VECTOR GROUP LTD - Quarter Report: 2008 June (Form 10-Q)
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
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 June 30, 2008
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For The Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2008
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
1-5759 Commission File Number |
65-0949535 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
100 S.E. Second Street
Miami, Florida 33131
305/579-8000
(Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code,
of the principal executive offices)
Miami, Florida 33131
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 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.
Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company o | |||
(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 August 8, 2008, Vector Group Ltd. had 62,865,310 shares of common stock outstanding.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Vector Group Ltd. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
June 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
ASSETS: |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 219,798 | $ | 238,117 | ||||
Investment securities available for sale |
37,508 | 45,875 | ||||||
Accounts receivable trade |
8,607 | 3,113 | ||||||
Inventories |
91,102 | 86,825 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
17,760 | 18,336 | ||||||
Other current assets |
4,850 | 3,360 | ||||||
Total current assets |
379,625 | 395,626 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
51,848 | 54,432 | ||||||
Mortgage receivable |
21,704 | | ||||||
Long-term investments accounted for at cost |
73,018 | 72,971 | ||||||
Long-term investment accounted for under the equity method |
| 10,495 | ||||||
Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses |
43,857 | 35,731 | ||||||
Restricted assets |
9,025 | 8,766 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
27,417 | 26,637 | ||||||
Intangible asset |
107,511 | 107,511 | ||||||
Prepaid pension costs |
44,126 | 42,084 | ||||||
Other assets |
29,928 | 31,036 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 788,059 | $ | 785,289 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY: |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt |
$ | 18,946 | $ | 20,618 | ||||
Accounts payable |
3,008 | 6,980 | ||||||
Accrued promotional expenses |
10,479 | 9,210 | ||||||
Income taxes payable, net |
7,505 | 2,363 | ||||||
Accrued excise and payroll taxes payable, net |
4,728 | 5,327 | ||||||
Settlement accruals |
27,497 | 10,041 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
96,557 | 24,019 | ||||||
Accrued interest |
9,525 | 9,475 | ||||||
Other current liabilities |
17,167 | 21,304 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
195,412 | 109,337 | ||||||
Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion |
278,246 | 277,178 | ||||||
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt |
94,267 | 101,582 | ||||||
Non-current employee benefits |
43,489 | 40,933 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
63,854 | 141,904 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
18,149 | 13,503 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
693,417 | 684,437 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies |
||||||||
Stockholders equity: |
||||||||
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized |
| | ||||||
Common stock, par value $0.10 per share, 150,000,000 shares authorized,
65,811,262 and 63,307,020 shares issued and 62,865,310 and
and 60,361,068 shares outstanding |
6,286 | 6,036 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
91,022 | 89,494 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
| | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
10,191 | 18,179 | ||||||
Less: 2,945,952 shares of common stock in treasury, at cost |
(12,857 | ) | (12,857 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders equity |
94,642 | 100,852 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 788,059 | $ | 785,289 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
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VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
Revenues* |
$ | 142,960 | $ | 140,351 | $ | 275,165 | $ | 274,243 | ||||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold* |
86,030 | 87,222 | 166,037 | 171,907 | ||||||||||||
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses |
22,585 | 23,946 | 46,742 | 47,433 | ||||||||||||
Operating income |
34,345 | 29,183 | 62,386 | 54,903 | ||||||||||||
Other income (expenses): |
||||||||||||||||
Interest and dividend income |
1,375 | 1,561 | 3,346 | 3,417 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(15,257 | ) | (9,520 | ) | (30,510 | ) | (18,654 | ) | ||||||||
Change in fair value of derivatives embedded within
convertible debt |
9,759 | 2,089 | 7,315 | 2,116 | ||||||||||||
Provision for loss on investments |
| | | (1,158 | ) | |||||||||||
Gain from exchange of LTS notes |
| 8,121 | | 8,121 | ||||||||||||
Equity income from non-consolidated real
estate businesses |
4,184 | 6,927 | 17,504 | 9,337 | ||||||||||||
Income from lawsuit settlement |
| | | 20,000 | ||||||||||||
Other, net |
(4 | ) | (31 | ) | (577 | ) | (36 | ) | ||||||||
Income before provision for income taxes |
34,402 | 38,330 | 59,464 | 78,046 | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense |
15,277 | 16,949 | 26,032 | 33,538 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 19,125 | $ | 21,381 | $ | 33,432 | $ | 44,508 | ||||||||
Per basic common share: |
||||||||||||||||
Net income applicable to common shares |
$ | 0.30 | $ | 0.33 | $ | 0.53 | $ | 0.70 | ||||||||
Per diluted common share: |
||||||||||||||||
Net income applicable to common shares |
$ | 0.25 | $ | 0.32 | $ | 0.51 | $ | 0.68 | ||||||||
Cash distributions and dividends declared per share |
$ | 0.40 | $ | 0.38 | $ | 0.80 | $ | 0.76 | ||||||||
* | Revenues and Cost of goods sold include excise taxes of $43,201, $44,795, $83,723 and $89,280, respectively |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
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VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Paid-In | Retained | Comprehensive | Treasury | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Capital | Earnings | Income | Stock | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2007 |
60,361,068 | $ | 6,036 | $ | 89,494 | $ | | $ | 18,179 | $ | (12,857 | ) | $ | 100,852 | ||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 33,432 | | | 33,432 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Pension-related minimum liability adjustments,
net of taxes |
| | | | 390 | | 390 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Forward contract adjustments, net of taxes |
| | | | 17 | | 17 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized loss on long-term investments accounted for
under the equity method, net of taxes |
| | | | (399 | ) | | (399 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized loss on investment securities,
net of taxes |
| | | | (7,996 | ) | | (7,996 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income |
| | | | | | (7,988 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
| | | | | | 25,444 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions and dividends on common stock |
| | (18,295 | ) | (33,432 | ) | | | (51,727 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of options, net of 1,375,895 shares delivered to
pay exercise price |
2,504,242 | 250 | (226 | ) | | | | 24 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Excess tax benefit of options exercised |
| | 18,283 | | | | 18,283 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred compensation |
| | 1,766 | | | | 1,766 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2008 |
62,865,310 | $ | 6,286 | $ | 91,022 | $ | | $ | 10,191 | $ | (12,857 | ) | $ | 94,642 | ||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
Table of Contents
VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Six Months | Six Months | |||||||
Ended | Ended | |||||||
June 30, 2008 | June 30, 2007 | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 35,885 | $ | 57,360 | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||
Purchase of investment securities |
(5,182 | ) | (6,032 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sale or liquidation of long-term investments |
8,334 | 50 | ||||||
Purchase of long-term investments |
(51 | ) | (91 | ) | ||||
Purchase of mortgage receivable |
(21,704 | ) | | |||||
Distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses |
16,446 | 1,000 | ||||||
Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses |
(10,000 | ) | (750 | ) | ||||
Increases in cash surrender value of life insurance policies |
(521 | ) | (524 | ) | ||||
Increase in non-current restricted assets |
(259 | ) | (313 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets |
373 | | ||||||
Capital expenditures |
(2,456 | ) | (2,716 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(15,020 | ) | (9,376 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||
Proceeds from debt issuance |
| 1,576 | ||||||
Repayments of debt |
(2,984 | ) | (38,205 | ) | ||||
Deferred financing charges |
(137 | ) | | |||||
Borrowings under revolver |
255,118 | 275,062 | ||||||
Repayments on revolver |
(256,753 | ) | (258,419 | ) | ||||
Dividends and distributions on common stock |
(52,737 | ) | (50,360 | ) | ||||
Excess tax benefit of options exercised |
18,283 | | ||||||
Proceeds from exercise of options |
26 | 1,978 | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(39,184 | ) | (68,368 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
(18,319 | ) | (20,384 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
238,117 | 146,769 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
$ | 219,798 | $ | 126,385 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
Table of Contents
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
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 Inc. (Liggett
Vector Brands), New Valley LLC (New Valley) and other less significant subsidiaries. All
significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Liggett is engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the United States.
Vector Tobacco is engaged in the development and marketing of low nicotine and nicotine-free
cigarette products and the development of reduced risk cigarette products. New Valley is
engaged in the real estate business and is seeking to acquire additional operating companies
and real estate properties.
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company are unaudited and,
in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments necessary (which are normal and
recurring) to state fairly the Companys consolidated financial position, results of
operations and cash flows. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read
in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in
the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The consolidated results of operations for interim
periods should not be regarded as necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected
for the entire year.
(b) | Distributions and dividends on common stock: |
The Company records distributions on its common stock as dividends in its condensed
consolidated statement of stockholders equity to the extent of retained earnings. Any amounts
exceeding retained earnings are recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in-capital.
(c) | Earnings Per Share (EPS): |
Information concerning the Companys common stock has been adjusted to give effect to the 5%
stock dividend paid to Company stockholders on September 28, 2007. All share and per share
amounts have been presented as if the stock dividend had occurred on January 1, 2007.
The Company has stock option awards which provide for common stock dividends at the same rate
as paid on the common stock with respect to the shares underlying the unexercised portion of
the options. As a result, in its calculation of basic EPS for the three and six months ended
June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company has adjusted its net income for the effect of its
participating securities as follows:
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 19,125 | $ | 21,381 | $ | 33,432 | $ | 44,508 | ||||||||
Income attributable to
participating securities |
(871 | ) | (1,400 | ) | (1,553 | ) | (2,916 | ) | ||||||||
Net income available to
common stockholders |
$ | 18,254 | $ | 19,981 | $ | 31,879 | $ | 41,592 | ||||||||
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the
weighted-average number of shares outstanding, which includes vested restricted stock.
Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of stock options, unvested restricted stock grants
and convertible securities. However, in its calculation of diluted EPS for the three and
six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company has adjusted its net income for the
effect of the participating securities, stock options, unvested restricted stock grants and
convertible securities as follows:
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 19,125 | $ | 21,381 | $ | 33,432 | $ | 44,508 | ||||||||
(Income) expenses attributable
to 3.875% convertible
debentures |
(1,500 | ) | 1,578 | 2,527 | 3,903 | |||||||||||
Income attributable to
participating securities |
(803 | ) | (1,502 | ) | (1,670 | ) | (3,172 | ) | ||||||||
Net income available to
common stockholders |
$ | 16,822 | $ | 21,457 | $ | 34,289 | $ | 45,239 | ||||||||
Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of stock options, unvested restricted stock grants and
convertible securities.
Basic and diluted EPS were calculated using the following shares for the three and six months
ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
Weighted-average shares for
basic EPS |
60,472,973 | 59,474,807 | 60,223,014 | 59,420,061 | ||||||||||||
Plus incremental shares
related to stock options and
non-vested restricted stock. |
1,234,435 | 1,366,028 | 1,401,401 | 1,433,767 | ||||||||||||
Plus incremental shares related
to convertible debt |
5,641,026 | 5,641,026 | 5,641,026 | 5,641,026 | ||||||||||||
Weighted-average shares for
fully diluted EPS |
67,348,434 | 66,481,861 | 67,265,441 | 66,494,854 | ||||||||||||
The following stock options, non-vested restricted stock and shares issuable upon the conversion
of convertible debt were outstanding during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and
2007 but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the exercise prices of the
options and the per share expense associated with the restricted stock were greater than the
average market price of the common shares during the respective periods, and the impact of
common shares issuable under the convertible debt were anti-dilutive to EPS.
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
Number of stock options |
491,569 | 500,717 | 491,569 | 500,717 | ||||||||||||
Weighted-average exercise price |
$ | 20.21 | $ | 20.31 | $ | 20.21 | $ | 20.31 | ||||||||
Weighted-average shares of
non-vested restricted stock |
388,495 | 12,000 | 112,870 | 112,345 | ||||||||||||
Weighted-average expense per share |
$ | 17.94 | $ | 18.87 | $ | 18.47 | $ | 18.26 | ||||||||
Weighted-average number of shares
issuable upon conversion of debt |
6,674,463 | 6,674,463 | 6,674,463 | 6,674,463 | ||||||||||||
Weighted-average conversion price |
$ | 16.76 | $ | 16.76 | $ | 16.76 | $ | 16.76 | ||||||||
The $18,283 excess tax benefit of options exercised was derived primarily from stock options
exercised during the second quarter of 2008.
(d) | Comprehensive Income: |
Other comprehensive income is a component of stockholders equity and includes such items as the
unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale, forward foreign
contracts and minimum pension liability adjustments. Total comprehensive income for the three
and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 19,125 | $ | 21,381 | $ | 33,432 | $ | 44,508 | ||||||||
Forward contract adjustments,
net of income taxes |
8 | (8 | ) | 17 | (7 | ) | ||||||||||
Pension related minimum liability
adjustments, net of income taxes |
195 | 298 | 390 | 597 | ||||||||||||
Net unrealized gains on long-term
investments accounted under
the equity method: |
||||||||||||||||
Change in net unrealized gains, net
of income taxes |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Net unrealized gains reclassified
into net income, net of income
taxes |
| 33 | (399 | ) | 240 | |||||||||||
Change in unrealized gains, net
of income taxes |
| 33 | (399 | ) | 240 | |||||||||||
Net unrealized gains on investment
securities available for sale: |
||||||||||||||||
Change in net unrealized gains, net
of income taxes |
(4,865 | ) | (2,254 | ) | (7,996 | ) | 11,369 | |||||||||
Net unrealized gains reclassified
into net income, net of income
taxes |
| | | 684 | ||||||||||||
Change in unrealized gains, net
of income taxes |
(4,865 | ) | (2,254 | ) | (7,996 | ) | 12,053 | |||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
$ | 14,463 | $ | 19,450 | $ | 25,444 | $ | 57,391 | ||||||||
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income taxes, were as follows
as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007:
June 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Net unrealized gains on investment securities
available for sale, net of income taxes of
$4,809 and $9,943, respectively |
$ | 6,370 | $ | 14,367 | ||||
Net unrealized gains on long-term
investments accounted for under
the equity method, net of income taxes of
$0 and $276, respectively |
| 399 | ||||||
Forward contracts adjustment, net of income
taxes of $207 and $219, respectively |
(300 | ) | (317 | ) | ||||
Additional pension liability, net of income taxes
of $2,721 and $2,452 respectively |
4,121 | 3,730 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive
income |
$ | 10,191 | $ | 18,179 | ||||
(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 yield of the Companys
debt when compared to risk-free securities with the same duration; thus, a readily determinable
fair market value of the embedded derivatives is not available. The valuation model assumes
future dividend payments by the company and utilizes interest rates and credit spreads for
secured to unsecured debt, unsecured to subordinated debt and subordinated debt to preferred
stock to determine the fair value of the derivatives embedded within the convertible debt. The
valuation also considers items, including current and future dividends and the volatility of
Vectors stock price. The range of estimated fair market values of the Companys embedded
derivatives was between $93,300 and $95,300. The Company recorded the fair market value of its
embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs at $94,267 as of June 30, 2008. The
estimated fair market value of our embedded derivatives could change significantly based on
future market conditions. (See Note 6.)
(f) | Contingencies: |
The Company records Liggetts product liability legal expenses and other litigation costs as
operating, selling, general and administrative expenses as those costs are incurred. As
discussed in Note 8, legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters are pending or
threatened in various jurisdictions against Liggett.
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Management is unable to make a reasonable estimate with respect to the amount or range of loss
that could result from an unfavorable outcome of pending tobacco-related litigation or the costs
of defending such cases, and the Company has not provided any amounts in its consolidated
financial statements for unfavorable outcomes, if any. Litigation is subject to many
uncertainties, and it is possible that the Companys consolidated financial position, results of
operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any
such tobacco-related litigation.
(g) | New Accounting Pronouncements: |
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157) for financial assets and financial liabilities.
SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements but provides a definition of fair
value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about fair value
measurements. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial
liabilities on January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 on financial assets and financial
liabilities did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial
position or cash flows. The Company is currently assessing the impact of SFAS No. 157 for
nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities on its consolidated results of operations,
financial position or cash flows.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities. SFAS No. 159 permits entities to elect to measure many financial
instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured
at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007,
with early adoption permitted provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS
No. 157. The Company has not elected to use the fair value option.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), a revised version of SFAS No. 141, Business
Combinations. The revision is intended to simplify existing guidance and converge rulemaking
under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) with international accounting
rules. This statement applies prospectively to business combinations where the acquisition date
is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December
15, 2008. An entity may not apply it before that date. The new standard also converges
financial reporting under U.S. GAAP with international accounting rules. The Company is
currently assessing the impact, if any, of SFAS No. 141(R) on its consolidated financial
statements, which will depend on future transactions.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. SFAS No. 161 seeks qualitative
disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative data about
the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative contracts, and details of
credit-risk-related contingent features in hedged positions. SFAS No. 161 also seeks enhanced
disclosure around derivative instruments in financial statements, accounting under SFAS No. 133,
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and how hedges affect an
entitys financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for
the Company as of January 1, 2009 and the Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 161
to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash
flows.
On May 9, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible
Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash
Settlement) (FSP No. APB 14-1). The Company is currently assessing the impact of FSP No. APB
14-1 on its consolidated financial statements.
On June 16, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. EITF 03-6-1, Determining Whether
Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities, which
states that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends
or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be
included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method. The guidance is
effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008,
and interim periods within those years. The Company is currently assessing the impact of FSP No.
EITF 03-6-1 on its consolidated financial statements.
10
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
2. | RESTRUCTURING |
The only remaining component of the 2006 Vector Research restructuring at June 30, 2008 and
December 31, 2007 was employee severance and benefits of $14 and $70, respectively.
Approximately $32 and $56 was utilized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008,
respectively.
The only remaining component of the 2004 Liggett Vector Brands restructuring at June 30, 2008
and December 31, 2007 was contract termination and exit costs and the balance was $564 and $598
at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. Approximately $18 and $34 was utilized
during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.
3. | INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE |
Investment securities classified as available for sale are carried at fair value, with net
unrealized gains or losses included as a component of stockholders equity, net of income taxes.
The components of investment securities available for sale at June 30, 2008 are as follows:
Gross | Gross | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized | Unrealized | Fair | ||||||||||||||
Cost | Gain | Loss | Value | |||||||||||||
Marketable equity securities |
$ | 26,730 | $ | 11,303 | $ | (525 | ) | $ | 37,508 | |||||||
Investment securities available for sale as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 include the
Companys 13,888,889 shares of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (LTS) common stock,
which were carried at $20,972 and $29,444, respectively. Investment securities available for
sale as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 also include 5,057,110 and 2,257,110 shares,
respectively, of Opko Health Inc. (Opko) common stock, which were carried at $7,687 and
$6,433. In March 2008, the Company acquired 2,800,000 shares of Opko in a private placement.
These shares have not been registered for resale but are expected to be freely tradable within
one year.
4. | INVENTORIES |
Inventories consist of:
June 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Leaf tobacco |
$ | 46,054 | $ | 41,502 | ||||
Other raw materials |
4,146 | 4,847 | ||||||
Work-in-process |
131 | 710 | ||||||
Finished goods |
47,853 | 45,331 | ||||||
Inventories at current cost |
98,184 | 92,390 | ||||||
LIFO adjustments |
(7,082 | ) | (5,565 | ) | ||||
$ | 91,102 | $ | 86,825 | |||||
The Company has a leaf inventory management program whereby, among other things, it is committed
to purchase certain quantities of leaf tobacco. The purchase commitments are for quantities not
in excess of anticipated requirements and are at prices, including carrying costs, established
at the commitment date. At June 30, 2008, Liggett had leaf tobacco purchase
commitments of approximately $16,160. There were no leaf tobacco purchase commitments at Vector
Tobacco at that date. During 2007, the Company entered into a single source supply agreement for
fire safe cigarette paper through 2012.
11
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
The Company capitalizes the incremental prepaid cost of the Master Settlement Agreement in
ending inventory. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Companys MSA expense was reduced
by approximately $1,100 as a result of a change in estimate to the MSA assessment for 2007,
which was received in March 2008, being less than anticipated.
LIFO inventories represent approximately 95% of total inventories at June 30, 2008 and December
31, 2007.
5. | LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS |
Long-term investments consist of investments in the following:
June 30, 2008 | December 31, 2007 | |||||||||||||||
Carrying | Fair | Carrying | Fair | |||||||||||||
Value | Value | Value | Value | |||||||||||||
Investment partnerships
accounted for at cost |
$ | 73,018 | $ | 83,267 | $ | 72,971 | $ | 89,007 | ||||||||
Investments accounted for
on the equity method |
$ | | $ | | $ | 10,495 | $ | 10,495 |
The principal business of these 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 April 2008, the Company elected to withdraw its investment in Jefferies Buckeye Fund, LLC
(Buckeye Fund), a privately managed investment partnership, of which Jefferies Asset
Management, LLC is the portfolio manager. The Company recorded a loss of $567 during the first
quarter of 2008 associated with the Buckeye Funds performance, which has been included as
Other expense on the Companys condensed consolidated statement of operations. The Company
received proceeds of $8,328 in May 2008 and anticipates receiving an additional $925 of proceeds
in the third quarter of 2008, which has been included in Other current assets on the Companys
condensed consolidated balance sheet.
These investments are carried on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at cost. The fair
value determination disclosed above would be classified as Level 3 under the SFAS 157 hierarchy
disclosed in Note 12 if such assets were recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at
fair value. The fair values were determined based on unobservable inputs and 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.
The changes in the fair value of these investments as of June 30, 2008 were as follows:
Investment | Investment | |||||||
Partnerships | Partnerships | |||||||
Accounted for at | Accounted for on | |||||||
Cost | the Equity Method | |||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2008 |
$ | 89,007 | $ | 10,495 | ||||
Unrealized loss on long-term
investments |
(2,034 | ) | (675 | ) | ||||
Realized loss on long-term
investments |
| (567 | ) | |||||
Balance as of March 31, 2008 |
86,973 | 9,253 | ||||||
Contributions (distributions) |
47 | (8,328 | ) | |||||
Unrealized loss on long-term
investments |
(3,767 | ) | | |||||
Realized gain on long-term
investments |
14 | | ||||||
Receivable classified as
Other currents assets |
| (925 | ) | |||||
Balance as of June 30, 2008 |
$ | 83,267 | $ | | ||||
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
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.
6. | NOTES PAYABLE, LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS |
Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations consist of:
June 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Vector: |
||||||||
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 |
$ | 165,000 | $ | 165,000 | ||||
3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures due
2026, net of unamortized discount of $84,138 and $84,299* |
25,862 | 25,701 | ||||||
5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes due 2011,
net of unamortized net discount of $44,173 and $48,027* |
67,691 | 63,837 | ||||||
Liggett: |
||||||||
Revolving credit facility |
13,146 | 14,782 | ||||||
Term loan under credit facility |
7,556 | 7,822 | ||||||
Equipment loans |
7,737 | 9,660 | ||||||
V.T. Aviation: |
||||||||
Note payable |
5,895 | 6,470 | ||||||
VGR Aviation: |
||||||||
Note payable |
4,205 | 4,370 | ||||||
Other |
100 | 154 | ||||||
Total notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations |
297,192 | 297,796 | ||||||
Less: |
||||||||
Current maturities |
(18,946 | ) | (20,618 | ) | ||||
Amount due after one year |
$ | 278,246 | $ | 277,178 | ||||
* | The fair value of the derivatives embedded within the 3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures ($65,029 at June 30, 2008 and and $67,911 at December 31, 2007) and the 5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes ($29,238 at June 30, 2008 and $33,671 at December 31, 2007) is separately classified as a derivative liability in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. |
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 Vector:
In August 2007, the Company sold $165,000 of its 11% Senior Secured
Notes due 2015 (the Senior Secured Notes) in a private offering to
qualified institutional investors in accordance with Rule 144A of the
Securities Act of 1933. On May 28, 2008, the Company completed an
offer to exchange the Senior Secured Notes for an equal amount of newly
issued 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015. The new Senior Secured Notes have
substantially the same terms as the original notes, except that the
new Senior Secured Notes have been registered under the Securities Act.
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debt Vector:
Vector has issued two series of variable interest senior convertible
debt. Both series of debt pay interest on a quarterly basis at a
stated rate plus an additional amount of interest on each payment
date. The additional amount is based on the amount of cash dividends
paid during the prior three-month period ending on the record date for
such interest payment multiplied by the total number of shares of its
common stock into which the debt will be convertible on such record
date.
A summary of non-cash interest expense associated with the embedded derivative liability
associated with the Companys Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debt for the three and six
months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
3.875% convertible debentures |
$ | 90 | $ | 73 | $ | 180 | $ | (168 | ) | |||||||
5% convertible notes |
1,293 | 940 | 2,481 | 1,648 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense associated with
embedded derivatives |
$ | 1,383 | $ | 1,013 | $ | 2,661 | $ | 1,480 | ||||||||
A summary of non-cash changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt is
as follows:
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
3.875% convertible debentures |
$ | 6,132 | $ | 785 | $ | 2,882 | $ | (106 | ) | |||||||
5% convertible notes |
3,627 | 1,304 | 4,433 | 2,222 | ||||||||||||
Gain on changes in fair value of
derivatives embedded within
convertible debt |
$ | 9,759 | $ | 2,089 | $ | 7,315 | $ | 2,116 | ||||||||
The following table reconciles the fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt at
June 30, 2008.
3.875% | 5% | |||||||||||
Convertible | Convertible | |||||||||||
Debentures | Notes | Total | ||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
$ | 67,911 | $ | 33,671 | $ | 101,582 | ||||||
Loss (gain) from changes in fair
value of embedded derivatives |
3,250 | (806 | ) | 2,444 | ||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2008 |
71,161 | 32,865 | 104,026 | |||||||||
Gain from changes in fair
value of embedded derivatives |
(6,132 | ) | (3,627 | ) | (9,759 | ) | ||||||
Balance at June 30, 2008 |
$ | 65,029 | $ | 29,238 | $ | 94,267 | ||||||
14
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Beneficial Conversion Feature on Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debt:
A summary of non-cash interest expense associated with the beneficial conversion feature on the
Companys Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debt for the three and six months ended June 30,
2008 and 2007 is as follows:
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
Amortization of beneficial
conversion feature: |
||||||||||||||||
3.875% convertible debentures |
$ | (11 | ) | $ | (12 | ) | $ | (19 | ) | $ | (180 | ) | ||||
5% convertible notes |
717 | 517 | 1,373 | 893 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense associated with
beneficial conversion feature |
$ | 706 | $ | 505 | $ | 1,354 | $ | 713 | ||||||||
Unamortized Debt Discount:
The following table reconciles unamortized debt discount at June 30, 2008:
3.875% | 5% | |||||||||||
Convertible | Convertible | |||||||||||
Debentures | Notes | Total | ||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
$ | 84,299 | $ | 48,027 | $ | 132,326 | ||||||
Amortization of embedded derivatives |
(180 | ) | (2,481 | ) | (2,661 | ) | ||||||
Amortization of beneficial conversion feature |
19 | (1,373 | ) | (1,354 | ) | |||||||
Balance at June 30, 2008 |
$ | 84,138 | $ | 44,173 | $ | 128,311 | ||||||
Revolving Credit Facility Liggett:
Liggett has a $50,000 credit facility with Wachovia Bank, N.A. (Wachovia) under which $13,146
was outstanding at June 30, 2008. Availability as determined under the facility was
approximately $18,680 based on eligible collateral at June 30, 2008.
7. | EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS | |
Defined Benefit and Postretirement Plans: | ||
Net periodic benefit cost for the Companys pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 consists of the following: |
Pension Benefits | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, 2008 | June 30, 2007 | June 30, 2008 | June 30, 2007 | |||||||||||||
Service cost benefits earned
during the period |
$ | 1,035 | $ | 1,062 | $ | 2,070 | $ | 2,124 | ||||||||
Interest cost on projected benefit
obligation |
2,381 | 2,281 | 4,762 | 4,562 | ||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(3,036 | ) | (3,183 | ) | (6,072 | ) | (6,366 | ) | ||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost |
350 | 351 | 700 | 702 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of net loss |
25 | 176 | 50 | 352 | ||||||||||||
Net expense |
$ | 755 | $ | 687 | $ | 1,510 | $ | 1,374 | ||||||||
15
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Other | ||||||||||||||||
Postretirement Benefits | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, 2008 | June 30, 2007 | June 30, 2008 | June 30, 2007 | |||||||||||||
Service cost
benefits earned during the period |
$ | 4 | $ | 4 | $ | 8 | $ | 8 | ||||||||
Interest cost on projected benefit
obligation |
148 | 148 | 296 | 296 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of net loss |
(45 | ) | (26 | ) | (90 | ) | (52 | ) | ||||||||
Net expense |
$ | 107 | $ | 126 | $ | 214 | $ | 252 | ||||||||
The Company did not make contributions to its pension benefits plans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and does not anticipate making any contributions to such plans in 2008. The Company anticipates paying approximately $750 in other postretirement benefits in 2008. | ||
8. | 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. New cases continue to be commenced against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers. The cases generally fall into the following categories: (i) smoking and health cases alleging personal injury brought on behalf of individual plaintiffs (Individual Actions); (ii) smoking and health cases primarily alleging personal injury or seeking court-supervised programs for ongoing medical monitoring and purporting to be brought on behalf of a class of individual plaintiffs (Class Actions); (iii) health care cost recovery actions brought by various foreign and domestic governmental entities (Governmental Actions); and (iv) health care cost recovery actions brought by third-party payors including insurance companies, union health and welfare trust funds, asbestos manufacturers and others (Third-Party Payor Actions). As new cases are commenced, the costs associated with defending these cases and the risks relating to the inherent unpredictability of litigation continue to increase. The future financial impact of the risks and expenses of litigation and the effects of the tobacco litigation settlements discussed below are not quantifiable at this time. Liggett incurred legal expenses and other litigation related costs totaling approximately $1,706 and $3,206, for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively and $3,069 and $4,237 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. |
16
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Individual Actions | ||
As of June 30, 2008, there were 35 individual cases pending against Liggett and/or the Company, where one or more individual plaintiffs allege injury resulting from cigarette smoking, addiction to cigarette smoking or exposure to secondary smoke and seek compensatory and, in some cases, punitive damages. In addition, there were approximately 2,150 Engle progeny cases (defined below) pending, in state and federal courts in Florida, and approximately 100 individual cases pending in West Virginia state court as part of a consolidated action. The following table lists the number of individual cases by state that are pending against Liggett (excluding Engle progeny cases and the cases consolidated in West Virginia) or its affiliates as of June 30, 2008: |
Number | ||||
State | of Cases | |||
New York |
11 | |||
Florida |
9 | |||
Louisiana |
5 | |||
Maryland |
2 | |||
Mississippi |
2 | |||
West Virginia |
2 | |||
District of Columbia |
1 | |||
Missouri |
1 | |||
Ohio |
1 | |||
Pennsylvania |
1 |
In April 2004, in Davis v. Liggett Group Inc., a Florida state court jury awarded compensatory damages of $540 against Liggett. In addition, plaintiffs counsel was awarded legal fees of $752. Liggett appealed both the verdict and the legal fee award. In October 2007, the compensatory award was affirmed by the Fourth District Court of Appeal, but the court certified certain issues to the Florida Supreme Court. In April 2008, the Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction of the certified issues for appeal. The parties have briefed the issues. In March 2008, the Fourth District Court of Appeal reversed and remanded the legal fee award for further proceedings in the trial court. No amounts have been expensed for this matter. There are three other individual actions where Liggett is the only tobacco company defendant, although all three cases are dormant. | ||
The plaintiffs allegations of liability in those cases in which individuals seek recovery for injuries allegedly caused by cigarette smoking are based on various theories of recovery, including negligence, gross negligence, breach of special duty, strict liability, fraud, concealment, misrepresentation, design defect, failure to warn, breach of express and implied warranties, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, concert of action, unjust enrichment, common law public nuisance, property damage, invasion of privacy, mental anguish, emotional distress, disability, shock, indemnity and violations of deceptive trade practice laws, the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), state RICO statutes and antitrust statutes. In many of these cases, in addition to compensatory damages, plaintiffs also seek other forms of relief including treble/multiple damages, medical monitoring, disgorgement of profits and punitive damages. Although alleged damages often are not determinable from a complaint, and the law governing the pleading and calculation of damages varies from state to state and jurisdiction to jurisdiction, compensatory and punitive damages have been specifically pleaded in a number of cases, sometimes in amounts ranging into the hundreds of millions and even billions of dollars. | ||
Defenses raised by defendants in individual cases include lack of proximate cause, assumption of the risk, comparative fault and/or contributory negligence, lack of design defect, statute of limitations, equitable defenses such as unclean hands and lack of benefit, failure to state a claim and federal preemption. | ||
Jury awards representing material amounts of damages have been returned against other cigarette manufacturers in recent years. The awards in these individual actions are for both compensatory and punitive damages. Over the last several years, after conclusion of all appeals, damage awards have been paid to several individual plaintiffs, including an award of $5,500 in compensatory damages, $50,000 in punitive damages and $27,000 in interest in a case against another cigarette manufacturer. There are several significant jury awards against other cigarette manufacturers which are currently on appeal. | ||
Engle Progeny Cases. In 2000, a jury in Engle v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. rendered a $145,000,000 punitive damages verdict in favor of a Florida Class against certain cigarette manufacturers, including Liggett. Pursuant to the Florida Supreme Courts July 2006 ruling in Engle, which decertified the class on a prospective basis, and affirmed the appellate courts reversal of the punitive damages award, former class members had one year from January 11, 2007 in which to file individual lawsuits. In addition, some individuals who filed suit prior to January 11, 2007, and who claim they meet the conditions in Engle, are attempting to avail themselves of the Engle ruling. Lawsuits by individuals requesting the benefit of the Engle ruling, whether filed before or after the January 11, 2007 mandate, are referred to as the Engle progeny cases. Liggett and/or the Company have been named in approximately 2,150 Engle progeny cases in both state and federal courts in Florida. Other cigarette manufacturers have also been named as defendants in these cases. These cases include approximately 9,570 plaintiffs. Although the total number of Engle plaintiffs will not increase, the number of cases will likely increase as the court may require multi-plaintiff cases to be severed into individual cases. For further information on the Engle case, see Class Actions Engle Case, below. |
17
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Class Actions | ||
As of June 30, 2008, there were 10 actions pending for which either a class has been certified or plaintiffs are seeking class certification, where Liggett is a named defendant. Other cigarette manufacturers are also named. Many of these actions purport to constitute statewide class actions and were filed after May 1996 when the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, in Castano v. American Tobacco Co., Inc., reversed a federal district courts certification of a purported nationwide class action on behalf of persons who were allegedly addicted to tobacco products. | ||
Engle Case. In May 1994, Engle was filed against Liggett and others in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The class consisted of all Florida residents who, by November 21, 1996, have suffered, presently suffer or have died from diseases and medical conditions caused by their addiction to cigarette smoking. In July 1999, after the conclusion of Phase I of the trial, the jury returned a verdict against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers on certain issues determined by the trial court to be common to the causes of action of the plaintiff class. The jury made several findings adverse to the defendants including that defendants conduct rose to a level that would permit a potential award or entitlement to punitive damages. Phase II of the trial was a causation and damages trial for three of the class plaintiffs and a punitive damages trial on a class-wide basis, before the same jury that returned the verdict in Phase I. In April 2000, the jury awarded compensatory damages of $12,704 to the three class plaintiffs, to be reduced in proportion to the respective plaintiffs fault. In July 2000, the jury awarded approximately $145,000,000 in punitive damages against all defendants, including $790,000 against Liggett. | ||
In May 2003, Floridas Third District Court of Appeal reversed the trial courts final judgment and remanded the case with instructions to decertify the class. The judgment in favor of one of the three class plaintiffs, in the amount of $5,831, was overturned as time barred and the court found that Liggett was not liable to the other two class plaintiffs. | ||
In July 2006, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the decision vacating the punitive damages award and held that the class should be decertified prospectively, but preserved several of the trial courts Phase I findings (including that: (i) smoking causes lung cancer, among other diseases; (ii) nicotine in cigarettes is addictive; (iii) defendants placed cigarettes on the market that were defective and unreasonably dangerous; (iv) the defendants concealed material information; (v) all defendants sold or supplied cigarettes that were defective; and (vi) all defendants were negligent) and allowed former class members to proceed to trial on individual liability issues (using the above findings) and compensatory and punitive damage issues, provided they commence their individual lawsuits within one year from January 11, 2007, the date of the courts mandate. 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. As a result of the decision, approximately 9,570 former Engle class members have commenced suit against Liggett and/or the Company as well as other cigarette manufacturers. | ||
In June 2002, the jury in a Florida state court action entitled Lukacs v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, awarded $37,500 in compensatory damages in a case involving Liggett and two other cigarette manufacturers. In March 2003, the court reduced the amount of the compensatory damages to $24,860. The jury found Liggett 50% responsible for the damages incurred by the plaintiff. The Lukacs case was the first case to be tried as an individual Engle class member suit following entry of final judgment by the Engle trial court. After the issuance of the Florida Supreme Courts opinion discussed above, the plaintiff filed a motion requesting that the trial court enter partial final judgment, tax costs and attorneys fees and schedule trial on the punitive damages claims. Defendants opposed the relief sought by plaintiff on the grounds that the reversal by the Florida Supreme Court of the Engle Phase I finding on fraud mandates the reversal of the jury verdict and precludes the entry of final judgment in plaintiffs favor and, in January 2008, filed a submission asking the court to set aside the verdict and order a new trial. Oral argument was held in March 2007. A further hearing on the motion occurred on July 24, 2008. If the court enters judgment in plaintiffs favor, plaintiff contends that interest on the judgment accrues from the date of the verdict. In the event the court enters judgment in plaintiffs favor, Liggett intends to appeal, and may be required to post a bond. In addition, plaintiff filed a motion seeking an award of attorneys fees from Liggett based on plaintiffs prior proposal for settlement. | ||
Other Class Actions. Classes remain certified against Liggett in West Virginia (Blankenship), Kansas (Smith) and New Mexico (Romero). Blankenship is dormant. Smith v. Philip Morris and Romero v. Philip Morris are actions in which plaintiffs allege that cigarette manufacturers conspired to fix cigarette prices in violation of antitrust laws. Class certification was granted in Smith in November 2001. Discovery is ongoing. Class certification was granted in Romero in April 2003 and was affirmed by the New Mexico Supreme Court in February 2005. In June 2006, the trial court granted defendants motions for summary judgment. Plaintiffs appealed to the New Mexico Court of Appeals. Briefing was completed in August 2007 and the parties are awaiting a decision. |
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Class action suits have been filed in a number of states against cigarette manufacturers, alleging, among other things, that the use of the terms light and ultra light constitutes unfair and deceptive trade practices, among other things. One such suit, Schwab v. Philip Morris, pending in federal court in New York since 2004, sought to create a nationwide class of light cigarette smokers. The action asserted claims under RICO which could result in treble damages. The proposed class sought as much as $200,000,000 in damages. In September 2006, the court granted plaintiffs motion for class certification. In April 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit granted the defendants motions to decertify the class. Liggett is a defendant in the Schwab case. | ||
In June 1998, in Cleary v. Philip Morris, Inc., a putative class action was brought in Illinois state court on behalf of persons who were allegedly injured by (i) the defendants purported conspiracy pursuant to which defendants allegedly concealed material facts regarding the addictive nature of nicotine; (ii) the defendants alleged acts of targeting their advertising and marketing to minors; and (iii) the defendants claimed breach of the publics right to defendants compliance with laws prohibiting the distribution of cigarettes to minors. The plaintiffs request that the defendants be required to disgorge all profits unjustly received through their sale of cigarettes to plaintiffs, which in no event will be greater than $75 each, inclusive of punitive damages, interest and costs. In July 2006, the plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification. A class certification hearing occurred in September 2007 and the parties are awaiting a decision. Merits discovery is stayed pending a ruling by the court. Liggett is a defendant in the Cleary case. | ||
In April 2001, in Brown v. American Tobacco Co., Inc., a California state court granted in part plaintiffs motion for class certification and certified a class comprised of adult residents of California who smoked at least one of defendants cigarettes during the applicable time period and who were exposed to defendants marketing and advertising activities in California. In March 2005, the court granted defendants motion to decertify the class based on a recent change in California law. In October 2006, the plaintiffs filed a petition for review with the California Supreme Court, which was granted in November 2006. Oral argument has not yet been scheduled. Liggett is a defendant in the Brown case. | ||
Although not technically a class action, in In Re: Tobacco Litigation (Personal Injury Cases), a West Virginia State court consolidated approximately 750 individual smoker actions that were pending prior to 2001 for trial of certain common issues. In January 2002, the court severed Liggett from the trial of the consolidated action. The consolidation was affirmed on appeal by the West Virginia Supreme Court. In February 2008, the United States Supreme Court denied the defendants petition for writ of certiorari asking the Court to review the trial plan. It is estimated that Liggett could be a defendant in approximately 100 of the cases. In February 2008, the court granted defendants motion to stay all proceedings pending United States Supreme Court review in Altria Group Inc. v. Good. | ||
Class certification motions are pending in a number of other cases and a number of orders denying class certification are on appeal. In addition to the cases described above, numerous class actions remain certified against other cigarette manufacturers, including Scott v. American Tobacco Co., Inc. In this case, a Louisiana jury returned a $591,000 verdict (subsequently reduced by the court to $263,500) against other cigarette manufacturers to fund medical monitoring or smoking cessation programs for members of the class. The verdict is on appeal. | ||
Governmental Actions | ||
As of June 30, 2008, there were two Governmental Actions pending against Liggett, only one of which is active. The claims asserted in health care cost recovery actions vary. In these cases, the governmental entities 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. Other claims made by some but not all plaintiffs include the equitable claim of indemnity, common law claims of negligence, strict liability, breach of express and implied warranty, breach of special duty, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, conspiracy, public nuisance, claims under state and federal statutes governing consumer fraud, antitrust, deceptive trade practices and false advertising, and claims under RICO. |
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In December 1998, in City of St. Louis v. American Tobacco Company Inc., a case pending in Missouri state court, the City of St. Louis and approximately 50 hospitals brought suit against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers seeking recovery of costs expended by the hospitals on behalf of patients who suffer, or have suffered, from illnesses allegedly resulting from the use of cigarettes. In June 2005, the court granted defendants motion for summary judgment as to claims for damages which accrued prior to November 16, 1993. The claims for damages which accrued after November 16, 1993 are pending. Discovery is ongoing. A hearing has been scheduled for September 3, 2008 on motions for summary judgment filed by the parties. Trial is scheduled to commence in January 2010. | ||
DOJ Case. 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 for and furnished, and to be paid for and furnished, 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. The action asserted claims under three federal statutes, the Medical Care Recovery Act (MCRA), the Medicare Secondary Payer provisions of the Social Security Act (MSP) and RICO. In September 2000, the court dismissed the governments claims based on MCRA and MSP. | ||
In August 2006, the trial court entered a Final Judgment and Remedial Order against each of the cigarette manufacturing defendants, except Liggett. The Final Judgment, among other things, ordered that the non-Liggett defendants are enjoined from: (i) committing any act of racketeering concerning the manufacturing, marketing, promotion, health consequences or sale of cigarettes in the United States; (ii) making any material false, misleading, or deceptive statement or representation concerning cigarettes that persuades people to purchase cigarettes; and (iii) utilizing lights, low tar, ultra lights, mild, or natural descriptors, or conveying any other express or implied health messages in connection with the marketing or sale of cigarettes, domestically and internationally. | ||
No monetary damages were awarded other than the governments costs. The defendants appealed the Final Judgment in March 2007. In its appellate brief, the government acknowledged that it was not appealing the district courts decision to award no remedy against Liggett. Although this case has been concluded as to Liggett, 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 imposes regulations which adversely affect the industry, Liggetts sales volume, operating income and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. | ||
Third-Party Payor Actions | ||
As of June 30, 2008, there were two Third-Party Payor Actions pending against Liggett. Other cigarette manufacturers are also named. The Third-Party Payor Actions typically have been commenced by insurance companies, union health and welfare trust funds, asbestos manufacturers and others. In Third-Party Payor Actions, plaintiffs seek damages for: funding of corrective public education campaigns relating to issues of smoking and health; funding for clinical smoking cessation programs; disgorgement of profits from sales of cigarettes; restitution; treble damages; and attorneys fees. Although no specific amounts are provided, it is understood that requested damages against cigarette manufacturers in these cases might be in the billions of dollars. | ||
Several federal circuit courts of appeals and state appellate courts have ruled that Third-Party Payors did not have standing to bring lawsuits against cigarette manufacturers, relying primarily on grounds that plaintiffs claims were too remote. The United States Supreme Court has refused to consider plaintiffs appeals from the cases decided by five federal circuit courts of appeals. |
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In June 2005, the Jerusalem District Court in Israel added Liggett as a defendant in an action commenced in 1998 by the largest private insurer in that country, General Health Services, against the major United States cigarette manufacturers. The plaintiff seeks to recover the past and future value of the total expenditures for health care services provided to residents of Israel resulting from tobacco related diseases, court ordered interest for past expenditures from the date of filing the statement of claim, increased and/or punitive and/or exemplary damages and costs. The court ruled that, although Liggett had not sold product in Israel since at least 1978, it might still have liability for cigarettes sold prior to that time. Motions filed by the defendants are pending before the Israel Supreme Court seeking appeal from a lower courts decision granting leave to plaintiff for foreign service of process. | ||
Upcoming Trials | ||
There are nine individual actions in Florida, all Engle progeny cases, that have been set for trial in 2008 or early 2009 where Liggett and/or the Company are named defendants. Trial dates are 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 within those states and territories, including claims for health care cost reimbursement and claims concerning sales of cigarettes to minors. | ||
In November 1998, Philip Morris, Brown & Williamson, R.J. Reynolds and Lorillard (the Original Participating Manufacturers or OPMs) and Liggett (together with any other tobacco product manufacturer that becomes a signatory, the Subsequent Participating Manufacturers or SPMs) (the OPMs and SPMs are hereinafter referred to jointly as the Participating Manufacturers) entered into the Master Settlement Agreement (the MSA) with 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands (collectively, the Settling States) to settle the asserted and unasserted health care cost recovery and certain other claims of those Settling States. The MSA received final judicial approval in each Settling State. | ||
In the Settling States, the MSA released Liggett from: |
| all claims of the Settling States and their respective political subdivisions and other recipients of state health care funds, relating to: (i) past conduct arising out of the use, sale, distribution, manufacture, development, advertising and marketing of tobacco products; (ii) the health effects of, the exposure to, or research, statements or warnings about, tobacco products; and | ||
| all monetary claims of the Settling States and their respective subdivisions and other recipients of state health care funds relating to future conduct arising out of the use of, or exposure to, tobacco products that have been manufactured in the ordinary course of business. |
The MSA restricts tobacco product advertising and marketing within the Settling States and otherwise restricts the activities of Participating Manufacturers. Among other things, the MSA prohibits the targeting of youth in the advertising, promotion or marketing of tobacco products; bans the use of cartoon characters in all tobacco advertising and promotion; limits each Participating Manufacturer to one tobacco brand name sponsorship during any 12-month period; bans all outdoor advertising, with certain limited exceptions; prohibits payments for tobacco product placement in various media; bans gift offers based on the purchase of tobacco products without sufficient proof that the intended recipient is an adult; prohibits Participating Manufacturers from licensing third parties to advertise tobacco brand names in any manner prohibited under the MSA; and prohibits Participating Manufacturers from using as a tobacco product brand name any nationally recognized non-tobacco brand or trade name or the names of sports teams, entertainment groups or individual celebrities. | ||
The MSA also requires Participating Manufacturers to affirm corporate principles to comply with the MSA and to reduce underage usage 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 amount of payments owed pursuant to the MSA. |
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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. According to data from Management Science Associates, Inc., domestic shipments by Liggett and Vector Tobacco accounted for approximately 2.2%, 2.4% and 2.5% of the total cigarettes shipped in the United States in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. If Liggetts or Vector Tobaccos market share exceeds their respective market share exemption in a given year, then on April 15 of the following year, Liggett and/or Vector Tobacco, as the case may be, would pay on each excess unit an amount equal (on a per-unit basis) to that due by the OPMs for that year. In April 2005, 2006, and 2007, Liggett and Vector Tobacco paid $20,982, $10,637 and $38,743 for their 2004, 2005 and 2006 MSA obligations, respectively. Liggett and Vector Tobacco paid $35,995 for their 2007 MSA obligations, having prepaid $34,500 in 2007. | ||
Under the payment provisions of the MSA, the Participating Manufacturers are required to pay a base annual amount of $9,000,000 in 2008 and each year thereafter (subject to applicable adjustments, offsets and reductions). These annual payments are allocated based on unit volume of domestic cigarette shipments. The payment obligations under the MSA are the several, and not joint, obligations of each Participating Manufacturer and are not the responsibility of any parent or affiliate of a Participating Manufacturer. | ||
Certain MSA Disputes | ||
In 2005, the independent auditor under the MSA calculated that Liggett owed $28,668 for its 2004 sales. In April 2005, Liggett paid $11,678 and disputed the balance, as permitted by the MSA. Liggett subsequently paid $9,304 of the disputed amount, although Liggett continues to dispute that this amount is owed. This $9,304 relates to an adjustment to its 2003 payment obligation claimed by Liggett for the market share loss to non-participating manufacturers, which is known as the NPM Adjustment. At June 30, 2008, included in Other assets on the Companys consolidated balance sheet, was a noncurrent receivable of $6,513 relating to such amount. The remaining balance in dispute of $7,686 is comprised of $5,318 claimed for a 2004 NPM Adjustment and $2,368 relating to the independent auditors retroactive change from gross to net units in calculating MSA payments, which Liggett contends is improper, as discussed below. From their April 2006 payment, Liggett and Vector Tobacco withheld approximately $1,600 claimed for the 2005 NPM Adjustment and $2,612 relating to the retroactive change from gross to net units. Liggett and Vector Tobacco withheld approximately $4,200 from their April 2007 payments related to the 2006 NPM Adjustment and approximately $3,000 relating to the retroactive change from gross to net units. From its April 2008 payment, Liggett withheld approximately $4,000 for the 2007 NPM Adjustment and approximately $3,300 relating to the retroactive change from gross to net units. Vector Tobacco paid approximately $200 into the disputed payments account for the 2007 NPM Adjustment. | ||
The following amounts have not been expensed in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements as they relate to Liggetts and Vector Tobaccos claim for an NPM adjustment: $6,513 for 2003, $3,789 for 2004 and $800 for 2005. | ||
NPM Adjustment. In March 2006, an economic consulting firm selected pursuant to the MSA rendered its final and non-appealable decision that the MSA was a significant factor contributing to the loss of market share of Participating Manufacturers for 2003. The economic consulting firm rendered the same decision with respect to 2004 and 2005. As a result, the manufacturers are entitled to potential NPM Adjustments to their 2003, 2004 and 2005 MSA payments. A Settling State that has diligently enforced its qualifying escrow statute in the year in question may be able to avoid application of the NPM Adjustment to the payments made by the manufacturers for the benefit of that state or territory. | ||
Since April 2006, notwithstanding provisions in the MSA requiring arbitration, litigation has been commenced in 49 Settling States over the issue of whether the application of the NPM Adjustment for 2003 is to be determined through litigation or arbitration. These actions relate to the potential NPM Adjustment for 2003, which the independent auditor under the MSA previously determined to be as much as $1,200,000 for all Participating Manufacturers. To date, all 48 courts that have decided the issue have ruled that the 2003 NPM Adjustment dispute is arbitrable and 39 of those decisions are final. There can be no assurance that Liggett or Vector Tobacco will receive any adjustment as a result of these proceedings. |
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Gross v. Net Calculations. In October 2004, the independent auditor notified Liggett and all other Participating Manufacturers that their payment obligations under the MSA, dating from the agreements execution in late 1998, had been recalculated using net unit amounts, rather than gross unit amounts (which had been used since 1999). The change in the method of calculation could, among other things, require additional MSA payments by Liggett of approximately $18,300 for 2001 through 2007, require an additional payment of approximately $3,300 for 2008 and require additional amounts in future periods because the proposed change from gross to net units would serve to lower Liggetts market share exemption under the MSA. | ||
Liggett has objected to this retroactive change and has disputed the change in methodology. Liggett contends that the retroactive change from using gross unit amounts to net unit amounts is impermissible for several reasons, including: |
| use of net unit amounts is not required by the MSA (as reflected by, among other things, the use of gross unit amounts through 2005); | ||
| such a change is not authorized without the consent of affected parties to the MSA; | ||
| the MSA provides for four-year time limitation periods for revisiting calculations and determinations, which precludes recalculating Liggetts 1997 Market Share (and thus, Liggetts market share exemption); and | ||
| Liggett and others have relied upon the calculations based on gross unit amounts since 1998. |
No amounts have been expensed or accrued in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for any potential liability relating to the gross versus net dispute. | ||
QUEST 3. Vector Tobacco does not make MSA payments on sales of its QUEST 3 product as Vector Tobacco believes that QUEST 3 does not fall within the definition of a cigarette under the MSA. There can be no assurance that Vector Tobaccos assessment is correct and that additional payments under the MSA for QUEST 3 will not be owed. | ||
Litigation Challenging the MSA. In litigation pending in federal court in New York, certain importers of cigarettes allege that the MSA and certain related New York statutes violate federal antitrust and constitutional law. The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has held that plaintiffs have stated a claim for relief on antitrust grounds. In September 2004, the court denied plaintiffs motion to preliminarily enjoin the MSA and certain related New York statutes, but the court issued a preliminary injunction against an amendment repealing the allocable share provision of the New York escrow statute. The parties motions for summary judgment are pending. Additionally, in another proceeding pending in New York federal court, plaintiffs seek to enjoin the statutes enacted by New York and other states in connection with the MSA on the grounds that the statutes violate the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution and federal antitrust laws. In September 2005, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit held that plaintiffs stated a claim for relief and that the New York federal court had jurisdiction over the other defendant states. In October 2006, the United States Supreme Court denied the petition of the attorneys general for writ of certiorari. Similar challenges to the MSA and MSA-related state statutes are pending in Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Oklahoma. Liggett and the other cigarette manufacturers are not defendants in these cases. | ||
Other State Settlements. The MSA replaces Liggetts prior settlements with all states and territories except for Florida, Mississippi, Texas and Minnesota. Each of these four states, prior to the effective date of the MSA, negotiated and executed settlement agreements with each of the other major tobacco companies, separate from those settlements reached previously with Liggett. Liggetts agreements with these states remain in full force and effect, and Liggett made various payments to these states during 1996, 1997 and 1998 under the agreements. These states settlement agreements with Liggett contained most favored nation provisions which could reduce Liggetts payment obligations based on subsequent settlements or resolutions by those states with certain other tobacco companies. Beginning in 1999, Liggett determined that, based on each of these four states settlements with United States Tobacco Company, Liggetts payment obligations to those states had been eliminated. With respect to all non-economic obligations under the previous settlements, Liggett believes it is entitled to the most favorable provisions as between the MSA and each states respective settlement with the other major tobacco companies. Therefore, Liggetts non-economic obligations to all states and territories are now defined by the MSA. In 2003, in order to resolve any potential issues with Minnesota as to Liggetts ongoing economic settlement obligations, Liggett negotiated a $100 a year payment to Minnesota, to be paid any year cigarettes manufactured by Liggett are sold in that state. |
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In 2004, the Attorneys General for Florida, Mississippi and Texas advised Liggett that they believed that Liggett had failed to make all required payments under the respective settlement agreements with these states for the period 1998 through 2003 and that additional payments may be due for 2004 and subsequent years. In 2004, Florida and Mississippi proposed settlements to Liggett in the total amount of $20,000 for the period 1998 though 2003. Further discussions among the parties have not resulted in any resolution of the disputes. Liggett believes these allegations are without merit, based, among other things, on the language of the most favored nation provisions of the settlement agreements. | ||
Except for $2,500 accrued at June 30, 2008, in connection with the foregoing matters, no other amounts have been accrued in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for any additional amounts that may be payable by Liggett under the settlement agreements with Florida, Mississippi and Texas. There can be no assurance that Liggett will resolve these matters or that Liggett will not be required to make additional material payments, which payments could adversely affect the Companys consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. | ||
Management is not able to predict the outcome of the litigation pending or threatened against Liggett. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties. For example, in July 2006, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the intermediate appellate courts decision in the Engle case vacating the punitive damages award and held that the class should be decertified prospectively, but, preserved several of the trial courts Phase I findings. In June 2002, the jury in the Lukacs case, an individual case brought under the third phase of the Engle case, awarded $37,500 (subsequently reduced by the court to $24,860) of compensatory damages against Liggett and two other defendants and found Liggett 50% responsible for the damages. If a final judgment is entered, Liggett may be required to bond the amount of the judgment to perfect its appeal. In April 2004, a jury in an individual action in a Florida state court awarded compensatory damages of $540 against Liggett and legal fees of $752. The legal fee award was reversed on appeal and remanded to the trial court for further proceedings. It is possible that additional cases could be decided unfavorably against Liggett. As a result of the Engle decision, approximately 9,570 former Engle class members commenced suit against Liggett and/or the Company and other cigarette manufacturers. Liggett may enter into discussions in an attempt to settle particular cases if it believes it is appropriate to do so. | ||
Management cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future defense costs, settlements or judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that those requirements will not be able to be met. An unfavorable outcome of a pending smoking and health case could encourage the commencement of additional similar litigation, or could lead to multiple adverse decisions in the Engle progeny cases. Management is unable to make a reasonable estimate with respect to the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the cases pending against Liggett or the costs of defending such cases and as a result has not provided any amounts in its condensed consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes. The complaints filed in these cases rarely detail alleged damages. Typically, the claims set forth in an individuals complaint against the tobacco industry seek money damages in an amount to be determined by a jury, plus punitive damages and costs. | ||
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 similar litigation or legislation. | ||
It is possible that the Companys consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any of the smoking-related litigation. | ||
Liggetts and Vector Tobaccos management are unaware of any material environmental conditions affecting their existing facilities. Liggetts and Vector Tobaccos management believe that current operations are conducted in material compliance with all environmental laws and regulations and other laws and regulations governing cigarette manufacturers. Compliance with federal, state and local provisions regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, has not had a material effect on the capital expenditures, results of operations or competitive position of Liggett or Vector Tobacco. |
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Other Matters: | ||
In February 2004, Liggett Vector Brands and another cigarette manufacturer entered into a five year agreement with a subsidiary of the American Wholesale Marketers Association to support a program to permit certain tobacco distributors to secure, on reasonable terms, tax stamp bonds required by state and local governments for the distribution of cigarettes. This agreement was recently extended through 2014. Under the agreement, Liggett Vector Brands has agreed to pay a portion of losses, if any, incurred by the surety under the bond program, with a maximum loss exposure of $500 for Liggett Vector Brands. To secure its potential obligations under the agreement, Liggett Vector Brands has delivered to the subsidiary of the association a $100 letter of credit and agreed to fund up to an additional $400. Liggett Vector Brands has incurred no losses to date under this agreement, and the Company believes the fair value of Liggett Vector Brands obligation under the agreement was immaterial at June 30, 2008. | ||
There may be several other proceedings, lawsuits and claims pending against the Company and certain of its consolidated subsidiaries unrelated to tobacco or tobacco product liability. Management is of the opinion that the liabilities, if any, ultimately resulting from such other proceedings, lawsuits and claims should not materially affect the Companys financial position, results of operations or cash flows. | ||
9. | INCOME TAXES | |
Vectors income tax rates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 do not bear a customary relationship to statutory income tax rates as a result of the impact of nondeductible expenses, state income taxes and interest and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits offset by the impact of the domestic production activities deduction. | ||
The Companys provision for income taxes in interim periods is based on an estimated annual effective income tax rate derived, in part, from estimated annual pre-tax results from ordinary operations in accordance with FIN 18, Accounting for Income Taxes in Interim Periodsan interpretation of APB Opinion No. 28. In 2008, the Company did not include the gain on the income of the Companys investment in the St. Regis Hotel in 2008 in the computation of the effective annual income tax rate for 2007 from estimated pre-tax results from ordinary operations. In 2007, the Company did not include the benefit from the settlement of a state income tax assessment, the income from the lawsuit settlement with the United States government or the gain from the exchange of the LTS notes in the computation of the effective annual income tax rate for 2007 from estimated pre-tax results from ordinary operations. For the three months ended June 30, 2007, the gain from the exchange of the LTS notes reduced income tax expense by approximately $325 due to differences in the Companys marginal tax rate of approximately 41% and its anticipated effective annual income tax rate from ordinary operations of approximately 45%. | ||
For the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Companys income tax provision was reduced because of the impact of the gain on the income from the Companys investment in the St. Regis Hotel, which reduced income tax expense by $460 due to differences in the Companys marginal tax rate of approximately 41% and its anticipated effective annual income tax rate from ordinary operations of approximately 45%. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Company did not include either the benefit from the settlement of a state income tax assessment in March 2007 or the income from the lawsuit settlement with the United States government in the computation of the effective annual income tax rate from estimated pre-tax results from ordinary operations. The benefit from the settlement of the state income tax assessment in March 2007 reduced income tax expense by approximately $450 and the income from the lawsuit settlement reduced income tax expense by approximately $800 due to differences in the Companys marginal tax rate of approximately 41% and its anticipated effective annual income tax rate from ordinary operations of approximately 45% in 2007. Accordingly, the provision for income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2007 has been computed by applying the discrete method in accordance with FIN 18 to account for these two items. |
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
The Companys current deferred income tax liabilities increased by approximately $75,500 during the six months ended June 30, 2008 as a result of the reclassification of a deferred tax liability from non-current to current liabilities. This reclassification resulted from the Companys settlement with the Internal Revenue Service in July 2006, which required the Company to recognize taxable income of approximately $192,000 from the Philip Morris brand transaction by March 1, 2009. | ||
10. | NEW VALLEY | |
Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses. The components of Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses were as follows as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007: |
June 30, 2008 | December 31, 2007 | |||||||
Douglas Elliman Realty LLC |
$ | 33,857 | $ | 31,893 | ||||
16th and K Holdings LLC |
| 3,838 | ||||||
Koa Investors LLC |
| | ||||||
Aberdeen Townhomes LLC |
10,000 | | ||||||
Investments in non-consolidated real
estate businesses |
$ | 43,857 | $ | 35,731 | ||||
Residential Brokerage Business. New Valley recorded income of $4,184 and $6,986 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and income of $5,522 and $11,142 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, associated with Douglas Elliman Realty. New Valleys income includes 50% of Douglas Ellimans net income, as well as interest income earned by New Valley on a subordinated loan to Douglas Elliman Realty, increases to income resulting from amortization of negative goodwill which resulted from purchase accounting, and management fees. New Valley received cash distributions from Douglas Elliman Realty LLC of $2,232 and $4,603 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $3,557 and $4,848 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. |
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Summarized financial information for Douglas Elliman Realty for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 is presented below. |
June 30, 2008 | December 31, 2007 | |||||||
Cash |
$ | 19,375 | $ | 26,916 | ||||
Other current assets |
9,787 | 9,462 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
17,298 | 18,394 | ||||||
Trademarks |
21,663 | 21,663 | ||||||
Goodwill |
38,309 | 38,294 | ||||||
Other intangible assets, net |
1,462 | 1,928 | ||||||
Other non-current assets |
924 | 850 | ||||||
Notes payable current |
588 | 581 | ||||||
Current
portion of notes payable to member - Prudential Real Estate Financial Services Of America, Inc. |
4,730 | 4,373 | ||||||
Current portion of notes payable
to member New Valley |
4,730 | 625 | ||||||
Other current liabilities |
22,936 | 26,579 | ||||||
Notes payable long term |
846 | 2,402 | ||||||
Notes
payable to member Prudential Real Estate Financial Services of America, Inc. |
4,037 | 15,115 | ||||||
Notes payable to member New Valley |
4,037 | 8,583 | ||||||
Other long-term liabilities |
7,677 | 6,599 | ||||||
Members equity |
59,237 | 52,650 |
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 100,893 | $ | 111,446 | $ | 182,256 | $ | 203,295 | ||||||||
Costs and expenses |
91,010 | 95,632 | 168,239 | 177,065 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation expense |
1,357 | 1,452 | 2,707 | 3,052 | ||||||||||||
Amortization expense |
75 | 87 | 149 | 174 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
802 | 1,184 | 1,665 | 2,458 | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense |
231 | 80 | 346 | 190 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 7,418 | $ | 13,011 | $ | 9,150 | $ | 20,356 | ||||||||
16th and K Holdings LLC. In 2007, 16th and K Holdings LLC entered into certain agreements to sell 90% of the St. Regis Hotel. The sale closed in March 2008. In addition to retaining a 3% interest, net of incentives, in the St. Regis Hotel, New Valley received $15,822 in March 2008 and anticipates receiving an additional approximate $1,400 associated with the sale of the hotel in 2008 and approximately an additional $5,000 in various installments between 2009 and 2012. The Company recorded the $15,822 as an investing activity in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. New Valley recorded equity losses of $0 and $59 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $3,796 and $102 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, associated with 16th and K Holdings LLC. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, New Valley also recorded equity income of $15,779 in connection with the gain from the sale of the St. Regis because the amount received from 16th and K Holdings exceeded the Companys basis in the investment and the Company has no legal obligation to make additional investments to 16th and K Holdings. | ||
Hawaiian Hotel. KOA Investors LLC owns the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. New Valley and certain members in KOA Investors have chosen not to fund discretionary capital calls in 2008 and KOA Investors may not be able to meet its financial obligations in the third quarter of 2008. The Company carried its investment in KOA at $0 at June 30, 2008. |
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Aberdeen Townhomes LLC. In June 2008, a subsidiary of New Valley purchased a preferred equity interest in Aberdeen Townhomes LLC (Aberdeen) for $10,000. Aberdeen acquired five town home residences located in Manhattan, New York which it is in the process of rehabilitating and selling. In the event that Aberdeen makes distributions of cash, New Valley is entitled to a priority preferred return of 15% per annum until it has recovered its invested capital. New Valley is entitled to 25% of subsequent cash distributions of profits until it has achieved an annual 18% internal rate of return (IRR). New Valley is then entitled to 20% of subsequent cash distributions of profits until it has achieved an annual 23% IRR. After New Valley has achieved an annual 23% IRR, it is then entitled to 10% of any remaining cash distributions of profits. Aberdeen is a variable interest entity; however, the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The Companys maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investment in Aberdeen is $10,000. This investment is being accounted for under the cost method. | ||
Mortgage receivable. In March 2008, a subsidiary of New Valley purchased a loan secured by a substantial portion of a 450-acre approved master planned community in Palm Springs, California known as Escena. The loan, which is currently in foreclosure, was purchased for its $20,000 face value plus accrued interest and other costs of $1,445. The loan is being accounted for under the cost recovery method and the cost includes the purchase price and additional capitalized acquisition costs of $259. At June 30, 2008, the Company carried the loan on its condensed consolidated balance sheet at its cost of $21,704. | ||
The borrowers are Escena-PSC, LLC and Palm Springs Classic, LLC, a joint venture of Lennar Homes of California, Inc. and Empire Land, LLC. Empire Land recently filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition. Lennar Homes is an affiliate of Lennar Corporation. The loan collateral consists of 867 residential lots with site and public infrastructure, an 18-hole Nicklaus Design golf course, a substantially completed clubhouse, and a seven-acre site approved for a 450-room hotel. | ||
In October 2007, the as is value of the land was appraised in excess of the outstanding value of the loan. The Company recently obtained an updated appraisal that valued the property at substantially less than the outstanding loan balance. The reduction in value was attributed to the overall real estate market conditions in California. Among other things, Lennar Corporation has a payment guarantee of up to 50% of the outstanding loan as well as a guarantee to complete the development of the property. In order to calculate the fair market value of the investment, the Company utilized the most recent as is appraised value of the collateral and estimated the value of Lennar Corporations completion and payment guaranties, less estimated costs to enforce the guaranties and dispose of the property. Based on these estimates, the Company has determined that the fair market value approximates the carrying amount of the mortgage receivable at June 30, 2008. The Company has commenced legal action to exercise its rights under the loan documents. | ||
NASA Settlement. In 1994, New Valley commenced an action against the United States government seeking damages for breach of a launch services agreement covering the launch of one of the Westar satellites owned by New Valleys former Western Union satellite business. In March 2007, the parties entered into a Stipulation for Entry of Judgment to settle New Valleys claims and, pursuant to the settlement, $20,000 was paid in May 2007. In the first quarter of 2007, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $19,590, which consisted of other non-operating income of $20,000 and $410 of selling, general and administrative expenses, in connection with the settlement. | ||
11. | INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS | |
On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, for financial assets and financial liabilities. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements but rather introduces a framework for measuring fair value and expands required disclosure about fair value measurements of assets and liabilities. | ||
SFAS No. 157 discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The statement clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing amounts that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. | ||
SFAS No. 157 utilizes a three-tier fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels: |
Level 1
|
Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. | |
Level 2
|
Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liability, either directory or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. | |
Level 3
|
Unobservable inputs in which there is little market data, which requires the reporting entity to develop their own assumptions. |
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data, when available, and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value. | ||
The Companys population of recurring financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements and the necessary disclosures are as follows: |
Fair Value Measurements as of June 30, 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Quoted Prices in | ||||||||||||||||
Active Markets for | Significant other | Significant | ||||||||||||||
Identical Assets | Observable Inputs | Unobservable Inputs | ||||||||||||||
Description | Total | (Level 1) | (Level 2) | (Level 3) | ||||||||||||
Assets: |
||||||||||||||||
Money market funds |
$ | 212,175 | $ | 212,175 | $ | | $ | | ||||||||
Investment securities
available for sale |
37,508 | 33,174 | 4,334 | | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 249,683 | $ | 245,349 | $ | 4,334 | $ | | ||||||||
Liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||
Fair value of derivatives
embedded within
convertible debt |
$ | 94,267 | $ | | $ | | $ | 94,267 | ||||||||
The fair value of investment securities available for sale included in Level 1 are based on quoted market prices from various stock exchanges. The $4,334 of the investments securities available for sale in Level 2 are not registered and therefore do not have direct market quotes. | ||
The fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt were derived using a valuation model and have been classified as Level 3. The valuation model assumes future dividend payments by the Company and utilizes interest rates and credit spreads for secured to unsecured debt, unsecured to subordinated debt and subordinated debt to preferred stock to determine the fair value of the derivatives embedded within the convertible debt. The changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt as of June 30, 2008 are disclosed. (See Note 6.) | ||
12. | SEGMENT INFORMATION | |
The Companys significant business segments for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 were Liggett, Vector Tobacco and New Valley. The Liggett segment consists of the manufacture and sale of conventional cigarettes and, for segment reporting purposes, includes the operations of Medallion acquired on April 1, 2002 (which operations are held for legal purposes as part of Vector Tobacco). The Vector Tobacco segment includes the development and marketing of the low nicotine and nicotine-free cigarette products as well as the development of reduced risk cigarette products and, for segment reporting purposes, excludes the operations of Medallion. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The New Valley segment includes the Companys equity income and investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses and mortgage receivable. |
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Financial information for the Companys operations before taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 follows: |
Vector | New | Corporate | ||||||||||||||||||
Liggett | Tobacco | Valley | and Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Three months ended June 30, 2008 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 142,330 | $ | 630 | | | $ | 142,960 | ||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
43,692 | (1,926 | ) | | (7,421 | ) | 34,345 | |||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
1,919 | 29 | | 584 | 2,532 | |||||||||||||||
Equity income from non-consolidated
real estate businesses |
| | 4,184 | | 4,184 | |||||||||||||||
Three months ended June 30, 2007 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 139,305 | $ | 1,046 | | | $ | 140,351 | ||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
37,463 | (2,102 | ) | | (6,178 | ) | 29,183 | |||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
1,844 | 25 | | 587 | 2,456 | |||||||||||||||
Equity income from non-consolidated
real estate businesses |
| | 6,927 | | 6,927 | |||||||||||||||
Six months ended June 30, 2008 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 273,975 | $ | 1,190 | | | $ | 275,165 | ||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
81,036 | (4,336 | ) | | (14,314 | ) | 62,386 | |||||||||||||
Equity income from non-consolidated
real estate businesses |
| | 17,504 | | 17,504 | |||||||||||||||
Identifiable assets |
322,563 | 6,368 | 43,857 | 415,271 | 788,059 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
3,772 | 59 | | 1,169 | 5,000 | |||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
2,410 | 46 | | | 2,456 | |||||||||||||||
Six months ended June 30, 2007 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 272,118 | $ | 2,125 | $ | | $ | | $ | 274,243 | ||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
72,923 | (4,406 | ) | | (13,614 | ) | 54,903 | |||||||||||||
Equity income from non-consolidated
real estate businesses |
| | 9,337 | | 9,337 | |||||||||||||||
Identifiable assets |
307,797 | 4,496 | 32,855 | 274,978 | 620,126 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
3,855 | 58 | | 1,172 | 5,085 | |||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
2,632 | 84 | | | 2,716 |
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
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 Regulation S-X, Rule 3-10, Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered. Each of the subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, and all guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several. The Companys investments in its consolidated subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting. | ||
The 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015, issued on August 16, 2007 by Vector, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed 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 Companys subsidiaries engaged in the real estate businesses conducted through its subsidiary New Valley. Presented herein are unaudited condensed consolidating balance sheets as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the related unaudited condensed consolidating statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 of the Company (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 Companys 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 $50,000. The indenture also restricts the incurrence of debt if the Companys Leverage Ratio and its Secured Leverage Ratio, as defined in the indenture, exceed 3.0 and 1.5, respectively. The Companys Leverage Ratio is defined in the indenture as the ratio of the Companys and the guaranteeing subsidiaries total debt less the fair market value of the Companys and the guaranteeing subsidiaries cash and cash equivalents, investments in securities and long-term investments to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the indenture. The Companys Secured Leverage Ratio is defined in the indenture in the same manner as the Leverage Ratio, except that secured indebtedness is substituted for indebtedness. |
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
June 30, 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
Parent/ | Subsidiary | Non- | Consolidating | Vector Group | ||||||||||||||||
Issuer | Guarantors | Guarantors | Adjustments | Ltd. | ||||||||||||||||
ASSETS: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 208,856 | $ | 10,938 | $ | 4 | $ | | $ | 219,798 | ||||||||||
Investment securities
available for sale |
37,430 | | 78 | | 37,508 | |||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable
trade |
| 8,607 | | | 8,607 | |||||||||||||||
Intercompany receivables |
448 | | | (448 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Inventories |
| 91,102 | | | 91,102 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
17,410 | 350 | | | 17,760 | |||||||||||||||
Income taxes receivable |
15,598 | 262 | | (15,860 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Other current assets |
1,561 | 3,289 | | | 4,850 | |||||||||||||||
Total current assets |
281,303 | 114,548 | 82 | (16,308 | ) | 379,625 | ||||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
800 | 51,048 | | | 51,848 | |||||||||||||||
Mortgage receivable |
| | 21,704 | | 21,704 | |||||||||||||||
Long-term investments accounted
for at cost |
72,233 | | 785 | | 73,018 | |||||||||||||||
Long-term investments accounted
under the equity method |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Investments in non- consolidated
real estate businesses |
| | 43,857 | | 43,857 | |||||||||||||||
Investments in consolidated
subsidiaries |
221,262 | | | (221,262 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Restricted assets |
4,091 | 4,934 | | | 9,025 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
22,293 | 908 | 4,216 | | 27,417 | |||||||||||||||
Intangible asset |
| 107,511 | | | 107,511 | |||||||||||||||
Prepaid pension costs |
| 44,126 | | | 44,126 | |||||||||||||||
Other assets |
16,633 | 13,295 | | | 29,928 | |||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 618,615 | $ | 336,370 | $ | 70,644 | $ | (237,570 | ) | $ | 788,059 | |||||||||
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
June 30, 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
Parent/ | Subsidiary | Non- | Consolidating | Vector Group | ||||||||||||||||
Issuer | Guarantors | Guarantors | Adjustments | Ltd. | ||||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Current portion of notes
payable and long-term debt |
$ | | $ | 18,946 | $ | | $ | | $ | 18,946 | ||||||||||
Accounts payable |
279 | 2,729 | | | 3,008 | |||||||||||||||
Intercompany payables |
| 448 | | (448 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Accrued promotional
expenses |
| 10,479 | | | 10,479 | |||||||||||||||
Income taxes payable, net |
| 309 | 23,056 | (15,860 | ) | 7,505 | ||||||||||||||
Accrued excise and payroll
taxes payable, net |
| 4,728 | | | 4,728 | |||||||||||||||
Settlement accruals |
| 27,497 | | | 27,497 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
84,811 | 11,746 | | | 96,557 | |||||||||||||||
Accrued interest |
9,525 | | | | 9,525 | |||||||||||||||
Other current liabilities |
4,850 | 11,542 | 775 | | 17,167 | |||||||||||||||
Total current liabilities |
99,465 | 88,424 | 23,831 | (16,308 | ) | 195,412 | ||||||||||||||
Notes payable, long-term debt and
other obligations, less current
portion |
258,553 | 19,693 | | | 278,246 | |||||||||||||||
Fair value of derivatives embedded
within convertible debt |
94,267 | | | | 94,267 | |||||||||||||||
Non-current employee
benefits |
28,374 | 15,115 | | | 43,489 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred income
taxes |
42,853 | 20,891 | 110 | | 63,854 | |||||||||||||||
Other liabilities |
461 | 15,275 | 2,413 | | 18,149 | |||||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
523,973 | 159,398 | 26,354 | (16,308 | ) | 693,417 | ||||||||||||||
Commitments and
contingencies |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Stockholders equity |
94,642 | 176,972 | 44,290 | (221,262 | ) | 94,642 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities and
stockholders equity |
$ | 618,615 | $ | 336,370 | $ | 70,644 | $ | (237,750 | ) | $ | 788,059 | |||||||||
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
Parent/ | Subsidiary | Non- | Consolidating | Vector Group | ||||||||||||||||
Issuer | Guarantors | Guarantors | Adjustments | Ltd. | ||||||||||||||||
ASSETS: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 228,901 | $ | 9,216 | $ | | $ | | $ | 238,117 | ||||||||||
Investment securities
available for sale |
45,841 | | 34 | | 45,875 | |||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable
trade |
| 3,113 | | | 3,113 | |||||||||||||||
Intercompany receivables |
19 | | | (19 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Inventories |
| 86,825 | | | 86,825 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
18,003 | 333 | | | 18,336 | |||||||||||||||
Income taxes receivable |
27,364 | | | (27,364 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Other current assets |
103 | 3,257 | | | 3,360 | |||||||||||||||
Total current assets |
320,231 | 102,744 | 34 | (27,383 | ) | 395,626 | ||||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
867 | 53,565 | | | 54,432 | |||||||||||||||
Long-term investments accounted
for at cost |
72,233 | | 738 | | 72,971 | |||||||||||||||
Long-term investments accounted
under the equity method |
10,495 | | | | 10,495 | |||||||||||||||
Investments in non- consolidated
real estate businesses |
| | 35,731 | | 35,731 | |||||||||||||||
Investments in consolidated
subsidiaries |
190,354 | | | (190,354 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Restricted assets |
3,859 | 4,907 | | | 8,766 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
21,288 | 883 | 4,466 | | 26,637 | |||||||||||||||
Intangible asset |
| 107,511 | | | 107,511 | |||||||||||||||
Prepaid pension costs |
| 42,084 | | | 42,084 | |||||||||||||||
Other assets |
18,066 | 12,970 | | | 31,036 | |||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 637,393 | $ | 324,664 | $ | 40,969 | $ | (217,737 | ) | $ | 785,289 | |||||||||
34
Table of Contents
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
December 31, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
Parent/ | Subsidiary | Non- | Consolidating | Vector Group | ||||||||||||||||
Issuer | Guarantors | Guarantors | Adjustments | Ltd. | ||||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Current portion of notes
payable and long-term debt |
$ | | $ | 20,618 | $ | | $ | | $ | 20,618 | ||||||||||
Accounts payable |
2,194 | 4,786 | | | 6,980 | |||||||||||||||
Intercompany payables |
| 19 | | (19 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Accrued promotional
expenses |
| 9,210 | | | 9,210 | |||||||||||||||
Income taxes payable, net |
| 13,245 | 16,482 | (27,364 | ) | 2,363 | ||||||||||||||
Accrued excise and payroll
taxes payable, net |
| 5,327 | | | 5,327 | |||||||||||||||
Settlement accruals |
| 10,041 | | | 10,041 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
20,218 | 3,801 | | | 24,019 | |||||||||||||||
Accrued interest |
9,475 | | | | 9,475 | |||||||||||||||
Other current liabilities |
6,486 | 14,118 | 700 | | 21,304 | |||||||||||||||
Total current liabilities |
38,373 | 81,165 | 17,182 | (27,383 | ) | 109,337 | ||||||||||||||
Notes payable, long-term debt and
other obligations, less current
portion |
254,538 | 22,640 | | | 277,178 | |||||||||||||||
Fair value of derivatives embedded
within convertible debt |
101,582 | | | | 101,582 | |||||||||||||||
Non-current employee
benefits |
25,983 | 14,950 | | | 40,933 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred income
taxes |
115,571 | 26,223 | 110 | | 141,904 | |||||||||||||||
Other liabilities |
494 | 10,571 | 2,438 | | 13,503 | |||||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
536,541 | 155,549 | 19,730 | (27,383 | ) | 684,437 | ||||||||||||||
Commitments and
contingencies |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Stockholders equity |
100,852 | 169,115 | 21,239 | (190,354 | ) | 100,852 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities and
stockholders equity |
$ | 637,393 | $ | 324,664 | $ | 40,969 | $ | (217,737 | ) | $ | 785,289 | |||||||||
35
Table of Contents
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
Parent/ | Subsidiary | Non- | Consolidating | Vector Group | ||||||||||||||||
Issuer | Guarantors | Guarantors | Adjustments | Ltd. | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | | $ | 142,960 | $ | | $ | | $ | 142,960 | ||||||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold |
| 86,030 | | | 86,030 | |||||||||||||||
Operating, selling,
administrative and
general expenses |
7,977 | 14,304 | 304 | | 22,585 | |||||||||||||||
Management fee
expense |
| 1,985 | | (1,985 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Operating
(loss) income |
(7,977 | ) | 40,641 | (304 | ) | 1,985 | 34,345 | |||||||||||||
Other income (expenses): |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest and dividend
income |
1,144 | 231 | | | 1,375 | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(14,879 | ) | (378 | ) | | | (15,257 | ) | ||||||||||||
Changes in fair value
of derivatives
embedded within
convertible debt |
9,759 | | | | 9,759 | |||||||||||||||
Equity income from
non-consolidated
real estate
businesses |
| | 4,184 | | 4,184 | |||||||||||||||
Equity income in
consolidated
subsidiaries |
27,475 | | | (27,475 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Management fee income |
1,985 | | | (1,985 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Other, net |
(4 | ) | | | | (4 | ) | |||||||||||||
Income before
provision for income
taxes |
17,503 | 40,494 | 3,880 | (27,475 | ) | 34,402 | ||||||||||||||
Income tax
benefit (expense) |
1,622 | (15,312 | ) | (1,587 | ) | | (15,277 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 19,125 | $ | 25,182 | $ | 2,293 | $ | (27,475 | ) | $ | 19,125 | |||||||||
36
Table of Contents
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended June 30, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
Parent/ | Subsidiary | Non- | Consolidating | Vector Group | ||||||||||||||||
Issuer | Guarantors | Guarantors | Adjustments | Ltd. | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | | $ | 140,351 | $ | | $ | | $ | 140,351 | ||||||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold |
| 87,222 | | | 87,222 | |||||||||||||||
Operating, selling,
administrative and
general expenses |
6,855 | 16,922 | 169 | | 23,946 | |||||||||||||||
Management fee expense |
| 1,918 | | (1,918 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Operating (loss)
income |
(6,855 | ) | 34,289 | (169 | ) | 1,918 | 29,183 | |||||||||||||
Other income
(expenses): |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest and dividend
income |
3,972 | 161 | | (2,572 | ) | 1,561 | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(8,961 | ) | (3,131 | ) | | 2,572 | (9,520 | ) | ||||||||||||
Changes in fair value
of derivatives
embedded within
convertible debt |
2,089 | | | | 2,089 | |||||||||||||||
Gain on conversion
on LTS note |
| | 8,121 | | 8,121 | |||||||||||||||
Equity income from
non-consolidated
real estate
businesses |
| | 6,927 | | 6,927 | |||||||||||||||
Equity income in
consolidated
subsidiaries |
26,918 | | | (26,918 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Management fee income |
1,918 | | | (1,918 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Other, net |
(57 | ) | | 26 | | (31 | ) | |||||||||||||
Income before
provision for income
taxes |
19,024 | 31,319 | 14,905 | (26,918 | ) | 38,330 | ||||||||||||||
Income tax
benefit (expense) |
2,357 | (13,210 | ) | (6,096 | ) | | (16,949 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 21,381 | $ | 18,109 | $ | 8,809 | $ | (26,918 | ) | $ | 21,381 | |||||||||
37
Table of Contents
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
Parent/ | Subsidiary | Non- | Consolidating | Vector Group | ||||||||||||||||
Issuer | Guarantors | Guarantors | Adjustments | Ltd. | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | | $ | 275,165 | $ | | $ | | $ | 275,165 | ||||||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold |
| 166,037 | | | 166,037 | |||||||||||||||
Operating, selling,
administrative and
general expenses |
15,171 | 30,872 | 699 | | 46,742 | |||||||||||||||
Management fee
expense |
| 3,970 | | (3,970 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Operating
(loss) income |
(15,171 | ) | 74,286 | (699 | ) | 3,970 | 62,386 | |||||||||||||
Other income (expenses): |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest and dividend
income |
3,040 | 306 | | | 3,346 | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(29,550 | ) | (960 | ) | | | (30,510 | ) | ||||||||||||
Changes in fair value
of derivatives
embedded within
convertible debt |
7,315 | | | | 7,315 | |||||||||||||||
Equity income from
non-consolidated
real estate
businesses |
| | 17,504 | | 17,504 | |||||||||||||||
Equity income in
consolidated
subsidiaries |
55,217 | | | (55,217 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Management fee income |
3,970 | | | (3,970 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Other, net |
(573 | ) | | (4 | ) | | (577 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income before
provision for income
taxes |
24,248 | 73,632 | 16,801 | (55,217 | ) | 59,464 | ||||||||||||||
Income tax
benefit (expense) |
9,184 | (28,344 | ) | (6,872 | ) | | (26,032 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 33,432 | $ | 45,288 | $ | 9,929 | $ | (55,217 | ) | $ | 33,432 | |||||||||
38
Table of Contents
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
Parent/ | Subsidiary | Non- | Consolidating | Vector Group | ||||||||||||||||
Issuer | Guarantors | Guarantors | Adjustments | Ltd. | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | | $ | 274,243 | $ | | $ | | $ | 274,243 | ||||||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold |
| 171,907 | | | 171,907 | |||||||||||||||
Operating, selling,
administrative and
general expenses |
14,627 | 32,018 | 788 | | 47,433 | |||||||||||||||
Management fee expense |
| 3,835 | | (3,835 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Operating (loss)
income |
(14,627 | ) | 66,483 | (788 | ) | 3,835 | 54,903 | |||||||||||||
Other income
(expenses): |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest and dividend
income |
8,244 | 300 | | (5,127 | ) | 3,417 | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(17,099 | ) | (6,682 | ) | | 5,127 | (18,654 | ) | ||||||||||||
Changes in fair value
of derivatives
embedded within
convertible debt |
2,116 | | | | 2,116 | |||||||||||||||
Provision for loss on
Investments,
net |
2 | | (1,160 | ) | | (1,158 | ) | |||||||||||||
Gain from conversion
of LTS notes |
| | 8,121 | | 8,121 | |||||||||||||||
Equity income from
non-consolidated
real estate
businesses |
| | 9,337 | | 9,337 | |||||||||||||||
Income from lawsuit
settlement |
| | 20,000 | | 20,000 | |||||||||||||||
Equity income in
consolidated
subsidiaries |
56,035 | | | (56,035 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Management fee income |
3,835 | | | (3,835 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Other, net |
(61 | ) | 1 | 24 | | (36 | ) | |||||||||||||
Income before
provision for income
taxes |
38,445 | 60,102 | 35,534 | (56,035 | ) | 78,046 | ||||||||||||||
Income tax
benefit (expense) |
6,063 | (25,536 | ) | (14,065 | ) | | (33,538 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 44,508 | $ | 34,566 | $ | 21,469 | $ | (56,035 | ) | $ | 44,508 | |||||||||
39
Table of Contents
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
Parent/ | Subsidiary | Non- | Consolidating | Vector Group | ||||||||||||||||
Issuer | Guarantors | Guarantors | Adjustments | Ltd. | ||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by
operating activities |
$ | 26,962 | $ | 46,368 | $ | 2,255 | $ | (39,700 | ) | $ | 35,885 | |||||||||
Cash flows from investing
activities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of investment
securities |
(5,182 | ) | | | | (5,182 | ) | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale or
liquidation of long-term
investments |
8,334 | | | | 8,334 | |||||||||||||||
Purchase of long-term
investments |
| | (51 | ) | | (51 | ) | |||||||||||||
Purchase of mortgage
receivable |
| | (21,704 | ) | | (21,704 | ) | |||||||||||||
Distributions from
non-consolidated real estate
businesses |
| | 16,446 | | 16,446 | |||||||||||||||
Investment in non-
consolidated real
estate businesses |
| | (10,000 | ) | | (10,000 | ) | |||||||||||||
Increase in cash surrender
value of life insurance
policies |
(254 | ) | (267 | ) | | | (521 | ) | ||||||||||||
Increase
in non-current restricted
assets |
(232 | ) | (27 | ) | | | (259 | ) | ||||||||||||
Investments in
subsidiaries |
(15,108 | ) | | | 15,108 | | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from the sale
of fixed assets |
| 373 | | | 373 | |||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
| (2,456 | ) | | | (2,456 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net cash used in
investing activities |
(12,442 | ) | (2,377 | ) | (15,309 | ) | 15,108 | (15,020 | ) | |||||||||||
40
Table of Contents
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Cash flows from
financing activities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Repayments of debt |
| (2,984 | ) | | | (2,984 | ) | |||||||||||||
Deferred financing charges |
(137 | ) | | | | (137 | ) | |||||||||||||
Borrowings under revolver |
| 255,118 | | | 255,118 | |||||||||||||||
Repayments on revolver |
| (256,753 | ) | | | (256,753 | ) | |||||||||||||
Capital contributions received |
| 2,050 | 13,058 | (15,108 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Intercompany dividends paid |
| (39,700 | ) | | (39,700 | ) | | |||||||||||||
Dividends and distributions
on common stock |
(52,737 | ) | | | | (52,737 | ) | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of
Vector options and warrants |
26 | | | | 26 | |||||||||||||||
Excess tax benefit of options
exercised |
18,283 | | | | 18,283 | |||||||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by
financing activities |
(34,565 | ) | (42,269 | ) | 13,058 | 24,592 | (39,184 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash
equivalents |
(20,045 | ) | 1,722 | 4 | | (18,319 | ) | |||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents,
beginning of year |
228,901 | 9,216 | | | 238,117 | |||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of
year |
$ | 208,856 | $ | 10,938 | $ | 4 | $ | | $ | 219,798 | ||||||||||
41
Table of Contents
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiary | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
Parent/ | Subsidiary | Non- | Consolidating | Vector Group | ||||||||||||||||
Issuer | Guarantors | Guarantors | Adjustments | Ltd. | ||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by
operating activities |
$ | 67,743 | $ | 39,347 | $ | 25,760 | $ | (75,490 | ) | $ | 57,360 | |||||||||
Cash flows from investing
activities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of investment
securities |
(6,032 | ) | | | | (6,032 | ) | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale or
liquidation of long-term
investments |
| | 50 | | 50 | |||||||||||||||
Purchase of long-term
investments |
| | (91 | ) | | (91 | ) | |||||||||||||
Distributions from
non-consolidated real estate
businesses |
| | 1,000 | | 1,000 | |||||||||||||||
Investment in non-
consolidated real
estate businesses |
| | (750 | ) | | (750 | ) | |||||||||||||
Increase in cash surrender
value of life insurance
policies |
(225 | ) | (299 | ) | | | (524 | ) | ||||||||||||
Receipt of repayment
of notes receivable |
4,000 | | | (4,000 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
(Increase) decrease
in non-current restricted
assets |
(316 | ) | 3 | | | (313 | ) | |||||||||||||
Investments in
subsidiaries |
(37,350 | ) | | | 37,350 | | ||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
| (2,716 | ) | | | (2,716 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by
investing activities |
(39,923 | ) | (3,012 | ) | 209 | 33,350 | (9,376 | ) | ||||||||||||
42
Table of Contents
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
Cash flows from
financing activities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from debt
issuance |
| 1,576 | | | 1,576 | |||||||||||||||
Repayments of debt |
| (42,205 | ) | | 4,000 | (38,205 | ) | |||||||||||||
Borrowings under revolver |
| 275,062 | | | 275,062 | |||||||||||||||
Repayments on revolver |
| (258,419 | ) | | | (258,419 | ) | |||||||||||||
Capital contributions received |
| 37,350 | | (37,350 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Intercompany dividends paid |
| (49,500 | ) | (25,990 | ) | 75,490 | | |||||||||||||
Dividends and distributions
on common stock |
(50,360 | ) | | | | (50,360 | ) | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of
Vector options and warrants |
1,978 | | | | 1,978 | |||||||||||||||
Net cash used in
financing activities |
(48,382 | ) | (36,136 | ) | (25,990 | ) | 42,140 | (68,368 | ) | |||||||||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash
equivalents |
(20,562 | ) | 199 | (21 | ) | | (20,384 | ) | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents,
beginning of year |
132,942 | 13,797 | 30 | | 146,769 | |||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of
year |
$ | 112,380 | $ | 13,996 | $ | 9 | $ | | $ | 126,385 | ||||||||||
43
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Overview
We are a holding company and are engaged principally in:
| the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the United States through our subsidiary Liggett Group LLC, | ||
| the development and marketing of the low nicotine and nicotine-free QUEST cigarette products and the development of reduced risk cigarette products through our subsidiary Vector Tobacco Inc., and | ||
| the real estate business through our subsidiary, New Valley LLC, which is seeking to acquire additional operating companies and real estate properties. New Valley owns 50% of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, which operates the largest residential brokerage company in the New York metropolitan area. |
All of Liggetts unit sales volume in 2007 and the first six months of 2008 was in the
discount segment, which Liggetts management believes has been the primary growth segment in the
industry for over a decade. The significant discounting of premium cigarettes in recent years has
led to brands, such as EVE, that were traditionally considered premium brands to become more
appropriately categorized as discount, following list price reductions.
Liggetts cigarettes are produced in approximately 245 combinations of length, style and
packaging. Liggetts current brand portfolio includes:
| LIGGETT SELECT the third largest brand in the deep discount category, | ||
| GRAND PRIX a growing brand in the deep discount segment, | ||
| EVE a leading brand of 120 millimeter cigarettes in the branded discount category, | ||
| PYRAMID the industrys first deep discount product with a brand identity, and | ||
| USA and various Partner Brands and private label brands. |
In 1999, Liggett introduced LIGGETT SELECT, one of the leading brands in the deep discount
category. LIGGETT SELECT was the largest seller in Liggetts family of brands in 2007 and
comprised 32.9% of Liggetts unit volume in 2007. In September 2005, Liggett repositioned GRAND
PRIX to distributors and retailers nationwide. GRAND PRIX is marketed as the lowest price
fighter to specifically compete with brands which are priced at the lowest level of the deep
discount segment.
Under the Master Settlement Agreement reached in November 1998 with 46 states and various
territories, the three largest cigarette manufacturers must make settlement payments to the states
and territories based on how many cigarettes they sell annually. Liggett, however, is not required
to make any payments unless its market share exceeds approximately 1.65% of the U.S. cigarette
market. Additionally, Vector Tobacco has no payment obligation unless its market share exceeds
approximately 0.28% of the U.S. market. Liggetts and Vector Tobaccos payments under the Master
Settlement Agreement are based on each companys incremental market share above the minimum
threshold applicable to such company. We believe that Liggett has gained a sustainable cost
advantage over its competitors as a result of the settlement.
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The discount segment is a challenging marketplace, with consumers having less brand loyalty
and placing greater emphasis on price. Liggetts competition is now divided into two segments. The
first segment is made up of the four largest manufacturers of cigarettes in the United States,
Philip Morris USA Inc., Reynolds America Inc. (following the combination of RJR Tobacco and Brown &
Williamsons United States tobacco business in July 2004), Lorillard Tobacco Company and
Commonwealth Brands, Inc. (which Imperial Tobacco PLC acquired in 2007). The three largest
manufacturers, while primarily premium cigarette based companies, also produce and sell discount
cigarettes. The second segment of competition is comprised of a group of smaller manufacturers and
importers, most of which sell lower quality, deep discount cigarettes.
Recent Developments
NASA Settlement. In 1994, New Valley commenced an action against the United States government
seeking damages for breach of a launch services agreement covering the launch of one of the Westar
satellites owned by New Valleys former Western Union satellite business. In March 2007, the
parties entered into a Stipulation for Entry of Judgment to settle New Valleys claims and,
pursuant to the settlement, $20,000 was paid in May 2007. In the first quarter of 2007, we
recognized a pre-tax gain of $19,590, which consisted of other non-operating income of $20,000 and
$410 of selling, general and administrative expenses, in connection with the settlement.
Issuance of 11% Senior Secured Notes. In August 2007, we sold $165,000 principal amount of
our 11% Senior Secured Notes due August 15, 2015 in a private offering to qualified institutional
investors in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act. We intend to use the net proceeds
of the issuance for general corporate purposes which may include working capital requirements, the
financing of capital expenditures, future acquisitions, the repayment or refinancing of outstanding
indebtedness, payment of dividends and distributions and the repurchase of all or any part of our
outstanding convertible notes.
Proposed and enacted excise tax increases. Congress is considering proposals to increase the
federal excise tax by as much as $0.61 per pack. Eleven states enacted increases to state excise
taxes in 2007. Five states enacted increases to state excise taxes in 2008 and further increases
in states excise taxes are expected in 2008.
Tobacco Settlement Agreements. In October 2004, the independent auditor under the Master
Settlement Agreement notified Liggett and all other Participating Manufacturers that their payment
obligations under the Master Settlement Agreement, dating from the agreements execution in late
1998, had been recalculated using net unit amounts, rather than gross unit amounts (which had
been used since 1999 to calculate market share and the allocation of the base amount of payments
under the Master Settlement Agreement). The change in the method of calculation could, among other
things, require additional Master Settlement Agreement payments by Liggett of approximately
$18,300, for 2001 through 2007, require an additional payment of approximately
$3,300 for 2008 and require additional amounts in future periods because the proposed change from
gross to net units would serve to lower Liggetts market share exemption under the Master
Settlement Agreement. Liggett has objected to this retroactive change and has disputed the change
in methodology. No amounts have been accrued or expensed in our consolidated financial statements
for any potential liability relating to the gross versus net dispute.
In 2005, the independent auditor under the Master Settlement Agreement calculated that Liggett
owed $28,668 for its 2004 sales. Liggett paid $11,678 and disputed the balance, as permitted by
the Master Settlement Agreement. Liggett subsequently paid $9,304 of the disputed amount, although
Liggett continues to dispute that this amount is owed. This $9,304 relates to an adjustment to its
2003 payment obligation claimed by Liggett for the market share loss to non-
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participating manufacturers, which is known as the NPM Adjustment. At June 30, 2008, included in
Other assets on our consolidated balance sheet was a receivable of $6,513 relating to such
amount. The remaining balance in dispute of $7,686 is comprised of $5,318 claimed for a 2004 NPM
Adjustment and $2,368 relating to the independent auditors retroactive change from gross to
net units in calculating Master Settlement Agreement payments, which Liggett contends is
improper, as discussed above. From its April 2006 payment, Liggett and Vector Tobacco withheld
approximately $1,600 claimed for the 2005 NPM Adjustment and $2,612 relating to the retroactive
change from gross to net units. Liggett and Vector Tobacco withheld approximately $4,200 from
their April 2007 payments related to the 2006 NPM Adjustment and approximately $3,000 relating to
the retroactive change from gross to net units. From its April 2008 payment, Liggett withheld
approximately $4,000 for the 2007 NPM Adjustment and approximately $3,300 related to the
retroactive change from gross to net units. Vector Tobacco paid approximately $200 into the
disputed payments account for the 2007 NPM Adjustment.
The following amounts have not been expensed in our consolidated financial statements as they
relate to Liggetts and Vector Tobaccos claim for an NPM Adjustment: $6,513 for 2003, $3,789 for
2004 and $800 for 2005.
In March 2006, an economic consulting firm selected pursuant to the Master Settlement
Agreement rendered its final and non-appealable decision that the Master Settlement Agreement was a
significant factor contributing to the loss of market share of Participating Manufacturers for
2003. The economic consulting firm rendered the same decision with respect to 2004 and 2005. As a
result, the manufacturers are entitled to potential NPM Adjustments to their 2003, 2004 and 2005
Master Settlement Agreement payments. A Settling State that has diligently enforced its qualifying
escrow statute in the year in question may be able to avoid application of the NPM Adjustment to
the payments made by the manufacturers for the benefit of that state or territory.
Since April 2006, notwithstanding provisions in the Master Settlement Agreement requiring
arbitration, litigation has been commenced in 49 Settling States and territories over the issue of
whether the application of the NPM Adjustment for 2003 is to be determined through litigation or
arbitration. These actions relate to the potential NPM Adjustment for 2003, which the independent
auditor under the Master Settlement Agreement previously determined to be as much as $1,200,000 for
all Participating Manufacturers. To date, all 48 courts that have decided the issue have ruled
that the 2003 NPM Adjustment dispute is arbitrable and 39 of these decisions are final. There can
be no assurance that Liggett or Vector Tobacco will receive any adjustment as a result of these
proceedings.
Vector Tobacco does not make MSA payments on sales of its QUEST 3 product as Vector Tobacco
believes that QUEST 3 does not fall within the definition of a cigarette under the MSA. There can
be no assurance that Vector Tobaccos assessment is correct and that additional payments under the
MSA for QUEST 3 will not be owed.
In 2003, in order to resolve any potential issues with Minnesota as to Liggetts ongoing
economic settlement obligations, Liggett negotiated a $100 a year payment to Minnesota, to be paid
any year cigarettes manufactured by Liggett are sold in that state. In 2004, the Attorneys General
for each of Florida, Mississippi and Texas advised Liggett that they believed that Liggett has
failed to make all required payments under the respective settlement agreements with these states
for the period 1998 through 2003 and that additional payments may be due for 2004 and subsequent
years. In 2004, Florida and Mississippi proposed settlements to Liggett in the amount of $20,000
for the period 1998 through 2003. Further discussions among the parties have not resulted in any
resolutions of the disputes. Liggett believes these allegations are without merit, based, among
other things, on the language of the most favored nation provisions of the settlement agreements.
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Except for $2,500 accrued as of June 30, 2008, in connection with the foregoing matters, no
other amounts have been accrued in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for any
additional amounts that may be payable by Liggett under the settlement agreements with Florida,
Mississippi and Texas. There can be no assurance that Liggett will resolve these matters and that
Liggett will not be required to make additional material payments, which payments could adversely
affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Sale of St. Regis Hotel. In March 2008, 16th and K Holdings LLC closed on the sale of 90% of
the St. Regis Hotel. In addition to retaining a 3% interest, net of incentives, in the St. Regis
Hotel, New Valley received $15,822 in March 2008 and anticipates receiving from the sale
approximately an additional $1,400 in 2008 and approximately an additional $5,000 in various
installments between 2009 and 2012. New Valley recorded equity losses of $0 and $59 for the three
months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $3,796 and $102 for the six months ended
June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, associated with 16th and K Holdings LLC. For the six
months ended June 30, 2008, New Valley also recorded income of $15,779 in connection with the
distributions received in excess of the carrying amount of the investment in St. Regis.
Escena. In March 2008, a subsidiary of New Valley LLC purchased a loan secured by a
substantial portion of a 450-acre approved master planned community in Palm Springs, California
known as Escena. The loan, which is currently in foreclosure, was purchased for its $20,000 face
value plus accrued interest and other costs of $1,445. The loan is being accounted for under the
cost recovery method and the cost includes the purchase price and additional capitalized costs of
$259. At June 30, 2008, we carried the loan on our condensed consolidated balance sheet at its
cost of $21,704. The borrowers are Escena-PSC, LLC and Palm Springs Classic, LLC, a joint venture
of Lennar Homes of California, Inc and Empire Land, LLC. Empire Land recently filed a Chapter 11
bankruptcy petition. Lennar Homes is an affiliate of Lennar Corporation. The project consists of
867 residential lots with site and public infrastructure, an 18-hole Nicklaus Design golf course, a
substantially completed clubhouse, and a seven-acre site approved for a 450-room hotel.
In October 2007, the as is value of the land was appraised in excess of the outstanding
value of the loan. We recently obtained an appraisal that valued the property at substantially
less than the outstanding loan balance. The reduction in value
was attributed to the overall real estate market conditions in California. Among other things,
Lennar Corporation has a payment guarantee of up to 50% of the outstanding loan as well as a
guarantee to complete the development of the property. In order to calculate the fair market value
of the investment, we utilized the most recent as is appraised value of the collateral and
estimated the value of Lennar Corporations completion and payment guaranties, less estimated costs
to enforce the guaranties and dispose the property. Based on these estimates, we have determined
that the fair market value approximates the carrying amount of the mortgage receivable at June 30,
2008. We have commenced legal action to exercise our rights under the loan documents.
Aberdeen Townhomes LLC. In June 2008, a subsidiary of New Valley LLC purchased a preferred
equity interest in Aberdeen Townhomes LLC (Aberdeen) for $10,000. Aberdeen acquired five town
home residences located in Manhattan, New York, which it is in the process of rehabilitating and
selling. In the event that Aberdeen makes distributions of cash, New Valley is entitled to a
priority preferred return of 15% per annum until it has recovered its invested capital. New Valley
is entitled to 25% of subsequent cash distributions of profits until it has achieved an annual 18%
internal rate of return (IRR). New Valley is then entitled to 20% of subsequent cash
distributions of profits until it has achieved an annual 23% IRR. After New Valley has achieved an
annual 23% IRR, it is then entitled to 10% of any remaining cash distributions of profits.
Aberdeen is a variable interest entity; however, the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The
Companys maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investment in Aberdeen is $10,000. This
investment is being accounted for under the cost method.
SNUS. Beginning in May 2008 Liggett introduced SNUS, a premium quality pouched tobacco
product. SNUS is manufactured in Sweden and is available in three varieties.
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Recent Developments in Tobacco-Related Litigation
The cigarette industry continues to be challenged on numerous fronts. New cases continue to be
commenced against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers. As of June 30, 2008, there were
approximately 2,185 individual suits (excluding approximately 100 individual cases pending in West
Virginia state court as part of a consolidated action; Liggett has been severed from the trial of
the consolidated action), 10 purported class actions and four governmental and other third-party
payor health care reimbursement actions pending in the United States in which Liggett or us, or
both, were named as a defendant.
In 2000, a jury, in Engle v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., rendered a $145,000,000 punitive
damages verdict in favor of a Florida class against certain cigarette manufacturers, including
Liggett. Pursuant to the Florida Supreme Courts July 2006 ruling in Engle, which decertified the
class on a prospective basis, and affirmed the appellate courts reversal of the punitive damages
award, former class members had one year from January 11, 2007 in which to file individual
lawsuits. In addition, some individuals who filed suit prior to January 11, 2007, and who claim
they meet the conditions in Engle, are attempting to avail themselves of the Engle ruling.
Lawsuits by individuals requesting the benefit of the Engle ruling, whether filed before or after
the January 11, 2007 mandate, are referred to as the Engle progeny cases. As of June 30, 2008,
Liggett and/or the Company have been named in approximately 2,150 Engle progeny cases in both state
and federal courts in Florida. Other cigarette manufacturers have also been named as defendants in
these cases. These cases include approximately 9,570 plaintiffs. Although the total number of
Engle plaintiffs will not increase, the number of cases will likely increase as the court may
require multi-plaintiff cases to be severed into individual cases.
In June 2002, the jury in a Florida state court action entitled Lukacs v. R.J. Reynolds
Tobacco Company, awarded $37,500 in compensatory damages in a case involving Liggett and two other
cigarette manufacturers. In March 2003, the court reduced the amount of the compensatory damages
to $24,860. The jury found Liggett 50% responsible for the damages incurred by the plaintiff. The
Lukacs case was the first case to be tried as an individual Engle class member suit following entry
of final judgment by the Engle trial court. In the event the court enters judgment in plaintiffs
favor, plaintiff contends that interest on the judgment accrues from the date of the verdict. If
the court enters judgment in plaintiffs favor, Liggett intends to appeal and may be required to
post a bond. In addition, plaintiff filed a motion seeking an award of attorneys fees from
Liggett based on plaintiffs prior proposal for settlement. It is possible that additional cases
could be decided unfavorably and that there could be further adverse developments in the Engle
case. Liggett may enter into discussions in an attempt to settle particular cases if it believes it
is appropriate to do so. We cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future settlements
and judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that those
requirements will not be able to be met.
In recent years, there have been a number of proposed restrictive regulatory actions from
various federal administrative bodies, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency
and the FDA. There have also been adverse political decisions and other unfavorable developments
concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry, including the commencement and certification
of class actions and the commencement of third-party payor actions. In October 2004, the Senate
passed a bill, which did not become law, providing for FDA regulation of tobacco products. A
substantially similar bill was reintroduced in Congress in February 2007. This legislation was
approved in August 2007 by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and is
awaiting consideration by the full Senate. Companion legislation was approved by the House
Committee on Energy and Commerce in April 2008 and was passed by the full House of Representatives
in July 2008. The House legislation includes a provision granting certain phase in exemptions for
small manufacturers that would not be applicable to Liggett. At this time, the Company does not
know whether FDA regulation over
tobacco products will be approved by this Congress, and if so, whether it will be signed into
law by the President.
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These developments generally receive widespread media attention. We are not able to evaluate
the effect of these developing matters on pending litigation or the possible commencement of
additional litigation, but our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows
could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any tobacco-related litigation.
Critical Accounting Policies
There are no material changes from the critical accounting policies set forth in Item 7,
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of our
Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2007, except for the changes set forth
below. Please refer to that section and the information below for disclosures regarding the
critical accounting policies related to our business.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements. Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, (SFAS No. 157) for
financial assets and financial liabilities. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value
measurements but provides a definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair
value, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. We will adopt SFAS No. 157 for
nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities on January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 157
on financial assets and financial liabilities did not have a material impact on our consolidated
results of operations, financial position or cash flows. We are currently assessing the impact of
SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities on our consolidated results of
operations, financial position or cash flows.
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 and related notes included elsewhere in this report. The condensed consolidated
financial statements include the accounts of VGR Holding, Liggett, Vector Tobacco, Liggett Vector
Brands, New Valley and other less significant subsidiaries.
For purposes of this discussion and other consolidated financial reporting, our significant
business segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 were Liggett and Vector
Tobacco. The Liggett segment consists of the manufacture and sale of conventional cigarettes and,
for segment reporting purposes, includes the operations of the Medallion Company, Inc. acquired on
April 1, 2002 (which operations are held for legal purposes as part of Vector Tobacco). The Vector
Tobacco segment includes the development and marketing of the low nicotine and nicotine-free
cigarette products as well as the development of reduced risk cigarette products and, for segment
reporting purposes, excludes the operations of Medallion.
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, | June 30 | June 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||
Liggett |
$ | 142,330 | $ | 139,305 | $ | 273,975 | $ | 272,118 | ||||||||
Vector Tobacco |
630 | 1,046 | 1,190 | 2,125 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 142,960 | $ | 140,351 | $ | 275,165 | $ | 274,243 | ||||||||
Operating income (loss): |
||||||||||||||||
Liggett |
$ | 43,692 | $ | 37,463 | $ | 81,036 | $ | 72,923 | ||||||||
Vector Tobacco |
(1,926 | ) | (2,102 | ) | (4,336 | ) | (4,406 | ) | ||||||||
Total tobacco |
41,766 | 35,361 | 76,700 | 68,517 | ||||||||||||
Corporate and other |
(7,421 | ) | (6,178 | ) | (14,314 | ) | (13,614 | ) | ||||||||
Total operating income |
$ | 34,345 | $ | 29,183 | $ | 62,386 | $ | 54,903 | ||||||||
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Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared to Three Months ended June 30, 2007
Revenues. Total revenues were $142,960 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to
$140,351 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. This $2,609 (1.9%) increase in revenues was due
to a $3,025 (2.2%) increase in revenues at Liggett and a $416 (39.8%) decrease in revenues at
Vector Tobacco.
Tobacco Revenues. In April 2007, Liggett increased the list price of GRAND PRIX by an
additional $1.00 per carton. In September 2007, Liggett increased the list price of LIGGETT
SELECT, EVE and GRAND PRIX by an additional $0.70 per carton. In April 2008, Liggett increased the
list price of GRAND PRIX by $0.40 per carton. In addition, in April 2008, Liggett decreased the
early payment terms on its cigarettes from 2.75% to 2.25% of invoice amount.
All of Liggetts sales for the second quarter of 2008 and 2007 were in the discount category.
For the three months ended June 30, 2008, net sales at Liggett totaled $142,330, compared to
$139,305 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Revenues increased by 2.2% ($3,025) due to a
favorable price variance of $8,243 primarily related to LIGGETT SELECT and GRAND PRIX and new sales
of $363 from the introduction of SNUS offset by an unfavorable volume variance of $5,146
(approximately 84.8 million units) and sales mix of $435. Net revenues of the LIGGETT SELECT brand
decreased $1,397 for the second quarter of 2008 compared to 2007, and its unit volume decreased
9.1% in 2008 period compared to 2007. Net revenues of the GRAND PRIX brand increased $7,099 for
the second quarter of 2008 compared to the 2007 due to a favorable variance from pricing and lower
promotional spending of $3,998 and an increase in volume of 8.6% (56.3 million units).
Revenues at Vector Tobacco for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $630 compared to
$1,046 in the 2007 period due to decreased sales volume. Vector Tobaccos revenues in both periods
related to sales of QUEST.
Tobacco Gross Profit. Tobacco gross profit was $56,930 for the three months ended June 30,
2008 compared to $53,129 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. This represented an increase of
$3,801 (7.2%) when compared to the same period last year, due primarily to decreased promotional
spending expense. Liggetts brands contributed 99.7% to our gross profit and Vector Tobacco
contributed 0.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2008. Over the same period in 2007, Liggetts
brands contributed 99.4% to tobacco gross profit and Vector Tobacco contributed 0.6%.
Liggetts gross profit of $56,751 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased $3,947
from gross profit of $52,804 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. As a percent of revenues
(excluding federal excise taxes), gross profit at Liggett increased to 57.3% for the three months
ended June 30, 2008 compared to gross profit of 56.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2007.
This increase in Liggetts gross profit in the 2008 period was attributable primarily to decreased
promotional spending expense.
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Vector Tobaccos gross profit was $179 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to
gross profit of $325 for the same period in 2007. The decrease was due primarily to the reduced
sales volume.
Expenses. Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $22,585 for the three
months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $23,946 for the same period last year, a decrease of $1,361
(5.7%). Expenses at Liggett were $13,059 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to
$15,341 for the same period in the prior year, a decrease of $2,282 or 14.9%. The decrease related
to product liability legal expenses in the 2008 period compared to the 2007 period. Liggetts
product liability legal expenses of $1,705 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to
$3,206 for the same period in the prior year. Expenses at Vector Tobacco for the three months
ended June 30, 2008 were $2,105 compared to expenses of $2,427 for the three months ended June 30,
2007. Expenses at the corporate level increased from $6,178 to $7,421.
For the three months ended June 30, 2008, Liggetts operating income increased $6,229 to
$43,692 compared to $37,463 for the same period in 2007 primarily due to increased gross profit.
For the three months ended June 30, 2008, Vector Tobaccos operating loss was $1,925 compared to a
loss of $2,102 for the three months ended June 30, 2007.
Other Income (Expenses). For the three months ended June 30, 2008, other income (expenses)
was income of $57 compared to $9,147 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. For the three
months ended June 30, 2008, other income consisted of equity income from non-consolidated real
estate businesses of $4,184, interest and dividend income of $1,375 and $9,759 for changes in fair
value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt. This amount was primarily offset by interest
expense of $15,257. The equity income of $4,184 for the 2008 period resulted from New Valleys
investment in Douglas Elliman Realty. For the three months ended June 30, 2007, other income
consisted of the gain on the exchange of the LTS notes of $8,121, equity income from
non-consolidated real estate businesses of $6,927, changes in fair value of derivatives embedded
within convertible debt of $2,089 and interest and dividend income of $1,561. This amount was
primarily offset by interest expense of $9,520. The equity income of $6,927 for the 2007 period
resulted primarily from income of $6,986 related to New Valleys investment in Douglas Elliman
Realty offset by losses of $59 in 16th and K. As of March 31, 2007, New Valley suspended its
recognition of equity losses in Ceebraid and Koa Investors as such losses exceed its basis plus any
commitment to make additional investments.
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 gains from the
embedded derivatives in the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, was primarily
the result of interest payments during the period and increasing long-term interest rates.
Income before income taxes. Income before income taxes for the three months ended June 30,
2008 was $34,402 compared to income before income taxes of $38,330 for the three months ended June
30, 2007.
Income tax provision. The income tax provision was $15,277 and $16,949 for the three months
ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our income tax rate for the three months ended June
30, 2008 and 2007 did not bear a customary relationship to statutory income tax rates as a result
of the impact of nondeductible expenses and state income taxes offset by the impact of the domestic
production activities deduction.
Our provision for income taxes in interim periods is based on an estimated annual effective
income tax rate derived, in part, from estimated annual pre-tax results from ordinary operations in
accordance with FIN 18, Accounting for Income Taxes in Interim Periodsan interpretation of APB
Opinion No. 28. We did not include the gain from the exchange of the LTS Notes in the computation
of the effective annual income tax rate for 2007 from estimated pre-tax results from
ordinary operations. For the three months ended June 30, 2007, the gain from the exchange of
the LTS Notes reduced income tax expense by approximately $325 due to differences in our marginal
tax rate of approximately 41% and its anticipated effective annual income tax rate from ordinary
operations of approximately 45%.
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Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared to Six Months ended June 30, 2007
Revenues. Total revenues were $275,165 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to
$274,243 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This $922 (0.3%) increase in revenues was due to
a $1,857 (0.7%) increase in revenues at Liggett and a $935 (44.0%) decrease in revenues at Vector
Tobacco.
Tobacco Revenues. In April 2007, Liggett increased the list price of GRAND PRIX by an
additional $1.00 per carton. In September 2007, Liggett increased the list price of LIGGETT
SELECT, EVE and GRAND PRIX by an additional $0.70 per carton. In April 2008, Liggett increased the
list price of GRAND PRIX by $0.40 per carton. In addition, in April 2008, Liggett decreased the
early payment terms on its cigarettes from 2.75% to 2.25% of invoice amount.
All of Liggetts sales for the first six months of 2008 and 2007 were in the discount
category. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, net sales at Liggett totaled $273,975, compared
to $272,118 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Revenues increased by 0.7% ($1,857) due to a
favorable price variance of $19,989 primarily related to LIGGETT SELECT and GRAND PRIX and new
sales of $363 from the introduction of SNUS offset by an unfavorable volume variance of $18,231
(approximately 307.5 million units) and sales mix of $264. Net revenues of the LIGGETT SELECT
brand decreased $5,252 for the first six months of 2008 compared to 2007, and its unit volume
decreased 11.3% in 2008 period compared to 2007. Net revenues of the GRAND PRIX brand increased
$12,477 for the first six months of 2008 compared to 2007 as a favorable variance from pricing and
lower promotional spending of $9,955 and an increase in volume of 3.6% (47.9 million units).
Revenues at Vector Tobacco for the six months ended June 30, 2008 were $1,190 compared to
$2,125 in the 2007 period due to decreased sales volume. Vector Tobaccos revenues in both periods
related to sales of QUEST.
Tobacco Gross Profit. Tobacco gross profit was $109,128 for the six months ended June 30,
2008 compared to $102,336 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This represented an increase of
$6,792 (6.6%) when compared to the same period last year, due primarily to decreased returns.
Liggetts brands contributed 99.7% to our gross profit and Vector Tobacco contributed 0.3% for the
six months ended June 30, 2008. Over the same period in 2007, Liggetts brands contributed 99.4%
to tobacco gross profit and Vector Tobacco contributed 0.6%.
Liggetts gross profit of $108,777 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased $7,086
from gross profit of $101,691 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. As a percent of revenues
(excluding federal excise taxes), gross profit at Liggett increased to 57.2% for the six months
ended June 30, 2008 compared to gross profit of 55.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This
increase in Liggetts gross profit in the 2008 period was attributable primarily to decreased
promotional spending expense and a $1,100 of a one-time decrease in MSA expense as a result of the
MSA assessment for 2007 being less than anticipated.
Vector Tobaccos gross profit was $351 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to
gross profit of $645 for the same period in 2007. The decrease was due primarily to the reduced
sales volume.
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Expenses. Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $46,742 for the six
months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $47,433 for the same period last year, a decrease of
$691 (1.5%). Expenses at Liggett were $27,741 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared
to $28,768 for the same period in the prior year, a decrease of $1,027 or 3.6%. The decrease
related to product liability legal expenses in the 2008 period compared to the 2007 period.
Liggetts product liability legal expenses of $3,069 for the six months ended June 30, 2008
compared to $4,237 for the same period in the prior year. Expenses at Vector Tobacco for the six
months ended June 30, 2008 were $4,687 compared to expenses of $5,051 for the six months ended June
30, 2007. Expenses at the corporate level increased from $13,614 in the 2007 period to $14,314.
For the six months ended June 30, 2008, Liggetts operating income increased $8,113 to $81,036
compared to $72,923 for the same period in 2007 primarily due to increased gross profit. For the
six months ended June 30, 2008, Vector Tobaccos operating loss was $4,336 compared to a loss of
$4,406 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Other Income (Expenses). For the six months ended June 30, 2008, other income (expenses) was
a loss of $2,922 compared to income of $23,143 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. For the six
months ended June 30, 2008, other income consisted of equity income from non-consolidated real
estate businesses of $17,504, changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
of $7,315 and interest and dividend income of $3,346 and was primarily offset by interest expense
of $30,510 and a loss of $577 associated with the performance of an investment partnership. The
equity income of $17,504 for the 2008 period resulted from New Valleys investment in Douglas
Elliman Realty which contributed $5,522 and $11,982 from 16th and K, which consisted of
equity losses from the operations of the St. Regis Hotel of $3,796 and income of $15,779 in
connection with the gain on the disposal of 16th and Ks interest in 90% of the St.
Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, other income consisted of
$20,000 for the NASA lawsuit settlement, equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
of $9,337, gain from the exchange of the LTS notes of $8,121, interest and dividend income of
$3,417 and change in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt of $2,116 and was
offset by interest expense of $18,654 and a loss on investments of $1,158. The equity income of
$9,337 for the 2007 period resulted primarily from income of $11,142 related to New Valleys
investment in Douglas Elliman Realty offset by losses of $953 in Ceebraid, $750 in Koa Investors,
and $102 in 16th and K. As of March 31, 2007, New Valley suspended its recognition of equity
losses in Koa Investors as such losses exceed its basis plus any commitment to make additional
investments.
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 gains from the
embedded derivatives in the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, were primarily
the result of interest payments during the period and increasing long-term interest rates.
Income before income taxes. Income before income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2008
was $59,464 compared to income before income taxes of $78,046 for the six months ended June 30,
2007.
Income tax provision. The income tax provision was $26,032 and $33,538 for the six months ended
June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2008
and 2007 did not bear a customary relationship to statutory income tax rates as a result of the
impact of nondeductible expenses and state income taxes offset by the impact of the domestic
production activities deduction. In addition, our income tax provision for 2008 was reduced because
of the impact of the gain on the disposal of the St. Regis, which reduced income tax expense by
$460 due to differences in our marginal tax rate of approximately 41% and our anticipated effective
annual income tax rate from ordinary operations of approximately 45%. In addition, our income tax
provision for 2007 was reduced because of the impact of the settlement of an income tax assessment
in March 2007, which reduced income tax expense by
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$450, the $19,590 of income from the lawsuit settlement with the United States government, which
reduced income tax expense by approximately $800 or the gain from the exchange of the LTS notes,
which reduced income tax expense by approximately $325 due to differences in our marginal tax rate
of approximately 41% and our anticipated effective annual income tax rate from ordinary operations
of approximately 45%. Our provision for income taxes in interim periods is based on an estimated
annual effective income tax rate derived, in part, from estimated annual pre-tax results from
ordinary operations in accordance with FIN 18, Accounting for Income Taxes in Interim Periodsan
interpretation of APB Opinion No. 28. We did not include the discrete items discussed above in
the 2008 or 2007 computation of our effective annual income tax rate from estimated pre-tax results
from ordinary operations. Accordingly, our provision for income taxes for the six months ended
June 30, 2008 and 2007 has been computed by applying the discrete method in accordance with FIN 18
to account for these items.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Net cash and cash equivalents decreased $18,319 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and
decreased $20,384 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Net cash provided from operations was $35,885 and $57,360 for the six months ended June 30,
2008 and 2007, respectively. The difference between the two periods relates primarily to the
receipt of $20,000 in connection with the NASA settlement in 2007, increased payables at Liggett in
2008 compared to a decrease in 2007, larger increases in accounts receivable and increased payments
of compensation accruals at Liggett Vector Brands in 2008.
Cash used in investing activities was $15,020 and $9,376 for the six months ended June 30,
2008 and 2007, respectively. In the first six months of 2008, cash was used for the purchase of the
mortgage receivable of $21,704, the purchase of non-consolidated real estate businesses of $10,000,
the purchase of investment securities of $5,182, net capital expenditures of $2,083, increase in
the cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance policies of $521, an increase in
restricted assets of $259 and the purchase of long-term investments of $51 offset by the
distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses of $16,446 and from the proceeds from
the liquidation of long-term investments of $8,334. In the first six months of 2007, cash was used
for capital expenditures of $2,716, the purchase of investment securities of $6,032, investment in
non-consolidated real estate businesses of $750, increase in the cash surrender value of
corporate-owned life insurance policies of $524, an increase in restricted assets of $313 and the
net purchase of long-term investments of $41 partially offset by the return of capital
contributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses of $1,000.
Cash used in financing activities was $39,184 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared
to cash used of $68,368 for the 2007 period. In the first six months of 2008, cash was primarily
used for distributions on common stock of $52,737, repayments on debt of $2,984, net payments of
debt under the revolver of $1,635, deferred financing charges of $137, offset by the excess tax benefit of
options exercised of $18,283 and the proceeds from the exercise of options of $26. In the first
six months of 2007, cash was used for distributions on common stock of $50,360 and repayments on
debt of $38,205. Cash used was offset primarily by net borrowings under the revolver of $16,643 and
proceeds from the exercise of options of $1,978.
Liggett. Liggett has a $50,000 credit facility with Wachovia Bank, N.A. under which $13,146
was outstanding at June 30, 2008. Availability as determined under the facility was approximately
$18,680 based on eligible collateral at June 30, 2008. The facility contains covenants that
provide that Liggetts earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined
under the facility, on a trailing twelve-month basis, shall not be less than $100,000 if Liggetts
excess availability, as defined, under the facility is less than $20,000. The covenants also
require that annual capital expenditures, as defined under the facility, (before a maximum
carryover amount of $2,500) shall not exceed $10,000 during any fiscal year. At June
30, 2008, management believed that Liggett was in compliance with all covenants under the
credit facility; Liggetts EBITDA, as defined, were approximately $150,211 for the twelve months
ended June 30, 2008.
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Liggett and other United States cigarette manufacturers have been named as defendants in a
number of direct and third-party actions (and purported class actions) predicated on the theory
that they should be liable for damages from cancer and other adverse health effects alleged to have
been caused by cigarette smoking or by exposure to so-called secondary smoke from cigarettes. We
believe, and have been so advised by counsel handling the respective cases, that Liggett has a
number of valid defenses to claims asserted against it. Litigation is subject to many
uncertainties. In June 2002, the jury in an individual case brought under the third phase of the
Engle case awarded $37,500 (subsequently reduced by the court to $24,860) of compensatory damages
against Liggett and two other defendants and found Liggett 50% responsible for the damages.
Liggett may be required to bond the amount of the judgment to perfect its appeal. It is possible
that additional cases could be decided unfavorably and that there could be further adverse
developments in the Engle case. Liggett may enter into discussions in an attempt to settle
particular cases if it believes it is appropriate to do so. Management cannot predict the cash
requirements related to any future settlements and judgments, including cash required to bond any
appeals, and there is a risk that those requirements will not be able to be met. An unfavorable
outcome of a pending smoking and health case could encourage the commencement of additional similar
litigation. In recent years, there have been a number of adverse regulatory, political and other
developments concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry. These developments generally
receive widespread media attention. Neither we nor Liggett are able to evaluate the effect of
these developing matters on pending litigation or the possible commencement of additional
litigation or regulation. See Note 8 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and
Legislation and Regulation below for a description of legislation, regulation and litigation.
Management is unable to make a reasonable estimate of the amount or range of loss that could
result from an unfavorable outcome of the cases pending against Liggett or the costs of defending
such cases. It is possible that our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash
flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any such tobacco-related
litigation.
Vector. We believe that we will continue to meet our liquidity requirements through 2009.
Corporate expenditures (exclusive of Liggett, Vector Research, Vector Tobacco and New Valley) over
the next twelve months for current operations include cash interest expense of approximately
$48,750, dividends on our outstanding shares (currently at an annual rate of approximately
$114,000) and corporate expenses and taxes. We anticipate funding our expenditures for current
operations and required principal payments with available cash resources, proceeds from public
and/or private debt and equity financing, management fees and other payments from subsidiaries.
New Valley 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 its
ability to make such distributions.
We or our subsidiaries file U.S. federal income tax returns and returns with various state and
local jurisdictions. Our condensed consolidated balance sheets include deferred income tax assets
and liabilities, which represent temporary differences in the application of accounting rules
established by generally accepted accounting principles and income tax laws. As of June 30, 2008,
our deferred income tax liabilities exceeded our deferred income tax assets by $115,234. Our
current deferred income tax liabilities increased by approximately $75,500 during the six months
ended June 30, 2008 as a result of the reclassification of a deferred tax liability from
non-current to current liabilities. This reclassification resulted from our settlement with the
Internal Revenue Service in July 2006, which required us to recognize taxable income of
approximately $192,000 from the Philip Morris brand transaction by March 1, 2009. The largest
component of
our deferred tax liabilities exists because of differences that resulted from the Philip Morris
brand transaction discussed above.
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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 June 30, 2008, approximately $30,800 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 June 30, 2008, 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
$308.
In addition, as of June 30, 2008, approximately $93,553 ($221,864 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 its carrying value is due
principally to certain embedded derivatives, which were separately valued and recorded upon
issuance.
We have estimated the fair market value of the embedded derivatives based principally on the
results of a valuation model. The estimated fair value of the derivatives embedded within the
convertible debt is based principally on the present value of future dividend payments expected to
be received by the convertible debt holders over the term of the debt. The discount rate applied
to the future cash flows is estimated based on a spread in yield of our debt when compared to
risk-free securities with the same duration; thus, a readily determinable fair market value of the
embedded derivatives is not available. The valuation model assumes 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 items, including
current and future dividends and the volatility of Vectors stock price. The range of estimated
fair market values of our embedded derivatives was between $93,300 and $95,300. We recorded the
fair market value of our embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs at $94,267 as of June
30, 2008. The estimated fair market value of our embedded derivatives could change significantly
based on future market conditions.
Changes to the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives are reflected quarterly
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 $4,154 with approximately $435 resulting from the
embedded derivative associated with our 5% variable interest senior convertible notes due 2011 and
the remaining $3,719 resulting from the embedded derivative associated with our 3.875% variable
interest senior convertible debentures due 2026. An increase in our quarterly dividend rate by
$0.10 per share would increase interest expense by approximately $4,950 per year.
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We held investment securities available for sale totaling $37,508 at June 30, 2008, which
includes 13,888,889 shares of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc., which were carried
at $20,972 and 5,057,110 shares of Opko Health, Inc., which were carried at $5,024. In March
2008, we acquired 2,800,000 shares of Opko in a private placement. These shares have not been
registered for resale. See Note 3 to our condensed consolidated financial statements. Adverse
market conditions could have a significant effect on the value of these investments.
New Valley also holds 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
In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 159, The
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. SFAS No. 159 permits entities to
choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not
currently required to be measured at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after November 15, 2007, with early adoption permitted provided the entity also elects to
apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157. We have not elected to use the fair value option.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), a revised version of SFAS No. 141,
Business Combinations. The revision is intended to simplify existing guidance and converge
rulemaking under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) with international
accounting rules. This statement applies prospectively to business combinations where the
acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or
after December 15, 2008. An entity may not apply it before that date. The new standard also
converges financial reporting under U.S. GAAP with international accounting rules. We are
currently assessing the impact, if any, of SFAS No. 141(R) on its consolidated financial
statements.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. SFAS No. 161 seeks qualitative
disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative data about the
fair value of and gains and losses on derivative contracts, and details of credit-risk-related
contingent features in hedged positions. SFAS No. 161 also seeks enhanced disclosure around
derivative instruments in financial statements, accounting under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and how hedges affect an entitys financial
position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for us as of January 1,
2009 and we do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 161 to have a material impact on our
consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
On May 9, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible
Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)
(FSP No. APB 14-1). We are currently assessing the impact of FSP No. APB 14-1 on our
consolidated financial statements.
On June 16, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. EITF 03-6-1, Determining Whether
Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities, which states
that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or
dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in
the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method. The guidance is effective for
financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods
within those years. We are currently assessing the impact of FSP No. EITF 03-6-1 on our
consolidated financial statements.
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Legislation and Regulation
Reports with respect to the alleged harmful physical effects of cigarette smoking have been
publicized for many years and, in the opinion of Liggetts management, have had and may continue to
have an adverse effect on cigarette sales. Since 1964, the Surgeon General of the United States and
the Secretary of Health and Human Services have released a number of reports which state that
cigarette smoking is a causative factor with respect to a variety of health hazards, including
cancer, heart disease and lung disease, and have recommended various government actions to reduce
the incidence of smoking. In 1997, Liggett publicly acknowledged that, as the Surgeon General and
respected medical researchers have found, smoking causes health problems, including lung cancer,
heart and vascular disease, and emphysema.
Since 1966, federal law has required that cigarettes manufactured, packaged or imported for
sale or distribution in the United States include specific health warnings on their packaging.
Since 1972, Liggett and the other cigarette manufacturers have included the federally required
warning statements in print advertising and on certain categories of point-of-sale display
materials relating to cigarettes. The Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act (FCLA Act)
requires that packages of cigarettes distributed in the United States and cigarette advertisements
in the United States bear one of the following four warning statements: SURGEON GENERALS WARNING:
Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, And May Complicate Pregnancy SURGEON
GENERALS WARNING: Quitting Smoking Now Greatly Reduces Serious Risks to Your Health SURGEON
GENERALS WARNING: Smoking By Pregnant Women May Result in Fetal Injury, Premature Birth, And Low
Birth Weight and SURGEON GENERALS WARNING: Cigarette Smoke Contains Carbon Monoxide. The law
also requires that each person who manufactures, packages or imports cigarettes annually provide to
the Secretary of Health and Human Services a list of ingredients added to tobacco in the
manufacture of cigarettes. Annual reports to the United States Congress are also required from the
Secretary of Health and Human Services as to current information on the health consequences of
smoking and from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on the effectiveness of cigarette labeling
and current practices and methods of cigarette advertising and promotion. Both federal agencies are
also required annually to make such recommendations as they deem appropriate with regard to further
legislation. It is possible that proposed legislation providing for regulation of cigarettes by the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), if enacted, could significantly change the warning
requirements currently mandated by the FCLA Act. In addition, since 1997, Liggett has included the
warning Smoking is Addictive on its cigarette packages and point-of-sale materials.
In January 1993, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report on the
respiratory effect of secondary smoke which concludes that secondary smoke is a known human lung
carcinogen in adults and in children, causes increased respiratory tract disease and middle ear
disorders and increases the severity and frequency of asthma. In June 1993, the two largest of the
major domestic cigarette manufacturers, together with other segments of the tobacco and
distribution industries, commenced a lawsuit against the EPA seeking a determination that the EPA
did not have the statutory authority to regulate secondary smoke, and that given the scientific
evidence and the EPAs failure to follow its own guidelines in making the determination, the EPAs
classification of secondary smoke was arbitrary and capricious. In July 1998, a federal district
court vacated those sections of the report relating to lung cancer, finding that the EPA may have
reached different conclusions had it complied with relevant statutory requirements. The federal
government appealed the courts ruling. In December 2002, the United States Court of Appeals for
the Fourth Circuit rejected the industry challenge to the EPA report ruling that it was not subject
to court review. Issuance of the report may encourage efforts to limit smoking in public areas.
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In August 1996, the FDA filed in the Federal Register a Final Rule classifying tobacco as a
drug or medical device, asserting jurisdiction over the manufacture and marketing of tobacco
products and imposing restrictions on the sale, advertising and promotion of tobacco products.
Litigation was commenced challenging the legal authority of the FDA to assert such jurisdiction, as
well as challenging the constitutionality of the rule. In March 2000, the United States Supreme
Court ruled that the FDA does not have the power to regulate tobacco. Liggett supported the
FDA Rule and began to phase in compliance with certain of the proposed FDA regulations. Since the
Supreme Court decision, various proposals and recommendations have been made for additional federal
and state legislation to regulate cigarette manufacturers. Congressional advocates of FDA
regulations have introduced legislation that would give the FDA authority to regulate the
manufacture, sale, distribution and labeling of tobacco products to protect public health, thereby
allowing the FDA to reinstate its prior regulations or adopt new or additional regulations. In
October 2004, the Senate passed a bill, which did not become law, providing for FDA regulation of
tobacco products. A substantially similar bill was reintroduced in Congress in February 2007.
This legislation was approved in August, 2007, by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor
and Pensions, and is awaiting consideration by the full Senate. Companion legislation was approved
by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in April 2008 was passed by the full House of
Representatives July 2008. The House legislation includes a provision granting certain phase in
exemptions for small manufacturers that would not be applicable to the Company. At this time, the
Company does not know whether FDA regulation over tobacco products will be approved by this
Congress, and if so, whether it will be signed into law by the President. FDA regulation of tobacco
products could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
In August 1996, Massachusetts enacted legislation requiring tobacco companies to publish
information regarding the ingredients in cigarettes and other tobacco products sold in that state.
In December 2002, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled that the
ingredients disclosure provisions violated the constitutional prohibition against unlawful seizure
of property by forcing firms to reveal trade secrets. Liggett began voluntarily complying with
this legislation in December 1997 by providing ingredient information to the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health and, notwithstanding the appellate courts ruling, has continued to
provide ingredient disclosure. Liggett and Vector Tobacco also provide ingredient information
annually, as required by law, to the states of Texas and Minnesota. Several other states are
considering ingredient disclosure legislation, and the proposed legislation under consideration by
Congress providing for FDA regulation also calls for, among other things, ingredient disclosure.
In October 2004, the Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004 (FETRA) was signed into
law. FETRA provides for the elimination of the federal tobacco quota and price support program
through an industry funded buyout of tobacco growers and quota holders. Pursuant to the
legislation, manufacturers of tobacco products will be assessed $10,140,000 over a ten year period
to compensate tobacco growers and quota holders for the elimination of their quota rights.
Cigarette manufacturers will initially be responsible for 96.3% of the assessment (subject to
adjustment in the future), which will be allocated based on relative unit volume of domestic
cigarette shipments. Management currently estimates that Liggetts and Vector Tobaccos assessment
will be approximately $23,900 for the third year of the program which began January 1, 2007. The
relative cost of the legislation to the three largest cigarette manufacturers will likely be less
than the cost to smaller manufacturers, including Liggett and Vector Tobacco, because one effect of
the legislation is that the three largest manufacturers will no longer be obligated to make certain
contractual payments, commonly known as Phase II payments, that they agreed in 1999 to make to
tobacco-producing states. The ultimate impact of this legislation cannot be determined, but there
is a risk that smaller manufacturers, such as Liggett and Vector Tobacco, will be
disproportionately affected by the legislation, which could have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
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Cigarettes are subject to substantial and increasing federal, state and local excise taxes.
The federal excise tax on cigarettes is currently $0.39 per pack, although proposals are pending in
Congress to increase the federal excise tax by as much as $0.61 per pack. Such a proposal was
included in legislation to reauthorize the State Childrens Health Insurance Program which was
passed by Congress, but, ultimately vetoed by the President. This legislation is likely to be
reconsidered by Congress in the future. State and local sales and excise taxes vary considerably
and, when combined with sales taxes, local taxes and the current federal excise tax, may
currently exceed $4.00 per pack. Eleven states have enacted increases in excise taxes in 2007. Five states enacted increases to state taxes in 2008 and further increases are
expected. Congress is currently considering significant increases in the federal excise tax or
other payments from tobacco manufacturers, and various states and other jurisdictions are
considering, or have pending, legislation proposing further state excise tax increases. Management
believes increases in excise and similar taxes have had, and will continue to have, an adverse
effect on sales of cigarettes.
In June 2000, the New York State legislature passed legislation charging the states Office of
Fire Prevention and Control with developing standards for self-extinguishing or reduced ignition
propensity cigarettes. All cigarettes manufactured for sale in New York State must be manufactured
to specific reduced ignition propensity standards set forth in the regulations. Since the
passage of the New York law, approximately 20 states have passed similar laws utilizing
substantially similar technical standards. Similar legislation is being considered by other state
governments and at the federal level. Compliance with such legislation could be burdensome and
costly and could harm the business of Liggett and Vector Tobacco, particularly if there were to be
varying standards from state to state.
Federal or state regulators may object to Vector Tobaccos low nicotine and nicotine-free
cigarette products and reduced risk cigarette products it may develop as unlawful or allege they
bear deceptive or unsubstantiated product claims, and seek the removal of the products from the
marketplace or significant changes to advertising. Various concerns regarding Vector Tobaccos
advertising practices have been expressed to Vector Tobacco by certain state attorneys general.
Vector Tobacco has previously engaged in discussions in an effort to resolve these concerns and
Vector Tobacco has, in the interim, suspended all print advertising for its QUEST brand. Failure
to advertise the QUEST brand could have a material adverse effect on sales of QUEST. Allegations
by federal or state regulators, public health organizations and other tobacco manufacturers that
Vector Tobaccos products are unlawful, or that its public statements or advertising contain
misleading or unsubstantiated health claims or product comparisons, may result in litigation or
governmental proceedings. Vector Tobaccos business may become subject to extensive domestic and
international governmental regulation. Various proposals have been made for federal, state and
international legislation to regulate cigarette manufacturers generally, and reduced constituent
cigarettes specifically. It is possible that laws and regulations may be adopted covering issues
like the manufacture, sale, distribution, advertising and labeling of tobacco products as well as
any express or implied health claims associated with reduced risk, low nicotine and nicotine-free
cigarette products and the use of genetically modified tobacco. A system of regulation by agencies
such as the FDA, the FTC or the United States Department of Agriculture may be established. The
FTC has expressed interest in the regulation of tobacco products which bear reduced carcinogen
claims, and has also recently proposed rescinding FTC guidance issued in 1966 indicating that
factual statements of tar and nicotine yields based on the Cambridge Filter Method generally will
not violate the FTC Act. The FTC also announced that if it rescinds the guidance, advertisers
should not thereafter use terms such as per FTC Method or other phrases that state or imply FTC
endorsement or approval of the Cambridge Method or other machine-based methods. The ultimate
outcome of any of the foregoing cannot be predicted, but any of the foregoing could have a material
adverse effect on the Company.
A wide variety of federal, state and local laws limit the advertising, sale and use of
cigarettes, and these laws have proliferated in recent years. For example, many local laws prohibit
smoking in restaurants and other public places, and many employers have initiated programs
restricting or eliminating smoking in the workplace. There are various other legislative efforts
pending on the federal and state level which seek to, among other things, eliminate smoking in
public places, further restrict displays and advertising of cigarettes, require additional
warnings, including graphic warnings, on cigarette packaging and advertising, ban vending machine
sales and curtail affirmative defenses of tobacco companies in product liability litigation. This
trend has had, and is likely to continue to have, an adverse effect on the Company.
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In addition to the foregoing, there have been a number of other restrictive regulatory
actions, adverse legislative and political decisions and other unfavorable developments concerning
cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry. These developments may negatively affect the
perception of potential triers of fact with respect to the tobacco industry, possibly to the
detriment of certain pending litigation, and may prompt the commencement of additional similar
litigation or legislation.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
In addition to historical information, this report contains forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the federal securities law. Forward-looking statements include information
relating to our intent, belief or current expectations, primarily with respect to, but not limited
to:
| economic outlook, | ||
| capital expenditures, | ||
| cost reduction, | ||
| new legislation, | ||
| cash flows, | ||
| operating performance, | ||
| litigation, | ||
| impairment charges and cost savings associated with restructurings of our tobacco operations, and | ||
| related industry developments (including trends affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations). |
We identify forward-looking statements in this 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, | ||
| impact of restructurings on our tobacco business and our ability to achieve any increases in profitability estimated to occur as a result of these restructurings, | ||
| impact of new legislation on our competitors payment obligations, results of operations and product costs, i.e. the impact of recent federal legislation eliminating the federal tobacco quota system, |
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| uncertainty related to litigation and potential additional payment obligations for us under the Master Settlement Agreement and other settlement agreements with the states, and | ||
| risks inherent in our new product development initiatives. |
Further information on risks and uncertainties specific to our business include the risk
factors discussed above in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations and under Item 1A, Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for
the year ended December 31, 2007 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, 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.
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The information under the caption Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations Market Risk is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal
executive officer and principal financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our
disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, and, based
on their evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded
that these controls and procedures are effective.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the period
covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially
affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
|
Legal Proceedings | |
Reference is made to Note 8, 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, VGR Holding, Liggett, Vector Tobacco, New Valley or their subsidiaries are a party and certain related matters. Reference is also made to Exhibit 99.1 for additional information regarding the pending smoking-related material legal proceedings to which Liggett is a party. A copy of Exhibit 99.1 will be furnished without charge upon written request to us at our principal executive offices, 100 S.E. Second St., Miami, Florida 33131, Attn. Investor Relations. |
Item 1A.
|
Risk Factors | |
Except as set forth below, there are no material changes from the risk factors set forth in Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Please refer to that section for disclosures regarding the risks and uncertainties related to our business. The risk factors in the Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled Litigation will continue to harm the tobacco industry, Individual tobacco-related cases have increased as a result of the Florida Supreme Courts ruling in Engle and Liggett may have additional payment obligations under the Master Settlement Agreement and its other settlement agreements with the states are revised to reflect the updated information concerning the number and status of cases and other matters discussed under Note 8 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition Recent Developments Tobacco Settlement Agreements, Recent Developments in Legislation, Regulation and Tobacco-Related Litigation, and Legislation and Regulation. |
Item 2.
|
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | |
No securities of ours which were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 have been issued or sold by us during the three months ended June 30, 2008. | ||
Our purchases of our common stock during the three months ended June 30, 2008 were as follows: |
Total Number | Maximum Number | |||||||||||||||
of Shares | of Shares that | |||||||||||||||
Total | Purchased as | May Yet Be | ||||||||||||||
Number of | Average | Part of Publicly | Purchased Under | |||||||||||||
Shares | Price Paid | Announced Plans | the Plans | |||||||||||||
Period | Purchased | per Share | or Programs | or Programs | ||||||||||||
April 1 to April 30, 2008 |
| $ | | | | |||||||||||
May 1 to May 31, 2008 |
| | | | ||||||||||||
June 1 to June 30, 2008 |
1,375,895 | (1) | 17.73 | | | |||||||||||
Total |
1,375,895 | $ | 17.73 | | | |||||||||||
(1) | Delivery of shares to us in payment of exercise price in connection with exercise of an employee stock option for 3,878,317 shares on June 12, 2008. |
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Item 4.
|
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | |
We held our 2008 annual meeting of stockholders on May 27, 2008. The matters submitted to our stockholders for a vote at the meeting were to elect the following seven director nominees to serve for the ensuing year and until their successors are elected. The votes cast and withheld for the election of directors were as follows: |
Nominee | For | Withheld | ||||||
Bennett S. LeBow
|
36,848,233 | 14,031,189 | ||||||
Howard M. Lorber
|
36,760,438 | 14,118,984 | ||||||
Ronald J. Bernstein
|
38,061,162 | 12,818,260 | ||||||
Henry C. Beinstein
|
36,823,806 | 14,055,616 | ||||||
Robert J. Eide
|
38,165,457 | 12,713,965 | ||||||
Jeffrey S. Podell
|
38,164,853 | 12,714,569 | ||||||
Jean E. Sharpe
|
38,170,191 | 12,709,231 |
Based on these voting results, each of the directors nominated was elected. |
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Item 6. | Exhibits | |||||
10.1 | Vector Supplemental Retirement Plan (as amended and restated April 24, 2008) | |||||
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 |
* | Incorporated by reference. |
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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 | ||||
Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | ||||
Date: August 11, 2008
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