Vector Group, Ltd.
Table of Contents

 
 
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 June 30, 2008
 
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
         
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  1-5759
Commission File Number
  65-0949535
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
100 S.E. Second Street
Miami, Florida 33131
305/579-8000

(Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code,
of the principal executive offices)
 
     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. x Yes     o No
     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer x   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
      (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  
     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. o Yes     x No
     At August 8, 2008, Vector Group Ltd. had 62,865,310 shares of common stock outstanding.
 
 

 


 

VECTOR GROUP LTD.
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
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 EX-10.1 Supplemental Retirement Plan
 Ex-31.1 Section 302 Certification CEO
 Ex-31.2 Section 302 Certification CFO
 Ex-32.1 Section 906 Certification of CEO
 Ex-32.2 Section 906 Certification of CFO
 Ex-99.1 Material Legal Proceedings

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Vector Group Ltd. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(
Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
               Unaudited               
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
ASSETS:
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 219,798     $ 238,117  
Investment securities available for sale
    37,508       45,875  
Accounts receivable — trade
    8,607       3,113  
Inventories
    91,102       86,825  
Deferred income taxes
    17,760       18,336  
Other current assets
    4,850       3,360  
 
           
Total current assets
    379,625       395,626  
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
    51,848       54,432  
Mortgage receivable
    21,704        
Long-term investments accounted for at cost
    73,018       72,971  
Long-term investment accounted for under the equity method
          10,495  
Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses
    43,857       35,731  
Restricted assets
    9,025       8,766  
Deferred income taxes
    27,417       26,637  
Intangible asset
    107,511       107,511  
Prepaid pension costs
    44,126       42,084  
Other assets
    29,928       31,036  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 788,059     $ 785,289  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt
  $ 18,946     $ 20,618  
Accounts payable
    3,008       6,980  
Accrued promotional expenses
    10,479       9,210  
Income taxes payable, net
    7,505       2,363  
Accrued excise and payroll taxes payable, net
    4,728       5,327  
Settlement accruals
    27,497       10,041  
Deferred income taxes
    96,557       24,019  
Accrued interest
    9,525       9,475  
Other current liabilities
    17,167       21,304  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    195,412       109,337  
 
               
Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion
    278,246       277,178  
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
    94,267       101,582  
Non-current employee benefits
    43,489       40,933  
Deferred income taxes
    63,854       141,904  
Other liabilities
    18,149       13,503  
 
           
Total liabilities
    693,417       684,437  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized
           
Common stock, par value $0.10 per share, 150,000,000 shares authorized, 65,811,262 and 63,307,020 shares issued and 62,865,310 and and 60,361,068 shares outstanding
    6,286       6,036  
Additional paid-in capital
    91,022       89,494  
Retained earnings
           
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    10,191       18,179  
Less: 2,945,952 shares of common stock in treasury, at cost
    (12,857 )     (12,857 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    94,642       100,852  
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 788,059     $ 785,289  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(
Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
               Unaudited               
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Revenues*
  $ 142,960     $ 140,351     $ 275,165     $ 274,243  
 
                               
Expenses:
                               
Cost of goods sold*
    86,030       87,222       166,037       171,907  
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
    22,585       23,946       46,742       47,433  
 
                       
Operating income
    34,345       29,183       62,386       54,903  
 
                               
Other income (expenses):
                               
Interest and dividend income
    1,375       1,561       3,346       3,417  
Interest expense
    (15,257 )     (9,520 )     (30,510 )     (18,654 )
Change in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
    9,759       2,089       7,315       2,116  
Provision for loss on investments
                      (1,158 )
Gain from exchange of LTS notes
          8,121             8,121  
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
    4,184       6,927       17,504       9,337  
Income from lawsuit settlement
                      20,000  
Other, net
    (4 )     (31 )     (577 )     (36 )
 
                       
 
                               
Income before provision for income taxes
    34,402       38,330       59,464       78,046  
Income tax expense
    15,277       16,949       26,032       33,538  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income
  $ 19,125     $ 21,381     $ 33,432     $ 44,508  
 
                       
 
                               
Per basic common share:
                               
 
                               
Net income applicable to common shares
  $ 0.30     $ 0.33     $ 0.53     $ 0.70  
 
                       
 
                               
Per diluted common share:
                               
 
                               
Net income applicable to common shares
  $ 0.25     $ 0.32     $ 0.51     $ 0.68  
 
                       
 
                               
Cash distributions and dividends declared per share
  $ 0.40     $ 0.38     $ 0.80     $ 0.76  
 
                       
 
*   Revenues and Cost of goods sold include excise taxes of $43,201, $44,795, $83,723 and $89,280, respectively
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(
Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
               Unaudited               
                                                         
                                    Accumulated              
                    Additional             Other              
    Common Stock     Paid-In     Retained     Comprehensive     Treasury        
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Earnings     Income     Stock     Total  
Balance, December 31, 2007
    60,361,068     $ 6,036     $ 89,494     $     $ 18,179     $ (12,857 )   $ 100,852  
 
                                                       
Net income
                      33,432                   33,432  
Pension-related minimum liability adjustments, net of taxes
                            390             390  
Forward contract adjustments, net of taxes
                            17             17  
Unrealized loss on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method, net of taxes
                            (399 )           (399 )
Unrealized loss on investment securities, net of taxes
                            (7,996 )           (7,996 )
 
                                                     
Total other comprehensive income
                                        (7,988 )
 
                                                     
Total comprehensive income
                                        25,444  
 
                                                     
 
                                                       
Distributions and dividends on common stock
                (18,295 )     (33,432 )                 (51,727 )
Exercise of options, net of 1,375,895 shares delivered to pay exercise price
    2,504,242       250       (226 )                       24  
Excess tax benefit of options exercised
                18,283                         18,283  
Amortization of deferred compensation
                1,766                         1,766  
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Balance, June 30, 2008
    62,865,310     $ 6,286     $ 91,022     $     $ 10,191     $ (12,857 )   $ 94,642  
 
                                         
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(
Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
               Unaudited               
                 
    Six Months     Six Months  
    Ended     Ended  
    June 30, 2008     June 30, 2007  
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 35,885     $ 57,360  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of investment securities
    (5,182 )     (6,032 )
Proceeds from sale or liquidation of long-term investments
    8,334       50  
Purchase of long-term investments
    (51 )     (91 )
Purchase of mortgage receivable
    (21,704 )      
Distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses
    16,446       1,000  
Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses
    (10,000 )     (750 )
Increases in cash surrender value of life insurance policies
    (521 )     (524 )
Increase in non-current restricted assets
    (259 )     (313 )
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
    373        
Capital expenditures
    (2,456 )     (2,716 )
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (15,020 )     (9,376 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from debt issuance
          1,576  
Repayments of debt
    (2,984 )     (38,205 )
Deferred financing charges
    (137 )      
Borrowings under revolver
    255,118       275,062  
Repayments on revolver
    (256,753 )     (258,419 )
Dividends and distributions on common stock
    (52,737 )     (50,360 )
Excess tax benefit of options exercised
    18,283        
Proceeds from exercise of options
    26       1,978  
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (39,184 )     (68,368 )
 
           
 
               
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (18,319 )     (20,384 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    238,117       146,769  
 
           
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 219,798     $ 126,385  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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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 Inc. (“Liggett Vector Brands”), New Valley LLC (“New Valley”) and other less significant subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Liggett is engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the United States. Vector Tobacco is engaged in the development and marketing of low nicotine and nicotine-free cigarette products and the development of reduced risk cigarette products. New Valley is engaged in the real estate business and is seeking to acquire additional operating companies and real estate properties.
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments necessary (which are normal and recurring) to state fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The consolidated results of operations for interim periods should not be regarded as necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.
  (b)   Distributions and dividends on common stock:
The Company records distributions on its common stock as dividends in its condensed consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity to the extent of retained earnings. Any amounts exceeding retained earnings are recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in-capital.
  (c)   Earnings Per Share (“EPS”):
Information concerning the Company’s common stock has been adjusted to give effect to the 5% stock dividend paid to Company stockholders on September 28, 2007. All share and per share amounts have been presented as if the stock dividend had occurred on January 1, 2007.
The Company has stock option awards which provide for common stock dividends at the same rate as paid on the common stock with respect to the shares underlying the unexercised portion of the options. As a result, in its calculation of basic EPS for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company has adjusted its net income for the effect of its participating securities as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Net income
  $ 19,125     $ 21,381     $ 33,432     $ 44,508  
Income attributable to participating securities
    (871 )     (1,400 )     (1,553 )     (2,916 )
 
                       
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 18,254     $ 19,981     $ 31,879     $ 41,592  
 
                       

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, which includes vested restricted stock.
Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of stock options, unvested restricted stock grants and convertible securities. However, in its calculation of diluted EPS for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company has adjusted its net income for the effect of the participating securities, stock options, unvested restricted stock grants and convertible securities as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Net income
  $ 19,125     $ 21,381     $ 33,432     $ 44,508  
(Income) expenses attributable to 3.875% convertible debentures
    (1,500 )     1,578       2,527       3,903  
Income attributable to participating securities
    (803 )     (1,502 )     (1,670 )     (3,172 )
 
                       
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 16,822     $ 21,457     $ 34,289     $ 45,239  
 
                       
Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of stock options, unvested restricted stock grants and convertible securities.
Basic and diluted EPS were calculated using the following shares for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Weighted-average shares for basic EPS
    60,472,973       59,474,807       60,223,014       59,420,061  
 
                               
Plus incremental shares related to stock options and non-vested restricted stock.
    1,234,435       1,366,028       1,401,401       1,433,767  
 
                               
Plus incremental shares related to convertible debt
    5,641,026       5,641,026       5,641,026       5,641,026  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average shares for fully diluted EPS
    67,348,434       66,481,861       67,265,441       66,494,854  
 
                       
The following stock options, non-vested restricted stock and shares issuable upon the conversion of convertible debt were outstanding during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the exercise prices of the options and the per share expense associated with the restricted stock were greater than the average market price of the common shares during the respective periods, and the impact of common shares issuable under the convertible debt were anti-dilutive to EPS.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Number of stock options
    491,569       500,717       491,569       500,717  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average exercise price
  $ 20.21     $ 20.31     $ 20.21     $ 20.31  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average shares of non-vested restricted stock
    388,495       12,000       112,870       112,345  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average expense per share
  $ 17.94     $ 18.87     $ 18.47     $ 18.26  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average number of shares issuable upon conversion of debt
    6,674,463       6,674,463       6,674,463       6,674,463  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average conversion price
  $ 16.76     $ 16.76     $ 16.76     $ 16.76  
 
                       
The $18,283 excess tax benefit of options exercised was derived primarily from stock options exercised during the second quarter of 2008.
  (d)   Comprehensive Income:
Other comprehensive income is a component of stockholders’ equity and includes such items as the unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale, forward foreign contracts and minimum pension liability adjustments. Total comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Net income
  $ 19,125     $ 21,381     $ 33,432     $ 44,508  
 
                               
Forward contract adjustments, net of income taxes
    8       (8 )     17       (7 )
 
                               
Pension related minimum liability adjustments, net of income taxes
    195       298       390       597  
 
                               
Net unrealized gains on long-term investments accounted under the equity method:
                               
Change in net unrealized gains, net of income taxes
                       
Net unrealized gains reclassified into net income, net of income taxes
          33       (399 )     240  
 
                       
Change in unrealized gains, net of income taxes
          33       (399 )     240  
 
                       
 
                               
Net unrealized gains on investment securities available for sale:
                               
Change in net unrealized gains, net of income taxes
    (4,865 )     (2,254 )     (7,996 )     11,369  
Net unrealized gains reclassified into net income, net of income taxes
                      684  
 
                       
Change in unrealized gains, net of income taxes
    (4,865 )     (2,254 )     (7,996 )     12,053  
 
                       
 
                               
Total comprehensive income
  $ 14,463     $ 19,450     $ 25,444     $ 57,391  
 
                       

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income taxes, were as follows as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007:
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Net unrealized gains on investment securities available for sale, net of income taxes of $4,809 and $9,943, respectively
  $ 6,370     $ 14,367  
Net unrealized gains on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method, net of income taxes of $0 and $276, respectively
          399  
Forward contracts adjustment, net of income taxes of $207 and $219, respectively
    (300 )     (317 )
Additional pension liability, net of income taxes of $2,721 and $2,452 respectively
    4,121       3,730  
 
           
 
               
Accumulated other comprehensive income
  $ 10,191     $ 18,179  
 
           
  (e)   Fair Value of Derivatives Embedded within Convertible Debt:
The Company has estimated the fair market value of the embedded derivatives based principally on the results of a valuation model. The estimated fair value of the derivatives embedded within the convertible debt is based principally on the present value of future dividend payments expected to be received by the convertible debt holders over the term of the debt. The discount rate applied to the future cash flows is estimated based on a spread in yield of the 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 items, including current and future dividends and the volatility of Vector’s stock price. The range of estimated fair market values of the Company’s embedded derivatives was between $93,300 and $95,300. The Company recorded the fair market value of its embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs at $94,267 as of June 30, 2008. The estimated fair market value of our embedded derivatives could change significantly based on future market conditions. (See Note 6.)
  (f)   Contingencies:
The Company records Liggett’s product liability legal expenses and other litigation costs as operating, selling, general and administrative expenses as those costs are incurred. As discussed in Note 8, legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters are pending or threatened in various jurisdictions against Liggett.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
Management is unable to make a reasonable estimate with respect to the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of pending tobacco-related litigation or the costs of defending such cases, and the Company has not provided any amounts in its consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes, if any. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties, and it is possible that the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any such tobacco-related litigation.
  (g)   New Accounting Pronouncements:
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”) for financial assets and financial liabilities. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements but provides a definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities on January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 on financial assets and financial liabilities did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. The Company is currently assessing the impact of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”. SFAS No. 159 permits entities to elect to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with early adoption permitted provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157. The Company has not elected to use the fair value option.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), a revised version of SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations”. The revision is intended to simplify existing guidance and converge rulemaking under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) with international accounting rules. This statement applies prospectively to business combinations where the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. An entity may not apply it before that date. The new standard also converges financial reporting under U.S. GAAP with international accounting rules. The Company is currently assessing the impact, if any, of SFAS No. 141(R) on its consolidated financial statements, which will depend on future transactions.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133”. SFAS No. 161 seeks qualitative disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative data about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative contracts, and details of credit-risk-related contingent features in hedged positions. SFAS No. 161 also seeks enhanced disclosure around derivative instruments in financial statements, accounting under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, and how hedges affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2009 and the Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 161 to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
On May 9, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. APB 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)” (“FSP No. APB 14-1”). The Company is currently assessing the impact of FSP No. APB 14-1 on its consolidated financial statements.
On June 16, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities,” which states that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method. The guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years. The Company is currently assessing the impact of FSP No. EITF 03-6-1 on its consolidated financial statements.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
2.   RESTRUCTURING
The only remaining component of the 2006 Vector Research restructuring at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was employee severance and benefits of $14 and $70, respectively. Approximately $32 and $56 was utilized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.
The only remaining component of the 2004 Liggett Vector Brands restructuring at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was contract termination and exit costs and the balance was $564 and $598 at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. Approximately $18 and $34 was utilized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.
3.   INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Investment securities classified as available for sale are carried at fair value, with net unrealized gains or losses included as a component of stockholders’ equity, net of income taxes. The components of investment securities available for sale at June 30, 2008 are as follows:
                                 
            Gross     Gross        
            Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
    Cost     Gain     Loss     Value  
 
Marketable equity securities
  $ 26,730     $ 11,303     $ (525 )   $ 37,508  
 
                       
Investment securities available for sale as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 include the Company’s 13,888,889 shares of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (“LTS”) common stock, which were carried at $20,972 and $29,444, respectively. Investment securities available for sale as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 also include 5,057,110 and 2,257,110 shares, respectively, of Opko Health Inc. (“Opko”) common stock, which were carried at $7,687 and $6,433. In March 2008, the Company acquired 2,800,000 shares of Opko in a private placement. These shares have not been registered for resale but are expected to be freely tradable within one year.
4.   INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of:
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
Leaf tobacco
  $ 46,054     $ 41,502  
Other raw materials
    4,146       4,847  
Work-in-process
    131       710  
Finished goods
    47,853       45,331  
 
           
Inventories at current cost
    98,184       92,390  
LIFO adjustments
    (7,082 )     (5,565 )
 
           
 
  $ 91,102     $ 86,825  
 
           
The Company has a leaf inventory management program whereby, among other things, it is committed to purchase certain quantities of leaf tobacco. The purchase commitments are for quantities not in excess of anticipated requirements and are at prices, including carrying costs, established at the commitment date. At June 30, 2008, Liggett had leaf tobacco purchase commitments of approximately $16,160. There were no leaf tobacco purchase commitments at Vector Tobacco at that date. During 2007, the Company entered into a single source supply agreement for fire safe cigarette paper through 2012.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
The Company capitalizes the incremental prepaid cost of the Master Settlement Agreement in ending inventory. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company’s MSA expense was reduced by approximately $1,100 as a result of a change in estimate to the MSA assessment for 2007, which was received in March 2008, being less than anticipated.
LIFO inventories represent approximately 95% of total inventories at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.
5.   LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
Long-term investments consist of investments in the following:
                                 
    June 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    Carrying     Fair     Carrying     Fair  
    Value     Value     Value     Value  
 
Investment partnerships accounted for at cost
  $ 73,018     $ 83,267     $ 72,971     $ 89,007  
Investments accounted for on the equity method
  $     $     $ 10,495     $ 10,495  
The principal business of these investment partnerships is investing in investment securities and real estate. The estimated fair value of the investment partnerships was provided by the partnerships based on the indicated market values of the underlying assets or investment portfolio. The investments in these investment partnerships are illiquid and the ultimate realization of these investments is subject to the performance of the underlying partnership and its management by the general partners.
In April 2008, the Company elected to withdraw its investment in Jefferies Buckeye Fund, LLC (“Buckeye Fund”), a privately managed investment partnership, of which Jefferies Asset Management, LLC is the portfolio manager. The Company recorded a loss of $567 during the first quarter of 2008 associated with the Buckeye Fund’s performance, which has been included as “Other expense” on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations. The Company received proceeds of $8,328 in May 2008 and anticipates receiving an additional $925 of proceeds in the third quarter of 2008, which has been included in “Other current assets” on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet.
These investments are carried on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at cost. The fair value determination disclosed above would be classified as Level 3 under the SFAS 157 hierarchy disclosed in Note 12 if such assets were recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The fair values were determined based on unobservable inputs and were based on company assumptions, and information obtained from the partnerships based on the indicated market values of the underlying assets of the investment portfolio.
The changes in the fair value of these investments as of June 30, 2008 were as follows:
                 
    Investment     Investment  
    Partnerships     Partnerships  
    Accounted for at     Accounted for on  
    Cost     the Equity Method  
 
Balance as of January 1, 2008
  $ 89,007     $ 10,495  
Unrealized loss on long-term investments
    (2,034 )     (675 )
Realized loss on long-term investments
          (567 )
 
           
Balance as of March 31, 2008
    86,973       9,253  
Contributions (distributions)
    47       (8,328 )
Unrealized loss on long-term investments
    (3,767 )      
Realized gain on long-term investments
    14        
Receivable classified as “Other currents assets”
          (925 )
 
           
Balance as of June 30, 2008
  $ 83,267     $  
 
           

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
In the future, the Company may invest in other investments, including limited partnerships, real estate investments, equity securities, debt securities, derivatives and certificates of deposit, depending on risk factors and potential rates of return.
6.   NOTES PAYABLE, LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS
Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations consist of:
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Vector:
               
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
  $ 165,000     $ 165,000  
3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures due 2026, net of unamortized discount of $84,138 and $84,299*
    25,862       25,701  
5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes due 2011, net of unamortized net discount of $44,173 and $48,027*
    67,691       63,837  
Liggett:
               
Revolving credit facility
    13,146       14,782  
Term loan under credit facility
    7,556       7,822  
Equipment loans
    7,737       9,660  
V.T. Aviation:
               
Note payable
    5,895       6,470  
VGR Aviation:
               
Note payable
    4,205       4,370  
Other
     100        154  
 
           
Total notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations
    297,192       297,796  
Less:
               
Current maturities
    (18,946 )     (20,618 )
 
           
Amount due after one year
  $ 278,246     $ 277,178  
 
           
 
*   The fair value of the derivatives embedded within the 3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures ($65,029 at June 30, 2008 and and $67,911 at December 31, 2007) and the 5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes ($29,238 at June 30, 2008 and $33,671 at December 31, 2007) is separately classified as a derivative liability in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 — Vector:
In August 2007, the Company sold $165,000 of its 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (the “Senior Secured Notes”) in a private offering to qualified institutional investors in accordance with Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. On May 28, 2008, the Company completed an offer to exchange the Senior Secured Notes for an equal amount of newly issued 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015. The new Senior Secured Notes have substantially the same terms as the original notes, except that the new Senior Secured Notes have been registered under the Securities Act.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debt — Vector:
Vector has issued two series of variable interest senior convertible debt. Both series of debt pay interest on a quarterly basis at a stated rate plus an additional amount of interest on each payment date. The additional amount is based on the amount of cash dividends paid during the prior three-month period ending on the record date for such interest payment multiplied by the total number of shares of its common stock into which the debt will be convertible on such record date.
A summary of non-cash interest expense associated with the embedded derivative liability associated with the Company’s Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debt for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
3.875% convertible debentures
  $ 90     $ 73     $ 180     $ (168 )
5% convertible notes
    1,293        940       2,481       1,648  
 
                       
Interest expense associated with embedded derivatives
  $ 1,383     $ 1,013     $ 2,661     $ 1,480  
 
                       
A summary of non-cash changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
3.875% convertible debentures
  $ 6,132     $ 785     $ 2,882     $ (106 )
5% convertible notes
    3,627       1,304       4,433       2,222  
 
                       
Gain on changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
  $ 9,759     $ 2,089     $ 7,315     $ 2,116  
 
                       
The following table reconciles the fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt at June 30, 2008.
                         
    3.875%     5%        
    Convertible     Convertible        
    Debentures     Notes     Total  
 
Balance at December 31, 2007
  $ 67,911     $ 33,671     $ 101,582  
Loss (gain) from changes in fair value of embedded derivatives
    3,250       (806 )     2,444  
 
                 
Balance at March 31, 2008
    71,161       32,865       104,026  
Gain from changes in fair value of embedded derivatives
    (6,132 )     (3,627 )     (9,759 )
 
                 
Balance at June 30, 2008
  $ 65,029     $ 29,238     $ 94,267  
 
                 

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
Beneficial Conversion Feature on Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debt:
A summary of non-cash interest expense associated with the beneficial conversion feature on the Company’s Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debt for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Amortization of beneficial conversion feature:
                               
                               
3.875% convertible debentures
  $ (11 )   $ (12 )   $ (19 )   $ (180 )
5% convertible notes
    717       517       1,373       893  
 
                       
Interest expense associated with beneficial conversion feature
  $ 706     $ 505     $ 1,354     $ 713  
 
                       
Unamortized Debt Discount:
The following table reconciles unamortized debt discount at June 30, 2008:
                         
    3.875%     5%        
    Convertible     Convertible        
    Debentures     Notes     Total  
 
Balance at December 31, 2007
  $ 84,299     $ 48,027     $ 132,326  
Amortization of embedded derivatives
    (180 )     (2,481 )     (2,661 )
Amortization of beneficial conversion feature
    19       (1,373 )     (1,354 )
 
                 
Balance at June 30, 2008
  $ 84,138     $ 44,173     $ 128,311  
 
                 
Revolving Credit Facility — Liggett:
Liggett has a $50,000 credit facility with Wachovia Bank, N.A. (“Wachovia”) under which $13,146 was outstanding at June 30, 2008. Availability as determined under the facility was approximately $18,680 based on eligible collateral at June 30, 2008.
7.   EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
    Defined Benefit and Postretirement Plans:
 
    Net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 consists of the following:
                                 
    Pension Benefits  
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30, 2008     June 30, 2007     June 30, 2008     June 30, 2007  
 
Service cost — benefits earned during the period
  $ 1,035     $ 1,062     $ 2,070     $ 2,124  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
    2,381       2,281       4,762       4,562  
Expected return on plan assets
    (3,036 )     (3,183 )     (6,072 )     (6,366 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    350       351       700       702  
Amortization of net loss
    25        176       50        352  
 
                       
Net expense
  $ 755     $ 687     $ 1,510     $ 1,374  
 
                       

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
                                 
            Other          
            Postretirement Benefits          
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30, 2008     June 30, 2007     June 30, 2008     June 30, 2007  
Service cost — benefits earned
during the period
  $ 4     $ 4     $ 8     $ 8  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
    148       148       296       296  
Amortization of net loss
    (45 )     (26 )     (90 )     (52 )
 
                       
Net expense
  $ 107     $ 126     $ 214     $ 252  
 
                       
    The Company did not make contributions to its pension benefits plans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and does not anticipate making any contributions to such plans in 2008. The Company anticipates paying approximately $750 in other postretirement benefits in 2008.
 
8.   CONTINGENCIES
 
    Tobacco-Related Litigation:
 
    Overview
 
    Since 1954, Liggett and other United States cigarette manufacturers have been named as defendants in numerous direct, third-party and purported class actions predicated on the theory that cigarette manufacturers should be liable for damages alleged to have been caused by cigarette smoking or by exposure to secondary smoke from cigarettes. New cases continue to be commenced against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers. The cases generally fall into the following categories: (i) smoking and health cases alleging personal injury brought on behalf of individual plaintiffs (“Individual Actions”); (ii) smoking and health cases primarily alleging personal injury or seeking court-supervised programs for ongoing medical monitoring and purporting to be brought on behalf of a class of individual plaintiffs (“Class Actions”); (iii) health care cost recovery actions brought by various foreign and domestic governmental entities (“Governmental Actions”); and (iv) health care cost recovery actions brought by third-party payors including insurance companies, union health and welfare trust funds, asbestos manufacturers and others (“Third-Party Payor Actions”). As new cases are commenced, the costs associated with defending these cases and the risks relating to the inherent unpredictability of litigation continue to increase. The future financial impact of the risks and expenses of litigation and the effects of the tobacco litigation settlements discussed below are not quantifiable at this time. Liggett incurred legal expenses and other litigation related costs totaling approximately $1,706 and $3,206, for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively and $3,069 and $4,237 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
    Individual Actions
 
    As of June 30, 2008, there were 35 individual cases pending against Liggett and/or the Company, where one or more individual plaintiffs allege injury resulting from cigarette smoking, addiction to cigarette smoking or exposure to secondary smoke and seek compensatory and, in some cases, punitive damages. In addition, there were approximately 2,150 Engle progeny cases (defined below) pending, in state and federal courts in Florida, and approximately 100 individual cases pending in West Virginia state court as part of a consolidated action. The following table lists the number of individual cases by state that are pending against Liggett (excluding Engle progeny cases and the cases consolidated in West Virginia) or its affiliates as of June 30, 2008:
         
    Number  
State   of Cases  
New York
    11  
Florida
    9  
Louisiana
    5  
Maryland
    2  
Mississippi
    2  
West Virginia
    2  
District of Columbia
    1  
Missouri
    1  
Ohio
    1  
Pennsylvania
    1  
    In April 2004, in Davis v. Liggett Group Inc., a Florida state court jury awarded compensatory damages of $540 against Liggett. In addition, plaintiff’s counsel was awarded legal fees of $752. Liggett appealed both the verdict and the legal fee award. In October 2007, the compensatory award was affirmed by the Fourth District Court of Appeal, but the court certified certain issues to the Florida Supreme Court. In April 2008, the Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction of the certified issues for appeal. The parties have briefed the issues. In March 2008, the Fourth District Court of Appeal reversed and remanded the legal fee award for further proceedings in the trial court. No amounts have been expensed for this matter. There are three other individual actions where Liggett is the only tobacco company defendant, although all three cases are dormant.
 
    The plaintiffs’ allegations of liability in those cases in which individuals seek recovery for injuries allegedly caused by cigarette smoking are based on various theories of recovery, including negligence, gross negligence, breach of special duty, strict liability, fraud, concealment, misrepresentation, design defect, failure to warn, breach of express and implied warranties, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, concert of action, unjust enrichment, common law public nuisance, property damage, invasion of privacy, mental anguish, emotional distress, disability, shock, indemnity and violations of deceptive trade practice laws, the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”), state RICO statutes and antitrust statutes. In many of these cases, in addition to compensatory damages, plaintiffs also seek other forms of relief including treble/multiple damages, medical monitoring, disgorgement of profits and punitive damages. Although alleged damages often are not determinable from a complaint, and the law governing the pleading and calculation of damages varies from state to state and jurisdiction to jurisdiction, compensatory and punitive damages have been specifically pleaded in a number of cases, sometimes in amounts ranging into the hundreds of millions and even billions of dollars.
 
    Defenses raised by defendants in individual cases include lack of proximate cause, assumption of the risk, comparative fault and/or contributory negligence, lack of design defect, statute of limitations, equitable defenses such as “unclean hands” and lack of benefit, failure to state a claim and federal preemption.
 
    Jury awards representing material amounts of damages have been returned against other cigarette manufacturers in recent years. The awards in these individual actions are for both compensatory and punitive damages. Over the last several years, after conclusion of all appeals, damage awards have been paid to several individual plaintiffs, including an award of $5,500 in compensatory damages, $50,000 in punitive damages and $27,000 in interest in a case against another cigarette manufacturer. There are several significant jury awards against other cigarette manufacturers which are currently on appeal.
 
    Engle Progeny Cases. In 2000, a jury in Engle v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. rendered a $145,000,000 punitive damages verdict in favor of a “Florida Class” against certain cigarette manufacturers, including Liggett. Pursuant to the Florida Supreme 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 mandate, are referred to as the “Engle progeny cases.” Liggett and/or the Company have been named in approximately 2,150 Engle progeny cases in both state and federal courts in Florida. Other cigarette manufacturers have also been named as defendants in these cases. These cases include approximately 9,570 plaintiffs. Although the total number of Engle plaintiffs will not increase, the number of cases will likely increase as the court may require multi-plaintiff cases to be severed into individual cases. For further information on the Engle case, see “—Class Actions —Engle Case,” below.

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    Class Actions
 
    As of June 30, 2008, there were 10 actions pending for which either a class has been certified or plaintiffs are seeking class certification, where Liggett is a named defendant. Other cigarette manufacturers are also named. Many of these actions purport to constitute statewide class actions and were filed after May 1996 when the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, in Castano v. American Tobacco Co., Inc., reversed a federal district court’s certification of a purported nationwide class action on behalf of persons who were allegedly “addicted” to tobacco products.
 
    Engle Case. In May 1994, Engle was filed against Liggett and others in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The class consisted of all Florida residents who, by November 21, 1996, “have suffered, presently suffer or have died from diseases and medical conditions caused by their addiction to cigarette smoking.” In July 1999, after the conclusion of Phase I of the trial, the jury returned a verdict against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers on certain issues determined by the trial court to be “common” to the causes of action of the plaintiff class. The jury made several findings adverse to the defendants including that defendants’ conduct “rose to a level that would permit a potential award or entitlement to punitive damages.” Phase II of the trial was a causation and damages trial for three of the class plaintiffs and a punitive damages trial on a class-wide basis, before the same jury that returned the verdict in Phase I. In April 2000, the jury awarded compensatory damages of $12,704 to the three class plaintiffs, to be reduced in proportion to the respective plaintiff’s fault. In July 2000, the jury awarded approximately $145,000,000 in punitive damages against all defendants, including $790,000 against Liggett.
 
    In May 2003, Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal reversed the trial court’s final judgment and remanded the case with instructions to decertify the class. The judgment in favor of one of the three class plaintiffs, in the amount of $5,831, was overturned as time barred and the court found that Liggett was not liable to the other two class plaintiffs.
 
    In July 2006, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the decision vacating the punitive damages award and held that the class should be decertified prospectively, but preserved several of the trial court’s Phase I findings (including that: (i) smoking causes lung cancer, among other diseases; (ii) nicotine in cigarettes is addictive; (iii) defendants placed cigarettes on the market that were defective and unreasonably dangerous; (iv) the defendants concealed material information; (v) all defendants sold or supplied cigarettes that were defective; and (vi) all defendants were negligent) and allowed former class members to proceed to trial on individual liability issues (using the above findings) and compensatory and punitive damage issues, provided they commence their individual lawsuits within one year from January 11, 2007, the date of the court’s mandate. In December 2006, the Florida Supreme Court added the finding that defendants sold or supplied cigarettes that, at the time of sale or supply, did not conform to the representations made by defendants. As a result of the decision, approximately 9,570 former Engle class members have commenced suit against Liggett and/or the Company as well as other cigarette manufacturers.
 
    In June 2002, the jury in a Florida state court action entitled Lukacs v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, awarded $37,500 in compensatory damages in a case involving Liggett and two other cigarette manufacturers. In March 2003, the court reduced the amount of the compensatory damages to $24,860. The jury found Liggett 50% responsible for the damages incurred by the plaintiff. The Lukacs case was the first case to be tried as an individual Engle class member suit following entry of final judgment by the Engle trial court. After the issuance of the Florida Supreme Court’s opinion discussed above, the plaintiff filed a motion requesting that the trial court enter partial final judgment, tax costs and attorneys’ fees and schedule trial on the punitive damages claims. Defendants opposed the relief sought by plaintiff on the grounds that the reversal by the Florida Supreme Court of the Engle Phase I finding on fraud mandates the reversal of the jury verdict and precludes the entry of final judgment in plaintiff’s favor and, in January 2008, filed a submission asking the court to set aside the verdict and order a new trial. Oral argument was held in March 2007. A further hearing on the motion occurred on July 24, 2008. If the court enters judgment in plaintiff’s favor, plaintiff contends that interest on the judgment accrues from the date of the verdict. In the event the court enters judgment in plaintiff’s favor, Liggett intends to appeal, and may be required to post a bond. In addition, plaintiff filed a motion seeking an award of attorneys’ fees from Liggett based on plaintiff’s prior proposal for settlement.
 
    Other Class Actions. Classes remain certified against Liggett in West Virginia (Blankenship), Kansas (Smith) and New Mexico (Romero). Blankenship is dormant. Smith v. Philip Morris and Romero v. Philip Morris are actions in which plaintiffs allege that cigarette manufacturers conspired to fix cigarette prices in violation of antitrust laws. Class certification was granted in Smith in November 2001. Discovery is ongoing. Class certification was granted in Romero in April 2003 and was affirmed by the New Mexico Supreme Court in February 2005. In June 2006, the trial court granted defendants’ motions for summary judgment. Plaintiffs appealed to the New Mexico Court of Appeals. Briefing was completed in August 2007 and the parties are awaiting a decision.

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    Class action suits have been filed in a number of states against cigarette manufacturers, alleging, among other things, that the use of the terms “light” and “ultra light” constitutes unfair and deceptive trade practices, among other things. One such suit, Schwab v. Philip Morris, pending in federal court in New York since 2004, sought to create a nationwide class of “light” cigarette smokers. The action asserted claims under RICO which could result in treble damages. The proposed class sought as much as $200,000,000 in damages. In September 2006, the court granted plaintiff’s motion for class certification. In April 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit granted the defendants’ motions to decertify the class. Liggett is a defendant in the Schwab case.
 
    In June 1998, in Cleary v. Philip Morris, Inc., a putative class action was brought in Illinois state court on behalf of persons who were allegedly injured by (i) the defendants’ purported conspiracy pursuant to which defendants allegedly concealed material facts regarding the addictive nature of nicotine; (ii) the defendants’ alleged acts of targeting their advertising and marketing to minors; and (iii) the defendants’ claimed breach of the public’s right to defendants’ compliance with laws prohibiting the distribution of cigarettes to minors. The plaintiffs request that the defendants be required to disgorge all profits unjustly received through their sale of cigarettes to plaintiffs, which in no event will be greater than $75 each, inclusive of punitive damages, interest and costs. In July 2006, the plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification. A class certification hearing occurred in September 2007 and the parties are awaiting a decision. Merits discovery is stayed pending a ruling by the court. Liggett is a defendant in the Cleary case.
 
    In April 2001, in Brown v. American Tobacco Co., Inc., a California state court granted in part plaintiffs’ motion for class certification and certified a class comprised of adult residents of California who smoked at least one of defendants’ cigarettes “during the applicable time period” and who were exposed to defendants’ marketing and advertising activities in California. In March 2005, the court granted defendants’ motion to decertify the class based on a recent change in California law. In October 2006, the plaintiffs filed a petition for review with the California Supreme Court, which was granted in November 2006. Oral argument has not yet been scheduled. Liggett is a defendant in the Brown case.
 
    Although not technically a class action, in In Re: Tobacco Litigation (Personal Injury Cases), a West Virginia State court consolidated approximately 750 individual smoker actions that were pending prior to 2001 for trial of certain common issues. In January 2002, the court severed Liggett from the trial of the consolidated action. The consolidation was affirmed on appeal by the West Virginia Supreme Court. In February 2008, the United States Supreme Court denied the defendants’ petition for writ of certiorari asking the Court to review the trial plan. It is estimated that Liggett could be a defendant in approximately 100 of the cases. In February 2008, the court granted defendants’ motion to stay all proceedings pending United States Supreme Court review in Altria Group Inc. v. Good.
 
    Class certification motions are pending in a number of other cases and a number of orders denying class certification are on appeal. In addition to the cases described above, numerous class actions remain certified against other cigarette manufacturers, including Scott v. American Tobacco Co., Inc. In this case, a Louisiana jury returned a $591,000 verdict (subsequently reduced by the court to $263,500) against other cigarette manufacturers to fund medical monitoring or smoking cessation programs for members of the class. The verdict is on appeal.
 
    Governmental Actions
 
    As of June 30, 2008, there were two Governmental Actions pending against Liggett, only one of which is active. The claims asserted in health care cost recovery actions vary. In these cases, the governmental entities typically assert equitable claims that the tobacco industry was “unjustly enriched” by their payment of health care costs allegedly attributable to smoking and seek reimbursement of those costs. Other claims made by some but not all plaintiffs include the equitable claim of indemnity, common law claims of negligence, strict liability, breach of express and implied warranty, breach of special duty, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, conspiracy, public nuisance, claims under state and federal statutes governing consumer fraud, antitrust, deceptive trade practices and false advertising, and claims under RICO.

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    In December 1998, in City of St. Louis v. American Tobacco Company Inc., a case pending in Missouri state court, the City of St. Louis and approximately 50 hospitals brought suit against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers seeking recovery of costs expended by the hospitals on behalf of patients who suffer, or have suffered, from illnesses allegedly resulting from the use of cigarettes. In June 2005, the court granted defendants’ motion for summary judgment as to claims for damages which accrued prior to November 16, 1993. The claims for damages which accrued after November 16, 1993 are pending. Discovery is ongoing. A hearing has been scheduled for September 3, 2008 on motions for summary judgment filed by the parties. Trial is scheduled to commence in January 2010.
 
    DOJ Case. In September 1999, the United States government commenced litigation against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. The action sought to recover an unspecified amount of health care costs paid for and furnished, and to be paid for and furnished, by the federal government for lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and other smoking-related illnesses allegedly caused by the fraudulent and tortious conduct of defendants, to restrain defendants and co-conspirators from engaging in alleged fraud and other allegedly unlawful conduct in the future, and to compel defendants to disgorge the proceeds of their unlawful conduct. The action asserted claims under three federal statutes, the Medical Care Recovery Act (“MCRA”), the Medicare Secondary Payer provisions of the Social Security Act (“MSP”) and RICO. In September 2000, the court dismissed the government’s claims based on MCRA and MSP.
 
    In August 2006, the trial court entered a Final Judgment and Remedial Order against each of the cigarette manufacturing defendants, except Liggett. The Final Judgment, among other things, ordered that the non-Liggett defendants are enjoined from: (i) committing any act of racketeering concerning the manufacturing, marketing, promotion, health consequences or sale of cigarettes in the United States; (ii) making any material false, misleading, or deceptive statement or representation concerning cigarettes that persuades people to purchase cigarettes; and (iii) utilizing “lights”, “low tar”, “ultra lights”, “mild”, or “natural” descriptors, or conveying any other express or implied health messages in connection with the marketing or sale of cigarettes, domestically and internationally.
 
    No monetary damages were awarded other than the government’s costs. The defendants appealed the Final Judgment in March 2007. In its appellate brief, the government acknowledged that it was not appealing the district court’s decision to award no remedy against Liggett. Although this case has been concluded as to Liggett, it is unclear what impact, if any, the Final Judgment will have on the cigarette industry as a whole. To the extent that the Final Judgment leads to a decline in industry-wide shipments of cigarettes in the United States or otherwise imposes regulations which adversely affect the industry, Liggett’s sales volume, operating income and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
 
    Third-Party Payor Actions
 
    As of June 30, 2008, there were two Third-Party Payor Actions pending against Liggett. Other cigarette manufacturers are also named. The Third-Party Payor Actions typically have been commenced by insurance companies, union health and welfare trust funds, asbestos manufacturers and others. In Third-Party Payor Actions, plaintiffs seek damages for: funding of corrective public education campaigns relating to issues of smoking and health; funding for clinical smoking cessation programs; disgorgement of profits from sales of cigarettes; restitution; treble damages; and attorneys’ fees. Although no specific amounts are provided, it is understood that requested damages against cigarette manufacturers in these cases might be in the billions of dollars.
 
    Several federal circuit courts of appeals and state appellate courts have ruled that Third-Party Payors did not have standing to bring lawsuits against cigarette manufacturers, relying primarily on grounds that plaintiffs’ claims were too remote. The United States Supreme Court has refused to consider plaintiffs’ appeals from the cases decided by five federal circuit courts of appeals.

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    In June 2005, the Jerusalem District Court in Israel added Liggett as a defendant in an action commenced in 1998 by the largest private insurer in that country, General Health Services, against the major United States cigarette manufacturers. The plaintiff seeks to recover the past and future value of the total expenditures for health care services provided to residents of Israel resulting from tobacco related diseases, court ordered interest for past expenditures from the date of filing the statement of claim, increased and/or punitive and/or exemplary damages and costs. The court ruled that, although Liggett had not sold product in Israel since at least 1978, it might still have liability for cigarettes sold prior to that time. Motions filed by the defendants are pending before the Israel Supreme Court seeking appeal from a lower court’s decision granting leave to plaintiff for foreign service of process.
 
    Upcoming Trials
 
    There are nine individual actions in Florida, all Engle progeny cases, that have been set for trial in 2008 or early 2009 where Liggett and/or the Company are named defendants. Trial dates are subject to change.
 
    MSA and Other State Settlement Agreements
 
    In March 1996, March 1997 and March 1998, Liggett entered into settlements of smoking-related litigation with 45 states and territories. The settlements released Liggett from all smoking-related claims within those states and territories, including claims for health care cost reimbursement and claims concerning sales of cigarettes to minors.
 
    In November 1998, Philip Morris, Brown & Williamson, R.J. Reynolds and Lorillard (the “Original Participating Manufacturers” or “OPMs”) and Liggett (together with any other tobacco product manufacturer that becomes a signatory, the “Subsequent Participating Manufacturers” or “SPMs”) (the OPMs and SPMs are hereinafter referred to jointly as the “Participating Manufacturers”) entered into the Master Settlement Agreement (the “MSA”) with 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands (collectively, the “Settling States”) to settle the asserted and unasserted health care cost recovery and certain other claims of those Settling States. The MSA received final judicial approval in each Settling State.
 
    In the Settling States, the MSA released Liggett from:
    all claims of the Settling States and their respective political subdivisions and other recipients of state health care funds, relating to: (i) past conduct arising out of the use, sale, distribution, manufacture, development, advertising and marketing of tobacco products; (ii) the health effects of, the exposure to, or research, statements or warnings about, tobacco products; and
 
    all monetary claims of the Settling States and their respective subdivisions and other recipients of state health care funds relating to future conduct arising out of the use of, or exposure to, tobacco products that have been manufactured in the ordinary course of business.
    The MSA restricts tobacco product advertising and marketing within the Settling States and otherwise restricts the activities of Participating Manufacturers. Among other things, the MSA prohibits the targeting of youth in the advertising, promotion or marketing of tobacco products; bans the use of cartoon characters in all tobacco advertising and promotion; limits each Participating Manufacturer to one tobacco brand name sponsorship during any 12-month period; bans all outdoor advertising, with certain limited exceptions; prohibits payments for tobacco product placement in various media; bans gift offers based on the purchase of tobacco products without sufficient proof that the intended recipient is an adult; prohibits Participating Manufacturers from licensing third parties to advertise tobacco brand names in any manner prohibited under the MSA; and prohibits Participating Manufacturers from using as a tobacco product brand name any nationally recognized non-tobacco brand or trade name or the names of sports teams, entertainment groups or individual celebrities.
 
    The MSA also requires Participating Manufacturers to affirm corporate principles to comply with the MSA and to reduce underage usage of tobacco products and imposes restrictions on lobbying activities conducted on behalf of Participating Manufacturers. In addition, the MSA provides for the appointment of an independent auditor to calculate and determine the amount of payments owed pursuant to the MSA.

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    Liggett has no payment obligations under the MSA except to the extent its market share exceeds a market share exemption of approximately 1.65% of total cigarettes sold in the United States. Vector Tobacco has no payment obligations under the MSA, except to the extent its market share exceeds a market share exemption of approximately 0.28% of total cigarettes sold in the United States. According to data from Management Science Associates, Inc., domestic shipments by Liggett and Vector Tobacco accounted for approximately 2.2%, 2.4% and 2.5% of the total cigarettes shipped in the United States in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. If 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, would pay on each excess unit an amount equal (on a per-unit basis) to that due by the OPMs for that year. In April 2005, 2006, and 2007, Liggett and Vector Tobacco paid $20,982, $10,637 and $38,743 for their 2004, 2005 and 2006 MSA obligations, respectively. Liggett and Vector Tobacco paid $35,995 for their 2007 MSA obligations, having prepaid $34,500 in 2007.
 
    Under the payment provisions of the MSA, the Participating Manufacturers are required to pay a base annual amount of $9,000,000 in 2008 and each year thereafter (subject to applicable adjustments, offsets and reductions). These annual payments are allocated based on unit volume of domestic cigarette shipments. The payment obligations under the MSA are the several, and not joint, obligations of each Participating Manufacturer and are not the responsibility of any parent or affiliate of a Participating Manufacturer.
 
    Certain MSA Disputes
 
    In 2005, the independent auditor under the MSA calculated that Liggett owed $28,668 for its 2004 sales. In April 2005, Liggett paid $11,678 and disputed the balance, as permitted by the MSA. Liggett subsequently paid $9,304 of the disputed amount, although Liggett continues to dispute that this amount is owed. This $9,304 relates to an adjustment to its 2003 payment obligation claimed by Liggett for the market share loss to non-participating manufacturers, which is known as the “NPM Adjustment.” At June 30, 2008, included in “Other assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, was a noncurrent receivable of $6,513 relating to such amount. The remaining balance in dispute of $7,686 is comprised of $5,318 claimed for a 2004 NPM Adjustment and $2,368 relating to the independent auditor’s retroactive change from “gross” to “net” units in calculating MSA payments, which Liggett contends is improper, as discussed below. From their April 2006 payment, Liggett and Vector Tobacco withheld approximately $1,600 claimed for the 2005 NPM Adjustment and $2,612 relating to the retroactive change from “gross” to “net” units. Liggett and Vector Tobacco withheld approximately $4,200 from their April 2007 payments related to the 2006 NPM Adjustment and approximately $3,000 relating to the retroactive change from “gross” to “net” units. From its April 2008 payment, Liggett withheld approximately $4,000 for the 2007 NPM Adjustment and approximately $3,300 relating to the retroactive change from “gross” to “net” units. Vector Tobacco paid approximately $200 into the disputed payments account for the 2007 NPM Adjustment.
 
    The following amounts have not been expensed in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements as they relate to Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s claim for an NPM adjustment: $6,513 for 2003, $3,789 for 2004 and $800 for 2005.
 
    NPM Adjustment. In March 2006, an economic consulting firm selected pursuant to the MSA rendered its final and non-appealable decision that the MSA was a “significant factor contributing to” the loss of market share of Participating Manufacturers for 2003. The economic consulting firm rendered the same decision with respect to 2004 and 2005. As a result, the manufacturers are entitled to potential NPM Adjustments to their 2003, 2004 and 2005 MSA payments. A Settling State that has diligently enforced its qualifying escrow statute in the year in question may be able to avoid application of the NPM Adjustment to the payments made by the manufacturers for the benefit of that state or territory.
 
    Since April 2006, notwithstanding provisions in the MSA requiring arbitration, litigation has been commenced in 49 Settling States over the issue of whether the application of the NPM Adjustment for 2003 is to be determined through litigation or arbitration. These actions relate to the potential NPM Adjustment for 2003, which the independent auditor under the MSA previously determined to be as much as $1,200,000 for all Participating Manufacturers. To date, all 48 courts that have decided the issue have ruled that the 2003 NPM Adjustment dispute is arbitrable and 39 of those decisions are final. There can be no assurance that Liggett or Vector Tobacco will receive any adjustment as a result of these proceedings.

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    Gross v. Net Calculations. In October 2004, the independent auditor notified Liggett and all other Participating Manufacturers that their payment obligations under the MSA, dating from the agreement’s execution in late 1998, had been recalculated using “net” unit amounts, rather than “gross” unit amounts (which had been used since 1999). The change in the method of calculation could, among other things, require additional MSA payments by Liggett of approximately $18,300 for 2001 through 2007, require an additional payment of approximately $3,300 for 2008 and require additional amounts in future periods because the proposed change from “gross” to “net” units would serve to lower Liggett’s market share exemption under the MSA.
 
    Liggett has objected to this retroactive change and has disputed the change in methodology. Liggett contends that the retroactive change from using “gross” unit amounts to “net” unit amounts is impermissible for several reasons, including:
    use of “net” unit amounts is not required by the MSA (as reflected by, among other things, the use of “gross” unit amounts through 2005);
 
    such a change is not authorized without the consent of affected parties to the MSA;
 
    the MSA provides for four-year time limitation periods for revisiting calculations and determinations, which precludes recalculating Liggett’s 1997 Market Share (and thus, Liggett’s market share exemption); and
 
    Liggett and others have relied upon the calculations based on “gross” unit amounts since 1998.
    No amounts have been expensed or accrued in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for any potential liability relating to the “gross” versus “net” dispute.
 
    QUEST 3. Vector Tobacco does not make MSA payments on sales of its QUEST 3 product as Vector Tobacco believes that QUEST 3 does not fall within the definition of a cigarette under the MSA. There can be no assurance that Vector Tobacco’s assessment is correct and that additional payments under the MSA for QUEST 3 will not be owed.
 
    Litigation Challenging the MSA. In litigation pending in federal court in New York, certain importers of cigarettes allege that the MSA and certain related New York statutes violate federal antitrust and constitutional law. The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has held that plaintiffs have stated a claim for relief on antitrust grounds. In September 2004, the court denied plaintiffs’ motion to preliminarily enjoin the MSA and certain related New York statutes, but the court issued a preliminary injunction against an amendment repealing the “allocable share” provision of the New York escrow statute. The parties’ motions for summary judgment are pending. Additionally, in another proceeding pending in New York federal court, plaintiffs seek to enjoin the statutes enacted by New York and other states in connection with the MSA on the grounds that the statutes violate the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution and federal antitrust laws. In September 2005, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit held that plaintiffs stated a claim for relief and that the New York federal court had jurisdiction over the other defendant states. In October 2006, the United States Supreme Court denied the petition of the attorneys general for writ of certiorari. Similar challenges to the MSA and MSA-related state statutes are pending in Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Oklahoma. Liggett and the other cigarette manufacturers are not defendants in these cases.
 
    Other State Settlements. The MSA replaces 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. Liggett’s agreements with these states remain in full force and effect, and Liggett made various payments to these states during 1996, 1997 and 1998 under the agreements. These states’ settlement agreements with Liggett contained most favored nation provisions which could reduce 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, in order to resolve any potential issues with Minnesota as to Liggett’s ongoing economic settlement obligations, Liggett negotiated a $100 a year payment to Minnesota, to be paid any year cigarettes manufactured by Liggett are sold in that state.

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    In 2004, the Attorneys General for Florida, Mississippi and Texas advised Liggett that they believed that Liggett had failed to make all required payments under the respective settlement agreements with these states for the period 1998 through 2003 and that additional payments may be due for 2004 and subsequent years. In 2004, Florida and Mississippi proposed settlements to Liggett in the total amount of $20,000 for the period 1998 though 2003. Further discussions among the parties have not resulted in any resolution of the disputes. Liggett believes these allegations are without merit, based, among other things, on the language of the most favored nation provisions of the settlement agreements.
 
    Except for $2,500 accrued at June 30, 2008, in connection with the foregoing matters, no other amounts have been accrued in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for any additional amounts that may be payable by Liggett under the settlement agreements with Florida, Mississippi and Texas. There can be no assurance that Liggett will resolve these matters or that Liggett will not be required to make additional material payments, which payments could adversely affect the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
    Management is not able to predict the outcome of the litigation pending or threatened against Liggett. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties. For example, in July 2006, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the intermediate appellate court’s decision in the Engle case vacating the punitive damages award and held that the class should be decertified prospectively, but, preserved several of the trial court’s Phase I findings. In June 2002, the jury in the Lukacs case, an individual case brought under the third phase of the Engle case, awarded $37,500 (subsequently reduced by the court to $24,860) of compensatory damages against Liggett and two other defendants and found Liggett 50% responsible for the damages. If a final judgment is entered, Liggett may be required to bond the amount of the judgment to perfect its appeal. In April 2004, a jury in an individual action in a Florida state court awarded compensatory damages of $540 against Liggett and legal fees of $752. The legal fee award was reversed on appeal and remanded to the trial court for further proceedings. It is possible that additional cases could be decided unfavorably against Liggett. As a result of the Engle decision, approximately 9,570 former Engle class members commenced suit against Liggett and/or the Company and other cigarette manufacturers. Liggett may enter into discussions in an attempt to settle particular cases if it believes it is appropriate to do so.
 
    Management cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future defense costs, settlements or judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that those requirements will not be able to be met. An unfavorable outcome of a pending smoking and health case could encourage the commencement of additional similar litigation, or could lead to multiple adverse decisions in the Engle progeny cases. Management is unable to make a reasonable estimate with respect to the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the cases pending against Liggett or the costs of defending such cases and as a result has not provided any amounts in its condensed consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes. The complaints filed in these cases rarely detail alleged damages. Typically, the claims set forth in an individual’s complaint against the tobacco industry seek money damages in an amount to be determined by a jury, plus punitive damages and costs.
 
    The tobacco industry is subject to a wide range of laws and regulations regarding the marketing, sale, taxation and use of tobacco products imposed by local, state and federal governments. There have been a number of restrictive regulatory actions, adverse legislative and political decisions and other unfavorable developments concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry. These developments may negatively affect the perception of potential triers of fact with respect to the tobacco industry, possibly to the detriment of certain pending litigation, and may prompt the commencement of additional similar litigation or legislation.
 
    It is possible that the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any of the smoking-related litigation.
 
    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.

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               Unaudited               
    Other Matters:
 
    In February 2004, Liggett Vector Brands and another cigarette manufacturer entered into a five year agreement with a subsidiary of the American Wholesale Marketers Association to support a program to permit certain tobacco distributors to secure, on reasonable terms, tax stamp bonds required by state and local governments for the distribution of cigarettes. This agreement was recently extended through 2014. Under the agreement, Liggett Vector Brands has agreed to pay a portion of losses, if any, incurred by the surety under the bond program, with a maximum loss exposure of $500 for Liggett Vector Brands. To secure its potential obligations under the agreement, Liggett Vector Brands has delivered to the subsidiary of the association a $100 letter of credit and agreed to fund up to an additional $400. Liggett Vector Brands has incurred no losses to date under this agreement, and the Company believes the fair value of Liggett Vector Brands’ obligation under the agreement was immaterial at June 30, 2008.
 
    There may be several other proceedings, lawsuits and claims pending against the Company and certain of its consolidated subsidiaries unrelated to tobacco or tobacco product liability. Management is of the opinion that the liabilities, if any, ultimately resulting from such other proceedings, lawsuits and claims should not materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
9.   INCOME TAXES
 
    Vector’s income tax rates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 do not bear a customary relationship to statutory income tax rates as a result of the impact of nondeductible expenses, state income taxes and interest and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits offset by the impact of the domestic production activities deduction.
 
    The 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 in accordance with FIN 18, “Accounting for Income Taxes in Interim Periods—an interpretation of APB Opinion No. 28.” In 2008, the Company did not include the gain on the income of the Company’s investment in the St. Regis Hotel in 2008 in the computation of the effective annual income tax rate for 2007 from estimated pre-tax results from ordinary operations. In 2007, the Company did not include the benefit from the settlement of a state income tax assessment, the income from the lawsuit settlement with the United States government or the gain from the exchange of the LTS notes in the computation of the effective annual income tax rate for 2007 from estimated pre-tax results from ordinary operations. For the three months ended June 30, 2007, the gain from the exchange of the LTS notes reduced income tax expense by approximately $325 due to differences in the Company’s marginal tax rate of approximately 41% and its anticipated effective annual income tax rate from ordinary operations of approximately 45%.
 
    For the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company’s income tax provision was reduced because of the impact of the gain on the income from the Company’s investment in the St. Regis Hotel, which reduced income tax expense by $460 due to differences in the Company’s marginal tax rate of approximately 41% and its anticipated effective annual income tax rate from ordinary operations of approximately 45%. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Company did not include either the benefit from the settlement of a state income tax assessment in March 2007 or the income from the lawsuit settlement with the United States government in the computation of the effective annual income tax rate from estimated pre-tax results from ordinary operations. The benefit from the settlement of the state income tax assessment in March 2007 reduced income tax expense by approximately $450 and the income from the lawsuit settlement reduced income tax expense by approximately $800 due to differences in the Company’s marginal tax rate of approximately 41% and its anticipated effective annual income tax rate from ordinary operations of approximately 45% in 2007. Accordingly, the provision for income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2007 has been computed by applying the discrete method in accordance with FIN 18 to account for these two items.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
    The Company’s current deferred income tax liabilities increased by approximately $75,500 during the six months ended June 30, 2008 as a result of the reclassification of a deferred tax liability from non-current to current liabilities. This reclassification resulted from the Company’s settlement with the Internal Revenue Service in July 2006, which required the Company to recognize taxable income of approximately $192,000 from the Philip Morris brand transaction by March 1, 2009.
 
10.   NEW VALLEY
 
    Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses. The components of “Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses” were as follows as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007:
                 
    June 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
 
Douglas Elliman Realty LLC
  $ 33,857     $ 31,893  
16th and K Holdings LLC
          3,838  
Koa Investors LLC
           
Aberdeen Townhomes LLC
    10,000        
 
           
Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses
  $ 43,857     $ 35,731  
 
           
    Residential Brokerage Business. New Valley recorded income of $4,184 and $6,986 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and income of $5,522 and $11,142 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, associated with Douglas Elliman Realty. New Valley’s income includes 50% of Douglas Elliman’s net income, as well as interest income earned by New Valley on a subordinated loan to Douglas Elliman Realty, increases to income resulting from amortization of negative goodwill which resulted from purchase accounting, and management fees. New Valley received cash distributions from Douglas Elliman Realty LLC of $2,232 and $4,603 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $3,557 and $4,848 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
    Summarized financial information for Douglas Elliman Realty for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 is presented below.
                 
    June 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
 
Cash
  $ 19,375     $ 26,916  
Other current assets
    9,787       9,462  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    17,298       18,394  
Trademarks
    21,663       21,663  
Goodwill
    38,309       38,294  
Other intangible assets, net
    1,462       1,928  
Other non-current assets
    924       850  
Notes payable — current
    588       581  
Current portion of notes payable to member -
Prudential Real Estate Financial Services Of America, Inc.
    4,730       4,373  
Current portion of notes payable to member — New Valley
    4,730       625  
Other current liabilities
    22,936       26,579  
Notes payable — long term
    846       2,402  
Notes payable to member — Prudential Real
Estate Financial Services of America, Inc.
    4,037       15,115  
Notes payable to member — New Valley
    4,037       8,583  
Other long-term liabilities
    7,677       6,599  
Members’ equity
    59,237       52,650  
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Revenues
  $ 100,893     $ 111,446     $ 182,256     $ 203,295  
Costs and expenses
    91,010       95,632       168,239       177,065  
Depreciation expense
    1,357       1,452       2,707       3,052  
Amortization expense
    75       87       149       174  
Interest expense, net
    802       1,184       1,665       2,458  
Income tax expense
     231       80        346        190  
 
                       
Net income
  $ 7,418     $ 13,011     $ 9,150     $ 20,356  
 
                       
    16th and K Holdings LLC. In 2007, 16th and K Holdings LLC entered into certain agreements to sell 90% of the St. Regis Hotel. The sale closed in March 2008. In addition to retaining a 3% interest, net of incentives, in the St. Regis Hotel, New Valley received $15,822 in March 2008 and anticipates receiving an additional approximate $1,400 associated with the sale of the hotel in 2008 and approximately an additional $5,000 in various installments between 2009 and 2012. The Company recorded the $15,822 as an investing activity in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. New Valley recorded equity losses of $0 and $59 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $3,796 and $102 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, associated with 16th and K Holdings LLC. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, New Valley also recorded equity income of $15,779 in connection with the gain from the sale of the St. Regis because the amount received from 16th and K Holdings exceeded the Company’s basis in the investment and the Company has no legal obligation to make additional investments to 16th and K Holdings.
 
    Hawaiian Hotel. KOA Investors LLC owns the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. New Valley and certain members in KOA Investors have chosen not to fund discretionary capital calls in 2008 and KOA Investors may not be able to meet its financial obligations in the third quarter of 2008. The Company carried its investment in KOA at $0 at June 30, 2008.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
    Aberdeen Townhomes LLC. In June 2008, a subsidiary of New Valley purchased a preferred equity interest in Aberdeen Townhomes LLC (“Aberdeen”) for $10,000. Aberdeen acquired five town home residences located in Manhattan, New York which it is in the process of rehabilitating and selling. In the event that Aberdeen makes distributions of cash, New Valley is entitled to a priority preferred return of 15% per annum until it has recovered its invested capital. New Valley is entitled to 25% of subsequent cash distributions of profits until it has achieved an annual 18% internal rate of return (“IRR”). New Valley is then entitled to 20% of subsequent cash distributions of profits until it has achieved an annual 23% IRR. After New Valley has achieved an annual 23% IRR, it is then entitled to 10% of any remaining cash distributions of profits. Aberdeen is a variable interest entity; however, the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investment in Aberdeen is $10,000. This investment is being accounted for under the cost method.
 
    Mortgage receivable. In March 2008, a subsidiary of New Valley purchased a loan secured by a substantial portion of a 450-acre approved master planned community in Palm Springs, California known as “Escena.” The loan, which is currently in foreclosure, was purchased for its $20,000 face value plus accrued interest and other costs of $1,445. The loan is being accounted for under the cost recovery method and the cost includes the purchase price and additional capitalized acquisition costs of $259. At June 30, 2008, the Company carried the loan on its condensed consolidated balance sheet at its cost of $21,704.
 
    The borrowers are Escena-PSC, LLC and Palm Springs Classic, LLC, a joint venture of Lennar Homes of California, Inc. and Empire Land, LLC. Empire Land recently filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition. Lennar Homes is an affiliate of Lennar Corporation. The loan collateral consists of 867 residential lots with site and public infrastructure, an 18-hole Nicklaus Design golf course, a substantially completed clubhouse, and a seven-acre site approved for a 450-room hotel.
 
    In October 2007, the “as is” value of the land was appraised in excess of the outstanding value of the loan. The Company recently obtained an updated appraisal that valued the property at substantially less than the outstanding loan balance. The reduction in value was attributed to the overall real estate market conditions in California. Among other things, Lennar Corporation has a payment guarantee of up to 50% of the outstanding loan as well as a guarantee to complete the development of the property. In order to calculate the fair market value of the investment, the Company utilized the most recent “as is” appraised value of the collateral and estimated the value of Lennar Corporation’s completion and payment guaranties, less estimated costs to enforce the guaranties and dispose of the property. Based on these estimates, the Company has determined that the fair market value approximates the carrying amount of the mortgage receivable at June 30, 2008. The Company has commenced legal action to exercise its rights under the loan documents.
 
    NASA Settlement. In 1994, New Valley commenced an action against the United States government seeking damages for breach of a launch services agreement covering the launch of one of the Westar satellites owned by New Valley’s former Western Union satellite business. In March 2007, the parties entered into a Stipulation for Entry of Judgment to settle New Valley’s claims and, pursuant to the settlement, $20,000 was paid in May 2007. In the first quarter of 2007, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $19,590, which consisted of other non-operating income of $20,000 and $410 of selling, general and administrative expenses, in connection with the settlement.
 
11.   INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
    On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, for financial assets and financial liabilities. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements but rather introduces a framework for measuring fair value and expands required disclosure about fair value measurements of assets and liabilities.
 
    SFAS No. 157 discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The statement clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing amounts that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.
 
    SFAS No. 157 utilizes a three-tier fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:
     
Level 1
  Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
   
Level 2
  Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liability, either directory or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
 
   
Level 3
  Unobservable inputs in which there is little market data, which requires the reporting entity to develop their own assumptions.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
    This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data, when available, and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value.
 
    The Company’s population of recurring financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements and the necessary disclosures are as follows:
                                 
    Fair Value Measurements as of June 30, 2008  
            Quoted Prices in              
            Active Markets for     Significant other     Significant  
            Identical Assets     Observable Inputs     Unobservable Inputs  
Description   Total     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Assets:
                               
Money market funds
  $ 212,175     $ 212,175     $     $  
Investment securities available for sale
    37,508       33,174       4,334        
 
                       
Total
  $ 249,683     $ 245,349     $ 4,334     $  
 
                       
Liabilities:
                               
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
  $ 94,267     $     $     $ 94,267  
 
                       
    The fair value of investment securities available for sale included in Level 1 are based on quoted market prices from various stock exchanges. The $4,334 of the investments securities available for sale in Level 2 are not registered and therefore do not have direct market quotes.
 
    The fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt were derived using a valuation model and have been classified as Level 3. The valuation model assumes future dividend payments by the Company and utilizes interest rates and credit spreads for secured to unsecured debt, unsecured to subordinated debt and subordinated debt to preferred stock to determine the fair value of the derivatives embedded within the convertible debt. The changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt as of June 30, 2008 are disclosed. (See Note 6.)
 
12.   SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
    The Company’s significant business segments for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 were Liggett, Vector Tobacco and New Valley. The Liggett segment consists of the manufacture and sale of conventional cigarettes and, for segment reporting purposes, includes the operations of Medallion acquired on April 1, 2002 (which operations are held for legal purposes as part of Vector Tobacco). The Vector Tobacco segment includes the development and marketing of the low nicotine and nicotine-free cigarette products as well as the development of reduced risk cigarette products and, for segment reporting purposes, excludes the operations of Medallion. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The New Valley segment includes the Company’s equity income and investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses and mortgage receivable.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
    Financial information for the Company’s operations before taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 follows:
                                         
            Vector     New     Corporate        
    Liggett     Tobacco     Valley     and Other     Total  
Three months ended June 30, 2008
                                       
Revenues
  $ 142,330     $ 630                 $ 142,960  
Operating income (loss)
    43,692       (1,926 )           (7,421 )     34,345  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,919       29             584       2,532  
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
                4,184             4,184  
 
                                       
Three months ended June 30, 2007
                                       
Revenues
  $ 139,305     $ 1,046                 $ 140,351  
Operating income (loss)
    37,463       (2,102 )           (6,178 )     29,183  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,844       25             587       2,456  
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
                6,927             6,927  
 
                                       
Six months ended June 30, 2008
                                       
Revenues
  $ 273,975     $ 1,190                 $ 275,165  
Operating income (loss)
    81,036       (4,336 )           (14,314 )     62,386  
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
                17,504             17,504  
Identifiable assets
    322,563       6,368       43,857       415,271       788,059  
Depreciation and amortization
    3,772       59             1,169       5,000  
Capital expenditures
    2,410       46                   2,456  
 
                                       
Six months ended June 30, 2007
                                       
Revenues
  $ 272,118     $ 2,125     $     $     $ 274,243  
Operating income (loss)
    72,923       (4,406 )           (13,614 )     54,903  
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
                9,337             9,337  
Identifiable assets
    307,797       4,496       32,855       274,978       620,126  
Depreciation and amortization
    3,855       58             1,172       5,085  
Capital expenditures
    2,632       84                   2,716  

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
13.   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
    The accompanying condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X, Rule 3-10, “Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered”. Each of the subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, and all guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several. The Company’s investments in its consolidated subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting.
 
    The 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015, issued on August 16, 2007 by Vector, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by all of the 100%-owned domestic subsidiaries of the Company that are engaged in the conduct of its cigarette businesses. (See Note 6.) The notes are not guaranteed by any of the Company’s subsidiaries engaged in the real estate businesses conducted through its subsidiary New Valley. Presented herein are unaudited condensed consolidating balance sheets as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the related unaudited condensed consolidating statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 of the Company (Parent/Issuer), the guarantor subsidiaries (Subsidiary Guarantors) and the subsidiaries that are not guarantors (Subsidiary Non-Guarantors).
 
    The indenture contains covenants that restrict the payment of dividends by the Company if the Company’s consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Consolidated EBITDA”), as defined in the indenture, for the most recently ended four full quarters is less than $50,000. The indenture also restricts the incurrence of debt if the Company’s Leverage Ratio and its Secured Leverage Ratio, as defined in the indenture, exceed 3.0 and 1.5, respectively. The Company’s Leverage Ratio is defined in the indenture as the ratio of the Company’s and the guaranteeing subsidiaries’ total debt less the fair market value of the Company’s and the guaranteeing subsidiaries’ cash and cash equivalents, investments in 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.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
                                         
    June 30, 2008  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
ASSETS:
                                       
Current assets:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 208,856     $ 10,938     $ 4     $     $ 219,798  
Investment securities available for sale
    37,430             78             37,508  
Accounts receivable — trade
          8,607                   8,607  
Intercompany receivables
    448                   (448 )      
Inventories
          91,102                   91,102  
Deferred income taxes
    17,410       350                   17,760  
Income taxes receivable
    15,598       262             (15,860 )      
Other current assets
    1,561       3,289                   4,850  
 
                             
Total current assets
    281,303       114,548       82       (16,308 )     379,625  
 
                                       
Property, plant and equipment, net
    800       51,048                   51,848  
Mortgage receivable
                21,704             21,704  
Long-term investments accounted for at cost
    72,233             785             73,018  
 
                                       
Long-term investments accounted under the equity method
                             
Investments in non- consolidated real estate businesses
                43,857             43,857  
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
    221,262                   (221,262 )      
Restricted assets
    4,091       4,934                   9,025  
Deferred income taxes
    22,293       908       4,216             27,417  
Intangible asset
          107,511                   107,511  
Prepaid pension costs
          44,126                   44,126  
Other assets
    16,633       13,295                   29,928  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 618,615     $ 336,370     $ 70,644     $ (237,570 )   $ 788,059  
 
                             
 
                                       

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
                                         
    June 30, 2008  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                       
Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt
  $     $ 18,946     $     $     $ 18,946  
Accounts payable
    279       2,729                   3,008  
Intercompany payables
          448             (448 )      
Accrued promotional expenses
          10,479                   10,479  
Income taxes payable, net
          309       23,056       (15,860 )     7,505  
Accrued excise and payroll taxes payable, net
          4,728                   4,728  
Settlement accruals
          27,497                   27,497  
Deferred income taxes
    84,811       11,746                   96,557  
Accrued interest
    9,525                         9,525  
Other current liabilities
    4,850       11,542       775             17,167  
 
                             
Total current liabilities
    99,465       88,424       23,831       (16,308 )     195,412  
Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion
    258,553       19,693                   278,246  
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
    94,267                         94,267  
Non-current employee benefits
    28,374       15,115                   43,489  
Deferred income taxes
    42,853       20,891       110             63,854  
Other liabilities
     461       15,275       2,413             18,149  
 
                             
Total liabilities
    523,973       159,398       26,354       (16,308 )     693,417  
 
                                       
Commitments and contingencies
                             
 
                                       
Stockholders’ equity
    94,642       176,972       44,290       (221,262 )     94,642  
 
                             
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 618,615     $ 336,370     $ 70,644     $ (237,750 )   $ 788,059  
 
                             

33


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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
                                         
    December 31, 2007  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
ASSETS:
                                       
Current assets:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 228,901     $ 9,216     $     $     $ 238,117  
Investment securities available for sale
    45,841             34             45,875  
Accounts receivable — trade
          3,113                   3,113  
Intercompany receivables
    19                   (19 )      
Inventories
          86,825                   86,825  
Deferred income taxes
    18,003       333                   18,336  
Income taxes receivable
    27,364                   (27,364 )      
Other current assets
     103       3,257                   3,360  
 
                             
Total current assets
    320,231       102,744       34       (27,383 )     395,626  
 
                                       
Property, plant and equipment, net
    867       53,565                   54,432  
Long-term investments accounted for at cost
    72,233             738             72,971  
Long-term investments accounted under the equity method
    10,495                         10,495  
Investments in non- consolidated real estate businesses
                35,731             35,731  
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
    190,354                   (190,354 )      
Restricted assets
    3,859       4,907                   8,766  
Deferred income taxes
    21,288       883       4,466             26,637  
Intangible asset
          107,511                   107,511  
Prepaid pension costs
          42,084                   42,084  
Other assets
    18,066       12,970                   31,036  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 637,393     $ 324,664     $ 40,969     $ (217,737 )   $ 785,289  
 
                             
 
                                       

34


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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
                                         
    December 31, 2007  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                       
Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt
  $     $ 20,618     $     $     $ 20,618  
Accounts payable
    2,194       4,786                   6,980  
Intercompany payables
          19             (19 )      
Accrued promotional expenses
          9,210                   9,210  
Income taxes payable, net
          13,245       16,482       (27,364 )     2,363  
Accrued excise and payroll taxes payable, net
          5,327                   5,327  
Settlement accruals
          10,041                   10,041  
Deferred income taxes
    20,218       3,801                   24,019  
Accrued interest
    9,475                         9,475  
Other current liabilities
    6,486       14,118       700             21,304  
 
                             
Total current liabilities
    38,373       81,165       17,182       (27,383 )     109,337  
Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion
    254,538       22,640                   277,178  
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
    101,582                         101,582  
Non-current employee benefits
    25,983       14,950                   40,933  
Deferred income taxes
    115,571       26,223       110             141,904  
Other liabilities
     494       10,571       2,438             13,503  
 
                             
Total liabilities
    536,541       155,549       19,730       (27,383 )     684,437  
 
                                       
Commitments and contingencies
                             
 
                                       
Stockholders’ equity
    100,852       169,115       21,239       (190,354 )     100,852  
 
                             
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 637,393     $ 324,664     $ 40,969     $ (217,737 )   $ 785,289  
 
                             

35


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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 June 30, 2008  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
 
Revenues
  $     $ 142,960     $     $     $ 142,960  
Expenses:
                                       
Cost of goods sold
          86,030                   86,030  
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
    7,977       14,304       304             22,585  
Management fee expense
          1,985             (1,985 )      
 
                             
Operating (loss) income
    (7,977 )     40,641       (304 )     1,985       34,345  
Other income (expenses):
                                       
Interest and dividend income
    1,144       231                   1,375  
Interest expense
    (14,879 )     (378 )                 (15,257 )
Changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
    9,759                         9,759  
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
                4,184             4,184  
Equity income in consolidated subsidiaries
    27,475                   (27,475 )      
Management fee income
    1,985                   (1,985 )      
Other, net
    (4 )                       (4 )
 
                             
Income before provision for income taxes
    17,503       40,494       3,880       (27,475 )     34,402  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    1,622       (15,312 )     (1,587 )           (15,277 )
 
                             
Net income
  $ 19,125     $ 25,182     $ 2,293     $ (27,475 )   $ 19,125  
 
                             

36


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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 June 30, 2007  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
 
Revenues
  $     $ 140,351     $     $     $ 140,351  
Expenses:
                                       
Cost of goods sold
          87,222                   87,222  
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
    6,855       16,922       169             23,946  
Management fee expense
          1,918             (1,918 )      
 
                             
Operating (loss) income
    (6,855 )     34,289       (169 )     1,918       29,183  
Other income (expenses):
                                       
Interest and dividend income
    3,972       161             (2,572 )     1,561  
Interest expense
    (8,961 )     (3,131 )           2,572       (9,520 )
Changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
    2,089                         2,089  
Gain on conversion on LTS note
                8,121             8,121  
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
                6,927             6,927  
Equity income in consolidated subsidiaries
    26,918                   (26,918 )      
Management fee income
    1,918                   (1,918 )      
Other, net
    (57 )           26             (31 )
 
                             
Income before provision for income taxes
    19,024       31,319       14,905       (26,918 )     38,330  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    2,357       (13,210 )     (6,096 )           (16,949 )
 
                             
Net income
  $ 21,381     $ 18,109     $ 8,809     $ (26,918 )   $ 21,381  
 
                             

37


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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30, 2008  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
 
Revenues
  $     $ 275,165     $     $     $ 275,165  
Expenses:
                                       
Cost of goods sold
          166,037                   166,037  
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
    15,171       30,872       699             46,742  
Management fee expense
          3,970             (3,970 )      
 
                             
Operating (loss) income
    (15,171 )     74,286       (699 )     3,970       62,386  
Other income (expenses):
                                       
Interest and dividend income
    3,040       306                   3,346  
Interest expense
    (29,550 )     (960 )                 (30,510 )
Changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
    7,315                         7,315  
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
                17,504             17,504  
Equity income in consolidated subsidiaries
    55,217                   (55,217 )      
Management fee income
    3,970                   (3,970 )      
Other, net
    (573 )           (4 )           (577 )
 
                             
Income before provision for income taxes
    24,248       73,632       16,801       (55,217 )     59,464  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    9,184       (28,344 )     (6,872 )           (26,032 )
 
                             
Net income
  $ 33,432     $ 45,288     $ 9,929     $ (55,217 )   $ 33,432  
 
                             

38


Table of Contents

VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30, 2007  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
 
Revenues
  $     $ 274,243     $     $     $ 274,243  
Expenses:
                                       
Cost of goods sold
          171,907                   171,907  
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
    14,627       32,018       788             47,433  
Management fee expense
          3,835             (3,835 )      
 
                             
Operating (loss) income
    (14,627 )     66,483       (788 )     3,835       54,903  
Other income (expenses):
                                       
Interest and dividend income
    8,244       300             (5,127 )     3,417  
Interest expense
    (17,099 )     (6,682 )           5,127       (18,654 )
Changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
    2,116                         2,116  
Provision for loss on Investments, net
    2             (1,160 )           (1,158 )
Gain from conversion of LTS notes
                8,121             8,121  
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
                9,337             9,337  
Income from lawsuit settlement
                20,000             20,000  
Equity income in consolidated subsidiaries
    56,035                   (56,035 )      
Management fee income
    3,835                   (3,835 )      
Other, net
    (61 )     1       24             (36 )
 
                             
Income before provision for income taxes
    38,445       60,102       35,534       (56,035 )     78,046  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    6,063       (25,536 )     (14,065 )           (33,538 )
 
                             
Net income
  $ 44,508     $ 34,566     $ 21,469     $ (56,035 )   $ 44,508  
 
                             

39


Table of Contents

VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30, 2008  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 26,962     $ 46,368     $ 2,255     $ (39,700 )   $ 35,885  
 
                             
 
                                       
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                       
Purchase of investment securities
    (5,182 )                       (5,182 )
Proceeds from sale or liquidation of long-term investments
    8,334                         8,334  
Purchase of long-term investments
                (51 )           (51 )
Purchase of mortgage receivable
                (21,704 )           (21,704 )
Distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses
                16,446             16,446  
Investment in non- consolidated real estate businesses
                (10,000 )           (10,000 )
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies
    (254 )     (267 )                 (521 )
Increase in non-current restricted assets
    (232 )     (27 )                 (259 )
Investments in subsidiaries
    (15,108 )                 15,108        
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets
          373                   373  
Capital expenditures
          (2,456 )                 (2,456 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Net cash used in investing activities
    (12,442     (2,377 )     (15,309 )     15,108       (15,020 )
 
                             

40


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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
                                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                       
Repayments of debt
          (2,984 )                 (2,984 )
Deferred financing charges
    (137 )                       (137 )
Borrowings under revolver
          255,118                   255,118  
Repayments on revolver
          (256,753 )                 (256,753 )
Capital contributions received
          2,050       13,058       (15,108 )      
Intercompany dividends paid
          (39,700 )           (39,700      
Dividends and distributions on common stock
    (52,737 )                       (52,737 )
Proceeds from exercise of Vector options and warrants
    26                         26  
Excess tax benefit of options exercised
    18,283                         18,283  
 
                             
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (34,565 )     (42,269 )     13,058       24,592       (39,184 )
 
                             
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (20,045 )     1,722       4             (18,319 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    228,901       9,216                   238,117  
 
                             
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 208,856     $ 10,938     $ 4     $     $ 219,798  
 
                             

41


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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30, 2007  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
   
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 67,743     $ 39,347     $ 25,760     $ (75,490 )   $ 57,360  
 
                             
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                       
Purchase of investment securities
    (6,032 )                       (6,032 )
Proceeds from sale or liquidation of long-term investments
                50             50  
Purchase of long-term investments
                (91 )           (91 )
Distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses
                1,000             1,000  
Investment in non- consolidated real estate businesses
                (750 )           (750 )
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies
    (225 )     (299 )                 (524 )
Receipt of repayment of notes receivable
    4,000                   (4,000 )      
(Increase) decrease in non-current restricted assets
    (316 )     3                   (313 )
Investments in subsidiaries
    (37,350 )                 37,350        
Capital expenditures
          (2,716 )                 (2,716 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (39,923 )     (3,012 )     209       33,350       (9,376 )
 
                             

42


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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

               Unaudited               
                                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                       
Proceeds from debt issuance
          1,576                   1,576  
Repayments of debt
          (42,205 )           4,000       (38,205 )
Borrowings under revolver
          275,062                   275,062  
Repayments on revolver
          (258,419 )                 (258,419 )
Capital contributions received
          37,350             (37,350 )      
Intercompany dividends paid
          (49,500 )     (25,990 )     75,490        
Dividends and distributions on common stock
    (50,360 )                       (50,360 )
Proceeds from exercise of Vector options and warrants
    1,978                         1,978  
 
                             
Net cash used in financing activities
    (48,382 )     (36,136 )     (25,990 )     42,140       (68,368 )
 
                             
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (20,562 )     199       (21 )           (20,384 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    132,942       13,797       30             146,769  
 
                             
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 112,380     $ 13,996     $ 9     $     $ 126,385  
 
                             

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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 subsidiary Liggett Group LLC,
 
    the development and marketing of the low nicotine and nicotine-free QUEST cigarette products and the development of reduced risk cigarette products through our subsidiary Vector Tobacco Inc., and
 
    the real estate business through our subsidiary, New Valley LLC, which is seeking to acquire additional operating companies and real estate properties. New Valley owns 50% of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, which operates the largest residential brokerage company in the New York metropolitan area.
     All of Liggett’s unit sales volume in 2007 and the first six months of 2008 was in the discount segment, which Liggett’s management believes has been the primary growth segment in the industry for over a decade. The significant discounting of premium cigarettes in recent years has led to brands, such as EVE, that were traditionally considered premium brands to become more appropriately categorized as discount, following list price reductions.
     Liggett’s cigarettes are produced in approximately 245 combinations of length, style and packaging. Liggett’s current brand portfolio includes:
    LIGGETT SELECT — the third largest brand in the deep discount category,
 
    GRAND PRIX — a growing brand in the deep discount segment,
 
    EVE — a leading brand of 120 millimeter cigarettes in the branded discount category,
 
    PYRAMID — the industry’s first deep discount product with a brand identity, and
 
    USA and various Partner Brands and private label brands.
     In 1999, Liggett introduced LIGGETT SELECT, one of the leading brands in the deep discount category. LIGGETT SELECT was the largest seller in Liggett’s family of brands in 2007 and comprised 32.9% of Liggett’s unit volume in 2007. In September 2005, Liggett repositioned GRAND PRIX to distributors and retailers nationwide. GRAND PRIX is marketed as the “lowest price fighter” to specifically compete with brands which are priced at the lowest level of the deep discount segment.
     Under the Master Settlement Agreement reached in November 1998 with 46 states and various territories, the three largest cigarette manufacturers must make settlement payments to the states and territories based on how many cigarettes they sell annually. Liggett, however, is not required to make any payments unless its market share exceeds approximately 1.65% of the U.S. cigarette market. Additionally, Vector Tobacco has no payment obligation unless its market share exceeds approximately 0.28% of the U.S. market. Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s payments under the Master Settlement Agreement are based on each company’s incremental market share above the minimum threshold applicable to such company. We believe that Liggett has gained a sustainable cost advantage over its competitors as a result of the settlement.

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     The discount segment is a challenging marketplace, with consumers having less brand loyalty and placing greater emphasis on price. Liggett’s competition is now divided into two segments. The first segment is made up of the four largest manufacturers of cigarettes in the United States, Philip Morris USA Inc., Reynolds America Inc. (following the combination of RJR Tobacco and Brown & Williamson’s United States tobacco business in July 2004), Lorillard Tobacco Company and Commonwealth Brands, Inc. (which Imperial Tobacco PLC acquired in 2007). The three largest manufacturers, while primarily premium cigarette based companies, also produce and sell discount cigarettes. The second segment of competition is comprised of a group of smaller manufacturers and importers, most of which sell lower quality, deep discount cigarettes.
Recent Developments
     NASA Settlement. In 1994, New Valley commenced an action against the United States government seeking damages for breach of a launch services agreement covering the launch of one of the Westar satellites owned by New Valley’s former Western Union satellite business. In March 2007, the parties entered into a Stipulation for Entry of Judgment to settle New Valley’s claims and, pursuant to the settlement, $20,000 was paid in May 2007. In the first quarter of 2007, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $19,590, which consisted of other non-operating income of $20,000 and $410 of selling, general and administrative expenses, in connection with the settlement.
     Issuance of 11% Senior Secured Notes. In August 2007, we sold $165,000 principal amount of our 11% Senior Secured Notes due August 15, 2015 in a private offering to qualified institutional investors in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act. We intend to use the net proceeds of the issuance for general corporate purposes which may include working capital requirements, the financing of capital expenditures, future acquisitions, the repayment or refinancing of outstanding indebtedness, payment of dividends and distributions and the repurchase of all or any part of our outstanding convertible notes.
     Proposed and enacted excise tax increases. Congress is considering proposals to increase the federal excise tax by as much as $0.61 per pack. Eleven states enacted increases to state excise taxes in 2007. Five states enacted increases to state excise taxes in 2008 and further increases in states’ excise taxes are expected in 2008.
     Tobacco Settlement Agreements. In October 2004, the independent auditor under the Master Settlement Agreement notified Liggett and all other Participating Manufacturers that their payment obligations under the Master Settlement Agreement, dating from the agreement’s execution in late 1998, had been recalculated using “net” unit amounts, rather than “gross” unit amounts (which had been used since 1999 to calculate market share and the allocation of the base amount of payments under the Master Settlement Agreement). The change in the method of calculation could, among other things, require additional Master Settlement Agreement payments by Liggett of approximately $18,300, for 2001 through 2007, require an additional payment of approximately $3,300 for 2008 and require additional amounts in future periods because the proposed change from “gross” to “net” units would serve to lower Liggett’s market share exemption under the Master Settlement Agreement. Liggett has objected to this retroactive change and has disputed the change in methodology. No amounts have been accrued or expensed in our consolidated financial statements for any potential liability relating to the “gross” versus “net” dispute.
     In 2005, the independent auditor under the Master Settlement Agreement calculated that Liggett owed $28,668 for its 2004 sales. Liggett paid $11,678 and disputed the balance, as permitted by the Master Settlement Agreement. Liggett subsequently paid $9,304 of the disputed amount, although Liggett continues to dispute that this amount is owed. This $9,304 relates to an adjustment to its 2003 payment obligation claimed by Liggett for the market share loss to non-

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participating manufacturers, which is known as the “NPM Adjustment.” At June 30, 2008, included in “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheet was a receivable of $6,513 relating to such amount. The remaining balance in dispute of $7,686 is comprised of $5,318 claimed for a 2004 NPM Adjustment and $2,368 relating to the independent auditor’s retroactive change from “gross” to “net” units in calculating Master Settlement Agreement payments, which Liggett contends is improper, as discussed above. From its April 2006 payment, Liggett and Vector Tobacco withheld approximately $1,600 claimed for the 2005 NPM Adjustment and $2,612 relating to the retroactive change from “gross” to “net” units. Liggett and Vector Tobacco withheld approximately $4,200 from their April 2007 payments related to the 2006 NPM Adjustment and approximately $3,000 relating to the retroactive change from “gross” to “net” units. From its April 2008 payment, Liggett withheld approximately $4,000 for the 2007 NPM Adjustment and approximately $3,300 related to the retroactive change from “gross” to “net” units. Vector Tobacco paid approximately $200 into the disputed payments account for the 2007 NPM Adjustment.
     The following amounts have not been expensed in our consolidated financial statements as they relate to Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s claim for an NPM Adjustment: $6,513 for 2003, $3,789 for 2004 and $800 for 2005.
     In March 2006, an economic consulting firm selected pursuant to the Master Settlement Agreement rendered its final and non-appealable decision that the Master Settlement Agreement was a “significant factor contributing to” the loss of market share of Participating Manufacturers for 2003. The economic consulting firm rendered the same decision with respect to 2004 and 2005. As a result, the manufacturers are entitled to potential NPM Adjustments to their 2003, 2004 and 2005 Master Settlement Agreement payments. A Settling State that has diligently enforced its qualifying escrow statute in the year in question may be able to avoid application of the NPM Adjustment to the payments made by the manufacturers for the benefit of that state or territory.
     Since April 2006, notwithstanding provisions in the Master Settlement Agreement requiring arbitration, litigation has been commenced in 49 Settling States and territories over the issue of whether the application of the NPM Adjustment for 2003 is to be determined through litigation or arbitration. These actions relate to the potential NPM Adjustment for 2003, which the independent auditor under the Master Settlement Agreement previously determined to be as much as $1,200,000 for all Participating Manufacturers. To date, all 48 courts that have decided the issue have ruled that the 2003 NPM Adjustment dispute is arbitrable and 39 of these decisions are final. There can be no assurance that Liggett or Vector Tobacco will receive any adjustment as a result of these proceedings.
     Vector Tobacco does not make MSA payments on sales of its QUEST 3 product as Vector Tobacco believes that QUEST 3 does not fall within the definition of a cigarette under the MSA. There can be no assurance that Vector Tobacco’s assessment is correct and that additional payments under the MSA for QUEST 3 will not be owed.
     In 2003, in order to resolve any potential issues with Minnesota as to Liggett’s ongoing economic settlement obligations, Liggett negotiated a $100 a year payment to Minnesota, to be paid any year cigarettes manufactured by Liggett are sold in that state. In 2004, the Attorneys General for each of Florida, Mississippi and Texas advised Liggett that they believed that Liggett has failed to make all required payments under the respective settlement agreements with these states for the period 1998 through 2003 and that additional payments may be due for 2004 and subsequent years. In 2004, Florida and Mississippi proposed settlements to Liggett in the amount of $20,000 for the period 1998 through 2003. Further discussions among the parties have not resulted in any resolutions of the disputes. Liggett believes these allegations are without merit, based, among other things, on the language of the most favored nation provisions of the settlement agreements.

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     Except for $2,500 accrued as of June 30, 2008, in connection with the foregoing matters, no other amounts have been accrued in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for any additional amounts that may be payable by Liggett under the settlement agreements with Florida, Mississippi and Texas. There can be no assurance that Liggett will resolve these matters and that Liggett will not be required to make additional material payments, which payments could adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
     Sale of St. Regis Hotel. In March 2008, 16th and K Holdings LLC closed on the sale of 90% of the St. Regis Hotel. In addition to retaining a 3% interest, net of incentives, in the St. Regis Hotel, New Valley received $15,822 in March 2008 and anticipates receiving from the sale approximately an additional $1,400 in 2008 and approximately an additional $5,000 in various installments between 2009 and 2012. New Valley recorded equity losses of $0 and $59 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $3,796 and $102 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, associated with 16th and K Holdings LLC. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, New Valley also recorded income of $15,779 in connection with the distributions received in excess of the carrying amount of the investment in St. Regis.
     Escena. In March 2008, a subsidiary of New Valley LLC purchased a loan secured by a substantial portion of a 450-acre approved master planned community in Palm Springs, California known as “Escena.” The loan, which is currently in foreclosure, was purchased for its $20,000 face value plus accrued interest and other costs of $1,445. The loan is being accounted for under the cost recovery method and the cost includes the purchase price and additional capitalized costs of $259. At June 30, 2008, we carried the loan on our condensed consolidated balance sheet at its cost of $21,704. The borrowers are Escena-PSC, LLC and Palm Springs Classic, LLC, a joint venture of Lennar Homes of California, Inc and Empire Land, LLC. Empire Land recently filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition. Lennar Homes is an affiliate of Lennar Corporation. The project consists of 867 residential lots with site and public infrastructure, an 18-hole Nicklaus Design golf course, a substantially completed clubhouse, and a seven-acre site approved for a 450-room hotel.
     In October 2007, the “as is” value of the land was appraised in excess of the outstanding value of the loan. We recently obtained an appraisal that valued the property at substantially less than the outstanding loan balance. The reduction in value was attributed to the overall real estate market conditions in California. Among other things, Lennar Corporation has a payment guarantee of up to 50% of the outstanding loan as well as a guarantee to complete the development of the property. In order to calculate the fair market value of the investment, we utilized the most recent “as is” appraised value of the collateral and estimated the value of Lennar Corporation’s completion and payment guaranties, less estimated costs to enforce the guaranties and dispose the property. Based on these estimates, we have determined that the fair market value approximates the carrying amount of the mortgage receivable at June 30, 2008. We have commenced legal action to exercise our rights under the loan documents.
     Aberdeen Townhomes LLC. In June 2008, a subsidiary of New Valley LLC purchased a preferred equity interest in Aberdeen Townhomes LLC (“Aberdeen”) for $10,000. Aberdeen acquired five town home residences located in Manhattan, New York, which it is in the process of rehabilitating and selling. In the event that Aberdeen makes distributions of cash, New Valley is entitled to a priority preferred return of 15% per annum until it has recovered its invested capital. New Valley is entitled to 25% of subsequent cash distributions of profits until it has achieved an annual 18% internal rate of return (“IRR”). New Valley is then entitled to 20% of subsequent cash distributions of profits until it has achieved an annual 23% IRR. After New Valley has achieved an annual 23% IRR, it is then entitled to 10% of any remaining cash distributions of profits. Aberdeen is a variable interest entity; however, the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investment in Aberdeen is $10,000. This investment is being accounted for under the cost method.
     SNUS. Beginning in May 2008 Liggett introduced SNUS, a premium quality pouched tobacco product. SNUS is manufactured in Sweden and is available in three varieties.

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Recent Developments in Tobacco-Related Litigation
     The cigarette industry continues to be challenged on numerous fronts. New cases continue to be commenced against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers. As of June 30, 2008, there were approximately 2,185 individual suits (excluding approximately 100 individual cases pending in West Virginia state court as part of a consolidated action; Liggett has been severed from the trial of the consolidated action), 10 purported class actions and four governmental and other third-party payor health care reimbursement actions pending in the United States in which Liggett or us, or both, were named as a defendant.
     In 2000, a jury, in Engle v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., rendered a $145,000,000 punitive damages verdict in favor of a “Florida class” against certain cigarette manufacturers, including Liggett. Pursuant to the Florida Supreme 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 mandate, are referred to as the “Engle progeny cases.” As of June 30, 2008, Liggett and/or the Company have been named in approximately 2,150 Engle progeny cases in both state and federal courts in Florida. Other cigarette manufacturers have also been named as defendants in these cases. These cases include approximately 9,570 plaintiffs. Although the total number of Engle plaintiffs will not increase, the number of cases will likely increase as the court may require multi-plaintiff cases to be severed into individual cases.
     In June 2002, the jury in a Florida state court action entitled Lukacs v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, awarded $37,500 in compensatory damages in a case involving Liggett and two other cigarette manufacturers. In March 2003, the court reduced the amount of the compensatory damages to $24,860. The jury found Liggett 50% responsible for the damages incurred by the plaintiff. The Lukacs case was the first case to be tried as an individual Engle class member suit following entry of final judgment by the Engle trial court. In the event the court enters judgment in plaintiff’s favor, plaintiff contends that interest on the judgment accrues from the date of the verdict. If the court enters judgment in plaintiff’s favor, Liggett intends to appeal and may be required to post a bond. In addition, plaintiff filed a motion seeking an award of attorneys’ fees from Liggett based on plaintiff’s prior proposal for settlement. It is possible that additional cases could be decided unfavorably and that there could be further adverse developments in the Engle case. Liggett may enter into discussions in an attempt to settle particular cases if it believes it is appropriate to do so. We cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future settlements and judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that those requirements will not be able to be met.
     In recent years, there have been a number of proposed restrictive regulatory actions from various federal administrative bodies, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the FDA. There have also been adverse political decisions and other unfavorable developments concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry, including the commencement and certification of class actions and the commencement of third-party payor actions. In October 2004, the Senate passed a bill, which did not become law, providing for FDA regulation of tobacco products. A substantially similar bill was reintroduced in Congress in February 2007. This legislation was approved in August 2007 by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and is awaiting consideration by the full Senate. Companion legislation was approved by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in April 2008 and was passed by the full House of Representatives in July 2008. The House legislation includes a provision granting certain phase in exemptions for small manufacturers that would not be applicable to Liggett. At this time, the Company does not know whether FDA regulation over tobacco products will be approved by this Congress, and if so, whether it will be signed into law by the President.

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     These developments generally receive widespread media attention. We are not able to evaluate the effect of these developing matters on pending litigation or the possible commencement of additional litigation, but our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any tobacco-related litigation.
Critical Accounting Policies
     There are no material changes from the critical accounting policies set forth in Item 7, “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, 2007, except for the changes set forth below. Please refer to that section and the information below for disclosures regarding the critical accounting policies related to our business.
     Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements. Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” (“SFAS No. 157”) for financial assets and financial liabilities. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements but provides a definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. We will adopt SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities on January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 on financial assets and financial liabilities did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. We are currently assessing the impact of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Results of Operations
     The following discussion provides an assessment of our results of operations, capital resources and liquidity and should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of VGR Holding, Liggett, Vector Tobacco, Liggett Vector Brands, New Valley and other less significant subsidiaries.
     For purposes of this discussion and other consolidated financial reporting, our significant business segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 were Liggett and Vector Tobacco. The Liggett segment consists of the manufacture and sale of conventional cigarettes and, for segment reporting purposes, includes the operations of the Medallion Company, Inc. acquired on April 1, 2002 (which operations are held for legal purposes as part of Vector Tobacco). The Vector Tobacco segment includes the development and marketing of the low nicotine and nicotine-free cigarette products as well as the development of reduced risk cigarette products and, for segment reporting purposes, excludes the operations of Medallion.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30     June 30,     June 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Revenues:
                               
Liggett
  $ 142,330     $ 139,305     $ 273,975     $ 272,118  
Vector Tobacco
     630       1,046       1,190       2,125  
 
                       
Total revenues
  $ 142,960     $ 140,351     $ 275,165     $ 274,243  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating income (loss):
                               
Liggett
  $ 43,692     $ 37,463     $ 81,036     $ 72,923  
Vector Tobacco
    (1,926 )     (2,102 )     (4,336 )     (4,406 )
 
                       
Total tobacco
    41,766       35,361       76,700       68,517  
Corporate and other
    (7,421 )     (6,178 )     (14,314 )     (13,614 )
 
                       
Total operating income
  $ 34,345     $ 29,183     $ 62,386     $ 54,903  
 
                       

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Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared to Three Months ended June 30, 2007
     Revenues. Total revenues were $142,960 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $140,351 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. This $2,609 (1.9%) increase in revenues was due to a $3,025 (2.2%) increase in revenues at Liggett and a $416 (39.8%) decrease in revenues at Vector Tobacco.
     Tobacco Revenues. In April 2007, Liggett increased the list price of GRAND PRIX by an additional $1.00 per carton. In September 2007, Liggett increased the list price of LIGGETT SELECT, EVE and GRAND PRIX by an additional $0.70 per carton. In April 2008, Liggett increased the list price of GRAND PRIX by $0.40 per carton. In addition, in April 2008, Liggett decreased the early payment terms on its cigarettes from 2.75% to 2.25% of invoice amount.
     All of Liggett’s sales for the second quarter of 2008 and 2007 were in the discount category. For the three months ended June 30, 2008, net sales at Liggett totaled $142,330, compared to $139,305 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Revenues increased by 2.2% ($3,025) due to a favorable price variance of $8,243 primarily related to LIGGETT SELECT and GRAND PRIX and new sales of $363 from the introduction of SNUS offset by an unfavorable volume variance of $5,146 (approximately 84.8 million units) and sales mix of $435. Net revenues of the LIGGETT SELECT brand decreased $1,397 for the second quarter of 2008 compared to 2007, and its unit volume decreased 9.1% in 2008 period compared to 2007. Net revenues of the GRAND PRIX brand increased $7,099 for the second quarter of 2008 compared to the 2007 due to a favorable variance from pricing and lower promotional spending of $3,998 and an increase in volume of 8.6% (56.3 million units).
     Revenues at Vector Tobacco for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $630 compared to $1,046 in the 2007 period due to decreased sales volume. Vector Tobacco’s revenues in both periods related to sales of QUEST.
     Tobacco Gross Profit. Tobacco gross profit was $56,930 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $53,129 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. This represented an increase of $3,801 (7.2%) when compared to the same period last year, due primarily to decreased promotional spending expense. Liggett’s brands contributed 99.7% to our gross profit and Vector Tobacco contributed 0.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2008. Over the same period in 2007, Liggett’s brands contributed 99.4% to tobacco gross profit and Vector Tobacco contributed 0.6%.
     Liggett’s gross profit of $56,751 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased $3,947 from gross profit of $52,804 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. As a percent of revenues (excluding federal excise taxes), gross profit at Liggett increased to 57.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to gross profit of 56.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2007. This increase in Liggett’s gross profit in the 2008 period was attributable primarily to decreased promotional spending expense.

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     Vector Tobacco’s gross profit was $179 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to gross profit of $325 for the same period in 2007. The decrease was due primarily to the reduced sales volume.
     Expenses. Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $22,585 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $23,946 for the same period last year, a decrease of $1,361 (5.7%). Expenses at Liggett were $13,059 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $15,341 for the same period in the prior year, a decrease of $2,282 or 14.9%. The decrease related to product liability legal expenses in the 2008 period compared to the 2007 period. Liggett’s product liability legal expenses of $1,705 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $3,206 for the same period in the prior year. Expenses at Vector Tobacco for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $2,105 compared to expenses of $2,427 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Expenses at the corporate level increased from $6,178 to $7,421.
     For the three months ended June 30, 2008, Liggett’s operating income increased $6,229 to $43,692 compared to $37,463 for the same period in 2007 primarily due to increased gross profit. For the three months ended June 30, 2008, Vector Tobacco’s operating loss was $1,925 compared to a loss of $2,102 for the three months ended June 30, 2007.
     Other Income (Expenses). For the three months ended June 30, 2008, other income (expenses) was income of $57 compared to $9,147 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. For the three months ended June 30, 2008, other income consisted of equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses of $4,184, interest and dividend income of $1,375 and $9,759 for changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt. This amount was primarily offset by interest expense of $15,257. The equity income of $4,184 for the 2008 period resulted from New Valley’s investment in Douglas Elliman Realty. For the three months ended June 30, 2007, other income consisted of the gain on the exchange of the LTS notes of $8,121, equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses of $6,927, changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt of $2,089 and interest and dividend income of $1,561. This amount was primarily offset by interest expense of $9,520. The equity income of $6,927 for the 2007 period resulted primarily from income of $6,986 related to New Valley’s investment in Douglas Elliman Realty offset by losses of $59 in 16th and K. As of March 31, 2007, New Valley suspended its recognition of equity losses in Ceebraid and Koa Investors as such losses exceed its basis plus any commitment to make additional investments.
     The value of the embedded derivatives is contingent on changes in interest rates of debt instruments maturing over the duration of the convertible debt, our stock price as well as projections of future cash and stock dividends over the term of the debt. The gains from the embedded derivatives in the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, was primarily the result of interest payments during the period and increasing long-term interest rates.
     Income before income taxes. Income before income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $34,402 compared to income before income taxes of $38,330 for the three months ended June 30, 2007.
     Income tax provision. The income tax provision was $15,277 and $16,949 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 did not bear a customary relationship to statutory income tax rates as a result of the impact of nondeductible expenses and state income taxes offset by the impact of the domestic production activities deduction.
     Our provision for income taxes in interim periods is based on an estimated annual effective income tax rate derived, in part, from estimated annual pre-tax results from ordinary operations in accordance with FIN 18, “Accounting for Income Taxes in Interim Periods—an interpretation of APB Opinion No. 28.” We did not include the gain from the exchange of the LTS Notes in the computation of the effective annual income tax rate for 2007 from estimated pre-tax results from ordinary operations. For the three months ended June 30, 2007, the gain from the exchange of the LTS Notes reduced income tax expense by approximately $325 due to differences in our marginal tax rate of approximately 41% and its anticipated effective annual income tax rate from ordinary operations of approximately 45%.

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     Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared to Six Months ended June 30, 2007
     Revenues. Total revenues were $275,165 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $274,243 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This $922 (0.3%) increase in revenues was due to a $1,857 (0.7%) increase in revenues at Liggett and a $935 (44.0%) decrease in revenues at Vector Tobacco.
     Tobacco Revenues. In April 2007, Liggett increased the list price of GRAND PRIX by an additional $1.00 per carton. In September 2007, Liggett increased the list price of LIGGETT SELECT, EVE and GRAND PRIX by an additional $0.70 per carton. In April 2008, Liggett increased the list price of GRAND PRIX by $0.40 per carton. In addition, in April 2008, Liggett decreased the early payment terms on its cigarettes from 2.75% to 2.25% of invoice amount.
     All of Liggett’s sales for the first six months of 2008 and 2007 were in the discount category. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, net sales at Liggett totaled $273,975, compared to $272,118 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Revenues increased by 0.7% ($1,857) due to a favorable price variance of $19,989 primarily related to LIGGETT SELECT and GRAND PRIX and new sales of $363 from the introduction of SNUS offset by an unfavorable volume variance of $18,231 (approximately 307.5 million units) and sales mix of $264. Net revenues of the LIGGETT SELECT brand decreased $5,252 for the first six months of 2008 compared to 2007, and its unit volume decreased 11.3% in 2008 period compared to 2007. Net revenues of the GRAND PRIX brand increased $12,477 for the first six months of 2008 compared to 2007 as a favorable variance from pricing and lower promotional spending of $9,955 and an increase in volume of 3.6% (47.9 million units).
     Revenues at Vector Tobacco for the six months ended June 30, 2008 were $1,190 compared to $2,125 in the 2007 period due to decreased sales volume. Vector Tobacco’s revenues in both periods related to sales of QUEST.
     Tobacco Gross Profit. Tobacco gross profit was $109,128 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $102,336 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This represented an increase of $6,792 (6.6%) when compared to the same period last year, due primarily to decreased returns. Liggett’s brands contributed 99.7% to our gross profit and Vector Tobacco contributed 0.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Over the same period in 2007, Liggett’s brands contributed 99.4% to tobacco gross profit and Vector Tobacco contributed 0.6%.
     Liggett’s gross profit of $108,777 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased $7,086 from gross profit of $101,691 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. As a percent of revenues (excluding federal excise taxes), gross profit at Liggett increased to 57.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to gross profit of 55.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This increase in Liggett’s gross profit in the 2008 period was attributable primarily to decreased promotional spending expense and a $1,100 of a one-time decrease in MSA expense as a result of the MSA assessment for 2007 being less than anticipated.
     Vector Tobacco’s gross profit was $351 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to gross profit of $645 for the same period in 2007. The decrease was due primarily to the reduced sales volume.

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     Expenses. Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $46,742 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $47,433 for the same period last year, a decrease of $691 (1.5%). Expenses at Liggett were $27,741 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $28,768 for the same period in the prior year, a decrease of $1,027 or 3.6%. The decrease related to product liability legal expenses in the 2008 period compared to the 2007 period. Liggett’s product liability legal expenses of $3,069 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $4,237 for the same period in the prior year. Expenses at Vector Tobacco for the six months ended June 30, 2008 were $4,687 compared to expenses of $5,051 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Expenses at the corporate level increased from $13,614 in the 2007 period to $14,314.
     For the six months ended June 30, 2008, Liggett’s operating income increased $8,113 to $81,036 compared to $72,923 for the same period in 2007 primarily due to increased gross profit. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, Vector Tobacco’s operating loss was $4,336 compared to a loss of $4,406 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
     Other Income (Expenses). For the six months ended June 30, 2008, other income (expenses) was a loss of $2,922 compared to income of $23,143 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, other income consisted of equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses of $17,504, changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt of $7,315 and interest and dividend income of $3,346 and was primarily offset by interest expense of $30,510 and a loss of $577 associated with the performance of an investment partnership. The equity income of $17,504 for the 2008 period resulted from New Valley’s investment in Douglas Elliman Realty which contributed $5,522 and $11,982 from 16th and K, which consisted of equity losses from the operations of the St. Regis Hotel of $3,796 and income of $15,779 in connection with the gain on the disposal of 16th and K’s interest in 90% of the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, other income consisted of $20,000 for the NASA lawsuit settlement, equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses of $9,337, gain from the exchange of the LTS notes of $8,121, interest and dividend income of $3,417 and change in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt of $2,116 and was offset by interest expense of $18,654 and a loss on investments of $1,158. The equity income of $9,337 for the 2007 period resulted primarily from income of $11,142 related to New Valley’s investment in Douglas Elliman Realty offset by losses of $953 in Ceebraid, $750 in Koa Investors, and $102 in 16th and K. As of March 31, 2007, New Valley suspended its recognition of equity losses in Koa Investors as such losses exceed its basis plus any commitment to make additional investments.
     The value of the embedded derivatives is contingent on changes in interest rates of debt instruments maturing over the duration of the convertible debt, our stock price as well as projections of future cash and stock dividends over the term of the debt. The gains from the embedded derivatives in the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, were primarily the result of interest payments during the period and increasing long-term interest rates.
     Income before income taxes. Income before income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $59,464 compared to income before income taxes of $78,046 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
     Income tax provision. The income tax provision was $26,032 and $33,538 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 did not bear a customary relationship to statutory income tax rates as a result of the impact of nondeductible expenses and state income taxes offset by the impact of the domestic production activities deduction. In addition, our income tax provision for 2008 was reduced because of the impact of the gain on the disposal of the St. Regis, which reduced income tax expense by $460 due to differences in our marginal tax rate of approximately 41% and our anticipated effective annual income tax rate from ordinary operations of approximately 45%. In addition, our income tax provision for 2007 was reduced because of the impact of the settlement of an income tax assessment in March 2007, which reduced income tax expense by

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$450, the $19,590 of income from the lawsuit settlement with the United States government, which reduced income tax expense by approximately $800 or the gain from the exchange of the LTS notes, which reduced income tax expense by approximately $325 due to differences in our marginal tax rate of approximately 41% and our anticipated effective annual income tax rate from ordinary operations of approximately 45%. Our provision for income taxes in interim periods is based on an estimated annual effective income tax rate derived, in part, from estimated annual pre-tax results from ordinary operations in accordance with FIN 18, “Accounting for Income Taxes in Interim Periods—an interpretation of APB Opinion No. 28”. We did not include the discrete items discussed above in the 2008 or 2007 computation of our effective annual income tax rate from estimated pre-tax results from ordinary operations. Accordingly, our provision for income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 has been computed by applying the discrete method in accordance with FIN 18 to account for these items.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
     Net cash and cash equivalents decreased $18,319 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and decreased $20,384 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
     Net cash provided from operations was $35,885 and $57,360 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The difference between the two periods relates primarily to the receipt of $20,000 in connection with the NASA settlement in 2007, increased payables at Liggett in 2008 compared to a decrease in 2007, larger increases in accounts receivable and increased payments of compensation accruals at Liggett Vector Brands in 2008.
     Cash used in investing activities was $15,020 and $9,376 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. In the first six months of 2008, cash was used for the purchase of the mortgage receivable of $21,704, the purchase of non-consolidated real estate businesses of $10,000, the purchase of investment securities of $5,182, net capital expenditures of $2,083, increase in the cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance policies of $521, an increase in restricted assets of $259 and the purchase of long-term investments of $51 offset by the distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses of $16,446 and from the proceeds from the liquidation of long-term investments of $8,334. In the first six months of 2007, cash was used for capital expenditures of $2,716, the purchase of investment securities of $6,032, investment in non-consolidated real estate businesses of $750, increase in the cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance policies of $524, an increase in restricted assets of $313 and the net purchase of long-term investments of $41 partially offset by the return of capital contributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses of $1,000.
     Cash used in financing activities was $39,184 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to cash used of $68,368 for the 2007 period. In the first six months of 2008, cash was primarily used for distributions on common stock of $52,737, repayments on debt of $2,984, net payments of debt under the revolver of $1,635, deferred financing charges of $137, offset by the excess tax benefit of options exercised of $18,283 and the proceeds from the exercise of options of $26. In the first six months of 2007, cash was used for distributions on common stock of $50,360 and repayments on debt of $38,205. Cash used was offset primarily by net borrowings under the revolver of $16,643 and proceeds from the exercise of options of $1,978.
     Liggett. Liggett has a $50,000 credit facility with Wachovia Bank, N.A. under which $13,146 was outstanding at June 30, 2008. Availability as determined under the facility was approximately $18,680 based on eligible collateral at June 30, 2008. The facility contains covenants that provide that Liggett’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined under the facility, on a trailing twelve-month basis, shall not be less than $100,000 if Liggett’s excess availability, as defined, under the facility is less than $20,000. The covenants also require that annual capital expenditures, as defined under the facility, (before a maximum carryover amount of $2,500) shall not exceed $10,000 during any fiscal year. At June 30, 2008, management believed that Liggett was in compliance with all covenants under the credit facility; Liggett’s EBITDA, as defined, were approximately $150,211 for the twelve months ended June 30, 2008.

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     Liggett and other United States cigarette manufacturers have been named as defendants in a number of direct and third-party actions (and purported class actions) predicated on the theory that they should be liable for damages from cancer and other adverse health effects alleged to have been caused by cigarette smoking or by exposure to so-called secondary smoke from cigarettes. We believe, and have been so advised by counsel handling the respective cases, that Liggett has a number of valid defenses to claims asserted against it. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties. In June 2002, the jury in an individual case brought under the third phase of the Engle case awarded $37,500 (subsequently reduced by the court to $24,860) of compensatory damages against Liggett and two other defendants and found Liggett 50% responsible for the damages. Liggett may be required to bond the amount of the judgment to perfect its appeal. It is possible that additional cases could be decided unfavorably and that there could be further adverse developments in the Engle case. Liggett may enter into discussions in an attempt to settle particular cases if it believes it is appropriate to do so. Management cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future settlements and judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that those requirements will not be able to be met. An unfavorable outcome of a pending smoking and health case could encourage the commencement of additional similar litigation. In recent years, there have been a number of adverse regulatory, political and other developments concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry. These developments generally receive widespread media attention. Neither we nor Liggett are able to evaluate the effect of these developing matters on pending litigation or the possible commencement of additional litigation or regulation. See Note 8 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and “Legislation and Regulation” below for a description of legislation, regulation and litigation.
     Management is unable to make a reasonable estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the cases pending against Liggett or the costs of defending such cases. It is possible that our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any such tobacco-related litigation.
     Vector. We believe that we will continue to meet our liquidity requirements through 2009. Corporate expenditures (exclusive of Liggett, Vector Research, Vector Tobacco and New Valley) over the next twelve months for current operations include cash interest expense of approximately $48,750, dividends on our outstanding shares (currently at an annual rate of approximately $114,000) and corporate expenses and taxes. We anticipate funding our expenditures for current operations and required principal payments with available cash resources, proceeds from public and/or private debt and equity financing, management fees and other payments from subsidiaries. New Valley may acquire or seek to acquire additional operating businesses through merger, purchase of assets, stock acquisition or other means, or to make other investments, which may limit its ability to make such distributions.
     We or our subsidiaries file U.S. federal income tax returns and returns with various state and local jurisdictions. Our condensed consolidated balance sheets include deferred income tax assets and liabilities, which represent temporary differences in the application of accounting rules established by generally accepted accounting principles and income tax laws. As of June 30, 2008, our deferred income tax liabilities exceeded our deferred income tax assets by $115,234. Our current deferred income tax liabilities increased by approximately $75,500 during the six months ended June 30, 2008 as a result of the reclassification of a deferred tax liability from non-current to current liabilities. This reclassification resulted from our settlement with the Internal Revenue Service in July 2006, which required us to recognize taxable income of approximately $192,000 from the Philip Morris brand transaction by March 1, 2009. The largest component of our deferred tax liabilities exists because of differences that resulted from the Philip Morris brand transaction discussed above.

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Market Risk
     We are exposed to market risks principally from fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and equity prices. We seek to minimize these risks through our regular operating and financing activities and our long-term investment strategy. Our market risk management procedures cover all market risk sensitive financial instruments.
     As of June 30, 2008, approximately $30,800 of our outstanding debt at face value had variable interest rates determined by various interest rate indices, which increases the risk of fluctuating interest rates. Our exposure to market risk includes interest rate fluctuations in connection with our variable rate borrowings, which could adversely affect our cash flows. As of June 30, 2008, we had no interest rate caps or swaps. Based on a hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates (1%), our annual interest expense could increase or decrease by approximately $308.
     In addition, as of June 30, 2008, approximately $93,553 ($221,864 principal amount) of outstanding debt had a variable interest rate determined by the amount of the dividends on our common stock. The difference between the stated value of the debt and its carrying value is due principally to certain embedded derivatives, which were separately valued and recorded upon issuance.
     We have estimated the fair market value of the embedded derivatives based principally on the results of a valuation model. The estimated fair value of the derivatives embedded within the convertible debt is based principally on the present value of future dividend payments expected to be received by the convertible debt holders over the term of the debt. The discount rate applied to the future cash flows is estimated based on a spread in yield of our debt when compared to risk-free securities with the same duration; thus, a readily determinable fair market value of the embedded derivatives is not available. The valuation model assumes future dividend payments by the Company and utilizes interest rates and credit spreads for secured to unsecured debt, unsecured to subordinated debt and subordinated debt to preferred stock to determine the fair value of the derivatives embedded within the convertible debt. The valuation also considers items, including current and future dividends and the volatility of Vector’s stock price. The range of estimated fair market values of our embedded derivatives was between $93,300 and $95,300. We recorded the fair market value of our embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs at $94,267 as of June 30, 2008. The estimated fair market value of our embedded derivatives could change significantly based on future market conditions.
     Changes to the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives are reflected quarterly within our statements of operations as “Changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt.” The value of the embedded derivative is contingent on changes in interest rates of debt instruments maturing over the duration of the convertible debt as well as projections of future cash and stock dividends over the term of the debt and changes in the closing stock price at the end of each quarterly period. Based on a hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates (1%), our annual “Changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt” could increase or decrease by approximately $4,154 with approximately $435 resulting from the embedded derivative associated with our 5% variable interest senior convertible notes due 2011 and the remaining $3,719 resulting from the embedded derivative associated with our 3.875% variable interest senior convertible debentures due 2026. An increase in our quarterly dividend rate by $0.10 per share would increase interest expense by approximately $4,950 per year.

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     We held investment securities available for sale totaling $37,508 at June 30, 2008, which includes 13,888,889 shares of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc., which were carried at $20,972 and 5,057,110 shares of Opko Health, Inc., which were carried at $5,024. In March 2008, we acquired 2,800,000 shares of Opko in a private placement. These shares have not been registered for resale. See Note 3 to our condensed consolidated financial statements. Adverse market conditions could have a significant effect on the value of these investments.
     New Valley also holds long-term investments in various investment partnerships. These investments are illiquid, and their ultimate realization is subject to the performance of the underlying entities.
New Accounting Pronouncements
     In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with early adoption permitted provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157. We have not elected to use the fair value option.
     In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), a revised version of SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations.” The revision is intended to simplify existing guidance and converge rulemaking under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) with international accounting rules. This statement applies prospectively to business combinations where the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. An entity may not apply it before that date. The new standard also converges financial reporting under U.S. GAAP with international accounting rules. We are currently assessing the impact, if any, of SFAS No. 141(R) on its consolidated financial statements.
     In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.” SFAS No. 161 seeks qualitative disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative data about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative contracts, and details of credit-risk-related contingent features in hedged positions. SFAS No. 161 also seeks enhanced disclosure around derivative instruments in financial statements, accounting under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and how hedges affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for us as of January 1, 2009 and we do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 161 to have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
     On May 9, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. APB 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)” (“FSP No. APB 14-1”). We are currently assessing the impact of FSP No. APB 14-1 on our consolidated financial statements.
     On June 16, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities,” which states that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method. The guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years. We are currently assessing the impact of FSP No. EITF 03-6-1 on our consolidated financial statements.

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Legislation and Regulation
     Reports with respect to the alleged harmful physical effects of cigarette smoking have been publicized for many years and, in the opinion of 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.
     Since 1966, federal law has required that cigarettes manufactured, packaged or imported for sale or distribution in the United States include specific health warnings on their packaging. Since 1972, Liggett and the other cigarette manufacturers have included the federally required warning statements in print advertising and on certain categories of point-of-sale display materials relating to cigarettes. The Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act (“FCLA Act”) requires that packages of cigarettes distributed in the United States and cigarette advertisements in the United States bear one of the following four warning statements: “SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, And May Complicate Pregnancy”; “SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Quitting Smoking Now Greatly Reduces Serious Risks to Your Health”; “SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Smoking By Pregnant Women May Result in Fetal Injury, Premature Birth, And Low Birth Weight”; and “SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Cigarette Smoke Contains Carbon Monoxide”. The law also requires that each person who manufactures, packages or imports cigarettes annually provide to the Secretary of Health and Human Services a list of ingredients added to tobacco in the manufacture of cigarettes. Annual reports to the United States Congress are also required from the Secretary of Health and Human Services as to current information on the health consequences of smoking and from the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) on the effectiveness of cigarette labeling and current practices and methods of cigarette advertising and promotion. Both federal agencies are also required annually to make such recommendations as they deem appropriate with regard to further legislation. It is possible that proposed legislation providing for regulation of cigarettes by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), if enacted, could significantly change the warning requirements currently mandated by the FCLA Act. In addition, since 1997, Liggett has included the warning “Smoking is Addictive” on its cigarette packages and point-of-sale materials.
     In January 1993, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) released a report on the respiratory effect of secondary smoke which concludes that secondary smoke is a known human lung carcinogen in adults and in children, causes increased respiratory tract disease and middle ear disorders and increases the severity and frequency of asthma. In June 1993, the two largest of the major domestic cigarette manufacturers, together with other segments of the tobacco and distribution industries, commenced a lawsuit against the EPA seeking a determination that the EPA did not have the statutory authority to regulate secondary smoke, and that given the scientific evidence and the EPA’s failure to follow its own guidelines in making the determination, the EPA’s classification of secondary smoke was arbitrary and capricious. In July 1998, a federal district court vacated those sections of the report relating to lung cancer, finding that the EPA may have reached different conclusions had it complied with relevant statutory requirements. The federal government appealed the court’s ruling. In December 2002, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit rejected the industry challenge to the EPA report ruling that it was not subject to court review. Issuance of the report may encourage efforts to limit smoking in public areas.

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     In August 1996, the FDA filed in the Federal Register a Final Rule classifying tobacco as a “drug” or “medical device”, asserting jurisdiction over the manufacture and marketing of tobacco products and imposing restrictions on the sale, advertising and promotion of tobacco products. Litigation was commenced challenging the legal authority of the FDA to assert such jurisdiction, as well as challenging the constitutionality of the rule. In March 2000, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the FDA does not have the power to regulate tobacco. Liggett supported the FDA Rule and began to phase in compliance with certain of the proposed FDA regulations. Since the Supreme Court decision, various proposals and recommendations have been made for additional federal and state legislation to regulate cigarette manufacturers. Congressional advocates of FDA regulations have introduced legislation that would give the FDA authority to regulate the manufacture, sale, distribution and labeling of tobacco products to protect public health, thereby allowing the FDA to reinstate its prior regulations or adopt new or additional regulations. In October 2004, the Senate passed a bill, which did not become law, providing for FDA regulation of tobacco products. A substantially similar bill was reintroduced in Congress in February 2007. This legislation was approved in August, 2007, by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and is awaiting consideration by the full Senate. Companion legislation was approved by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in April 2008 was passed by the full House of Representatives July 2008. The House legislation includes a provision granting certain phase in exemptions for small manufacturers that would not be applicable to the Company. At this time, the Company does not know whether FDA regulation over tobacco products will be approved by this Congress, and if so, whether it will be signed into law by the President. FDA regulation of tobacco products could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
     In August 1996, Massachusetts enacted legislation requiring tobacco companies to publish information regarding the ingredients in cigarettes and other tobacco products sold in that state. In December 2002, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled that the ingredients disclosure provisions violated the constitutional prohibition against unlawful seizure of property by forcing firms to reveal trade secrets. Liggett began voluntarily complying with this legislation in December 1997 by providing ingredient information to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and, notwithstanding the appellate court’s ruling, has continued to provide ingredient disclosure. Liggett and Vector Tobacco also provide ingredient information annually, as required by law, to the states of Texas and Minnesota. Several other states are considering ingredient disclosure legislation, and the proposed legislation under consideration by Congress providing for FDA regulation also calls for, among other things, ingredient disclosure.
     In October 2004, the Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004 (“FETRA”) was signed into law. FETRA provides for the elimination of the federal tobacco quota and price support program through an industry funded buyout of tobacco growers and quota holders. Pursuant to the legislation, manufacturers of tobacco products will be assessed $10,140,000 over a ten year period to compensate tobacco growers and quota holders for the elimination of their quota rights. Cigarette manufacturers will initially be responsible for 96.3% of the assessment (subject to adjustment in the future), which will be allocated based on relative unit volume of domestic cigarette shipments. Management currently estimates that Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s assessment will be approximately $23,900 for the third year of the program which began January 1, 2007. The relative cost of the legislation to the three largest cigarette manufacturers will likely be less than the cost to smaller manufacturers, including Liggett and Vector Tobacco, because one effect of the legislation is that the three largest manufacturers will no longer be obligated to make certain contractual payments, commonly known as Phase II payments, that they agreed in 1999 to make to tobacco-producing states. The ultimate impact of this legislation cannot be determined, but there is a risk that smaller manufacturers, such as Liggett and Vector Tobacco, will be disproportionately affected by the legislation, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

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     Cigarettes are subject to substantial and increasing federal, state and local excise taxes. The federal excise tax on cigarettes is currently $0.39 per pack, although proposals are pending in Congress to increase the federal excise tax by as much as $0.61 per pack. Such a proposal was included in legislation to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program which was passed by Congress, but, ultimately vetoed by the President. This legislation is likely to be reconsidered by Congress in the future. State and local sales and excise taxes vary considerably and, when combined with sales taxes, local taxes and the current federal excise tax, may currently exceed $4.00 per pack. Eleven states have enacted increases in excise taxes in 2007. Five states enacted increases to state taxes in 2008 and further increases are expected. Congress is currently considering significant increases in the federal excise tax or other payments from tobacco manufacturers, and various states and other jurisdictions are considering, or have pending, legislation proposing further state excise tax increases. Management believes increases in excise and similar taxes have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on sales of cigarettes.
     In June 2000, the New York State legislature passed legislation charging the state’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control with developing standards for “self-extinguishing” or reduced ignition propensity cigarettes. All cigarettes manufactured for sale in New York State must be manufactured to specific reduced ignition propensity standards set forth in the regulations. Since the passage of the New York law, approximately 20 states have passed similar laws utilizing substantially similar technical standards. Similar legislation is being considered by other state governments and at the federal level. Compliance with such legislation could be burdensome and costly and could harm the business of Liggett and Vector Tobacco, particularly if there were to be varying standards from state to state.
     Federal or state regulators may object to Vector Tobacco’s low nicotine and nicotine-free cigarette products and reduced risk cigarette products it may develop as unlawful or allege they bear deceptive or unsubstantiated product claims, and seek the removal of the products from the marketplace or significant changes to advertising. Various concerns regarding Vector Tobacco’s advertising practices have been expressed to Vector Tobacco by certain state attorneys general. Vector Tobacco has previously engaged in discussions in an effort to resolve these concerns and Vector Tobacco has, in the interim, suspended all print advertising for its QUEST brand. Failure to advertise the QUEST brand could have a material adverse effect on sales of QUEST. Allegations by federal or state regulators, public health organizations and other tobacco manufacturers that Vector Tobacco’s products are unlawful, or that its public statements or advertising contain misleading or unsubstantiated health claims or product comparisons, may result in litigation or governmental proceedings. Vector Tobacco’s business may become subject to extensive domestic and international governmental regulation. Various proposals have been made for federal, state and international legislation to regulate cigarette manufacturers generally, and reduced constituent cigarettes specifically. It is possible that laws and regulations may be adopted covering issues like the manufacture, sale, distribution, advertising and labeling of tobacco products as well as any express or implied health claims associated with reduced risk, low nicotine and nicotine-free cigarette products and the use of genetically modified tobacco. A system of regulation by agencies such as the FDA, the FTC or the United States Department of Agriculture may be established. The FTC has expressed interest in the regulation of tobacco products which bear reduced carcinogen claims, and has also recently proposed rescinding FTC guidance issued in 1966 indicating that factual statements of tar and nicotine yields based on the Cambridge Filter Method generally will not violate the FTC Act. The FTC also announced that if it rescinds the guidance, advertisers should not thereafter use terms such as “per FTC Method” or other phrases that state or imply FTC endorsement or approval of the Cambridge Method or other machine-based methods. The ultimate outcome of any of the foregoing cannot be predicted, but any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
     A wide variety of federal, state and local laws limit the advertising, sale and use of cigarettes, and these laws have proliferated in recent years. For example, many local laws prohibit smoking in restaurants and other public places, and many employers have initiated programs restricting or eliminating smoking in the workplace. There are various other legislative efforts pending on the federal and state level which seek to, among other things, eliminate smoking in public places, further restrict displays and advertising of cigarettes, require additional warnings, including graphic warnings, on cigarette packaging and advertising, ban vending machine sales and curtail affirmative defenses of tobacco companies in product liability litigation. This trend has had, and is likely to continue to have, an adverse effect on the Company.

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     In addition to the foregoing, there have been a number of other restrictive regulatory actions, adverse legislative and political decisions and other unfavorable developments concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry. These developments may negatively affect the perception of potential triers of fact with respect to the tobacco industry, possibly to the detriment of certain pending litigation, and may prompt the commencement of additional similar litigation or legislation.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
     In addition to historical information, this report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities law. Forward-looking statements include information relating to our intent, belief or current expectations, primarily with respect to, but not limited to:
    economic outlook,
 
    capital expenditures,
 
    cost reduction,
 
    new legislation,
 
    cash flows,
 
    operating performance,
 
    litigation,
 
    impairment charges and cost savings associated with restructurings of our tobacco operations, and
 
    related industry developments (including trends affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations).
     We identify forward-looking statements in this report by using words or phrases such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may be”, “objective”, “plan”, “seek”, “predict”, “project” and “will be” and similar words or phrases or their negatives.
     The forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from our anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the following:
    general economic and market conditions and any changes therein, due to acts of war and terrorism or otherwise,
 
    governmental regulations and policies,
 
    effects of industry competition,
 
    impact of business combinations, including acquisitions and divestitures, both internally for us and externally in the tobacco industry,
 
    impact of restructurings on our tobacco business and our ability to achieve any increases in profitability estimated to occur as a result of these restructurings,
 
    impact of new legislation on our competitors’ payment obligations, results of operations and product costs, i.e. the impact of recent federal legislation eliminating the federal tobacco quota system,

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    uncertainty related to litigation and potential additional payment obligations for us under the Master Settlement Agreement and other settlement agreements with the states, and
 
    risks inherent in our new product development initiatives.
     Further information on risks and uncertainties specific to our business include the risk factors discussed above in “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, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2007 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
     Although we believe the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is a risk that these expectations will not be attained and that any deviations will be material. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
     The information under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Market Risk” is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
     Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, and, based on their evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective.
     There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
     
Item 1.
  Legal Proceedings
 
   
 
  Reference is made to Note 8, incorporated herein by reference, to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report which contains a general description of certain legal proceedings to which our company, VGR Holding, Liggett, Vector Tobacco, New Valley or their subsidiaries are a party and certain related matters. Reference is also made to Exhibit 99.1 for additional information regarding the pending smoking-related material legal proceedings to which Liggett is a party. A copy of Exhibit 99.1 will be furnished without charge upon written request to us at our principal executive offices, 100 S.E. Second St., Miami, Florida 33131, Attn. Investor Relations.
     
Item 1A.
  Risk Factors
 
   
 
  Except as set forth below, there are no material changes from the risk factors set forth in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Please refer to that section for disclosures regarding the risks and uncertainties related to our business. The risk factors in the Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled “Litigation will continue to harm the tobacco industry”, “Individual tobacco-related cases have increased as a result of the Florida Supreme Court’s ruling in Engle” and “Liggett may have additional payment obligations under the Master Settlement Agreement and its other settlement agreements with the states” are revised to reflect the updated information concerning the number and status of cases and other matters discussed under Note 8 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition — Recent Developments — Tobacco Settlement Agreements”, “— Recent Developments in Legislation, Regulation and Tobacco-Related Litigation”, and “— Legislation and Regulation.”
     
Item 2.
  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
   
 
  No securities of ours which were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 have been issued or sold by us during the three months ended June 30, 2008.
 
   
 
  Our purchases of our common stock during the three months ended June 30, 2008 were as follows:
                                 
                    Total Number     Maximum Number  
                    of Shares     of Shares that  
    Total             Purchased as     May Yet Be  
    Number of     Average     Part of Publicly     Purchased Under  
    Shares     Price Paid     Announced Plans     the Plans  
Period   Purchased     per Share     or Programs     or Programs  
 
                               
April 1 to April 30, 2008
        $              
 
                               
May 1 to May 31, 2008
                       
 
                               
June 1 to June 30, 2008
    1,375,895 (1)     17.73              
 
                       
 
                               
Total
    1,375,895     $ 17.73              
 
                       
 
(1)   Delivery of shares to us in payment of exercise price in connection with exercise of an employee stock option for 3,878,317 shares on June 12, 2008.

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Item 4.
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
   
 
  We held our 2008 annual meeting of stockholders on May 27, 2008. The matters submitted to our stockholders for a vote at the meeting were to elect the following seven director nominees to serve for the ensuing year and until their successors are elected. The votes cast and withheld for the election of directors were as follows:
                 
Nominee   For   Withheld
Bennett S. LeBow
    36,848,233       14,031,189  
Howard M. Lorber
    36,760,438       14,118,984  
Ronald J. Bernstein
    38,061,162       12,818,260  
Henry C. Beinstein
    36,823,806       14,055,616  
Robert J. Eide
    38,165,457       12,713,965  
Jeffrey S. Podell
    38,164,853       12,714,569  
Jean E. Sharpe
    38,170,191       12,709,231  
     
 
  Based on these voting results, each of the directors nominated was elected.

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Item 6.   Exhibits
 
           
 
    10.1     Vector Supplemental Retirement Plan (as amended and restated April 24, 2008)
 
           
 
    31.1     Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
           
 
    31.2     Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
           
 
    32.1     Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
           
 
    32.2     Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
           
 
    99.1     Material Legal Proceedings
 
*   Incorporated by reference.

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SIGNATURE
     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  VECTOR GROUP LTD.
(Registrant)

 
 
  By:   /s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III    
    J. Bryant Kirkland III   
    Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer   
 
Date: August 11, 2008

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EX-10.1 Supplemental Retirement Plan
Exhibit 10.1
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLAN
(as amended and restated April 24, 2008)
     WHEREAS, VECTOR GROUP LTD., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), adopted the Vector Group Ltd. Supplemental Retirement Plan as of January 1, 2002, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto entered into on January 21, 2003, as amended and restated March 3, 2004, and as further amended and restated January 27, 2006, for the purpose of providing certain select management employees of the Company and its affiliates unfunded deferred compensation benefits payable upon retirement, death or other termination of employment;
     WHEREAS, the Board has the right under Section 8.2 of the Plan to amend the Plan; and
     WHEREAS, the Board desires to make certain additional amendments to the Plan, to cause the Plan to meet the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to amend and restate the Plan in its entirety.
     NOW, THEREFORE, the Plan is amended and restated, as of January 1, 2008, to read as follows:
SECTION 1
DEFINITIONS
     Except as otherwise provided herein, the following terms shall be defined in accordance with this Section 1:

 


 

          1.1 “Accrued Benefit” shall mean that amount of projected annual retirement benefit set forth on Exhibit A hereto that a Participant who fulfills the terms and conditions of the Plan would receive at his Normal Retirement Date.
          1.2 “Actuarial Equivalent” shall mean a form of benefit differing in time, period or manner of payout from the normal form of Retirement Benefit provided under the Plan but having the same value when computed using post-retirement mortality table 1983 Group Annuity (50% male/50% female) and pre- and post-retirement interest rates of 7.5%.
          1.3 “Adopting Employer” means (a) any business entity in which the Company owns a majority interest upon the Effective Date or (b) any other business entity, which, following the Effective Date, is authorized by the Board to adopt the Plan.
          1.4 “Anniversary Date” shall mean the Effective Date and each anniversary thereof while the Plan remains in effect.
          1.5 “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
          1.6 “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations, rulings and other guidance published thereunder by the Internal Revenue Service.
          1.7 “Committee” shall mean the person, persons or entity designated by the Company to administer the Plan on behalf of the Company and the Adopting Employers. Unless otherwise designated by the Board, the Compensation Committee of the Board shall serve as the Committee to administer the Plan.

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          1.8 “Company” shall mean Vector Group Ltd., a Delaware corporation.
          1.9 “Disability” shall mean the date a Participant becomes “disabled” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code; provided, however, that a Participant shall be deemed to be disabled if the Participant is determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration.
          1.10 “Disability Retirement Date” shall mean a date selected by the Committee as soon as practicable following a determination by the Committee that a Participant has incurred a Disability.
          1.11 “Effective Date” shall mean the date set forth in Section 8.1 of the Plan.
          1.12 “Employer” shall mean the Company and any Adopting Employer for which a Participant renders service.
          1.13 “Employer Contribution” shall mean the contribution by an Employer to the Fund for each Plan Year described in Section 3.1 hereof.
          1.14 “Fiscal Year” shall mean the fiscal year of the Company.
          1.15 “Fund” shall mean the fund established under the Trust Fund Agreement.

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          1.16 “Normal Retirement Date” shall mean the January 1 following the Participant’s attainment of the later of age 60 during active Service or the completion of 8 Years of Participation with the Company or an Adopting Employer following the Effective Date, provided, however, that Mr. Lorber’s Normal Retirement Date for purposes of the supplemental benefit shown on Exhibit A shall be January 1, 2013.
          1.17 “Participant” shall mean any key employee of an Employer who from time to time may be designated on Exhibit A hereto as a participant in the Plan by the Board and who is an active participant in the Plan.
          1.18 “Participant Payment Date” shall mean the date on which a Participant’s Retirement Benefit shall be paid to the Participant. Such date shall be: (a) the Disability Retirement Date of a Participant who has incurred a Disability, (b) that date which falls 30 days following the later to occur of (i) the Normal Retirement Date of a Participant and (ii) the Participant’s actual termination of Service with the Company or an Adopting Employer, (c) that date selected by the Committee as soon as practicable following the death of a Participant, if the Participant’s death takes place prior to any date described in clauses (a), (b) or (d) of this Section 1.18, or (d) that date that falls 30 days following the termination of the Service of a Participant without cause (as defined in Section 4.4 hereof), but only to the extent that any such termination of Service constitutes a “separation from service” described in Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code.
          1.19 “Participation Ratio” shall mean that percentage equal to a fraction, the numerator of which consists of that number of full Years of Participation of the Participant in the Plan that were completed by the Participant prior to the Participant’s termination of Service or incurrence of a Disability and the denominator of which consists of that total number of Years of Participation that would have been required on the part of the Participant for the Participant to attain the Participant’s Normal Retirement Date.

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          1.20 “Plan” shall mean the Vector Group Ltd. Supplemental Retirement Plan, as set forth herein and as the same may be amended from time to time hereafter.
          1.21 “Retirement Benefit” shall mean the benefit payable to a Participant in accordance with Section 4.
          1.22 “Service” shall mean the period of full time continuous employment of the Participant by the Company or an Adopting Employer, following the Effective Date.
          1.23 “Specified Employee” shall mean each Participant who is considered to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code, and the determination of Specified Employee status shall be made as of December 31st of each year.
          1.24 “Trust Fund Agreement” shall mean the Vector Group Ltd. Supplemental Retirement Plan Trust, the purpose of which agreement is to hold the Fund.
          1.25 “Trustee” shall mean the trustee serving in such capacity under the Trust Fund Agreement.
          1.26 “Year of Participation” shall mean a Year of Service in which the Participant participated in the Plan. A Participant shall be deemed to have commenced participation in the Plan on the participation date set forth on Exhibit A hereto.

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          1.27 “Year of Service” shall mean a 12 consecutive month period, in each month of which a Participant is entitled to compensation by reason of Service.
SECTION 2
DESIGNATION OF PARTICIPANTS
AND ELIGIBILITY FOR BENEFITS
          2.1 Designation of Participants. The Participants shall be those key employees of the Company or an Adopting Employer that the Board designates to participate in the Plan.
          2.2 Eligibility for Benefits. Except as otherwise provided herein, benefits under the Plan shall be payable in respect of a Participant at the Participant Payment Date applicable to the Participant and only by reason of the circumstances provided in Sections 4.1 through 4.4 hereof.
SECTION 3
CONTRIBUTION
          3.1 Amount of Employer Contribution. For the Fiscal Year ending with the Effective Date or within which falls the Effective Date and thereafter for each Fiscal Year (or portion thereof) that the Plan remains in effect, an Employer may, in the discretion of the Board, make an Employer Contribution to the Fund in that amount that the Employer shall determine to be necessary or appropriate to provide the benefits under the Plan.

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SECTION 4
CIRCUMSTANCES OF PAYMENT; EXCLUSIVITY
          4.1 Attainment of Normal Retirement Date. Upon the attainment of a Participant of the Participant’s Normal Retirement Date, the Participant shall be vested in the Participant’s Accrued Benefit, which shall be paid in the manner set forth in Section 5 hereof to the Participant at the Participant Payment Date of such Participant, as provided in Section 1.18(b) hereof.
          4.2 Disability. A Participant in the Service of an Employer who incurs a Disability prior to the attainment of the Participant’s Normal Retirement Date shall be vested at the Participant’s Disability Retirement Date in that amount equal to: (i) the Actuarial Equivalent of the Participant’s Accrued Benefit, multiplied by (ii) the Participant’s Participation Ratio, which amount shall be paid in the manner set forth in Section 5 hereof to the Participant at the Participant Payment Date of such Participant, as provided in Section 1.18(a) hereof.
          4.3 Death. In the event a Participant in the Service of an Employer dies prior to incurring a Disability or attaining his Normal Retirement Date, such Participant’s beneficiary shall be vested in the Actuarial Equivalent of the Participant’s Accrued Benefit, which shall be paid in the manner set forth in Section 5 hereof at the Participant Payment Date provided in Section 1.18(c) hereof.
          4.4 Termination of Service. In the event of the termination of the Service of a Participant hereunder by an Employer without “cause” (as defined herein), such Participant shall be vested upon the effective date of such termination of Service in

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that amount equal to: (i) the Actuarial Equivalent of the Participant’s Accrued Benefit, multiplied by (ii) the Participant’s Participation Ratio, which amount shall be paid in the manner set forth in Section 5 hereof at the Participant Payment Date provided in Section 1.18(d) hereof. For purposes of this Section 4.4, the term “cause” shall mean solely an act of fraud or dishonesty by the Participant which constitutes a violation of the penal law of the State of New York and which results in gain or personal enrichment of the Participant at the expense of an Employer or any entity affiliated therewith.
          4.5 Exclusivity. A Participant whose Service is terminated upon the Participant’s own initiative or for any reason other than as set forth in the foregoing provisions of this Section 4 shall be entitled to no benefits whatsoever under the Plan.
SECTION 5
METHOD AND RECIPIENTS OF PAYMENTS;
PLAN ADMINISTRATION
          5.1 Normal Payment Method and Recipients of Payments. Except as provided in Section 5.2 hereof, the form of distribution payable to a Participant pursuant to this Section 5.1 shall be a lump sum payment on the Participant Payment Date of the Participant which shall be the Actuarial Equivalent of the Participant’s Accrued Benefit on such date. In the event of the death of a Participant prior to the applicable Participant Payment Date of the Participant, the amount of the death benefit payable in accordance with Section 4.3 hereof shall be paid in a lump sum to the Participant’s beneficiary or beneficiaries theretofore designated by the Participant by filing with the Participant’s Employer or the Committee a notice in writing in such form as the Committee may prescribe, and in the absence of such designation, shall be paid to the executors or

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administrators of the estate of the Participant. The beneficiaries named as aforesaid may be changed at any time by the Participant by amending and forwarding to the Participant’s Employer or the Committee a further written designation. Any payment required under this Section 5.1 shall in all events be made no later than the later of (i) the end of the calendar year in which the event giving rise to the distribution occurs and (ii) the 15th day of the third calendar month following the occurrence of the event giving rise to the distribution.
          5.2 Distributions to Specified Employees. Notwithstanding the other provisions of the Plan, any payment required to be made under the Plan upon the termination of Service of a Participant who is a Specified Employee shall be made promptly after the sixth month anniversary of the Participant’s date of termination of Service to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition upon the Participant of any additional tax imposed under Section 409A of the Code. All payments due and owing for the six month period shall be paid on the first day following the six month anniversary of the Participant’s date of termination, with interest at the prime lending rate as published in The Wall Street Journal and in effect as of the date the payment should otherwise have been provided.
          5.3 Distribution Limitations. The Committee may, but shall not be required to, defer any distribution to any Participant to the first date on which it determines in it sole and absolute discretion that such distribution would not be subject to the limits on deductions contained in Section 162(m) of the Code; provided that the date selected by the Committee shall not be earlier than the earliest date on which such distribution could be made to the Participant without causing the Participant to be subject to any additional tax imposed under Section 409A of the Code.

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          5.4 Determination of Payment. If a Participant’s applicable Participant Payment Date occurs following the Participant’s Normal Retirement Date, as provided in Section 1.18(b) hereof, the Participant shall be entitled upon his actual Participant Payment Date to the Actuarial Equivalent on such date of the Participant’s Accrued Benefit on the Participant’s Normal Retirement Date.
          5.5 Plan Administration. The general administration of the Plan shall be the responsibility of the Committee, which is hereby authorized, in its discretion, to delegate said responsibilities to an administrator or administrative committee.
SECTION 6
SOURCE OF BENEFITS;
NO GUARANTEE OF EMPLOYMENT;
NO FUNDING; CONSTRUCTIVE RECEIPT
          6.1 Source of Benefits. Benefits payable under the Plan shall be payable either from the general assets of the Company or an Adopting Employer or, in the discretion of the Board, from the Fund. No one of the Trustees, directors, officers, agents or shareholders of the Company or an Adopting Employer, or of the Committee or of any administrator or administrative committee to which any function is delegated pursuant to Section 5.5 hereof, assumes any personal liability for obligations incurred on behalf of the Company or an Adopting Employer or under the Trust Agreement. No Participant’s or beneficiary’s interest in a Participant’s benefits under the Plan shall be greater than that of an unsecured creditor of the Company or an Adopting Employer, as appropriate.

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          6.2 No Guarantee of Employment. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as a contract of employment or deemed to give any Participant the right to be retained in the employ of any Employer.
          6.3 Unfunded Plan. In adopting the Plan and entering into the Trust Fund Agreement, it is the intention of the Company and the Adopting Employers that any benefits to be provided under the Plan shall be deemed unfunded for tax and pension law purposes and that any assets acquired by or held within the Trust shall not be deemed to constitute funding for the benefit of the Participant, or the Participant’s beneficiary or estate. Consequently, at all times while the Plan is in effect, the Accrued Benefit of a Participant shall be understood to reflect only a means for the measurement and determination of the amounts to be paid to the Participant pursuant to the terms of the Plan, and a Participant’s Accrued Benefit shall not constitute or be treated as a trust fund of any kind, nor shall any assets held under the Trust be deemed to represent security for the performance of any obligation of the Company or an Adopting Employer hereunder but shall at all times be, and remain, their general, unpledged and unrestricted assets.
SECTION 7
NONASSIGNABILITY
          7.1 No benefit payable hereunder may be assigned, pledged, mortgaged or hypothecated and, except to the extent required by applicable law, no such benefit shall be subject to legal process or attachment for the payment of any claims of a creditor of a Participant or the beneficiary of such Participant.

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SECTION 8
EFFECTIVE DATE; AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
          8.1 Effective Date. This Plan shall be effective as of January 1, 2002 and shall remain in effect through its termination, subject to the provisions of Section 8.2 hereof.
          8.2 Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time, or from time to time, amend this Plan in any respect on a prospective basis or terminate this Plan without restriction and without the consent of any Participant or beneficiary, provided that any such amendment or termination shall not impair the right of any Participant or any beneficiary to be paid benefits earned and vested hereunder prior to such amendment or termination. In the event of the termination of the Plan, each Participant shall be deemed to have attained the Participant’s Normal Retirement Date as of the date of such termination, and the Participant’s Accrued Benefit shall be paid to the Participant in accordance with the terms of Sections 4 and 5 hereof.
          8.3 Plan Sponsor. The Company shall be the sponsor and named fiduciary of the Plan, which the Company and Adopting Employers have adopted for the benefit of certain designated highly compensated and key management personnel.
SECTION 9
CLAIMS PROCEDURES
          9.1 Initial Claim. If the Participant or the Participant’s beneficiary (hereinafter referred to as a “Claimant”) is denied all or any portion of an expected benefit under this Plan for any reason, the Claimant may file a claim with the Committee. The Committee shall notify the Claimant within 60 days of its allowance or denial of the claim,

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unless the Claimant receives written notice from the Committee prior to the end of the 60-day period stating that special circumstances require an extension of the time for decision for an additional period not to exceed an additional 60 days. The notice of the Committee’s decision shall be in writing, sent by mail to the Claimant’s last known address, and, if a denial of the claim, must contain the following information:
               (a) the specific reasons for denial;
               (b) specific reference to pertinent provisions of the Plan on which the denial is based; and
               (c) if applicable, a description of any additional information or material necessary to perfect the claim, an explanation of why such information or material is necessary, and an explanation of the claims review procedure.
          9.2 Review. A Claimant may request a review by the Committee of any denial of the Claimant’s claim by submitting in writing such a request within 60 days of the mailing of notice of the denial. The Claimant or the Claimant’s representative shall be entitled to review all pertinent documents, and to submit issues and comments in writing. Absent a request for review within such 60-day period, the claim shall be deemed to be conclusively denied.
SECTION 10
MISCELLANEOUS
          10.1 Payment to Representatives. If an individual entitled to receive any benefits hereunder is determined by the Committee or is otherwise adjudged to be legally incompetent, they shall be paid to such individual’s duly appointed and acting guardian, if any, and if no such guardian is appointed and acting, to such persons as the Committee may designate for the benefit of such individual. Such payment shall, to the extent made, be deemed a complete discharge for such payments under the Plan.

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          10.2 Timing of Payments. If the Committee is unable to make the determinations required under the Plan in sufficient time for payments to be made when due, the Committee shall make such payments upon the completion of such determinations with interest at a reasonable rate from such due date and may, at its option, make provisional payments, subject to adjustment, pending the completion of such determinations, all in a manner which would not cause the Participant to be subject to any additional tax under Section 409A of the Code.
          10.3 Withholding, etc. The Employer shall deduct from each payment under the Plan any Federal, state or local withholding or other taxes or charges which an Employer would be required to deduct under applicable law, and any amount so deducted shall be treated as a payment hereunder to the Participant or the Participant’s beneficiaries.
          10.4 Governing Law. The provisions of this Plan shall be construed according to the laws of the United States and the State of New York, excluding the provisions of any such laws that would require the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.
          10.5 Gender and Number. The masculine pronoun wherever used shall include the feminine. Wherever any words are used herein in the singular, they shall be construed as though they were also used in the plural in all cases where they shall so apply.

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          10.6 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and the Adopting Employers and their successors or assigns.
          10.7 Captions. The captions at the head of an article, section or a paragraph of the Plan are designed for convenience of reference only and are not to be resorted to for the purposes of interpreting any provision of the Plan, and in the case of any conflict with the text of the Plan, the text of the Plan shall control.
          10.8 Severability. The invalidity of any portion of the Plan shall not invalidate the remainder thereof, which shall continue in full force and effect.
          10.9 Communications. Any election, application, claim, notice, or other communication required or permitted to be made by a Participant pursuant to the Plan shall be made in writing and in such form as the Committee shall prescribe. Such communication or notice shall be effective upon receipt, if sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, and addressed to the Committee, c/o the Company’s offices at 100 S.E. Second Street, 32nd Floor, Miami, Florida 33131.
          10.10 Interpretation and Administration. Notwithstanding any provisions of the Plan to the contrary, the provisions of the Plan shall be interpreted and administered and the reserved powers of the Company shall be exercised, including on a retroactive basis to the extent necessary, in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code (or disregarded to the extent that a provision cannot be so administered, interpreted or exercised), so that no Plan Participant will be subject to any additional tax under Section 409A of the Code.

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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this amended and restated Agreement to be executed in its name by its duly authorized officer on April 24, 2008, to be effective as set forth above.
         
  VECTOR GROUP LTD.
 
 
  /s/ Richard J. Lampen    
  By: Authorized Signatory   
     

-16-


 

EXHIBIT A
             
    Projected Annual    
    Single Life Annuity    
Participant   Retirement Benefit   Participation Date
             
Bennett S. LeBow
  $ 2,524,163     1/1/02
 
           
Howard M. Lorber
  $ 1,051,875     1/1/02
 
           
Howard M. Lorber
(supplemental benefit)
  $ 735,682     1/1/10
 
           
Ronald J. Bernstein
  $ 438,750     1/1/02
 
           
Gregory Sulin
  $ 148,500     1/1/02
 
           
Richard J. Lampen
  $ 250,000     1/1/04
 
           
Marc N. Bell
  $ 200,000     1/1/04
 
           
J. Bryant Kirkland III
  $ 202,500     1/1/04
 
           
Dr. Anthony Albino
  $ 175,000     1/1/04

-17-

Ex-31.1 Section 302 Certification CEO
EXHIBIT 31.1
RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I, Howard M. Lorber, certify that:
1.     I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Vector Group Ltd.;
2.     Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.     The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
     (a)     designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
     (b)     designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
     (c)     evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
     (d)     disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.     The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
     (a)     all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
     (b)     any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: August 11, 2008
         
     
  /s/ Howard M. Lorber    
  Howard M. Lorber   
  President and Chief Executive Officer   
 

 

Ex-31.2 Section 302 Certification CFO
EXHIBIT 31.2
RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
I, J. Bryant Kirkland III, certify that:
1.     I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Vector Group Ltd.;
2.     Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.     The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
     (a)     designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
     (b)     designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
     (c)     evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
     (d)     disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.     The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
     (a)     all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
     (b)     any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: August 11, 2008
         
     
  /s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III    
  J. Bryant Kirkland III   
  Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer   
 

 

Ex-32.1 Section 906 Certification of CEO
EXHIBIT 32.1
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
     In connection with the Quarterly Report of Vector Group Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Howard M. Lorber, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
  1.   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
  2.   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
August 11, 2008
         
     
  /s/ Howard M. Lorber    
  Howard M. Lorber   
  President and Chief Executive Officer   
 

 

Ex-32.2 Section 906 Certification of CFO
EXHIBIT 32.2
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
     In connection with the Quarterly Report of Vector Group Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, J. Bryant Kirkland III, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
  1.   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
  2.   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
August 11, 2008
         
     
  /s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III    
  J. Bryant Kirkland III   
  Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer   
 

 

Ex-99.1 Material Legal Proceedings
Exhibit 99.1
I. INDIVIDUAL SMOKER CASES
District of Columbia
Sims, et al. v. Philip Morris, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:01-CV-01107-GK, USDC, District of Columbia (case filed 5/23/01). Three individuals suing. In February 2003, the court denied plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. Plaintiffs subsequently filed motions seeking reconsideration and reversal of the order denying class certification, which motions were denied by the court in December 2006. No appeals were taken and there has been no further activity in this case.
Florida
Engle Progeny Cases. Pursuant to the Florida Supreme Court’s July 2006 ruling in Engle v. Liggett Group Inc., which decertified the Engle class on a prospective basis, former class members had one year from January 11, 2007 to file individual lawsuits. In addition, some individuals who filed suit prior to January 11, 2007, and who claim they meet the conditions in Engle, are attempting to avail themselves of the Engle ruling. Lawsuits by individuals requesting the benefit of the Engle ruling, whether filed before or after the January 11, 2007 mandate, are referred to as the Engle progeny cases. Certain of these cases were previously listed in this Exhibit 99.1, but are now generally referred to in this paragraph. As of March 31, 2008, Liggett and/or the Company were served in approximately 2,150 Engle progeny cases in both state and federal courts in Florida. These cases include approximately 9,570 plaintiffs. Although the total number of Engle plaintiffs will not increase, the total number of cases will likely increase as the court may require multi-plaintiff cases to be severed into individual cases. Trials have been scheduled beginning in October 2008. For further information on the Engle case, see Note 8. Contingencies.
Cowart v. Liggett Group Inc., Case No. 98-01483CA, Circuit Court of the 4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Duval County (case filed 3/16/98). One individual suing. Liggett is the only tobacco company defendant. The case is dormant.
Davis, et al. v. Liggett Group Inc., et al., Case No. 02-48914, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Broward County (case filed 10/4/02). Liggett is the only defendant in this action. In April 2004, a jury awarded compensatory damages of $540,000 against Liggett. In addition, plaintiff’s counsel was awarded legal fees of $752,000. In October 2007, the compensatory award was affirmed by the Fourth District Court of Appeal, but the court certified certain issues to the Florida Supreme Court. In April 2008, the Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction of the certified issues for appeal. Briefing is complete. In March 2008, the Fourth District Court of Appeal reversed and remanded the legal fee award for further proceedings in the trial court.
Laschke, et al. v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 96-8131-CI-008, Circuit Court of the 6th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Pinellas County (case filed 12/20/96). Two individuals suing. The dismissal of the case was reversed on appeal, and the case was remanded to the trial court. Motions to dismiss were filed by the defendants and are pending.
Levine v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. CL 95-98769 (AH), Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Palm Beach County (case filed 7/24/96). One individual suing. Plaintiff asserted claims for negligence and strict liability against each defendant and a claim for punitive damages against R.J. Reynolds. Although, plaintiff’s Liggett brand history is limited, a motion for summary judgment was denied by the court. The matter is set for trial in January 2009.

 


 

Lukacs v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 01-38-22 CA23, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 12/15/01). One individual suing as Personal Representative of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker. In June 2002, the jury awarded $37,500,000 in compensatory damages, which was subsequently reduced to $24,860,000. The jury found Liggett 50% responsible. The plaintiff requested that the court enter partial judgment in this matter, award attorneys’ fees and costs and schedule a trial on punitive damages. A hearing on plaintiff’s motion to enter final judgment occurred on March 15, 2007. A further hearing on that motion occurred on July 24, 2008. The parties are awaiting a decision. For further information on the Lukacs case, see Note 8. Contingencies.
Meckler, et al. v. Liggett Group Inc., Case No. 97-03949-CA, Circuit Court of the 4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Duval County (case filed 7/10/97). One individual suing. Liggett is the only tobacco company defendant. The case is dormant.
Rawls, et al. v. Liggett Group Inc., Case No. 97-01354 CA, Circuit Court of the 4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Duval County (case filed 3/6/97). One individual suing. Liggett is the only tobacco company defendant. The case is dormant.
Spivak v. Philip Morris Incorporated, et al., Case No. 08-19309 (AH), Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Palm Beach County (case filed 6/26/08). One individual suing as personal representative of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker.
Spry, et al. v. Liggett Group LLC, et al., Case No. 06-31216 CICI, Circuit Court of the 7th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Volusia County (case filed 7/27/06). Two individuals suing. Discovery is pending.
Louisiana
Dimm, et al. v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 53919, Circuit Court of the 18th Judicial District Court, Louisiana, Iberville Parish (case filed 7/25/00). Seven individuals suing.
Hunter, et al. v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 2002/18748m, Circuit Court of the Civil District Court, Louisiana, Parish of Orleans (case filed 12/4/2002). Two individuals suing.
Newsom, et al. v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 105838, Circuit Court of the 16th Judicial District Court, Louisiana, St. Mary Parish (case filed 5/17/00). Five individuals suing.
Oser v. The American Tobacco Co., et al., Case No. 97-9293, Circuit Court of the Civil District Court, Louisiana, Parish of Orleans (case filed 5/27/97). One individual suing.
Reese, et al. v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 2003-12761, Circuit Court of the 22nd Judicial District Court, Louisiana, St. Tammany Parish (case filed 6/10/03). Five individuals suing.

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Maryland
Cook, et al. v. John Crane-Houdaille, Inc., et al., Case No. 24-X-07-000449, Circuit Court for Baltimore City (case filed 3/5/08). Two individual plaintiffs seek damages allegedly caused to smoker Homer Cook by exposure to asbestos and cigarettes. Claims have been brought against certain asbestos manufacturers and tobacco company defendants. Liggett filed a motion to dismiss. The motion was answered and is pending.
Russ, et al. v. John Crane-Houdaille, Inc., et al., Case No. 24-X-07-000430, Circuit Court for Baltimore City (case filed 10/15/07). Plaintiffs are suing individually and as the Personal Representatives of the Estate of Jack Russ. In March 2008, Liggett filed an Answer and Motion to Dismiss or Sever. This motion was answered and is pending.
Mississippi
Cochran v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 2002-0366(3), Circuit Court, Mississippi, George County (case filed 12/31/02). One individual suing.
Granger v. B.A.T. Industries, P.L.C., et al., Civil Action No. 3:08- CV -216-HTW-LRA         , United States District Court, Southern District of Mississippi, Jackson Division (case filed 3/5/08). One individual suing. The case was originally filed in the Circuit Court of Copiah County, Mississippi and was removed to Federal Court on April 4, 2008.
Missouri
Nuzum v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, et al., Case No. 03-CV-237237, Circuit Court, Missouri, Jackson County (case filed 5/21/03). Two individuals suing.
New York
Brantley v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 114317/01, Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 7/23/01). One individual suing.
Debobes v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 29544/92, Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County (case filed 10/17/97). One individual suing.
Gouveia, et al. v. Fortune Brands, Inc., et al., Case No. 210671/04, Supreme Court of New York, Rensselaer County (case filed 9/16/1997). Two individuals suing. A Note of Issue was served on February 12, 2008. Summary Judgment motions are pending.
Hausrath, et al. v. Philip Morris Inc., et al., Case No. I2001-09526, Supreme Court of New York, Erie County (case filed 01/24/02). Two individuals suing.
James v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 103034/02, Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 4/4/97). One individual suing. The Note of Issue setting the case for trial was stayed pending a decision by the Court of Appeals in another case.
Robare v. Fortune Brands, Inc., et al., Case No. 0139/08, Supreme Court of New York, Clinton County (case filed 2/19/08). One individual suing. The complaint was dismissed on April 15, 2008. On April 28, 2008, plaintiff, pro se, filed a notice of appeal. Plaintiff recently filed a second action on June 25, 2008, with Case No. 1035/08.

3


 

Shea, et al. v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 008938/03, Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County (case filed 10/17/97). Two individuals suing. The Note of Issue setting the case for trial was vacated pending a decision by the Court of Appeals in another case.
Standish v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 18418-97, Supreme Court of New York, Bronx County (case filed 7/28/97). One individual suing. The Note of Issue setting the case for trial was stayed pending a decision by the Court of Appeals in another case.
Tomasino, et al. v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 027182/97, Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County (case filed 9/23/97). Two individuals suing. The Note of Issue setting the case for trial was vacated pending a decision by the Court of Appeals in another case.
Tormey, et al. v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 2005-0506, Supreme Court of New York, Onondaga County (case filed 1/25/05). Two individuals suing.
Yedwabnick, et al. v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 20525/97, Supreme Court of New York, Queens County (case filed 9/19/97). One individual suing. A Note of Issue requesting a trial date is scheduled to be filed on September 26, 2008.
Ohio
Croft, et al. v. Akron Gasket & Packing, et al., Case No. CV04541681, Court of Common Pleas, Ohio, Cuyahoga County (case filed 8/25/05). Two individuals suing.
Pennsylvania
Buscemi v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, et al., Docket No. 9552-02, Court of Common Pleas, Pennsylvania, Delaware County (case filed 9/21/99). One individual suing.
West Virginia
Brewer, et al. v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 01-C-82, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed 3/20/01). Two individuals suing.
Little v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 01-C-235, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed 6/4/01). One individual suing.
II.   CLASS ACTION CASES
Brown, et al. v. American Tobacco Co., Inc., et al., Case No. 711400, Superior Court of California, County of San Diego (case filed 10/1/97). In April 2001, under the California Unfair Competition Laws and the Consumer Legal Remedies Act, the court granted in part the plaintiffs’ motion for certification of a class composed of residents of California who smoked at least one of the defendants’ cigarettes from June 10, 1993 through April 23, 2001, and who were exposed to the defendants’ marketing and advertising activities in California. The action was brought against the major U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including Liggett, seeking to recover restitution, disgorgement of profits and other equitable relief under California Business and Professions Code. Certification was granted as to the plaintiffs’ claims that the defendants violated § 17200 of the California Business and Professions Code pertaining to unfair competition. The court,

4


 

however, refused to certify the class under the California Legal Remedies Act or the plaintiffs’ common law claims. Following the November 2004 passage of a proposition in California that changed the law regarding cases of this nature, the defendants moved to decertify the class. In March 2005, the court granted the defendants’ motion. In May 2005, the plaintiffs appealed. In September 2006, the California Court of Appeal affirmed the order decertifying the class. In October 2006, the plaintiffs filed a petition for review with the California Supreme Court. The petition for review was granted in November 2006. The parties are awaiting a date for oral argument on the petition.
Cleary, et al. v. Philip Morris, Inc., et al., Case No. 2000 L004952, Circuit Court of the State of Illinois, Cook County (case filed 6/3/98). The action was brought on behalf of persons who have allegedly been injured by (1) the defendants’ purported conspiracy pursuant to which defendants allegedly concealed material facts regarding the addictive nature of nicotine; (2) the defendants’ alleged acts of targeting their advertising and marketing to minors; and (3) the defendants’ claimed breach of the public’s right to defendants’ compliance with laws prohibiting the distribution of cigarettes to minors. The plaintiffs request that the defendants be required to disgorge all profits unjustly received through their sale of cigarettes to plaintiffs, which in no event will be greater than $75,000 each, inclusive of punitive damages, interest and costs. In April 2005, the plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint. In February 2006, a hearing on the defendants’ motion to dismiss occurred. The court dismissed count V (public nuisance) and count VI (unjust enrichment) and, although the plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration was granted in part and denied in part, the court did not revive the plaintiffs’ public nuisance and unjust enrichment claims. In July 2006, the plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification and a class certification hearing was conducted in September 2007. The parties are awaiting a decision. Merits discovery was stayed pending a ruling by the court on class certification; class certification discovery is pending. A status conference in scheduled for October 20, 2009.
In Re: Tobacco Litigation (Medical Monitoring) (Blankenship), Case No. 00-C-6000, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed 01/26/00). Class action seeking payments for costs of medical monitoring for current and former smokers. Liggett was severed from the trial of the other tobacco company defendants. Judgment upon jury verdict in favor of the other tobacco company defendants was affirmed by the West Virginia Supreme Court in May 2004 and plaintiff’s petition for rehearing was denied. Plaintiff did not seek further appellate review of this matter and the case was concluded in favor of all defendants other than Liggett. The case is dormant.
In Re: Tobacco Litigation (Personal Injury Cases), Case No. 00-C-5000, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed 1/18/00). Although not technically a class action, the court consolidated approximately 750 individual smoker actions that were pending prior to 2001 for trial on some common related issues. The court issued an order staying the case pending the outcome of the United States Supreme Court’s review of Altria Group Inc. v. Good. Liggett was severed from trial of the consolidated action.
Lowe, et al. v. Philip Morris Incorporated, et al., Case No. 0111-11895, Circuit Court, Oregon, Multnomah County (case filed 11/19/01). This personal injury class action involves medical monitoring claims brought on behalf of plaintiff and all Oregon residents who have smoked cigarettes. The alleged class seeks payments for costs of medical monitoring for current and former smokers. In September 2003, the court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint, and plaintiffs appealed to the Oregon Court of Appeals. In September 2006, the Oregon Court of Appeals upheld the trial court’s decision. In December 2006, plaintiffs petitioned the Oregon Supreme Court to review the decision and, in April 2008, the Oregon Supreme Court affirmed the appellate court’s decision. The plaintiffs have not appealed.

5


 

Parsons, et al. v. Liggett Group Inc., et al., Case No. 98-C-388, Circuit Court, State of West Virginia, Kanawha County (case filed 4/9/98). This personal injury class action is brought on behalf of plaintiff’s decedent and all West Virginia residents having claims for personal injury arising from exposure to both cigarette smoke and asbestos fibers. The case is stayed as a result of bankruptcy petitions filed by three defendants.
Romero, et al. v. Philip Morris Companies, Inc. et al., Case No. D0117 CV-00000972, District Court, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico (case filed 4/10/00). In this class action, plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of New Mexico. Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification was granted in April 2003. In February 2005, the New Mexico Supreme Court affirmed the trial court’s certification order. In June 2006, the trial court granted defendants’ motions for summary judgment. Plaintiffs appealed the decision. Briefing was completed in August 2007 and the parties are awaiting a decision.
Schwab, et al. v. Philip Morris USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:04-CV-01945-JBW-SMG, USDC, Eastern District of New York (case filed 5/11/04). This class action sought economic damages on behalf of plaintiffs and all others similarly situated under the RICO act challenging the practices of defendants in connection with the marketing, advertising, promotion, distribution and sale of “light” cigarettes. In September 2006, the court certified a nationwide class of “light” smokers. The defendants appealed the certification and, in April 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit decertified the class. The time for plaintiffs to seek further appeal to the United States Supreme Court has not yet expired. For further information on the Schwab case, see Note 8. Contingencies.
Smith, et al. v. Philip Morris Companies, Inc., et al., Case No. 00-CV-26, District Court, Kansas, Seward County (case filed 2/7/00). In this class action, plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of Kansas. The court granted class certification in November 2001. The case is stayed until the Kansas Supreme Court decides a petition for mandamus brought by certain defendants concerning an order to produce allegedly privileged documents.
Young, et al. v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 2:97-CV-03851, Civil District Court, State of Louisiana, Orleans Parish (case filed 11/12/97). This purported personal injury class action is brought on behalf of plaintiff and all similarly situated residents in Louisiana who, though not themselves cigarette smokers, have been exposed to secondhand smoke from cigarettes which were manufactured by the defendants, and who suffered injury as a result of that exposure. The 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 the appeal in Scott v. American Tobacco Co., Inc. For more information on the Scott case, see Note 8. Contingencies.
III.   GOVERNMENTAL ACTIONS
City of St. Louis, et al. v. American Tobacco Company, Inc., et al., Case No. CV-982-09652, Circuit Court, State of Missouri, City of St. Louis (case filed 12/4/98). City of St. Louis and approximately 50 hospitals seek to recover past and future costs expended to provide healthcare to Medicaid, medically indigent, and non-paying patients suffering from tobacco-related illnesses.

6


 

In June 2005, the court granted defendants’ motion for summary judgment as to claims for damages which accrued prior to November 16, 1993. The claims for damages which accrued after November 16, 1993 are pending. Discovery is ongoing. Oral argument is scheduled for September 3, 2008 on defendants’ motion for partial summary judgment and on plaintiffs’ motion for partial summary judgment seeking to preclude defendants from relitigating issues based on collateral estoppel. Trial is scheduled to commence on January 11, 2010.
Crow Creek Sioux Tribe v. American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. CV 97-09-082, Tribal Court of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, State of South Dakota (case filed 9/26/97). The plaintiffs seek to recover actual and punitive damages, restitution, funding of a clinical cessation program, funding of a corrective public education program and disgorgement of unjust profits from sales to minors. The plaintiffs claim that the defendants are liable under the following theories: unlawful marketing and targeting of minors, contributing to the delinquency of minors, unfair and deceptive acts or practices, unreasonable restraint of trade and unfair methods of competition, negligence, negligence per se, conspiracy and restitution of unjust enrichment. The case is dormant.
IV.   THIRD-PARTY PAYOR ACTIONS
General Health Services (Kupat Holim Clalit) v. Philip Morris, Inc., et al., Case No. 1571/98, District Court, Israel, Jerusalem (case filed 9/28/98). General Health Services seeks monetary damages and declaratory and injunctive relief on behalf of itself and all of its members against the major United States tobacco manufacturers. Motions filed by the defendants are pending before the Israel Supreme Court, seeking appeal from a lower court’s decision granting leave to plaintiff for foreign service of process. For further information on the General Health Services case, see Note 8. Contingencies.
National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, et al. v. Philip Morris USA, Inc., et al., 1:08-CV-02021-RJD-JO, USDC, Eastern District of New York (case filed 5/20/08). Plaintiffs filed this action pursuant to the Medicare as Secondary Payer (“MSP”) statute to recover for Medicare expenditures made from May 21, 2002 to the present. Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss and Plaintiff’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment were filed on July 21, 2008.

7