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VECTOR GROUP LTD - Quarter Report: 2013 September (Form 10-Q)



 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For The Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2013
 

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

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

4400 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, Florida 33137
305/579-8000
(Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code,
of the principal executive offices)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
x Yes o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
x Yes o No

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
x Large accelerated filer
o  Accelerated filer
o  Non-accelerated filer
o  Smaller reporting company
 
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
o Yes x No

At October 30, 2013, Vector Group Ltd. had 94,484,521 shares of common stock outstanding.

 



VECTOR GROUP LTD.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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


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

 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
ASSETS:
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
260,461

 
$
405,855

Investment securities available for sale
145,569

 
69,984

Accounts receivable - trade, net
11,931

 
11,247

Inventories
95,006

 
100,392

Deferred income taxes
53,052

 
36,609

Income taxes receivable, net
10,664

 
6,779

Restricted assets
1,605

 
2,469

Other current assets
8,189

 
5,721

Total current assets
586,477

 
639,056

Property, plant and equipment, net
58,035

 
57,153

Investments in consolidated real estate businesses, net
23,241

 
13,295

Long-term investments accounted for at cost
21,293

 
16,367

Long-term investments accounted for under the equity method
8,372

 
6,432

Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses
176,383

 
119,219

Restricted assets
11,208

 
9,792

Deferred income taxes
65,357

 
49,142

Intangible asset
107,511

 
107,511

Prepaid pension costs
14,246

 
12,870

Other assets
48,832

 
55,894

Total assets
$
1,120,955

 
$
1,086,731

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY:
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
   Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt
$
23,911

 
$
36,778

 Litigation accruals
63,201

 
1,470

 Current payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement
84,871

 
32,970

   Current portion of employee benefits
1,005

 
2,824

Accounts payable
3,928

 
6,099

Accrued promotional expenses
18,420

 
18,730

Income taxes payable
5,739

 
6,269

Accrued excise and payroll taxes payable, net
3,307

 
20,419

Deferred income taxes
36,828

 
27,299

Accrued interest
13,388

 
25,410

Other current liabilities
15,182

 
16,891

Total current liabilities
269,780

 
195,159

Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion
647,178

 
586,946

Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
163,829

 
172,128

Non-current employee benefits
46,511

 
45,860

Deferred income taxes
120,949

 
109,532

Payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement
35,630

 
52,639

Litigation accruals
27,008

 
1,862

Other liabilities
2,646

 
1,857

Total liabilities
1,313,531

 
1,165,983

Commitments and contingencies

 

Stockholders' deficiency:
 
 
 
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, 98,431,567 and 93,658,273 shares issued and 94,483,712 and 89,898,411 shares outstanding
9,448

 
8,989

Additional paid-in capital
—

 
—

Accumulated deficit
(195,444
)
 
(65,116
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
5,123

 
(10,268
)
Less: 3,947,855 and 3,759,862 shares of common stock in treasury, at cost
(12,857
)
 
(12,857
)
Total Vector Group Ltd. stockholders' deficiency
(193,730
)
 
(79,252
)
Non-controlling interest
1,154

 
—

Total stockholders' deficiency
(192,576
)
 
(79,252
)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficiency
$
1,120,955

 
$
1,086,731


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

2


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

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues*
$
271,516

 
$
272,783

 
$
761,038

 
$
806,983

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold*
194,991

 
203,749

 
548,377

 
615,682

Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
25,897

 
25,841

 
74,697

 
73,734

Litigation settlement and judgment expense
87,913

 
—

 
87,913

 
—

Operating (loss) income
(37,285
)
 
43,193

 
50,051

 
117,567

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income (expenses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(33,583
)
 
(25,906
)
 
(99,045
)
 
(78,667
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
—

 
—

 
(21,458
)
 
—

Change in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
2,800

 
6,040

 
8,299

 
(21,020
)
Acceleration of interest expense related to debt conversion
—

 
(7,072
)
 
—

 
(14,960
)
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
9,489

 
12,874

 
16,774

 
20,969

Equity (loss) income on long-term investments
(53
)
 
124

 
770

 
(1,205
)
(Loss) gain on sale of investment securities available for sale
(99
)
 
1,640

 
5,110

 
1,640

Other, net
2,871

 
341

 
5,151

 
856

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss) income before provision for income taxes
(55,860
)
 
31,234

 
(34,348
)
 
25,180

Income tax (benefit) expense
(18,969
)
 
13,302

 
(9,287
)
 
11,043

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
(36,891
)
 
17,932

 
(25,061
)
 
14,137

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income attributed to non-controlling interest
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
$
(36,891
)
 
$
17,932

 
$
(25,061
)
 
$
14,137

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per basic common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
$
(0.40
)
 
$
0.20

 
$
(0.27
)
 
$
0.16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per diluted common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
$
(0.40
)
 
$
0.20

 
$
(0.27
)
 
$
0.16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash distributions and dividends declared per share
$
0.38

 
$
0.36

 
$
1.14

 
$
1.09

                                      

* Revenues and Cost of goods sold include excise taxes of $121,787, $126,389, $343,294 and $379,281, respectively.


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

3



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


 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
$
(36,891
)
 
$
17,932

 
$
(25,061
)
 
$
14,137

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Change in net unrealized gains (losses)
11,848

 
883

 
28,752

 
(13,386
)
    Net unrealized losses (gains) reclassified into net income
99

 
(1,640
)
 
(5,110
)
 
(1,640
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale
11,947

 
(757
)
 
23,642

 
(15,026
)
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
Net unrealized gains on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized gains
1,754

 
476

 
1,170

 
1,018

Net unrealized gains reclassified into net income
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Net unrealized gains on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method
1,754

 
476

 
1,170

 
1,018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in forward contracts
16

 
15

 
47

 
47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in pension-related amounts
350

 
870

 
1,052

 
2,611

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
14,067

 
604

 
25,911

 
(11,350
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax effect on:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities
(4,810
)
 
(358
)
 
(11,673
)
 
5,435

Net unrealized losses (gains) reclassified into net income on investment securities
(41
)
 
665

 
2,074

 
665

Change in unrealized gains on long-term investments
(712
)
 
(193
)
 
(475
)
 
(413
)
Net unrealized gains reclassified into net income on long-term investments
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Forward contracts
(7
)
 
(6
)
 
(19
)
 
(19
)
Pension-related amounts
(142
)
 
(353
)
 
(427
)
 
(1,060
)
Income tax (provision) benefit on other comprehensive income (loss)
(5,712
)
 
(245
)
 
(10,520
)
 
4,608

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
8,355

 
359

 
15,391

 
(6,742
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive (loss) income
(28,536
)
 
18,291

 
(9,670
)
 
7,395

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less: Comprehensive income attributed to non-controlling interest
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Comprehensive (loss) income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
$
(28,536
)
 
$
18,291

 
$
(9,670
)
 
$
7,395


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

4


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


 
Vector Group Ltd. Stockholders' Deficiency
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional
 
 
 
Accumulated
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Paid-In
 
Accumulated
 
Comprehensive
 
Treasury
 
Non-controlling
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Deficit
 
(Loss) Income
 
Stock
 
Interest
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2012
89,898,411

 
$
8,989

 
$
—

 
$
(65,116
)
 
$
(10,268
)
 
$
(12,857
)
 
$
—

 
$
(79,252
)
Net loss
—

 
—

 
—

 
(25,061
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(25,061
)
Change in net loss and prior service cost, net of income taxes
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
625

 
—

 
—

 
625

Forward contract adjustments, net of income taxes
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
28

 
—

 
—

 
28

Unrealized gain on long-term investment securities accounted for under the equity method, net of income taxes
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
695

 
—

 
—

 
695

Change in net unrealized gain on investment securities, net of income taxes
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
17,079

 
—

 
—

 
17,079

Net unrealized gains reclassified into net income, net of income taxes
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(3,036
)
 
—

 
—

 
(3,036
)
Unrealized gain on investment securities, net of income taxes
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
14,043

Total other comprehensive income
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
15,391

Total comprehensive loss
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(9,670
)
Distributions and dividends on common stock
—

 
—

 
(2,485
)
 
(104,817
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(107,302
)
Restricted stock grant
50,000

 
5

 
(5
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Effect of stock dividend
4,498,579

 
450

 
—

 
(450
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Exercise of stock options
36,722

 
4

 
524

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
528

Tax benefit of options exercised
—

 
—

 
33

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
33

Stock-based compensation
—

 
—

 
1,933

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,933

Contributions to non-controlling interest
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,924

 
1,924

Distributions to non-controlling interest
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(770
)
 
(770
)
Balance as of September 30, 2013
94,483,712

 
$
9,448

 
$
—

 
$
(195,444
)
 
$
5,123

 
$
(12,857
)
 
$
1,154

 
$
(192,576
)


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


5


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


 
Nine Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
2013
 
September 30,
2012
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
55,244

 
$
97,245

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Sale of investment securities
82,649

 
3,831

Purchase of investment securities
(129,483
)
 
(1,148
)
Proceeds from sale or liquidation of long-term investments
75

 
72

Purchase of long-term investments
(5,000
)
 
(5,000
)
Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses
(45,977
)
 
(22,467
)
Investments in consolidated real estate businesses
(7,697
)
 
—

Distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses
2,463

 
31,221

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies
(470
)
 
(831
)
Increase in restricted assets
(553
)
 
(1,126
)
Issuance of notes receivable
—

 
(355
)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
11

 
418

Capital expenditures
(8,686
)
 
(8,268
)
Repayments of notes receivable
9,460

 
—

Net cash used in investing activities
(103,208
)
 
(3,653
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from debt issuance
454,200

 
14,018

Deferred financing costs
(11,750
)
 
(315
)
Repayments of debt
(420,710
)
 
(15,440
)
Borrowings under revolver
723,578

 
794,249

Repayments on revolver
(736,007
)
 
(809,567
)
Dividends and distributions on common stock
(107,302
)
 
(100,392
)
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options
528

 
140

Tax benefit of employee stock options exercised
33

 
48

Net cash used in financing activities
(97,430
)
 
(117,259
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(145,394
)
 
(23,667
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
405,855

 
240,923

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
260,461

 
$
217,256


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

6
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a)
Basis of Presentation:

The condensed consolidated financial statements of Vector Group Ltd. (the “Company” or “Vector”) include the accounts of VGR Holding LLC (“VGR Holding”), Liggett Group LLC (“Liggett”), Vector Tobacco Inc. (“Vector Tobacco”), Liggett Vector Brands LLC (“Liggett Vector Brands”), New Valley LLC (“New Valley”) and other less significant subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Liggett and Vector Tobacco are engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the United States. New Valley is engaged in the real estate business and is seeking to acquire additional operating companies and real estate properties.

The accompanying unaudited, interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and, in management's opinion, contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 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.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2012 financial information to conform to the 2013 presentation.

(b)
Distributions and Dividends on Common Stock:

The Company records distributions on its common stock as dividends in its condensed consolidated statement of stockholders' equity to the extent of retained earnings and accumulated paid-in capital. Any amounts exceeding retained earnings are recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital. Any amounts then exceeding accumulated paid-in capital are recorded as an increase to accumulated deficit.

(c)
Earnings Per Share (“EPS”):

Information concerning the Company's common stock has been adjusted to give retroactive effect to the 5% stock dividend paid to Company stockholders on September 27, 2013 and September 28, 2012. The dividends were recorded at par value of $450 and $414 since the Company did not have retained earnings at September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. All per share amounts and references to share amounts have been updated to reflect the retrospective effect of the stock dividends.

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

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Net (loss) income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.
$
(36,891
)
 
$
17,932

 
$
(25,061
)
 
$
14,137

Income attributed to participating securities
—

 
(350
)
 
—

 
(284
)
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders
$
(36,891
)
 
$
17,582

 
$
(25,061
)
 
$
13,853




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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Basic and diluted EPS were calculated using the following shares:

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Weighted-average shares for basic EPS
91,214,709

 
89,564,627

 
91,182,208

 
88,085,793

Plus incremental shares related to stock options and non-vested restricted stock
—

 
174,009

 
—

 
201,573

Weighted-average shares for basic and fully diluted EPS
91,214,709

 
89,738,636

 
91,182,208

 
88,287,366



The following stock options, non-vested restricted stock and shares issuable upon the conversion of convertible debt were outstanding during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the effect was anti-dilutive.

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
  Number of stock options
499,892

 
N/A

 
499,892

 
N/A

  Weighted-average exercise price
$
12.47

 
N/A

 
$
12.47

 
N/A

  Weighted-average shares of non-vested restricted stock
52,500

 
3,675

 
52,500

 
3,675

  Weighted-average expense per share
16.30

 
$
16.30

 
$
16.30

 
$
16.30

  Weighted-average number of shares issuable upon
  conversion of debt
28,310,521

 
16,726,043

 
28,310,521

 
18,182,131

  Weighted-average conversion price
$
15.22

 
$
13.29

 
$
15.22

 
$
13.38




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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


(d)
Fair Value of Derivatives Embedded within Convertible Debt:

The Company has estimated the fair market value of the embedded derivatives based principally on the results of a valuation model. The estimated fair value of the derivatives embedded within the convertible debt is based principally on the present value of future dividend payments expected to be received by the convertible debt holders over the term of the debt. The discount rate applied to the future cash flows is estimated based on a spread in the yield of the Company's debt when compared to risk-free securities with the same duration; thus, a readily determinable fair market value of the embedded derivatives is not available. The valuation model assumes future dividend payments by the Company and utilizes interest rates and credit spreads for secured to unsecured debt, unsecured to subordinated debt and subordinated debt to preferred stock to determine the fair value of the derivatives embedded within the convertible debt. The valuation also considers other items, including current and future dividends and the volatility of the Company's stock price.  The range of estimated fair market values of the Company's embedded derivatives was between $161,135 and $166,607.  The Company recorded the fair market value of its embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs at $163,829 as of September 30, 2013. At December 31, 2012, the range of estimated fair market values of the Company's embedded derivatives was between $169,424 and $174,909.  The Company recorded the fair market value of its embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs at $172,128 as of December 31, 2012.  The estimated fair market value of the Company's embedded derivatives could change significantly based on future market conditions. (See Note 5.)


(e)
Other Income, Net:

Other income, net consists of:

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Gain (loss) on warrants
$
135

 
$
(214
)
 
$
172

 
$
(1,067
)
Interest income
2,647

 
519

 
4,123

 
1,560

Accretion of interest income from debt discount on notes receivable
81

 
32

 
704

 
95

Gain on long-term investment
—

 
—

 
142

 
135

Other income
8

 
4

 
10

 
133

Other income, net
$
2,871

 
$
341

 
$
5,151

 
$
856



(f)
New Accounting Pronouncements:
 
In July 2012, the FASB issued amendments to the indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment guidance which provides an option for companies to use a qualitative approach to test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment if certain conditions are met. The amendments are effective for annual and interim indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012 (early adoption was permitted). The implementation of the amended accounting guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued amendments to the accounting guidance for presentation of comprehensive income to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income, but do require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where the net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about these amounts. For public companies, these amendments are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15,

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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


2012. The implementation of the amended accounting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


2.
INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of:

 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Leaf tobacco
$
53,265

 
$
59,130

Other raw materials
3,739

 
3,151

Work-in-process
159

 
210

Finished goods
66,619

 
64,396

Inventories at current cost
123,782

 
126,887

LIFO adjustments
(28,776
)
 
(26,495
)
 
$
95,006

 
$
100,392


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 September 30, 2013, Liggett had tobacco and other inventory purchase commitments of approximately $29,053.

All of the Company's inventories at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 have been reported under the LIFO method.


3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

The components of investment securities available for sale at September 30, 2013 were as follows:

 
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gain
 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value
Equity securities
$
53,422

 
$
45,465

 
$
(942
)
 
$
97,945

Fixed income securities
46,619

 
1,400

 
(395
)
 
47,624

Total investment securities available for sale
$
100,041

 
$
46,865

 
$
(1,337
)
 
$
145,569


The components of investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2012 were as follows:

 
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gain
 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair
Value
Equity securities
$
48,097

 
$
23,621

 
$
(1,734
)
 
$
69,984




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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


The table below summarizes the maturity dates of fixed income securities at September 30, 2013.

Investment Type:
Market Value
 
Under 1 Year
 
1 Year up to 5 Years
 
More than 5 years
U.S. Government securities
$
10,273

 
$
—

 
$
10,273

 
$
—

Corporate securities
28,318

 
737

 
20,637

 
6,944

U.S. mortgage backed securities
741

 
—

 
—

 
741

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
5,959

 
—

 
—

 
5,959

U.S. asset backed securities
851

 
—

 
851

 
—

Index-linked U.S. bonds
1,482

 
—

 
1,482

 
—

Total fixed income securities by maturity dates
$
47,624

 
$
737

 
$
33,243

 
$
13,644



4.
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

Long-term investments accounted for at cost:

 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
Investment partnerships
$
20,541

 
$
23,463

 
$
15,540

 
$
16,962

Real estate partnership
752

 
1,140

 
827

 
1,391

Investments accounted for at cost
$
21,293

 
$
24,603

 
$
16,367

 
$
18,353



Long-term investment partnership accounted for under the equity method:
 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Investment partnership
$
8,372

 
$
6,432


The Company recorded an equity loss of $53 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and equity income of $770 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, related to the limited partnership. The Company recorded equity income of $124 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and an equity loss of $1,205 for nine months ended September 30, 2012, related to the limited partnership.

The carrying value of the investment was approximately $8,372 and $6,432 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, which approximated the investment's fair value.



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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


5.
NOTES PAYABLE, LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS

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

 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Vector:
 
 
 
7.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2021
$
450,000

 
$
—

11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015, net of unamortized discount of $0 and $408
—

 
414,592

6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Note due 2014, net of unamortized discount of $22,894 and $30,383*
27,106

 
19,617

6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Exchange Notes due 2014, net of unamortized discount of $31,594 and $45,038*
75,936

 
62,492

3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures due 2026, net of unamortized discount of $35,925 and $36,107*
7,297

 
7,115

7.5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes due 2019, net of unamortized discount of $157,504 and $161,795*
72,496

 
68,205

Liggett:
 
 
 
Revolving credit facility
17,002

 
29,430

Term loan under credit facility
3,959

 
4,179

Equipment loans
13,571

 
17,810

Other
3,722

 
284

Total notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations
671,089

 
623,724

Less:
 
 
 
Current maturities
(23,911
)
 
(36,778
)
Amount due after one year
$
647,178

 
$
586,946

______________________
* The fair value of the derivatives embedded within the 6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Note ($7,552 at September 30, 2013 and $11,682 at December 31, 2012, respectively), the 6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Exchange Notes ($14,310 at September 30, 2013 and $22,146 at December 31, 2012, respectively), the 3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures ($45,633 at September 30, 2013 and $39,714 at December 31, 2012, respectively), and the 7.50% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures ($96,334 at September 30, 2013 and $98,586 at December 31, 2012, respectively), is separately classified as a derivative liability in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.


Credit Facility - Liggett:

In February 2012, Liggett and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo") renewed the $50,000 credit facility (the "Credit Facility"). The Credit Facility is collateralized by all inventories and receivables of Liggett and a mortgage on its manufacturing facility. The Credit Facility expires on March 8, 2015; provided that Liggett may terminate the Credit Facility prior to March 8, 2015 at any time by giving at least 30 days prior written notice to Wells Fargo, and Wells Fargo may, at Well Fargo's option, terminate the Credit Facility at any time upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default.

Prime rate loans under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to the prime rate of Wells Fargo and Eurodollar rate loans bear interest at a rate equal to 2.0% more than Wells Fargo's adjusted Eurodollar rate. The Credit Facility contains covenants that provide that Liggett's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined under the Credit Facility, on a trailing twelve month basis, shall not be less than $100,000 if Liggett's Excess Availability, as defined under the Credit Facility, is less than $20,000. The covenants also require that annual Capital Expenditures, as defined under the Credit Facility (before a maximum carryover amount of $2,500), shall not exceed $15,000 during any fiscal year.


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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


Term Loan under Credit Facility - Liggett:

In February 2012, Wells Fargo amended and restated the existing $5,600 term loan (the “Term Loan”) made to 100 Maple LLC (“Maple”), a subsidiary of Liggett, within the commitment under the Credit Facility. In connection with the amendment and restatement the maturity date of the Term Loan was extended to March 1, 2015 and the outstanding principal amount was paid down to $4,425. The Term Loan bears an interest rate equal to 1.75% more than Wells Fargo's adjusted Eurodollar rate. Monthly payments of $25 are due under the Term Loan from March 1, 2012 to February 1, 2015 ($885 in total) with the balance of $3,540 due at maturity on March 1, 2015.

The Term Loan is collateralized by the existing collateral securing the Credit Facility, including, without limitation, certain real property owned by Maple. The Term Loan did not increase the $50,000 borrowing amount of the Credit Facility, but did increase the outstanding amounts under the Credit Facility by the amount of the term loan and proportionately reduces the maximum borrowing availability under the Credit Facility.

As of September 30, 2013, a total of $20,961 was outstanding under the revolving and term loan portions of the credit facility. Availability as determined under the facility was approximately $29,039 based on eligible collateral at September 30, 2013.

7.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 - Vector:
In February 2013, the Company issued $450,000 of its 7.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 in a private offering to qualified institutional investors in accordance with Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. The aggregate net proceeds from the issuance of the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes were approximately $438,250 after deducting offering expenses. The Company used the net proceeds of the issuance for a cash tender offer announced on January 29, 2013, with respect to any and all of its outstanding 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015. The Company retired $336,315 of the 11% Senior Secured Notes at a premium of 104.292%, plus accrued and unpaid interest on February 12, 2013. The remaining $78,685 of the 11% Senior Secured Notes were called and retired on March 14, 2013 at a redemption price of 103.667% plus accrued and unpaid interest.
The 7.75% Senior Secured Notes pay interest on a semi-annual basis at a rate of 7.75% per year and mature on February 15, 2021. The Company may redeem some or all of the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes at any time prior to February 15, 2016 at a make-whole redemption price. On or after February 15, 2016 the Company may redeem some or all of the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes at a premium that will decrease over time, plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the redemption date. At any time prior to February 15, 2016, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings at 107.75% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the redemption date. In the event of a change of control, as defined in the indenture governing the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes, each holder of the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes may require the Company to repurchase some or all of its 7.75% Senior Secured Notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of their aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any to the date of purchase.
The 7.75% Senior Secured Notes are guaranteed subject to certain customary automatic release provisions on a joint and several basis by all of the 100% owned domestic subsidiaries of the Company that are engaged in the conduct of the Company’s cigarette businesses. (See Note 12.) In addition, some of the guarantees are collateralized by second priority or first priority security interests in certain collateral of some of the subsidiary guarantors, including their common stock, pursuant to security and pledge agreements.
 In connection with the issuance of the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement. The Company agreed to consummate a registered exchange offer for the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes within 360 days after the date of the initial issuance of the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes. In June 2013, the Company completed an offer to exchange the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes issued in February 2013 for an equal amount of newly issued 7.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2021. The new 7.75% Senior Secured Notes have substantially the same terms as the original notes, except that the new 7.75% Senior Secured Notes have been registered under the Securities Act.
The indenture contains covenants that restrict the payment of dividends by the Company if the Company's consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined in the indenture, for the most recently ended four full quarters is less than $75,000. The indenture also restricts the incurrence of debt if the Company's Leverage Ratio and

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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


its Secured Leverage Ratio, as defined in the indenture, exceed 3.0 and 1.5, respectively. The Company's Leverage Ratio is defined in the indenture as the ratio of the Company's and the guaranteeing subsidiaries' total debt less the fair market value of the Company's cash, investments in marketable securities and long-term investments to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the indenture. The Company's Secured Leverage Ratio is defined in the indenture in the same manner as the Leverage Ratio, except that secured indebtedness is substituted for indebtedness.

11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 - Vector:

On January 29, 2013, the Company announced a cash tender offer with respect to any and all of its outstanding $415,000 principal amount of its 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015. The Company retired $336,315 of the 11% Senior Secured Notes at a premium of 104.292%, plus accrued and unpaid interest on February 12, 2013. The remaining $78,685 of the 11% Senior Secured Notes were called and retired on March 14, 2013 at a redemption price of 103.667% plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company recorded a loss on the extinguishment of the debt of $21,458 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The loss included premium and tender costs of $17,820 and non-cash interest expense of $3,638 related to the write-off of net unamortized debt discount and deferred finance costs.

3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures due 2026 - Vector:

Holders of the Debentures converted $2 principal amount of the Debentures into 131 shares of the Company's common stock in February 2012, $31,370 principal amount into 2,053,065 shares of common stock in June 2012 and $24,406 principal amount into 1,597,290 shares of common stock in September 2012. The Company recorded non-cash accelerated interest expense related to the converted debt of $7,072 and $14,960 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. The debt conversion resulted in a reclassification from debt to equity in the amount of $55,778. As of September 30, 2012, the principal amount of the Debentures outstanding was $43,222.

The holders of the Debentures had the option to put all of the remaining senior convertible notes on June 15, 2012. None of the Debentures were surrendered for repurchase by the Company. The holders of the Debentures next have the option to put all or part of the remaining Debentures to the Company on June 15, 2016. Accordingly, the Company reclassified the Debentures and related fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt from current liabilities to long-term liabilities.

On October 29, 2013, the Company issued a Notice of Optional Redemption to each holder of the Debentures.  Pursuant to the Notice of Optional Redemption, the Company intends to redeem all of the remaining Debentures outstanding under the Indenture on November 29, 2013. The redemption price for the Debentures will be 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the Debentures, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date. The aggregate principal amount of the Debentures outstanding  is $43,222 and no amounts will remain outstanding following the redemption of the Debentures. The Debentures may be converted into shares of the Company's common stock by the Debenture holders at any time before the close of business on the Redemption Date, at a conversion price of approximately $14.55 per share (approximately 68.718858 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Debentures). The Company intends to use cash on hand to fund the redemption of any Debentures not converted prior to the redemption date.

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

The conversion rates for all convertible debt outstanding as of September 30, 2013 are summarized below:
 
September 30, 2013
 
Conversion Price
 
Shares per $1,000
3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debenture due 2026
$
14.55

 
68.718858

6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Note due 2014
11.78

 
84.859146

6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Exchange Notes due 2014
13.37

 
74.798193

7.5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes due 2019
$
17.62

 
56.756757



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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


Non-Cash Interest Expense - Vector:

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Amortization of debt discount
$
9,620

 
$
4,779

 
$
25,432

 
$
12,220

Amortization of deferred finance costs
549

 
606

 
1,593

 
2,067

Loss on extinguishment of 11% Senior Secured Notes
—

 
—

 
3,638

 
—

Accelerated interest expense on 3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures converted
—

 
7,072

 
—

 
14,960


$
10,169

 
$
12,457

 
$
30,663

 
$
29,247



Fair Value of Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt:

 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
Notes payable and long-term debt
$
671,089

 
$
1,029,379

 
$
623,724

 
$
963,672


Notes payable and long-term debt are carried on the condensed balance sheet at amortized cost. The fair value determination disclosed above would be classified as Level 2 under the fair value hierarchy disclosed in Note 9 if such liabilities were recorded on the condensed balance sheet at fair value. The estimated fair value of the Company's notes payable and long-term debt has been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies including the evaluation of the Company's credit risk as described in Note 1. However, considerable judgment is required to develop the estimates of fair value and, accordingly, the estimate presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amount that could be realized in a current market exchange.



6. 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 have generally fallen into the following categories: (i) smoking and health cases alleging personal injury brought on behalf of individual plaintiffs (“Individual Actions”); (ii) lawsuits by individuals requesting the benefit of the Engle ruling ("Engle progeny cases"); (iii) smoking and health cases primarily alleging personal injury or seeking court-supervised programs for ongoing medical monitoring, as well as cases alleging the use of the terms “lights” and/or “ultra lights” constitutes a deceptive and unfair trade practice, common law fraud or violation of federal law, purporting to be brought on behalf of a class of individual plaintiffs (“Class Actions”); and (iv) health care cost recovery actions brought by various foreign and domestic governmental plaintiffs and non-governmental plaintiffs seeking reimbursement for health care expenditures allegedly caused by cigarette smoking and/or disgorgement of profits (“Health Care Cost Recovery Actions”). 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 are not quantifiable at this time. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, Liggett incurred tobacco product liability legal expenses and other litigation costs totaling

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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


$7,334 and $6,006, respectively. The 2013 costs exclude a charge of $86,213 associated with the Engle progeny settlement discussed below.
Litigation is subject to uncertainty and it is possible that there could be adverse developments in pending cases. Management reviews on a quarterly basis with counsel all pending litigation and evaluates whether an estimate can be  made of the possible loss or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome. An unfavorable outcome or settlement of pending tobacco-related or other litigation could encourage the commencement of additional litigation. Damages awarded in some tobacco-related litigation can be significant.
Bonds. Although Liggett has been able to obtain required bonds or relief from bonding requirements in order to prevent plaintiffs from seeking to collect judgments while adverse verdicts are on appeal, there remains a risk that such relief may not be obtainable in all cases. This risk has been reduced given that a majority of states now limit the dollar amount of bonds or require no bond at all. To obtain stays on judgments pending current appeals, Liggett has secured approximately $6,587 in bonds as of September 30, 2013.
In June 2009, Florida amended its existing bond cap statute by adding a $200,000 bond cap that applies to all Engle progeny cases in the aggregate and establishes individual bond caps for individual Engle progeny cases in amounts that vary depending on the number of judgments in effect at a given time. Plaintiffs, in several cases, have challenged the constitutionality of the bond cap statute, but to date, the courts that have addressed the issue have upheld the constitutionality of the statute. The plaintiffs have appealed some of these rulings and the Florida Supreme Court, after granting review of the Hall decision denying plaintiff's challenge to the bond cap statute, subsequently dismissed the matter prior to the scheduled argument as moot. No federal court has yet addressed the issue. Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of such challenges, it is possible that the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially affected by an unfavorable outcome of such challenges.
Accounting Policy. The Company and its subsidiaries record provisions in their consolidated financial statements for pending litigation when they determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. At the present time, while it is reasonably possible that an unfavorable outcome in a case may occur, except as disclosed in this Note 6: (i) management has concluded that it is not probable that a loss has been incurred in any of the pending tobacco-related cases; or (ii) management is unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of any of the pending tobacco-related cases and, therefore, management has not provided any amounts in the consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes, if any. Legal defense costs are expensed as incurred.
Cautionary Statement About Engle Progeny Cases. Judgments have been entered against Liggett and other industry defendants in Engle progeny cases. Several of the judgments have been affirmed on appeal. To date, the United States Supreme Court has declined to review these cases. At September 30, 2013, Liggett and the Company were defendants in 2,982 state and 1,205 federal Engle progeny cases, on behalf of 5,342 plaintiffs (see discussion of Engle Progeny Settlement, below). As of September 30, 2013, 15 Engle progeny cases where Liggett was a defendant at trial resulted in verdicts, exclusive of the Lukacs case. Fourteen of these cases were in state court and one was in federal court. Ten verdicts were returned in favor of the plaintiffs and five in favor of Liggett. Other cases have either been voluntarily dismissed by plaintiffs, dismissed by the court on summary judgment or a mistrial was declared. Excluding the Lukacs case, which was tried in 2002, seven years before the trials of Engle progeny cases commenced, the compensatory verdicts against Liggett have ranged from $1 to $3,479. In certain cases, the judgments entered have been joint and several with other defendants. In two of the cases, punitive damages were awarded against Liggett for $1,000 and $7,600. After exhausting all appeals, Liggett paid the judgments and related costs and interest in the Campbell and Clay cases. Since February 2009, when Engle progeny trials commenced, 89 state cases and 13 federal cases have been tried to a verdict. Based on the current rate of trials per year, it would require decades to resolve the remaining cases, although recently, the federal court has accelerated activation of cases. Except as discussed in this Note 6, with respect to the seven cases where an adverse verdict was entered against Liggett and which are currently on appeal, management is unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss from the remaining Engle progeny cases as there are currently multiple defendants in each case and, in most cases, discovery has not occurred or is limited. As a result, the Company lacks information about whether plaintiffs are in fact Engle class members (non-class members' claims are generally time-barred), the relevant smoking history, the nature of the alleged injury and the availability of various defenses, among other things. Further, plaintiffs typically do not specify their demand for damages. The Company believes that the process under which Engle progeny cases are tried is unconstitutional and continues to pursue its appellate rights.

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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


Although Liggett has generally been successful in managing litigation, litigation is subject to uncertainty and significant challenges remain, including with respect to the Engle progeny cases. There can be no assurances that Liggett's past litigation experience will be representative of future results. Judgments have been entered against Liggett in the past, in Individual Actions and Engle progeny cases, and several of those judgments were affirmed on appeal and satisfied by Liggett. It is possible that the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome or settlement of certain pending smoking-related litigation. Liggett believes, and has been so advised by counsel, that it has valid defenses to the litigation pending against it, as well as valid bases for appeal of adverse verdicts. All such cases are, and will continue to be, vigorously defended. Liggett may, however, enter into settlement discussions in particular cases if it believes it is in its best interest to do so. As of September 30, 2013, Liggett (and in certain cases the Company), has settled 148 Engle progeny cases for approximately $1,154, in the aggregate. In addition, Liggett has recently announced a settlement of over 4,900 Engle progeny cases.

Individual Actions
As of September 30, 2013, there were 64 Individual Actions pending against Liggett and, in certain cases, the Company, where one or more individual plaintiffs allege injury resulting from cigarette smoking, addiction to cigarette smoking or exposure to secondary smoke and seek compensatory and, in some cases, punitive damages. These cases do not include Engle progeny cases or the approximately 100 individual cases pending in West Virginia state court as part of a consolidated action. The following table lists the number of Individual Actions, by state, that are pending against Liggett or the Company as of September 30, 2013:
State
 
Number
of Cases
Florida
 
45

New York
 
9

Louisiana
 
3

Maryland
 
3

West Virginia
 
2

Missouri
 
1

Ohio
 
1


The plaintiffs' allegations of liability in cases in which individuals seek recovery for injuries allegedly caused by cigarette smoking are based on various theories of recovery, including negligence, gross negligence, breach of special duty, strict liability, fraud, concealment, misrepresentation, design defect, failure to warn, breach of express and implied warranties, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, concert of action, unjust enrichment, common law public nuisance, property damage, invasion of privacy, mental anguish, emotional distress, disability, shock, indemnity and violations of deceptive trade practice laws, the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”), state RICO statutes and antitrust statutes. In many of these cases, in addition to compensatory damages, plaintiffs also seek other forms of relief including treble/multiple damages, medical monitoring, disgorgement of profits and punitive damages. Although alleged damages often are not determinable from a complaint, and the law governing the pleading and calculation of damages varies from state to state and jurisdiction to jurisdiction, compensatory and punitive damages have been specifically pleaded in a number of cases, sometimes in amounts ranging into the hundreds of millions and even billions of dollars.
Defenses raised in Individual Actions include lack of proximate cause, assumption of the risk, comparative fault and/or contributory negligence, lack of design defect, statute of limitations, equitable defenses such as “unclean hands” and lack of benefit, failure to state a claim and federal preemption.

Engle Progeny Cases
Engle Case. In May 1994, Engle was filed against Liggett and others in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The class consisted of all Florida residents who, by November 21, 1996, “have suffered, presently suffer or have died from diseases and medical conditions caused by their addiction to cigarette smoking.” In July 1999, after the conclusion of Phase I of the trial, the jury

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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


returned a verdict against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers on certain issues determined by the trial court to be “common” to the causes of action of the plaintiff class. The jury made several findings adverse to the defendants including that defendants' conduct “rose to a level that would permit a potential award or entitlement to punitive damages.” Phase II of the trial was a causation and damages trial for three of the class plaintiffs and a punitive damages trial on a class-wide basis before the same jury that returned the verdict in Phase I. In April 2000, the jury awarded compensatory damages of $12,704 to the three class plaintiffs, to be reduced in proportion to the respective plaintiff’s fault. In July 2000, the jury awarded approximately $145,000,000 in punitive damages, including $790,000 against Liggett.
In May 2003, Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal reversed the trial court and remanded the case with instructions to decertify the class. The judgment in favor of one of the three class plaintiffs, in the amount of $5,831, was overturned as time barred and the court found that Liggett was not liable to the other two class plaintiffs.
In July 2006, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the decision vacating the punitive damages award and held that the class should be decertified prospectively, but determined that the following Phase I findings are entitled to res judicata effect in Engle progeny cases: (i) that smoking causes lung cancer, among other diseases; (ii) that nicotine in cigarettes is addictive; (iii) that defendants placed cigarettes on the market that were defective and unreasonably dangerous; (iv) that defendants concealed material information knowing that the information was false or misleading or failed to disclose a material fact concerning the health effects or addictive nature of smoking; (v) that defendants agreed to conceal or omit information regarding the health effects of cigarettes or their addictive nature with the intention that smokers would rely on the information to their detriment; (vi) that defendants sold or supplied cigarettes that were defective; and (vii) that defendants were negligent. The Florida Supreme Court decision also allowed former class members to proceed to trial on individual liability issues (using the above findings) and compensatory and punitive damage issues, provided they filed their individual lawsuits by January 2008. In December 2006, the Florida Supreme Court added the finding that defendants sold or supplied cigarettes that, at the time of sale or supply, did not conform to the representations made by defendants. In October 2007, the United States Supreme Court denied defendants' petition for writ of certiorari.
Pursuant to the Florida Supreme Court’s July 2006 ruling in Engle, which decertified the class on a prospective basis, and affirmed the appellate court’s reversal of the punitive damages award, former class members had until January 2008 in which to file individual lawsuits. As of September 30, 2013, Liggett and the Company are named defendants in 4,187 Engle progeny cases in both federal (1,205 cases) and state (2,982 cases) courts in Florida. These cases include approximately 5,342 plaintiffs, although, as discussed below, approximately 4,900 of the plaintiffs have agreed to settle and dismiss their respective Engle progeny cases against the Company and Liggett. Other cigarette manufacturers are also named as defendants in these cases, although as a case proceeds, one or more defendants may ultimately be dismissed from the action. In the event that the settlement is not completed, the number of state court Engle progeny cases may increase as multi-plaintiff cases continue to be severed into individual cases. The number of federal cases may increase as plaintiffs have appealed the dismissal of over 800 cases by the federal court. The total number of plaintiffs may also increase as a result of attempts by existing plaintiffs to add additional parties. Although the Company was not named as a defendant in the Engle case, it has been named as a defendant in most of the Engle progeny cases where Liggett is named as a defendant.

Engle Progeny Settlement
On October 23, 2013, a settlement was reached between the Company and a group of law firms representing approximately 4,900 plaintiffs in individual Engle progeny actions, which includes all of the federal plaintiffs and approximately 3,700 state plaintiffs. The settlement, which does not require court approval, will resolve and dismiss the claims of all Engle progeny plaintiffs except those of approximately 430 plaintiffs.
The settlement is expected to be finalized within 90 days and is contingent upon delivery of the required settlement documents by plaintiffs' attorneys. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, Liggett will pay a total of $110,000 with approximately $61,000 to be paid in a lump sum and the balance to be paid in equal annual installments over the next 14 years. Beginning in year eight the annual payments are subject to a cost-of-living adjustment. The Company recorded a charge of $86,213 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 for the settlement. Of this amount, $25,213 is related to certain payments discounted to their present value because the timing and amounts of such payments are fixed and determinable. The present value of the installment payments was computed using an 11% annual discount rate. The installment payments total $49,000 on an undiscounted basis. The Company’s payments are estimated to be $61,000 in 2013, $3,483 per year for years 2014 through 2017 and $35,068 in the aggregate thereafter.

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Unaudited


Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the participating plaintiffs' lawyers have agreed to a standstill which precludes further litigation against the Company by a participating plaintiff. The standstill remains in place indefinitely unless and until the Company exercises its right to terminate the agreement within the first 90 days. During the first 60 days, participating plaintiffs’ attorneys are required to deliver: (i) a dismissal of the Company with prejudice from each Engle progeny plaintiff's case that has opted in to the settlement; (ii) an executed release from each participating plaintiff who alleges Liggett brand usage; and (iii) confirmation that sufficient measures have been taken to satisfy medical liens with respect to the participating plaintiffs. The settlement permits the Company to terminate the agreement and make no payments if it does not receive each of the required releases and dismissals. Provided the Company does not terminate the settlement, releases from plaintiffs who alleged only de minimis Liggett brand usage will be effectuated upon payment of the settlement proceeds to that plaintiff. It is possible that the settlement may not be completed or that the parties may agree to extend the contractual deadlines. The Company, in its sole discretion, may waive the requirement of delivery of an individual's settlement documents.

As of September 30, 2013, the following Engle progeny cases have resulted in judgments against Liggett:
Date
 
Case Name
 
County
 
Net Compensatory
Damages
 
Punitive Damages
 
Status
June 2002
 
Lukacs v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Miami-Dade
 
$12,418
 
None
 
Affirmed by the Third District Court of Appeal. Liggett satisfied the judgment and the case is concluded.
August 2009
 
Campbell v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Escambia
 
$156
 
None
 
Affirmed by the First District Court of Appeal. The US Supreme Court declined to review the case. Liggett satisfied the judgment and the case is concluded.
March 2010
 
Douglas v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Hillsborough
 
$1,350
 
None
 
Affirmed by the Second District Court of Appeal. In March 2013, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed. On October 7, 2013, the US Supreme Court declined to review the case.
April 2010
 
Clay v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Escambia
 
$349
 
$1,000
 
Affirmed by the First District Court of Appeal. The US Supreme Court declined to review the case. Liggett satisfied the judgment and the case is concluded.
April 2010
 
Putney v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Broward
 
$3,008
 
None
 
On June 12, 2013, the Fourth District Court of Appeal reversed and remanded the case for further proceedings. Plaintiff filed a motion for rehearing which was denied. Both sides have sought discretionary review from the Florida Supreme Court.
April 2011
 
Tullo v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Palm Beach
 
$225
 
None
 
Affirmed by the Fourth District Court of Appeal. The defendants have sought discretionary review from the Florida Supreme Court.
January 2012
 
Ward v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Escambia
 
$1
 
None
 
Affirmed by the First District Court of Appeal. Defendants' motion for rehearing was denied.
May 2012
 
Calloway v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Broward
 
$1,947
 
$7,600
 
A joint and several judgment for $16,100 was entered against all defendants. On appeal to the Fourth District Court of Appeal.
December 2012
 
Buchanan v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Leon
 
$2,035
 
None
 
A joint and several judgment for $5,500 was entered against Liggett and Philip Morris. On appeal to the First District Court of Appeal.
May 2013
 
Cohen v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Palm Beach
 
$205
 
None
 
Defendants' motion seeking a new trial was granted by the trial court on June 24, 2013. Plaintiff filed a notice of appeal to the Fourth District Court of Appeal.
August 2013
 
Rizzuto v. R.J. Reynolds
 
Hernando
 
$3,479
 
None
 
A joint and several judgment for $11,132 was entered against Philip Morris and Liggett. The court denied defendants' request to reduce the compensatory damages by the plaintiff's comparative fault. On appeal to the Fifth District Court of Appeal.


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The Company's potential range of loss in the Putney, Tullo, Ward, Calloway, Buchanan, Cohen and Rizzuto cases is between $0 and $18,500 in the aggregate, plus accrued interest and legal fees. In determining the range of loss, the Company considers potential settlements as well as future appellate relief. Except as disclosed elsewhere in this Note 6, the Company is unable to determine a range of loss related to the remaining Engle progeny cases. Other than $2,000 for Douglas, no amounts have been expensed or accrued in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the other cases described above. However, as cases proceed through the appellate process, the Company will consider accruals on a case-by-case basis if an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

Federal Engle Progeny Cases. Three federal judges (in the Merlob, B. Brown and Burr cases) ruled that the findings in Phase I of the Engle proceedings could not be used to satisfy elements of plaintiffs' claims, and two of those rulings (B. Brown and Burr) were certified by the trial court for interlocutory review. The certification was granted by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the appeals were consolidated (in February 2009, the appeal in Burr was dismissed for lack of prosecution). In July 2010, the Eleventh Circuit ruled that plaintiffs do not have an unlimited right to use the findings from the original Engle trial to meet their burden of establishing the elements of their claims at trial. Rather, plaintiffs may only use the findings to establish specific facts that they demonstrate with a reasonable degree of certainty were actually decided by the original Engle jury. The Eleventh Circuit remanded the case to the district court to determine what specific factual findings the Engle jury actually made. That determination was never undertaken.

Instead, in the Waggoner case, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida directed the parties to brief the applicability of the Engle findings to all Middle District cases. Liggett and the Company are not defendants in Waggoner, but nonetheless, were directed to submit motions on the issues. In December 2011, the district court ruled that it was bound by Martin and Jimmie Lee Brown (discussed below) and that the application of the Phase I findings did not deprive defendants of any constitutional due process rights. The court ruled, however, that plaintiffs must establish legal causation to establish liability. With respect to punitive damages, the district court held that the plaintiffs could rely on the findings in support of their punitive damages claims but that, in addition, plaintiffs must demonstrate specific conduct by specific defendants, independent of the Engle findings, that satisfies the standards for awards of punitive damages. The Waggoner ruling applies to all of the cases pending in the Middle District of Florida. The Waggoner court declined to address certain issues raised by Liggett and the Company and directed that their motion be re-filed in a case in which they were named as defendants. As a result, Liggett filed a motion in the Young-McCray case raising issues specific to Liggett. The court denied the motion and adopted the Waggoner ruling as to Liggett. Liggett was subsequently dropped as a defendant before trial. Subsequently, in September 2013 the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the judgments in the Walker and Duke cases, holding that giving full faith and credit to the Florida Supreme Court's Engle decision would not deprive defendant R.J. Reynolds of due process of law. R.J. Reynolds moved for rehearing of that decision in those cases. At present, there are several hundred active federal cases at the trial level. The remaining cases are stayed pending activation by the court. If the Engle progeny settlement discussed above is concluded, all federal Engle progeny cases against Liggett and the Company will be dismissed with prejudice.
Appeals of Engle Progeny Verdicts. In December 2010, in the Martin case, a state court case against R.J. Reynolds, the First District Court of Appeal issued the first ruling by a Florida intermediate appellate court to address the B. Brown decision discussed above. The panel held that the trial court correctly construed the Florida Supreme Court's 2006 decision in Engle in instructing the jury on the preclusive effect of the Phase I Engle proceedings, expressly disagreeing with certain aspects of the B. Brown decision. In July 2011, the Florida Supreme Court declined to review the First District Court of Appeal's decision. In March 2012, the United States Supreme Court declined to review the Martin case, along with the Campbell case and two other Engle progeny cases. This decision has led to other adverse rulings by other state appellate courts.

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Unaudited


In Jimmie Lee Brown, a state court case against R.J. Reynolds, the trial court tried the case in two phases. In the first phase, the jury determined that the smoker was addicted to cigarettes that contained nicotine and that his addiction was a legal cause of his death, thereby establishing he was an Engle class member. In the second phase, the jury determined whether the plaintiff established legal cause and damages with regard to each of the underlying claims.  The jury found in favor of plaintiff in both phases.  In September 2011, the Fourth District Court of Appeal affirmed the judgment entered in plaintiff's favor and approved the trial court's procedure of bifurcating the trial.  The Fourth District Court of Appeal agreed with Martin that individual post-Engle plaintiffs need not prove conduct elements as part of their burden of proof, but disagreed with Martin to the extent that the First District Court of Appeal only required a finding that the smoker was a class member to establish legal causation as to addiction and the underlying claims.  The Fourth District Court of Appeal held that in addition to establishing class membership, Engle progeny plaintiffs must also establish legal causation and damages as to each claim asserted.  In so finding, the Fourth District Court of Appeal's decision in Jimmie Lee Brown is in conflict with Martin.  In dicta, the Fourth District Court of Appeal further voiced concern that the preclusive effect of the Engle findings violates the tobacco company defendants' due process rights and, in the special concurring opinion, the court emphasized that until the Florida Supreme Court gives trial courts guidance as to what it intended by its Engle decision, trial courts will continue to play “a form of legal poker.” In September 2011, R.J. Reynolds filed a motion asking the Fourth District Court of Appeal to certify the case to the Florida Supreme Court for review. The motion was denied in October 2011.
In the Rey case, a state court Engle progeny case, the trial court entered final summary judgment on all claims in favor of the Company, Liggett and Lorillard based on what has been referred to in the Engle progeny litigation as the "Liggett Rule."  The Liggett Rule stands for the proposition that a manufacturer cannot have liability to a smoker under any asserted claim if the smoker did not use a product manufactured by that particular defendant.  The Liggett Rule is based on the entry of final judgment in favor of Liggett/Brooke Group in Engle on all of the claims asserted against them by class representatives Mary Farnan and Angie Della Vecchia, even though the Florida Supreme Court upheld, as res judicata, the generic finding that Liggett/Brooke Group engaged in a conspiracy to commit fraud by concealment. In September 2011, the Third District Court of Appeal affirmed in part and reversed in part holding that the defendants were entitled to summary judgment on all claims asserted against them other than the claim for civil conspiracy.  Defendants' motions for rehearing were denied with regard to the Liggett Rule issues.  Defendants sought further review by the Florida Supreme Court and on August 20, 2012, the petition for review was denied. In March 2012, the Fifth District Court of Appeal, in other progeny cases, followed the Third District Court of Appeal and reversed summary judgment on the conspiracy claims. The Florida Supreme Court refused to accept jurisdiction of defendants' appeals of those rulings.
In March 2012, in Douglas, the Second District Court of Appeal issued a decision affirming the judgment of the trial court in favor of the plaintiff and upholding the use of the Engle jury findings but certified to the Florida Supreme Court the question of whether granting res judicata effect to the Engle jury findings violates defendants' federal due process rights. In March 2013, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the use of Engle jury findings and determined that there is no violation of the defendants' due process rights. In October 2013, the United States Supreme Court declined to review the decision. As a result, Liggett accrued $2,000 for the Douglas case in the third quarter of 2013. The Company expects to pay the Douglas judgment before December 31, 2013.

In June 2013, in Capone, the Florida Supreme Court held that the Florida Wrongful Death Act does not require the filing of a new action for wrongful death.  Rather, upon the death of a party plaintiff in a personal injury action, the personal representative of the decedent's estate may be substituted as plaintiff and, thereafter, shall have a reasonable opportunity to file an amended pleading that alleges new or amended claims and causes of action.

In June 2013, in Sury, the First District Court of Appeal held that where the jury found defendants liable under both negligence and intentional tort theories, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in refusing to reduce the damages awarded by the jury by the percentage of fault attributable to decedent.

Liggett Only Cases.  There are currently five cases pending where Liggett is the only remaining tobacco company defendant. These cases consist of three Individual Actions and two Engle progeny cases. In one of the Individual Actions, Hausrath (NY state court), plaintiff moved to restore the case to the active docket calendar. The motion was granted by the court. There has been no recent activity in the other two Individual Actions. One of the Engle progeny cases, Katz, is currently set for trial on January 3, 2014. Katz is not participating in the Engle progeny settlement, discussed above. Cases where Liggett is the only defendant could increase substantially as a result of the Engle progeny cases.

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(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


Class Actions
As of September 30, 2013, there were four actions pending for which either a class had been certified or plaintiffs were seeking class certification, where Liggett is a named defendant, including one alleged price fixing case. Other cigarette manufacturers are also named in these actions.
Plaintiffs' allegations of liability in class action cases are based on various theories of recovery, including negligence, gross negligence, strict liability, fraud, misrepresentation, design defect, failure to warn, nuisance, breach of express and implied warranties, breach of special duty, conspiracy, concert of action, violation of deceptive trade practice laws and consumer protection statutes and claims under the federal and state anti-racketeering statutes. Plaintiffs in the class actions seek various forms of relief, including compensatory and punitive damages, treble/multiple damages and other statutory damages and penalties, creation of medical monitoring and smoking cessation funds, disgorgement of profits, and injunctive and equitable relief.
Defenses raised in these cases include, among others, lack of proximate cause, individual issues predominate, assumption of the risk, comparative fault and/or contributory negligence, statute of limitations and federal preemption.
In Smith v. Philip Morris, a Kansas state court case filed in February 2000, plaintiffs allege that cigarette manufacturers conspired to fix cigarette prices in violation of antitrust laws. Plaintiffs seek to recover an unspecified amount in actual and punitive damages. Class certification was granted in November 2001. In January 2012, the trial court heard oral argument on defendants' motions for summary judgment and in March 2012, the court granted the motions and dismissed plaintiffs' claims with prejudice. In July 2012, plaintiffs noticed an appeal. The appeal is pending.
In November 1997, in Young v. American Tobacco Co., a purported personal injury class action was commenced on behalf of plaintiff and all similarly situated residents in Louisiana who, though not themselves cigarette smokers, are alleged to have been exposed to secondhand smoke from cigarettes which were manufactured by the defendants, and who suffered injury as a result of that exposure. The plaintiffs seek to recover an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. In October 2004, the trial court stayed this case pending the outcome of an appeal in another matter, which has been concluded. There has been no further activity in this case.
In February 1998, in Parsons v. AC & S Inc., a case pending in West Virginia, a class was commenced on behalf of all West Virginia residents who allegedly have personal injury claims arising from exposure to cigarette smoke and asbestos fibers. The complaint seeks to recover $1,000 in compensatory and punitive damages individually and unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for the class. The case is stayed as a result of the December 2000 bankruptcy of three of the defendants.
Although not technically a class action, in In Re: Tobacco Litigation (Personal Injury Cases), a West Virginia state court consolidated approximately 750 individual smoker actions that were pending prior to 2001 for trial of certain common issues. In January 2002, the court severed Liggett from the trial of the consolidated action. After several mistrials, on May 15, 2013, the jury rejected all but one of the plaintiffs' claims, finding for the plaintiffs on the claim that ventilated filter cigarettes, sold between 1964 and July 1, 1969, should have included instructions on how to use them. On July 15, 2013, plaintiffs filed a renewed motion for judgment as a matter of law and a motion for a new trial. Defendants filed a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict. All post-trial motions were denied and the issue of damages was reserved for further proceedings that have not yet been scheduled. Final judgment as to liability is to be issued on October 28, 2013. If the case were to proceed against Liggett, it is estimated that Liggett could be a defendant in approximately 100 of the individual cases.
Class action suits have been filed in a number of states against cigarette manufacturers, alleging, among other things, that use of the terms “lights” and “ultra lights” constitutes unfair and deceptive trade practices. In December 2008, the United States Supreme Court, in Altria Group v. Good, ruled that the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act did not preempt the state law claims asserted by the plaintiffs and that they could proceed with their claims under the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act. The Good decision has resulted in the filing of additional “lights” class action cases in other states against other cigarette manufacturers. Although Liggett was not a defendant in the Good case, and is not currently a defendant in any other “lights” class actions, an adverse ruling or commencement of additional “lights” related class actions could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
In addition to the cases described above, numerous class actions remain certified against other cigarette manufacturers. Adverse decisions in these cases could have a material adverse affect on Liggett’s sales volume, operating income and cash flows.

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(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


Health Care Cost Recovery Actions
As of September 30, 2013, there was one Health Care Cost Recovery Action pending against Liggett, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe v. American Tobacco Company, a South Dakota case filed in 1997, where the plaintiff seeks to recover damages based on various theories of recovery as a result of alleged sales of tobacco products to minors. The case is inactive. Other cigarette manufacturers are also named as defendants.
The claims asserted in health care cost recovery actions vary. Although, typically, no specific damage amounts are pled, it is possible that requested damages might be in the billions of dollars. In these cases, plaintiffs typically assert equitable claims that the tobacco industry was “unjustly enriched” by their payment of health care costs allegedly attributable to smoking and seek reimbursement of those costs. Relief sought by some, but not all, plaintiffs include punitive damages, multiple damages and other statutory damages and penalties, injunctions prohibiting alleged marketing and sales to minors, disclosure of research, disgorgement of profits, funding of anti-smoking programs, additional disclosure of nicotine yields, and payment of attorney and expert witness fees.
Other claims asserted include the equitable claim of indemnity, common law claims of negligence, strict liability, breach of express and implied warranty, breach of special duty, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, conspiracy, public nuisance, claims under state and federal statutes governing consumer fraud, antitrust, deceptive trade practices and false advertising, and claims under RICO.
Department of Justice Lawsuit. In September 1999, the United States government commenced litigation against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. The action sought to recover an unspecified amount of health care costs paid and to be paid by the federal government for lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and other smoking-related illnesses allegedly caused by the fraudulent and tortious conduct of defendants, to restrain defendants and co-conspirators from engaging in alleged fraud and other allegedly unlawful conduct in the future, and to compel defendants to disgorge the proceeds of their unlawful conduct. Claims were asserted under RICO.
In August 2006, the trial court entered a Final Judgment against each of the cigarette manufacturing defendants, except Liggett. In May 2009, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia affirmed most of the district court's decision. The United States Supreme Court denied review. As a result, the cigarette manufacturing defendants, other than Liggett, are now subject to the trial court's Final Judgment which ordered the following relief: (i) an injunction against “committing any act of racketeering” relating to the manufacturing, marketing, promotion, health consequences or sale of cigarettes in the United States; (ii) an injunction against participating directly or indirectly in the management or control of the Council for Tobacco Research, the Tobacco Institute, or the Center for Indoor Air Research, or any successor or affiliated entities of each; (iii) an injunction against “making, or causing to be made in any way, any material false, misleading, or deceptive statement or representation or engaging in any public relations or marketing endeavor that is disseminated to the United States' public and that misrepresents or suppresses information concerning cigarettes” (iv) an injunction against conveying any express or implied health message through use of descriptors on cigarette packaging or in cigarette advertising or promotional material, including “lights,” “ultra lights,” and “low tar,” which the court found could cause consumers to believe one cigarette brand is less hazardous than another brand; (v) the issuance of “corrective statements” in various media regarding the adverse health effects of smoking, the addictiveness of smoking and nicotine, the lack of any significant health benefit from smoking “low tar” or “lights” cigarettes, defendants' manipulation of cigarette design to ensure optimum nicotine delivery and the adverse health effects of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke; (vi) the disclosure of defendants' public document websites and the production of all documents produced to the government or produced in any future court or administrative action concerning smoking and health; (vii) the disclosure of disaggregated marketing data to the government in the same form and on the same schedules as defendants now follow in disclosing such data to the Federal Trade Commission for a period of ten years; (viii) certain restrictions on the sale or transfer by defendants of any cigarette brands, brand names, formulas or cigarette business within the United States; and (ix) payment of the government's costs in bringing the action.
It is unclear what impact, if any, the Final Judgment will have on the cigarette industry as a whole. To the extent that the Final Judgment leads to a decline in industry-wide shipments of cigarettes in the United States or otherwise results in restrictions that adversely affect the industry, Liggett's sales volume, operating income and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

23
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


Upcoming Trials
As of September 30, 2013, there were 30 Engle progeny cases scheduled for trial through September 30, 2014, where Liggett and/or the Company are named defendants. If the Engle progeny settlement discussed above is concluded, Liggett will be dismissed from 23 of those cases. There are additional cases against other cigarette manufacturers that are also scheduled for trial through September 30, 2014. Trial dates are, however, subject to change.
MSA and Other State Settlement Agreements
In March 1996, March 1997 and March 1998, Liggett entered into settlements of smoking-related litigation with 45 states and territories. The settlements released Liggett from all smoking-related claims made by those states and territories, including claims for health care cost reimbursement and claims concerning sales of cigarettes to minors.
In November 1998, Philip Morris, Brown & Williamson, R.J. Reynolds and Lorillard (the “Original Participating Manufacturers” or “OPMs”) and Liggett (together with any other tobacco product manufacturer that becomes a signatory, the “Subsequent Participating Manufacturers” or “SPMs”) (the OPMs and SPMs are hereinafter referred to jointly as the “Participating Manufacturers”) entered into the Master Settlement Agreement (the “MSA”) with 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands (collectively, the “Settling States”) to settle the asserted and unasserted health care cost recovery and certain other claims of the Settling States. The MSA received final judicial approval in each Settling State.
As a result of the MSA, the Settling States released Liggett from:
•
all claims of the Settling States and their respective political subdivisions and other recipients of state health care funds, relating to: (i) past conduct arising out of the use, sale, distribution, manufacture, development, advertising and marketing of tobacco products; (ii) the health effects of, the exposure to, or research, statements or warnings about, tobacco products; and
•
all monetary claims of the Settling States and their respective subdivisions and other recipients of state health care funds relating to future conduct arising out of the use of, or exposure to, tobacco products that have been manufactured in the ordinary course of business.
The MSA restricts tobacco product advertising and marketing within the Settling States and otherwise restricts the activities of Participating Manufacturers. Among other things, the MSA prohibits the targeting of youth in the advertising, promotion or marketing of tobacco products; bans the use of cartoon characters in all tobacco advertising and promotion; limits each Participating Manufacturer to one tobacco brand name sponsorship during any 12-month period; bans all outdoor advertising, with certain limited exceptions; prohibits payments for tobacco product placement in various media; bans gift offers based on the purchase of tobacco products without sufficient proof that the intended recipient is an adult; prohibits Participating Manufacturers from licensing third parties to advertise tobacco brand names in any manner prohibited under the MSA; and prohibits Participating Manufacturers from using as a tobacco product brand name any nationally recognized non-tobacco brand or trade name or the names of sports teams, entertainment groups or individual celebrities.
The MSA also requires Participating Manufacturers to affirm corporate principles to comply with the MSA and to reduce underage use of tobacco products and imposes restrictions on lobbying activities conducted on behalf of Participating Manufacturers. In addition, the MSA provides for the appointment of an independent auditor to calculate and determine the amounts of payments owed pursuant to the MSA.
Under the payment provisions of the MSA, the Participating Manufacturers are required to make annual payments of $9,000,000 (subject to applicable adjustments, offsets and reductions). These annual payments are allocated based on unit volume of domestic cigarette shipments. The payment obligations under the MSA are the several, and not joint, obligation of each Participating Manufacturer and are not the responsibility of any parent or affiliate of a Participating Manufacturer.

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(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


Liggett has no payment obligations under the MSA except to the extent its market share exceeds a market share exemption of approximately 1.65% of total cigarettes sold in the United States. Vector Tobacco has no payment obligations under the MSA except to the extent its market share exceeds a market share exemption of approximately 0.28% of total cigarettes sold in the United States. Liggett and Vector Tobacco's domestic shipments accounted for 3.3% of the total cigarettes sold in the United States in the first nine months of 2013. If Liggett’s or Vector Tobacco’s market share exceeds their respective market share exemption in a given year, then on April 15 of the following year, Liggett and/or Vector Tobacco, as the case may be, must pay on each excess unit an amount equal (on a per-unit basis) to that due from the OPMs for that year. On December 31, 2012, Liggett paid $105,000 of its $138,900 2012 MSA payment obligation. On April 15, 2013, Liggett and Vector Tobacco paid an additional $30,800, of which approximately $18,700 was paid into the disputed payments account. Liggett disputed, and withheld, approximately $3,100.
Certain MSA Disputes
NPM Adjustment.  In March 2006, an economic consulting firm selected pursuant to the MSA determined that the MSA was a “significant factor contributing to” the loss of market share of Participating Manufacturers, to non-participating manufacturers, for 2003. This is known as the “NPM Adjustment.” The economic consulting firm subsequently rendered the same decision with respect to 2004 and 2005. In March 2009, a different economic consulting firm made the same determination for 2006. As a result, the manufacturers are entitled to potential NPM Adjustments to each of their 2003 - 2006 MSA payments. The Participating Manufacturers are also entitled to potential NPM Adjustments to their 2007 - 2012 payments pursuant to agreements entered into between the OPMs and the Settling States under which the OPMs agreed to make certain payments for the benefit of the Settling States, in exchange for which the Settling States stipulated that the MSA was a “significant factor contributing to” the loss of market share of Participating Manufacturers for each of those years. A Settling State that has diligently enforced its qualifying escrow statute in the year in question may be able to avoid application of the NPM Adjustment to the payments made by the manufacturers for the benefit of that Settling State.
For 2003 through 2012, Liggett and Vector Tobacco, as applicable, disputed that they owed the Settling States the NPM Adjustments as calculated by the Independent Auditor. As permitted by the MSA, Liggett and Vector Tobacco paid subject to dispute, withheld payment or paid into a disputed payment account the amounts associated with these NPM Adjustments.
Notwithstanding provisions in the MSA requiring arbitration, litigation was filed in 49 Settling States involving the application of the NPM Adjustment for 2003 and whether it was to be determined through litigation or arbitration. These actions related to the potential NPM Adjustment for 2003, which the independent auditor under the MSA previously determined to be as much as $1,200,000 for all Participating Manufacturers. All but one of the 48 courts that decided the issue ruled that the 2003 NPM Adjustment dispute was arbitrable. One court, the Montana Supreme Court, ruled that Montana’s claim of diligent enforcement must be litigated. The United States Supreme Court denied certiorari with respect to that opinion. In June 2012, Montana and the Participating Manufacturers reached an agreement that the Participating Manufacturers will not contest Montana's diligent enforcement for 2003.
In response to a proposal from the OPMs and many of the SPMs, 45 of the Settling States, representing approximately 90% of the allocable share of the Settling States, entered into an agreement providing for a nationwide arbitration of the dispute with respect to the NPM Adjustment for 2003. Because states representing more than 80% of the allocable share signed the agreement, signing states will receive a 20% reduction of any 2003 NPM adjustment awarded in the arbitration. In June 2010, the three person arbitration panel was selected. In November 2011, the Participating Manufacturers advised the arbitration panel that they were not contesting diligent enforcement of 16 Settling States. Substantive hearings commenced in April 2012 and were completed in June 2013.

Effective December 17, 2012, the Participating Manufacturers entered into a “term sheet” with 20 Settling States setting out terms for settlement of the NPM Adjustment for 2003 through 2012 and addressing the NPM Adjustment with respect to those states for future years. Certain of the non-settling states objected to the settlement. In March 2013, the arbitration panel entered a Stipulated Partial Settlement and Award which, among other things, overruled the objections of the non-settling states and directed the independent auditor to implement certain terms of the term sheet effective with the April 15, 2013 MSA payments. In May 2013, two additional states joined the settlement. Several non-settling states are attempting to vacate the settlement award by filing state court actions. Although certain terms of the settlement were implemented by the independent auditor on April 15, 2013, no assurance can be given as to the ultimate outcome of the non-settling states' challenges.


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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


As a result of the settlement, in the first quarter of 2013 Liggett and Vector Tobacco recognized income of $5,602. Following the additional two states joining the settlement in May 2013, Liggett and Vector Tobacco recognized an additional $1,345 of income in the second quarter of 2013. The remaining NPM Adjustment accrual of $27,600 at September 30, 2013 relates to the disputed amounts Liggett and Vector Tobacco have withheld from the non-settling states for 2004 through 2010. Approximately $16,600 remains in the disputed payments accounts relating to the 2011 and 2012 NPM Adjustment dispute with these non-settling states.
In September 2013, the panel issued its decisions with respect to the 15 states that did not enter into the stipulated partial settlement and award, finding that six states did not diligently enforce their escrow statutes in 2003. As a result, in April 2014, Liggett will receive a credit for the 2003 NPM Adjustment, in the amount of $5,987 including interest. This amount was recognized in the third quarter of 2013. It is possible that one or more of the six states that were found not to be diligent will file motions with their state courts seeking to vacate the award.

"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 agreement’s execution in late 1998, had been recalculated using “net” units, rather than “gross” units (which had been used since 1999). Liggett objected to this retroactive change and disputed the change in methodology.
The change in the method of calculation could have resulted in Liggett owing as much as $38,800 of additional MSA payments for prior years, including interest, because the proposed change from “gross” to “net” units would have lowered Liggett’s grandfathered market share exemption under the MSA. The Company estimated that Liggett’s future annual MSA payments would have been at least approximately $2,500 higher if the method of calculation was changed.
In December 2012, the parties arbitrated the dispute before a panel of three arbitrators. In February 2013, the arbitrators granted the relief sought by Liggett.  The arbitrators ruled that the limitations provisions of the MSA precluded the independent auditor from recalculating Liggett's grandfathered market share exemption or Liggett's payment obligations beyond the last four years.  The arbitrators further ruled that, for purposes of calculating Liggett's payment obligations for the applicable years, Liggett's market share should be calculated on a net basis, increased by a factor of 1.25%.  Liggett filed a motion seeking reconsideration of the part of the arbitrators' decision that would require the 1.25% increase in Liggett's market share. The states objected to Liggett's motion and sought additional relief from the panel declaring that any adjustment ordered by the panel is not limited by the four year limitations set forth in the MSA. If the arbitrator's ruling is not modified, Liggett would be required to pay approximately $16,200 for the previous five years. If the relief requested by the states is granted, Liggett could be required to pay up to approximately $36,200. The panel agreed to hear arguments on the motions in May 2013, but due to the conditional settlement described below, the parties agreed to adjourn the hearing. In June 2013, Liggett and a negotiating group on behalf of the Settling States reached an agreement in principle to resolve all disputes regarding "gross" v. "net", subject to definitive documentation and approval thereof by each Settling State. The proposed settlement requires that Liggett pay $8,000 to the Settling States and agree to reduce its market share exemption from 1.645% to 1.63% starting in 2013 and for all years thereafter. In exchange, the Settling States will release Liggett from all claims in connection with the "gross" v. "net" dispute. The Company previously accrued $9,300 for this matter. There can be no assurance that the settlement will be concluded and if it is not, that Liggett will be successful in seeking modification of the award by the panel or that Liggett will not be required to make additional payments, which could adversely affect the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Litigation Challenging the MSA.  Litigation challenging the validity of the MSA, including claims that the MSA violates antitrust laws, has not been successful to date, although several cases are pending. Participating Manufacturers are not typically named as defendants in these cases.

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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


Other State Settlements.  The MSA replaced Liggett’s prior settlements with all states and territories except for Florida, Mississippi, Texas and Minnesota. Each of these four states, prior to the effective date of the MSA, negotiated and executed settlement agreements with each of the other major tobacco companies, separate from those settlements reached previously with Liggett. Except as described below, Liggett's agreements with these states remain in full force and effect. These states' settlement agreements with Liggett contained most favored nation provisions which could reduce Liggett's payment obligations based on subsequent settlements or resolutions by those states with certain other tobacco companies. Beginning in 1999, Liggett determined that, based on each of these four states' settlements with United States Tobacco Company, Liggett's 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 state's respective settlement with the other major tobacco companies. Therefore, Liggett's non-economic obligations to all states and territories are now defined by the MSA.
In 2003, as a result of a dispute with Minnesota regarding its settlement agreement, Liggett agreed to pay $100 a year, in any year cigarettes manufactured by Liggett are sold in that state. In 2003 and 2004, the Attorneys General for Florida, Mississippi and Texas advised Liggett that they believed that Liggett had failed to make certain required payments under the respective settlement agreements with these states. In December 2010, Liggett settled with Florida and agreed to pay $1,200 and to make further annual payments of $250 for a period of 21 years, starting in March 2011. The payments in years 12 – 21 will be subject to an inflation adjustment. These payments are in lieu of any other payments allegedly due to Florida under the original settlement agreement. The Company accrued approximately $3,200 for this matter in 2010. In February 2012, Mississippi provided Liggett with a 60-day notice that the state intended to pursue its remedies if Liggett did not cure the alleged defaults. Liggett responded to Mississippi's letter denying the existence of any defaults. There can be no assurance that Liggett will be able to resolve the matters with Texas and Mississippi or that Liggett will not be required to make additional payments which could adversely affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Cautionary Statement.  Management is not able to predict the outcome of the litigation pending or threatened against Liggett or the Company. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties. Through September 30, 2013, Liggett has been found liable in eleven Engle progeny cases. In three of the cases, the verdicts were affirmed on appeal and the judgments were satisfied by Liggett. In another case, Douglas, the United States Supreme Court declined to review the Florida Supreme Court's decision. Although Liggett has appealed the remaining adverse verdicts, appellate efforts to date have generally not been successful. Liggett has also had judgments entered against it in Individual Actions, which were affirmed on appeal and satisfied by Liggett. It is possible that other cases could be decided unfavorably against Liggett and that Liggett will be unsuccessful on appeal. Liggett may attempt to settle particular cases if it believes it is in its best interest to do so.
Management cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future defense costs, settlements or judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that those requirements will not be able to be met. An unfavorable outcome of a pending smoking-related case could encourage the commencement of additional litigation. Except as discussed in this Note 6, management is unable to estimate the loss or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the cases pending against Liggett or the costs of defending such cases and as a result has not provided any amounts in its consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes.
The tobacco industry is subject to a wide range of laws and regulations regarding the marketing, sale, taxation and use of tobacco products imposed by local, state and federal governments. There have been a number of restrictive regulatory actions, adverse legislative and political decisions and other unfavorable developments concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry. These developments may negatively affect the perception of potential triers of fact with respect to the tobacco industry, possibly to the detriment of certain pending litigation, and may prompt the commencement of additional litigation or legislation.
It is possible that the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any of the smoking-related litigation.



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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


The activity in the Company's accruals for the MSA and tobacco litigation for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:

 
Current Liabilities
 
Non-Current Liabilities
 
Payments due under Master Settlement Agreement
 
Litigation Accruals
 
Total
 
Payments due under Master Settlement Agreement
 
Litigation Accruals
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2013
$
32,970

 
$
1,470

 
$
34,440

 
$
52,639

 
$
1,862

 
$
54,501

Expenses
87,770

 
62,872

 
150,642

 
—

 
25,219

 
25,219

NPM Settlement adjustment
(5,987
)
 
—

 
(5,987
)
 
(13,489
)
 
—

 
(13,489
)
Change in MSA obligations capitalized as inventory
675

 
—

 
675

 
—

 
—

 
—

Payments
(34,077
)
 
(1,685
)
 
(35,762
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Reclassification from non-current liabilities
3,520

 
223

 
3,743

 
(3,520
)
 
(223
)
 
(3,743
)
Interest on withholding
—

 
321

 
321

 
—

 
150

 
150

Balance as of September 30, 2013
$
84,871

 
$
63,201

 
$
148,072

 
$
35,630

 
$
27,008

 
$
62,638


The activity in the Company's accruals for the MSA and tobacco litigation for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were as follows:
 
Current Liabilities
 
Non-Current Liabilities
 
Payments due under Master Settlement Agreement
 
Litigation Accruals
 
Total
 
Payments due under Master Settlement Agreement
 
Litigation Accruals
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2012
$
51,174

 
$
1,551

 
$
52,725

 
$
49,338

 
$
1,600

 
$
50,938

Expenses
103,682

 
214

 
103,896

 
—

 
—

 
—

Change in MSA obligations capitalized as inventory
350

 
—

 
350

 
—

 
—

 
—

Payments
(50,094
)
 
(684
)
 
(50,778
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Reclassification from non-current liabilities
(905
)
 
224

 
(681
)
 
905

 
(224
)
 
681

Interest on withholding
—

 
31

 
31

 
1,779

 
433

 
2,212

Balance as of September 30, 2012
$
104,207

 
$
1,336

 
$
105,543

 
$
52,022

 
$
1,809

 
$
53,831



Other Matters:

Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s management are unaware of any material environmental conditions affecting their existing facilities. Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s management believe that current operations are conducted in material compliance with all environmental laws and regulations and other laws and regulations governing cigarette manufacturers. Compliance with federal, state and local provisions regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, has not had a material effect on the capital expenditures, results of operations or competitive position of Liggett or Vector Tobacco.

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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


In February 2004, Liggett Vector Brands entered into a five year agreement with a subsidiary of the American Wholesale Marketers Association to support a program to permit certain tobacco distributors to secure, on reasonable terms, tax stamp bonds required by state and local governments for the distribution of cigarettes. This agreement has been extended through February 2016. Under the agreement, Liggett Vector Brands has agreed to pay a portion of losses incurred by the surety under the bond program, with a maximum loss exposure of $500 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. In the third quarter of 2013, Liggett paid $83 for obligations under this program, and therefore, is only committed to fund an additional $317. The Company believes the fair value of Liggett Vector Brands’ obligation under the agreement was immaterial at September 30, 2013.
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 Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

7.
INCOME TAXES

The Company's provision for income taxes in interim periods is based on an estimated annual effective income tax rate derived, in part, from estimated annual pre-tax results from ordinary operations. The annual effective income tax rate is reviewed and, if necessary, adjusted on a quarterly basis.

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

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
(Loss) income before provision for income taxes
$
(55,860
)
 
$
31,234

 
$
(34,348
)
 
$
25,180

Income tax (benefit) expense using estimated annual effective income tax rate
(22,763
)
 
12,024

 
(13,997
)
 
9,694

Changes in effective tax rates
1,181

 
1,426

 
1,159

 
1,400

Out-of-period adjustment related to non-deductible expenses in 2011
—

 
—

 
—

 
757

Increase in unrecognized tax benefits
251

 
—

 
373

 
—

Impact of discrete items associated with debt retirement
—

 
(148
)
 
816

 
(808
)
Impact of discrete item associated with litigation settlement
2,362

 
—

 
2,362

 
—

Income tax (benefit) expense
$
(18,969
)
 
$
13,302

 
$
(9,287
)
 
$
11,043



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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


8. NEW VALLEY LLC

The components of “Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses” were as follows:

 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Douglas Elliman Realty LLC
$
78,724

 
$
65,171

Sesto Holdings
5,037

 
5,037

1107 Broadway
6,579

 
5,566

Lofts 21
1,425

 
900

Hotel Taiwana
7,150

 
2,658

East 68th Street
7,000

 
7,000

11 Beach Street
10,962

 
9,642

Maryland Portfolio
3,970

 
4,615

701 Seventh Avenue
7,525

 
9,307

Queens Plaza
8,057

 
7,350

Chrystie Street
2,048

 
1,973

Leroy Street
1,150

 
—

101 Murray Street
19,256

 
—

Park Lane Hotel
17,500

 
—

Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses
$
176,383

 
$
119,219



Residential Brokerage Business. New Valley recorded income of $9,075 and $5,223 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, associated with Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC. New Valley recorded income of $16,513 and $11,596 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, associated with Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC. New Valley received cash distributions from Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC of $2,961 and $3,214 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The summarized financial information of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC is as follows:

 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Cash
$
109,696

 
$
78,015

Other current assets
9,100

 
8,543

Property, plant and equipment, net
16,284

 
15,796

Trademarks
21,663

 
21,663

Goodwill
38,551

 
38,523

Other intangible assets, net
730

 
897

Other non-current assets
3,322

 
3,182

Notes payable - current
335

 
466

Other current liabilities
87,729

 
22,065

Notes payable - long term
258

 
334

Other long-term liabilities
9,280

 
9,614

Members' equity
101,744

 
134,140



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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Revenues
$
127,537

 
$
103,146

 
$
315,721

 
$
272,276

Costs and expenses
109,178

 
93,111

 
282,885

 
250,905

Depreciation expense
986

 
822

 
2,944

 
2,468

Amortization expense
56

 
60

 
167

 
181

Other income
109

 
449

 
512

 
1,681

Interest (income) expense, net
(14
)
 
17

 
(22
)
 
49

Income tax expense
442

 
288

 
684

 
611

Net income
$
16,998

 
$
9,297

 
$
29,575

 
$
19,743


Douglas Elliman Realty is in discussions with Prudential to redeem the approximate 20% equity interest owned by a former affiliate of Prudential.  The redemption price for such equity interest is to be determined through an appraisal process in accordance with the terms of Douglas Elliman Realty's Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement. Upon completion of the redemption, Vector will own more than 50% of Douglas Elliman Realty and will consolidate Douglas Elliman Realty accordingly.
Chelsea Eleven.  New Valley recorded equity income of $0 and $2,118 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and received net distributions of $8,439 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, related to New Valley Chelsea. New Valley had no exposure to loss as a result of its investment in Chelsea at September 30, 2013.
SOCAL Portfolio. On October 28, 2011, a newly-formed joint venture, between affiliates of New Valley and Winthrop Realty Trust, entered into an agreement with Wells Fargo Bank to acquire a $117,900 C-Note (the “C-Note”) for a purchase price of $96,700.  The C-Note was the most junior tranche of a $796,000 first mortgage loan originated in July 2007 which was collateralized by a 31 property portfolio of office properties situated throughout southern California, consisting of approximately 4.5 million square feet.  The C-Note bore interest at a rate per annum of LIBOR plus 310 basis points, required payments of interest only prior to maturity and matured on August 9, 2012.  On November 3, 2011, New Valley invested $25,000 for an approximate 26% interest in the joint venture.

The summarized income statement information of the joint venture was as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2012
Interest and dividend income
$
23,143

 
$
25,122

Costs and expenses
78

 
422

Interest expense, net
5,065

 
7,794

Income tax expense
—

 
6

Net income
$
18,000

 
$
16,900


On September 28, 2012, all outstanding principal and interest was repaid and the C-Note was retired. New Valley received a liquidating distribution of $32,275 from the joint venture on September 28, 2012. New Valley accounted for this investment under the equity method of accounting. New Valley recorded equity income of $7,651 and $7,180 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. New Valley had no exposure to loss as a result of its investment in NV SOCAL LLC at September 30, 2013.



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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


Hotel Taiwana. New Valley contributed additional capital of $567 in February 2013, $3,088 in April 2013 and $836 in August 2013, along with contributions of additional capital by the other investment partners of Hill Street Partners LLP ("Hill"). New Valley's investment percentage did not change from year end. Hill used the contributions to purchase the remaining interest in Hotel Taiwana and make improvements to the property.
101 Murray Street. In May 2013, a subsidiary of New Valley acquired a 25% interest in a joint venture, which had the rights to acquire a 15-story building on a 31,000 square-foot lot in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan, NY. The former owner will vacate the building by July 2014. The joint venture plans to build a 150-unit, luxury condominium building on the building's site. Development will begin in 2014 and is expected to be completed in September 2017.
In July 2013, the joint venture closed on the acquisition of the property. New Valley had invested $19,256 in the joint venture as of September 30, 2013 in the form of capital contributions and a loan bearing interest at 12% per annum, compounded quarterly, to the joint venture partner.
Park Lane Hotel. In July 2013, a subsidiary of New Valley acquired an 18% interest in a joint venture that has agreed to acquire the Park Lane Hotel, which is presently a 47-story, 605-room independent hotel owned and operated by the Helmsley Family Trust and Estate. The joint venture is developing plans for a hotel and luxury residential condominiums.  The development is estimated to take approximately 30 months from commencement of construction. New Valley had invested $17,500 in the joint venture as of September 30, 2013.


Consolidated real estate investments:
The components of “Investments in consolidated real estate businesses, net” were as follows:
 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Escena, net
$
13,127

 
$
13,295

Indian Creek
10,114

 
—

            Investment in consolidated real estate businesses, net
$
23,241

 
$
13,295



Investment in Escena. The components of the Company's investment in Escena are as follows:

 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Land and land improvements
$
11,477

 
$
11,430

Building and building improvements
1,530

 
1,530

Other
1,439

 
1,374


14,446

 
14,334

Less accumulated depreciation
(1,319
)
 
(1,039
)
 
$
13,127

 
$
13,295


The Company recorded an operating loss of $845 and $762 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, from Escena. The Company recorded an operating loss of $769 and $275 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, from Escena.

In October 2013, the Company sold 200 of the 867 residential lots for approximately $22,700, net of selling costs. The remaining project consists of 667 residential lots, consisting of both single family and multi-family lots,, an 18-hole golf course, clubhouse restaurant and golf shop, and a seven-acre site approved for a 450-room hotel.


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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


Investment in Indian Creek. In March 2013, New Valley invested $7,616 for an approximate 80% interest in Timbo LLC ("Indian Creek") which owns a residential real estate project located on Indian Creek, Florida. As a result of the 80% ownership interest, the consolidated financial statements of the Company include the balances of Indian Creek which included land and building of approximately $9,772, a line of credit of $3,570, equity interest of $4,616 and a minority interest of $1,154 as of September 30, 2013. New Valley received a distribution of $3,080 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, while $770 is payable to the minority interest shareholder as of September 30, 2013.

In May 2013, Indian Creek entered into a $8,400 line of credit for a construction loan, that bears interest at the Overnight LIBOR rate plus 250 basis points, floating, per annum. A total of $3,570 was outstanding under the facility and has been classified as a component of Notes payable on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2013.

9. INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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

 
 
Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2013
Description
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 

Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 


Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
 
$
190,097

 
$
190,097

 
$
—

 
$
—

Certificates of deposit
 
2,234

 
—

 
2,234

 
—

Bonds
 
6,587

 
6,587

 
—

 
—

Investment securities available for sale
 

 
 
 
 
 
—

Equity securities
 
97,945

 
96,682

 
1,263

 
—

Fixed income securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government securities
 
10,273

 
—

 
10,273

 
—

Corporate securities
 
28,318

 
6,400

 
21,918

 
—

U.S. mortgage backed securities
 
741

 
—

 
741

 
—

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
5,959

 
—

 
5,959

 
—

U.S. asset backed securities
 
851

 
—

 
851

 
—

Index-linked U.S. bonds
 
1,482

 
—

 
1,482

 
—

Total fixed income securities
 
47,624

 
6,400

 
41,224

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warrants
 
940

 
—

 
—

 
940

Total
 
$
345,427

 
$
299,766

 
$
44,721

 
$
940

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
 
$
163,829

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
163,829

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


 
 
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2012
Description
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 

Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 


Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
 
$
372,718

 
$
372,718

 
$
—

 
$
—

Certificates of deposit
 
2,240

 
—

 
2,240

 
—

Bonds
 
6,306

 
6,306

 
—

 
—

Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
 
69,984

 
69,107

 
877

 
—

Warrants
 
769

 
—

 
—

 
769

Total
 
$
452,017

 
$
448,131

 
$
3,117

 
$
769

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
 
$
172,128

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
172,128

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



The fair value of the Level 2 certificates of deposit are based on prices posted by the financial institutions. The fair value of investment securities available for sale included in Level 1 are based on quoted market prices from various stock exchanges. The Level 2 investment securities available for sale are equity securities based on quoted market prices of securities that are thinly traded and debt securities based on evaluated prices using observable, market-based inputs.
The fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt was 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 based upon the implied debt rate of the 7.5% Convertible Notes to determine the fair value of the derivatives embedded within the convertible debt. The changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt are presented on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The value of the embedded derivatives is contingent on changes in implied interest rates of the convertible debt, the Company's stock price, stock volatility as well as projections of future cash and stock dividends over the term of the debt.  The interest rate component of the value of the embedded derivative is computed by calculating an equivalent non-convertible, unsecured and subordinated borrowing cost. This rate is determined by calculating the implied rate on the Company's 2019 Convertible Notes when removing the embedded option value within the convertible security. This rate is based upon market observable inputs and influenced by the Company's stock price, convertible bond trading price, risk free interest rates and stock volatility. 
The Company recognized income of $8,299 and charges of $21,020 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The fair value of the warrants was derived using the Black-Scholes model and has been classified as Level 3. The assumptions used under the Black-Scholes model in computing the fair value of the warrants are based on contractual term of the warrants, volatility of the underlying stock based on the historical quoted prices of the underlying stock, assumed future dividend payments and a risk-free rate of return.


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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


The unobservable inputs related to the valuations of the Level 3 assets and liabilities are as follows at September 30, 2013:

 
 
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
 
Fair Value at
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
2013
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range (Actual)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warrants
 
$
940

 
Option model
 
Stock price
 
$
1.81

 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercise price
 
$
1.68

 
 
 
 
 
 
Term (in years)
 
3.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
Volatility
 
58.51
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividend rate
 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk-free return
 
0.68
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
 
$
163,829

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock price
 
$
16.10

 
 
 
 
 
 
Convertible trading price
 
119.31
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volatility
 
18
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Implied credit spread
 
7.5% - 8.5% (8.0%)



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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


The unobservable inputs related to the valuations of the Level 3 assets and liabilities are as follows at December 31, 2012:

 
 
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
 
Fair Value at
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
2012
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range (Actual)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warrants
 
$
769

 
Option model
 
Stock price
 
$
1.40

 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercise price
 
$
1.68

 
 
 
 
 
 
Term (in years)
 
3.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
Volatility
 
76.87
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividend rate
 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk-free return
 
0.50
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
 
$
172,128

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock price
 
$
14.87

 
 
 
 
 
 
Convertible trading price
 
109.00
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volatility
 
18
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Implied credit spread
 
10% - 11% (10.5%)



In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company is required to record assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Generally, assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as a result of impairment charges. The Company had no nonrecurring nonfinancial assets subject to fair value measurements as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

10. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company's significant business segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were Tobacco and Real Estate.  The Tobacco segment consists of the manufacture and sale of cigarettes.  The Real Estate segment includes the Company's investment in Escena, Indian Creek and investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.


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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


Financial information for the Company's operations before taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 follows:

 
 
 
Real
 
Corporate
 
 
 
Tobacco
 
Estate
 
and Other
 
Total
Three months ended September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
271,516

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
271,516

Operating loss
(32,974
)
(1
)
(1,072
)
 
(3,239
)
 
(37,285
)
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
—

 
9,489

 
—

 
9,489

Depreciation and amortization
2,361

 
160

 
251

 
2,772

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
272,783

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
272,783

Operating income (loss)
48,139

 
(1,054
)
 
(3,892
)
 
43,193

Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
—

 
12,874

 
—

 
12,874

Depreciation and amortization
2,425

 
119

 
94

 
2,638

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
761,038

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
761,038

Operating income (loss)
62,480

(2
)
(1,393
)
 
(11,036
)
 
50,051

Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
—

 
16,774

 
—

 
16,774

Depreciation and amortization
7,114

 
440

 
451

 
8,005

Capital expenditures
5,813

 
553

 
2,320

 
8,686

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
806,983

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
806,983

Operating income (loss)
130,244

 
(782
)
 
(11,895
)
 
117,567

Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
—

 
20,969

 
—

 
20,969

Depreciation and amortization
7,303

 
292

 
353

 
7,948

Capital expenditures
7,151

 
156

 
961

 
8,268

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1) Operating loss includes $4,016 of income from a NPM Settlement, $86,213 of Engle progeny settlement charge and $1,700 of litigation judgment expense.
(2) Operating income includes $10,963 of income from NPM Settlements, $86,213 of Engle progeny settlement charge and $1,700 of litigation judgment expense.
.
.

 


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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited



11. LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Vector presently beneficially owns approximately 8.2% of the common stock of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. ("LTS"), a related party entity. Vector lent $15,000 to LTS in November 2011. In May, June and July 2013, LTS paid Vector an aggregate of $9,796 of principal plus related interest on the loan. In connection with the principal reductions, the Company recognized $67 and $619 of interest income related to the acceleration of the amortization of note discount for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. As of September 30, 2013, the outstanding principal balance on the loan to LTS was $5,540.

On May 22, 2013, Vector purchased 240,000 shares of LTS's 8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (Liquidation Preference $25.00 Per Share) ("LTS Preferred") for $6,000. LTS will pay a monthly cumulative dividend of 8% per annum on the LTS Preferred. LTS, at its option, may redeem any or all of the LTS Preferred at $25.00 per share plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends on or after May 24, 2018. As of September 30, 2013, the LTS Preferred investment was included in "Investment securities available for sale" and had a carrying value of $5,760 in Vector's condensed consolidated balance sheet.


12. 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 joint and several and subject to certain automatic release provisions. Relief from the financial statement requirements under Rule 3-10 is being provided because the Company's guarantee release provisions are considered customary pursuant to Section 2510.5 of the SEC Division of Corporation Finance Financial Reporting Manual. The Company's investments in its consolidated subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting.

The indenture of the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes contains similar guarantees and covenants to those of the 11% Senior Secured Notes, except the indenture has covenants that restrict the payment of dividends by the Company if the Company's consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined in the indenture, for the most recently ended four full quarters is less than $75,000 and the indenture also restricts the incurrence of debt if the Company's Leverage Ratio and its Secured Leverage Ratio, as defined in the indenture, exceed 3.0 and 1.5, respectively.

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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
 
September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiary
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Parent/
 
Subsidiary
 
Non-
 
Consolidating
 
Vector Group
 
Issuer
 
Guarantors
 
Guarantors
 
Adjustments
 
Ltd.
ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
249,851

 
$
9,884

 
$
726

 
$
—

 
$
260,461

Investment securities available for sale
89,816

 
55,753

 
—

 
—

 
145,569

Accounts receivable - trade, net
—

 
11,579

 
352

 
—

 
11,931

Intercompany receivables
461

 
—

 
—

 
(461
)
 
—

Inventories
—

 
95,006

 
—

 
—

 
95,006

Deferred income taxes
50,287

 
2,765

 
—

 
—

 
53,052

Income taxes receivable, net
11,944

 
21,777

 
—

 
(23,057
)
 
10,664

Restricted assets
—

 
1,605

 
—

 
—

 
1,605

Other current assets
521

 
7,503

 
165

 
—

 
8,189

Total current assets
402,880

 
205,872

 
1,243

 
(23,518
)
 
586,477

Property, plant and equipment, net
3,937

 
53,578

 
520

 
—

 
58,035

Investments in consolidated real estate businesses, net
—

 
—

 
23,241

 
—

 
23,241

Long-term investments accounted for at cost
20,541

 
—

 
752

 
—

 
21,293

Long-term investments accounted for under the equity method
8,372

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
8,372

Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses
—

 
—

 
176,383

 
—

 
176,383

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
225,084

 
—

 
—

 
(225,084
)
 
—

Restricted assets
1,893

 
9,284

 
31

 
—

 
11,208

Deferred income taxes
45,753

 
13,868

 
5,736

 
—

 
65,357

Intangible asset
—

 
107,511

 
—

 
—

 
107,511

Prepaid pension costs
—

 
14,246

 
—

 
—

 
14,246

Other assets
38,369

 
9,963

 
500

 
—

 
48,832

Total assets
$
746,829

 
$
414,322

 
$
208,406

 
$
(248,602
)
 
$
1,120,955

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

 
$
23,793

 
$
118

 
$
—

 
$
23,911

Current portion of employee benefits
—

 
1,005

 
—

 
—

 
1,005

Accounts payable
532

 
3,079

 
317

 
—

 
3,928

Intercompany payables
—

 
15

 
446

 
(461
)
 
—

Accrued promotional expenses
—

 
18,420

 
—

 
—

 
18,420

Income taxes payable
—

 
—

 
28,796

 
(23,057
)
 
5,739

Accrued excise and payroll taxes payable, net
—

 
3,307

 
—

 
—

 
3,307

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

 
148,072

 
—

 
—

 
148,072

Deferred income taxes
24,449

 
12,379

 
—

 
—

 
36,828

Accrued interest
13,388

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
13,388

Other current liabilities
4,756

 
9,007

 
1,419

 
—

 
15,182

Total current liabilities
43,125

 
219,077

 
31,096

 
(23,518
)
 
269,780

Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion
632,835

 
10,773

 
3,570

 
—

 
647,178

Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
163,829

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
163,829

Non-current employee benefits
26,859

 
19,652

 
—

 
—

 
46,511

Deferred income taxes
71,653

 
36,105

 
13,191

 
—

 
120,949

Other liabilities, primarily litigation accruals and payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement
1,104

 
62,852

 
1,328

 
—

 
65,284

Total liabilities
939,405

 
348,459

 
49,185

 
(23,518
)
 
1,313,531

Commitments and contingencies


 


 


 


 


Stockholders' deficiency
(192,576
)
 
65,863

 
159,221

 
(225,084
)
 
(192,576
)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficiency
$
746,829

 
$
414,322

 
$
208,406

 
$
(248,602
)
 
$
1,120,955



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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiary
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Parent/
 
Subsidiary
 
Non-
 
Consolidating
 
Vector Group
 
  Issuer   
 
Guarantors
 
Guarantors
 
Adjustments
 
        Ltd.        
ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
401,344

 
$
3,776

 
$
735

 
$
—

 
$
405,855

Investment securities available for sale
35,330

 
34,654

 
—

 
—

 
69,984

Accounts receivable - trade, net
—

 
11,183

 
64

 
—

 
11,247

Intercompany receivables
354

 
—

 
—

 
(354
)
 
—

Inventories
—

 
100,392

 
—

 
—

 
100,392

Deferred income taxes
33,238

 
3,371

 
—

 
—

 
36,609

Income taxes receivable, net
33,302

 
—

 
—

 
(26,523
)
 
6,779

Restricted assets
—

 
2,469

 
—

 
—

 
2,469

Other current assets
665

 
4,848

 
208

 
—

 
5,721

Total current assets
504,233

 
160,693

 
1,007

 
(26,877
)
 
639,056

Property, plant and equipment, net
2,104

 
54,810

 
239

 
—

 
57,153

Investment in consolidated real estate businesses, net
—

 
—

 
13,295

 
—

 
13,295

Long-term investments accounted for at cost
15,540

 
—

 
827

 
—

 
16,367

Long-term investments accounted for under the equity method
6,432

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
6,432

Investments in non- consolidated real estate businesses
—

 
—

 
119,219

 
—

 
119,219

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
210,525

 
—

 
—

 
(210,525
)
 
—

Restricted assets
1,898

 
7,863

 
31

 
—

 
9,792

Deferred income taxes
38,077

 
5,669

 
5,396

 
—

 
49,142

Intangible asset
—

 
107,511

 
—

 
—

 
107,511

Prepaid pension costs
—

 
12,870

 
—

 
—

 
12,870

Other assets
39,534

 
16,144

 
216

 
—

 
55,894

Total assets
$
818,343

 
$
365,560

 
$
140,230

 
$
(237,402
)
 
$
1,086,731

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

 
$
36,617

 
$
161

 
$
—

 
$
36,778

Current portion of employee benefits
—

 
2,824

 
—

 
—

 
2,824

Accounts payable
661

 
5,173

 
265

 
—

 
6,099

Intercompany payables
—

 
64

 
290

 
(354
)
 
—

Accrued promotional expenses
—

 
18,730

 
—

 
—

 
18,730

Income taxes payable
—

 
1,445

 
31,347

 
(26,523
)
 
6,269

Accrued excise and payroll taxes payable, net
—

 
20,419

 
—

 
—

 
20,419

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

 
34,440

 
—

 
—

 
34,440

Deferred income taxes
23,304

 
3,995

 
—

 
—

 
27,299

Accrued interest
25,410

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
25,410

Other current liabilities
5,545

 
9,658

 
1,688

 
—

 
16,891

Total current liabilities
54,920

 
133,365

 
33,751

 
(26,877
)
 
195,159

Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion
572,023

 
14,860

 
63

 
—

 
586,946

Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
172,128

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
172,128

Non-current employee benefits
25,599

 
20,261

 
—

 
—

 
45,860

Deferred income taxes
71,777

 
33,793

 
3,962

 
—

 
109,532

Other liabilities, primarily litigation accruals and payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement
1,148

 
54,506

 
704

 
—

 
56,358

  Total liabilities
897,595

 
256,785

 
38,480

 
(26,877
)
 
1,165,983

Commitments and contingencies


 


 


 


 


Stockholders' deficiency
(79,252
)
 
108,775

 
101,750

 
(210,525
)
 
(79,252
)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficiency
$
818,343

 
$
365,560

 
$
140,230

 
$
(237,402
)
 
$
1,086,731



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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiary
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
  Parent/  
 
Subsidiary
 
Non-
 
Consolidating
 
Vector Group
 
  Issuer  
 
Guarantors
 
Guarantors
 
Adjustments
 
        Ltd.        
Revenues
$
—

 
$
271,516

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
271,516

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold
—

 
194,991

 
—

 
—

 
194,991

Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
4,968

 
19,990

 
939

 
—

 
25,897

Litigation settlement and judgment expense
—

 
87,913

 
—

 
—

 
87,913

Management fee expense
—

 
2,377

 
—

 
(2,377
)
 
—

Operating loss
(4,968
)
 
(33,755
)
 
(939
)
 
2,377

 
(37,285
)
Other income (expenses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(32,978
)
 
(602
)
 
(3
)
 
—

 
(33,583
)
Change in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
2,800

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,800

Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
—

 
—

 
9,489

 
—

 
9,489

Equity loss on long-term investments
(53
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(53
)
Loss on investment securities available for sale
(99
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(99
)
Equity loss in consolidated subsidiaries
(11,514
)
 
—

 
—

 
11,514

 
—

Management fee income
2,377

 
—

 
—

 
(2,377
)
 
—

Other income (loss), net
603

 
2,270

 
(2
)
 
—

 
2,871

(Loss) income before provision for income taxes
(43,832
)
 
(32,087
)
 
8,545

 
11,514

 
(55,860
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
6,941

 
15,521

 
(3,493
)
 
—

 
18,969

Net (loss) income
(36,891
)
 
(16,566
)
 
5,052

 
11,514

 
(36,891
)
Comprehensive (loss) income
$
(28,536
)
 
$
(11,923
)
 
$
5,052

 
$
6,871

 
$
(28,536
)





















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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS



 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiary
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
  Parent/  
 
Subsidiary
 
Non-
 
Consolidating
 
Vector Group
 
  Issuer  
 
Guarantors
 
Guarantors
 
Adjustments
 
        Ltd.        
Revenues
$
—

 
$
272,783

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
272,783

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold
—

 
203,749

 
—

 
—

 
203,749

Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
5,585

 
19,238

 
1,018

 
—

 
25,841

Management fee expense
—

 
2,291

 
—

 
(2,291
)
 
—

Operating (loss) income
(5,585
)
 
47,505

 
(1,018
)
 
2,291

 
43,193

Other income (expenses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(24,903
)
 
(998
)
 
(5
)
 
—

 
(25,906
)
Change in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
6,040

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
6,040

Acceleration of interest expense related to debt conversion
(7,072
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(7,072
)
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
—

 
—

 
12,874

 
—

 
12,874

Equity income on long-term investments
124

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
124

Gain on investment securities available for sale
—

 
1,640

 
—

 
—

 
1,640

Equity income in consolidated subsidiaries
36,173

 
—

 
—

 
(36,173
)
 
—

Management fee income
2,291

 
—

 
—

 
(2,291
)
 
—

Other, net
340

 
—

 
1

 
—

 
341

Income before provision for income taxes
7,408

 
48,147

 
11,852

 
(36,173
)
 
31,234

Income tax benefit (expense)
10,524

 
(19,014
)
 
(4,812
)
 
—

 
(13,302
)
Net income
17,932

 
29,133

 
7,040

 
(36,173
)
 
17,932

Comprehensive income
$
18,291

 
$
36,330

 
$
7,040

 
$
(43,370
)
 
$
18,291




















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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiary
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
  Parent/  
 
Subsidiary
 
Non-
 
Consolidating
 
Vector Group
 
  Issuer  
 
Guarantors
 
Guarantors
 
Adjustments
 
        Ltd.        
Revenues
$
—

 
$
761,038

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
761,038

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold
—

 
548,377

 
—

 
—

 
548,377

Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
16,350

 
56,939

 
1,408

 
—

 
74,697

Litigation settlement and judgment expense
—

 
87,913

 
—

 
—

 
87,913

Management fee expense
—

 
7,131

 
—

 
(7,131
)
 
—

Operating (loss) income
(16,350
)
 
60,678

 
(1,408
)
 
7,131

 
50,051

Other income (expenses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(97,661
)
 
(1,374
)
 
(10
)
 
—

 
(99,045
)
Change in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
8,299

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
8,299

Loss on extinguishment of debt
(21,458
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(21,458
)
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
—

 
—

 
16,774

 
—

 
16,774

Equity income on long-term investments
770

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
770

(Loss) gain on investment securities available for sale
(296
)
 
5,406

 
—

 
—

 
5,110

Equity income in consolidated subsidiaries
52,051

 
—

 
—

 
(52,051
)
 
—

Management fee income
7,131

 
—

 
—

 
(7,131
)
 
—

Other, net
2,550

 
2,475

 
126

 
—

 
5,151

(Loss) income before provision for income taxes
(64,964
)
 
67,185

 
15,482

 
(52,051
)
 
(34,348
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
39,903

 
(24,270
)
 
(6,346
)
 
—

 
9,287

Net (loss) income
(25,061
)
 
42,915

 
9,136

 
(52,051
)
 
(25,061
)
Comprehensive (loss) income
$
(9,670
)
 
$
49,701

 
$
9,136

 
$
(58,837
)
 
$
(9,670
)


43
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiary
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
  Parent/  
 
Subsidiary
 
Non-
 
Consolidating
 
Vector Group
 
  Issuer  
 
Guarantors
 
Guarantors
 
Adjustments
 
        Ltd.        
Revenues
$
—

 
$
806,983

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
806,983

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold
—

 
615,682

 
—

 
—

 
615,682

Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
17,069

 
55,861

 
804

 
—

 
73,734

Management fee expense
—

 
6,872

 
—

 
(6,872
)
 
—

Operating (loss) income
(17,069
)
 
128,568

 
(804
)
 
6,872

 
117,567

Other income (expenses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(75,309
)
 
(3,340
)
 
(18
)
 
—

 
(78,667
)
Change in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
(21,020
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(21,020
)
Acceleration of interest expense related to debt conversion
(14,960
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(14,960
)
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
—

 
—

 
20,969

 
—

 
20,969

Gain on investment securities available for sale
—

 
1,640

 
—

 
—

 
1,640

Equity loss on long-term investments
(1,205
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,205
)
Equity income in consolidated subsidiaries
89,715

 
—

 
—

 
(89,715
)
 
—

Management fee income
6,872

 
—

 
—

 
(6,872
)
 
—

Other, net
701

 
19

 
136

 
—

 
856

(Loss) income before provision for income taxes
(32,275
)
 
126,887

 
20,283

 
(89,715
)
 
25,180

Income tax benefit (expense)
46,412

 
(49,220
)
 
(8,235
)
 
—

 
(11,043
)
Net income
14,137

 
77,667

 
12,048

 
(89,715
)
 
14,137

Comprehensive income
$
7,395

 
$
84,679

 
$
12,048

 
$
(96,727
)
 
$
7,395

    

44
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiary
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
  Parent/  
 
Subsidiary
 
Non-
 
Consolidating
 
Vector Group
 
Issuer   
 
Guarantors
 
Guarantors
 
Adjustments
 
Ltd.
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
44,750

 
$
127,382

 
$
1,524

 
$
(118,412
)
 
$
55,244

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sale of investment securities
76,067

 
6,582

 
—

 
—

 
82,649

Purchase of investment securities
(117,982
)
 
(11,501
)
 
—

 
—

 
(129,483
)
Proceeds from sale or liquidation of long-term investments
—

 
—

 
75

 
—

 
75

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

 
—

 
—

 
(5,000
)
Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses
—

 
—

 
(45,977
)
 
—

 
(45,977
)
Investments in consolidated real estate businesses
—

 
—

 
(7,697
)
 
—

 
(7,697
)
Distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses
—

 
—

 
2,463

 
—

 
2,463

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies
(20
)
 
(450
)
 
—

 
—

 
(470
)
Decrease (increase) in restricted assets
5

 
(558
)
 
—

 
—

 
(553
)
Investments in subsidiaries
(72,962
)
 
—

 
—

 
72,962

 
—

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
—

 
11

 
—

 
—

 
11

Capital expenditures
(2,320
)
 
(5,813
)
 
(553
)
 
—

 
(8,686
)
Repayments of notes receivable
9,460

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
9,460

Net cash used in investing activities
(112,752
)
 
(11,729
)
 
(51,689
)
 
72,962

 
(103,208
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from debt issuance
450,000

 
1,120

 
3,080

 
—

 
454,200

Deferred financing costs
(11,750
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(11,750
)
Repayments of debt
(415,000
)
 
(5,604
)
 
(106
)
 
—

 
(420,710
)
Borrowings under revolver
—

 
723,578

 
—

 
—

 
723,578

Repayments on revolver
—

 
(736,007
)
 
—

 
—

 
(736,007
)
Capital contributions received
—

 
13,250

 
59,712

 
(72,962
)
 
—

Intercompany dividends paid
—

 
(105,882
)
 
(12,530
)
 
118,412

 
—

Dividends and distributions on common stock
(107,302
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(107,302
)
Proceeds from exercise of Vector options
528

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
528

Tax benefit of options exercised
33

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
33

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(83,491
)
 
(109,545
)
 
50,156

 
45,450

 
(97,430
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(151,493
)
 
6,108

 
(9
)
 
—

 
(145,394
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
401,344

 
3,776

 
735

 
—

 
405,855

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
249,851

 
$
9,884

 
$
726

 
$
—

 
$
260,461



45
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiary
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
  Parent/  
 
Subsidiary
 
Non-
 
Consolidating
 
Vector Group
 
Issuer   
 
Guarantors
 
Guarantors
 
Adjustments
 
Ltd.        
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
81,661

 
$
145,446

 
$
11,423

 
$
(141,285
)
 
$
97,245

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sale of investment securities
—

 
3,831

 
—

 
—

 
3,831

Purchase of investment securities
—

 
(1,148
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1,148
)
Proceeds from sale of or liquidation of long-term investments
—

 
—

 
72

 
—

 
72

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

 
—

 
—

 
(5,000
)
Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses
—

 
—

 
(22,467
)
 
—

 
(22,467
)
Distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses
—

 
—

 
31,221

 
—

 
31,221

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies
(425
)
 
(406
)
 
—

 
—

 
(831
)
Decrease (increase) in restricted assets
266

 
(1,392
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1,126
)
Issuance of notes receivable
(355
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(355
)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
406

 
12

 
—

 
—

 
418

Investments in subsidiaries
(14,351
)
 
—

 
—

 
14,351

 
—

Capital expenditures
(961
)
 
(7,151
)
 
(156
)
 
—

 
(8,268
)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(20,420
)
 
(6,254
)
 
8,670

 
14,351

 
(3,653
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from debt issuance
—

 
14,018

 
—

 
—

 
14,018

Deferred financing costs
—

 
(315
)
 
—

 
—

 
(315
)
Repayments of debt
—

 
(15,341
)
 
(99
)
 
—

 
(15,440
)
Borrowings under revolver
—

 
794,249

 
—

 
—

 
794,249

Repayments on revolver
—

 
(809,567
)
 
—

 
—

 
(809,567
)
Capital contributions received
—

 
1,450

 
12,901

 
(14,351
)
 
—

Intercompany dividends paid
—

 
(108,500
)
 
(32,785
)
 
141,285

 
—

Dividends and distributions on common stock
(100,392
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(100,392
)
Proceeds from exercise of Vector options
140

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
140

Tax benefits from exercise of Vector options
48

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
48

Net cash used in financing activities
(100,204
)
 
(124,006
)
 
(19,983
)
 
126,934

 
(117,259
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(38,963
)
 
15,186

 
110

 
—

 
(23,667
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
238,262

 
2,488

 
173

 
—

 
240,923

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
199,299

 
$
17,674

 
$
283

 
$
—

 
$
217,256



46


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

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)


Overview

We are a holding company and are engaged principally in:
•
the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the United States through our Liggett Group LLC and Vector Tobacco Inc. subsidiaries, and
•
the real estate business through our New Valley LLC subsidiary, which is seeking to acquire additional operating companies and real estate properties. New Valley owns 50% of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, which operates the largest residential brokerage company in the New York metropolitan area.
All of our tobacco operation's unit sales volume in 2012 and for the first nine months of 2013 was in the discount segment, which management believes has been the primary growth segment in the industry for more than a decade. The significant discounting of premium cigarettes in recent years has led to brands, such as EVE, that were traditionally considered premium brands to become more appropriately categorized as discount, following list price reductions.
Our tobacco subsidiaries' cigarettes are produced in approximately 117 combinations of length, style and packaging. Liggett's current brand portfolio includes:
•
PYRAMID - the industry's first deep discount product with a brand identity re-launched in the second quarter of 2009,
•
GRAND PRIX - re-launched as a national brand in 2005,
•
LIGGETT SELECT - a leading brand in the deep discount category,
•
EVE - a leading brand of 120 millimeter cigarettes in the branded discount category,
•
EAGLE 20's - relaunched as a deep discount brand in January 2013, 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's unit volume was 5.7% of Liggett's unit volume for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 7.0% for the year ended December 31, 2012. In September 2005, Liggett repositioned GRAND PRIX to distributors and retailers nationwide. GRAND PRIX's unit volume was 7.5% of Liggett's unit volume for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 9.6% for the year ended December 31, 2012. In April 2009, Liggett repositioned PYRAMID as a box-only brand with a new low price to specifically compete with brands which are priced at the lowest level of the deep discount segment. PYRAMID is now the largest seller in Liggett's family of brands with 66.4% of Liggett's unit volume for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 62.7% for the year ended December 31, 2012. In January 2013, Liggett repackaged and relaunched EAGLE 20's to distributors and retailers. EAGLE 20's is marketed to compete with brands positioned in the deep discount segment.
Under the Master Settlement Agreement ("MSA") 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. Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s payments under the MSA are based on each company’s incremental market share above the market share exemption applicable to such company. We believe that our tobacco subsidiaries have gained a sustainable cost advantage over their competitors as a result of the settlement.
The discount segment is a challenging marketplace, with consumers having less brand loyalty and placing greater emphasis on price. Liggett’s competition is now divided into two segments. The first segment is made up of the three largest manufacturers of cigarettes in the United States, Philip Morris USA Inc., R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, and Lorillard Tobacco Company. The three largest manufacturers, while primarily premium cigarette based companies, also produce and sell discount cigarettes. The second segment of competition is comprised of a group of smaller manufacturers and importers, most of which sell deep discount cigarettes. Our largest competitor in this segment is Commonwealth Brands, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Imperial Tobacco PLC).



47


Recent Developments

7.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2021. In February 2013, we issued $450,000 of our 7.75% senior secured notes due 2021 in a private offering to qualified institutional investors in accordance with Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. In June 2013, we completed an offer to exchange the 7.75% senior secured notes issued in February 2013 for an equal amount of newly issued 7.75% senior secured notes due 2021. The new 7.75% senior secured notes have substantially the same terms as the original notes, except that the new 7.75% senior secured notes have been registered under the Securities Act.
The 7.75% senior secured notes pay interest on a semi-annual basis at a rate of 7.75% per year and mature on February 15, 2021. We may redeem some or all of the 7.75% senior secured notes at any time prior to February 15, 2016 at a make-whole redemption price. On or after February 15, 2016 we may redeem some or all of the 7.75% senior secured notes at a premium that will decrease over time, plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the redemption date.
The 7.75% senior secured notes are guaranteed subject to certain customary automatic release provisions on a joint and several basis by all of our 100% owned domestic subsidiaries that are engaged in the conduct of our cigarette businesses. In addition, some of the guarantees are collateralized by second priority or first priority security interests in certain collateral of some of the subsidiary guarantors, including their common stock, pursuant to security and pledge agreements. The indenture contains covenants that restrict the payment of dividends if our consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined in the indenture, for the most recently ended four full quarters is less than $75,000. The indenture also restricts the incurrence of debt if our Leverage Ratio and our Secured Leverage Ratio, as defined in the indenture, exceed 3.0 and 1.5, respectively.
The aggregate net proceeds from the issuance of the 7.75% senior secured notes were approximately $438,250 after deducting offering expenses. We used the net proceeds of the issuance for the cash tender offer described below and the redemption price for any existing 11% senior secured notes that were not tendered, plus accrued and unpaid interest plus any related fees and expenses.
Tender Offer. On January 29, 2013, we announced we were commencing a cash tender offer with respect to any and all of the outstanding $415,000 of our 11% senior secured notes due 2015. We retired $336,315 of the 11% senior secured notes at a premium of 104.292%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, on February 12, 2013. The remaining $78,685 of the 11% senior secured notes were called and were retired on March 14, 2013 at a redemption price of 103.667% plus accrued and unpaid interest. We recorded a loss on the extinguishment of the debt of $21,458 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which included $17,820 of premium and tender offer costs and non-cash interest expense of $3,638 related to the write-off of net unamortized debt discount and deferred finance costs.

Redemption of Debentures. On October 29, 2013, we issued a Notice of Optional Redemption to each holder of our 3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures due 2026.  Pursuant to the Notice of Optional Redemption, we intend to redeem all of the remaining Debentures outstanding under the Indenture on November 29, 2013. The redemption price for the Debentures will be 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the Debentures, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date. The aggregate principal amount of the Debentures outstanding  is $43,222 and no amounts will remain outstanding following the redemption of the Debentures. The Debentures may be converted into shares of our common stock by the Debenture holders at any time before the close of business on the redemption date, at a conversion price of approximately $14.55 per share (approximately 68.718858 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Debentures). We intend to use cash on hand to fund the redemption of any Debentures not converted into common stock prior to the redemption date.
Prudential Franchise Agreements. Douglas Elliman Realty is in discussions with Prudential related to certain matters in connection with the franchise agreements, and Douglas Elliman Realty has elected to cease operating as a Prudential franchisee. Douglas Elliman Realty is seeking a resolution of these matters. The franchise agreements expired on March 13, 2013. As a result of the termination or expiration of the franchise agreements, in accordance with the terms of the Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement, Douglas Elliman Realty is required to redeem the approximate 20% equity interest owned by a former affiliate of Prudential. The redemption price for such equity interest is to be determined through an appraisal process in accordance with the terms of Douglas Elliman Realty's Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement.
Investment in Indian Creek. In March 2013, New Valley invested $7,616 for an approximate 80% interest in Timbo LLC ("Indian Creek") which owns a residential real estate conversion project located on Indian Creek, Florida. As a result of the 80% ownership interest, the consolidated financial statements of the Company include Indian Creek's activities.
Hotel Taiwana. New Valley contributed additional capital of $567 in February 2013, $3,088 in April 2013 and $836 in August 2013, along with contributions of additional capital by the other investment partners of Hill Street Partners LLP ("Hill"). New Valley's investment percentage did not change from year end. Hill used the contributions to purchase the remaining interest in Hotel Taiwana and make improvements.

48


101 Murray Street. In May 2013, a subsidiary of New Valley acquired a 25% interest in a joint venture, which had the rights to acquire a 15-story building on a 31,000 square-foot lot in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan, NY. The former owner will vacate the building by July 2014. The joint venture plans to build a 150-unit, luxury condominium building on the building's site. Development will begin in 2014 and is expected to be completed in September 2017.
In July 2013, the joint venture closed on the acquisition of the property. New Valley had invested $19,256 in the joint venture as of September 30, 2013 in the form of capital contributions and a loan bearing interest at 12% per annum, compounded quarterly, to the joint venture partner.
Park Lane Hotel. In July 2013, a subsidiary of New Valley acquired an 18% interest in a joint venture that has agreed to acquire the Park Lane Hotel, which is presently a 47-story, 605-room independent hotel owned and operated by the Helmsley Family Trust and Estate. The joint venture is developing plans for a hotel and luxury residential condominiums.  The development is estimated to take approximately 30 months from commencement of construction. New Valley had invested $17,500 in the joint venture as of September 30, 2013.
Escena. In October 2013, the Company sold 200 single-family residential lots for approximately $22,700 net of selling costs. The remaining project consists of 667 residential lots, consisting of both single family and multi-family lots, an 18-hole golf course, clubhouse restaurant and golf shop, and a seven-acre site approved for a 450-room hotel.
NPM Adjustment.  In March 2006, an economic consulting firm selected pursuant to the MSA determined that the MSA was a “significant factor contributing to” the loss of market share of Participating Manufacturers, to non-participating manufacturers, for 2003. This is known as the “NPM Adjustment.” Effective December 17, 2012, the Participating Manufacturers entered into a “term sheet” with 20 Settling States setting out terms for settlement of the NPM Adjustment for 2003 through 2012 and addressing the NPM Adjustment mechanism for those states for future years. Certain non-signatory states objected to the settlement. In March 2013, the arbitration panel entered a Stipulated Partial Settlement and Award which, among other things, overrules the objections of the non-signatory states and directed the independent auditor to implement the terms of the term sheet effective with the April 15, 2013 MSA payments. In May 2013, two additional states joined the settlement. Several non-signatory states are attempting to vacate the settlement award by filing state court actions. Although certain terms of the settlement were implemented by the independent auditor on April 15, 2013, no assurance can be given as to the ultimate outcome of the non-signatory states' challenges.
As a result of the settlement, in the first quarter of 2013 Liggett and Vector Tobacco recognized income of $5,602. Following the additional two states joining the settlement in May 2013, Liggett and Vector Tobacco recognized an additional $1,345 of income in the second quarter of 2013. The remaining NPM Adjustment accrual of $27,600 at September 30, 2013 relates to the disputed amounts Liggett and Vector Tobacco have withheld from the non-settling states for 2004 through 2010. Approximately $16,600 remains in the disputed payments accounts relating to the 2011 and 2012 NPM Adjustment dispute with these non-settling states.
In response to a proposal from the OPMs and many of the SPMs, 45 of the Settling States, representing approximately 90% of the allocable share of the Settling States, entered into an agreement providing for a nationwide arbitration of the dispute with respect to the NPM Adjustment for 2003. Because states representing more than 80% of the allocable share signed the agreement, signing states will receive a 20% reduction of any 2003 NPM adjustment awarded in the arbitration. In June 2010, the three person arbitration panel was selected. In November 2011, the Participating Manufacturers advised the arbitration panel that they were not contesting diligent enforcement of 16 Settling States. Substantive hearings commenced in April 2012 and were completed in June 2013.
In September 2013, the panel issued its decisions with respect to the 15 states that did not enter into the stipulated partial settlement and award, finding that six states did not diligently enforce their escrow statutes in 2003. As a result, in April 2014, Liggett will receive a credit for the 2003 NPM Adjustment, in the amount of $5,987 including interest. This amount was recognized in the third quarter of 2013.
Zoom E-Cigs LLC. Our subsidiary, Zoom E-Cigs LLC ("Zoom"), has recently entered the emerging United States electronic cigarette ("e-cigarette") market in limited retail distribution outlets. We intend to expand distribution of our Zoom brand in 2014. Zoom incurred $560 of expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. See "Legislation and Regulation" for certain risks associated with the United States e-cigarette market.



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Recent Developments in Smoking-Related Litigation
The cigarette industry continues to be challenged on numerous fronts. New cases continue to be commenced against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers. Liggett could be subjected to substantial liabilities and bonding requirements from litigation relating to cigarette products. Adverse litigation outcomes could have a negative impact on our ability to operate due to their impact on cash flows. We and our Liggett subsidiary, as well as the entire cigarette industry, continue to be challenged on numerous fronts, particularly with respect to the Engle progeny cases in Florida. It is possible that there could be adverse developments in pending cases including the certification of additional class actions. An unfavorable outcome or settlement of pending tobacco-related litigation could encourage the commencement of additional litigation. In addition, an unfavorable outcome in any tobacco-related litigation could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Liggett could face difficulties in obtaining a bond to stay execution of a judgment pending appeal.
As of September 30, 2013, there were 4,187 Engle progeny cases, 64 individual product liability lawsuits, four purported class actions and one healthcare cost recovery action pending in the United States in which Liggett or us, or both, were named as a defendant. To date, adverse verdicts have been entered against Liggett in eleven Engle progeny cases.
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 Court's July 2006 ruling in Engle, which decertified the class on a prospective basis, and affirmed the appellate court's reversal of the punitive damages award, former class members had one year from January 11, 2007 in which to file individual lawsuits. In addition, some individuals who filed suit prior to January 11, 2007, and who claim they meet the conditions in Engle, are attempting to avail themselves of the Engle ruling. Lawsuits by individuals requesting the benefit of the Engle ruling, whether filed before or after the January 11, 2007 deadline, are referred to as the “Engle progeny cases.”
Engle Progeny Settlement. On October 23, 2013, a settlement was reached between us and a group of law firms representing approximately 4,900 plaintiffs in individual Engle progeny actions, which includes all of the federal plaintiffs and approximately 3,700 state plaintiffs. The settlement, which does not require court approval, will resolve and dismiss the claims of all Engle progeny plaintiffs except those of approximately 430 plaintiffs.
The settlement is expected to be finalized within 90 days and is contingent upon delivery of the required settlement documents by plaintiffs' attorneys. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, Liggett will pay a total of $110,000 with approximately $61,000 to be paid in a lump sum and the balance to be paid in equal annual installments over the next 14 years. Beginning in year eight the annual payments are subject to a cost-of-living adjustment. We recorded a charge of $86,213 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 for the settlement. Of this amount, $25,213 is related to certain payments discounted to their present value because the timing and amounts of such payments are fixed and determinable. The present value of the installment payments was computed using an 11% annual discount rate. The installment payments total $49,000 on an undiscounted basis. Our payments are estimated to be $61,000 in 2013, $3,483 per year for years 2014 through 2017 and $35,068 in the aggregate thereafter.
Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the participating plaintiffs' lawyers have agreed to a standstill which precludes further litigation against us by a participating plaintiff. The standstill remains in place indefinitely unless and until we exercise our right to terminate the agreement. During the first 60 days, participating plaintiffs’ attorneys are required to deliver certain settlement documents to us. The settlement permits us to terminate the agreement and make no payments if we do not receive each of the required settlement documents. Provided we do not terminate the settlement, releases from plaintiffs who alleged only de minimis Liggett brand usage will be effectuated upon payment of the settlement proceeds to that plaintiff. It is possible that the settlement may not be completed or that the parties may agree to extend the contractual deadlines. We may waive the requirement of delivery of an individual's settlement documents.
Liggett Only Cases.  There are currently five cases pending where Liggett is the only remaining tobacco company defendant. These cases consist of three Individual Actions and two Engle progeny cases. Cases where Liggett is the only defendant could increase substantially as a result of the Engle progeny cases.

Critical Accounting Policies

There are no material changes from the critical accounting policies set forth in Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2012. Please refer to that section and the information below for disclosures regarding the critical accounting policies related to our business.



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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 nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were Tobacco and Real Estate. The Tobacco segment consists of the manufacture and sale of cigarettes. The Real Estate segment includes our investments in consolidated and non-consolidated real estate businesses.
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tobacco
$
271,516

 
$
272,783

 
$
761,038

 
$
806,983

Operating income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tobacco
$
(32,974
)
(1) 
$
48,139

 
$
62,480

(2) 
$
130,244

Real Estate
(1,072
)
 
(1,054
)
 
(1,393
)
 
(782
)
Corporate and other
(3,239
)
 
(3,892
)
 
(11,036
)
 
(11,895
)
Total operating income
$
(37,285
)
 
$
43,193

 
$
50,051

 
$
117,567

____________________

(1) Operating loss includes $4,016 of income from a NPM Settlement, $86,213 of Engle progeny settlement charge and $1,700 of litigation judgment expense.
(2) 
Operating income includes $10,963 of income from NPM Settlements, $86,213 of Engle progeny settlement charge and $1,700 of litigation judgment expense.



Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to Three Months ended September 30, 2012

Revenues. All of our revenues were from the Tobacco segment for the third quarter of 2013 and 2012. Liggett increased the list price of PYRAMID, LIGGETT SELECT, EVE and GRAND PRIX by $1.00 per carton in June 2012, $0.60 per carton in December 2012, and $0.60 per carton in June 2013.

All of our sales in 2013 and 2012 were in the discount category. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, revenues were $271,516 compared to $272,783 for the three months ended September 30, 2012. Revenues declined by 0.5% ($1,267) primarily due to a decline in unit sales volume of $12,282 (approximately 91.5 million units or 3.6%) offset by a favorable price variance of $11,015 primarily related to increases in price of the Company's core brands.
 
Cost of goods sold. Our cost of goods sold declined from $203,749 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 to $194,991 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 due to the 3.6% decline in unit sales volume . The major components of our cost of goods sold are federal excise taxes, expenses under the MSA, FDA legislation and tobacco buyout, which are variable costs based on the number of units sold, and tobacco and other manufacturing costs, which are fixed and variable costs. Federal excise taxes declined from $126,389 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 to $121,787 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 as a result of the decreased unit sales volume. Tobacco and other manufacturing costs were $35,957 and $32,108 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Expenses under the MSA were $26,845 and $33,727 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The 2013 MSA expenses were reduced by the $4,016 NPM settlement.

Tobacco gross profit. Tobacco gross profit was $76,525 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $69,035 for the three months ended September 30, 2012. This represented an increase of $7,490 (10.8%) from the 2012 period. As a percentage of revenue (excluding federal excise taxes), Tobacco gross profit increased to 51.1% in the 2013 period (48.4% adjusting for the NPM settlement) compared to gross profit of 47.2% in the 2012 period due to higher prices and the NPM settlements.
 

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Expenses. Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $25,897 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $25,841 for the same period last year, an increase of $56 (0.2%). Tobacco operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $21,584 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $20,895 for the same period in the prior year. The increase of $689 was primarily the result of expenses incurred by Zoom e-cigarettes and increased sales force and marketing expenses in 2013. Excluding the Engle progeny settlement charge of $86,213, tobacco product liability legal expenses and other litigation costs were $3,772 and $1,976 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Expenses at the corporate level decreased from $3,892 to $3,241 primarily as a result of lower pension and stock compensation expense.

Operating (loss) income. Operating loss was $37,285 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to operating income of $43,193 for the same period last year, a decline of $80,478 (186.3%). The tobacco segment had an operating loss of $32,974 in 2013 compared to operating income of $48,139 in 2012. The 2013 tobacco segment loss was primarily due to the Engle progeny settlement charge of $86,213 and judgment expense of $1,700, offset by the income from the NPM settlement of $4.016 in 2013. The real estate segment operating loss was $1,072 and $1,054 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related primarily to Escena's operations.

Other income (expenses). Other expenses were $18,575 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to expenses of $11,959 for the same period last year. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, other expenses primarily consisted of interest expense of $33,583, loss on sale of investments available for sale of $99 and equity loss on long-term investments of $53. This was offset by equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses of $9,489, income of $2,800 from changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt and other income of $2,871. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, other expenses primarily consisted of interest expense of $25,906 and accelerated interest expense related to the conversion of debt of $7,072. This was offset by equity income on non-consolidated real estate businesses of $12,874, income of $6,040 from changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt, gain on sale of investment securities available for sale of $1,640, equity income on long-term investments of $124 and interest and other income of $341.
The value of the embedded derivatives is contingent on changes in interest rates of debt instruments maturing over the duration of the convertible debt, our stock price as well as projections of future cash and stock dividends over the term of the debt. The interest rate component of the value of the embedded derivative is computed by calculating an equivalent non-convertible, unsecured and subordinated borrowing cost. This rate is determined by calculating the implied rate on our 7.5% Convertible Notes when removing the embedded option value within the convertible security. This rate is based upon market observable inputs and influenced by our stock price, convertible bond trading price, risk free interest rates and stock volatility.  We recognized income of $2,800 and $6,040 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

(Loss) income before provision for income taxes. Loss before provision for income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was $55,860 compared to income before income tax expense of $31,234 for the three months ended September 30, 2012.

Income tax (benefit) expense. Income tax benefit was $18,969 for the three months ended September 30, 2013, compared to an expense of $13,302 for the same period in 2012. Our provision for income taxes in interim periods is based on an estimated annual effective income tax rate derived, in part, from estimated annual income before provision for income taxes in accordance with guidance on accounting for income taxes on interim periods. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, our income tax benefit was primarily decreased by $2,362 due to the impact of the Engle progeny settlement due to differences in the Company's marginal tax rate and its anticipated effective annual income tax rate at September 30, 2013 and $251 due to an increase in our unrecognized tax benefits during the three-month period. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, our income tax expense was decreased by $148 due primarily to the impact of the acceleration of interest expense related to the conversion of the Company's 3.875% Senior Convertible Debentures due 2026.


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

Revenues. All of our revenues were from the Tobacco segment for the third quarter of 2013 and 2012. Liggett increased the list price of PYRAMID, LIGGETT SELECT, EVE and GRAND PRIX by $1.00 per carton in June 2012, $0.60 per carton in December 2012, and $0.60 per carton in June 2013.

All of our sales in 2013 and 2012 were in the discount category. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, revenues were $761,038 compared to $806,983 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Revenues declined by 5.7% ($45,945) primarily due to a decline in unit sales volume of $82,517 (approximately $715 million units or 9.5%) offset by a favorable price variance of $36,572 primarily related to increases in price of the Company's core brands.

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Cost of goods sold. Our cost of goods sold declined from $615,682 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $548,377 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 due to the 9.5% decline in unit sales volume . The major components of our cost of goods sold are federal excise taxes, expenses under the MSA, FDA legislation and tobacco buyout, which are variable costs based on the number of units sold, and tobacco and other manufacturing costs, which are fixed and variable costs. Federal excise taxes declined from $379,281 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $343,294 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as a result of decreased unit sales volume. Tobacco and other manufacturing costs were $93,961 and $96,262 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Expenses under the MSA were $76,804 and $103,546 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The 2013 MSA expenses were reduced by the $10,963 NPM settlements.

Tobacco gross profit. Tobacco gross profit was $212,661 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $191,302 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This represented an increase of $21,359 (11.2%) from the 2012 period. This increase was due primarily to higher prices and the $10,963 from the NPM settlements. As a percentage of revenues (excluding federal excise taxes), Tobacco gross profit increased to 50.9% in the 2013 period (48.3% adjusting for the NPM Settlements) compared to gross profit of 44.7% in the 2012 period due to higher prices and the NPM settlements.

Expenses. Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $74,697 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $73,734 for the same period last year, an increase of $963 (1.3%). Tobacco expenses were $62,266 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $61,057 for the same period in the prior year. The increase of $1,209 was primarily the result of an increased sales force and expenses incurred by Zoom e-cigarettes in 2013 offset by lower tobacco product liability and legal expenses. Excluding the Engle progeny settlement charge of $86,213, tobacco product liability legal expenses and other litigation costs were $7,334 and $6,006 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Expenses at the corporate level declined from $11,895 to $11,038 primarily as a result of lower pension and stock compensation expense. Tobacco settlement and litigation judgment expenses were $87,913 and $0 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and were primarily associated with the Engle progeny settlement in 2013,

Operating income. Operating income was $50,051 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $117,567 for the same period last year, a decline of $67,516 (57.4%). Tobacco segment operating income declined to $62,480 in 2013 from $130,244 in 2012 primarily due to the Engle progeny settlement charge of $86,213 and judgment expense of $1,700, offset by the income from the NPM settlements of $10,963 in 2013. The real estate segment had an operating loss of $1,393 and $782 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These were related primarily to Escena's operations.

Other income (expenses). Other expenses were $84,399 and $92,387 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, other expenses primarily consisted of interest expense of $99,045 and loss on the extinguishment of debt of $21,458. This was offset by equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses of $16,774, income of $8,299 from changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt, gain on sale of investment securities available for sale of $5,110, other income of $5,151 and equity income on long-term investments of $770. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, other expenses primarily consisted of interest expense of $78,667, a loss of $21,020 from changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt, accelerated interest expense related to the conversion of debt of $14,960 and an equity loss on long-term investments of $1,205. This was offset by equity income on non-consolidated real estate businesses of $20,969, gain on sale of investment securities available for sale of $1,640, and interest and other income of $856.
 
The value of the embedded derivatives is contingent on changes in interest rates of debt instruments maturing over the duration of the convertible debt, our stock price as well as projections of future cash and stock dividends over the term of the debt. The interest rate component of the value of the embedded derivative is computed by calculating an equivalent non-convertible, unsecured and subordinated borrowing cost. This rate is determined by calculating the implied rate on our 7.5% Convertible Notes when removing the embedded option value within the convertible security. This rate is based upon market observable inputs and influenced by our stock price, convertible bond trading price, risk free interest rates and stock volatility.  We recognized income of $8,299 and charges of $21,020 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

(Loss) income before provision for income taxes. Loss before provision for income taxes was $34,348 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to income before tax expense of $25,180 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Income tax (benefit) expense. The income tax benefit was $9,287 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to an expense of $11,043 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Our provision for income taxes in interim periods is based on an estimated annual effective income tax rate derived, in part, from estimated annual income before provision for income taxes in accordance with guidance on accounting for income taxes on interim periods. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, our income tax benefit was primarily decreased by $3,178 related to the Engle progeny settlement and our loss on the

53


extinguishment of our 11% Senior Secured Notes due to the differences in our marginal tax rate and our anticipated effective annual income tax rate at September 30, 2013 and $373 due to an increase in our unrecognized tax benefits during the nine-month period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, our income tax expense was decreased by $808 due primarily to the impact of the acceleration of interest expense related to the conversion of the Company's 3.875% Senior Convertible Debentures due 2026 and increased by an out-of-period adjustment of $757 related to a non-accrual of a non-deductible expense related to a permanent difference for income taxes in the fourth quarter of 2011.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $145,394 and $23,667 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Cash provided from operations was $55,244 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to cash provided by operations of $97,245 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The change primarily related to cash payments in the 2013 period associated with the extinguishment of our 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015, lower settlement accruals under the MSA in the 2013 period due to the NPM Settlement and lower unit sales, higher collections of accounts receivable in the 2012 period compared to the 2013 period due to the timing of sales in the fourth quarter of each respective previous year and increased income tax payments in the 2013 period.
Cash used in investing activities was $103,208 and $3,653 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In the first nine months of 2013, cash used in investing activities was for the purchase of investment securities of $129,483, investment in non-consolidated real estate businesses of $45,977, capital expenditures of $8,686, investments in consolidated real estate business of $7,697, purchase of long-term investments of $5,000, an increase in non-current restricted assets of $553 and an increase in cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance policies of $470. This was offset by the sale of investment securities of $82,649, collections of notes receivable of $9,460, the proceeds from the sale or liquidation of long-term investments of $75 and the proceeds from the sale of fixed assets of $11. In the first nine months of 2012, cash used in investing activities was for purchase of real estate businesses of $22,467, capital expenditures of $8,268, purchase of long-term investments of $5,000, the purchase of investment securities of $1,148, an increase in cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance policies of $831, the issuance of notes receivable of $355, and a increase in non-current restricted assets of $1,126. This was offset by the proceeds from distributions from nonconsolidated real estate businesses of $31,221, the sale of investment securities of $3,831, the proceeds from the sale of fixed assets of $418, and proceeds from the sale or liquidation of long-term investments of $72.
Cash used in financing activities was $97,430 and $117,259 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In the first nine months of 2013, cash was used for the repayment of debt of $420,710, distributions on common stock of $107,302, net repayments of debt under the revolver of $12,429 and deferred financing costs of $11,750. This was offset by proceeds from debt issuance of $454,200, proceeds from the exercise of Vector options of $528, and tax benefit of options exercised of $33. In the first nine months of 2012, cash was used for distributions on common stock of $100,392, net repayments of debt under the revolver of $15,318, repayment of debt of $15,440 , and deferred financing costs of $315. This was offset by proceeds from debt issuance of $14,018, proceeds from the exercise of Vector options of $140, and tax benefit of options exercised of $48.
Liggett Credit Facility. Liggett has a $50,000 credit facility (the "Credit Facility") with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo”). The Credit Facility is collateralized by all inventories and receivables of Liggett and a mortgage on Liggett’s manufacturing facility. The Credit Facility requires Liggett’s compliance with certain financial and other covenants including a restriction on Liggett’s ability to pay cash dividends unless Liggett’s borrowing availability, as defined, under the credit facility for the 30-day period prior to the payment of the dividend, and after giving effect to the dividend, is at least $5,000 and no event of default has occurred under the agreement, including Liggett’s compliance with the covenants in the credit facility.
The Credit Facility expires on March 8, 2015; provided that Liggett may terminate the Credit Facility prior to March 8, 2015 at any time by giving at least 30 days prior written notice to Wells Fargo, and Wells Fargo may, at Well Fargo's option, terminate the Credit Facility at any time upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default. Prime rate loans under the facility bear interest at a rate equal to the prime rate of Wells Fargo with Eurodollar rate loans bearing interest at a rate of 2.0% above Wells Fargo's adjusted Eurodollar rate. The credit facility contains covenants that provide that Liggett’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined under the credit facility, on a trailing twelve month basis, shall not be less than $100,000 if Liggett’s excess availability, as defined, under the credit facility, is less than $20,000. The covenants also require that annual Capital Expenditures, as defined under the credit facility (before a maximum carryover amount of $2,500), shall not exceed $15,000 during any fiscal year except for 2010, when Liggett was permitted to incur Capital Expenditures of up to $33,000. Liggett had future machinery and equipment purchase commitments of $5,740 at September 30, 2013.

54


Liggett Term Loan Under Credit Facility. On February 21, 2012, Wells Fargo amended and restated the existing $5,600 term loan (the “Term Loan”) made to 100 Maple LLC (“Maple”), a subsidiary of Liggett, within the commitment under the Credit Facility. In connection with the amendment and restatement the maturity date of the Term Loan was extended to March 1, 2015 and the outstanding principal amount was paid down to $4,425. The Term Loan bears an interest rate equal to 1.75% more than Wells Fargo's adjusted Eurodollar rate. Monthly payments of $25 are due under the Term Loan from March 1, 2012 to February 1, 2015 ($885 in total) with the balance of $3,540 due at maturity on March 1, 2015.
The Term Loan is collateralized by the existing collateral securing the Credit Facility, including, without limitation, certain real property owned by Maple. The Term Loan did not increase the $50,000 borrowing amount of the Credit Facility, but did increase the outstanding amounts under the Credit Facility by the amount of the term loan and proportionately reduces the maximum borrowing availability under the Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility permits the guaranty of our 7.75% senior secured notes due 2021 by each of Liggett and 100 Maple LLC, a subsidiary of Liggett ("Maple") and the pledging of certain assets of Liggett and Maple on a subordinated basis to secure their guarantees. The credit facility also grants to Wells Fargo a blanket lien on all the assets of Liggett and Maple, excluding any equipment pledged to current or future purchase money or other financiers of such equipment and excluding any real property, other than the Mebane Property and other real property to the extent its value is in excess of $5,000. Wells Fargo, Liggett, Maple and the collateral agent for the holders of our 7.75% senior secured notes have entered into an intercreditor agreement, pursuant to which the liens of the collateral agent on the Liggett and Maple assets will be subordinated to the liens of Wells Fargo on the Liggett and Maple assets.
As of September 30, 2013, $20,961 was outstanding under the revolving and term loan portions of the credit facility. Availability as determined under the Credit Facility was approximately $29,039 based on eligible collateral at September 30, 2013. At September 30, 2013, management believed that Liggett was in compliance with all covenants under the credit facility; Liggett's EBITDA, as defined, were approximately $97,428 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2013.
Tobacco Litigation. To date, 11 verdicts have been entered in Engle progeny cases against Liggett in the total amount of approximately $33,773, plus attorneys' fees and interest. Three of these verdicts have been affirmed on appeal and have been satisfied by Liggett. It is possible that additional cases could be decided unfavorably. Liggett may enter into discussions in an attempt to settle particular cases if it believes it is appropriate to do so.
On October 23, 2013, a settlement was reached between us and a group of law firms representing approximately 4,900 plaintiffs in individual Engle progeny actions, which includes all of the federal plaintiffs and approximately 3,700 state plaintiffs. The settlement, which does not require court approval, will resolve and dismiss the claims of all Engle progeny plaintiffs except those of approximately 430 plaintiffs.
The settlement is expected to be finalized within 90 days and is contingent upon delivery of the required settlement documents by plaintiffs' attorneys. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, Liggett will pay a total of $110,000 with approximately $61,000 to be paid in a lump sum and the balance to be paid in equal annual installments over the next 14 years. Beginning in year eight the annual payments are subject to a cost-of-living adjustment. We recorded a charge of $86,213 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 for the settlement. Of this amount, $25,213 is related to certain payments discounted to their present value because the timing and amounts of such payments are fixed and determinable. The present value of the installment payments was computed using an 11% annual discount rate. The installment payments total $49,000 on an undiscounted basis. Our payments are estimated to be $61,000 in 2013, $3,483 per year for years 2014 through 2017 and $35,068 in the aggregate thereafter.
Management cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future settlements or judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that those requirements will not be able to be met. Management is unable to make a reasonable estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the cases pending against Liggett or the costs of defending such cases. It is possible that our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any such tobacco-related litigation.
Vector.   In February 2013, we issued $450,000 of our 7.75% senior secured notes due 2021 in a private offering to qualified institutional investors in accordance with Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. The aggregate net proceeds from the issuance of the 7.75% senior secured notes were approximately $438,250 after deducting offering expenses. We used the net proceeds of the issuance for a cash tender offer for any existing 11% senior secured notes announced on January 29, 2013 with respect to any and all of the outstanding $415,000 of our 11% senior secured notes due 2015. We retired $336,315 of the 11% senior secured notes at a premium of 104.292%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, on February 12, 2013. We called and then retired the remaining $78,685 of the 11% senior secured notes at a redemption price of 103.667% plus accrued and unpaid interest, on March 14, 2013. We recorded a loss on the extinguishment of the debt of $21,458 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which included $17,820 of premium and tender offer costs and non-cash interest expense of $3,638 related to the write-off of net unamortized debt discount and deferred finance costs.

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We agreed to consummate a registered exchange offer for the 7.75% senior secured notes within 360 days after the date of the initial issuance of the 7.75% senior secured notes. In June 2013, we completed an offer to exchange the 7.75% senior secured notes issued in February 2013 for an equal amount of newly issued 7.75% senior secured notes due 2021. The new 7.75% senior secured notes have substantially the same terms as the original notes, except that the new 7.75% senior secured notes have been registered under the Securities Act.
The 7.75% senior secured notes pay interest on a semi-annual basis at a rate of 7.75% per year and mature on February 15, 2021. We may redeem some or all of the 7.75% senior secured notes at any time prior to February 15, 2016 at a make-whole redemption price. On or after February 15, 2016 we may redeem some or all of the 7.75% senior secured notes at a premium that will decrease over time, plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the redemption date.
The 7.75% senior secured notes are guaranteed subject to certain customary automatic release provisions on a joint and several basis by all of our 100% owned domestic subsidiaries that are engaged in the conduct of our cigarette businesses. In addition, some of the guarantees are collateralized by second priority or first priority security interests in certain collateral of some of the subsidiary guarantors, including their common stock, pursuant to security and pledge agreements.
The indenture contains covenants that restrict the payment of dividends if our consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Consolidated EBITDA”), as defined in the indenture, for the most recently ended four full quarters is less than $75,000. The indenture also restricts the incurrence of debt if our Leverage Ratio and our Secured Leverage Ratio, as defined in the indenture, exceed 3.0 and 1.5, respectively. Our Leverage Ratio is defined in the indenture as the ratio of our guaranteeing subsidiaries’ total debt less the fair market value of our cash, investments in marketable securities and long-term investments to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the indenture. Our Secured Leverage Ratio is defined in the indenture in the same manner as the Leverage Ratio, except that secured indebtedness is substituted for indebtedness. The following table summarizes the requirements of these financial covenants and the results of the calculation, as defined by the indenture.

 
 
Indenture
 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Covenant
 
Requirement
 
 
Consolidated EBITDA, as defined
 
$75,000
 
$229,911
 
$231,385
Leverage ratio, as defined
 
<3.0 to 1
 
1.02 to 1
 
0.5 to 1
Secured leverage ratio, as defined
 
<1.5 to 1
 
0.2 to 1
 
Negative

We and our subsidiaries have significant indebtedness and debt service obligations. At September 30, 2013, we and our subsidiaries had total outstanding indebtedness of $919,006. Approximately $157,500  of our 6.75% convertible notes mature in 2014. We are required to offer to repurchase on June 15, 2016, the remaining $43,222 of our 3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures due 2026. Approximately $230,000 of our 7.5% variable interest convertible notes mature in 2019. We incurred an additional $450,000 of indebtedness in connection with the February 2013 offering of our 7.75% senior secured notes due 2021. In addition, subject to the terms of any future agreements, we and our subsidiaries will be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future. There is a risk that we will not be able to generate sufficient funds to repay our debt. If we cannot service our fixed charges, it would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

We believe that our cigarette operations are positive cash flow generating units and will continue to be able to sustain their operations without any significant liquidity concerns.
In order to meet the above liquidity requirements as well as other anticipated liquidity needs in the normal course of business, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $260,500, investment securities available for sale of approximately $145,600, long-term investments with an estimated value of approximately $33,000 and availability under Liggett's credit facility of approximately $29,000 at September 30, 2013. Management currently anticipates that these amounts, as well as expected cash flows from our operations, proceeds from public and/or private debt and equity financing, management fees and other payments from subsidiaries should be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs over the next 12 months.  We may acquire or seek to acquire additional operating businesses through merger, purchase of assets, stock acquisition or other means, or to make other investments, which may limit our liquidity otherwise available.
On a quarterly basis, we evaluate our investments to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If so, we also make a determination if such impairment is considered temporary or other-than-temporary. We believe that the assessment of temporary or other-than-temporary impairment is facts and circumstances driven. However, among the matters that are considered in making such a determination are the period of time the investment has remained below its cost or carrying value, the likelihood of recovery given the reason for the decrease in market value and our original expected holding period of the investment.


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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 September 30, 2013, approximately $21,000 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 September 30, 2013, 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 $210.
In addition, as of September 30, 2013, $182,835 ($430,752 principal amount) of outstanding debt had a variable interest rate determined by the amount of the dividends on our common stock. The difference between the stated value of the debt and carrying value is due principally to certain embedded derivatives, which were separately valued and recorded upon issuance. Changes to the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives are reflected within our statements of operations as “Changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt.” The value of the embedded derivative is contingent on changes in interest rates of debt instruments maturing over the duration of the convertible debt as well as projections of future cash and stock dividends over the term of the debt and changes in the closing stock price at the end of each quarterly period. Based on a hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates (1%), our annual “Changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt” could increase or decrease by approximately $5,317 with approximately $50 resulting from the embedded derivative associated with our 6.75% note due 2014, $95 resulting from the embedded derivative associated with our 6.75% exchange notes due 2014, $2,709 resulting from the embedded derivative associated with the 7.5% variable interest senior convertible notes, and the remaining $2,463 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 $11,300 per year.
We have estimated the fair market value of the embedded derivatives based principally on the results of a valuation model. The value of the embedded derivatives is contingent on changes in interest rates of debt instruments maturing over the duration of the convertible debt, our stock price as well as projections of future cash and stock dividends over the term of the debt. The interest rate component of the value of the embedded derivative is computed by calculating an equivalent non-convertible, unsecured and subordinated borrowing cost. This rate is determined by calculating the implied rate on our 7.5% Convertible Notes when removing the embedded option value within the convertible security. This rate is based upon market observable inputs and influenced by our stock price, convertible bond trading price, risk free interest rates and stock volatility.The range of estimated fair market values of our embedded derivatives was between $166,607 and $161,135. We recorded the fair market value of our embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs at $163,829 as of September 30, 2013. The estimated fair market value of our embedded derivatives could change significantly based on future market conditions.

We and New Valley also hold long-term investments in various investment partnerships. These investments are illiquid, and their ultimate realization is subject to the performance of the underlying entities.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our financial statements for further information on New Accounting Pronouncements.

Legislation and Regulation
Reports with respect to the alleged harmful physical effects of cigarette smoking have been publicized for many years and, in the opinion of Liggett’s management, have had and may continue to have an adverse effect on cigarette sales. Since 1964, the Surgeon General of the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services have released a number of reports which state that cigarette smoking is a causative factor with respect to a variety of health hazards, including cancer, heart disease and lung disease, and have recommended various government actions to reduce the incidence of smoking. In 1997, Liggett publicly acknowledged that, as the Surgeon General and respected medical researchers have found, smoking causes health problems, including lung cancer, heart and vascular disease, and emphysema.
On June 22, 2009, the President signed into law the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (the "Tobacco Control Act"). The law grants the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) broad authority over the manufacture, sale, marketing and packaging of tobacco products, although FDA is prohibited from banning all cigarettes or all smokeless tobacco products, or requiring the reduction of nicotine yields of a tobacco product to zero. Among other measures, the law (under various deadlines):

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•
increases the number of health warnings required on cigarette and smokeless tobacco products, increases the size of warnings on packaging and in advertising, requires FDA to develop graphic warnings for cigarette packages, and grants FDA authority to require new warnings;
•
requires practically all tobacco product advertising to eliminate color and imagery and instead consist solely of black text on white background;
•
imposes new restrictions on the sale and distribution of tobacco products, including significant new restrictions on tobacco product advertising and promotion, as well as the use of brand and trade names;
•
bans the use of “light,” “mild,” “low” or similar descriptors on tobacco products;
•
bans the use of “characterizing flavors” in cigarettes other than tobacco or menthol;
•
gives FDA the authority to impose tobacco product standards that are appropriate for the protection of the public health (by, for example, requiring reduction or elimination of the use of particular constituents or components, requiring product testing, or addressing other aspects of tobacco product construction, constituents, properties or labeling);
•
requires manufacturers to obtain FDA review and authorization for the marketing of certain new or modified tobacco products;
•
requires pre-market approval by FDA for tobacco products represented (through labels, labeling, advertising, or other means) as presenting a lower risk of harm or tobacco-related disease;
•
requires manufacturers to report ingredients and harmful constituents and requires FDA to disclose certain constituent information to the public;
•
mandates that manufacturers test and report on ingredients and constituents identified by FDA as requiring such testing to protect the public health, and allows FDA to require the disclosure of testing results to the public;
•
requires manufacturers to submit to FDA certain information regarding the health, toxicological, behavioral or physiological effects of tobacco products;
•
prohibits use of tobacco containing a pesticide chemical residue at a level greater than allowed under federal law;
•
requires FDA to establish “good manufacturing practices” to be followed at tobacco manufacturing facilities;
•
requires tobacco product manufacturers (and certain other entities) to register with FDA;
•
authorizes FDA to require the reduction of nicotine (although it may not require the reduction of nicotine yields of a tobacco product to zero) and the potential reduction or elimination of other constituents, including menthol;
•
imposes (and allows FDA to impose) various recordkeeping and reporting requirements on tobacco product manufacturers; and
•
grants FDA the regulatory authority to impose broad additional restrictions.
The law also required establishment, within FDA’s new Center for Tobacco Products, of a Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (“TPSAC”) to provide advice, information and recommendations with respect to the safety, dependence or health issues related to tobacco products, including:
•
a recommendation on modified risk applications;
•
a recommendation on the effects of tobacco product nicotine yield alteration and whether there is a threshold level below which nicotine yields do not produce dependence;
•
a report on the public health impact of the use of menthol in cigarettes; and
•
a report on the public health impact of dissolvable tobacco products.
TPSAC completed its review of the use of menthol in cigarettes and issued a report with recommendations to FDA in March 2011. The report states that “removal of menthol cigarettes from the marketplace would benefit public health in the United States,” but does not expressly recommend that FDA ban menthol cigarettes. On July 24, 2013, FDA made available its preliminary scientific evaluation (“PSE”) of public health issues related to the use of menthol in cigarettes, in which it concluded that menthol cigarettes likely pose a public health risk above that seen with non-menthol cigarettes.  FDA also issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“ANPR”) seeking public input related to potential regulatory options it might consider in determining what future regulatory action, if any, it believes is warranted.  FDA will be accepting public comments on the PSE and ANPR until November 22, 2013. A decision by FDA to ban menthol in tobacco products could have a material adverse effect on us.

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The law imposes user fees on certain tobacco product manufacturers in order to fund tobacco-related FDA activities. User fees will be allocated among tobacco product classes according to a formula set out in the legislation, and then among manufacturers and importers within each class based on market share. FDA user fees for Liggett and Vector Tobacco for 2012 were $17,308 and we estimate that they will increase in the future.
The law also imposes significant new restrictions on the advertising and promotion of tobacco products. For example, as required under the law, FDA has reissued certain regulations previously issued by them in 1996 (which were struck down by the Supreme Court in 2000 as beyond FDA's authority). Subject to limitations imposed by a federal injunction (discussed below), these regulations took effect on June 22, 2010. As written, these regulations significantly limit the ability of manufacturers, distributors and retailers to advertise and promote tobacco products, by, for example, restricting the use of color and graphics in advertising, limiting the use of outdoor advertising, restricting the sale and distribution of non-tobacco items and services, gifts, and sponsorship of events, and imposing restrictions on the use for cigarette or smokeless tobacco products of trade or brand names that are used for nontobacco products.
In August 2009, several cigarette manufacturers filed a federal lawsuit against FDA challenging the constitutionality of a number of the restrictions imposed by the Tobacco Control Act, including the ban on color and graphics in advertising, the color graphic and non-graphic warning label requirement, limits on the right to make truthful statements regarding modified risk tobacco products, restrictions on the placement of outdoor advertising, and a ban on the distribution of product samples. In January 2010, a federal district court in Kentucky ruled that the regulations' ban on the use of color and graphics in certain tobacco product advertising was unconstitutional and prohibited FDA from enforcing that ban. The court, however, let stand numerous other advertising and promotion restrictions. In March 2010, both parties appealed this decision. In May 2010, FDA issued a guidance document indicating that it intends to exercise its enforcement discretion and not commence enforcement actions based upon these provisions during the pendency of the litigation. In March 2012, a federal appellate court reviewing the district court's decision also let stand numerous advertising and promotion restrictions, but held that the ban on the use of color and graphics in advertising was unconstitutional. In May 2012, the federal appellate court denied the cigarette manufactures' petition for rehearing en banc. In October 2012, the cigarette manufacturers filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the United States Supreme Court which was denied in April 2013.
In April 2010, a number of cigarette manufacturers filed a federal lawsuit against FDA challenging the restrictions on trade or brand names based upon First Amendment and other grounds. In May 2010, FDA issued a guidance document indicating that FDA was aware of concerns regarding the trade and brand name restrictions and is considering what changes, if any, would be appropriate to address those concerns. FDA also indicated that while the agency was considering those issues, it intended to exercise its enforcement discretion and not commence trade or brand name enforcement actions for the duration of its consideration where: (1) the trade or brand name of the cigarettes or smokeless tobacco product was registered, or the product was marketed, in the United States on or before June 22, 2009; or (2) the first marketing or registration in the United States of the tobacco product occurs before the first marketing or registration in the United States of the non-tobacco product bearing the same name; provided, however, that the tobacco and non-tobacco product are not owned, manufactured, or distributed by the same, related, or affiliated entities (including as a licensee). The lawsuit was subsequently stayed, at the request of the parties, pending FDA's evaluation of these concerns. In November 2011, FDA issued a proposal to amend its trade name restrictions. The proposal remains under consideration by the FDA. We cannot predict the future course of this proposed amendment or its potential impact on the litigation.
In June 2011, FDA issued a final rule that would have modified the required warnings that appear on cigarette packages and in cigarette advertisements. The rule would have required each cigarette package and advertisement to bear one of nine new textual warning statements accompanied by graphic images. The warnings would appear on at least the top 50% of the front and rear panels of cigarette packages and occupy at least 20% of cigarette advertisements. In August 2011, a number of cigarette manufacturers, including Liggett, filed a federal lawsuit against FDA challenging the constitutionality of these new graphic images on First Amendment and other grounds and seeking an injunction staying implementation of the graphic images, and other related labeling requirements. In February 2012, on First Amendment grounds, the court granted the industry's motion for summary judgment permanently enjoining implementation of FDA's graphic warnings regulation. This decision was affirmed on appeal and FDA did not seek United States Supreme Court review. Should FDA ultimately issue new graphic warnings that are deemed constitutionally valid, the decision provides that such warnings would go into effect 15 months after they are issued. We cannot predict how the inclusion of new warnings, if ultimately required by FDA in new rulemaking, will impact product sales or whether it will have a material adverse effect on us.

The Tobacco Control Act requires premarket review of “new tobacco products.” A “new tobacco product” is one that was not commercially marketed in the U.S. before February 15, 2007 or that was modified after that date. In general, before a company may commercially market a “new tobacco product,” it must either (a) submit an application and obtain an order from FDA permitting the product to be marketed; or (b) submit a report and receive an FDA order finding the product to be “substantially equivalent” to a “predicate” tobacco product that was commercially marketed in the U.S. prior to February 15, 2007. A “substantially equivalent” tobacco product is one that has the “same characteristics” as the predicate or one that has “different characteristics” but does not raise “different questions of public health.”

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Manufacturers of products first introduced after February 15, 2007 and before March 22, 2011 who submitted a substantial equivalence report to FDA prior to March 23, 2011 may continue to market the tobacco product unless FDA issues an order that the product is not substantially equivalent. Failure to timely submit the report, or FDA's conclusion that such a “new tobacco product” is not substantially equivalent, will cause the product to be deemed misbranded and/or adulterated. After March 22, 2011, a “new tobacco product” may not be marketed without an FDA substantial equivalence determination. Prior to the deadline, Liggett and Vector Tobacco submitted substantial equivalence reports to FDA for numerous products. It is possible that FDA could determine some, or all, of these products are not “substantially equivalent” to a preexisting tobacco product. Such a determination could prevent us from marketing these products in the United States and could have a material adverse effect on us.
The FDA has indicated that it intends to propose regulations to extend the authority of the agency under the Tobacco Control Act to other categories of tobacco products, which reportedly will include e-cigarettes, pipe tobacco and cigars. Such a regulation could subject these products to some or all of the requirements the Tobacco Control Act imposes on cigarettes, including restrictions on product advertising, sales and marketing, good manufacturing practices and pre-market review requirements for new tobacco products.
It is likely that the Tobacco Control Act could result in a decrease in cigarette sales in the United States, including sales of Liggett's and Vector Tobacco's brands. Total compliance and related costs are not possible to predict and depend on the future requirements imposed by FDA under the new law. Costs, however, could be substantial and could have a material adverse effect on the companies' financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Failure to comply with the Tobacco Control Act and with FDA regulatory requirements could result in significant financial penalties and could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operation of both Liggett and Vector Tobacco. At present, we are not able to predict whether the Tobacco Control Act will impact Liggett and Vector Tobacco to a greater degree than other companies in the industry, thus affecting its competitive position.
In October 2004, the Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004 (“FETRA”) was signed into law. FETRA provides for the elimination of the federal tobacco quota and price support program through an industry funded buyout of tobacco growers and quota holders. Pursuant to the legislation, manufacturers of tobacco products have been assessed $10,140,000 over a ten year period, commencing in 2005, to compensate tobacco growers and quota holders for the elimination of their quota rights. For 2012, cigarette manufacturers were responsible for approximately 89% of the assessment based on relative unit volume of domestic cigarette shipments. Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s assessment was $30,874 for 2012. The annual assessments are set to expire at the end of 2014.
Cigarettes are subject to substantial and increasing federal, state and local excise taxes. On April 1, 2009, the federal cigarette excise tax increased from $0.39 to $1.01 per pack. State excise taxes vary considerably and, when combined with sales taxes, local taxes and the federal excise tax, may exceed $4.00 per pack. Both the federal government and many states are considering, or have pending, legislation proposing further excise tax increases. Management believes increases in excise and similar taxes have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on sales of cigarettes.
Over the last several years, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have enacted virtually identical legislation requiring cigarettes to meet a laboratory test standard for reduced ignition propensity. Cigarettes that meet this standard are referred to as “fire standards compliant” or “FSC,” and are sometimes commonly called “self-extinguishing.” All of the cigarettes that Liggett and Vector Tobacco manufacture are fire standards compliant. Compliance with such legislation is burdensome and costly and could harm the business of Liggett and Vector Tobacco, particularly if standards were to vary from state to state.
A wide variety of federal, state and local laws limiting the advertising, sale and use of cigarettes have proliferated in recent years. For example, many local laws prohibit smoking in restaurants and other public places, and many employers have initiated programs restricting or eliminating smoking in the workplace. There are various other legislative efforts pending at the federal, state or local level which seek to, among other things, eliminate smoking in public places, curtail affirmative defenses of tobacco companies in product liability litigation, and further restrict the sale, marketing and advertising of cigarettes and other tobacco products. This trend has had, and is likely to continue to have, an adverse effect on us. It is not possible to predict what, if any, additional legislation, regulation or other governmental action will be enacted or implemented.
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.



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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
In addition to historical information, this report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities law. Forward-looking statements include information relating to our intent, belief or current expectations, primarily with respect to, but not limited to:
•
economic outlook,
•
capital expenditures,
•
cost reduction,
•
legislation and regulations,
•
cash flows,
•
operating performance,
•
litigation,
•
impairment charges and cost saving associated with restructurings of our tobacco operations, and
•
related industry developments (including trends affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations).
We identify forward-looking statements in this report by using words or phrases such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may be”, “objective”, “plan”, “seek”, “predict”, “project” and “will be” and similar words or phrases or their negatives.
The forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from our anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the following:
•
general economic and market conditions and any changes therein, due to acts of war and terrorism or otherwise,
•
governmental regulations and policies,
•
effects of industry competition,
•
impact of business combinations, including acquisitions and divestitures, both internally for us and externally in the tobacco industry,
•
impact of legislation on our competitors’ payment obligations, results of operations and product costs, i.e. the impact of federal legislation eliminating the federal tobacco quota system and providing for regulation of tobacco products by the FDA,
•
impact of substantial increases in federal, state and local excise taxes,
•
uncertainty related to product liability litigation including the Engle progeny cases pending in Florida; and,
•
potential additional payment obligations for us under the MSA and other settlement agreements with the states.
Further information on the risks and uncertainties to our business include the risk factors discussed above in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and under Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Although we believe the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is a risk that these expectations will not be attained and that any deviations will be material. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.

ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information under the caption “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Market Risk” is incorporated herein by reference.


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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 third quarter of 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.     Legal Proceedings

Reference is made to Note 6, incorporated herein by reference, to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report which contains a general description of certain legal proceedings to which our company, or its subsidiaries are a party and certain related matters. Reference is also made to Exhibit 99.1 for additional information regarding the pending smoking-related legal proceedings to which Liggett or us is a party. A copy of Exhibit 99.1 will be furnished without charge upon written request to us at our principal executive offices, 4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 10th Floor, Miami, Florida 33137, Attn. Investor Relations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

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, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2012.


We have significant liquidity commitments

We have certain liquidity commitments that could require the use of our existing cash resources. As of September 30, 2013, our corporate expenditures (exclusive of Liggett, Vector Tobacco and New Valley) and other potential liquidity requirements over the next 12 months could include the following:
•
cash interest expense of approximately $86.9 million,
•
retirement of our 3.875% senior secured convertible notes of $43.2 million;
•
dividends on our outstanding common shares (currently at an annual rate of approximately $155.0 million, 
•
Engle progeny lump settlement payment of $61.0 million and the first installment payment of $3.5 million, and
•
other corporate expenses and taxes.

In order to meet the above liquidity requirements as well as other liquidity needs in the normal course of business, we will be required to use cash flows from operations and existing cash and cash equivalents. Should these resources be insufficient to meet the upcoming liquidity needs, we may also be required to liquidate investment securities available for sale and other long-term investments, or, if available, draw on Liggett's credit facility. While there are actions we can take to reduce our liquidity needs, there can be no assurance that such measures can be achieved.

We and our subsidiaries have a substantial amount of indebtedness.

We and our subsidiaries have significant indebtedness and debt service obligations. At September 30, 2013, we and our subsidiaries had total outstanding indebtedness of $919,006. Approximately $157,500  of our 6.75% convertible notes mature in 2014. We are required to offer to repurchase on June 15, 2016, the remaining $43,222 of our 3.875% Variable Interest Senior

62


Convertible Debentures due 2026. Approximately $230,000 of our 7.5% variable interest convertible notes mature in 2019. We incurred an additional $450,000 of indebtedness in connection with the February 2013 offering of our 7.75% senior secured notes due 2021. In addition, subject to the terms of any future agreements, we and our subsidiaries will be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future. There is a risk that we will not be able to generate sufficient funds to repay our debt. If we cannot service our fixed charges, it would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.


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

No securities of ours that were not registered under a private offering of the Securities Act of 1933 have been issued or sold by us during the three months ended September 30, 2013 except for approximately 4,498,579 shares of our common stock issued as a stock dividend on September 27, 2013. The issuance of the shares in connection with the stock dividend did not involve a "sale" under the Securities Act of 1933.


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Item 6.    Exhibits


 
 
4.1
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 10, 2013, among Vector Group Ltd., Zoom E-Cigs LLC, the Subsidiary Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee
 
 
12.1
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for each of the five years within the period ended December 31, 2012 and for each of the nine months within the periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
 
 
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
99.1
Material Legal Proceedings
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

64


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:
October 30, 2013
 

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