the rate differential in other comprehensive income and the results of a recent state income tax audits.
Tobacco.
Tobacco revenues. Liggett increased the list price of PYRAMID, LIGGETT SELECT, EVE and GRAND PRIX by $0.70 per carton in November 2015 and May 2015. Liggett increased the list price of EAGLE 20's by $1.00 per carton in December 2015.
All of our Tobacco sales were in the discount category in 2016 and 2015. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, Tobacco revenues were $221,015 compared to $228,085 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Revenues declined by $7,070 (3.1%) due to a 7.1% decline in sales volume of $15,877 (approximately 138.1 million units), offset by a favorable price variance of $8,807.

50


Tobacco cost of sales. Our Tobacco cost of sales declined from $157,030 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 to $136,738 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The major components of our Tobacco cost of sales are as follows:
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
Manufacturing overhead, raw materials and labor
 
$
25,811

 
$
29,662

Federal Excise Taxes
 
 
90,846

 
97,359

FDA expense
 
 
5,246

 
5,249

MSA expense, net of market share exemption
 
 
14,835

 
24,760

 
Total cost of sales
 
 
$
136,738

 
$
157,030

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tobacco gross profit was $84,277 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $71,055 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The $13,222 (18.6%) increase was due to price increases primarily on the PYRAMID brand and lower MSA unit costs, partially offset by increased manufacturing and FDA unit costs. As a percentage of revenues (excluding Federal Excise Taxes), Tobacco gross profit was 64.7% in the 2016 period and 54.4% in the 2015 period.
Tobacco expenses. Tobacco operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $20,403 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $20,543 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The $140 decline primarily related to a decreased sales and marketing expenses due to Liggett's restructuring in the third quarter of 2015. In addition, Tobacco expenses increased for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 due to litigation, settlement and judgments expense of $2,350 and $843, respectively. Tobacco expenses also increased for the three months ended March 31, 2016 due to restructuring expenses of $41.
Tobacco product liability legal expenses, including settlements and judgments, were $4,171 and $2,555 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Tobacco operating income. Tobacco operating income was $61,483 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $49,670 for the same period last year. The Tobacco operating income increase of $11,813 (23.8%) was primarily due to higher margins discussed above, partially offset by increased product liability settlement costs.

E-Cigarettes.
E-Cigarettes revenues were $38 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $419 for three months ended March 31, 2015. Revenues declined due to lower sales volumes.
Our E-Cigarettes cost of sales were $6 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $630 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Cost of sales decreased by $624 due to lower sales volumes.
E-Cigarettes operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $225 and $2,952 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decline was due to lower sales and marketing expenses. Operating losses from E-Cigarettes were $193 and $3,164 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Real Estate.
Real Estate revenues. Real Estate revenues were $159,747 and $132,256 for the three months ended ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Real Estate revenues increased by $27,491 (20.8%), primarily related to an increase of $27,648 in Douglas Elliman's Commission and other brokerage income which was primarily due to increased closings in its development marketing division.
.

51


Real Estate revenues and cost of sales for the three months ended ended March 31, 2016 were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Real Estate Revenues:
 
 
 
Commission and other brokerage income
$
149,354

 
$
121,706

Property management income
7,118

 
7,213

Title fees
1,112

 
828

Sales on facilities primarily from Escena
2,160

 
2,345

Other
3

 
164

  Total real estate revenues
$
159,747

 
$
132,256

 
 
 
 
Real Estate Cost of Sales:
 
 
 
Commission and other brokerage income
$
98,412

 
$
83,097

Cost of sales on facilities primarily from Escena
1,117

 
1,121

Title fees
149

 
140

Total real estate cost of sales
$
99,678

 
$
84,358

Brokerage cost of sales. Douglas Elliman commission cost of sales increased by $15,315 due to increased sales volume.
Real Estate expenses. Real Estate operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $52,395 and $45,747 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase of $6,648 was primarily due to increased expenses at Douglas Elliman from atypically high litigation expenses in the 2016 period, incremental professional fees in 2016 associated with the costs of being a subsidiary of a public company as well as expenses from Douglas Elliman's continued expansion into new markets to strengthen the long-term value of the Douglas Elliman brand name.
Real Estate operating income. The Real Estate segment had operating income of $7,674 and $2,151 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in operating income of $5,523 was primarily related to an increase in in Douglas Elliman operating, selling, general and administrative expenses, offset by higher profits.
Corporate and other.
Corporate and other loss. The operating loss at the corporate segment was $6,805 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $4,939 for the same period in 2015. The increase was primarily due to increased stock-based compensation expense and increased professional fees for the three months ended March 31, 2016.


52


Summary of Real Estate Investments
We own, and seek to acquire investment interests in various domestic and international real estate projects through debt and equity investments. Our current real estate investments primarily include the following projects as of March 31, 2016:
 
(Dollars in Thousands. Area and Unit Information in Ones)
 
Location
Date of Initial Investment
Percentage Owned
Net Cash Invested
Cumulative Earnings (Losses)
Carrying Value as of March 31, 2016
Future Capital Commit-
ments from New Valley (1)
Projected Residential and/or Hotel Area
Projected Commercial Space
Projected Number of Residential Lots, Units and/or Hotel Rooms
Projected Construction Start Date
Projected Construction End Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sagaponack
Sagaponack, NY
April 2015
100
%
$
12,652

$
—

$
12,652

$
—

TBD

 
N/A

 
TBD

 
N/A
N/A
Escena, net
Master planned community, golf course, restaurant and shop in Palm Springs, CA
March 2008
100
%
$
1,975

$
8,739

$
10,714

$
—

450

Acres
 
 
667
450

R Lots
H
N/A
N/A
Real estate held for sale, net
 
 
 
$
14,627

$
8,739

$
23,366

$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10 Madison Square West (1107 Broadway)
Flatiron District/NoMad neighborhood, Manhattan, NY
October 2011
5.0
%
$
7,346

$
4,777

$
12,123

$
—

260,000

SF
20,000

SF
124

R
August 2012
August 2016
The Marquand (11 East 68th Street)
Upper East Side, Manhattan, NY
December 2011
18.0
%
7,000

6,054

13,054

—

90,000

SF
—

 
29

R
June 2012
June 2016
11 Beach Street
TriBeCa, Manhattan, NY
June 2012
49.5
%
12,327

1,200

13,527

—

97,000

SF
—

 
27

R
May 2014
December 2016
20 Times Square (701 Seventh Avenue)
Times Square, Manhattan, NY
August 2012
7.1
%
14,123

1,901

16,024

—

252,000

SF
80,000

SF
452

H
September 2013
January 2018
111 Murray Street
TriBeCa, Manhattan, NY
May 2013
9.5
%
25,719

(332
)
25,387

—

330,000

SF
1,700

SF
157

R
September 2014
September 2018
160 Leroy Street (2)
West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, NY
March 2013
3.1
%
2,664

1,866

4,530

—

130,000

SF
—

 
57

R
Fall 2015
March 2018
215 Chrystie Street
Lower East Side, Manhattan, NY
December 2012
18.4
%
5,297

369

5,666

—

246,000

SF
—

 
11
367

R
H
June 2014
March 2017
The Dutch (25-19 43rd Avenue)
Long Island City, NY
May 2014
9.9
%
980

127

1,107

 
65,000

SF
—

 
86

R
September 2014
January 2017
Queens Plaza (23-10 Queens Plaza South)
Long Island City, NY
December 2012
45.4
%
14,712

1,841

16,553

—

260,000

SF
25,000

SF
391

R
March 2014
September 2016
87 Park (8701 Collins Avenue)
Miami Beach, FL
December 2013
15.0
%
8,275

495

8,770

—

160,000

SF
TBD

 
70

R
October 2015
September 2018
125 Greenwich Street (2)
Financial District, Manhattan, NY
August 2014
13.3
%
8,073

1,797

9,870

—

306,000

SF
16,000

SF
275

R
March 2015
October 2018
West Hollywood Edition (9040 Sunset Boulevard)
West Hollywood, CA
October 2014
48.5
%
13,288

1,128

14,416

—

210,000

SF
—

 
20
190

R
H
May 2015
April 2018
76 Eleventh Avenue
West Chelsea, Manhattan, NY
May 2015
5.1
%
17,000

1,487

18,487

—

620,000

SF
48,000

SF
250

H
September 2016
March 2019
Monad Terrace
Miami Beach, FL
May 2015
31.3
%
6,852

(3
)
6,849

—

160,000

SF
—

 
TBD

R
May 2016
May 2018
Takanasee
Long Branch, NJ
December 2015
22.8
%
$
4,428

$
388

$
4,816

$
—

TBD

 
N/A

 
TBD

R
TBD
TBD
Condominium and Mixed Use Development
 
 
 
$
148,084

$
23,095

$
171,179

$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maryland Portfolio
Primarily Baltimore County, MD
July 2012
7.6
%
$
1,637

$
(1,637
)
$
—

$
—

N/A

 
N/A

 
5,517

R
N/A
N/A
ST Portfolio
Houston, TX and Stamford, CT
November 2013
16.3
%
14,442

1,828

16,270

—

640,576

SF
20,065

SF
488

R
N/A
N/A
Apartment Buildings
 
 
 
$
16,079

$
191

$
16,270

$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Park Lane Hotel
Central Park South, Manhattan, NY
November 2013
5.2
%
$
24,413

$
(4,578
)
$
19,835

$
—

445,600

SF
—

 
628

H
N/A
N/A
Hotel Taiwana
St. Barthelemy, French West Indies
October 2011
17.0
%
7,942

(491
)
7,451

—

61,300

SF
4,300

SF
22

H
N/A
N/A
Coral Beach and Tennis Club
Coral Beach, Bermuda
December 2013
49.0
%
$
5,558

$
(2,856
)
$
2,702

—

52

Acres
—

 
101

H
N/A
N/A
Hotels
 
 
 
$
37,913

$
(7,925
)
$
29,988

$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Plaza at Harmon Meadow
Secaucus, NJ
March 2015
49.0
%
$
5,317

$
209

$
5,526

$
—

—

—
217,613

SF
—

—
N/A
N /A
Commercial
 
 
 
$
5,317

$
209

$
5,526

$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Carrying Value
 
 
 
$
222,020

$
24,309

$
246,329

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) This column only represents capital commitments required under the various joint venture agreements. However, many of the operating agreements provide for the operating partner to call capital. If a joint venture partner, such as New Valley, declines to fund the capital call, then the partner’s ownership percentage could either be diluted or, in some situations, the character of a funding member’s contribution would be converted from a capital contribution to a member loan. 
(2) Carrying value as of March 31, 2016, includes non-controlling interest of $2,172 and $1,890, respectively.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N/A - Not applicable
SF - Square feet
H - Hotel rooms
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TBD -To be determined
R - Residential Units
R Lots - Residential lots
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Other investments in real estate ventures relate to an investment in an insurance company by Douglas Elliman with a carrying value of $2,070 as of March 31, 2016. New Valley capitalized $3,520 of interest expense into the carrying value of its ventures whose projects were currently under development during the year ended March 31, 2016. This amount captured in the "Cumulative Earnings (Loses)" column in the table above.


53


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $31,320 and $55,793 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Cash used in operations was $4,936 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to cash provided from operations of $7,828 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The change primarily related to additional litigation payments of $16,876 in the 2016 period primarily related to judgments and settlements and lower MSA accruals of $9,926 in the 2016 period offset by an increase of operating income of $18,441.
Cash provided by investing activities was $11,797 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to cash used in investing activities of $12,788 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. In the first three months of 2016, cash provided by investing activities was from the sale of investment securities of $51,218, pay-downs of investment securities of $2,174, the maturity of investment securities of $343 and distributions from investments in real estate ventures of $12. This was offset by the purchase of investment securities of $29,112, investment in real estate ventures of $5,795, capital expenditures of $3,915, an increase in restricted assets of $3,017, investment in real estate held for sale of $49 and an increase in cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance policies of $62. In the first three months of 2015, cash used in investing activities was for the purchase of investment securities of $67,628, investment in real estate ventures of $7,816, purchase of long-term investments of $5,000, capital expenditures of $3,156, an increase in restricted assets of $6,933 and an increase in cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance policies of $606. This was offset by the sale of investment securities of $74,591, proceeds from the liquidation of long-term investments of $1,216, pay-downs of investment securities of $1,594, maturities of investment securities of $947 and proceeds from the sale of fixed assets of $3.
Our investment philosophy is to maximize return on investments using a reasonable expectation for return. For example, we expect our investment returns to exceed the comparable return on cash or short-term U.S. Treasury Bills when investing in equity and debt securities and more than our weighted average cost of capital when investing in non-consolidated real estate businesses and capital expenditures.

Cash used in financing activities was $38,181 and $50,833 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In the first three months of 2016, cash was used for the dividends on common stock of $48,876, repayments of debt of $1,576, and distributions to non-controlling interest of $5,978. This was offset by proceeds from net borrowings of debt under the revolver of $17,944, contributions from non-controlling interest of $248, and proceeds of debt issuance of $57. In the first three months of 2015, cash was used for dividends on common stock of $46,350, payment of deferred financing costs of $585, repayment of debt of $1,857 and net repayments of debt under the revolver of $3,124. This was offset by proceeds from the exercise of Vector options of $809 and the tax benefit of options exercised of $274.
In recent years, we have taken advantage of historically low interest rates and lowered our weighted average cost of capital by issuing debt at lower interest rates than our historical borrowing levels. We will continue to evaluate current market conditions related to our capital structure. For example, based on quoted market prices, our 7.75% Senior Secured Notes were yielding approximately 5.8% on a “yield to worst” basis, or approximately 4.6% more than the comparable U.S. Treasury Bond at March 31, 2016. The Company is able to redeem such bonds at price of 105.813% beginning on February 15, 2016. The redemption price declines to 103.875% on February 15, 2017, 101.938% on February 15, 2018 and 100% on February 15, 2019. There can be no assurance that we would be able to issue debt at a lower interest rate than our historical borrowing levels in the future and, in the event we pursue any capital markets activities, our ability to complete any offering would be subject to market conditions.
Liggett Credit Facility and Liggett Term Loan Under Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2016, $24,377 was outstanding under the revolving and term loan portions of the credit facility. Availability as determined under the Credit Facility was approximately $35,623 based on eligible collateral at March 31, 2016. At March 31, 2016, management believed that Liggett was in compliance with all covenants under the credit facility; Liggett's EBITDA, as defined, were approximately $217,708 for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2016.
Vector. The indenture of our 7.75% senior secured notes due 2021 contains covenants that restrict the payment of dividends if our consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Consolidated EBITDA”), as defined in the indenture, for the most recently ended four full quarters is less than $75,000. 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 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 financial covenants and the results of the calculation, as defined by the indenture.


54


 
 
Indenture
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Covenant
 
Requirement
 
 
Consolidated EBITDA, as defined
 
$75,000
 
$282,602
 
$268,870
Leverage ratio, as defined
 
<3.0 to 1
 
1.98 to 1
 
1.95 to 1
Secured leverage ratio, as defined
 
<1.5 to 1
 
1.0 to 1
 
0.9 to 1

We and our subsidiaries have significant indebtedness and debt service obligations. At March 31, 2016, we and our subsidiaries had total outstanding indebtedness of $1,121,738 of which, $230,000 of our 7.5% convertible notes mature in 2019, $258,750 of our 5.5% variable interest senior convertible notes mature in 2020, and $600,000 of our 7.75% senior secured notes mature in 2021. 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 and real estate 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 $209,000, investment securities available for sale of approximately $152,700, long-term investments with an estimated value of approximately $61,400 and availability under Liggett's credit facility of approximately $35,600 at March 31, 2016. Management currently anticipates that these amounts, as well as expected cash flows from our operations, 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, 2016, approximately $24,400 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, 2016, 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 $244.
In addition, as of March 31, 2016, $296,387 ($488,750 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, and debt issuance costs. 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 debt” could increase or decrease by approximately $2,171 with approximately $881 resulting from the embedded derivative associated with the 7.5% variable interest senior convertible notes, and the remaining $1,290 resulting from the embedded derivative associated with our 5.5% variable interest senior convertible debentures due 2020. An increase in our quarterly dividend rate by $0.10 per share would increase interest expense by approximately $10,200 per year.
We have estimated the fair market value of the embedded derivatives based principally on the results of a valuation model. 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 interest rate component of the value of the embedded derivative is computed by calculating an equivalent non-convertible, unsecured

55


and subordinated borrowing cost. This rate is determined by calculating the implied rate on our 7.5% Convertible Notes when removing the embedded option value within the convertible security. This rate is based upon market observable inputs and influenced by our stock price, convertible bond trading price, risk-free interest rates and stock volatility. The range of estimated fair market values of our embedded derivatives was between $135,403 and $133,267. We recorded the fair market value of our embedded derivatives at the approximate midpoint of the range at $134,348 as of March 31, 2016. The estimated fair market value of our embedded derivatives could change significantly based on future market conditions.

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

There are no material changes from the Legislation and Regulation section set forth in Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2015. Please refer to that section and the information below for disclosures regarding the critical accounting policies related to our business.


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:
•
economic outlook,
•
capital expenditures,
•
cost reduction,
•
legislation and regulations,
•
cash flows,
•
operating performance,
•
litigation,
•
impairment charges and cost saving associated with restructurings of our tobacco operations, and
•
related industry developments (including trends affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations).
We identify forward-looking statements in this 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:
•
general economic and market conditions and any changes therein, due to acts of war and terrorism or otherwise,
•
governmental regulations and policies,
•
effects of industry competition,
•
impact of business combinations, including acquisitions and divestitures, both internally for us and externally in the tobacco industry,

56


•
impact of legislation on our competitors’ payment obligations, results of operations and product costs, i.e. the impact of federal legislation eliminating the federal tobacco quota system and providing for regulation of tobacco products by the FDA,
•
impact of substantial increases in federal, state and local excise taxes,
•
uncertainty related to product liability and other tobacco-related litigations including the Engle progeny cases pending in Florida and other individual and class action cases where certain plaintiffs have alleged compensatory and punitive damage amounts ranging into the hundreds of million and even billions of dollars; and,
•
potential additional payment obligations for us under the MSA and other settlement agreements with the states.
Further information on the risks and uncertainties to our business include the risk factors discussed above in “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 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 “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Market Risk” is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
    
The Company has established disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
In connection with the preparation of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision of and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, as of March 31, 2016, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based upon this evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that, as of March 31, 2016, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective because of the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting described in Part II, Item 9A of the 2015 Form 10-K. Management has concluded that the material weaknesses that were present at December 31, 2015 continued to exist as of March 31, 2016, as discussed below.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
These material weaknesses did not result in any material misstatements to the financial statements in any accounting periods ending prior to January 1, 2016 or for the three months ended March 31, 2016. However, these material weaknesses could result in misstatement of the aforementioned account balances or disclosures that would result in material misstatements to the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected.

Status of Remediation
The Company identified five material weaknesses related to its Douglas Elliman subsidiary as of December 31, 2014 and two material weaknesses related to its Douglas Elliman subsidiary as of December 31, 2015. Beginning in 2015, at the direction of the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors, as well as the Company’s CEO and CFO, the Company has made and continues to make substantial progress in remediating these material weakness including:
•
In June 2015, Douglas Elliman employed a new Chief Financial Officer, who is a licensed Certified Public Accountant ("CPA") with more than 30 years of experience in the financial departments of publicly-traded companies. In addition, in 2015, Douglas Elliman also added a Director of Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 Compliance, a corporate controller, who is licensed as a CPA and previously served as a senior manager at a Big Four accounting firm, a regional controller who

57


is licensed as a CPA and is a former Assistant Corporate Controller of a publicly-traded company as well as a former manager at a National accounting firm, two regional controllers, who are both currently licensed as CPAs and previously served as managers at Big Four accounting firms, and two accounting managers who are both licensed as CPAs.
•
In August 2015, Douglas Elliman employed a new Chief Technology Officer ("CTO") who was previously a technology executive with a large U.S. financial institution. Douglas Elliman’s new CTO oversees, among other things, security of the accuracy and completeness of the Company’s financial reporting.
•
During 2015, Douglas Elliman improved its documentation of internal controls into a more robust format that has been designed to detect errors that could lead to material misstatements in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
•
During 2015, the Company redesigned and implemented a series of newly-created internal controls related to previously improper internal controls related to segregation of duties by accounting and finance personnel at Douglas Elliman.

The result of these efforts lead to the remediation of the following material weaknesses as of December 31, 2015:
(i)
Douglas Elliman’s previous failure to monitor controls in certain areas relating to the period-end financial reporting process,
(ii)
Douglas Elliman’s previous failure to maintain effective controls over period-end financial reporting processes, including controls over the preparation, analysis and review of certain significant account reconciliations required to assess the appropriateness of account balances at period-end, as well as controls over the preparation and review of the interim and annual financial statements; and,
(iii)
Douglas Elliman’s previous ineffective controls over the processing and recording of recurring and non-recurring journal entries.

Further, with the enhancements and focus described above, the Company is vigorously continuing its remediation efforts in 2016 related to the following material weaknesses:
(i)
Certain controls at Douglas Elliman related to segregation of duties with accounting and finance personnel were designed, but not operating, properly at December 31, 2015; and,
(ii)
Douglas Elliman did not maintain effective controls over access to its information technology system for finance and accounting (“IT System”). Specifically, root level access to Douglas Elliman’s IT System was shared with the third party software provider that allowed unrestricted and unmonitored access to the application and it database. Further, the Company did not have an effective change management process to reasonably assure that changes to the IT System were properly documented, tracked, reviewed, tested and approved.
The Company’s management, Audit Committee and Board of Directors are committed to maintaining a strong and sustainable internal control environment and believe that these remediation efforts represent significant improvements in the Company’s control environment as well as its internal controls over the financial reporting of Douglas Elliman. Nonetheless, the Company continues to address the two remaining material weaknesses and evaluate the effectiveness of its new internal controls to confirm that a sustainable, controlled process is fully in place. In 2016, the Company will continue to introduce processes to help ensure that Douglas Elliman’s financial reporting is complete and accurate. Further, the identified material weaknesses in internal controls will not be considered fully addressed until the internal controls over these areas have been in operation for a sufficient period of time for management to conclude that the material weaknesses have been fully remediated. Management continues to work on implementing and testing the new controls in order to make this final determination.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company’s Board of Directors and its management, including the CEO and CFO, evaluated the changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2016 and concluded there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

58

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.     Legal Proceedings

Reference is made to Note 7, 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, 4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 10th Floor, Miami, Florida 33137, Attn. Investor Relations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

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, 2015.


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

No securities of ours which were not registered under a private offering of the Securities Act of 1933 have been issued or sold by us during the three months ended March 31, 2016.



59


Item 6.    Exhibits:


 
 
 
 
10.1
Stock Option Agreement, dated February 29, 2016 between Vector and Howard M. Lorber.
 
 
10.2
Stock Option Agreement, dated February 29, 2016 between Vector and Richard J. Lampen.
 
 
10.3
Stock Option Agreement, dated February 29, 2016 between Vector and J. Bryant Kirkland III.
 
 
10.4
Stock Option Agreement, dated February 29, 2016 between Vector and Marc N. Bell.
 
 
12.1
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for each of the five years within the period ended December 31, 2014 and for each of the nine months within the periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
31.1
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.
 
 
31.2
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.
 
 
32.1
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.
 
 
32.2
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.
 
 
99.1
Material Legal Proceedings
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
 
 

60


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.


 
 
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
By: /s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III
 
 
J. Bryant Kirkland III
 
 
Senior Vice President, Treasurer and
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
Date:
April 28, 2016
 

61
Exhibit


EXHIBIT 10.1

VECTOR GROUP LTD.
4400 Biscayne Blvd.
10th Floor
Miami, FL 33137


February 29, 2016


Mr. Howard M. Lorber
[Address Redacted]

Dear Mr. Lorber:

We are pleased to inform you that, effective on the date hereof, Vector Group Ltd. (the "Company") has granted you a nonqualified option (the "Option") to purchase 250,000 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Common Stock"), at a purchase price of $23.23 per share, subject to adjustment, pursuant to the Company's 2014 Management Incentive Plan, as may be and is in effect and as amended from time to time (the "Plan"). This agreement is subject in all respects to the terms and provisions of the Plan, all of which terms and provisions are made a part of and incorporated in this agreement as if they were each expressly set forth herein. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this agreement and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.
1.    The Option may be exercised on or prior to the tenth anniversary of the date of grant (after which date the Option will, to the extent not previously exercised, expire), provided the Option shall only vest and become exercisable as to all of the aggregate shares covered thereby on February 29, 2020. However, the Option shall earlier vest and become immediately exercisable upon (i) the occurrence of a "Change in Control" as defined in Section 13.3 of the Plan or (ii) the termination of your employment with the Company, including by reason of death or disability or (iii) the termination of your employment with the Company by reason of retirement to the extent allowed by the Committee in accordance with Section 16 of the Plan.

2.    From and after the date it vests and becomes exercisable pursuant to Section 1 hereof, the Option may be exercised in whole or in part by delivering to the Company a written notice of exercise in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, specifying the number of the Shares to be purchased and the purchase price therefor, together with payment of the purchase price of the Shares to be purchased. The purchase price is to be paid in cash or by delivering shares of Common Stock already owned by you for at least six months having a fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the purchase price of the Option being exercised, or a combination of such shares and cash.


Mr. Howard M. Lorber
February 29, 2016
Page 2




In addition, payment of the purchase price of the Shares to be purchased may also be made by delivering a properly executed notice to the Company, together with a copy of the irrevocable instructions to a broker to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds necessary to pay the purchase price, and, if required, the amount of any federal, state or local withholding taxes.
No Shares shall be issued until full payment therefor has been made. You shall have all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company holding the Common Stock that is subject to the Option (including the right to vote the Shares and the right to receive dividends thereon), when you have given written notice of exercise, have paid in full for such Shares and, if requested, have given the certificate described in Section 14 hereof.
3.    In the event your employment with the Company is terminated for any reason, the Option shall forthwith terminate, provided that you may exercise any then unexercised portion of the Option then vested and exercisable pursuant to Section 1 hereof at any time prior to the earlier of one year from the date of termination or the expiration of the Option.
4.    The Option is not transferable except (i) by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution, (ii) pursuant to a domestic relations order in accordance with Section 23.4 of the Plan, or (iii) to your family members or trusts or other entities whose beneficial owners are your family members or any other entity affiliated with you approved by the Committee. In the event of a transfer, all terms and conditions of the Option, including the provisions relating to termination of your employment with the Company shall continue to apply following a transfer.
5.    In the event of your death or disability, the Option may be exercised by your personal representative or representatives, or by the person or persons to whom your rights under the Option shall pass by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, at any time prior to earlier of the one year following the date of termination due to death or disability or the expiration of the option.
6.    In the event of any change in capitalization affecting the Common Stock of the Company, including, without limitation, a stock dividend or other distribution, stock split, reverse stock split, recapitalization, consolidation, subdivision, split-up, spin-off, split-off, combination or exchange of shares or other form of reorganization or recapitalization, or any other change affecting the Common Stock, the Company shall make adjustments to the Option and/or provide for distributions, as appropriate, in accordance with the terms described in Section 12 of the Plan.
7.    The grant of the Option does not confer on you any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or interfere in any way with the right of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate the term of your employment.



Mr. Howard M. Lorber
February 29, 2016
Page 3



8.    The Company shall require as a condition to the exercise of any portion of the Option that you pay to the Company, or make other arrangements regarding the payment of, any federal state or local taxes required by law to be withheld as a result of such exercise.
9.    You understand and acknowledge that Shares received upon exercise of the Option will be subject to the terms of the Company’s Equity Retention policy as in effect at the time of exercise.
10.    In the event of the payment of any dividends or other distributions (including distributions of securities of another issuer) in respect of the Common Stock beginning on or after the date hereof and continuing while you hold the Option, you shall receive, within ten days of the payment of such dividend or distribution, the amount of any such dividends or other distributions that would have been paid to you had you been, at the record date for such dividends or other distributions, a stockholder of the Shares issuable upon exercise of any then unexercised portion of the Option, whether vested or unvested (the "Dividend Equivalent"). In the event that the payment of such dividend or distribution occurs within the last ten days of a calendar year, the Dividend Equivalent shall be paid by the Company within the first ten days of the subsequent calendar year.

11.    The Company represents and warrants to you as follows: (i) this letter agreement and the grant of the Option hereunder have been authorized by all necessary corporate action by the Company and this letter agreement is a valid and binding agreement of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms; (ii) the grant of the Option to you on the terms set forth herein will be exempt from the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, pursuant to Rule 16b-3(d) thereunder; (iii) the Company will obtain, at its expense, any regulatory approvals necessary or advisable in connection with the grant of the Option or the issuance of the Shares; and (iv) the Company currently has reserved and available, and will continue to have reserved and available during the term of the Option, sufficient authorized and issued shares of its Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of the Option.
12.    The Company shall use its best efforts to file and keep in effect a Registration Statement on Form S-8, Form S-3 or other applicable form to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), the Shares issuable to you upon exercise of the Option and the resale thereof by you.
13.    Unless at the time of the exercise of any portion of the Option a registration statement under the Act is in effect as to the Shares, the Shares shall be acquired for investment and not for sale or distribution, and if the Company so requests, upon any exercise of the Option, in whole or in part, you agree to execute and deliver to the Company a reasonable certificate to such effect.
14.    You understand and acknowledge that: (i) any Shares purchased by you upon exercise of the Option may be required to be held indefinitely unless such Shares are subsequently registered under the Act or an exemption from such registration is available; (ii) any resales of such Shares made in reliance upon Rule 144 promulgated under the Act may be made only in accordance with



Mr. Howard M. Lorber
February 29, 2016
Page 4



the terms and conditions of that Rule (which, under certain circumstances, restrict the number of shares which may be sold and the manner in which shares may be sold); (iii) certificates for Shares to be issued to you hereunder shall bear a legend to the effect that the Shares have not been registered under the Act and that the Shares may not be sold, hypothecated or otherwise transferred in the absence of an effective registration statement under the Act relating thereto or an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company that such registration is not required; and (iv) the Company shall place an appropriate "stop transfer" order with its transfer agent with respect to such Shares.
15.    This letter agreement contains all the understandings between the Company and you pertaining to the matters referred to herein, and supercedes all undertakings and agreements, whether oral or in writing, previously entered into by the Company and you with respect hereto. No provision of this letter agreement may be amended or waived unless such amendment or waiver is agreed to in writing signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company. No waiver by the Company or you of any breach by the other party hereto of any condition or provision of this letter agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar condition or provision at the same time, any prior time or any subsequent time. If any provision of this letter agreement or the application of any such provision to any party or circumstances shall be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid and unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this letter agreement or the application of such provision to such person or circumstances other than those to which it is so determined to be invalid and unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each provision hereof shall be validated and shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. This letter agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflicts of laws principles. This letter agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.




Mr. Howard M. Lorber
February 29, 2016
Page 5



Would you kindly evidence your acceptance of the Option and your agreement to comply with the provisions hereof by executing this letter agreement in the space provided below.

Very truly yours,

VECTOR GROUP LTD.



By: /s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III        
J. Bryant Kirkland III
Vice President, Treasurer and CFO

AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED:


/s/ Howard M. Lorber                        
Howard M. Lorber







EXHIBIT A
Vector Group Ltd.
4400 Biscayne Blvd
10th Floor
Miami, FL 33137

Gentlemen:

Notice is hereby given of my election to purchase _________ shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value (the "Shares"), of Vector Group Ltd., at a price of $______ per Share, pursuant to the provisions of the stock option granted to me on February 29, 2016. Payment for the Shares will be made as follows:

my check in the amount of $_________________which is enclosed.

______________ Shares having a total value of $______________, such value being based on the closing price(s) of the Shares on the date hereof.

pursuant to the attached irrevocable instructions, a broker will sell ____ Shares on my behalf and promptly deliver to you $________ in satisfaction of the exercise price and $ ____ in satisfaction of applicable tax withholding.

The following information is supplied for use in issuing and registering the Shares purchased hereby:

Number of Certificates
and Denominations            ___________________________

Name                    ___________________________

Address                ___________________________

___________________________

Social Security No.            ___________________________

Dated:
Very truly yours,



Howard M. Lorber


Exhibit


EXHIBIT 10.2
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
4400 Biscayne Blvd.
10th Floor
Miami, FL 33137


February 29, 2016


Mr. Richard J. Lampen
[Address Redacted]

Dear Mr. Lampen:

We are pleased to inform you that, effective on the date hereof, Vector Group Ltd. (the "Company") has granted you a nonqualified option (the "Option") to purchase 62,500 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Common Stock"), at a purchase price of $23.23 per share, subject to adjustment, pursuant to the Company's 2014 Management Incentive Plan, as may be and is in effect and as amended from time to time (the "Plan"). This agreement is subject in all respects to the terms and provisions of the Plan, all of which terms and provisions are made a part of and incorporated in this agreement as if they were each expressly set forth herein. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this agreement and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.
1.    The Option may be exercised on or prior to the tenth anniversary of the date of grant (after which date the Option will, to the extent not previously exercised, expire), provided the Option shall only vest and become exercisable as to all of the aggregate shares covered thereby on February 29, 2020. However, the Option shall earlier vest and become immediately exercisable upon (i) the occurrence of a "Change in Control" as defined in Section 13.3 of the Plan or (ii) the termination of your employment with the Company, including by reason of death or disability or (iii) the termination of your employment with the Company by reason of retirement to the extent allowed by the Committee in accordance with Section 16 of the Plan.

2.    From and after the date it vests and becomes exercisable pursuant to Section 1 hereof, the Option may be exercised in whole or in part by delivering to the Company a written notice of exercise in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, specifying the number of the Shares to be purchased and the purchase price therefor, together with payment of the purchase price of the Shares to be purchased. The purchase price is to be paid in cash or by delivering shares of Common Stock already owned by you for at least six months having a fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the purchase price of the Option being exercised, or a combination of such shares and cash.



Mr. Richard J. Lampen
February 29, 2016
Page 2



In addition, payment of the purchase price of the Shares to be purchased may also be made by delivering a properly executed notice to the Company, together with a copy of the irrevocable instructions to a broker to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds necessary to pay the purchase price, and, if required, the amount of any federal, state or local withholding taxes.
No Shares shall be issued until full payment therefor has been made. You shall have all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company holding the Common Stock that is subject to the Option (including the right to vote the Shares and the right to receive dividends thereon), when you have given written notice of exercise, have paid in full for such Shares and, if requested, have given the certificate described in Section 14 hereof.
3.    In the event your employment with the Company is terminated for any reason, the Option shall forthwith terminate, provided that you may exercise any then unexercised portion of the Option then vested and exercisable pursuant to Section 1 hereof at any time prior to the earlier of one year from the date of termination or the expiration of the Option.
4.    The Option is not transferable except (i) by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution, (ii) pursuant to a domestic relations order in accordance with Section 23.4 of the Plan, or (iii) to your family members or trusts or other entities whose beneficial owners are your family members or any other entity affiliated with you approved by the Committee. In the event of a transfer, all terms and conditions of the Option, including the provisions relating to termination of your employment with the Company shall continue to apply following a transfer.
5.    In the event of your death or disability, the Option may be exercised by your personal representative or representatives, or by the person or persons to whom your rights under the Option shall pass by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, at any time prior to earlier of the one year following the date of termination due to death or disability or the expiration of the option.
6.    In the event of any change in capitalization affecting the Common Stock of the Company, including, without limitation, a stock dividend or other distribution, stock split, reverse stock split, recapitalization, consolidation, subdivision, split-up, spin-off, split-off, combination or exchange of shares or other form of reorganization or recapitalization, or any other change affecting the Common Stock, the Company shall make adjustments to the Option and/or provide for distributions, as appropriate, in accordance with the terms described in Section 12 of the Plan.
7.    The grant of the Option does not confer on you any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or interfere in any way with the right of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate the term of your employment.



Mr. Richard J. Lampen
February 29, 2016
Page 3



8.    The Company shall require as a condition to the exercise of any portion of the Option that you pay to the Company, or make other arrangements regarding the payment of, any federal state or local taxes required by law to be withheld as a result of such exercise.
9.    You understand and acknowledge that Shares received upon exercise of the Option will be subject to the terms of the Company’s Equity Retention policy as in effect at the time of exercise.
10.    In the event of the payment of any dividends or other distributions (including distributions of securities of another issuer) in respect of the Common Stock beginning on or after the date hereof and continuing while you hold the Option, you shall receive, within ten days of the payment of such dividend or distribution, the amount of any such dividends or other distributions that would have been paid to you had you been, at the record date for such dividends or other distributions, a stockholder of the Shares issuable upon exercise of any then unexercised portion of the Option, whether vested or unvested (the "Dividend Equivalent"). In the event that the payment of such dividend or distribution occurs within the last ten days of a calendar year, the Dividend Equivalent shall be paid by the Company within the first ten days of the subsequent calendar year.

11.    The Company represents and warrants to you as follows: (i) this letter agreement and the grant of the Option hereunder have been authorized by all necessary corporate action by the Company and this letter agreement is a valid and binding agreement of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms; (ii) the grant of the Option to you on the terms set forth herein will be exempt from the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, pursuant to Rule 16b-3(d) thereunder; (iii) the Company will obtain, at its expense, any regulatory approvals necessary or advisable in connection with the grant of the Option or the issuance of the Shares; and (iv) the Company currently has reserved and available, and will continue to have reserved and available during the term of the Option, sufficient authorized and issued shares of its Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of the Option.
12.    The Company shall use its best efforts to file and keep in effect a Registration Statement on Form S-8, Form S-3 or other applicable form to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), the Shares issuable to you upon exercise of the Option and the resale thereof by you.
13.    Unless at the time of the exercise of any portion of the Option a registration statement under the Act is in effect as to the Shares, the Shares shall be acquired for investment and not for sale or distribution, and if the Company so requests, upon any exercise of the Option, in whole or in part, you agree to execute and deliver to the Company a reasonable certificate to such effect.
14.    You understand and acknowledge that: (i) any Shares purchased by you upon exercise of the Option may be required to be held indefinitely unless such Shares are subsequently registered under the Act or an exemption from such registration is available; (ii) any resales of such Shares made in reliance upon Rule 144 promulgated under the Act may be made only in accordance with



Mr. Richard J. Lampen
February 29, 2016
Page 4



the terms and conditions of that Rule (which, under certain circumstances, restrict the number of shares which may be sold and the manner in which shares may be sold); (iii) certificates for Shares to be issued to you hereunder shall bear a legend to the effect that the Shares have not been registered under the Act and that the Shares may not be sold, hypothecated or otherwise transferred in the absence of an effective registration statement under the Act relating thereto or an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company that such registration is not required; and (iv) the Company shall place an appropriate "stop transfer" order with its transfer agent with respect to such Shares.
15.    This letter agreement contains all the understandings between the Company and you pertaining to the matters referred to herein, and supercedes all undertakings and agreements, whether oral or in writing, previously entered into by the Company and you with respect hereto. No provision of this letter agreement may be amended or waived unless such amendment or waiver is agreed to in writing signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company. No waiver by the Company or you of any breach by the other party hereto of any condition or provision of this letter agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar condition or provision at the same time, any prior time or any subsequent time. If any provision of this letter agreement or the application of any such provision to any party or circumstances shall be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid and unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this letter agreement or the application of such provision to such person or circumstances other than those to which it is so determined to be invalid and unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each provision hereof shall be validated and shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. This letter agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflicts of laws principles. This letter agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.



Mr. Richard J. Lampen
February 29, 2016
Page 5



Would you kindly evidence your acceptance of the Option and your agreement to comply with the provisions hereof by executing this letter agreement in the space provided below.

Very truly yours,

VECTOR GROUP LTD.



By:    /s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III        
J. Bryant Kirkland III
Vice President, Treasurer and CFO

AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED:


/s/ Richard J. Lampen                        
Richard J. Lampen


EXHIBIT A
Vector Group Ltd.
4400 Biscayne Blvd
10th Floor
Miami, FL 33137

Gentlemen:

Notice is hereby given of my election to purchase _________ shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value (the "Shares"), of Vector Group Ltd., at a price of $______ per Share, pursuant to the provisions of the stock option granted to me on February 29, 2016. Payment for the Shares will be made as follows:

my check in the amount of $_________________which is enclosed.

______________ Shares having a total value of $______________, such value being based on the closing price(s) of the Shares on the date hereof.

pursuant to the attached irrevocable instructions, a broker will sell ____ Shares on my behalf and promptly deliver to you $________ in satisfaction of the exercise price and $ ____ in satisfaction of applicable tax withholding.

The following information is supplied for use in issuing and registering the Shares purchased hereby:

Number of Certificates
and Denominations            ___________________________

Name                    ___________________________

Address                ___________________________

___________________________

Social Security No.            ___________________________

Dated:
Very truly yours,



Richard J. Lampen



Exhibit


EXHIBIT 10.3
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
4400 Biscayne Blvd.
10th Floor
Miami, FL 33137


February 29, 2016


Mr. James B. Kirkland III
[Address Redacted]



Dear Mr. Kirkland:

We are pleased to inform you that, effective on the date hereof, Vector Group Ltd. (the "Company") has granted you a nonqualified option (the "Option") to purchase 37,500 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Common Stock"), at a purchase price of $23.23 per share, subject to adjustment, pursuant to the Company's 2014 Management Incentive Plan, as may be and is in effect and as amended from time to time (the "Plan"). This agreement is subject in all respects to the terms and provisions of the Plan, all of which terms and provisions are made a part of and incorporated in this agreement as if they were each expressly set forth herein. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this agreement and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.
1.    The Option may be exercised on or prior to the tenth anniversary of the date of grant (after which date the Option will, to the extent not previously exercised, expire), provided the Option shall only vest and become exercisable as to all of the aggregate shares covered thereby on February 29, 2020. However, the Option shall earlier vest and become immediately exercisable upon (i) the occurrence of a "Change in Control" as defined in Section 13.3 of the Plan or (ii) the termination of your employment with the Company, including by reason of death or disability or (iii) the termination of your employment with the Company by reason of retirement to the extent allowed by the Committee in accordance with Section 16 of the Plan.

2.    From and after the date it vests and becomes exercisable pursuant to Section 1 hereof, the Option may be exercised in whole or in part by delivering to the Company a written notice of exercise in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, specifying the number of the Shares to be purchased and the purchase price therefor, together with payment of the purchase price of the Shares to be purchased. The purchase price is to be paid in cash or by delivering shares of Common Stock


Mr. James B. Kirkland III
February 29, 2016
Page 2



already owned by you for at least six months having a fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the purchase price of the Option being exercised, or a combination of such shares and cash.

In addition, payment of the purchase price of the Shares to be purchased may also be made by delivering a properly executed notice to the Company, together with a copy of the irrevocable instructions to a broker to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds necessary to pay the purchase price, and, if required, the amount of any federal, state or local withholding taxes.
No Shares shall be issued until full payment therefor has been made. You shall have all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company holding the Common Stock that is subject to the Option (including the right to vote the Shares and the right to receive dividends thereon), when you have given written notice of exercise, have paid in full for such Shares and, if requested, have given the certificate described in Section 14 hereof.
3.    In the event your employment with the Company is terminated for any reason, the Option shall forthwith terminate, provided that you may exercise any then unexercised portion of the Option then vested and exercisable pursuant to Section 1 hereof at any time prior to the earlier of one year from the date of termination or the expiration of the Option.
4.    The Option is not transferable except (i) by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution, (ii) pursuant to a domestic relations order in accordance with Section 23.4 of the Plan, or (iii) to your family members or trusts or other entities whose beneficial owners are your family members or any other entity affiliated with you approved by the Committee. In the event of a transfer, all terms and conditions of the Option, including the provisions relating to termination of your employment with the Company shall continue to apply following a transfer.
5.    In the event of your death or disability, the Option may be exercised by your personal representative or representatives, or by the person or persons to whom your rights under the Option shall pass by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, at any time prior to earlier of the one year following the date of termination due to death or disability or the expiration of the option.
6.    In the event of any change in capitalization affecting the Common Stock of the Company, including, without limitation, a stock dividend or other distribution, stock split, reverse stock split, recapitalization, consolidation, subdivision, split-up, spin-off, split-off, combination or exchange of shares or other form of reorganization or recapitalization, or any other change affecting the Common Stock, the Company shall make adjustments to the Option and/or provide for distributions, as appropriate, in accordance with the terms described in Section 12 of the Plan.
7.    The grant of the Option does not confer on you any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or interfere in any way with the right of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate the term of your employment.



Mr. James B. Kirkland III
February 29, 2016
Page 3



8.    The Company shall require as a condition to the exercise of any portion of the Option that you pay to the Company, or make other arrangements regarding the payment of, any federal state or local taxes required by law to be withheld as a result of such exercise.
9.    You understand and acknowledge that Shares received upon exercise of the Option will be subject to the terms of the Company’s Equity Retention policy as in effect at the time of exercise.
10.    In the event of the payment of any dividends or other distributions (including distributions of securities of another issuer) in respect of the Common Stock beginning on or after the date hereof and continuing while you hold the Option, you shall receive, within ten days of the payment of such dividend or distribution, the amount of any such dividends or other distributions that would have been paid to you had you been, at the record date for such dividends or other distributions, a stockholder of the Shares issuable upon exercise of any then unexercised portion of the Option, whether vested or unvested (the "Dividend Equivalent"). In the event that the payment of such dividend or distribution occurs within the last ten days of a calendar year, the Dividend Equivalent shall be paid by the Company within the first ten days of the subsequent calendar year.




Mr. James B. Kirkland III
February 29, 2016
Page 4



11.    The Company represents and warrants to you as follows: (i) this letter agreement and the grant of the Option hereunder have been authorized by all necessary corporate action by the Company and this letter agreement is a valid and binding agreement of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms; (ii) the grant of the Option to you on the terms set forth herein will be exempt from the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, pursuant to Rule 16b-3(d) thereunder; (iii) the Company will obtain, at its expense, any regulatory approvals necessary or advisable in connection with the grant of the Option or the issuance of the Shares; and (iv) the Company currently has reserved and available, and will continue to have reserved and available during the term of the Option, sufficient authorized and issued shares of its Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of the Option.
12.    The Company shall use its best efforts to file and keep in effect a Registration Statement on Form S-8, Form S-3 or other applicable form to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), the Shares issuable to you upon exercise of the Option and the resale thereof by you.
13.    Unless at the time of the exercise of any portion of the Option a registration statement under the Act is in effect as to the Shares, the Shares shall be acquired for investment and not for sale or distribution, and if the Company so requests, upon any exercise of the Option, in whole or in part, you agree to execute and deliver to the Company a reasonable certificate to such effect.
14.    You understand and acknowledge that: (i) any Shares purchased by you upon exercise of the Option may be required to be held indefinitely unless such Shares are subsequently registered under the Act or an exemption from such registration is available; (ii) any resales of such Shares made in reliance upon Rule 144 promulgated under the Act may be made only in accordance with the terms and conditions of that Rule (which, under certain circumstances, restrict the number of shares which may be sold and the manner in which shares may be sold); (iii) certificates for Shares to be issued to you hereunder shall bear a legend to the effect that the Shares have not been registered under the Act and that the Shares may not be sold, hypothecated or otherwise transferred in the absence of an effective registration statement under the Act relating thereto or an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company that such registration is not required; and (iv) the Company shall place an appropriate "stop transfer" order with its transfer agent with respect to such Shares.
15.    This letter agreement contains all the understandings between the Company and you pertaining to the matters referred to herein, and supercedes all undertakings and agreements, whether oral or in writing, previously entered into by the Company and you with respect hereto. No provision of this letter agreement may be amended or waived unless such amendment or waiver is agreed to in writing signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company. No waiver by the Company or you of any breach by the other party hereto of any condition or provision of this letter agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar condition or provision at the same time, any prior time or any subsequent time. If any provision of this letter agreement or the application of any such provision to any party or circumstances shall be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid and unenforceable to any extent, the remainder



Mr. James B. Kirkland III
February 29, 2016
Page 5



of this letter agreement or the application of such provision to such person or circumstances other than those to which it is so determined to be invalid and unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each provision hereof shall be validated and shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. This letter agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflicts of laws principles. This letter agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.



Mr. James B. Kirkland III
February 29, 2016
Page 6



Would you kindly evidence your acceptance of the Option and your agreement to comply with the provisions hereof by executing this letter agreement in the space provided below.

Very truly yours,

VECTOR GROUP LTD.



By:    /s/ Howard M. Lorber            
Howard M. Lorber
President and Chief Executive Officer

AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED:


/s/ James B. Kirkland III            
James B. Kirkland III


EXHIBIT A
Vector Group Ltd.
4400 Biscayne Blvd
10th Floor
Miami, FL 33137

Gentlemen:

Notice is hereby given of my election to purchase _________ shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value (the "Shares"), of Vector Group Ltd., at a price of $______ per Share, pursuant to the provisions of the stock option granted to me on February 29, 2016. Payment for the Shares will be made as follows:

my check in the amount of $_________________which is enclosed.

______________ Shares having a total value of $______________, such value being based on the closing price(s) of the Shares on the date hereof.

pursuant to the attached irrevocable instructions, a broker will sell ____ Shares on my behalf and promptly deliver to you $________ in satisfaction of the exercise price and $ ____ in satisfaction of applicable tax withholding.

The following information is supplied for use in issuing and registering the Shares purchased hereby:

Number of Certificates
and Denominations            ___________________________

Name                    ___________________________

Address                ___________________________

___________________________

Social Security No.            ___________________________

Dated:
Very truly yours,



James B. Kirkland III



Exhibit


EXHIBIT 10.4
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
4400 Biscayne Blvd.
10th Floor
Miami, FL 33137


February 29, 2016


Mr. Marc N. Bell
[Address Redacted]

Dear Mr. Bell:

We are pleased to inform you that, effective on the date hereof, Vector Group Ltd. (the "Company") has granted you a nonqualified option (the "Option") to purchase 37,500 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Common Stock"), at a purchase price of $23.23 per share, subject to adjustment, pursuant to the Company's 2014 Management Incentive Plan, as may be and is in effect and as amended from time to time (the "Plan"). This agreement is subject in all respects to the terms and provisions of the Plan, all of which terms and provisions are made a part of and incorporated in this agreement as if they were each expressly set forth herein. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this agreement and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.
1.    The Option may be exercised on or prior to the tenth anniversary of the date of grant (after which date the Option will, to the extent not previously exercised, expire), provided the Option shall only vest and become exercisable as to all of the aggregate shares covered thereby on February 29, 2020. However, the Option shall earlier vest and become immediately exercisable upon (i) the occurrence of a "Change in Control" as defined in Section 13.3 of the Plan or (ii) the termination of your employment with the Company, including by reason of death or disability or (iii) the termination of your employment with the Company by reason of retirement to the extent allowed by the Committee in accordance with Section 16 of the Plan.
 
2.    From and after the date it vests and becomes exercisable pursuant to Section 1 hereof, the Option may be exercised in whole or in part by delivering to the Company a written notice of exercise in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, specifying the number of the Shares to be purchased and the purchase price therefor, together with payment of the purchase price of the Shares to be purchased. The purchase price is to be paid in cash or by delivering shares of Common Stock already owned by you for at least six months having a fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the purchase price of the Option being exercised, or a combination of such shares and cash.



Mr. Marc N. Bell
February 29, 2016
Page 2



In addition, payment of the purchase price of the Shares to be purchased may also be made by delivering a properly executed notice to the Company, together with a copy of the irrevocable instructions to a broker to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds necessary to pay the purchase price, and, if required, the amount of any federal, state or local withholding taxes.
No Shares shall be issued until full payment therefor has been made. You shall have all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company holding the Common Stock that is subject to the Option (including the right to vote the Shares and the right to receive dividends thereon), when you have given written notice of exercise, have paid in full for such Shares and, if requested, have given the certificate described in Section 14 hereof.
3.    In the event your employment with the Company is terminated for any reason, the Option shall forthwith terminate, provided that you may exercise any then unexercised portion of the Option then vested and exercisable pursuant to Section 1 hereof at any time prior to the earlier of one year from the date of termination or the expiration of the Option.
4.    The Option is not transferable except (i) by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution, (ii) pursuant to a domestic relations order in accordance with Section 23.4 of the Plan, or (iii) to your family members or trusts or other entities whose beneficial owners are your family members or any other entity affiliated with you approved by the Committee. In the event of a transfer, all terms and conditions of the Option, including the provisions relating to termination of your employment with the Company shall continue to apply following a transfer.
5.    In the event of your death or disability, the Option may be exercised by your personal representative or representatives, or by the person or persons to whom your rights under the Option shall pass by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, at any time prior to earlier of the one year following the date of termination due to death or disability or the expiration of the option.
6.    In the event of any change in capitalization affecting the Common Stock of the Company, including, without limitation, a stock dividend or other distribution, stock split, reverse stock split, recapitalization, consolidation, subdivision, split-up, spin-off, split-off, combination or exchange of shares or other form of reorganization or recapitalization, or any other change affecting the Common Stock, the Company shall make adjustments to the Option and/or provide for distributions, as appropriate, in accordance with the terms described in Section 12 of the Plan.
7.    The grant of the Option does not confer on you any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or interfere in any way with the right of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate the term of your employment.



Mr. Marc N. Bell
February 29, 2016
Page 3



8.    The Company shall require as a condition to the exercise of any portion of the Option that you pay to the Company, or make other arrangements regarding the payment of, any federal state or local taxes required by law to be withheld as a result of such exercise.
9.    You understand and acknowledge that Shares received upon exercise of the Option will be subject to the terms of the Company’s Equity Retention policy as in effect at the time of exercise.
10.    In the event of the payment of any dividends or other distributions (including distributions of securities of another issuer) in respect of the Common Stock beginning on or after the date hereof and continuing while you hold the Option, you shall receive, within ten days of the payment of such dividend or distribution, the amount of any such dividends or other distributions that would have been paid to you had you been, at the record date for such dividends or other distributions, a stockholder of the Shares issuable upon exercise of any then unexercised portion of the Option, whether vested or unvested (the "Dividend Equivalent"). In the event that the payment of such dividend or distribution occurs within the last ten days of a calendar year, the Dividend Equivalent shall be paid by the Company within the first ten days of the subsequent calendar year.

11.    The Company represents and warrants to you as follows: (i) this letter agreement and the grant of the Option hereunder have been authorized by all necessary corporate action by the Company and this letter agreement is a valid and binding agreement of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms; (ii) the grant of the Option to you on the terms set forth herein will be exempt from the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, pursuant to Rule 16b-3(d) thereunder; (iii) the Company will obtain, at its expense, any regulatory approvals necessary or advisable in connection with the grant of the Option or the issuance of the Shares; and (iv) the Company currently has reserved and available, and will continue to have reserved and available during the term of the Option, sufficient authorized and issued shares of its Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of the Option.
12.    The Company shall use its best efforts to file and keep in effect a Registration Statement on Form S-8, Form S-3 or other applicable form to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), the Shares issuable to you upon exercise of the Option and the resale thereof by you.
13.    Unless at the time of the exercise of any portion of the Option a registration statement under the Act is in effect as to the Shares, the Shares shall be acquired for investment and not for sale or distribution, and if the Company so requests, upon any exercise of the Option, in whole or in part, you agree to execute and deliver to the Company a reasonable certificate to such effect.
14.    You understand and acknowledge that: (i) any Shares purchased by you upon exercise of the Option may be required to be held indefinitely unless such Shares are subsequently registered under the Act or an exemption from such registration is available; (ii) any resales of such Shares made in reliance upon Rule 144 promulgated under the Act may be made only in accordance with



Mr. Marc N. Bell
February 29, 2016
Page 4



the terms and conditions of that Rule (which, under certain circumstances, restrict the number of shares which may be sold and the manner in which shares may be sold); (iii) certificates for Shares to be issued to you hereunder shall bear a legend to the effect that the Shares have not been registered under the Act and that the Shares may not be sold, hypothecated or otherwise transferred in the absence of an effective registration statement under the Act relating thereto or an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company that such registration is not required; and (iv) the Company shall place an appropriate "stop transfer" order with its transfer agent with respect to such Shares.
15.    This letter agreement contains all the understandings between the Company and you pertaining to the matters referred to herein, and supercedes all undertakings and agreements, whether oral or in writing, previously entered into by the Company and you with respect hereto. No provision of this letter agreement may be amended or waived unless such amendment or waiver is agreed to in writing signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company. No waiver by the Company or you of any breach by the other party hereto of any condition or provision of this letter agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar condition or provision at the same time, any prior time or any subsequent time. If any provision of this letter agreement or the application of any such provision to any party or circumstances shall be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid and unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this letter agreement or the application of such provision to such person or circumstances other than those to which it is so determined to be invalid and unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each provision hereof shall be validated and shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. This letter agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflicts of laws principles. This letter agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.



Mr. Marc N. Bell
February 29, 2016
Page 5



Would you kindly evidence your acceptance of the Option and your agreement to comply with the provisions hereof by executing this letter agreement in the space provided below.

Very truly yours,

VECTOR GROUP LTD.



By: /s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III        
J. Bryant Kirkland III
Vice President, Treasurer and CFO

AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED:


/s/ Marc N. Bell            
Marc N. Bell


EXHIBIT A
Vector Group Ltd.
4400 Biscayne Blvd
10th Floor
Miami, FL 33137

Gentlemen:

Notice is hereby given of my election to purchase _________ shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value (the "Shares"), of Vector Group Ltd., at a price of $______ per Share, pursuant to the provisions of the stock option granted to me on February 29, 2016. Payment for the Shares will be made as follows:

my check in the amount of $_________________which is enclosed.

______________ Shares having a total value of $______________, such value being based on the closing price(s) of the Shares on the date hereof.

pursuant to the attached irrevocable instructions, a broker will sell ____ Shares on my behalf and promptly deliver to you $________ in satisfaction of the exercise price and $ ____ in satisfaction of applicable tax withholding.

The following information is supplied for use in issuing and registering the Shares purchased hereby:

Number of Certificates
and Denominations            ___________________________

Name                    ___________________________

Address                ___________________________

___________________________

Social Security No.            ___________________________

Dated:
Very truly yours,



Marc N. Bell



Exhibit


Exhibit 12.1
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Ratios)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Earnings as defined:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax income
35,756

 
34,348

 
107,705

 
82,279

 
60,720

 
53,806

 
122,245

Distributions from investees
931

 
898

 
7,152

 
6,568

 
6,262

 
21,467

 
10,022

Interest expense
21,026

 
25,286

 
96,236

 
146,787

 
147,084

 
132,538

 
93,939

Income in equity of affiliate
2,178

 
(338
)
 
680

 
(7,243
)
 
(26,051
)
 
(30,028
)
 
(19,256
)
Interest portion of rental expense (1)
2,059

 
1,743

 
8,149

 
7,505

 
2,174

 
1,367

 
1,438

Total earnings
61,950

 
61,937

 
219,922

 
235,896

 
190,189

 
179,150

 
208,388

Fixed charges as defined:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
21,026

 
25,286

 
96,236

 
146,787

 
147,084

 
132,538

 
93,939

Interest portion of rent expense (1)
2,059

 
1,743

 
8,149

 
7,505

 
2,174

 
1,367

 
1,438

Total fixed charges
23,085

 
27,029

 
104,385

 
154,292

 
149,258

 
133,905

 
95,377

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
2.68

 
2.29

 
2.11

 
1.53

 
1.27

 
1.34

 
2.18


________________________
(1) One third of rent expense is the portion deemed representative of the interest factor.
 


Exhibit


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 registrant's 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 registrant's 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 registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's 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 registrant's 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 registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 28, 2016
 
/s/ Howard M. Lorber
 
Howard M. Lorber
 
President and Chief Executive Officer


Exhibit


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 registrant's 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 registrant's 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 registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's 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 registrant's 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 registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 28, 2016
 
/s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III
 
J. Bryant Kirkland III
 
Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer



Exhibit


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, 2016 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.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.




April 28, 2016
 
/s/ Howard M. Lorber
 
Howard M. Lorber
 
President and Chief Executive Officer


Exhibit


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, 2016 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.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.




April 28, 2016
 
/s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III
 
J. Bryant Kirkland III
 
Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer


Exhibit


Exhibit 99.1

I. INDIVIDUAL CASES

A. Engle Progeny Cases.

Pursuant to the Florida Supreme Court's ruling in Engle v. Liggett Group Inc., which decertified the Engle class on a prospective basis, former class members had until January 2008 to file individual lawsuits. Lawsuits by individuals requesting the benefit of the Engle ruling are referred to as the “Engle progeny” cases. In October 2013, the Company announced a settlement of the claims of over 4,900 Engle progeny plaintiffs. Notwithstanding the settlement, the claims of approximately 255 Engle progeny plaintiffs remain pending. For more information on the Engle case and on the settlement, see “Note 7. Contingencies.”

(i)
Engle Progeny Cases with trial dates through March 31, 2017.

Braff v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-25826, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 06/05/08).  One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker.  The case is scheduled for the trial period of 10/05/16 - 12/31/16.

Bristol v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 15-010565-CA-01, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County (case filed 05/11/15). One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is scheduled for trial in 07/16.

Cossick v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 07-036740-19, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 12/28/07). One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is scheduled for the trial period of 01/04/17 - 03/31/17.

Fox v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-26348, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 06/09/08).  One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker.  The case is scheduled for the trial period of 10/05/16 - 12/31/16.

Gates, et al., v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 07- 025811-19, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 06/05/08). Two individuals suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is scheduled for the trial period of 01/04/17 - 03/31/17.

Lawrence v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 09-CA-000178, Circuit Court of the 5th Judicial Circuit, Marion County (case filed 01/12/09). One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is scheduled for trial in 02/17.

Martin v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 07-036440 (19), Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 12/27/07).   One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker.  The case is scheduled for the trial period of 07/05/16 - 09/30/16.

Manassa v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 07-056883-Ca-23, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County (case filed 12/31/07). One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is scheduled for the trial period of 02/17 - 03/17.

Nixon v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 07-CA-024426, Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County (case filed 01/08/08). One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is scheduled for trial starting 02/24/17.

Oshinsky-Blacker v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-25841, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 06/05/08).  One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker.  The case is scheduled for the trial period of 07/05/16 - 09/30/16.


1


Owens v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 07-046871-CA-30, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County (case filed 12/31/07). One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is scheduled for trial starting 02/17/17.

Rogers v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-000533-19, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 01/04/08). One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is scheduled for the trial period of 01/04/17 - 03/31/17.

Santoro v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-025807, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 06/05/08). One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. The case is scheduled for the trial period of 01/04/17 - 03/31/17.

Varner v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-026345 (19), Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 06/09/08).  One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker.  The case is scheduled for the trial period of 07/05/16 - 09/30/16.

Weinstein v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-CA-025840, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 06/05/08).  One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker.  The case is scheduled for the trial period of 01/04/17 - 03/31/17.  


(ii)
Post-Trial Engle Progeny Cases.

Boatright, et al. v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 53-2011-CA-000158-000-WH, Circuit Court of the 10th Judicial Circuit, Polk County (case filed 01/12/11).  This was a personal injury action filed by a smoker and his spouse that proceeded to jury trial in October 2014.  At the close of plaintiff’s case, the court granted directed verdict to Liggett on all claims other than the claim for conspiracy to conceal.  In November 2014, the jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiffs and awarded compensatory damages in the amount of $15,000,000.  The jury apportioned fault as follows:  Plaintiff - 15%, Philip Morris - 85%.  While the jury determined that Liggett’s participation in an agreement to conceal was a legal cause of injury to plaintiffs, the court refused to allow the jury to consider apportioning fault to Liggett.  The jury assessed punitive damages against Philip Morris for $19,700,000 and Liggett for $300,000.  Post-trial motions were denied.  In January 2015, a joint and several judgment was entered against the defendants for $12,750,000 for the compensatory damages and $300,000 in punitive damages was awarded against Liggett. The defendants appealed to the Second District Court of Appeal. In March 2015, plaintiffs' motion for attorneys' fees was denied by the court. Plaintiffs appealed that ruling. Briefing is underway.

Buchanan v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 2007-CA-3565, Circuit Court of the 2nd Judicial Circuit, Leon County (case filed 12/17/07). This was a wrongful death action that proceeded to jury trial in November 2012. In December 2012, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff and awarded compensatory damages in the amount of $5,500,000. The jury apportioned fault as follows: Decedent - 26%, Philip Morris - 37% and Liggett - 37% ($2,750,000). In April 2012, a joint and several judgment was entered against the defendants for $5,500,000 and the court refused to reduce the award by the Decedent's comparative fault. In July 2014, the First District Court of Appeal affirmed the lower court, but certified to the Florida Supreme Court the issue of the statute of repose, which was before that court in Hess. In August 2014, defendants filed a notice to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court which was declined in February 2016. Defendants are considering further appellate options. In the third quarter of 2015, Liggett accrued $4,146,000 for this matter. The parties reached confidential settlement agreements regarding the amount of plaintiff's attorneys' fees and costs.

Calloway v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-21770, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 05/15/08). This was a wrongful death action that proceeded to jury trial in April 2012. In May 2012, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff and awarded compensatory damages in the amount of $20,500,000, which the court subsequently reduced to $16,100,000.  The jury apportioned fault as follows: Decedent - 20.5%, R.J. Reynolds - 27%, Philip Morris - 25%, Lorillard - 18% and Liggett - 9.5% ($1,529,500).  In August 2012, the trial court entered a joint and several judgment for compensatory damages in that amount. In addition, the judgment awarded plaintiff $7,600,000 in punitive damages against Liggett. An order of entitlement to attorneys' fees and costs was also entered against the defendants. In January 2016, the Fourth District Court of Appeal reversed in part

2


and remanded the case for a new trial on plaintiff’s fraudulent concealment and conspiracy claims because of the trial court’s failure to instruct the jury that plaintiff must establish detrimental reliance to prevail on those claims.  The court further remanded for a new trial on the entitlement to, and amount of, punitive damages in light of its ruling on the fraudulent concealment and conspiracy claims.  In addition, the court instructed the trial court that it should apportion the compensatory damages based on the jury’s assignment of fault to the respective parties.  The court also granted the plaintiff's motion for appellate attorneys' fees and costs. Plaintiff and defendants have moved for rehearing of that decision.

Caprio v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 2007-CV-036719, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 12/28/07). This was a personal injury action that proceeded to jury trial in February 2015. At trial, the court directed verdict in Liggett’s favor on all of plaintiff’s claims other than conspiracy. The jury returned a partial verdict in favor of plaintiff and against Philip Morris, R.J. Reynolds, Lorillard and Liggett and awarded economic damages in the amount of $559,172. In May 2015, over defendants' objections, the court entered a partial verdict on class membership, product use causation, and economic damages and ordered a new trial on the remaining issues, including comparative fault and punitive damages. Defendants' post-trial motions were denied. Defendants appealed to the  Fourth District Court of Appeal. Briefing is underway.

Cohen, D. v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 09-004042, Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County (case filed 02/04/09).  This was a wrongful death action that proceeded to jury trial in April 2013. In May 2013, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff and awarded compensatory damages in the amount of $2,055,000. The jury apportioned fault as follows: Decedent - 40%, RJR - 30%, Lorillard - 20% and Liggett - 10% ($205,500). In June 2013, the trial court granted defendants' motion for a new trial due to plaintiff's improper arguments during closing. Plaintiff filed a notice of appeal and the defendants filed a notice of cross appeal to the Fourth District Court of Appeal. Oral argument is scheduled for June 7, 2016.

Irimi v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-26337 19, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 06/30/08).  This was a wrongful death action that proceeded to jury trial in July 2014. In August 2014, the jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff and awarded compensatory damages in the amount of $3,123,426. The jury apportioned fault as follows: Decedent - 70%, R.J. Reynolds - 14.5%, Lorillard - 14.5% and Liggett - 1% ($31,234). In January 2015, the court granted defendants' motion for a new trial. Plaintiff filed a notice of appeal to the Fourth District Court of Appeal and the defendants filed a notice of cross appeal. Briefing is underway.

Putney v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 07-36668, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 12/28/07). This was a wrongful death action that proceeded to jury trial in March 2010. In April 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 fault as follows: Decedent - 35%, R.J. Reynolds - 30%, Liggett - 20% ($3,008,138) and Philip Morris - 15%. No punitive damages were awarded against Liggett. Defendants appealed to the Fourth District Court of Appeal. The Fourth District Court of Appeal held that the trial court erred in entering summary judgment against defendants on their statute of repose defense and in not reducing the compensatory damages award as excessive.  Both parties filed notices to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court. In February 2016, the Florida Supreme Court reinstated the jury's verdict. The defendants moved for clarification of that order, which was granted and the Florida Supreme Court made clear that its decision only reversed that part of the Fourth District Court of Appeal’s decision relating to the statute of repose.  Accordingly, the Fourth District Court of Appeal’s  decision holding that the compensatory damages award was excessive remains intact.  On remand to the the Fourth District Court of Appeal, the plaintiff filed a motion for supplemental briefing to address developments in Engle progeny case law since the date of its original decision. Defendants opposed that motion. A ruling is pending. On remand to the trial court, pursuant to the Fourth District Court of Appeal's decision, the trial court will enter a remittitur which either party may reject.  If the remittitur is rejected, there will be a new trial on damages. Plaintiff moved for an award of attorneys' fees against Liggett pursuant to the fee shifting provisions of Florida's proposal for settlement statute based on a settlement offer that was not accepted by Liggett.  The court granted the attorneys' fee motion with the amount to be determined in a future proceeding.

Ward v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 2008-CA-2135, Circuit Court of the 1st Judicial Circuit, Escambia County (case filed 12/13/07). This was a wrongful death action that proceeded to jury trial in January 2012. In January 2012, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff and awarded compensatory damages in the amount of $1,000,000. The jury apportioned fault as follows: Decedent - 50%, R.J. Reynolds - 30%, Philip Morris - 10%,

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Lorillard - 9.9% and Liggett - 0.1% ($1,000). No punitive damages were awarded against Liggett. A joint and several judgment was entered against the defendants for $487,000. In September 2013, the First District Court of Appeal affirmed. Liggett satisfied the merits judgment in January 2014.  In November 2015, the trial court awarded plaintiff $981,116 in attorneys’ fees and costs and entered final judgment jointly and severally against defendants.  Defendants appealed that final judgment.


B. Other Individual Cases.

Florida

Capone v. Philip Morris Inc., et al., Case No. 05-10312-CA-24, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County (case filed 05/12/14). One individual suing. The smoker was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2003, and in 2005, he and his wife sued Philip Morris.  The smoker died in 2006.  In January 2008, plaintiff filed a Motion to Amend the Complaint to assert a claim for wrongful death, allege Engle claims and to add defendants not previously sued, including Liggett and Vector.  The amended complaint asserts both Engle and non-Engle claims.  In September 2015, Liggett and Vector answered the amended complaint and asserted various defenses, including that all of plaintiff’s claims are time barred.

Cowart v. Liggett Group Inc., et al., Case No. 98-01483-CA, Circuit Court of the 4th Judicial Circuit, Duval County (case filed 03/16/98). One individual suing. Liggett is the only tobacco company defendant in this case. The case is dormant.

Cox v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 05-CA-000677, Circuit Court of the 13th Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County (case filed 01/21/05). One individual suing. There has been no recent activity in this case.

Diamond v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 08-24533, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 05/30/08).  One individual suing. There has been no recent activity in this case.

Ditslear v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 05-CA-000899, Circuit Court of the 13th Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County (case filed 01/28/05). One individual suing. There has been no recent activity in this case.

Fine v. Philip Morris, Inc., et al., Case No. 08-000383 (AA), Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County (case filed 01/07/08).  One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. There has been no recent activity in this case.

Fuchs v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 05-CA-000681, Circuit Court of the 13th Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County (case filed 01/21/05). One individual suing. There has been no recent activity in this case.

Gentile v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 50215CA-005405XXXXMB, Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County (case filed 05/26/15). 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, Broward County (case filed 08/15/08).  One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. In addition to Liggett, Vector Tobacco is named as a defendant. In October 2008, defendants moved to dismiss the case. A hearing has not been scheduled.

Laschke, et al. v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 96-8131-CI-008, Circuit Court of the 6th Judicial Circuit, 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 moved to dismiss the amended complaint. A hearing has not been scheduled.

Meckler v. Liggett Group Inc., Case No. 97-03949-CA, Circuit Court of the 4th Judicial Circuit, Duval County (case filed 07/10/97). One individual suing. Liggett is the only defendant in this case. The case is dormant.


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Shaw v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 05-CA-002863, Circuit Court of the 13th Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County (case filed 03/30/05). One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. Defendants moved to dismiss the case.

Louisiana

Oser v. The American Tobacco Co., et al., Case No. 97-9293, Circuit Court of the Civil District Court, Parish of Orleans (case filed 05/27/97). One individual suing. There has been no recent activity in this case.

Reese, et al. v. R. J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 2003-12761, Circuit Court of the 22nd Judicial District Court, St. Tammany Parish (case filed 06/10/03). Five individuals suing. There has been no recent activity in this case.

Maryland

Bearman, et al. v. Union Carbide Corporation, et al., Case No. 24-X-14-000303, Circuit Court, Baltimore City (case filed 07/13/15).  Two individuals suing.  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.

Cook, et al. v. Union Carbide Corporation, et al., Case No. 24-X-13-000445, Circuit Court, Baltimore City (case filed 09/12/13). Two individuals suing. 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. In November 2013, defendants moved to dismiss the complaint. The motion is pending.

Cowens, et al. v. John Crane-Houdaille Inc., et al., Case No. 24-X-11-000335, Circuit Court, Baltimore City (case filed 09/12/13). Three individuals suing. Plaintiffs are the surviving children of the decedent. Plaintiffs seek damages allegedly caused to decedent by exposure to asbestos and cigarette smoke, with claims against certain asbestos manufacturer defendants and certain tobacco company defendants, including Vector Tobacco. In January 2014, defendants moved to dismiss the complaint. The motion is pending.

Culotta v. Union Carbide Corporation, et al., Case No. 24-X-12-000690, Circuit Court, Baltimore City (case filed 06/20/13). One individual suing. Plaintiff seeks damages allegedly caused to decedent by exposure to asbestos and cigarette smoke, with claims against certain asbestos manufacturer defendants and certain tobacco company defendants. In July 2013, defendants moved to dismiss the complaint. The motion is pending.

Danna v. Union Carbide Corporation, et al., Case No. 24-X-15-000155, Circuit Court, Baltimore City (case filed 08/19/15). One individual suing. Plaintiff seeks damages allegedly caused by his exposure to asbestos and cigarette smoke, with claims against certain asbestos manufacturer defendants and certain tobacco company defendants.

Fales v. John Crane-Houdaille, Inc., et al., Case No. 24-X-11-000326, Circuit Court, Baltimore City (case filed 06/10/13). One individual suing. Plaintiff is the surviving child of decedent. Plaintiff seeks damages allegedly caused to decedent by exposure to asbestos and cigarette smoke, with claims against certain asbestos manufacturer defendants and certain tobacco company defendants. In July 2013, defendants moved to dismiss the complaint. The motion is pending.

Lively v. Union Carbide Corporation, et al., Case No. 24-X-13-000710, Circuit Court, Baltimore City (case filed 03/20/15). One individual suing. Plaintiff seeks damages allegedly caused to decedent by exposure to asbestos and cigarette smoke, with claims against certain asbestos manufacturer defendants and certain tobacco company defendants, including Liggett and Vector Tobacco. In April 2015, defendants moved to dismiss the complaint. The motion is pending.

Ruth v. Union Carbide Corporation, et al., Case No. 24-X-13-000717, Circuit Court, Baltimore City (case filed 08/07/15). One individual suing. Plaintiff seeks damages allegedly caused by his exposure to asbestos, with claims against certain asbestos manufacturer defendants and certain tobacco company defendants, including Liggett.


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Sapp, et al. v. Union Carbide Corporation, et al., Case No. 24-X-14-000310, Circuit Court, Baltimore City (case filed 07/13/15).  Four individuals suing.  Plaintiffs seek damages allegedly caused by exposure to asbestos and cigarettes, with claims against certain asbestos manufacturer defendants and certain tobacco company defendants, including Liggett.

Schwartz v. Union Carbide Corporation, et al., Case No. 24-X-15-000074, Circuit Court, Baltimore City (case filed 05/22/15). One individual suing. Plaintiff seeks damages allegedly caused to decedent by exposure to asbestos and cigarette smoke, with claims against certain asbestos manufacturer defendants and certain tobacco company defendants, including Liggett. In June 2015, defendants moved to dismiss the complaint. The motion is pending.

Thorpe, et al. v. Union Carbide Corporation, et al., Case No. 24-X-14-000225, Circuit Court, Baltimore City (case filed 05/16/14). Two individuals suing. Plaintiffs are the surviving children of the decedent. Plaintiffs seek damages allegedly caused to decedent by exposure to asbestos and cigarette smoke, with claims against certain asbestos manufacturer defendants and certain tobacco company defendants, including Liggett. In July 2014, defendants moved to dismiss the complaint. The motion is pending.

Wilt, et al. v. Union Carbide Corporation, et al., Case No. 24-X-12-000529, Circuit Court, Baltimore City (case filed 04/24/14). Two individuals suing. Plaintiff and his wife seek damages allegedly caused by his exposure to asbestos and cigarettes, with claims against certain asbestos manufacturer defendants and certain tobacco company defendants. In July 2014, defendants moved to dismiss the complaint. The motion is pending.

Missouri

Nuzum, et al. v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, et al., Case No. 03-cv-237237, Circuit Court, Jackson County (case filed 05/21/03). Two individuals suing. A case management conference is scheduled for June 24, 2016.

New York

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. There has been no recent activity in this case.

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 remaining defendant. In July 2013, the court granted plaintiffs' motion to restore the case to the active docket calendar. Liggett appealed, and the intermediate appellate court affirmed the lower court's decision. In November 2015, the court entered a case management order providing discovery deadlines.

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. There has been no recent activity in this case.

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 industry's 1998 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. The case is stayed.

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. There has been no recent activity in this case.

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 industry's 1998 settlement with the New York Attorney General, but denied the defendants' motion to dismiss the case. The dismissal of the punitive damages

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claim was affirmed by the intermediate appellate court in May 2010.  Plaintiffs' motion to reargue the decision was denied by the appellate court. The case is stayed.

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. There has been no recent activity in this case.

Ohio

Croft, et al. v. Akron Gasket & Packing, et al., Case No. CV04541681, Court of Common Pleas, Cuyahoga County (case filed 08/25/05). Two individuals suing. There has been no recent activity in this case.

West Virginia

Brewer, et al. v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 01-C-82, Circuit Court, Ohio County (case filed 03/20/01). Two individuals suing. There has been no recent activity in this case.

Little v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 01-C-235, Circuit Court, Ohio County (case filed 06/04/01). One individual suing. There has been no recent activity in this case.


II. CLASS ACTION CASES

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 of certain "common" issues. Liggett was severed from trial of the consolidated action. After two mistrials, in May 2013, the jury rejected all but one of the plaintiffs' claims, finding in favor of plaintiffs on the claim that ventilated filter cigarettes between 1964 and July 1, 1969 should have included instructions on how to use them. The issue of damages was reserved for further proceedings. The court entered judgment in October 2013, dismissing all claims except the ventilated filter claim. The judgment was affirmed on appeal and remanded to the trial court for further proceedings. In April 2015, the plaintiffs filed a petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court which subsequently declined review. In July 2015, the trial court ruled on the scope of the ventilated filter claim and determined that only 30 plaintiffs have potentially viable claims against the non-Liggett defendants, which may be pursued in a second phase of the trial. The court intends to try the claims of these plaintiffs in six consolidated trials, each with five plaintiffs. The trial court set the first date for the consolidated trials for January 9, 2017. With respect to Liggett, the trial court requested that Liggett and plaintiffs brief whether any claims against Liggett survive given the outcome of the first phase of the trial.  A hearing is scheduled for May 23, 2016.  If the case proceeds against Liggett, it is estimated that Liggett could be a defendant in less than 25 of the remaining individual cases.

Parsons, et al. v. A C & S Inc., et al., Case No. 98-C-388, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed 02/09/98). This purported class action is brought on behalf of plaintiff's 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 (Nitral Liquidators, Inc., Desseaux Corporation of North America and Armstrong World Industries) 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, were exposed to secondhand smoke from cigarettes that were manufactured by the defendants, including Liggett, and suffered injury as a result of that exposure. The plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. No class certification hearing has been held. In 2013, plaintiffs filed a motion to stay the case and that motion was granted.  




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III. HEALTH CARE COST RECOVERY ACTIONS

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.

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