SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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Form 10-K
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SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For The Fiscal Year Ended December 31 , 2023
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation incorporation or organization) | Commission File Number | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||||
(Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code,
of the principal executive offices)
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class: | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered: | ||||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. þ Yes o No
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. o Yes þ No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. þ Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). þ Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| ☑ | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | Non-accelerated filer | Smaller reporting company | Emerging Growth Company | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to § 240.10D-1(b) ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. ☐ Yes þ No
The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of Vector Group Ltd. as of June 30, 2023 was approximately $1.89 billion.
At February 14, 2024, Vector Group Ltd. had 157,683,020 shares of common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) from the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year covered by this report.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Basis of Presentation
The Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report present the financial position of Vector Group Ltd., a Delaware corporation, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and the results of our operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 give effect to the distribution to our stockholders (including Vector common stock underlying outstanding stock options awards and restricted stock awards) of the common stock of Douglas Elliman Inc. (the “Distribution”) with the historical financial results of Douglas Elliman reflected as discontinued operations. The cash flows and comprehensive income related to Douglas Elliman have not been segregated and are included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, respectively, for the 2021 period presented. Unless otherwise indicated, the information in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements related to the 2021 period refers only to Vector Group’s continuing operations and does not include discussion of balances or activity of Douglas Elliman.
Distribution of and Relationship with Douglas Elliman
On December 29, 2021, at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, we completed the Distribution. Following the Distribution, Douglas Elliman is a separate public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange trading under the symbol “DOUG” and owns the real estate services and property technology investment business formerly owned by Vector Group through Vector Group’s subsidiary New Valley LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. Vector Group and Douglas Elliman entered into a Distribution Agreement and several ancillary agreements for the purpose of accomplishing the distribution of Douglas Elliman common stock to Vector Group’s stockholders. These agreements also govern our relationship with Douglas Elliman after the Distribution and provide for the allocation of employee benefits, tax and additional liabilities and obligations attributable to periods before and after the distribution. These agreements also include a Transition Services Agreement with respect to transition services and several ongoing commercial relationships. The Distribution Agreement includes an agreement that Vector Group and Douglas Elliman will provide each other with appropriate indemnities with respect to liabilities arising out of their businesses. We also entered into a Tax Disaffiliation Agreement with Douglas Elliman that governs each of our respective rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to taxes and tax benefits, the filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax matters. Douglas Elliman is party to other arrangements with Vector Group and its subsidiaries.
Overview
Vector Group is a holding company and is engaged principally in two business segments:
•Tobacco: the manufacture and sale of discount cigarettes in the United States through our Liggett Group LLC and Vector Tobacco LLC subsidiaries, and
•Real Estate: the real estate investment business through our subsidiary, New Valley LLC, which acquires and invests in real estate properties or projects.
Strategy
Our strategy is to maximize stockholder value by increasing the profitability of our subsidiaries in the following ways:
Liggett and Vector Tobacco
•Continue to offer excellent value propositions in the U.S. cigarette industry by consistently delivering high-quality products within the discount segment;
•Capitalize on our tobacco subsidiaries’ cost advantage in the U.S. cigarette market under the Master Settlement Agreement or the MSA;
•Focus marketing and selling efforts on the discount segment, continue to build volume and margin in focus discount brands (Montego, Eagle 20’s, and Pyramid) and utilize core brand equity to selectively build distribution;
•Selectively expand the portfolio of partner brands and private label brands utilizing a pricing strategy that offers long-term price stability for customers; and
•Identify, develop and launch relevant new tobacco products to the market in the future.
New Valley
•Continue to leverage our expertise as direct investors by actively pursuing real estate investments; and
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•Invest our excess funds opportunistically in real estate situations that we believe can maximize stockholder value.
Tobacco Operations
General. Our Tobacco segment operates through our two discount cigarette manufacture subsidiaries, Liggett and Vector Tobacco. Liggett is the operating successor to Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company, which was founded in 1873. In this report, certain references to “Liggett” refer to our tobacco operations, including the business of Liggett and Vector Tobacco, unless otherwise specified.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Liggett was the fourth-largest manufacturer of cigarettes in the U.S. in terms of unit sales. Liggett’s manufacturing facilities are in Mebane, North Carolina, where it also manufactures most of Vector Tobacco’s cigarettes pursuant to a contract manufacturing agreement. At present, Liggett and Vector Tobacco have no international operations.
The U.S. cigarette market consists of premium cigarettes, which are generally marketed under well-recognized brand names at higher retail prices to adult smokers with a strong preference for branded products, and discount cigarettes, which are marketed at lower retail prices to adult smokers who are more value conscious. In recent years, however, the discounting of premium cigarettes has become far more significant in the marketplace. Since 2004, Liggett has only produced discount cigarettes and all of its units sold in 2023, 2022 and 2021 were in the discount segment.
According to data from Management Science Associates, Inc., or MSAi, the discount segment represented 31.5% of the total U.S. cigarette market in 2023 compared to 29.4% in 2022 and 28.3% in 2021. Liggett’s domestic shipments of approximately 9.7 billion cigarettes during 2023 accounted for 5.5% of the total cigarettes shipped in the U.S. during such year. Liggett’s market share was 5.4% and 4.1% in 2022 and 2021, respectively. According to MSAi, Liggett held a share of approximately 17.5% of the overall discount market segment for 2023 compared to 18.5% for 2022 and 14.4% for 2021.
Liggett’s value propositions. Liggett produces cigarettes in approximately 100 combinations of length, style and packaging. Liggett’s current brand portfolio includes:
•Montego — From August 2020 to February 2022, Liggett expanded the distribution of its Montego deep discount brand from select target markets in four states to nationwide. Montego became Liggett’s largest brand by volume during the second quarter of 2022. Montego’s unit volume represented 64% of Liggett’s total unit volume sales in 2023, 47% in 2022 and 16% in 2021.
•Eagle 20’s — A brand positioned in the discount segment for long-term growth re-launched as a national brand in 2013; Eagle 20’s represented 24% of Liggett’s unit volume in 2023, 35% in 2022 and 57% in 2021. Eagle 20’s is Liggett’s second largest brand.
•Pyramid — A brand re-launched in 2009 as a deep discount product; Pyramid, Liggett’s third-largest brand, represented 8% of Liggett’s unit volume in 2023, 13% in 2022 and 20% in 2021.
•Grand Prix, Liggett Select, Eve, USA and various partner brands and private label brands.
Cost advantage under the Master Settlement Agreement. Under the MSA reached in November 1998 with 46 states and various territories, cigarette manufacturers selling product in the U.S. 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 its grandfathered market share established under the MSA of 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. cigarette market. We believe our tobacco subsidiaries have gained a sustainable cost advantage over their competitors because of the settlement.
Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s payments under the MSA are based on each respective company’s incremental market share above the grandfathered market share applicable to each respective company. Thus, if Liggett’s total market share is 4%, its MSA payment is based on 2.35%, which is the difference between Liggett’s total market share of 4% and its approximate applicable grandfathered market share of 1.65%. We anticipate that both Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s payment exemptions will be fully utilized for the foreseeable future.
The source of industry data in this report is MSAi, an independent third-party data management organization that collects wholesale and retail shipment data from various cigarette manufacturers and distributors and provides analysis of market share and unit sales volume. Specifically, information relating to unit sales volume and market share of certain smaller cigarette manufacturers is based on estimates developed by MSAi.
Sales, Marketing and Distribution. Liggett’s products are distributed from a central distribution center in Mebane, North Carolina to public warehouses located throughout the U.S. by third-party trucking companies. These warehouses serve as local distribution centers for Liggett’s customers.
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Liggett’s customers are primarily wholesalers and distributors of tobacco and convenience products as well as large variety, grocery, convenience and drug store chains. Two customers accounted for 13% and 10% of Liggett’s revenues in 2023, 15% and 11% of Liggett’s revenues in 2022 and 14% and 12% of Liggett’s revenues in 2021. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are generally limited due to Liggett’s large number of customers. Liggett’s two largest customers represented approximately 4% and 8%, respectively, of net accounts receivable as of December 31, 2023, 4% and 37%, respectively, as of December 31, 2022 and 0% and 2%, respectively, as of December 31, 2021. Ongoing credit evaluations of customers’ financial condition are performed and, generally, no deposit is required. Liggett maintains appropriate reserves for potential credit losses and such losses, in the aggregate, have not exceeded management’s expectations.
Trademarks. All major trademarks used by Liggett are federally registered or are in the process of being registered in the U.S. and other markets. Trademark registrations typically have a duration of ten years and can be renewed at Liggett’s option prior to their expiration date.
In view of the significance of cigarette brand awareness among consumers, management believes that the protection afforded by these trademarks is material to the conduct of its business. These trademarks are pledged as collateral for certain of our senior secured debt.
Manufacturing. Liggett purchases and maintains leaf tobacco inventory to support its cigarette manufacturing requirements. Liggett believes that there is a sufficient worldwide supply of tobacco to satisfy its current production requirements. Liggett stores its leaf tobacco inventory in warehouses in North Carolina and Virginia. There are several different types of leaf tobacco, including flue-cured, burley, Maryland, oriental, cut stems and reconstituted sheet. Leaf components of American-style cigarettes are generally the flue-cured and burley tobaccos. While premium and discount brands use many of the same tobacco products, input ratios of these products may vary between premium and discount products. Liggett purchases its tobacco requirements from both domestic and international leaf dealers, much of it under long-term purchase commitments. As of December 31, 2023, the majority of Liggett’s commitments were for the purchase of tobacco from domestic and international leaf dealers.
Liggett’s cigarette manufacturing facility was designed for the execution of short production runs in a cost-effective manner, which enables Liggett to manufacture and market approximately 100 different cigarette brand styles. Liggett’s facility produced approximately 9.7 billion cigarettes in 2023 and maintains the capacity to produce approximately 17.6 billion cigarettes per year. Vector Tobacco has contracted with Liggett to produce most of its cigarettes at Liggett’s manufacturing facility in Mebane.
Competition. Liggett’s competition is divided into two segments. The first segment consists of the three largest manufacturers of cigarettes in the U.S.: Philip Morris USA Inc., which is owned by Altria Group, Inc., RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, which is owned by British American Tobacco Plc, and ITG Brands LLC, which is owned by Imperial Brands Plc. These three manufacturers, while primarily premium cigarette-based companies, also produce and sell discount cigarettes. The second segment of competition is comprised of a group of smaller manufacturers and importers, most of which sell deep discount cigarettes.
Historically, there have been substantial barriers to entry into the cigarette business, including extensive distribution organizations, large capital outlays for sophisticated production equipment, substantial inventory investment, costly promotional spending, regulated advertising and, for premium brands, strong brand loyalty. However, after the MSA was signed, some smaller manufacturers and importers that are not parties to the MSA (“Non-Participating Manufacturers”) were able to overcome these competitive barriers due to an unintended cost advantage resulting from the MSA. These Non-Participating Manufacturers were subsequently impacted by the state statutes enacted pursuant to the MSA; however, these companies still have significant market share in the aggregate through competitive pricing in the discount segment.
In the cigarette business, Liggett competes on dual fronts. Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds, the two largest cigarette manufacturers, compete among themselves for premium brand market share based on advertising, promotional activities, trade rebates and incentives. They compete with Liggett and others for discount market share, primarily on the basis of price and in-store merchandising. These competitors have substantially greater financial resources than Liggett, and most of their brands have greater sales and consumer recognition than Liggett’s products. Liggett’s discount brands must also compete in the marketplace with the deep discount brands of smaller manufacturers and importers.
According to MSAi’s data, the unit sales of Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds accounted in the aggregate for 69.2% of the domestic cigarette market in 2023. Liggett’s domestic shipments of approximately 9.7 billion cigarettes during 2023 accounted for 5.5% of the approximately 177 billion cigarettes shipped in the U.S., compared to 10.4 billion cigarettes in 2022 (5.4%) and 8.6 billion cigarettes in 2021 (4.1%).
In 2023, industry wide shipments in the U.S. decreased by 7.5% (approximately 14.2 billion units) and for the five-year period from 2018 to 2023, industry-wide shipments of cigarettes in the U.S. have declined by approximately 5.6% per annum. Liggett’s management believes that industry-wide shipments of cigarettes in the U.S. will continue to decline because of
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numerous factors. These factors include health considerations, diminishing social acceptance of smoking, and a wide variety of federal, state and local laws limiting smoking in public places, as well as increases in federal and state excise taxes and settlement-related expenses which have contributed to higher cigarette prices in recent years.
Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds’ domination of the domestic cigarette market makes it more difficult for Liggett to compete for shelf space in retail outlets and could impact price competition in the market, either of which could have a material adverse effect on its sales volume, operating income and cash flows.
Historically, Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds have been able to determine cigarette prices for the various pricing tiers within the industry. Market pressures have historically caused other cigarette manufacturers to bring their prices in line with the levels established by these two major manufacturers. Off-list price discounting and similar promotional activity by manufacturers, however, has substantially affected the average price differential at retail, which can be significantly less than the manufacturers’ list price gap. In addition, in recent years, the discount segment has experienced increased price competition from smaller manufacturers which has led to more aggressive price discounting of certain “deep discount” brands when compared to “traditional discount” brands. Consequently, changes in the price gap of products at retail between “deep discount” and “traditional discount” has led to shifts in price segment performance.
Legislation and Regulation
In the U.S., tobacco products are subject to substantial and increasing legislation, regulation, taxation, and litigation, which have a negative effect on revenue and profitability.
The cigarette industry continues to be challenged on numerous fronts. The industry faces increased pressure from anti-smoking groups and continued smoking and health litigation, the effects of which, at this time, we are unable to quantify. Product liability litigation continues to adversely affect the cigarette industry. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors”, Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” and Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements, which contain a description of litigation.
The harmful physical effects of cigarette smoking have been publicized for many years and, in the opinion of Liggett’s management, have had and will continue to have an adverse effect on cigarette sales. Since 1964, the Surgeon General of the U.S. and the Secretary of Health and Human Services have released a number of reports stating that cigarette smoking is a causative factor with respect to a variety of health hazards, including certain cancers and heart and lung disease and have recommended various government actions to reduce the incidence of smoking. In 1997, Liggett publicly acknowledged that, as the Surgeon General and respected medical researchers have found, smoking causes health problems, including lung cancer, heart and vascular disease, and emphysema.
On June 22, 2009, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (the “TCA”) became law. The law grants the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) broad authority over the manufacture, sale, marketing and packaging of tobacco products, although FDA is prohibited from banning all cigarettes or all smokeless tobacco products. Among other measures, the law (under various deadlines):
•requires FDA to develop graphic warnings for cigarette packages and grants FDA authority to require new warnings;
•imposes new restrictions on the sale and distribution of tobacco products, including significant new restrictions on tobacco product advertising and promotion, as well as the use of brand and trade names;
•bans the use of “light,” “mild,” “low” or similar descriptors on tobacco products;
•bans the use of “characterizing flavors” in cigarettes other than tobacco or menthol;
•gives FDA the authority to impose tobacco product standards that are appropriate for the protection of the public health (by, for example, requiring reduction or elimination of the use of particular constituents or components, requiring product testing, or addressing other aspects of tobacco product construction, constituents, properties or labeling);
•requires manufacturers to obtain FDA review and authorization for the marketing of certain new or modified tobacco products which could ultimately result in FDA prohibiting Liggett from selling certain of its products;
•requires pre-market approval by FDA for tobacco products represented (through labels, labeling, advertising, or other means) as presenting a lower risk of harm or tobacco-related disease;
•requires manufacturers to report ingredients and harmful constituents and requires FDA to disclose certain constituent information to the public;
•mandates that manufacturers test and report on ingredients and constituents identified by FDA as requiring such testing to protect the public health and allows FDA to require the disclosure of testing results to the public;
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•requires manufacturers to submit to FDA certain information regarding the health, toxicological, behavioral or physiological effects of tobacco products;
•requires FDA to establish “good manufacturing practices” to be followed at tobacco manufacturing facilities;
•authorizes FDA to require the reduction of nicotine (although it may not require the reduction of nicotine yields of a tobacco product to zero) and the potential reduction or elimination of other constituents, including menthol;
•imposes (and allows FDA to impose) various recordkeeping and reporting requirements on tobacco product manufacturers; and
•grants FDA broad regulatory authority to impose additional restrictions.
The TCA imposes user fees on certain tobacco product manufacturers in order to fund tobacco-related FDA activities. User fees are allocated among tobacco product classes according to a formula set out in the statute, and then among manufacturers and importers within each class based on market share. FDA user fees for 2023 were $32,121 for Liggett and Vector Tobacco combined and will likely increase in the future.
The law also required establishment of a Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (“TPSAC”) to provide advice, information and recommendations with respect to safety, dependence and health issues related to tobacco products.
Menthol and Flavorings
In May 2022, FDA published a proposed rule to prohibit menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes. For the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately 21% of our cigarette unit sales were menthol flavored. FDA is expected to adopt a final rule in 2024. Once a final rule is published, it ordinarily would not be expected to take effect until at least one year after the date of publication. In addition, if litigation is brought against FDA’s menthol regulation, the effective date may be extended further.
We cannot predict how a tobacco product standard or a restriction on the sale and distribution of tobacco products with menthol, if ultimately issued by FDA, will impact product sales, whether it will have a material adverse effect on Liggett or Vector Tobacco, or whether it will impact Liggett and Vector Tobacco to a greater degree than other companies in the industry. In addition to FDA, California, Massachusetts, the District of Columbia and some cities have, or are considering, a ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes. While the menthol bans in Massachusetts, California, and the District of Columbia have not had a material impact on Liggett or Vector Tobacco’s product sales to date, we cannot predict whether additional states or cities will enact similar bans on the sale of menthol cigarettes and whether they will impact product sales or have a material adverse effect on Liggett or Vector Tobacco.
Advertising and Warnings on Packaging
The TCA imposed significant new restrictions on the advertising and promotion of tobacco products. As written, these regulations significantly limit the ability of manufacturers, distributors and retailers to advertise and promote tobacco products, by, for example, restricting the use of color and graphics in advertising, limiting the use of outdoor advertising, restricting the sale and distribution of non-tobacco items and services, gifts, and sponsorship of events, and imposing restrictions on the use for cigarette or smokeless tobacco products of trade or brand names that are used for non-tobacco products.
On March 18, 2020, FDA issued a final rule to require new health warnings on cigarette packages and in cigarette advertisements. This rule requires each cigarette package and advertisement to bear one of eleven textual warning statements accompanied by a corresponding graphic image covering 50% of the area of the front and rear panels of cigarette packages and at least 20% of the area at the top of cigarette advertisements. In December 2022, the district court granted plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment finding that the graphic warning final rule violated the rights of the tobacco companies under the First Amendment. The final rule has been vacated and FDA has appealed the ruling. A decision on the appeal is pending with the circuit court. The inclusion of new warnings and rotation requirements pursuant to the final rule would likely increase Liggett’s production costs.
Product Review
The TCA requires premarket review of “new tobacco products.” A “new tobacco product” is one that was not commercially marketed in the U.S. as of February 15, 2007 or that was modified after that date. In general, before a company may commercially market a “new tobacco product,” it must either (a) submit an application and obtain an order from FDA permitting the product to be marketed; or (b) submit an application and receive an FDA order finding the product to be “substantially equivalent” to a “predicate” tobacco product that was commercially marketed in the U.S. as of February 15,
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2007. A “substantially equivalent” tobacco product is one that has the “same characteristics” as the predicate or one that has “different characteristics” but does not raise “different questions of public health.”
Manufacturers of products first introduced after February 15, 2007 and before March 22, 2011 who submitted a substantial equivalence application to FDA prior to March 23, 2011 may continue to market the tobacco product unless FDA issues an order that the product is not substantially equivalent (“NSE”). Failure to timely submit the application, or FDA’s conclusion that such a “new tobacco product” is not substantially equivalent, will cause the product to be deemed misbranded and/or adulterated. After March 22, 2011, a “new tobacco product” may not be marketed without an FDA substantial equivalence determination. Prior to the deadline, Liggett and Vector Tobacco submitted substantial equivalence applications to FDA for each of their respective cigarette brand styles.
To date, Liggett has received NSE orders relating to 20 cigarette brand styles. Liggett has elected to pursue administrative appeals with FDA for 14 of the 20 cigarette brand styles and discontinued six brand styles. Sales of these 14 cigarette brand styles accounted for approximately 0.4% of the tobacco segment’s annual revenue in 2023. Liggett is continuing to sell the affected cigarette brand styles during the administrative appeal process. Vector Tobacco received NSE orders relating to three cigarette brand styles in November 2017. Sales of these three cigarette brand styles accounted for approximately 0.3% of the tobacco segment’s annual revenue in 2023. Vector Tobacco elected to pursue administrative appeals with FDA and is continuing to sell the affected cigarette brand styles during the administrative appeal process.
On April 5, 2018, FDA announced a change in its process for reviewing “provisional” substantial equivalence applications. Both Liggett and Vector Tobacco submitted provisional substantial equivalence applications for all of their respective cigarette brand styles. FDA announced that it will continue to review the approximately 1,000 pending provisional applications that were determined to have the greatest potential to raise different questions of public health and will remove from review the approximately 1,500 provisional applications that were determined less likely to do so.
As a result, Vector Tobacco received a letter from FDA in April 2018, advising that FDA does not intend to conduct further review of Vector Tobacco’s remaining substantial equivalence applications that have not yet received a substantial equivalence determination unless one of the following occurs: (i) the new tobacco product that is the subject of the provisional application is also the subject of another pending application submitted by the same manufacturer; (ii) FDA receives new information (e.g., from inspection findings) suggesting that the new tobacco product that is the subject of a provisional application is more likely to have the potential to raise different questions of public health than previously determined; or (iii) FDA has reason to believe that the new tobacco product was not introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce for commercial distribution in the U.S. after February 15, 2007, and prior to March 22, 2011 ((i), (ii) and (iii) are collectively, the “Conditions”).
On May 21, 2018, FDA sent a letter to Liggett stating that the products identified in the letter would be removed from review unless one of the Conditions occurs.
We cannot predict whether FDA will deem Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s outstanding applications to be sufficient to support determinations of substantial equivalence for the products covered by these substantial equivalence reports. It is possible that FDA could determine that some, or all, of these products are “not substantially equivalent” to a preexisting tobacco product, as the agency has already done for 20 of Liggett’s applications. NSE orders for other cigarette styles may require us to stop the sale of the applicable cigarettes and other cigarette styles and could have a material adverse effect on us.
Nicotine
On June 21, 2022, FDA indicated it plans to publish a proposed rule that establishes a tobacco product standard reducing the level of nicotine in cigarettes to non-addictive levels. FDA has indicated it may publish a proposed rule in April 2024. The rulemaking process could take many months or years and once a final rule is published, it ordinarily would not be expected to take effect until at least one year after the date of publication. We cannot predict how a tobacco product standard reducing nicotine, if ultimately issued by FDA, will impact product sales, whether it will have a material adverse effect on Liggett or Vector Tobacco, or whether it will impact Liggett and Vector Tobacco to a greater degree than other companies in the industry.
Good Manufacturing Practices
In March 2023, the FDA, pursuant to the requirements of the TCA, issued a proposed rule with new requirements for tobacco product manufacturers regarding the manufacture, design, packing and storage of tobacco products.
This proposed rule establishes a framework of good manufacturing practices, including:
•establishing tobacco product design and development controls;
•ensuring that finished and bulk tobacco products are manufactured according to established specifications;
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•minimizing the manufacture and distribution of tobacco products that do not meet specifications;
•requiring manufacturers to take appropriate measures to prevent contamination of tobacco products;
•requiring investigation and identification of products that do not meet specifications and requiring manufacturers to institute appropriate corrective actions, such as a recall; and
•establishing the ability to trace all components or parts, ingredients, additives and materials, as well as each batch of finished or bulk tobacco products, to aid in investigations of those that do not meet specifications.
The rulemaking process could take many months or years and once a final rule is published, it would likely not take effect until at least two years after the date of publication. If finalized as proposed, the new good manufacturing practices requirements would likely increase Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s production costs.
State Minimum Price Legislation
In 2020, voters in the State of Colorado approved Proposition EE, increasing taxes on cigarettes, tobacco and nicotine products. In addition to raising the Colorado state excise tax on cigarettes, Proposition EE included a provision that fixed the minimum retail price of cigarettes in Colorado at $7.00 per pack as of January 1, 2021, and thus reduced the competitive advantage of our Company’s deep discount priced cigarettes in the Colorado marketplace. We were unsuccessful in litigation against Colorado challenging the legality of the minimum price provision contained in Proposition EE. Although no other state has adopted a fixed minimum retail price law for cigarettes, other states may attempt to do so. In the event that other states pass minimum price legislation, the result could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The MSA and Other State Settlement Agreements
In March 1996, March 1997, and March 1998, Liggett entered into settlements of tobacco-related litigation with 45 states and territories. The settlements released Liggett from all tobacco-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, R.J. Reynolds and two other companies (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 MSA with 46 states and various territories (collectively, the “Settling States”) to settle the asserted and unasserted healthcare cost recovery and certain other claims of those Settling States. The MSA has received final judicial approval in each Settling State.
As a result of the MSA, the Settling States released Liggett and Vector Tobacco from:
•all claims of the Settling States and their respective political subdivisions and other recipients of state health care funds, relating to: (i) past conduct arising out of the use, sale, distribution, manufacture, development, advertising and marketing of tobacco products; and (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 amounts of payments owed pursuant to the MSA.
Under the payment provisions of the MSA, the Participating Manufacturers are required to make annual payments of $9.0 billion (subject to applicable adjustments, offsets and reductions). These annual payments are allocated based on unit volume of
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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.
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 U.S. 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 U.S. Liggett and Vector Tobacco’s domestic shipments accounted for 5.5% of the total cigarettes sold in the U.S. in 2023. 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 must pay on each excess unit an amount equal (on a per-unit basis) to that due from the OPMs for that year.
Liggett may have additional payment obligations under the MSA and its other settlement agreements with the states. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements.
New Valley
New Valley is our real estate investment business. We have invested in numerous real estate projects in different asset classes, including planned communities, condominium and mixed–use developments, apartment buildings, hotels and commercial properties.
Real Estate Investments
In our real estate investment business, we seek to acquire investment interests in domestic and international real estate projects through debt and equity investments. We and our partners seek to enhance the cash flows and returns from our investments by using varying levels of leverage. In addition, we and our partners may earn incentives on certain investments if the investments achieve rates of return that exceed targeted thresholds. We may pursue growth in new markets where we identify attractive opportunities to invest in or acquire assets and to achieve strong risk-adjusted returns. We strive to invest at attractive valuations, capitalize on distressed situations where possible, create opportunities for superior valuation gains and cash flow returns and monetize assets at appropriate times to realize value. As of December 31, 2023, our real estate investment business held interests in joint ventures recorded on our financial statements at approximately $137.2 million. Our current real estate investments include the following categories of projects (as of December 31, 2023):
Condominium and Mixed-Use Development
As of December 31, 2023, we owned investments in condominium and mixed-use development real estate ventures, recorded at $114.1 million and located throughout the U.S. and presently in New York City, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, and California. We had condominium and mixed-use development real estate ventures with projected construction completion dates between March 2024 and December 2025 as of December 31, 2023.
Apartment Buildings
As of December 31, 2023, we owned investments in apartment building ventures recorded at $7.8 million located in Hoover, Alabama and in Santa Monica, California. The investments were operating as of December 31, 2023.
Hotels
As of December 31, 2023, we owned investments in hotels recorded at $0.1 million located in New York City and in Bermuda. The hotels were operating as of December 31, 2023.
Commercial
As of December 31, 2023, we owned investments in commercial real estate ventures recorded at $15.2 million located in New York City and in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both commercial real estate ventures were operating as of December 31, 2023.
For additional information concerning these investments, see Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements and Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Summary of Real Estate Investments.”
Human Capital
We have long believed that the diversity and talent of our people provide a competitive advantage to Vector Group and its subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2023, we employed 551 employees, of which 524 were employed by Liggett, and 27 were employed at Vector Group’s corporate headquarters.
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Approximately 25% of the Liggett workforce has been employed by the Company for more than 15 years. Liggett has maintained long relationships with its employees due to its philosophy of listening to their comments and concerns and regularly engaging them to enhance its human capital management objectives.
Historically, this has occurred with frequent communication across all levels of Liggett and in-person events with senior management. We believe this philosophy served Liggett well in recent years.
The health and safety of our employees is foundational to achieving our human capital objectives.
Liggett also offers comprehensive benefit programs to its employees which provide them with, among other things, medical, dental, and vision healthcare; 401(k) matching contributions; paid parental leave; tuition assistance; and paid vacation time.
Of the 524 employees at Liggett as of December 31, 2023, 302 were employed at Liggett’s Mebane factory, 158 were employed throughout the U.S. in sales positions and the remaining 64 were employed in administrative functions supporting and coordinating sales and marketing efforts.
Of the employees at Liggett’s factory, 218 were hourly employees who are represented by four unions affiliated with either the AFL-CIO or the Teamsters. Liggett has not experienced any significant work stoppages since 1977.
We will continue to listen, while engaging and connecting with employees at Liggett to further our human capital management objectives.
Available Information
Our website address is www.vectorgroupltd.com. We make available free of charge on the Investor Relations section of our website (http://www.vectorgroupltd.com/investor-relations/) our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We also make available through our website other reports filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act, including our proxy statements and reports filed by officers and directors under Section 16(a) of that Act. Copies of these filings are also available on the SEC’s website. Copies of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Audit Committee charter, Compensation Committee charter and Corporate Responsibility and Nominating Committee charter have been posted on the Investor Relations section of our website and are also available in print to any stockholder who requests it. We do not intend for information contained in, or available through, our website to be part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
Our business faces many risks. We have described below the known material risks that we and our subsidiaries face. There may be additional risks that we do not yet know of or that we do not currently perceive to be significant that may also impact our business or the business of our subsidiaries. Each of the risks and uncertainties described below could lead to events or circumstances that have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition or equity of us or one or more of our subsidiaries, which in turn could negatively affect the value of our common stock. You should carefully consider and evaluate all information included in this report and any subsequent reports that we may file with the SEC or make available to the public before investing in any securities issued by us.
Risks Relating to Our Tobacco Business
Liggett faces intense competition in the domestic tobacco industry.
Liggett is considerably smaller and has fewer resources than its major competitors, and, as a result, has in certain circumstances a more limited ability to respond to market developments. Further, all of Liggett’s unit volume is generated in the discount segment, which is highly competitive, with consumers having less brand loyalty and placing greater emphasis on price. MSAi’s data indicate that in 2023, Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds, the two largest cigarette manufacturers, controlled 69.2% of the U.S. cigarette market. Philip Morris is the largest manufacturer in the market, and its profits are derived principally from its sale of premium cigarettes. Philip Morris had 59.8% of the premium segment and 43.2% of the total domestic market during 2023. During 2023, all of Liggett’s sales were in the discount segment, and its share of the total domestic cigarette market was 5.5%. Historically, because of their dominant market share, Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds have been able to determine cigarette prices for the various pricing tiers within the industry.
Further consolidation in the industry could adversely affect our ability to compete in the U.S. cigarette market.
Liggett’s business is highly dependent on the discount cigarette segment and to maintain market share, it may be required to take steps to reduce prices.
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All of Liggett’s unit volume is generated in the discount segment, which is highly competitive. While Philip Morris, RJ Reynolds, and ITG Brands compete with Liggett in the discount segment of the market, Liggett also faces intense competition for market share in the discount segment from a group of smaller manufacturers and importers, most of which sell low quality deep discount cigarettes. While Liggett’s share of the discount market was 17.5% in 2023, 18.5% in 2022 and 14.4% in 2021, MSAi’s data indicate that the discount market share of these other smaller manufacturers and importers was approximately 35.0% in 2023, 30.3% in 2022 and 34.2% in 2021. If pricing in the discount market continues to be impacted by these smaller manufacturers and importers, margins in Liggett’s only market segment could be negatively affected and, to maintain market share, Liggett may be required to take steps to reduce prices. Thus, Liggett’s sales volume, operating income and cash flows would be materially adversely affected, which in turn could negatively affect the value of our common stock.
Declining unit sales in the domestic cigarette industry could result in lower sales or higher costs for us.
MSAi’s data indicated that domestic industry-wide shipments of cigarettes declined by approximately 7.5% in 2023, 9.9% in 2022 and 6.5% in 2021. Since 1995, industry-wide shipments of cigarettes have declined in all years except 2020. We believe the 2020 increase in shipments was a COVID-19 related anomaly and that industry-wide shipments of cigarettes in the U.S. will continue to decline in future years as a result of numerous factors. These factors include health considerations, diminishing social acceptance of smoking, and a wide variety of federal, state and local laws limiting smoking in restaurants, bars and other public places, as well as increases in federal and state excise taxes and settlement-related expenses which have contributed to higher cigarette prices in recent years. In addition to a declining market impacting our sales volume, operating income and cash flows, our annual cost advantage from our payment exemption under the MSA declines by approximately $1.7 million for each percentage point decline in shipment volumes in the U.S. market and approximately $2.8 million for each percentage point increase in inflation (with the MSA rate increasing each year by the greater of three percent or the Consumer Price Index increase). If this decline in industry-wide shipments continues and Liggett is unable to capture market share from its competitors, or if the industry as a whole is unable to offset the decline in unit sales with price increases, or if Liggett’s market share percentage falls below its MSA payment exemption percentage, or if prevailing inflation rates continue, Liggett’s sales volume, operating income and cash flows could be negatively affected, which in turn could negatively affect the value of our common stock.
Our tobacco operations are subject to substantial and increasing legislation, regulation and taxation, which have a negative effect on revenue and profitability.
Cigarettes are subject to substantial regulation and taxation at the federal, state and local levels, which has had and may continue to have an adverse effect on our business. For a more complete discussion of the material regulations and taxation applicable to our Business, see Item 1. “Business. Legislation and Regulation.” For instance:
•Federal, state and local laws have limited the advertising, sale and use of cigarettes in the U.S., such as laws prohibiting smoking in restaurants and other public places. Private businesses have also implemented prohibitions on the use of cigarettes. Further regulations or rules limiting advertising, sale or use of cigarettes or ingredients or flavorings could negatively impact sales of cigarettes, which would have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
•The federal government, as well as certain state, city and county governments, impose excise taxes on cigarettes, which has had, and is expected to continue to have, an adverse effect on sales of cigarettes.
•Various state and local government regulations have, among other things, increased the minimum age to purchase tobacco products, banned the sale of menthol cigarettes, restricted or banned sampling and advertising and required ingredient and constituent disclosure. Significantly, the federal government increased the minimum age of sale for tobacco products from 18 to 21 years of age in December 2019. Further regulations that limit the group of individuals able to purchase cigarettes in the U.S. or other regulations that limit the types of products we can offer, such as limitations on use of flavoring or nicotine content, could have a material adverse effect on demand for our products, our results of operations and our business. FDA and other organizations have also conducted anti-tobacco media campaigns, which have and may continue to have an adverse effect on the demand for cigarettes.
There have also been adverse legislative and political decisions and other unfavorable developments concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry, as well as restrictive actions by federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and FDA. Additionally, all states have enacted statutes requiring cigarettes to meet a reduced ignition propensity standard. 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. 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.
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Additional federal, state or local regulations relating to the manufacture, sale, distribution, advertising, labeling, or information disclosure of tobacco products could further reduce sales, increase costs and have a material adverse effect on our business.
FDA Regulation under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act may adversely affect our sales and operating profit.
The TCA became law in June 2009. The TCA grants FDA broad authority over the manufacture, sale, marketing and packaging of tobacco products, although FDA is prohibited from banning all cigarettes or all smokeless tobacco products. It is likely that the TCA and further regulatory efforts by FDA could result in a decline in cigarette sales in the U.S., including sales of Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s brands. Compliance and related costs are not possible to predict and depend substantially on the future requirements imposed by FDA under the law. Costs, however, could be substantial and could have a material adverse effect on the companies’ financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. In addition, FDA has a number of investigatory and enforcement tools available to it. Failure to comply with the law and with FDA regulatory requirements could result in significant financial penalties and could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operation of both Liggett and Vector Tobacco. At present, we are not able to predict whether the law will impact Liggett and Vector Tobacco to a greater degree than other companies in the industry, thus affecting our competitive position. See Item 1. “Business, Legislation and Regulation” for a more detailed discussion.
Liggett and Vector Tobacco submitted substantial equivalence applications to FDA for each of their respective cigarette brand styles as required by the TCA, some of which remain under review by FDA. See Item 1. “Business, Legislation and Regulation” for a more detailed discussion. We cannot predict whether FDA will deem Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s outstanding applications to be sufficient to support determinations of substantial equivalence for the products covered by these substantial equivalence reports. It is possible that FDA could determine that some, or all, of these products are “not substantially equivalent” to a preexisting tobacco product, as the agency has already done for 23 of our Tobacco segment’s applications. NSE orders for other cigarette styles may require us to stop the sale of the applicable cigarettes and other cigarette styles and could have a material adverse effect on us.
Actions by FDA, including those specific actions described in Item 1. “Business, Legislation and Regulation” may (i) impact the adult tobacco consumer acceptability of or access to tobacco products (for example, through nicotine or constituent limits or menthol or other flavor bans), (ii) limit adult tobacco consumer choices, (iii) delay or prevent the launch of new or modified tobacco products, (iv) require the recall or other removal of tobacco products from the marketplace (for example as a result of (a) product contamination, (b) legislation and rulemaking that bans nicotine or menthol or other flavors, (c) a determination by FDA that one or more tobacco products do not satisfy the statutory requirements for substantial equivalence, (d) because FDA requires that a currently marketed tobacco product proceed through the pre-market review process or (e) because FDA does otherwise determines that removal is necessary for the protection of public health), (v) restrict communications to adult tobacco consumers, (vi) restrict the ability to differentiate tobacco products, (vii) create a competitive advantage or disadvantage for certain tobacco companies, (viii) impose additional manufacturing, labeling or packing requirements, (ix) interrupt manufacturing or otherwise significantly increase the cost of doing business or (x) restrict or prevent the use of specified tobacco products in certain locations or the sale of tobacco products by certain retail establishments. Any one or more of these actions may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Additional states may pass minimum price legislation.
In 2020, voters in the state of Colorado approved Proposition EE, increasing taxes on cigarettes, tobacco and nicotine products. In addition to raising the Colorado state excise tax on cigarettes, Proposition EE included a provision that fixed the minimum retail price of cigarettes in Colorado at $7.00 per pack as of January 1, 2021, and thus reduced the competitive advantage of our Company’s deep discount priced cigarettes in the Colorado marketplace. Although no other state has adopted a fixed minimum retail price law, other states may attempt to do so. In the event that other states pass similar legislation, the result could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Litigation will continue to harm the tobacco industry, including Liggett.
Liggett could be subjected to substantial liabilities and bonding requirements from litigation relating to cigarette products. Adverse judgments could have a negative impact on our ability to operate due to their impact on cash flows. We and our Liggett subsidiary, as well as the entire cigarette industry, continue to be challenged on numerous fronts. New cases continue to be commenced against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers. As of December 31, 2023, there were 70 individual product liability lawsuits, two purported class actions and one health care cost recovery action pending in the U.S. in which Liggett and/or we were named defendants. It is likely that similar legal actions, proceedings and claims will continue to be filed against
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Liggett. Punitive damages, often in amounts ranging into billions of dollars, are specifically pleaded in certain cases, in addition to compensatory and other damages. It is possible that there could be adverse developments in pending cases including the certification of additional class actions. An unfavorable outcome or settlement of pending tobacco-related litigation could encourage the commencement of additional litigation. In addition, an unfavorable outcome in any tobacco-related litigation could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Liggett could face difficulties in obtaining a bond to stay execution of a judgment pending appeal. As new product liability cases are commenced against Liggett, the costs associated with defending these cases and the risks relating to the inherent unpredictability of litigation continue to increase.
Individual tobacco-related cases resulting from the Engle case could continue to harm Liggett.
In May 1994, the Engle case was filed as a class action against Liggett and others in Miami-Dade County, Florida. As a result, we and Liggett, and other cigarette manufacturers, were sued in thousands of Engle progeny cases in both federal and state courts in Florida. Notwithstanding Liggett’s multi-plaintiff settlements, Liggett and Vector Group remain defendants in several state court Engle progeny cases. The costs associated with defending these cases have negatively impacted our cash flows, and we cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future settlements and judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, in the event of an adverse verdict.
Liggett may have additional payment obligations under the MSA.
NPM Adjustment. In March 2006, an economic consulting firm selected pursuant to the MSA determined that the MSA was a “significant factor contributing to” the loss of market share of the Participating Manufacturers for 2003. This same determination has been made for additional years. This is known as the “NPM Adjustment.” As a result, the Participating Manufacturers may be entitled to potential NPM Adjustments to their MSA payments.
As of December 31, 2023, the Participating Manufacturers had entered into agreements with 40 Settling States setting out terms for settlement of the NPM Adjustment and addressing the NPM Adjustment with respect to those states for future years.
The arbitration for 2004 found three states liable for the NPM Adjustment. Two of these states have challenged the determinations. As of December 31, 2023, Liggett and Vector Tobacco accrued approximately $8.7 million related to disputed amounts withheld from the non-settling states for 2004 - 2010, which may be subject to payment, with interest, if Liggett and Vector Tobacco lose the disputes for those years.
Liggett may have additional payment obligations under its individual state settlements.
In 2004, the Attorney General of Texas advised Liggett that he believed Liggett had failed to make all required payments under the respective settlement agreements with these states. Liggett believes these allegations are without merit, based, among other things, on the language of the most favored nation provisions of the settlement agreements. No amounts have been accrued in our consolidated financial statements for any additional amounts that may be payable by Liggett under the settlement agreement with Texas.
Our tobacco business faces multiple risks in today’s economic environment. These risks have the potential to significantly affect our business operations as well as our profitability.
International trade disruptions, shipping container availability, climate change, inflation, geopolitical instability, government regulations and man-made or natural disasters could affect the cost, availability and supply of our tobacco, raw materials as well as component parts for our equipment.
Overall economic conditions, including but not limited to inflation, labor shortages and supply chain disruptions, all present significant challenges and obstacles to overcome to enable our operations to continue uninterrupted. Our tobacco business also operates a single manufacturing facility which could affect our ability to produce and distribute our product if there was a major disruption.
Risks Associated with Our New Valley Real Estate Business.
New Valley is subject to risks relating to the industries in which it operates.
The real estate industry is significantly affected by changes in economic and political conditions as well as real estate markets, which could adversely impact returns on our investments, trigger defaults in project financing, cause cancellations of property sales, reduce the value of our properties or investments and could affect our results of operations and liquidity. The
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real estate industry is cyclical and is significantly affected by changes in general and local economic conditions which are beyond our control.
These conditions include short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, fluctuations in debt and equity capital markets, levels of unemployment, consumer confidence and the general economic condition of the U.S. and the global economy. The real estate market also depends upon the strength of financial institutions, which are sensitive to changes in the general macroeconomic environment. Lack of available credit or lack of confidence in the financial sector could impact the real estate market, which in turn could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Any of the following could be associated with cyclicality in the real estate market by halting or limiting a recovery in the residential and commercial real estate markets, and have an adverse effect on our business by causing periods of lower growth or a decline in the number of home sales and/or property prices which, in turn, could adversely affect our business and financial condition:
•periods of economic slowdown or recession;
•rising interest rates;
•the general availability of mortgage financing;
•a negative perception of the market for residential and commercial real estate;
•an increase in the cost of homeowners’ insurance;
•weak credit markets;
•a low level of consumer confidence in the economy and/or the real estate market;
•instability of financial institutions;
•legislative, tax or regulatory changes that would adversely impact the real estate market, including but not limited to potential reform relating to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and other government sponsored entities that provide liquidity to the U.S. housing and mortgage markets, and potential limits on, or elimination of, the income tax deduction of certain mortgage interest expense and property taxes;
•adverse changes in economic and general business conditions in the areas we invest;
•declining demand for real estate;
•acts of God, such as hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters, or acts or threats of war or terrorism; and/or
•adverse changes in global, national, regional and local economic and market conditions, particularly where our businesses operate, including those relating to pandemics and health crises.
Real estate development is a competitive industry, and competitive conditions may adversely affect our results of operations. The real estate development industry is highly competitive. Real estate developers compete not only for buyers, but also for desirable properties, building materials, labor and capital. We compete with other local, regional, national and international real estate asset managers, investors and property developers, which have significant financial resources and experience. Competitive conditions in the real estate development industry could result in difficulty in acquiring suitable investments in properties at acceptable prices, increased selling incentives, lower sales volumes and prices, lower profit margins, impairments in the value of our investments in real estate developments and other assets, and/or increased construction costs, delays in construction and increased carry costs. Development projects are subject to special risks including potential increase in costs, changes in market demand, inability to meet deadlines which may delay the timely completion of projects, reliance on contractors who may be unable to perform and the need to obtain various governmental and third-party consents.
If the market value of our properties or investments decline, our results of operations could be adversely affected by impairments and write-downs. We acquire land and invest in real estate projects in the ordinary course of our business. There is an inherent risk that the value of our land and investments may decline after purchase, which also may affect the value of existing properties under construction. The valuation of property is inherently subjective and based on the individual characteristics of each property. The market value of our land and investments in real estate projects depends on general and local real estate market conditions. These conditions can change and thereby subject valuations to uncertainty. Moreover, all valuations are based on assumptions that may not prove to reflect economic or demographic reality. We may have acquired options to buy or bought and developed land at a cost we will not be able to recover fully or on which we cannot build and sell the property profitably. In addition, our deposits or investments in deposits for building lots controlled under option or similar contracts may be put at risk. If market conditions deteriorate, some of our assets may be subject to impairments and write-down charges which would adversely affect our operations and financial results.
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If demand for residential or commercial real estate decreases below what was anticipated when we purchased interests in or developed such inventory, profitability may be adversely affected and we may not be able to recover the related costs when selling and building our properties and/or investments. We regularly review the value of our investments and will continue to do so on a periodic basis. Write-downs and impairments in the value of our properties and/or investments may be required, and we may in the future sell properties and/or investments at a loss, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We face risks associated with property acquisitions. We may be unable to finance acquisitions or investments on favorable terms or properties may fail to perform as expected. We may underestimate the costs necessary to bring an investment up to standards established for its intended market position. We may also acquire or invest in properties subject to liabilities and with recourse, with respect to unknown liabilities. New Valley’s acquisition of real estate investments are subject to several risks including: underestimated operating expenses for a property, possibly making it uneconomical or unprofitable; a property may fail to perform in accordance with expectations, in which case New Valley may sustain lower-than-expected income or need to incur additional expenses for the property; and New Valley may not be able to sell, dispose or refinance the property at a favorable price or terms, or at all, as the case may be; in addition to any potential loss on a sale, New Valley may have no choice but to hold on to the property and continue to incur net operating losses if underperforming for an indefinite period of time, as well as incur continuing tax, environmental and other liabilities. Acquisition agreements will typically contain conditions to closing, including completion of due diligence to our satisfaction or other conditions that are not within our control, which may not be satisfied. Each of these factors could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
If we, or the entities we invest in, are not able to develop and market our real estate developments successfully or within expected timeframes or at projected pricing, our business and results of operations will be adversely affected. Before a property development generates any revenues, material expenditures are incurred to acquire land, obtain development approvals and construct significant portions of project infrastructure, amenities, model offices, showrooms, apartments or homes and sales facilities. It generally takes several years for a real estate development to achieve cumulative positive cash flow. If we, or the entities we invest in, are unable to develop and market our real estate developments successfully or to generate positive cash flows from these operations within expected timeframes, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Because certain of our assets are illiquid, we may not be able to sell these assets when appropriate or when desired. Large real estate developments like the ones that we retain investments in can be hard to sell, especially if local market conditions are poor. Such illiquidity could limit our ability to diversify our assets promptly in response to changing economic or investment conditions. Additionally, financial difficulties of other property owners resulting in distressed sales could depress real estate values in the markets in which we operate in times of illiquidity. These restrictions reduce our ability to respond to changes in the performance of our assets and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Guaranty risks; risks of joint ventures. New Valley has real estate-related investments in which other partners hold significant interests. New Valley must seek approval from these other parties for important actions regarding these joint ventures. Since the other parties’ interests may differ from those of New Valley, a deadlock could arise that might impair the ability of the ventures to function. Such a deadlock could significantly harm a venture. Further, our minority interest in these joint ventures means that we may not be able to influence the outcome of a project, and our rights to obtain information may be limited to the contractual requirements. As a result, we may not have adequate insight into the financial condition of any of our joint ventures given that we do not oversee their financial reporting or decision making. If our partners face adverse financial conditions, it may impair their ability to fund capital calls or satisfy their share of any guarantees on project financing. In addition, we are typically obligated to execute guarantees or indemnify our partners for guarantees they may execute in connection with the acquisition or construction financing for our projects. The guarantees that we might be obligated to sign include guarantees for environmental liability at a project, improper acts committed by New Valley (otherwise known as a “bad boy” guaranty), as well as carry and completion guarantees for a project. In the event of a default, if a lender were to exercise its rights under these guarantees, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
The real estate developments we invest in may be subject to losses as a result of construction defects. Real estate developers are subject to construction defect and warranty claims arising in the ordinary course of their business. These claims are common in the real estate development industry and can be costly.
Claims may be asserted against the real estate developments we invest in for construction defects, personal injury or property damage caused by the developer, general contractor or subcontractors, and if successful, these claims may give rise to liability. Subcontractors are independent of the homebuilders that contract with them under normal management practices and the terms of trade contracts and subcontracts within the industry; however, if U.S. or other regulatory agencies or courts reclassify the employees of sub-contractors as employees of real estate developers, real estate developers using subcontractors could be responsible for wage, hour and other employment-related liabilities of their subcontractors.
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In addition, where the real estate developments in which we invest hire general contractors, unforeseen events such as the bankruptcy of, or an uninsured or under-insured loss claimed against, the general contractor may sometimes result in the real estate developer becoming responsible for the losses or other obligations of the general contractor. The costs of insuring against construction defect and product liability claims are high, and the amount of coverage offered by insurance companies may be limited. There can be no assurance that this coverage will not be further restricted and become more costly. If the real estate developments in our real estate portfolio are not able to obtain adequate insurance against these claims in the future, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Increasingly in recent years, individual and class action lawsuits have been filed against real estate developers asserting claims of personal injury and property damage caused by a variety of issues, including faulty materials and the presence of mold in residential dwellings. Furthermore, decreases in home values as a result of general economic conditions may result in an increase in both non-meritorious and meritorious construction defect claims, as well as claims based on marketing and sales practices. Insurance may not cover all claims arising from such issues, or such coverage may become prohibitively expensive. If real estate developments in our real estate portfolio are not able to obtain adequate insurance against these claims, they may experience litigation costs and losses that could reduce our revenues from these investments. Even if they are successful in defending such claims, we may incur significant losses.
Our real estate investments may face substantial damages as a result of existing or future litigation, arbitration or other claims. The real estate developments we invest in are exposed to potentially significant litigation, arbitration proceedings and other claims, including breach of contract, contractual disputes and disputes relating to defective title, property misdescription or construction defects. Class action lawsuits can be costly to defend, and if our assets were to lose any certified class action suit, it could result in substantial liability. With respect to certain general liability exposures, including construction defect and product liability claims, interpretation of underlying current and future trends, assessment of claims and the related liability and reserve estimation process requires us to exercise significant judgment due to the complex nature of these exposures, with each exposure exhibiting unique circumstances. Furthermore, once claims are asserted for construction defects, it is difficult to determine the extent to which the assertion of these claims will expand geographically. As a result, we may suffer losses on our investments which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our investments in real estate are susceptible to adverse weather conditions and natural and man-made disasters. Adverse weather conditions and natural and man-made disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, storms, earthquakes, floods, droughts, fires, snow, blizzards, as well as terrorist attacks, riots and electrical outages, can have a significant effect on the assets in our real estate portfolio. The severity and frequency of these adverse weather conditions are worsened by the effects of climate change. These adverse conditions can cause physical damage to work in progress and new developments, delays and increased costs in the construction of new developments and disruptions and suspensions of operations, whether caused directly or by disrupting or suspending operations of those upon whom our real estate developments rely in their operations. Such adverse conditions can mutually cause or aggravate each other, and their incidence and severity are unpredictable. If insurance is unavailable to the real estate developments we invest in or is unavailable on acceptable terms, or if insurance is not adequate to cover business interruptions or losses resulting from adverse weather or natural or man-made disasters, the real estate developments we invest in and our results of operations will be adversely affected. In addition, damage to properties in our real estate portfolio caused by adverse weather or a natural or man-made disaster may cause insurance costs for these properties to increase.
A major health and safety incident relating to our real estate investments could be costly in terms of potential liabilities and reputational damage. Building sites are inherently dangerous and operating in the real estate development industry poses certain inherent health and safety risks. Due to regulatory requirements, health and safety performance is critical to the success of our real estate investments. Any failure in health and safety performance may result in penalties for non-compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, and a failure that results in a major or significant health and safety incident is likely to be costly in terms of potential liabilities incurred as a result. Such a failure could generate significant negative publicity and have a corresponding impact on the reputation and relationships of the developer with relevant regulatory agencies or governmental authorities, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our investment and operating results.
Insurance may not cover some potential losses or may not be obtainable at commercially reasonable rates, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Real estate properties in our real estate portfolio maintain insurance on their properties in amounts and with deductibles that we believe are comparable with what owners of similar properties carry; however, such insurance may not cover some potential losses or may not be obtainable at commercially reasonable rates in the future. There are also certain types of risks (such as war, environmental contamination such as toxic mold, and lease and other contract claims) which are either uninsurable or not economically insurable. Should any uninsured or underinsured loss occur, we could lose our investment in, and anticipated profits and cash flows from, one or more properties.
Risks Relating to the Distribution
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In connection with the Distribution, we agreed to indemnify Douglas Elliman and Douglas Elliman agreed to indemnify us for certain liabilities, and if we are required to perform under these indemnities or if Douglas Elliman is unable to satisfy its obligations under these indemnities, our financial results could be negatively affected.
In connection with the Transition Services Agreement, we and Douglas Elliman, as parties receiving services under the agreement, agreed to indemnify the party providing services for losses incurred by such party that arise out of or are otherwise in connection with the provision by such party of services under the agreement, except to the extent that such losses result from the providing party’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations under the agreement. Similarly, each party providing services under the agreement agreed to indemnify the party receiving services for losses incurred by such party that arise out of or are otherwise in connection with the indemnifying party’s provision of services under the agreement if such losses result from the providing party’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations under the agreement.
In connection with our tobacco business, from time-to-time Douglas Elliman may be named as a defendant in tobacco-related lawsuits, notwithstanding the completion of the Distribution. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, we and each of our subsidiaries agreed to indemnify Douglas Elliman for liabilities related to our tobacco business, including liabilities that Douglas Elliman may incur for tobacco-related litigation.
In connection with the Distribution, Douglas Elliman provided us with indemnities with respect to liabilities arising out of Douglas Elliman’s business. If we are subject to an adverse decision in a lawsuit related to Douglas Elliman’s business, and Douglas Elliman fails to satisfy its obligations, our financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
The Distribution and related transactions may expose us to potential liabilities arising out of state and federal fraudulent conveyance laws and legal distribution requirements.
The Distribution could be challenged under various state and federal fraudulent conveyance laws. An unpaid creditor could claim that we did not receive fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value in the Distribution, and that the Distribution left us insolvent or with unreasonably small capital or that we intended or believed we would incur debts beyond our ability to pay such debts as they mature. If a court were to agree with such a plaintiff, then such court could void the Distribution as a fraudulent transfer and could impose several different remedies, including without limitation, returning the assets or the shares of common stock in Douglas Elliman being distributed as part of the Distribution or providing us with a claim for money damages against the spun-off business in an amount equal to the difference between the consideration received by us and the fair market value of Douglas Elliman at the time of the Distribution.
Certain directors who serve on our Board of Directors currently serve as directors of Douglas Elliman following the Distribution, and ownership of shares of common stock of Douglas Elliman following the Distribution by our directors and executive officers may create, or appear to create, conflicts of interest.
Certain of our directors who serve on our Board of Directors currently serve on the board of directors of Douglas Elliman. This may create, or appear to create, conflicts of interest when our or Douglas Elliman's management and directors face decisions that could have different implications for us and Douglas Elliman, including the resolution of any dispute regarding the terms of the agreements governing the Distribution and the relationship between us and Douglas Elliman after the Distribution or any other commercial agreements entered into in the future between us and Douglas Elliman. For example, subsidiaries of Douglas Elliman have been engaged by certain developers as the sole broker or the co-broker for several of the real estate development projects that New Valley owns an interest in through its real estate venture investments. Douglas Elliman had gross commissions of approximately $1.8 million, $1.7 million and $9.0 million from these projects for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
In addition, all our executive officers and some of our non-employee directors currently own shares of the common stock of Douglas Elliman. The continued ownership of such common stock by our directors and executive officers following the Distribution creates or may create the appearance of a conflict of interest when these directors and executive officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for us and Douglas Elliman
After the Distribution, certain of our executive officers do not devote their full time to Vector Group’s affairs, and the overlap may give rise to conflicts.
Our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer and General Counsel serve in the same roles at Douglas Elliman. Our management model has and continues to use holding company executives to focus on public company matters while delegating the operations of our subsidiaries, including Liggett, to experienced operating professionals and we believe it has created stockholder value. Nonetheless, our management team divides its time between Vector Group and Douglas Elliman and consequently, does not spend its full time on our business. From time-to-time, our overlapping executive officers may be required to spend a significant portion of their time and attention
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on Douglas Elliman’s affairs, and there can be no assurance that they will be able to devote sufficient time to the Company’s affairs.
Our overlapping executive officers may also face actual or apparent conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving or affecting each company. For example, the potential for a conflict of interest may arise when we, on the one hand, and Douglas Elliman, on the other hand, consider corporate opportunities that may be suitable for both companies.
If the distribution, together with certain related transactions, were to fail to qualify as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of l986, as amended (“Code”), then our stockholders, we and Douglas Elliman might be required to pay substantial U.S. federal income taxes.
The distribution was conditioned upon our receipt of an opinion of our Distribution tax advisor to the effect that, subject to the assumptions and limitations described therein, the distribution of Douglas Elliman common stock to holders of our common stock (such distribution, excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the distribution of Douglas Elliman common stock with respect to our stock option awards and restricted stock awards), together with certain related transactions, will qualify as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code in which no gain or loss is recognized by us or our stockholders, except, in the case of our stockholders, for cash received in lieu of fractional shares. The opinion of our Distribution tax advisor was based on, among other things, certain assumptions as well as on the continuing accuracy of certain factual representations and statements that we and Douglas Elliman made to the Distribution tax advisor. In rendering its opinion, the Distribution tax advisor also relied on certain covenants that we and Douglas Elliman entered into, including the adherence by us and by Douglas Elliman to certain restrictions on future actions contained in the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement. If any of the representations or statements that we or Douglas Elliman made are or become inaccurate or incomplete, or if we or Douglas Elliman breach any of such covenants, the Distribution and such related transactions might not qualify for such tax treatment. The opinion of the Distribution tax advisor is not binding on the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or a court, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the validity of the Distribution and such related transactions as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code eligible for tax-free treatment, or that any such challenge ultimately will not prevail.
If the Distribution does not qualify as a tax-free transaction for any reason, including because of a breach of a representation or covenant, we would recognize a substantial gain attributable to Douglas Elliman for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Additionally, if the Distribution does not qualify as tax-free under Section 355 of the Code, our stockholders will be treated as having received a distribution equal to the fair market value of the stock distributed, which generally would be treated first as a taxable dividend to the extent of such holder’s pro rata share of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, then as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of such holder’s tax basis in our common stock, and thereafter as capital gain with respect to any remaining value.
We are subject to continuing contingent tax-related liabilities of Douglas Elliman following the Distribution.
After the Distribution, there are several significant areas where the liabilities of Douglas Elliman may become our obligations, either in whole or in part. For example, to the extent that any subsidiary of ours was included in the consolidated tax reporting group of Vector Group for any taxable period or portion of any taxable period ending on or before the effective date of the Distribution, such subsidiary is jointly and severally liable for the U.S. federal income tax liability of the entire consolidated tax reporting group of Vector Group, as applicable, for such taxable period. In connection with the Distribution, we have entered into a Tax Disaffiliation Agreement with Douglas Elliman that allocates the responsibility for prior period consolidated taxes to Vector Group. If we are unable to pay any prior period taxes for which we are responsible, however, Douglas Elliman could be required to pay the entire amount of such taxes, and such amounts could be significant. Other provisions of federal, state or local law may establish similar liability for other matters, including laws governing tax-qualified pension plans, as well as other contingent liabilities.
Our ability to engage in acquisitions and other strategic transactions is subject to limitations because we have agreed to certain restrictions intended to support the tax-free nature of the Distribution.
The U.S. federal income tax laws that apply to transactions like the Distribution generally create a presumption that the Distribution would be taxable to us (but not to our stockholders) if we engage in, or enter into an agreement to engage in, an acquisition of all or a significant portion of our common stock beginning two years before the distribution date, unless it is established that the transaction is not pursuant to a plan or series or transactions related to the Distribution. U.S. Treasury regulations currently in effect generally provide that whether an acquisition transaction and a distribution are part of a plan is determined based on all facts and circumstances, including specific factors listed in the Treasury regulations. In addition, these
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Treasury regulations provide several “safe harbors” for acquisition transactions that are not considered to be part of a plan that includes a distribution.
There are other restrictions imposed on us under current U.S. federal income tax laws with which we will need to comply for the Distribution and certain related transactions to qualify as a transaction that is tax-free under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code. For example, we will generally be required to continue to own and manage our business, and there will be limitations on issuances, redemptions and sales of our stock for cash or other property following the Distribution, except in connection with certain stock-for-stock acquisitions and other permitted transactions. If these restrictions are not followed, the Distribution could be taxable to us and our stockholders.
We entered into a Tax Disaffiliation Agreement with Douglas Elliman under which we have allocated, between Douglas Elliman and ourselves, responsibility for U.S. federal as well as state and local income and other taxes relating to taxable periods before and after the Distribution and provided for computing and apportioning tax liabilities and tax benefits between the parties. In the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, we agreed that, among other things, we may not take, or fail to take, any action following the Distribution if such action, or failure to act: would be inconsistent with or prohibit the Distribution and certain related transactions from qualifying as a tax-free reorganization under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 and related provisions of the Code to us and our stockholders (except with respect to the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares of our stock).
In addition, we agreed that we may not, among other things, during the two-year period following the Distribution, except under certain specified circumstances, (i) redeem or otherwise repurchase our stock; (ii) liquidate, merge or consolidate with another person; (iii) sell or otherwise dispose of assets outside the ordinary course of business or materially change the manner of operating our business; or (iv) take any other action or actions that in the aggregate would have the effect that one or more persons acquire (or have the right to acquire), directly or indirectly, as part of a plan or series of related transactions, 35% of our stock. These restrictions could limit our strategic and operational flexibility, including our ability to finance our operations by issuing equity securities, make acquisitions using equity securities, repurchase our equity securities, or raise money by selling assets or enter into business combination transactions. We also agreed to indemnify Douglas Elliman for certain tax liabilities resulting from any such transactions. Further, our stockholders may consider these covenants and indemnity obligations unfavorable as they might discourage, delay or prevent a change of control.
Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness
We and our subsidiaries have a substantial amount of indebtedness and liquidity commitments.
We and our subsidiaries have significant indebtedness and debt service obligations. As of December 31, 2023, we and our subsidiaries had total outstanding indebtedness of $1.39 billion. In addition, subject to the terms of any future agreements, we and our subsidiaries may incur additional indebtedness in the future. There is a risk that we will not be able to generate sufficient funds to repay our debt. If we cannot service our fixed charges, it would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We have significant liquidity commitments.
During 2024, we will have significant liquidity commitments that will require the use of our existing cash resources. As of December 31, 2023, our corporate expenditures (exclusive of Liggett, Vector Tobacco and New Valley) and other potential liquidity requirements over the next 12 months include the following:
•cash interest expense of approximately $104.8 million,
•dividends of approximately $127.9 million based on an assumed quarterly cash dividend rate of $0.20 per share (based on payments on 157,683,020 common shares outstanding as of February 14, 2024 and 2,248,226 employee stock options), and
•other corporate expenses and taxes.
We will be required to use cash flows from operations as well as existing cash and cash equivalents to meet the above liquidity requirements as well as other liquidity needs in the normal course of business. Should these resources be insufficient to meet the upcoming liquidity needs, we may also be required to liquidate investment securities available for sale and other long-term investments, or, if available, draw on the Liggett Credit Facility. While there are actions we can take to reduce our liquidity needs, there can be no assurance that such measures will be successful.
Servicing our indebtedness requires a significant amount of cash and we may not generate sufficient cash flow from our businesses to pay our substantial indebtedness.
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Our ability to make scheduled payments of the principal, to pay interest on, or to refinance our indebtedness, depends on our future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and regulatory factors, as well as other factors beyond our control. The cash flow from operations in the future may be insufficient to service our indebtedness because of factors beyond our control. If we are unable to generate the necessary cash flow, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness will depend on the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. We may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in a default on our debt obligations.
Our high level of debt may adversely affect our ability to satisfy our obligations.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to meet our debt service obligations. A default in our debt obligations, including a breach of any restrictive covenant imposed by the terms of our indebtedness, could result in the acceleration of the affected debt as well as other of our indebtedness. In such a situation, it is unlikely that we would be able to fulfill our obligations under the debt or such other indebtedness or that we would otherwise be able to repay the accelerated indebtedness or make other required payments. Even in the absence of an acceleration of our indebtedness, a default under the terms of our indebtedness could have an adverse impact on our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and on the trading price of our debt and our common stock.
Our high level of indebtedness, as well as volatility in the capital and credit markets, could have important consequences. For example, they could:
•make it more difficult for us to satisfy our other obligations with respect to our debt, including repurchase obligations, upon the occurrence of specified change of control events;
•increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
•limit our ability to obtain additional financing;
•require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, reducing the amount of our cash flow available for dividends on our common stock and other general corporate purposes;
•require us to sell other securities or to sell some or all of our assets, possibly on unfavorable terms, to meet payment obligations;
•restrict us from making strategic acquisitions, investing in new capital assets or taking advantage of business opportunities;
•limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and industry; and
•place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have less debt.
Our 5.75% Senior Secured Notes, 10.5% Senior Notes, and Liggett Credit Facility contain restrictive covenants, and the Liggett Credit Facility contains financial ratios that limit our operating flexibility, and may limit our ability to pay dividends in the future.
The indenture governing our 5.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (the “2029 Indenture”), the indenture governing our 10.5% Senior Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Indenture”) and the Liggett Credit Facility contain covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to take specific actions, even if we believe them to be in our best interest, including restrictions on our ability to:
•incur or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue certain preferred stock;
•pay dividends or distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock or subordinated indebtedness, or make other restricted payments;
•create or incur liens with respect to our assets;
•make investments, loans or advances;
•incur dividend or other payment restrictions;
•prepay subordinated indebtedness;
•enter into certain transactions with affiliates; and
•merge, consolidate, reorganize or sell our assets, or use asset sale proceeds.
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Our ability to comply with the provisions of the 2029 Indenture, the 2026 Indenture, and the Liggett Credit Facility may be affected by changes in our operating and financial performance, changes in general business and economic conditions, adverse regulatory developments or other events beyond our control. The breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under our indebtedness, which could cause those and other obligations to become due and payable. If any of our indebtedness is accelerated, we may not be able to repay it. See Item 7. “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Liquidity and Capital Resources” for details of debt covenant compliance.
Changes in respect of the debt ratings of our notes may materially and adversely affect the availability, the cost and the terms and conditions of our debt.
Both we and several issues of our notes have been publicly rated by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., and Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, independent rating agencies. In addition, future debt instruments may be publicly rated. These debt ratings may affect our ability to raise debt. Any future downgrading of the notes or our other debt by Moody’s or S&P may affect the cost and terms and conditions of our financings and could adversely affect the value and trading of the notes.
The Tax Act may increase the after-tax cost of debt financings.
The Tax Act limits our interest expense deduction to 30% of taxable income before interest thereafter for non-excepted trade or businesses. One such excepted trade or business is any electing real property trade or business, of which portions of our New Valley real estate business may qualify. Interest expense allocable to an excepted trade or business is not subject to limitation. The Tax Act permits us to carry forward disallowed interest expense indefinitely. Due to our high degree of leverage, a portion of our interest expense in future years may not be deductible, which may increase the after-tax cost of any new debt financings as well as the refinancing of our existing debt. We evaluate the impact of the nondeductible interest on our operations and capital structure on an annual basis.
Risks Relating to Our Structure and Other Business Risks
We are a holding company and depend on cash payments from our subsidiaries, which are subject to contractual and other restrictions, to service our debt and to pay dividends on our common stock.
We are a holding company and have no operations of our own. We hold our interests in our various businesses through our wholly owned subsidiaries, VGR Holding LLC (“VGR Holding”) and New Valley. In addition to our own cash resources, our ability to pay interest on our debt and to pay dividends on our common stock depends on the ability of VGR Holding and New Valley to make cash available to us. VGR Holding’s ability to pay dividends to us depends primarily on the ability of Liggett and Vector Tobacco, its wholly owned subsidiaries, to generate cash and make it available to VGR Holding. The Liggett Credit Facility contains a restricted payments test that limits the ability of Liggett to pay cash dividends to VGR Holding. The ability of Liggett to meet the restricted payments test may be affected by factors beyond its control.
Our receipt of cash payments, as dividends or otherwise, from our subsidiaries is an important source of our liquidity and capital resources. If we do not have sufficient cash resources of our own and do not receive payments from our subsidiaries in an amount sufficient to repay our debts and to pay dividends on our common stock, we must obtain additional funds from other sources. There is a risk that we will not be able to obtain additional funds at all or on terms acceptable to us. Our inability to service these obligations and to continue to pay dividends on our common stock would significantly harm us and the value of our notes and our common stock.
Maintaining the integrity of our computer systems and protecting confidential information and personal identifying information has become increasingly costly, as cybersecurity incidents could disrupt business operations, result in the loss of critical and confidential information, and adversely impact our reputation and results of operations.
Global cybersecurity threats and incidents can range from uncoordinated individual attempts that gain unauthorized access to information technology systems both internally and externally, to sophisticated and targeted measures known as advanced persistent threats, directed at us and our stakeholders. In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including our proprietary business information and intellectual property, and personally identifiable information of our tobacco customers. Additionally, we increasingly rely on third-party service providers, including cloud storage solution providers. The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of this information are critical to our operations and with respect to information collected and stored by our third-party service providers, we are reliant upon their security procedures. Our systems and the confidential information on them may also be compromised by employee misconduct or employee error. We and our third-party service providers have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, these types of internal and external threats and incidents, which can result, and have resulted, in the misappropriation and unavailability of critical data and confidential or proprietary information (our own and that of third parties, including personally identifiable information), the disruption of business operations, and the loss of funds. Depending on their nature and scope, these incidents could potentially
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also result in the destruction or corruption of such data and information. Our business interruption insurance may be insufficient to compensate us for losses that may occur. The potential consequences of a material cybersecurity incident include reputational damage, litigation with third parties, diminution in the value of the services we provide to our customers, increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs, business disruption, and the loss of funds or revenue, which in turn could adversely affect our competitiveness and results of operations. Developments in the laws and regulations governing the handling and transmission of personal identifying information in the U.S. may require us to devote more resources to protecting such information, which could in turn adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We depend on our key personnel.
We depend on the efforts of our executive officers and other key personnel as our named executive officers have been employed by us for an average of 28 years as of December 31, 2023. While we believe that we could find replacements for these key personnel, the loss of their services could have a significant adverse effect on our operations. For more information about certain of our key personnel, see “— After the Distribution, certain of our executive officers do not devote their full time to Vector Group’s affairs, and the overlap may give rise to conflicts.”
Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could adversely affect us.
The accuracy of our financial reporting depends on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, the implementation of which requires significant management attention. Internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements and may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations. These limitations include, among others, the possibility of human error, inadequacy or circumvention of controls and fraud. If we do not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or design and implement controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of our financial statements, including in connection with controls executed for us by third parties, we might fail to timely detect any misappropriation of corporate assets or inappropriate allocation or use of funds and could be unable to file accurate financial reports on a timely basis. As a result, our reputation, results of operations and stock price could be materially adversely affected.
Our liquidity could be adversely affected by conditions in the financial markets or the negative performance of financial institutions.
Our available cash and cash equivalents are held in accounts with or managed by financial institutions and consist of cash in our operating accounts and cash and cash equivalents invested in money market funds. The amount of cash in our operating accounts exceeds the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. While we monitor our accounts regularly and adjust our balances as appropriate, the valuation of or our access to these accounts could be negatively impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail or become subject to other adverse conditions in the financial markets. The operations of U.S. and global financial services institutions are interconnected and the performance and financial strength of specific institutions are subject to rapid change, the timing and extent of which cannot be known. To date, we have experienced no material realized losses on or lack of access to our cash held in operating accounts or our invested cash or cash equivalents, however, we can provide no assurances that access to our cash held in operating accounts or our invested cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets or the negative performance of financial institutions. Any material loss that we may experience in the future or inability for a material time period to access our cash and cash equivalents could have an adverse effect on our ability to pay our operational expenses or make other payments, which could adversely affect our business.
Risks Relating to our Common Stock
The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.
The trading price of our common stock has ranged between $9.80 and $14.25 per share over the past 52 weeks.
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate in response to numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include the following:
•actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;
•changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates by securities analysts and investors;
•the operating and stock performance of our competitors;
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•our dividend payment ratio and level;
•announcements by us or our competitors of new products or services or significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
•the initiation or outcome of litigation;
•the failure or significant disruption of our operations from various causes related to our critical information technologies and systems including cybersecurity threats to our data and customer data as well as reputational or financial risks associated with a loss of any such data;
•changes in interest rates;
•general economic, market and political conditions;
•additions or departures of key personnel; and
•future sales of our equity or convertible securities.
We cannot predict the extent, if any, to which future sales of shares of common stock or the availability of shares of common stock for future sale, may depress the trading price of our common stock.
In addition, the stock market in recent years has experienced extreme price and trading volume fluctuations that often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of individual companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. Furthermore, stockholders may initiate securities class action lawsuits if the market price of our stock drops significantly, which may cause us to incur substantial costs and could divert the time and attention of our management. These factors, among others, could significantly depress the price of our common stock.
ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
We have a comprehensive approach to identifying and managing cybersecurity risks that involves our information technology security personnel, senior management, Audit Committee and Board of Directors. Our cybersecurity risk management function is integrated into our overall risk management system and processes.
Governance. The Board of Directors has formally tasked the Audit Committee with oversight responsibility to review cybersecurity and data privacy risks. The Audit Committee receives regular reports from management about cybersecurity matters. In addition to regular reporting, we have procedures by which potential cybersecurity incidents are reported in a timely manner to the Chief Technology Officer, who then notifies the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of cybersecurity incidents and they collectively determine if a specific incident warrants escalation to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors. Our CTO, who has more than 25 years of information security and cybersecurity experience, manages cybersecurity at the corporate and real estate segments and oversees a team of dedicated cybersecurity personnel employed in our tobacco segment. Our governance procedures are generally designed to identify, assess, mitigate, prevent and, where required, respond to cybersecurity security incidents and threats in a timely manner to minimize the loss or compromise of information and assets and to facilitate incident resolution.
Cybersecurity incident identification and response. We use a number of processes and procedures to protect our data, systems and employees from cyber incidents, to reduce our overall cybersecurity risk profile, and to identify and respond to cybersecurity incidents in a timely manner. These processes and procedures leverage a variety of tools, including a security incident and event manager interface that uses behavioral analytics and provides live metrics and reports of attempted breaches and logs of firewalls, authentication attempts, emails, anti-malware, attempted intrusions and applications. We also conduct periodic tests to assess our processes and procedures and the threat landscape, which include, among other things, the engagement of third-party experts for external and internal penetration testing and system security assessments.
We have adopted an incident response plan that applies in the event of a cybersecurity incident involving a breach of our own information technology systems and applications. Pursuant to this response plan, in the event of an incident, a multi-disciplinary team is assembled that includes our CTO and General Counsel and, if appropriate, our COO and CFO, which in turn may leverage the expertise of third-party consultants, external legal counsel and other resources. The plan includes procedures designed to facilitate containment of, and responses to, a cybersecurity incident, which are based on the type of incident, the location of the incident and the breadth of the incident. The plan also establishes procedures for notifying any impacted parties, including our customers, law enforcement and regulatory authorities, third-party vendors and insurance
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providers. Our CTO will provide periodic updates to the Audit Committee and, when appropriate, the Board of Directors during this process.
After an incident, we would review and document the causes and effects of the incident, evaluate the remediation plan, and consider post-incident improvements. Where applicable, the CTO reports these findings to the Audit Committee and, when appropriate, the Board of Directors.
Processes to identify material risks associated with the use of third-party service providers. In addition to internal resources, we utilize third-party service providers to supplement and maintain our information technology systems. We have procedures to oversee and identify cybersecurity risks associated with our use of these third-party service providers, including procedures that apply in the event of a cybersecurity incident at a third-party service provider that results in our systems or data or our customers’ data being compromised. These processes and procedures include, among others, a diligence review conducted by our information technology team of substantially all of our external business partners and a focused review of any such third parties’ cybersecurity audit attestations, such as Service Organization Controls, NIST 800 alignments, ISO certifications, PCI DSS compliance or other recognized external reviews. In the case of a cybersecurity incident affecting a third party, these procedures also govern interactions with personnel of the impacted third-party to determine the date, scope and effects of the cybersecurity incident, review the response and remediation measures taken by the third-party and conduct an inventory of potentially compromised data. Our notification process for a cybersecurity incident affecting a third party is the same as the notification process that applies to a cybersecurity incident that affects our own information technology systems and applications.
Cybersecurity risks and threats. We and certain of our third-party service providers have experienced, and may continue to experience, internal and external cybersecurity threats, which can result in impacts to critical data and confidential or proprietary information and the disruption of certain business operations. Nonetheless, we have not been subject to cybersecurity incidents that, individually or in aggregate, have been material to our operations or financial condition, and we cannot provide assurance that cybersecurity incidents will not have a material impact in the future. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors”.
ITEM 2.PROPERTIES
Our principal executive offices are in Miami, Florida. We lease 12,390 square feet of office space in an office building in Miami. The lease was extended in January 2023 and expires in April 2028.
We lease approximately 9,000 square feet of office space in New York, New York. The lease was extended in December 2023 and expires in December 2028. New Valley’s operating properties are discussed above under the description of New Valley’s business and in Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements.
Liggett and LVB
Liggett’s tobacco manufacturing facilities, and several of its distribution and storage facilities, are currently located in or near Mebane, North Carolina. Some of these facilities are owned and others are leased. Liggett’s office, manufacturing complex and warehouse are pledged as collateral under its Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2023, the principal properties owned or leased by Liggett are as follows:
| Type | Location | Owned or Leased | Approximate Total Square Footage | |||||||||||||||||
| Storage Facilities | Danville, VA | Owned | 578,000 | |||||||||||||||||
| Office and Manufacturing Complex | Mebane, NC | Owned | 240,000 | |||||||||||||||||
| Warehouse | Mebane, NC | Owned | 60,000 | |||||||||||||||||
| Warehouse | Mebane, NC | Leased | 125,000 | |||||||||||||||||
| Warehouse | Mebane, NC | Leased | 22,000 | |||||||||||||||||
LVB leases approximately 22,000 square feet of office space in Morrisville, North Carolina. The lease expires in June 2026.
Liggett’s management believes that its property, plant and equipment are well maintained and in good condition and that its existing facilities are sufficient to accommodate a substantial increase in production.
ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
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Liggett and other U.S. cigarette manufacturers have been named as defendants in various types of cases predicated on the theory, among other things, that they should be liable for damages from adverse health effects alleged to have been caused by cigarette smoking or by exposure to secondary smoke from cigarettes.
Reference is made to Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report and contains a general description of certain legal proceedings to which we, or our subsidiaries, are a party and certain related matters. Reference is also made to Exhibit 99.1 for additional information regarding the pending smoking-related legal proceedings to which Liggett we are a party. A copy of Exhibit 99.1 will be furnished without charge upon written request to us at our principal executive offices, 4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 10th Floor, Miami, Florida 33137, Attn. Investor Relations.
ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “VGR.” At February 9, 2024, there were approximately 1,414 holders of record of our common stock.
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Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total annual return of our Common Stock, the S&P 500 Index, the S&P Small Cap 600 Index, and the NYSE Arca Tobacco Index for the five years ended December 31, 2023. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2018 in the Common Stock and each of the indices, and that all cash dividends and distributions were reinvested. The historical stock prices of Vector presented in the chart have been adjusted to reflect the impact of the distribution of Douglas Elliman Inc. on December 29, 2021. The chart does not reflect the Company’s forecast of future financial performance.
| 12/18 | 12/19 | 12/20 | 12/21 | 12/22 | 12/23 | |||||||||||||||
| Vector Group Ltd. | 100 | 166 | 155 | 224 | 250 | 255 | ||||||||||||||
| S&P 500 | 100 | 131 | 156 | 200 | 164 | 207 | ||||||||||||||
| S&P 600 | 100 | 123 | 137 | 173 | 145 | 168 | ||||||||||||||
| NYSE Arca Tobacco | 100 | 133 | 134 | 159 | 140 | 144 | ||||||||||||||
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
No securities of ours which were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 were issued or sold by us during the three months ended December 31, 2023.
Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities
We did not purchase our common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2023.
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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The table below, together with the accompanying text, presents certain information regarding all our current executive officers as of February 16, 2024. Each of the executive officers serves until the election and qualification of such individual’s successor or until such individual’s death, resignation or removal by the Board of Directors.
| Name | Age | Position | Year Individual Became an Executive Officer | |||||||||||||||||
| Howard M. Lorber | 75 | President and Chief Executive Officer | 2001 | |||||||||||||||||
| Richard J. Lampen | 70 | Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer | 1996 | |||||||||||||||||
| J. Bryant Kirkland III | 58 | Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | 2006 | |||||||||||||||||
| Marc N. Bell | 63 | Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | 1998 | |||||||||||||||||
| J. David Ballard | 56 | Senior Vice President, Enterprise Efficiency and Chief Technology Officer | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
| Nicholas P. Anson | 52 | President and Chief Operating Officer of Liggett | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
Howard M. Lorber has been our President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2006. He served as our President and Chief Operating Officer from January 2001 to December 2005 and has served as a director of ours since January 2001. From November 1994 to December 2005, Mr. Lorber served as the President and as a member of the Board of Directors of New Valley Corporation, the predecessor to our wholly owned subsidiary, New Valley LLC. Mr. Lorber also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer of Douglas Elliman (NYSE:DOUG), and as Executive Chairman of its subsidiary, Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC. Mr. Lorber was Chairman of the Board of Hallman & Lorber Assoc., Inc., consultants and actuaries of qualified pension and profit sharing plans, and various of its affiliates from 1975 to December 2004 and has been a consultant to these entities since January 2005; Chairman of the Board of Directors since 1987 and Chief Executive Officer from November 1993 to December 2006 of Nathan’s Famous, Inc., a chain of fast food restaurants; and a Director of Clipper Realty, Inc., a real estate investment trust, since July 2015. Mr. Lorber was Chairman of the Board of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services from May 2001 to July 2006 and Vice Chairman from July 2006 to February 2020. He is also a trustee of Long Island University.
Richard J. Lampen was appointed our Chief Operating Officer on January 14, 2021 and has served as our Executive Vice President since 1995. From October 1995 to December 2005, Mr. Lampen served as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of New Valley Corporation, where he also served as a director. Mr. Lampen also serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors of Douglas Elliman. From September 2006 to February 2020, he has served as President and Chief Executive Officer as well as a director of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services. Mr. Lampen also served as Chairman of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services from September 2018 to February 2020. From October 2008 to October 2019, Mr. Lampen served as President and Chief Executive Officer as well as a director of Castle Brands Inc.
J. Bryant Kirkland III has been our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since April 2006 and our Senior Vice President since May 2016. Mr. Kirkland served as a Vice President of ours from January 2001 to April 2016 and served as New Valley Corporation’s Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from January 1998 to December 2005. He has served since July 1992 in various financial capacities with us, Liggett and New Valley. Mr. Kirkland also serves as Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Douglas Elliman. Mr. Kirkland has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer of Multi Soft II, Inc. and Multi Solutions II, Inc. since July 2012.
Marc N. Bell has been our General Counsel and Secretary since May 1994 and our Senior Vice President since May 2016 and the Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Vector Tobacco since April 2002. Mr. Bell served as a Vice President of ours from January 1998 to April 2016. From November 1994 to December 2005, Mr. Bell served as Associate General Counsel and Secretary of New Valley Corporation and from February 1998 to December 2005, as a Vice President of New Valley. Mr. Bell previously served as Liggett’s General Counsel and currently serves as an officer, director or manager for many of Vector Group’s or New Valley’s subsidiaries. In addition, Mr. Bell serves as Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of Douglas Elliman.
J. David Ballard has been our Senior Vice President, Enterprise Efficiency and Chief Technology Officer since July 2020 and, from February 2020 to July 2020, served as a consultant to us. Mr. Ballard also serves as Senior Vice President, Enterprise Efficiency and Chief Technology Officer of Douglas Elliman. Prior to joining Vector Group, Mr. Ballard served as Senior Vice President, Enterprise Services of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. from April 2019 to February 2020. Prior to joining Ladenburg, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer for Docupace Technologies, a leading digital
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operations technology provider in the wealth management space from March 2018 to April 2019. Mr. Ballard was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Cetera Financial Group from April 2015 to March 2018. Prior to his role at Cetera, Mr. Ballard spent more than two decades working in executive and management positions at several firms in the independent financial advisory and asset management industries, including AIG Advisor Group, SunAmerica Mutual Funds and AIG Retirement Services.
Nicholas P. Anson was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer of Liggett and Liggett Vector Brands in April 2020. Mr. Anson joined Liggett in 2001 and has served in numerous senior roles over his more than 20 years with Liggett. Previously, Mr. Anson served as Executive Vice President of Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer for Liggett Vector Brands from 2013 to 2020. Mr. Anson was responsible for Liggett Vector Brands’ finance and human resources organizations. His duties included coordination with and certain indirect responsibilities for finance and human resources matters at Liggett and Vector Tobacco, which are affiliated companies of Liggett Vector Brands.
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ITEM 6.RESERVED
Reserved.
ITEM 7.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 two business segments:
•Tobacco: the manufacture and sale of discount cigarettes in the U.S. through our Liggett Group LLC and Vector Tobacco LLC subsidiaries, and
•Real Estate: the real estate investment business through our subsidiary, New Valley LLC, which acquires and invests in real estate properties or projects.
Our tobacco subsidiaries’ cigarettes are produced in 100 combinations of length, style and packaging. Our current brand portfolio includes:
•Montego
•Eagle 20’s
•Pyramid
•Grand Prix, Liggett Select, Eve, USA and various partner brands and private label brands.
All of our brands are priced in the discount segment and Montego, our lowest priced brand, is the largest discount brand in the U.S. Consumers in the discount segment are price conscious and have less brand loyalty. They place a greater emphasis on price and quality. Liggett’s competition is divided into two segments. The first segment consists of the three largest manufacturers of cigarettes in the U.S.: Philip Morris USA Inc., which is owned by Altria Group, Inc., RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, which is owned by British American Tobacco Plc, and ITG Brands LLC, which is owned by Imperial Brands Plc. These three manufacturers, while primarily premium cigarette-based companies, also produce and sell discount cigarettes. The second segment of competition is comprised of a group of smaller manufacturers and importers, most of which sell deep discount cigarettes.
See Item 1. “Business” for detailed overview and description of our principal operations.
Certain discussions of the changes in our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources from the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 have been omitted from this Form 10-K and may be found in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2023.
Recent Developments
Menthol and Flavorings. On May 4, 2022, FDA published a proposed rule to prohibit menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes. For the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately 21% of our cigarette unit sales were menthol flavored. FDA is expected to adopt a final rule in 2024. Once a final rule is published, it ordinarily would not be expected to take effect until at least one year after the date of publication. In addition, if litigation is brought against the FDA’s menthol regulation, the effective date may be extended further. We cannot predict how a tobacco product standard or a restriction on the sale and distribution of tobacco products with menthol, if ultimately issued by FDA, will impact product sales, and whether it will have an adverse effect on Liggett or Vector Tobacco.
Nicotine. On June 21, 2022, FDA indicated it plans to publish a proposed rule that establishes a tobacco product standard reducing the level of nicotine in cigarettes to non-addictive levels. The rulemaking process could take many months or years and once a final rule is published, it ordinarily would not be expected to take effect until at least one year after the date of publication. We cannot predict how a tobacco product standard reducing nicotine, if ultimately issued by FDA, will impact
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product sales, whether it will have a material adverse effect on Liggett or Vector Tobacco, or whether it will impact Liggett and Vector Tobacco to a greater degree than other companies in the industry.
Repurchase of 10.5% Senior Notes due 2026. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we repurchased in the market $23,443 and $12,865, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of our 10.5% Senior Notes outstanding and recorded a loss of $549 and a gain of $412, respectively. The 10.5% Senior Notes that were repurchased have been retired.
Recent Developments in Tobacco-Related Litigation
The cigarette industry continues to be challenged on numerous fronts. Adverse litigation outcomes could have a negative impact on our ability to operate due to their impact on cash flows. It is possible that there could be adverse developments in pending cases including the certification of additional class actions. An unfavorable outcome or settlement of pending tobacco-related litigation could encourage the commencement of additional litigation. New cases continue to be commenced against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers. Liggett could be subjected to substantial liabilities and bonding requirements from litigation relating to cigarette products. In addition, an unfavorable outcome in any tobacco-related litigation could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Mississippi Litigation. In January 2016, the Attorney General for Mississippi filed a motion in Chancery Court in Jackson County, Mississippi to enforce the March 1996 settlement agreement among Liggett, Mississippi and other states alleging that Liggett owed Mississippi compensatory damages and interest. In August 2023, the parties settled the matter and Liggett paid $18,000 in connection with such settlement. In September 2023, Liggett redeemed the $24,000 bond that had been posted in June 2022 and received proceeds of $25,135, which included the principal balance and accrued interest.
See Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Legislation and Regulation” for further information on litigation.
Critical Accounting Estimates
General. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Significant estimates subject to material changes in the near term include impairment charges, valuation of intangible assets, promotional accruals, actuarial assumptions of pension plans, deferred tax liabilities, settlement accruals, valuation of investments, including other-than-temporary impairments to such investments, and litigation and defense costs. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition. Revenue is measured based on a consideration specified in a contract with a customer and excludes any sales incentives. Revenue is recognized when (a) an enforceable contract with a customer exists that has commercial substance, and collection of substantially all consideration for services is probable; and (b) the performance obligations to the customer are satisfied either over time or at a point in time.
Revenue from cigarette sales, which include federal excise taxes billed to customers, are recognized upon shipment of cigarettes when control has passed to the customer. Average collection terms for Tobacco sales range between three and twelve days from the time cigarettes are shipped to the customer. We record a liability for goods estimated to be returned in other current liabilities and the associated receivable for anticipated federal excise tax refunds in other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The allowance for returned goods is based principally on sales volumes and historical return rates. The estimated costs of sales incentives, including customer incentives and trade promotion activities, are based principally on historical experience and are accounted for as reductions in Tobacco revenue. Expected payments for sales incentives are included in other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. We account for shipping and handling costs as fulfillment costs as part of cost of sales.
Revenue from facilities primarily related to Escena and consisted of revenues from food and beverage sales, fees charged for gameplay and the sale of golf related equipment and apparel. Revenue is recognized at the time of sale.
Revenue from investments in real estate is recognized from land and building sales at the time of the closing of a sale, which is typically when cash is due, the performance obligation is satisfied as the title to and possession of the real estate asset are transferred to the buyer and we have no further obligations or involvement in the real estate asset.
Contingencies. We record Liggett’s product liability legal expenses and other litigation costs as operating, selling, administrative and general expenses as those costs are incurred. As discussed in Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements, legal proceedings regarding Liggett’s tobacco products are pending or threatened in various jurisdictions against Liggett and us.
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We record provisions in our consolidated financial statements for pending litigation when we determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. At the present time, while it is reasonably possible that an unfavorable outcome in a case may occur, except as discussed in Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements and discussed below related to the 16 cases where an adverse verdict was entered against Liggett: (i) management has concluded that it is not probable that a loss has been incurred in any of the pending tobacco-related cases; or (ii) management is unable to reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of any of the pending tobacco-related cases and, therefore, management has not provided any amounts in the consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes, if any. Legal defense costs are expensed as incurred.
Although Liggett has generally been successful in managing litigation in the past, litigation is subject to uncertainty and significant challenges remain, particularly with respect to the Engle progeny cases.
A reader of this Form 10-K should not infer from the absence of any reserve in our consolidated financial statements that we will not be subject to significant tobacco-related liabilities in the future. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties, and 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.
There may be several other proceedings, lawsuits and claims pending against us and certain of our consolidated subsidiaries unrelated to tobacco or tobacco product liability. We are of the opinion that the liabilities, if any, ultimately resulting from such other proceedings, lawsuits and claims should not materially affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Master Settlement Agreement. As discussed in Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements, Liggett and Vector Tobacco are participants in the Master Settlement Agreement or the MSA. Liggett and Vector Tobacco have no payment obligations under the MSA except to the extent their market shares exceed approximately 1.65% and 0.28%, respectively, of total cigarettes sold in the U.S. Their obligations, and the related expense charges under the MSA, are subject to adjustments based upon, among other things, the volume of cigarettes sold by Liggett and Vector Tobacco, their relative market shares and inflation. Since relative market shares are based on cigarette shipments, the best estimate of the allocation of charges under the MSA is recorded in cost of sales when the products are shipped. Settlement expenses under the MSA recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations were $271,478 for 2023, $276,204 for 2022 and $171,058 for 2021. Adjustments to these estimates are recorded in the period that the change becomes probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Stock-Based Compensation. Our stock-based compensation uses a fair-value-based method to recognize non-cash compensation expense for share-based transactions. Under the fair value recognition provisions, we recognize stock-based compensation net of an estimated forfeiture rate and only recognize compensation cost for those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. We recognized stock-based compensation expense of $42, $339 and $849 in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, related to the amortization of stock option awards and $10,069, $7,509 and $13,949, respectively, related to the amortization of restricted stock grants. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there was $0 and $41, respectively, of total unrecognized cost related to employee stock options and $22,566 and $15,501, respectively, of total unrecognized cost related to restricted stock grants. See Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements.
Employee Benefit Plans. The determination of our net pension and other postretirement benefit income or expense is dependent on our selection of certain assumptions used by actuaries in calculating such amounts. Those assumptions include, among others, the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and rates of increase in compensation and healthcare costs. We determine discount rates by using a quantitative analysis that considers the prevailing prices of investment grade bonds and the anticipated cash flow from our two qualified defined benefit plans and our postretirement medical and life insurance plans. These analyses construct a hypothetical bond portfolio whose cash flow from coupons and maturities match the annual projected cash flows from our pension and retiree health plans. As of December 31, 2023, our benefit obligations were computed assuming a discount rate between 4.95% - 5.40%. As of December 31, 2023, our service cost was computed assuming a discount rate of 2.85% - 5.3%. In determining our expected rate of return on plan assets, we consider input from our external advisors and historical returns based on the expected long-term rate of return which is the weighted average of the target asset allocation of each individual asset class. Our actual 10-year annual rate of return on our pension plan assets was 4.42%, 4.83% and 7.74% for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and our actual five-year annual rate of return on our pension plan assets was 3%, 2.42% and 7.86% for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. In computing expense for the year ended December 31, 2024, we will use an assumption of a 6.4% annual rate of return on our pension plan assets. In accordance with GAAP, actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and therefore, generally affect our recognized income or expense in such future periods. While we believe that our assumptions are appropriate, significant differences in our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions may materially affect our future net pension and other postretirement benefit income or expense.
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Net pension expense for defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement expense was $1,750, $1,358 and $1,390 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and we currently anticipate benefit expense will be approximately $1,473 for 2024. In contrast, our funding obligations under the pension plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”). To comply with ERISA’s minimum funding requirements, we do not currently anticipate that we will be required to make any funding to the tax qualified pension plans for the pension plan year beginning on January 1, 2024 and ending on December 31, 2024.
Long-Term Investments and Impairments. As of December 31, 2023, our long-term investments were comprised of $29,402 of equity securities at fair value that qualify for the net asset value (“NAV”) practical expedient and $17,358 of long-term investments that were accounted for under the equity method. Our investments in equity securities at fair value that qualify for the NAV practical expedient consisted primarily of investment partnerships investing in investment securities. 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. The estimated fair value of these investments was provided by the partnerships based on the indicated market values of the underlying assets or investment portfolio. Our investments accounted for under the equity method included interests in partnerships in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over their operating and financial policies. The estimated fair value of the investments is either provided by the partnerships based on the indicated market values of the underlying assets or is calculated internally based on the number of shares owned and the equity in earnings or losses and interest income we recognize on the investment. Gains are recognized when realized in our consolidated statement of operations. Losses are recognized as realized or upon the determination of the occurrence of an other-than-temporary decline in fair value. Pursuant to the amendments provided by ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”), our long-term investments that qualify for the NAV practical expedient are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Therefore, impairment analyses for these investments are no longer warranted.
As of December 31, 2023, we also had $7,555 of investments in profit participation agreements and various limited liability companies that were classified as equity securities and other long-term investments without readily determinable fair values that do not qualify for the NAV practical expedient. The investments are included in “Other assets” on the consolidated balance sheets and are valued at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate our investments to determine if there are indicators of impairment. If so, we also determine whether there is an impairment and if it is considered temporary or other than temporary. We believe that the assessment of temporary or other-than-temporary impairment includes judgment and relevant facts and circumstances. The impairment indicators that are taken into consideration as part of our analysis include (a) a significant deterioration in the earnings performance, credit rating, asset quality, or business prospects of the investee, (b) a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic, or technological environment of the investee, (c) a significant adverse change in the general market condition of either the geographical area or the industry in which the investee operates, and (d) factors that raise significant concerns about the investee’s ability to continue as a going concern, such as negative cash flows from operations, working capital deficiencies, or noncompliance with statutory capital requirements or debt covenants.
Current Expected Credit Losses. On January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, therefore, our measurement of credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments has been modified as discussed in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements.
•Tobacco receivables: Average collection terms for Tobacco sales range between three and twelve days from the time that the cigarettes are shipped to the customer. Based on Tobacco historical and ongoing cash collections from customers, an estimated credit loss in accordance with ASU 2016-13 was not recorded for these trade receivables as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
•Term loan receivables: New Valley provides term loans to real estate developers, which are included in Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The loans are secured by guarantees and are evaluated individually. Because New Valley does not have internal historical loss information by which to evaluate the risk of credit losses, external market data measuring default risks on high yield loans as of each measurement date was utilized to estimate reserves for credit losses on these loans. New Valley’s expected credit loss estimate was $3,100 as of adoption (January 1, 2020). New Valley’s expected credit loss estimate was $15,928 as of both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Intangible Assets. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment on an annual basis, or whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable.
Our intangible asset associated with the benefit under the MSA is related to Vector Tobacco. The fair value of the intangible asset associated with the benefit under the MSA is determined using discounted cash flows. This approach involves
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two steps: (i) estimating future cash savings due to the payment exemption under the MSA and (ii) discounting the resulting cash flow savings to determine fair value. This fair value is then compared with the carrying value of the intangible asset associated with the benefit under the MSA. To the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value of the intangible asset, an impairment loss is recognized. We performed its impairment test for the year ended December 31, 2023 and no impairment was noted.
Income Taxes. The application of income tax law is inherently complex. Laws and regulations in this area are voluminous and are often ambiguous. As such, we are required to make many subjective assumptions and judgments regarding our income tax exposures. Interpretations of and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations change over time and, as a result, changes in our subjective assumptions and judgments may materially affect amounts recognized in our consolidated financial statements.
See Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our accounting for income taxes and uncertain tax positions.
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 consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Liggett, Vector Tobacco, Liggett Vector Brands, New Valley, and other less significant subsidiaries.
Our business segments were Tobacco and Real Estate for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Tobacco segment consisted of the manufacture and sale of cigarettes. The Real Estate segment includes our investment in New Valley, which includes investments in real estate ventures and, prior to 2023, included investments in real estate.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies and can be found in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements.
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||
| Tobacco | $ | 1,424,268 | $ | 1,425,125 | |||||||||||||
| Real Estate | — | 15,884 | |||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,424,268 | $ | 1,441,009 | |||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss): | |||||||||||||||||
| Tobacco | $ | 346,673 | (1) | $ | 347,044 | (2) | |||||||||||
| Real Estate | 313 | 8,016 | |||||||||||||||
| Corporate and Other | (18,951) | (16,050) | |||||||||||||||
| Total operating income | $ | 328,035 | $ | 339,010 | |||||||||||||
_____________________________
(1)Operating income includes $18,799 of litigation settlement and judgment expense and $734 received from a litigation settlement associated with the MSA (which reduced cost of sales).
(2)Operating income includes $239 of litigation settlement and judgment expense and $2,123 received from a litigation settlement associated with the MSA (which reduced cost of sales).
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Pricing actions
Since January 1, 2022, Liggett has taken the following pricing actions:
| Brand | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount per pack | Montego | Eagle 20’s | Pyramid | Liggett Select, Eve and Grand Prix | |||||||||||||||||||
January 31, 2022 (1) | $ | 0.10 | P | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
January 31, 2022 (1) | 0.15 | — | P | P | P | ||||||||||||||||||
April 29, 2022 (1) | 0.16 | — | P | P | P | ||||||||||||||||||
May 1,2022 (2) | 0.10 | P | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
July 29, 2022 (1) | 0.16 | P | P | P | P | ||||||||||||||||||
October 28, 2022 (1) | 0.16 | — | P | P | P | ||||||||||||||||||
October 28, 2022 (1) | 0.10 | P | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
January 27, 2023 (1) | 0.16 | — | P | P | P | ||||||||||||||||||
January 27, 2023 (1) | 0.10 | P | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
April 28, 2023 (1) | 0.16 | P | P | P | — | ||||||||||||||||||
April 28, 2023 (1) | 0.20 | — | — | — | P | ||||||||||||||||||
August 25, 2023 (1) | 0.10 | P | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
August 25, 2023 (1) | 0.16 | — | P | P | — | ||||||||||||||||||
August 25, 2023 (1) | 0.20 | — | — | — | P | ||||||||||||||||||
January 26, 2024 (1) | 0.14 | P | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
January 26, 2024 (1) | 0.17 | — | P | P | — | ||||||||||||||||||
January 26, 2024 (1) | 0.30 | — | — | — | P | ||||||||||||||||||
_____________________________
(1) List price increase
(2) Promotional spending reduction
2023 Compared to 2022
Revenues. Total revenues were $1,424,268 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $1,441,009 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The $16,741 (1.2%) decline in revenues was due to a $15,884 decline in Real Estate revenues and an $857 decline in Tobacco revenues related to declines in unit volume partially offset by increases in net pricing.
Cost of sales. Total cost of sales was $965,348 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $998,658 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The $33,310 (3.3%) decline in cost of sales was due to a $25,983 decline in Tobacco cost of sales related to declines in sales volume and a $7,327 decline in Real Estate cost of sales.
Expenses. Operating expenses were $130,885 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $103,341 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The $27,544 (26.7%) increase was due to a $25,497 increase in Tobacco expenses and a $2,901 increase in Corporate and Other expense. This was partially offset by an $854 decline in Real Estate expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Operating income. Operating income was $328,035 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $339,010 for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decline of $10,975 (3.2%). Real Estate operating income declined by $7,703, Corporate and Other operating loss increased by $2,901, and Tobacco operating income declined by $371.
Other expenses. Other expenses were $79,583 and $118,448 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2023, other expenses primarily consisted of interest expense of $108,617 and a loss of $549 recognized on the repurchase of the 10.5% Senior Notes. This was partially offset by other income of $26,119, which includes interest and dividend income of $23,491 and net gains from investments of $2,594, equity in earnings from real estate ventures of $2,202, and equity in earnings from investments of $1,262. For the year ended December 31, 2022, other expenses primarily consisted of interest expense of $110,665, equity in losses from real estate ventures of $5,946 and equity in losses from investments of $4,995. This was partially offset by other income of $2,746, and gain of $412 recognized on the repurchase of the 10.5% Senior Notes.
Income before provision for income taxes. Income before income taxes was $248,452 and $220,562 for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
36
Income tax expense. Income tax expense was $64,926 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to income tax expense of $61,861 for the year ended December 31, 2022. Our income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 do not bear a customary relationship to statutory income tax rates due to the impact of certain nondeductible expenses, state income tax rates, changes in valuation allowances, uncertain tax benefits and excess tax benefits of stock-based compensation. We evaluate our marginal income tax rate and uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis based on our operating activity. Our marginal income tax rate declined to 25.24% in 2023 from 25.81% in 2022 due to this evaluation during the fourth quarter of 2023; the decline in the marginal income tax rate resulted in a $1,169 benefit to our income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2023. Further, because several income tax audits were successfully resolved in the fourth quarter of 2023, we reversed $1,455 of previously recognized uncertain tax positions in the fourth quarter of 2023. The reversal of these uncertain tax positions resulted in a $1,327 decline in tax expense related to uncertain tax positions for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Tobacco.
Tobacco revenues. All our Tobacco sales were in the discount category in 2023 and 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Tobacco revenues were $1,424,268 compared to $1,425,125 for the year ended December 31, 2022. Revenues declined by $857 (0.1%) due primarily to a 6.4% (664.3 million units) decline in unit sales which resulted in an unfavorable volume variance of $91,475. This was partially offset by a favorable price variance of $90,618 due to price increases during the year associated with the gradual transition of our strategy on Montego from a volume-based growth strategy to an income-based growth strategy.
Montego became our largest brand in the second quarter of 2022 and is now the largest discount brand in the U.S. Prior to the third quarter of 2022, our strategy for Montego was based on volume growth, while our strategy for our other brands was based on income growth. In the third quarter of 2022, management made the determination to gradually transition Montego’s growth from a volume-based strategy to an income-based growth strategy and the price of Montego was raised five times between July 2022 and December 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Montego’s volume increased to approximately 64% of Liggett’s total unit sales from approximately 47% for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Eagle 20’s is our second-largest brand and its percentage of our total unit sales declined to approximately 24% for the year ended December 31, 2023 from approximately 35% for the year ended December 31, 2022. Pyramid, our third-largest brand, also declined to approximately 8% of our total unit sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 from approximately 13% for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Tobacco cost of sales. The major components of our Tobacco cost of sales were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Manufacturing overhead, raw materials and labor | $ | 167,033 | $ | 154,934 | ||||||||||||||||
| Federal excise taxes | 486,263 | 520,760 | ||||||||||||||||||
| FDA expense | 32,121 | 30,686 | ||||||||||||||||||
| MSA expense, net of market share exemption | 271,478 | (1) | 276,204 | (2) | ||||||||||||||||
| Customer shipping and handling | 8,453 | 8,747 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total cost of sales | $ | 965,348 | $ | 991,331 | ||||||||||||||||
_____________________________
(1)Includes $734 received from a litigation settlement associated with the MSA (which reduced cost of sales).
(2)Includes $2,123 received from a litigation settlement associated with the MSA (which reduced cost of sales).
The Tobacco segment’s MSA expense is the most volume-sensitive component (on a per-unit basis) of its cost of sales because, under the terms of the MSA, the Tobacco segment has no payment obligations except to the extent that its U.S. Cigarette market share exceeds 1.93%. We estimate MSA expense based on total U.S. taxable cigarette shipments, our taxable shipments and inflation. Based on assumptions discussed below, we estimated our MSA expense increased to $0.56 per pack for the year ended December 31, 2023 from our estimate of $0.53 per pack for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Due to Liggett and Vector Tobacco’s cost exemption, our MSA expense is impacted by total U.S. taxable cigarette shipments. As of December 31, 2023, we estimate taxable shipments in the U.S. declined by 7.5% in 2023 compared to our estimate as of December 31, 2022 of 9.8% in 2022. (The actual change in 2022 taxable shipments was a decline of 9.7%.) We anticipate that taxable shipments in the U.S. will continue to decline in 2024, in a manner consistent with the decline in 2023. We estimate our 2023 projected annual MSA expense changes by approximately $1,700 for each 1% change in U.S. shipment volumes.
37
Under the MSA, our market share is computed using taxable shipments which closely resemble shipments from manufacturers to wholesalers. Our market share, computed on a wholesale basis, increased to 5.5% for the year ended December 31, 2023 from 5.4% for the year ended December 31, 2022. We believe market share, computed on a wholesale basis, may be affected by irregular industry wholesaler purchasing patterns.
The inflation rate also impacts Liggett’s MSA expense, which is subject to an annual inflation adjustment. The inflation adjustment is the greater of the U.S. CPI rate or 3%. As of December 31, 2023, Liggett’s management assumed an inflation adjustment to MSA expense of 3.4% compared to an assumption of 6.5% as of December 31, 2022. (The actual inflation adjustment to the MSA in 2022 was 6.5%.) Our annual MSA expense increases by approximately $2,800 for each 1% increase in the inflation rate of more than 3%.
In addition to the MSA expense, we could experience inflationary impacts from manufacturing costs. The largest component of Liggett’s manufacturing costs is leaf tobacco and other raw materials. In recent years, due to declining prices of leaf tobacco as well as efficiencies gained from technological innovation in Liggett’s factory, Liggett’s raw material costs have been relatively flat and, therefore, prior to 2021, Liggett’s cost of sales had not been impacted by inflation. During the year ended December 31, 2023, Liggett experienced a 16.2% increase in leaf tobacco and raw materials (on a per-unit basis) compared to 5.8% during the year ended December 31, 2022. Further, when including labor costs, manufacturing overhead and shipping costs with leaf tobacco and raw materials, Liggett experienced a 14.6% increase in production costs (on a per-unit basis) during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to a 6.3% increase in production costs during the year ended December 31, 2022. While inflationary pressures continue to persist in the marketplace, we believe the cost increases of leaf tobacco and raw materials are stabilizing. The cost of leaf tobacco and raw materials represented approximately 10.1% and 9.0% of Liggett’s cost of sales for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Tobacco cost of sales was reduced by litigation settlements associated with the MSA expense of $734 during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to a reduction of $2,123 during the year ended December 31, 2022. The decline in settlements increased the change in cost of sales by $1,389 from the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
Tobacco gross profit was $458,920 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $433,794 for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $25,126 (5.8%). This increase in gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily attributable to increases in net pricing partially offset by higher per unit MSA costs and a 6.4% decline in unit sales. As a percentage of revenue (excluding Federal Excise Taxes), Tobacco gross profit margin increased from 48.0% in the 2022 period to 48.9% in the 2023 period primarily due to increased pricing.
Tobacco expenses. Tobacco operating, selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding settlements and judgments, were $93,448 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $86,511 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The $6,937 (8.0%) increase is primarily due to Liggett’s triennial national sales meeting held in March 2023, higher sales and marketing expenses, professional fees and compensation expenses. Tobacco product liability legal expenses, including settlements and judgments, were $26,612 and $8,031 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Litigation settlement and judgment expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 included the $18,000 Mississippi settlement. See “— Recent Developments in Tobacco-Related Litigation.”
Tobacco operating income. Tobacco operating income was $346,673 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $347,044 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decline of $371 (0.1%) was primarily attributable to the Mississippi settlement, partially offset by increased gross profit.
Real Estate.
Real Estate revenues. The Real Estate segment includes our investment in New Valley, investments in real estate ventures and, prior to April 2022, when Escena was sold, included investments in real estate. After the sale of Escena, we have no revenues from our real estate segment. Therefore, Real Estate revenues declined to $0 from $15,884 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
38
Real Estate revenues, cost of sales, expenses and operating income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Real Estate Revenues: | |||||||||||
| Revenues from investments in real estate | $ | — | $ | 12,625 | |||||||
| Sales on facilities located on investments in real estate | — | 3,259 | |||||||||
| Total real estate revenues | — | 15,884 | |||||||||
Real Estate Cost of Sales: | |||||||||||
| Cost of sales from investments in real estate | — | 5,891 | |||||||||
| Cost of sales on facilities located on investment in real estate | — | 1,436 | |||||||||
| Total real estate cost of sales | — | 7,327 | |||||||||
| Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses | (313) | 541 | |||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 313 | $ | 8,016 | |||||||
Corporate and Other.
Corporate and Other loss. The operating loss at the Corporate and Other segment was $18,951 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $16,050 for the same period in 2022. The increase was primarily associated with increases in stock-based compensation expense.
39
Summary of Real Estate Investments
We own and seek to acquire investment interests in various real estate projects through debt and equity investments. Our real estate investments primarily include the following projects as of December 31, 2023:
| (Dollars in Thousands. Area and Unit Information in Ones) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Location | Date of Initial Investment | Percentage Owned (1) | Net Cash Invested | Cumulative Earnings (Losses) | Carrying Value as of 12/31/2023 | Future Capital Commit- ments from New Valley (2) | Projected Residential and/or Hotel Area | Projected Commercial Space | Projected Number of Residential Lots, Units and/or Hotel Rooms | Projected Construction Start Date | Projected Construction End Date | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments in real estate ventures: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 111 Murray Street | TriBeCa, Manhattan, NY | May 2013 | 9.5% | $ | 9,030 | $ | (4,413) | $ | 4,617 | $ | — | 330,000 | SF | 1,700 | SF | 157 | R | September 2014 | Completed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 87 Park (8701 Collins Avenue) | Miami Beach, FL | December 2013 | 23.1% | (6,646) | 6,646 | — | — | 160,000 | SF | — | 70 | R | October 2015 | Completed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
West Hollywood Edition (9040 Sunset Boulevard) (3) | West Hollywood, CA | October 2014 | 48.5% | 18,673 | (18,941) | (268) | — | 210,000 | SF | — | 20 190 | R H | May 2015 | Completed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Monad Terrace (1300 West Ave) | Miami Beach, FL | May 2015 | 16.8% | 7,635 | (7,635) | — | — | 160,000 | SF | — | 59 | R | May 2016 | Completed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dime (209 Havemeyer St) | Brooklyn, NY | November 2017 | 16.4% | 9,145 | (9,145) | — | — | 100,000 | SF | 150,000 | SF | 177 | R | May 2017 | Completed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Meatpacking Plaza (44 Ninth Ave) | Meatpacking District, Manhattan, NY | April 2019 | 16.7% | 10,692 | (3,079) | 7,613 | — | 8,741 | SF | 76,919 | SF | 15 | R | July 2021 | March 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Five Park (500 Alton Road) | Miami Beach, FL | September 2019 | 38.9% | 18,098 | 4,231 | 22,329 | — | 472,000 | SF | 15,000 | SF | 234 | R | April 2020 | November 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Brooklyn Tower (9 DeKalb Avenue) | Brooklyn, NY | April 2019 | 4.1% | 5,000 | 1,442 | 6,442 | — | 450,000 | SF | 120,000 | SF | 540 | R | March 2019 | March 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natura Gardens (17351 NW 94th Court) | Miami, FL | December 2019 | 77.8% | 8,886 | 2,168 | 11,054 | — | 460,000 | SF | — | 460 | R | December 2019 | Completed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ritz-Carlton Villas (4701 Meridian Avenue) | Miami Beach, FL | December 2020 | 50.0% | (3,688) | 3,688 | — | — | 58,000 | SF | — | 15 | R | October 2020 | Completed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2000 N. Atlantic Ave. | Daytona Beach, FL | November 2021 | 75.0% | 2,953 | 285 | 3,238 | — | TBD | TBD | TBD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Society Nashville (915 Division St) | Nashville, TN | November 2021 | 39.2% | 27,000 | 3,913 | 30,913 | — | 335,000 | SF | 8,000 | SF | 502 | R | July 2022 | November 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3621 Collins Ave (4) | Miami Beach, FL | March 2022 | 1.0% | 1,000 | — | 1,000 | — | TBD | TBD | TBD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alchemy Nash Square (303 S. Dawson St) | Raleigh, NC | June 2022 | 60.6% | 7,500 | 770 | 8,270 | — | TBD | TBD | TBD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aventura View (2999 NE 191st St) | Aventura, FL | June 2022 | 12.5% | 4,084 | 493 | 4,577 | — | TBD | 105,000 | SF | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2261 NE 164th St | North Miami Beach, FL | August 2022 | 35.0% | 4,406 | 165 | 4,571 | — | TBD | TBD | TBD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 353 6th Ave | Brooklyn, NY | January 2023 | 26.8% | 700 | 27 | 727 | — | 5,360 | SF | — | 4 | R | April 2023 | October 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1717 N. Flagler Drive (4) | West Palm Beach, FL | June 2023 | N/A | 2,500 | — | 2,500 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
20 N. Ocean Blvd (4) | Pompano Beach, FL | June 2023 | N/A | 2,500 | — | 2,500 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Banyan Cay | West Palm Beach, FL | December 2023 | 13.5% | 3,983 | — | 3,983 | — | 187,000 | SF | — | 150 232 | H R | July 2024 | December 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Condominium and Mixed-Use Development | $ | 133,451 | $ | (19,385) | $ | 114,066 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Park (500 Broadway) | Santa Monica, CA | March 2017 | 1.5% | $ | 1,857 | $ | (1,269) | $ | 588 | $ | — | 245,000 | SF | 49,000 | SF | 249 | R | N/A | Completed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Riverchase Landing | Hoover, AL | October 2021 | 50.0% | $ | 11,350 | $ | (4,147) | $ | 7,203 | $ | — | 746,000 | SF | N/A | 468 | R | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Apartment Buildings | $ | 13,207 | $ | (5,416) | $ | 7,791 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Park Lane Hotel (36 Central Park South) | Central Park South, Manhattan, NY | November 2013 | 1.0% | $ | 3,518 | $ | (3,518) | $ | — | $ | — | 446,000 | SF | — | 628 | H | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 215 Chrystie Street | Lower East Side, Manhattan, NY | December 2012 | 12.3% | (1,328) | 1,328 | — | — | 246,000 | SF | — | 367 | H | June 2014 | Completed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coral Beach and Tennis Club | Coral Beach, Bermuda | December 2013 | 49.0% | 6,048 | (6,048) | — | — | 52 | Acres | — | 101 | H | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Thompson Central Park (119 W 56th St) | Midtown, Manhattan, NY | July 2019 | 0.4% | 1,000 | (862) | 138 | — | 470,000 | SF | — | 587 99 | H R | May 2020 | Completed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotels | $ | 9,238 | $ | (9,100) | $ | 138 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Plaza at Harmon Meadow | Secaucus, NJ | March 2015 | 49.0% | $ | 12,270 | $ | (5,280) | $ | 6,990 | $ | — | — | — | 219,000 | SF | — | — | N/A | N /A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wynn Las Vegas Retail | Las Vegas, NV | December 2016 | 1.6% | 2,670 | 5,574 | 8,244 | — | — | — | 160,000 | SF | — | — | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | $ | 14,940 | $ | 294 | $ | 15,234 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Carrying Value | $ | 170,836 | $ | (33,607) | $ | 137,229 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) The Percentage Owned reflects our estimated current ownership percentage. Our actual ownership percentage as well as the percentage of earnings and cash distributions may ultimately differ as a result of a number of factors including potential dilution, financing or admission of additional partners. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (2) This column only represents capital commitments required under the various joint venture agreements. However, many of the operating agreements provide for the operating partner to call capital. If a joint venture partner, such as New Valley, declines to fund the capital call, then the partner’s ownership percentage could either be diluted or, in some situations, the character of a funding member’s contribution would be converted from a capital contribution to a member loan. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (3) Equity in losses in excess of the joint ventures' carrying value were $268 as of December 31, 2023, and are classified in Other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (4) The 3621 Collins Ave, 1717 N. Flagler Drive and 20 N. Ocean Blvd ventures are measured at cost, less impairment, following the guidance under ASC 821. The investments are included in Other Assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| N/A - Not applicable | SF - Square feet | H - Hotel rooms | TBD -To be determined | R - Residential Units | R Lots - Residential lots | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
40
New Valley capitalizes net interest expense into the carrying value of its ventures whose projects were under development. Net capitalized interest costs included in Carrying Value as of December 31, 2023 were $14,998. This amount is included in the “Cumulative Earnings (Losses)” column in the table above. During the year ended December 31, 2023, New Valley capitalized $4,287 of interest costs and utilized (reversed) $83 of previously capitalized interest in connection with the recognition of equity in (losses) earnings, gains and liquidations from various ventures.
41
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and cash equivalents increased by $19,732 and $55,525 in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Cash provided by operations was $209,984 and $181,317 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase of cash provided by operations in 2023 compared to 2022 was related primarily to the timing of receipt of receivables from customers partially offset by the acceleration of payments due under the MSA.
Cash used in investing activities was $14,600 and $3,728 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. In 2023, cash used in investing activities was for the purchase of investment securities of $115,225, investments in real estate ventures of $17,433, capital expenditures of $10,557, the purchase of long-term investments of $9,416, an increase in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies of $1,169, and an increase in restricted assets of $18. This was offset by maturities of investment securities of $89,681, the sale of investment securities of $34,705, distributions from investments in real estate ventures of $9,186, proceeds from the sale or liquidation of long-term investments of $5,530, paydowns of investment securities of $113, and proceeds from the sale of fixed assets of $3. In 2022, cash used in investing activities was for the purchase of investment securities of $54,040, investments in real estate ventures of $25,569, capital expenditures of $9,957, the purchase of long-term investments of $4,363, and an increase in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies of $1,173. This was offset by maturities of investment securities of $53,030, the sale of investment securities of $23,929, proceeds from the sale or liquidation of long-term investments of $9,266, distributions from investments in real estate ventures of $4,946, paydowns of investment securities of $198, and a decrease in restricted assets of $5.
Cash used in financing activities was $175,652 and $122,064 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. In 2023, cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of dividends and distributions on common stock of $126,232, the repurchase and repayments of debt of $23,679, net repayments of debt under the Liggett Credit Agreement described below of $22,035, and the withholding of shares as payment of payroll tax liabilities in connection with restricted stock vesting and exercise of stock options of $3,706. Repurchases and repayments of debt for the year ended December 31, 2023 included our repurchase in the market of $23,443 in aggregate principal amount of our 10.5% Senior Notes due 2026 at a price of $23,527 plus accrued interest. The 10.5% Senior Notes Senior Notes that were repurchased have been retired. In 2022, cash used in financing activities comprised of dividends and distributions on common stock of $128,262, repayments of debt of $12,253, withholding of shares as payment of payroll tax liabilities in connection with restricted stock vesting of $2,622, other of $938, and net borrowings of debt under the Liggett Credit Agreement described below of $22,011. Repurchases and repayments of debt for the year ended December 31, 2022 included our repurchase in the market of $12,865 in aggregate principal amount of our 10.5% Senior Notes due 2026 at a price of $12,222 plus accrued interest. The 10.5% Senior Notes Senior Notes that were repurchased have been retired.
We use dividends from our tobacco and real estate subsidiaries, as well as cash and cash equivalents maintained at the corporate level, to fund our significant liquidity commitments at the corporate level (not including our tobacco and real estate operations). These liquidity commitments include cash interest expense of approximately $104,800, dividends on our outstanding common shares of approximately $127,900, which is based on an assumed quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, and other corporate expenses and income taxes.
As of December 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $268,600 (including $16,753 of cash at Liggett), investment securities and long-term investments, which were carried at $157,695 (see Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements). As of December 31, 2023, our investments in real estate ventures were carried at $131,497.
In June 2022, Liggett appealed the final judgment related to the Mississippi litigation and posted a bond of $24,000. The Mississippi litigation was settled in August 2023 and Liggett paid $18,000 which has been included as a reduction of cash provided from operations. In September 2023, the bond, which totaled $25,135 of principal and accrued interest, was returned to Liggett and the amount received was included in cash provided from operations. See Recent Developments in Tobacco-Related Litigation.
Limitation of interest expense deductible for income taxes. The amount of interest expense that is deductible in the computation of income tax liability is limited to 30% of taxable income before interest. However, interest expense allocable to a designated excepted trade or business is not subject to limitation. One such excepted trade or business is any electing real property trade or business, for which portions of our real estate businesses may qualify. If any interest expense is disallowed, we are permitted to carry forward the disallowed interest expense indefinitely. Because interest expense that is allocated to our real estate businesses (from the holding company) not being subject to the limitation, all interest expense to date has been tax deductible; however, a portion of our interest expense in future years may not be deductible, which may increase the after-tax cost of any new debt financings as well as the refinancing of our existing debt. We evaluate the impact of the nondeductible interest on our operations and capital structure on an annual basis.
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Tobacco Litigation. As of December 31, 2023, 16 verdicts were entered in Engle progeny cases against Liggett. Several of these verdicts have been affirmed on appeal and have been satisfied by Liggett. Liggett has paid $40,111, including interest and attorney’s fees, to satisfy the final judgments entered against it. It is possible that additional cases could be decided unfavorably.
Notwithstanding the comprehensive nature of the Engle Progeny Settlements of more than 5,200 cases, 14 plaintiffs’ claims remain outstanding. Therefore, we and Liggett may still be subject to periodic adverse judgments that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Management cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future settlements or judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that those requirements will not be able to be met. Management is unable to make a reasonable estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the cases pending against Liggett or the costs of defending such cases. It is possible that our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows in any future periods could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any such tobacco-related litigation.
Vector Indebtedness.
5.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2029. In 2021, we sold of $875,000 in aggregate principal amount of our 5.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (“5.75% Senior Secured Notes”) to qualified institutional buyers and non-U.S. persons in a private offering pursuant to the exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act”) contained in Rule 144A and Regulation S thereunder. The aggregate net cash proceeds from the sale of the 5.75% Senior Secured Notes were approximately $855,500 after deducting the initial purchaser’s discount and estimated expenses and fees in connection with the offering. We used the net cash proceeds from the 5.75% Senior Secured Notes offering, together with cash on hand, to redeem all of our outstanding 6.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2025, including accrued interest and premium thereon, on January 28, 2021.
The 5.75% Senior Secured Notes pay interest on a semi-annual basis at a rate of 5.75% per year and mature on the earlier of February 1, 2029 and the date that is 91 days before the final stated maturity date of our 10.5% Senior Notes due 2026 (“10.5% Senior Notes”) if such 10.5% Senior Notes have not been repurchased and cancelled or refinanced by such date. We may presently redeem some or all 5.75% Senior Secured Notes at a premium that will decline over time, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. In the event of a change of control, as defined in the indenture governing the 5.75% Senior Secured Notes (the “2029 Indenture”), each holder of the 5.75% Senior Secured Notes may require us to repurchase some or all 5.75% Senior Secured Notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of their aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. If we sell certain assets and do not apply the proceeds as required pursuant to the 2029 Indenture, we must offer to repurchase the 5.75% Senior Secured Notes at the prices listed in the 2029 Indenture.
The 5.75% Senior Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, subject to certain customary automatic release provisions, on a joint and several basis by all wholly owned domestic subsidiaries that are engaged in the conduct of our cigarette businesses, which subsidiaries, as of the issuance date of the 5.75% Senior Secured Notes, were also guarantors under our outstanding 10.5% Senior Notes. The 5.75% Senior Secured Notes are not guaranteed by New Valley LLC, or any of our subsidiaries engaged in our real estate business conducted through our subsidiary, New Valley LLC. The guarantees provided by certain of the guarantors are secured by first priority or second priority security interests in certain collateral of such guarantors pursuant to security and pledge agreements, subject to certain permitted liens and exceptions as further described in the 2029 Indenture and the security documents relating thereto. Vector Group Ltd. does not provide any security for the 5.75% Senior Secured Notes.
The 2029 Indenture contains covenants that restrict the payment of dividends if our consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Consolidated EBITDA”), as defined in the 2029 Indenture, for the most recently ended four full quarters is less than $75,000. The 2029 Indenture also restricts the incurrence of debt if our Leverage Ratio and our Secured Leverage Ratio, each as defined in the 2029 Indenture, exceed 3.0 to 1.0 and 1.5 to 1.0, respectively. Our Leverage Ratio is defined in the 2029 Indenture as the ratio of our and our guaranteeing subsidiaries’ total debt less the fair market value of our cash, investment securities and long-term investments to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the 2029 Indenture. Our Secured Leverage Ratio is defined in the 2029 Indenture in the same manner as the Leverage Ratio, except that secured indebtedness is substituted for indebtedness. The following table summarizes the requirements of these financial tests and the extent to which we satisfied these requirements as of December 31, 2023.
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| Covenant | Indenture Requirement | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Consolidated EBITDA, as defined | $ | 75,000 | $ | 399,623 | ||||||||||
| Leverage ratio, as defined | <3.0 to 1 | 2.37 to 1 | ||||||||||||
| Secured leverage ratio, as defined | <1.5 to 1 | 1.09 to 1 | ||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all debt covenants related to the 2029 Indenture.
10.5% Senior Notes due 2026. In 2018 and 2019, we sold $325,000 and $230,000, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of our 10.5% Senior Notes due 2026 (“10.5% Senior Notes”) to qualified institutional buyers and non-U.S. persons pursuant to the exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act contained in Rule 144A and Regulation S thereunder. The 10.5% Senior Notes were fully and unconditionally guaranteed subject to certain customary automatic release provisions on a joint and several basis by all wholly owned domestic subsidiaries that are engaged in the conduct of our cigarette businesses.
The 10.5% Senior Notes pay interest on a semi-annual basis at a rate of 10.5% per year and mature on November 1, 2026. We may presently redeem such bonds at the price of 100%. In addition, in the event of a change of control, as defined in the indenture governing the 10.5% Senior Notes (the “2026 Indenture”), each holder of the 10.5% Senior Notes may require us to make an offer to repurchase some or all 10.5% Senior Notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of their aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. If we sell certain assets and do not apply the proceeds as required pursuant to the 2026 Indenture, we must offer to repurchase the 10.5% Senior Notes at the prices listed in the 2026 Indenture.
The 2026 Indenture contains covenants that restrict the payment of dividends and certain other distributions subject to certain exceptions, including exceptions for (1) dividends and other distributions in an amount up to 50% of our consolidated net income, plus certain specified proceeds received by us, if no event of default has occurred, and we are in compliance with a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the 2026 Indenture) of at least 2.0 to 1.0, and (2) dividends and other distributions in an unlimited amount, if no event of default has occurred and we are in compliance with a Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2026 Indenture) no greater than 4.0 to 1.0. As a result, absent an event of default, we can pay dividends if the Net Leverage ratio is below 4.0 to 1.0, regardless of the value of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio at the time. The 2026 Indenture also restricts our ability to incur debt if our Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is less than 2.0 to 1.0, and restricts our ability to secure debt to the extent doing so would cause our Secured Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2026 Indenture) to exceed 3.75 to 1.0, unless our 10.5% Senior Notes are secured on an equal and ratable basis. Our Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is defined in the 2026 Indenture as the ratio of our Consolidated EBITDA to our Fixed Charges (each as defined in the 2026 Indenture). Our Net Leverage Ratio is defined in the 2026 Indenture as the ratio of our and our guaranteeing subsidiaries’ total debt less our cash, cash equivalents, and the fair market value of our investment securities, long-term investments, investments in real estate, net, and investments in real estate ventures, to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the 2026 Indenture. Our Secured Leverage Ratio is defined in the 2026 Indenture as the ratio of our and our guaranteeing subsidiaries’ total secured debt to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the 2026 Indenture.
The following table summarizes the requirements of these financial tests and the extent to which we satisfied these requirements as of December 31, 2023.
| Covenant | Indenture Requirement | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Consolidated EBITDA, as defined | N/A | $ | 362,632 | |||||||||||
| Net leverage ratio, as defined | <4.0 to 1 | 2.25 to 1 | ||||||||||||
| Secured leverage ratio, as defined | <3.75 to 1 | 2.38 to 1 | ||||||||||||
| Fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined | >2.0 to 1 | 4.34 to 1 | ||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all debt covenants related to the 2026 Indenture.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased in the market $23,443 in aggregate principal amount of our 10.5% Senior Notes for $23,527 plus accrued interest. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we repurchased in the market $12,865 in aggregate principal amount of our 10.5% Senior Notes. The 10.5% Senior Notes that were repurchased have been retired.
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Guarantor Summarized Financial Information.
Vector Group Ltd. (the “Issuer”) and its wholly owned domestic subsidiaries that are engaged in the conduct of its cigarette business (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”) have filed a shelf registration statement for the offering of debt and equity securities on a delayed or continuous basis and we are including this condensed consolidating financial information in connection therewith. Any such debt securities may be issued by us and guaranteed by our Subsidiary Guarantors. New Valley and any of its subsidiaries (the “Nonguarantor Subsidiaries”) will not guarantee any such debt securities. Both the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Nonguarantor Subsidiaries are wholly owned by the Issuer. The Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023 and the related Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 of the Issuer, Subsidiary Guarantors and the Nonguarantor Subsidiaries are set forth in Exhibit 99.2.
Presented below are the Summarized Combined Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and the related Summarized Combined Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 for the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors (collectively, the “Obligor Group”). The summarized combined financial information is presented after the elimination of: (i) intercompany transactions and balances among the Obligor Group, and (ii) equity in earnings from and investments in the Nonguarantor Subsidiaries.
Summarized Combined Balance Sheets:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Assets: | ||||||||||||||
| Current assets | $ | 524,309 | $ | 507,437 | ||||||||||
| Noncurrent assets | 276,784 | 282,511 | ||||||||||||
| Intercompany receivables from Nonguarantor Subsidiaries | 2,854 | 2,238 | ||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | 160,199 | 190,734 | ||||||||||||
| Noncurrent liabilities | 1,500,525 | 1,514,831 | ||||||||||||
Summarized Combined Statements of Operations:
| Year Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 1,424,268 | ||||||
| Cost of sales | 965,348 | |||||||
| Operating income | 327,966 | |||||||
| Net income | 181,681 | |||||||
Liggett Financing. Liggett did not enter into any equipment financing arrangements in 2023 and 2022.
Liggett Credit Facility. Liggett, Maple and Vector Tobacco are party to the Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo, as agent and lender, which provides a maximum credit line of $90,000 and matures on March 22, 2026.
Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the borrower’s option, (a) the base rate, (b) Term SOFR for the applicable interest period plus 2.25% or (c) Daily Simple SOFR plus 2.25%, where “SOFR” means the Secured Overnight Financing Rate. The interest rate as of December 31, 2023 was 7.56%. An unused line fee is also payable on the average undrawn commitments at a rate of 0.25%, regardless of the amount borrowed under the facility.
Borrowings are limited by a borrowing base equal to the sum of (a) the lesser of (i) 85% of eligible trade receivables less certain reserves and (ii) $15,000; plus (b) 80% of the value of eligible inventory consisting of packaged cigarettes; plus (c) the designated percentage of the value of eligible inventory consisting of leaf tobacco (i.e., 65% of Liggett’s eligible cost of inventory consisting of leaf tobacco less certain reserves or 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory); plus (d) the lesser of (i) the real property subline amount or (ii) 60% of the fair market value of eligible real property.
The obligations under the Credit Agreement are collateralized on a first priority basis by all inventories, receivables and certain other personal property of Liggett, Maple, and Vector Tobacco, and a mortgage on Liggett’s manufacturing facility and certain real property of Maple, subject to certain permitted liens.
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Wells Fargo, Liggett, Maple, Vector Tobacco and the collateral agent for the holders of the 5.75% Senior Secured Notes have entered into an intercreditor agreement, pursuant to which the liens of such collateral agent on the assets that are subject to the Credit Agreement are subordinated to the liens of Wells Fargo on such assets.
The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that limit the incurrence of indebtedness and liens, the acquisition of investments, the making of dividends and certain mergers, consolidations and asset sales. The Credit Agreement also contains financial covenants, including (a) a requirement that the Tobacco segment’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined under the Credit Agreement, on a trailing twelve month basis, shall not be less than $150,000 if the Tobacco segment’s excess availability, as defined under the Credit Agreement, is less than $30,000, and (b) a requirement that annual capital expenditures, as defined under the Credit Agreement (before a maximum carryover amount of $10,000), shall not exceed $20,000 during any fiscal year. The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default. The borrowers were in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2023, there was no outstanding balance due under the Credit Agreement. Availability, as determined under the Credit Agreement, was $84,000 based on eligible collateral as of December 31, 2023.
Anticipated Liquidity Obligations. We and our subsidiaries have significant indebtedness and debt service obligations. As of December 31, 2023, we and our subsidiaries had total outstanding indebtedness of approximately $1,394,000. Of this amount, $875,000 comprised the outstanding amount under our 5.75% Senior Secured Notes, and $518,692 comprised the outstanding amount under our 10.5% Senior Notes. There is a risk that we will not be able to generate sufficient funds to repay our debt. If we cannot service our fixed charges, it would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We believe that our cigarette operations are a positive cash-flow-generating unit and will continue to be able to sustain its operations without any significant liquidity concerns. We had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $268,600, investment securities at fair value of approximately $110,900, long-term investments with an estimated value of approximately $46,800, and availability under Liggett’s credit facility of approximately $84,000 as of December 31, 2023. We currently anticipate that these amounts, as well as expected cash flows from our operations, proceeds from public and/or private debt and equity financing to the extent available, management fees and other payments from subsidiaries should be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs over the next 12 months.
We continue to evaluate our capital structure and current market conditions related to our capital structure. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased in the market $23,443 in aggregate principal amount of our 10.5% Senior Notes for $23,527 plus accrued interest. The Senior Notes that were repurchased have been retired. Depending on market conditions, we may utilize our cash, investment securities and long-term investments to repurchase additional amounts of our 10.5% Senior Notes in open-market purchases or privately negotiated transactions.
There can be no assurance that we would be able to continue to issue debt at a lower interest rate than our historical borrowing levels in the future and, in the event we pursue any capital markets activities, our ability to complete any debt or equity offering would be subject to market conditions.
Furthermore, we may access the capital markets to refinance our 10.5% Senior Notes. We can presently redeem such bonds at the price of 100%. There can be no assurance that we would be able to continue to issue debt at a lower interest rate than our historical borrowing levels in the future and if we pursue any capital markets activities, our ability to complete any debt or equity offering would be subject to market conditions.
We may acquire or seek to acquire additional operating businesses through a merger, purchase of assets, stock acquisition or other means, or to make other investments, which may limit our liquidity otherwise available.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have various agreements in which we may be obligated to indemnify the other party with respect to certain matters. Generally, these indemnification clauses are included in contracts arising in the normal course of business under which we customarily agree to hold the other party harmless against losses arising from a breach of representations related to such matters as title to assets sold and licensed or certain intellectual property rights. In addition, in connection with the Distribution, we agreed to indemnify Douglas Elliman for losses arising out of Vector’s business or incurred in our provision of services to Douglas Elliman under the Transition Services Agreement. Payment by us under such indemnification clauses is generally conditioned on the other party making a claim that is subject to challenge by us and dispute resolution procedures specified in the particular contract. Further, our obligations under these arrangements may be limited in terms of time and/or amount, and in some instances, we may have recourse against third parties for certain payments made by us. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these indemnification agreements due to the conditional nature of our obligations and the unique facts of each particular agreement. Historically, payments made by us under these agreements have
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not been material. As of December 31, 2023, we were not aware of any indemnification agreements that would or are reasonably expected to have a current or future material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
As of December 31, 2023, we had an outstanding $852 letter of credit, which has been issued as security deposit for a lease of office space.
We have a leaf tobacco inventory management program whereby, among other things, we are committed to purchase certain quantities of leaf tobacco. The purchase commitments are for quantities not exceeding anticipated requirements and are at prices, including carrying costs, established at the commitment date. As of December 31, 2023, Liggett had tobacco purchase commitments of approximately $31,508. We have a single source supply agreement for reduced ignition propensity cigarette paper through 2025.
Future machinery and equipment purchase commitments at Liggett were approximately $6,800 including $3,800 for factory modernization as of December 31, 2023.
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 December 31, 2023, there was an outstanding balance of $0 under the Credit Agreement which also has variable interest rates. As of December 31, 2023, 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 $0.
We held debt securities available for sale totaling $73,225 as of December 31, 2023. See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements. Adverse market conditions could have a significant impact on the value of these investments. Based on a hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decline in interest rates (1%), the fair value of our debt securities available for sale could decrease or increase by approximately $590.
On a quarterly basis, we evaluate our debt securities available for sale and equity securities without readily determinable fair values that do not qualify for the NAV practical expedient to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If so, we also determine if such impairment is considered temporary or other-than-temporary. We believe that the assessment of temporary or other-than-temporary impairment is facts and circumstances driven. The impairment indicators that are taken into consideration as part of our analysis include (a) a significant deterioration in the earnings performance, credit rating, asset quality, or business prospects of the investee, (b) a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic, or technological environment of the investee, (c) a significant adverse change in the general market condition of either the geographical area or the industry in which the investee operates, and (d) factors that raise significant concerns about the investee’s ability to continue as a going concern, such as negative cash flows from operations, working capital deficiencies, or noncompliance with statutory capital requirements or debt covenants.
Equity Security Price Risk
As of December 31, 2023, we held various investments in equity securities with a total fair value of $67,112, of which $37,710 represents mutual funds that invest in debt securities and other equity securities at fair value and $29,402 represents long-term investment securities at fair value. The latter securities represent long-term investments in various investment partnerships. These investments are illiquid and their ultimate realization is subject to the performance of the underlying entities. See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements for more details on equity securities at fair value and long-term investment securities at fair value. The impact to our consolidated statement of operations related to equity securities fluctuates based on changes in their fair value.
We record changes in the fair value of equity securities in net income. To the extent that we continue to hold equity securities, our operating results may fluctuate significantly. Based on our equity securities held as of December 31, 2023, a hypothetical decrease of 10% in the price of these equity securities would reduce the fair value of the investments and, accordingly, our net income by approximately $6,711.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our consolidated financial statements for further information on New Accounting Pronouncements.
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Legislation, Regulation, Taxation and Litigation
In the U.S., tobacco products are subject to substantial and increasing legislation, regulation, taxation, and litigation, which have a negative effect on revenue and profitability.
The cigarette industry continues to be challenged on numerous fronts. The industry faces increased pressure from anti-smoking groups and continued smoking and health litigation, the effects of which, at this time, we are unable to quantify. Product liability litigation, particularly in Florida in the Engle progeny cases, continues to adversely affect the cigarette industry. See Item 1. “Business. Legislation and Regulation,” Item 1A. “Risk Factors”, Item 3. “Legal Proceedings,” Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Recent Developments in Tobacco-Related Litigation” and Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements, which contain a description of litigation.
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
In addition to historical information, this report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities law. Forward-looking statements include information relating to our intent, belief or current expectations, primarily with respect to, but not limited to:
•economic outlook;
•capital expenditures;
•cost reduction;
•competition;
•legislation and regulations;
•cash flows;
•operating performance;
•litigation; 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,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may be,” “objective,” “opportunistically,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “prospects,” “seek,” or “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;
•impact of business combinations, including acquisitions and divestitures, both internally for us and externally in the tobacco industry;
•uncertainty related to product liability and other tobacco-related litigations including the Engle progeny cases pending in Florida and other individual and class action cases where certain plaintiffs have alleged compensatory and punitive damage amounts ranging into the hundreds of million and even billions of dollars;
•governmental regulations and policies;
•adverse changes in global, national, regional and local economic and market conditions, including those related to pandemics and health crises;
•significant changes in the price, availability or quality of tobacco, other raw materials or component parts;
•impact of legislation on our results of operations and product costs, i.e., the impact of federal legislation providing for regulation of tobacco products by FDA;
•impact of substantial increases in federal, state and local excise taxes;
•potential additional payment obligations for us under the MSA and other settlement agreements with the states;
•significant changes or disruptions to our supply or distribution chains or in the price, availability or quality of tobacco, other raw materials or component parts;
•potential dilution to our holders of or common stock because of issuances of additional shares of common stock to fund our financial obligations and other financing activities;
•effects of industry competition;
•the impacts of the tax deductibility of interest expense and the impact of the markets on our Real Estate segment;
•the impacts of future income tax legislation in the U.S., including the impact of the markets on our Real Estate segment;
•failure to properly use and protect customer and employee information and data; and
•the effect of a material breach of security or other performance issues on any of our systems or our vendors’ systems.
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Further information on the risks and uncertainties to our business includes the risk factors discussed above under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Although we believe the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is a risk that these expectations will not be attained and that any deviations will be material. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.
ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The information under the caption Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Market Risk” is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, together with the report thereon of Deloitte & Touche LLP dated February 16, 2024, are set forth beginning on page F-1 of this report.
ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed, in the reports the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
In connection with the preparation of this Form 10-K, the Company evaluated, under the supervision of and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as of December 31, 2023, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of December 31, 2023, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2023.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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 and includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company, (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company, and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has assessed the effectiveness of the
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Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the criteria in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).
Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023 based on the criteria in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report which appears herein.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended December 31, 2023 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Vector Group Ltd.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Vector Group Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, of the Company and our report dated February 16, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Miami, Florida
February 16, 2024
52
ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION
Securities Trading Plans of Directors and Executive Officers
In the quarter ended December 31, 2023, none of our directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act) adopted or terminated a plan for the purchase or sale of our securities intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement for the purchase or sale of our securities, within the meaning of Item 408 of Regulation S-K. However, certain of our officers or directors have made, and may from time to time make elections to have shares withheld to cover withholding taxes or pay the exercise price of options, which may be designed to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act or may constitute non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
53
PART III
ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information contained under the following headings in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2024 Proxy Statement”), to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year covered by this report pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, is incorporated herein by reference: “Board Proposal 1 — Nomination and Election of Directors” and “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports.” See Item 5. “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities. Executive Officers of the Registrant” for information regarding our executive officers. We have adopted a policy statement entitled Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees. In the event that an amendment to, or a waiver from, a provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is made or granted, we intend to post such information on our web site, which is www.vectorgroupltd.com.
ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information contained under the headings “Executive Compensation” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in our 2024 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information contained under the headings “Equity Compensation Plan Information” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in our 2024 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information contained under the headings “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Board of Directors and Committees” in our 2024 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information contained under the headings “Audit and Non-Audit Fees” and “Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures” in our 2024 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
54
PART IV
ITEM 15.EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1) INDEX TO 2023 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, together with the report thereon of Deloitte & Touche LLP for the three years ended December 31, 2023, dated February 16, 2024 appear beginning on page F-1 of this report.
(a)(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES:
| Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Page | F-57 | ||||
(a)(3) EXHIBITS:
(a) The following is a list of exhibits filed herewith as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
| EXHIBIT NO. | DESCRIPTION | |||||||
* 2.1 | Distribution Agreement, originally dated as of December 21, 2021 and amended and restated as of December 28, 2021, between Vector Group Ltd. and Douglas Elliman Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated January 4, 2022). | |||||||
* 2.2 | Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2021 between Vector Group Ltd. and Douglas Elliman Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated December 21, 2021). | |||||||
* 3.1 | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vector Group Ltd. (formerly known as Brooke Group Ltd.) (“Vector Group”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in Vector’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999). | |||||||
* 3.2 | Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vector Group Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated May 24, 2000). | |||||||
* 3.3 | Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vector Group Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in Vector’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007). | |||||||
* 3.4 | Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vector Group Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in Vector’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014). | |||||||
* 3.5 | Amended and Restated By-Laws of Vector Group Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated December 15, 2022). | |||||||
* 4.1 | Indenture, dated as of January 28, 2021, among Vector Group Ltd., the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 in Vector’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022). | |||||||
* 4.2 | Pledge Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2021, between VGR Holding LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 in Vector’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022). | |||||||
* 4.3 | Security Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2021, between Vector Tobacco and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 in Vector’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022). | |||||||
55
| EXHIBIT NO. | DESCRIPTION | |||||||
* 4.4 | Security Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2021, among Liggett Group LLC, 100 Maple LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 in Vector’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022). | |||||||
* 4.5 | Second Amended and Restated Intercreditor and Lien Subordination Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2021, among Liggett Group LLC, 100 Maple LLC, U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 in Vector’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022). | |||||||
* 4.6 | Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2018, among Vector Group Ltd., the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Vector’s Form 8-K dated November 2, 2018). | |||||||
* 4.7 | First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 18, 2019, among Vector Group Ltd., the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated November 18, 2019). | |||||||
*4.8 | Description of Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 in Vector’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019). | |||||||
* 10.1 | Master Settlement Agreement made by the Settling States and Participating Manufacturers signatories thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Philip Morris Companies Inc.’s Form 8-K dated November 25, 1998, Commission File No. 1-8940). | |||||||
* 10.2 | General Liggett Replacement Agreement, dated as of November 23, 1998, entered into by each of the Settling States under the Master Settlement Agreement, and Brooke Group Holding and Liggett (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 in Vector’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998). | |||||||
* 10.3 | Settlement Agreement as of October 22, 2013, by, between and among: (a) Liggett and Vector and (b) Plaintiffs’ Coordinating Counsel, Participating Plaintiffs’ Counsel, and their respective clients who are plaintiffs in certain Engle Progeny Actions (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Vector’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013). | |||||||
* 10.4 | Settlement Agreement as of October 22, 2013, by, between and among: (a) Liggett Group LLC and Vector, and (b) Plaintiffs’ Coordinating Counsel, The Wilner Firm, and The Wilner Firm’s clients who are plaintiffs in certain federal and state Engle Progeny Actions (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Vector’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013). | |||||||
* 10.5 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of January 27, 2006, between Vector and Howard M. Lorber (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated January 27, 2006). | |||||||
* 10.6 | Amended and Restated Executive Letter Agreement dated as of April 29, 2022 between Vector Group Ltd. and Howard M. Lorber (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Vector’s Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2022). | |||||||
* 10.7 | Employment Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2006, between Vector and Richard J. Lampen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated January 27, 2006). | |||||||
* 10.8 | Amendment to the Employment Agreement dated as of February 22, 2012 between Vector Group Ltd. and Richard J. Lampen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 in Vector’s Form 8-K/A dated February 21, 2012). | |||||||
56
| EXHIBIT NO. | DESCRIPTION | |||||||
*10.9 | Amendment to the Employment Agreement dated January 15, 2021 between Vector Group Ltd. and Richard J. Lampen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated January 14, 2021). | |||||||
* 10.10 | Executive Letter Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2021 between Vector Group Ltd. and Richard J. Lampen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated December 21, 2021). | |||||||
* 10.11 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2006, between Vector and Marc N. Bell (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated January 27, 2006). | |||||||
* 10.12 | Executive Letter Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2021 between Vector Group Ltd. and Marc N. Bell (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated December 21, 2021). | |||||||
* 10.13 | Letter Agreement, dated as of February 18, 2020, by and among Ronald J. Bernstein, Liggett Vector Brands LLC, Vector Group Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Vector’s Form 8-k dated February 18, 2020). | |||||||
* 10.14 | Amendment to Letter Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2023, by and between Vector Group Ltd. and Ronald J. Bernstein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Vector’s Form 10-K/A dated May 1, 2023). | |||||||
* 10.15 | Employment Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2006, between Vector and J. Bryant Kirkland III (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated January 27, 2006). | |||||||
* 10.16 | Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of February 29, 2016, by and between Vector Group Ltd. and J. Bryant Kirkland III (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated February 29, 2016). | |||||||
* 10.17 | Second Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2021 between Vector Group Ltd. and J. Bryant Kirkland III (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated December 21, 2021). | |||||||
* 10.18 | Executive Letter Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2021 between Vector Group Ltd. and J. Bryant Kirkland III (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated December 21, 2021). | |||||||
* 10.19 | Employment Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2020, by and between Liggett Vector Brands LLC and Nicholas P. Anson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of Vector’s Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2021). | |||||||
* 10.20 | Vector Group Ltd. Amended and Restated 2014 Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Vector’s Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2021). | |||||||
* 10.21 | Vector Group Ltd. 2023 Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated July 26,2023). | |||||||
* 10.22 | Restricted Shares Award Agreement Pursuant to the Vector Group Ltd. Amended and Restated 2014 Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Vector’s Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2021). | |||||||
57
| EXHIBIT NO. | DESCRIPTION | |||||||
* 10.23 | Non-Employee Director Restricted Shares Award Agreement Pursuant to the Vector Group Ltd. Amended & Restated 2014 Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 in Vector’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022). | |||||||
* 10.24 | Performance-based Restricted Shares Award Agreement Pursuant to the Vector Group Ltd. Amended and Restated 2014 Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Vector’s Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2021). | |||||||
* 10.25 | Restricted Shares Award Agreement Pursuant to the 2023 Vector Group Ltd. Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of Vector’s Form S-8 dated August 25, 2023). | |||||||
* 10.26 | Non-Employee Director Restricted Shares Award Agreement Pursuant to the 2023 Vector Group Ltd. Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of Vector’s Form S-8 dated August 25, 2023). | |||||||
* 10.27 | Performance-based Restricted Shares Award Agreement Pursuant to the 2023 Vector Group Ltd. Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of Vector’s Form S-8 dated August 25, 2023). | |||||||
* 10.28 | Vector Supplemental Retirement Plan (as amended and restated April 24, 2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Vector’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008). | |||||||
* 10.29 | Office Lease, dated as of September 10, 2012, between Vector Group Ltd. and Frost Real Estate Holdings, LLC. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated September 10, 2012). | |||||||
* 10.30 | First Amendment, dated as of November 12, 2012, to Office Lease, dated as of September 10, 2012, between Vector Group Ltd. and Frost Real Estate Holdings, LLC. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 of Vector’s Form 10-K dated December 31, 2012). | |||||||
* 10.31 | Second Amendment, dated as of September 1, 2017, to Office Lease, dated as of September 10, 2012, between Vector Group Ltd. and Frost Real Estate Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of Vector’s Form 10-K dated December 31, 2017). | |||||||
* 10.32 | Third Amendment, dated as of January 30, 2023, to Office Lease, dated as of September 10, 2012, between Vector Group Ltd. and Frost Real Estate Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 in Vector’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022). | |||||||
* 10.33 | Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2015, among Liggett Group LLC, 100 Maple LLC, and, upon its accession thereto pursuant to Amendment No. 4 and Joinder, Vector Tobacco Inc., the lenders party thereto from time to time and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative and collateral agent, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2017, Amendment No. 2 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2018, Amendment No. 3 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2019, and Amendment No. 4 and Joinder to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 in Vector’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022). | |||||||
* 10.34 | Transition Services Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2021 between Vector Group Ltd. and Douglas Elliman Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated December 21, 2021). | |||||||
* 10.35 | Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2021 between Vector Group Ltd. and Douglas Elliman Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated December 21, 2021). | |||||||
58
| EXHIBIT NO. | DESCRIPTION | |||||||
| Subsidiaries of Vector. | ||||||||
| List of Subsidiary Guarantors. | ||||||||
| Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP. | ||||||||
| 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. | ||||||||
| 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. | ||||||||
| Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | ||||||||
| Vector Group Ltd. Executive Compensation Clawback Policy. | ||||||||
| Certain Litigation Matters. | ||||||||
| Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements of Vector Group Ltd. | ||||||||
_____________________________
*Incorporated by reference
Each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this report pursuant to Item 14(c) is listed in exhibit numbers 10.10 through 10.34.
ITEM 16.FORM 10-K SUMMARY.
Not applicable.
59
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| VECTOR GROUP LTD. | |||||||||||
| (Registrant) | |||||||||||
| By: | /s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III | ||||||||||
| J. Bryant Kirkland III | |||||||||||
| Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | |||||||||||
| Date: | February 16, 2024 | ||||||||||
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned directors and officers of Vector Group Ltd. hereby constitute and appoint Richard J. Lampen, J. Bryant Kirkland III and Marc N. Bell, and each of them, with full power to act without the other and with full power of substitution and resubstitutions, our true and lawful attorneys-in-fact with full power to execute in our name and behalf in the capacities indicated below, this Annual Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and hereby ratify and confirm all that such attorneys-in-fact, or any of them, or their substitutes shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 16, 2024.
60
| SIGNATURE | TITLE | |||||||
| /s/ Howard M. Lorber | President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | |||||||
| Howard M. Lorber | ||||||||
| /s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III | Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | |||||||
| J. Bryant Kirkland III | ||||||||
| /s/ Bennett S. LeBow | Director | |||||||
| Bennett S. LeBow | ||||||||
| /s/ Henry C. Beinstein | Director | |||||||
| Henry C. Beinstein | ||||||||
| /s/ Ronald J. Bernstein | Director | |||||||
| Ronald J. Bernstein | ||||||||
| /s/ Paul V. Carlucci | Director | |||||||
| Paul V. Carlucci | ||||||||
| /s/ Richard J. Lampen | Director | |||||||
| Richard J. Lampen | ||||||||
| /s/ Jean E. Sharpe | Director | |||||||
| Jean E. Sharpe | ||||||||
| /s/ Barry Watkins | Director | |||||||
| Barry Watkins | ||||||||
| /s/ Wilson L. White | Director | |||||||
| Wilson L. White | ||||||||
61
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
ITEMS 8, 15(a)(1) AND (2), 15(c)
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Financial Statements and Schedules of the Registrant and its subsidiaries required to be included in Items 8, 15(a) (1) and (2), 15(c) are listed below:
| Page | ||||||||
| FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: | ||||||||
| Vector Group Ltd. Consolidated Financial Statements | ||||||||
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. | F-2 | |||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 | F-4 | |||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 | F-5 | |||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 | F-6 | |||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Deficiency for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 | F-7 | |||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 | F-8 | |||||||
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | F-10 | |||||||
| FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE: | ||||||||
| Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts | F-57 | |||||||
Financial Statement Schedules not listed above have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is contained in our consolidated financial statements or accompanying notes.
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Vector Group Ltd.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Vector Group Ltd. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' deficiency, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 16, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Contingencies: Tobacco-Related Litigation — Refer to Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary Liggett Group LLC (“Liggett”) is subject to litigation related to tobacco product liability. Legal proceedings regarding Liggett’s tobacco products are pending or threatened in various jurisdictions against Liggett and the Company. The Company records provisions for pending litigation when it determines that an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Liggett has entered into settlement discussions in individual cases or groups of cases where Liggett has determined it was in its best interest to do so. As cases proceed through the appellate process, the Company considers accruals on a case-by-case basis if an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Total tobacco-related litigation accruals were $14.2 million at December 31, 2023.
At the present time, except for the aforementioned settlements, while it is reasonably possible that an unfavorable outcome in a case may occur: (i) management has concluded that it is not probable that a loss has been incurred in any of the pending tobacco related cases or (ii) management is unable to reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of any of the pending tobacco related cases. Therefore, management has not provided any amounts in the financial statements for unfavorable outcomes.
Given the subjectivity of estimating the projected liability of reported and unreported claims and assessing the probability of the outcome, performing audit procedures to evaluate whether tobacco product liabilities were appropriately recorded as of December 31, 2023, required a high level of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the evaluation of whether tobacco product liabilities were appropriately recorded included the following, among others:
F-2
· We tested the effectiveness of controls relating to the determination of tobacco product liability contingencies.
· We evaluated the provisions for tobacco litigation by:
- Obtaining letters from the Company’s internal and external counsel which include schedules and analysis of all pending tobacco-related cases.
- Conducting quarterly discussions with the Company’s general counsel and obtaining updates on tobacco litigation activity.
- Reviewing tobacco product liability activity of other public tobacco companies for which Liggett is often a co-defendant.
- Evaluating recorded provisions and disclosures based on the information obtained.
- Utilizing the information obtained from the letters from the Company’s internal and external counsel, quarterly discussions with the Company’s general counsel, and tobacco product liability activity of other tobacco companies, to assess management’s conclusion of the probability of the outcome for pending litigation.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
February 16, 2024
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2015.
F-3
VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||
| ASSETS: | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Investment securities at fair value | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivable - trade, net | |||||||||||
| Inventories | |||||||||||
| Income taxes receivable, net | |||||||||||
| Other current assets | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | |||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | |||||||||||
Long-term investments (includes $ | |||||||||||
| Investments in real estate ventures | |||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | |||||||||||
| Intangible assets | |||||||||||
| Other assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY: | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt | $ | $ | |||||||||
Current payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement | |||||||||||
| Current operating lease liability | |||||||||||
| Income taxes payable, net | |||||||||||
| Other current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion | |||||||||||
| Non-current employee benefits | |||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes, net | |||||||||||
| Non-current operating lease liability | |||||||||||
| Payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement | |||||||||||
| Other liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Notes 5 and 15) | |||||||||||
| Stockholders' deficiency: | |||||||||||
Preferred stock, par value $ | |||||||||||
Common stock, par value $ | |||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | |||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total Vector Group Ltd. stockholders' deficiency | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' deficiency | $ | $ | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-4
VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||
| Tobacco* | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Real estate | |||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | |||||||||||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales: | |||||||||||||||||
| Tobacco* | |||||||||||||||||
| Real estate | |||||||||||||||||
| Total cost of sales | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Litigation settlement and judgment expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Net gains on sales of assets | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | |||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expenses): | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| (Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings (losses) from investments | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings (losses) from real estate ventures | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | |||||||||||||||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | |||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | |||||||||||||||||
| Net loss from continuing operations attributed to non-controlling interest | |||||||||||||||||
| Net loss from discontinued operations attributed to non-controlling interest | |||||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributed to non-controlling interest | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. from continuing operations | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. from discontinued operations | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Per basic common share: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income from continuing operations applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Net income from discontinued operations applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income applicable to common shares | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Per diluted common share: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income from continuing operations applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Net income from discontinued operations applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income applicable to common shares | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
_____________________________
* Revenues and cost of sales include federal excise taxes of $486,263 , $520,760 and $434,695 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-5
VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale: | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized losses | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized losses reclassified into net income | |||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Net change in pension-related amounts: | |||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service costs | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) arising during the year | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of loss | |||||||||||||||||
| Net change in pension-related amounts | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Income tax effect on: | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized losses on investment securities | |||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized losses reclassified into net income on investment securities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Pension-related amounts | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Income tax (provision) benefit on other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive loss attributed to non-controlling interest | |||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-6
VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Non-controlling Interest | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, January 1, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions and dividends on common stock ($ | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock grants | ( | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Withholding of shares as payment of payroll tax liabilities in connection with restricted stock vesting and exercise of stock options | ( | ( | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of subsidiary | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions from non-controlling interest | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distribution of Douglas Elliman Inc. | — | — | — | ( | 0 | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2021 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions and dividends on common stock ($ | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock grants | ( | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Withholding of shares as payment of payroll tax liabilities in connection with restricted stock vesting | ( | ( | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distribution of Douglas Elliman Inc. | — | — | ( | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2022 | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions and dividends on common stock ($ | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock grants | ( | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Withholding of shares as payment of payroll tax liabilities in connection with restricted stock vesting | ( | ( | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Withholding of shares as payment of payroll tax liabilities in connection with stock option exercise | ( | ( | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-7
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-cash stock-based expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of assets | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | |||||||||||||||||
| Distributions from investments | |||||||||||||||||
| Equity in (earnings) losses from investments | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Net (gains) losses on investment securities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Equity in (earnings) losses from real estate ventures | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Distributions from real estate ventures | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-cash interest expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-cash lease expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | |||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Receivables | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Inventories | |||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Investments in real estate, net | |||||||||||||||||
| Litigation accruals | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Other assets and liabilities, net | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
F-8
VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — (Continued)
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Sale of investment securities | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Maturities of investment securities | |||||||||||||||||
| Purchase of investment securities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale or liquidation of long-term investments | |||||||||||||||||
| Purchase of long-term investments | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| (Increase) decrease in restricted assets | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Investments in real estate ventures | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Distributions from investments in real estate ventures | |||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of fixed assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Purchase of subsidiaries | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Pay downs of investment securities | |||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of debt | |||||||||||||||||
| Repayments of debt | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred financing costs | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Borrowings under revolver | |||||||||||||||||
| Repayments on revolver | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Dividends and distributions on common stock | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Contributions from non-controlling interest | |||||||||||||||||
| Withholding of shares as payment of payroll tax liabilities in connection with restricted stock vesting and exercise of stock options | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Cash transferred to Douglas Elliman Inc. at the Distribution | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Other | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-9
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Basis of Presentation:
The Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report present the financial position of Vector Group Ltd. (the “Company” or “Vector”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and the results of operations of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 giving effect to the Distribution of Douglas Elliman Inc. (“Douglas Elliman”) with the historical financial results of Douglas Elliman reflected as discontinued operations (See Note 6.). The cash flows and comprehensive income related to Douglas Elliman have not been segregated and are included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, respectively, for all periods presented. Unless otherwise indicated, the information in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements refers only to the Company’s continuing operations and does not include discussion of balances or activity of Douglas Elliman.
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of Liggett Group LLC (“Liggett”), Vector Tobacco LLC (“Vector Tobacco”), Liggett Vector Brands LLC (“Liggett Vector Brands”), New Valley LLC (“New Valley”) and other less significant subsidiaries. New Valley includes the accounts of other less significant subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Liggett and Vector Tobacco are engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the U.S. Liggett Vector Brands coordinates Liggett and Vector Tobacco’s sales and marketing efforts. Certain references to “Liggett” refer to the Company’s tobacco operations, including the business of Liggett and Vector Tobacco, unless otherwise specified. New Valley is engaged in the real estate business.
(b) Estimates and Assumptions:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Significant estimates subject to material changes in the near term include impairment charges, valuation of intangible assets, promotional accruals, actuarial assumptions of pension plans, deferred tax liabilities, settlement accruals, valuation of investments, including other-than-temporary impairments to such investments, and litigation and defense costs. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(c) Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Cash includes cash on hand, cash on deposit in banks, and money market accounts. Cash equivalents include short-term investments which have an original maturity of 90 days or less. Interest income from short-term investments is recognized when earned. The Company deposits its cash and cash equivalents at large financial institutions, including commercial banks and broker-dealers. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Securities Investor Protection Corporation insure these balances, up to $250 and $500, respectively. Substantially all cash balances as of December 31, 2023 are uninsured.
(d) Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash:
Restricted cash amounts included in other current assets and other assets represent cash and cash equivalents required to be deposited into escrow for bonds required to appeal adverse product liability judgments, amounts required for letters of credit related to office leases, and certain deposit requirements for banking arrangements. The restrictions related to the appellate bonds will remain in place until the appeal process has been completed. The restrictions related to the letters of credit will remain in place for the duration of the respective lease. The restrictions related to the banking arrangements will remain in place for the duration of the arrangement.
F-10
The components of “Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash” in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows were as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in other assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
(e) Investment Securities:
The Company classifies investments in debt securities as available for sale. Investments classified as available for sale are recorded at fair value, with net unrealized gains and losses included as a separate component of stockholders’ deficiency. The cost of securities sold is determined based on average cost.
Gains are recognized when realized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Losses are recognized as realized or upon the determination of the occurrence of an other-than-temporary decline in fair value. The Company’s policy is to review its securities on a periodic basis to evaluate whether any security has experienced an other-than-temporary decline in fair value. If it is determined that an other-than-temporary decline exists in one of the Company’s debt securities, it is the Company’s policy to record an impairment charge with respect to such investment in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
The Company classifies investments in marketable equity securities as equity securities at fair value. The Company’s marketable equity securities are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Gains and losses are recognized when realized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Investments in marketable equity securities represent less than a 20 percent interest in the investees and the Company does not exercise significant influence over such entities.
(f) Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk:
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables. The Company places its temporary cash in money market securities (investment grade or better) with, what management believes, high credit quality financial institutions.
Liggett’s customers are primarily wholesalers and distributors of tobacco and convenience products as well as large grocery, drug and convenience store chains. Two customers accounted for 13 % and 10 % of Liggett’s revenues in 2023, 15 % and 11 % in 2022 and 14 % and 12 % in 2021. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are generally limited due to Liggett’s large number of customers. Liggett’s two largest customers represented approximately 4 % and 8 %, respectively, of Liggett’s net accounts receivable as of December 31, 2023, and approximately 4 % and 37 %, respectively, as of December 31, 2022. Ongoing credit evaluations of customers’ financial condition are performed and, generally, no collateral is required. Liggett maintains reserves for potential credit losses and such losses, in the aggregate, have not exceeded management’s expectations.
(g) Accounts Receivable - trade, net:
Accounts receivable-trade are recorded net of an allowance for credit losses and cash discounts. The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses based on historical experience, the age of the accounts receivable balances, credit quality of our customers, current economic conditions, supportable forecasts of future economic condition, and other factors that may affect our ability to collect from customers. The allowance for credit losses and cash discounts was $548 and $838 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Uncollectible accounts are written off when the likelihood of collection is remote and when collection efforts have been abandoned.
(h) Inventories:
F-11
(i) Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which are 20 to 30 years for buildings and 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment.
Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred. The costs of major renewals and betterments are capitalized. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of property, plant and equipment are removed from the accounts upon retirement or other disposition and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations.
The cost of leasehold improvements is amortized over the lesser of the related leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Costs of major additions and betterments are capitalized, while expenditures for routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
(j) Investments in Real Estate Ventures:
In accounting for its investments in real estate ventures, the Company identified its participation in Variable Interest Entities (“VIE”), which are defined as (a) entities in which the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) as a group, the equity investors at risk lack 1) the power to direct the activities of a legal entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, 2) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or 3) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) as a group, the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests and the entity’s activities involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with a disproportionately small voting interest.
The Company’s interest in VIEs is primarily in the form of equity ownership. The Company examines specific criteria and uses judgment when determining if the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Factors considered include risk and reward sharing, experience and financial condition of other partner(s), voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating decisions, representation on a VIE’s executive committee, existence of unilateral kick-out rights exclusive of protective rights or voting rights and level of economic disproportionality between the Company and its other partner(s).
Accounting guidance requires the consolidation of VIEs in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The guidance requires consolidation of VIEs that an enterprise has a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
The Company’s maximum exposure to loss in its investments in unconsolidated VIEs is limited to its investment in the VIE, any unfunded capital commitments to the VIE, and, in some cases, guarantees in connection with debt on the specific project. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss in its investment in consolidated VIEs is limited to its investment, which is the carrying value of the investment net of the non-controlling interest. Creditors of the consolidated VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary.
On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates its investments in real estate ventures to determine if there are indicators of impairment. If so, the Company further investigates to determine if an impairment has occurred and whether such impairment is considered temporary or other than temporary. The Company believes that the assessment of temporary or other-than-temporary impairment includes judgment and all relevant facts and circumstances.
(k) Intangible Assets:
Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually as of December 31 and monitored for interim triggering events on an on-going basis. Our intangible asset associated with the benefit under the Master Settlement Agreement (“MSA”) relates to the market share payment exemption of The Medallion Company Inc. (now known as Vector Tobacco LLC), acquired in April 2002, under the MSA, which states payments under the MSA continue in perpetuity. As a result, the Company believes it will realize the benefit of the exemption for the foreseeable future.
The fair value of the intangible asset associated with the benefit under the MSA is calculated using discounted cash flows. This approach involves two steps: (i) estimating future cash savings due to the payment exemption under the MSA and (ii) discounting the resulting cash flow savings to determine fair value. This fair value is then compared with the carrying value of the intangible asset associated with the benefit under the MSA. To the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value of the intangible asset, an impairment loss is recognized.
F-12
Indefinite life intangible assets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, were $107,511 no
(l) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:
The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company performs a test for recoverability, comparing projected undiscounted cash flows to the carrying value of the asset group to determine if impairment exists. If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on fair value of the asset based on discounted cash flow. Impairment losses on assets to be disposed of, if any, are based on the estimated proceeds to be received, less costs of disposal.
(m) Leases:
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in investments in real estate, net, property, plant and equipment and current and long-term portions of notes payable and long-term debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the duration of the lease term. Lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments as determined by the lease agreement. Lease liabilities are recorded at commencement for the net present value of future lease payments over the lease term. The discount rate used is generally the Company’s estimated incremental borrowing rate unless the lessor’s implicit rate is readily determinable. Discount rates are calculated periodically to estimate the rate the Company would pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value, over a similar term, with a similar security. ROU assets are recorded and recognized at commencement for the lease liability amount, initial direct costs incurred and are reduced for lease incentives received. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Finance lease cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the asset and the lease term.
(n) Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits Plans:
The cost of providing retiree pension benefits, health care and life insurance benefits is actuarially determined and accrued over the service period of the active employee group. The Company recognizes the funded status of each defined benefit pension plan, retiree health care and other postretirement benefit plans and postemployment benefit plans on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. (See Note 12).
(o) Stock Options and Awards:
The Company accounts for employee stock compensation plans by measuring compensation cost for share-based payments at fair value at the grant date. The fair value is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. The terms of certain stock options and restricted stock awarded under the 2023 Management Incentive Plan (the “2023 Plan”), the 2014 Management Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”) and the Amended and Restated 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “1999 Plan”) provide for common stock dividend equivalents (paid in cash at the same rate as paid on the common stock) with respect to the shares underlying the unvested portion of the options and restricted stock. The Company recognizes payments of the dividend equivalent rights on these options and restricted stock on the Company’s consolidated
F-13
(p) Income Taxes:
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method and records deferred taxes for the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognized for tax purposes as well as tax credit carryforwards and loss carryforwards. These deferred taxes are measured by applying the enacted tax rates relative to when the deferred item is expected to reverse. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets when it is deemed more likely than not that some portion or all deferred tax assets will not be realized. A current tax provision is recorded for income taxes currently payable.
The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes by recognizing the financial statement impact of a tax position when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination. If the tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the tax effect is recognized at the largest amount of the benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The guidance requires that a liability created for unrecognized deferred tax benefits shall be presented as a liability and not combined with deferred tax liabilities or assets. The Company classifies all tax-related interest and penalties as income tax expense.
(q) Distributions and Dividends on Common Stock:
The Company records distributions on its common stock as dividends in its consolidated statement of stockholders’ deficiency to the extent of retained earnings. Any amounts exceeding retained earnings are recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in-capital to the extent paid-in-capital is available and then to accumulated deficit. The Company’s stock dividends are recorded as stock splits and given retroactive effect to earnings per share for all years presented.
(r) Revenue Recognition:
Tobacco: Revenue from cigarette sales, which include federal excise taxes billed to customers, are recognized upon shipment of cigarettes when control has passed to the customer. Average collection terms for Tobacco sales range between three and twelve days from the time that the cigarettes are shipped to the customer. The Company records an allowance for goods estimated to be returned in other current liabilities and the associated receivable for anticipated federal excise tax refunds in other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The allowance for returned goods is based principally on sales volumes and historical return rates. The estimated costs of sales incentives, including customer incentives and trade promotion activities, are based principally on historical experience and are accounted for as reductions in Tobacco revenue. Expected payments for sales incentives are included in other current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company accounts for shipping and handling costs as fulfillment costs as part of its cost of sales.
Tobacco Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs: Shipping and handling fees related to sales transactions are neither billed to customers nor recorded as revenue. Shipping and handling costs were $8,453 in 2023, $8,747 in 2022 and $7,006 in 2021.
Real estate: Revenue from facilities primarily related to Escena and consisted of revenues from food and beverage sales, fees charged for gameplay and the sale of golf related equipment and apparel. Revenue is recognized at the time of sale. See Note 10 for details of the Escena investment. In April 2022, New Valley sold Escena and received approximately $15,300 in net cash proceeds. The Company recognized the revenue in accordance with the scope of ASC Topic 606 since New Valley has no continuing investment or involvement. The sale was presented as revenue and the cost of the investment as cost of sales on the consolidated statements of operations.
Revenue from investments in real estate is recognized from land and building sales at the time of the closing of a sale, which is typically when cash is due, the performance obligation is satisfied as the title to and possession of the real estate asset are transferred to the buyer and the Company has no further obligations or involvement in the real estate asset.
(s) Advertising:
Tobacco advertising costs, which are expensed as incurred and included within operating, selling, administration and general expenses, were $5,227 , $4,748 and $4,464 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
F-14
(t) Comprehensive Income:
The Company presents net income and other comprehensive income in two separate, and consecutive, statements. The items are presented before related tax effects with detailed amounts shown for the income tax expense or benefit related to each component of other comprehensive income.
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes, were as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
Net unrealized gains on investment securities available for sale, net of income taxes of $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Pension-related amounts, net of income taxes of $ | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||
(u) Contingencies:
The Company and its subsidiaries record provisions in their consolidated financial statements for pending litigation when they determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. As discussed in Note 15, legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters are pending or threatened in various jurisdictions against Liggett and the Company. At the present time, while it is reasonably possible that an unfavorable outcome in a case may occur, except as disclosed in Note 15: (i) management has concluded that it is not probable that a loss has been incurred in any of the pending tobacco-related cases; or (ii) management is unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of any of the pending tobacco-related cases and, therefore, management has not provided any amounts in the consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes, if any.
(v) Other, Net:
Other, net consisted of:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest and dividend income | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Change in derivative associated with guarantee | |||||||||||||||||
| Expense related to Tax Disaffiliation indemnification | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Net gains (losses) recognized on investment securities | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Net periodic benefit cost other than the service costs | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Other income | |||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
(w) Other Assets:
Other assets consisted of:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Restricted assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Prepaid pension costs | |||||||||||
| Other assets | |||||||||||
| Total other assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
F-15
(x) Other Current Liabilities:
Other current liabilities consisted of:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accrued promotional expenses | |||||||||||
| Accrued excise and payroll taxes payable, net | |||||||||||
| Accrued interest | |||||||||||
| Accrued salaries and benefits | |||||||||||
| Allowance for sales returns | |||||||||||
| Other current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total other current liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
(y) New Accounting Pronouncements:
Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”) adopted in 2023:
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. The ASU requires that an acquirer recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ASUs to be adopted in future periods:
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The ASU requires that all public entities on an annual basis (1) disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and (2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280), Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The ASU requires that all public entities improve the reportable segment disclosure primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
SEC Proposed Rules
On March 21, 2022, the SEC proposed rule changes that would require registrants to provide certain climate-related information in their registration statements and annual reports. The proposed rules would require information about a registrant's climate-related risks that are reasonably likely to have a material impact on its business, results of operations, or financial condition. The required information about climate-related risks would also include disclosure of a registrant's greenhouse gas emissions, which have become a commonly used metric to assess a registrant's exposure to such risks. In addition, under the proposed rules, certain climate-related financial metrics would be required in a registrant's audited financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the proposed rule changes.
F-16
2. REVENUE RECOGNITION
Disaggregation of Revenue
The Company disaggregates revenues by segment.
Tobacco. Tobacco segment revenues are not disaggregated because all revenues are generated from the discount segment of the U.S. cigarette industry.
Real Estate. Real Estate segment revenues are disaggregated in the table below. The Real Estate segment includes the Company’s investment in New Valley, investments in real estate ventures and, prior to April 2022 when Escena was sold, included investments in real estate. After the sale of Escena, the Company has no revenues from its real estate segment.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Real Estate Segment Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales on facilities primarily from Escena | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Revenues from investments in real estate | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total real estate revenues | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
3. CURRENT EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES
Tobacco receivables: Average collection terms for Tobacco sales range between three and twelve days from the time that the cigarettes are shipped to the customer. Based on Tobacco historical and ongoing cash collections from customers, an estimated credit loss in accordance with ASU 2016-13 was not recorded for these trade receivables as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Term loan receivables: New Valley periodically provides term loans to commercial real estate developers, which are included in on the consolidated balance sheets. New Valley had two loans in maturity default as of December 31, 2023, with a total amortized cost basis of $15,928 , including accrued interest receivable of $6,428 15,928
The following is the reconciliation of the allowance for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2023:
| January 1, 2023 | Current Period Provision | Write-offs | Recoveries | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for credit losses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Valley term loan receivables | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following is the reconciliation of the allowance for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2022:
| January 1, 2022 | Current Period Provision | Write-offs | Recoveries | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for credit losses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Valley term loan receivables | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
F-17
4. EARNINGS PER SHARE
As discussed in Note 14, the Company has stock option awards and restricted stock awards which provide for common stock dividend equivalents at the same rate as paid on the common stock with respect to the shares underlying the unexercised portion of the options. These outstanding options and restricted stock awards represent participating securities under authoritative guidance. The Company recognizes payments of the dividend equivalent rights ($3,463 , $4,239 , and $3,832 , for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively) on these options and restricted stock awards as reductions in additional paid-in-capital on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Income from continuing operations attributable to participating securities represent the undistributed earnings allocated to the participating securities using the two-class method permitted by U.S. GAAP for computing diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). The Company included the income tax benefit associated with the dividend equivalent rights as a component of income tax expense due to the adoption of ASU 2016-09. As a result, in its calculation of basic EPS for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, the Company has adjusted its net income for the effect of these participating securities as follows:
Net income for purposes of determining basic EPS for discontinued operations and net income available to common stockholders attributed to Vector Group Ltd. were as follows:
| For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. from continuing operations | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. from discontinued operations | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations attributable to participating securities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Net income available to common stockholders attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Net income for purposes of determining basic EPS for continuing operations applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. was as follows:
| For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. from continuing operations | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations attributable to participating securities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Net income available to common stockholders attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders attributed to Vector Group Ltd. by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, which includes vested restricted stock.
Net income for purposes of determining diluted EPS for discontinued operations and net income available to common stockholders attributed to Vector Group Ltd. were as follows:
| For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. from continuing operations | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. from discontinued operations | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations attributable to participating securities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Net income available to common stockholders attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
F-18
Net income for purposes of determining diluted EPS for continuing operations applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. was as follows:
| For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. from continuing operations | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations attributable to participating securities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Net income available to common stockholders attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Basic and diluted EPS for continuing and discontinued operations were calculated using the following common shares for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
| For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average shares for basic EPS | |||||||||||||||||
| Incremental shares related to stock options and non-vested restricted stock | |||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS | |||||||||||||||||
It may not be possible to recalculate EPS attributable to common stockholders by adjusting EPS from continuing operations by EPS from discontinued operations as each amount is calculated independently.
The following non-vested restricted stock was outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, but was not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the impact of the per-share expense associated with the non-vested restricted stock was greater than the average market price of the common shares during the respective periods.
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average shares of non-vested restricted stock | |||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average expense per share | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
5. LEASES
The Company has operating and finance leases for corporate and sales offices, and certain vehicles and equipment accounted for under ASC 842. The leases have remaining lease terms of less than one year to five years , some of which include options to extend for up to five years , and some of which include options to terminate the leases within one year . However, the Company in general is not reasonably certain to exercise options to renew or terminate, and therefore renewal and termination options are not considered in the lease term or the ROU asset and lease liability balances. The Company’s lease population includes purchase options on equipment leases that are included in the lease payments when reasonably certain to be exercised. The Company’s lease population does not include any residual value guarantees. The Company’s lease population does not contain any material restrictive covenants.
The Company has leases with variable payments, most commonly in the form of Common Area Maintenance (“CAM”) and tax charges which are based on actual costs incurred. These variable payments were excluded from the ROU asset and lease liability balances since they are not fixed or in-substance fixed payments. Variable payments are expensed as incurred.
F-19
The components of lease expense were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease cost | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Short-term lease cost | ||||||||||||||||||||
Variable lease cost | ||||||||||||||||||||
Finance lease cost: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest on lease liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total lease cost | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Operating cash flows from finance leases | |||||||||||||||||
Financing cash flows from finance leases | |||||||||||||||||
| ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: | |||||||||||||||||
Operating leases | |||||||||||||||||
Finance leases | |||||||||||||||||
F-20
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
Finance leases: | ||||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, at cost | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Accumulated amortization | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
Property and equipment, net | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||||||
Total finance lease liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Weighted average remaining lease term in years: | ||||||||||||||
Operating leases | ||||||||||||||
Finance leases | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted average discount rate: | ||||||||||||||
Operating leases | % | % | ||||||||||||
Finance leases | % | % | ||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2023, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
| Operating Leases | Finance Leases | ||||||||||
| Year Ending December 31: | |||||||||||
| 2024 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| 2025 | |||||||||||
| 2026 | |||||||||||
| 2027 | |||||||||||
| 2028 | |||||||||||
| Thereafter | |||||||||||
| Total lease payments | |||||||||||
Less imputed interest | ( | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | |||||||||
The Company leases office space from an affiliate of a significant stockholder of the Company. This lease represents $1,891 of the ROU asset balances and $1,937 of lease liability balances as of December 31, 2023. The rent expense for this lease was approximately $541 for the year ended December 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $2,071 undiscounted lease payments relating to leases that have not yet commenced. The operating leases will commence in the first half of 2024 with lease terms ranging between 2 and 3 years.
The Company’s rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $4,384 , $4,405 and $4,578 , respectively. Rent expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 consisted of $3,411 of amortization and $973 of lease expense for interest accretion on operating lease liabilities. Rent expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 consisted of $3,381 of amortization and $1,024 of lease expense for interest accretion on operating lease liabilities. Rent expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 consisted of $3,275 of amortization and impairment of ROU assets and $1,303 of lease expense for interest accretion on operating lease liabilities.
F-21
6. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On December 29, 2021, at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, the Company completed the distribution to its stockholders (including Vector common stock underlying outstanding stock options awards and restricted stock awards) of the common stock of Douglas Elliman (the “Distribution”). Each holder of Vector common stock received one share of Douglas Elliman’s common stock for every two shares of Vector common stock (including Vector common stock underlying outstanding stock option awards and restricted stock awards) held of record as of the close of business, New York City time, on December 20, 2021. In the Distribution, an aggregate of 77,720,159 shares of Douglas Elliman’s common stock were issued, with any fractional shares converted to cash and paid to applicable Vector stockholders. Prior to the Distribution, Douglas Elliman was a component of the Real Estate segment of the Company.
Following the Distribution, Douglas Elliman is a separate public company. The Company and Douglas Elliman entered into a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) and several ancillary agreements for the purpose of accomplishing the Distribution. The Distribution Agreement includes an agreement that the Company and Douglas Elliman will provide each other with appropriate indemnities with respect to liabilities arising out of the business retained by Vector and the business transferred to Douglas Elliman by Vector. These agreements also govern the Company’s relationship with Douglas Elliman after the Distribution and provide for the allocation of employee benefit, tax and some other liabilities and obligations attributable to periods prior to, at and after the Distribution. These agreements also include arrangements with respect to transition services (the “Transition Services Agreement”). The Company entered into a Tax Disaffiliation Agreement with Douglas Elliman that governs Vector’s and Douglas Elliman’s respective rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to taxes and tax benefits, the filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax matters. Douglas Elliman will be party to other arrangements with Vector and its subsidiaries.
Douglas Elliman and its eligible subsidiaries have previously joined with Vector in the filing of certain consolidated, combined, and unitary returns for state, local, and other applicable tax purposes. However, for periods (or portions thereof) beginning after the Distribution, Douglas Elliman will not join with Vector or any of its subsidiaries (as determined after the Distribution) in the filing of any federal, state, local or other applicable consolidated, combined or unitary tax returns.
Under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, with certain exceptions, Vector will be generally responsible for all of Douglas Elliman’s U.S. federal, state, local and other applicable income and non-income taxes for any taxable period or portion of such period ending on or before the Distribution date. Douglas Elliman will be generally responsible for all taxes that are attributable to it or one of its subsidiaries after the Distribution date. The Company paid Douglas Elliman $589 in 2022 and recorded Other expense in its consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 related to the tax indemnifications.
There were no assets or liabilities of discontinued operations of Douglas Elliman as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
F-22
The financial results of Douglas Elliman through the Distribution are presented as income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The following table presents financial results of Douglas Elliman for the periods prior to the completion of the Distribution:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||
| Real estate | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | |||||||||||||||||
| Other expenses: | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Equity in losses from real estate ventures | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Pretax income from discontinued operations | |||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from discontinued operations | |||||||||||||||||
| Net loss from discontinued operations attributed to non-controlling interest | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income from discontinued operations attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The following table presents the information regarding certain components of cash flows from discontinued operations:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Non-cash lease expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | ( | ||||||||||||||||
F-23
7. INVESTMENT SECURITIES
Investment securities consisted of the following:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Debt securities available for sale | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Equity securities at fair value: | |||||||||||
| Marketable equity securities | |||||||||||
| Mutual funds invested in debt securities | |||||||||||
Long-term investment securities at fair value (1) | |||||||||||
| Total equity securities at fair value | |||||||||||
| Total investment securities at fair value | |||||||||||
| Less: | |||||||||||
Long-term investment securities at fair value (1) | |||||||||||
| Current investment securities at fair value | $ | $ | |||||||||
Long-term investment securities at fair value (1) | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Equity-method investments | |||||||||||
| Total long-term investments | $ | $ | |||||||||
Equity securities and other long-term investments at cost (2) | $ | $ | |||||||||
_____________________________
(1) These assets are measured at net asset value (“NAV”) as a practical expedient under ASC 820.
(2) These assets are without readily determinable fair values that do not qualify for the NAV practical expedient and are included in Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
F-24
Net gains (losses) recognized on investment securities were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||
| Net (losses) gains recognized on debt and equity securities available for sale | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Impairment expense | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Net gains (losses) recognized on investment securities | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||
(a) Debt Securities Available for Sale:
The components of debt securities available for sale as of December 31, 2023 were as follows:
| Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketable debt securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
The table below summarizes the maturity dates of debt securities available for sale as of December 31, 2023.
Investment Type: | Fair Value | Under 1 Year | 1 Year up to 5 Years | More than 5 Years | |||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Government securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. mortgage-backed securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial paper | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total debt securities available for sale by maturity dates | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
The components of debt securities available for sale as of December 31, 2022 were as follows:
| Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketable debt securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
There were no available-for-sale debt securities with continuous unrealized losses for less than 12 months and 12 months or greater as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Gross realized gains and losses recognized on debt securities available for sale were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross realized gains on sales | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Gross realized losses on sales | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||
| Net (losses) gains recognized on debt securities available for sale | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Impairment expense | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||
Although management does not have the intent to sell any specific securities at the end of the period, in the ordinary course of managing the Company’s investment securities portfolio, management may sell securities prior to their maturities for a variety of reasons, including diversification, credit quality, yield and liquidity requirements.
F-25
(b) Equity Securities at Fair Value:
The following is a summary of unrealized and realized net gains and losses recognized in net income on equity securities at fair value for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||
| Less: Net (losses) gains recognized on equity securities sold | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities still held at the reporting date | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||
The Company’s investments in mutual funds that invest in debt securities are classified as Level 1 under the fair value hierarchy disclosed in Note 18. Their fair values are based on quoted prices for identical assets in active markets or inputs that are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets. The Company has unfunded commitments of $303 related to long-term investment securities at fair value as of December 31, 2023.
The Company received $5,330 of cash distributions for the year ended December 31, 2023, all of which were classified as investing cash inflows. The company recorded $88 of in-transit redemptions as of December 31, 2023. The Company received $4,971 of cash distributions for the year ended December 31, 2022, all of which were classified as investing cash inflows. The Company received $11,642 of cash distributions for the year ended December 31, 2021, of which $11,509 were classified as investing cash inflows.
(c) Equity Securities and Other Long-Term Investments Without Readily Determinable Fair Values That Do Not Qualify for the NAV Practical Expedient
Equity securities and other long-term investments without readily determinable fair values that do not qualify for the NAV practical expedient consisted of profit participation agreements and investments in various limited liability companies. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company invested $5,000 into two additional investments, which do not qualify for the NAV practical expedient. The total carrying value of these investments that do not qualify for the NAV practical expedient was $7,555 as of December 31, 2023 and $2,755 as of December 31, 2022, and was included in “Other assets” on the consolidated balance sheets. No
(d) Equity-Method Investments:
Equity-method investments consisted of the following:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Mutual and hedge funds | $ | $ | |||||||||
As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s ownership percentages in the mutual fund and hedge funds accounted for under the equity method ranged from 7.54 % to 38.67 %. The Company’s ownership percentage in these investments meets the threshold for equity-method accounting.
Equity in earnings (losses) from investments were:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Mutual fund and hedge funds | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||
The Company received $55 , $51 and $50 in dividends from one of its equity-method investments that were reinvested back into the fund in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(e) Combined Financial Statements for Unconsolidated Subsidiaries Accounted for on Equity Method
Pursuant to Rule 4-08(g), the following summarized financial data for unconsolidated subsidiaries includes information for the mutual fund and hedge funds.
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| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Investment income | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Net investment loss | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Total net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized depreciation from investments | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Net (decrease) increase in partners’ capital resulting from operations | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Investment securities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | |||||||||||
| Other assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Other liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Partners’ capital | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities and partners’ capital | $ | $ | |||||||||
8. INVENTORIES
Inventories consisted of:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Leaf tobacco | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Other raw materials | |||||||||||
| Work-in-process | |||||||||||
| Finished goods | |||||||||||
| Inventories at current cost | |||||||||||
| LIFO adjustments: | |||||||||||
| Leaf tobacco | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other raw materials | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Work-in-process | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Finished goods | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total LIFO adjustments | ( | ( | |||||||||
| $ | $ | ||||||||||
All inventories as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were reported under the LIFO method. Cost of sales was reduced by $576 and $3,248 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, due to liquidations of LIFO inventories.
The amount of capitalized MSA cost in “Finished goods” inventory was $22,988 and $23,084 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Federal excise tax capitalized in inventory was $25,151 and $26,423 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
As of December 31, 2023, Liggett had tobacco purchase commitments of approximately $31,508 . Liggett has a single source supply agreement for reduced ignition propensity cigarette paper through December 2025.
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9. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consisted of:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Land and improvements | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Buildings | |||||||||||
| Machinery and equipment | |||||||||||
| Leasehold improvements | |||||||||||
| Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | ( | ( | |||||||||
| $ | $ | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $6,738 , $7,218 and $7,816 , respectively.
The Company, through Liggett, had future machinery and equipment purchase commitments of $6,767 including $3,842 for factory modernization as of December 31, 2023.
10. NEW VALLEY LLC
(a) Investments in real estate ventures.
The components of “Investments in real estate ventures” were as follows:
Range of Ownership (1) | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Condominium and Mixed-Use Development | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Apartment Buildings | ||||||||||||||
| Hotels | ||||||||||||||
| Commercial | ||||||||||||||
| Other | —% | |||||||||||||
| Investments in real estate ventures | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
_____________________________
(1)The Range of Ownership reflects New Valley’s estimated current ownership percentage. New Valley’s actual ownership percentage as well as the percentage of earnings and cash distributions may ultimately differ because of a number of factors including potential dilution, financing or admission of additional partners.
Contributions
The components of New Valley’s contributions to its investments in real estate ventures were as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Condominium and Mixed-Use Development | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Apartment Buildings | |||||||||||
| Hotels | |||||||||||
| Commercial | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Total contributions | $ | $ | |||||||||
For ventures where New Valley previously held an investment and made an additional contribution, New Valley contributed its proportionate share of additional capital along with contributions by the other investment partners during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. New Valley’s direct investment percentage in its existing ventures did not significantly change.
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Distributions
The components of distributions received by New Valley from its investments in real estate ventures were as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Condominium and Mixed-Use Development | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Apartment Buildings | |||||||||||
| Hotels | |||||||||||
| Commercial | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Total distributions | $ | $ | |||||||||
Of the distributions received by New Valley from its investment in real estate ventures, $4,248 and $3,429 were from distributions of earnings and $9,186 and $4,946 were a return of capital for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Distributions from earnings are included in cash from operations in the consolidated statements of cash flows, while distributions from return of capital are included in cash flows from investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Equity in Earnings (Losses) from Real Estate Ventures
New Valley recognized equity in earnings (losses) from real estate ventures as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Condominium and Mixed-Use Development | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||
| Apartment Buildings | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Hotels | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Commercial | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Other | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Total equity in earnings (losses) from real estate ventures | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||
The Company recorded impairment expense of $1,202 , $490 and $2,713 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The expense related to one hotel venture in 2023 and one
During the year ended 2023, New Valley’s Park Lane Hotel joint venture sold its property located in Manhattan. New Valley recognized equity in earnings of $4,657 from the venture and received distributions of $4,931 for the year ended 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the venture had a carrying value of $0 .
During the year ended 2023, New Valley’s Ritz-Carlton Villas joint venture sold its condominiums located in Miami, FL. New Valley recognized equity in earnings of $3,909 from the venture and received distributions of $3,935 for the year ended 2021. As of December 31, 2023, the venture had a carrying value of $0 .
During the year ended 2021, New Valley’s Natura joint venture sold a parcel of land located in Miami, FL. New Valley recognized equity in earnings of $3,899 from the venture and received distributions of $5,168 for the year ended 2021. As of December 31, 2023, the venture had a carrying value of $11,054 .
During the year ended 2021, New Valley’s Maryland joint venture sold its apartment complexes located in Baltimore, Maryland. New Valley recognized equity in earnings of $18,566 from the venture and received distributions of $18,566 for the year ended 2021. As of December 31, 2023, the venture had a carrying value of $0 .
Investment in Real Estate Ventures Entered Into During 2023:
New Valley invested $700 during the year ended December 31, 2023 for an approximate 27 % interest in 353 6th LLC. The joint venture plans to develop a condominium complex. The venture is a VIE; however, New Valley is not the primary
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beneficiary. New Valley accounts for this investment under the equity method of accounting. New Valley's maximum exposure to loss in its investment in 353 6th LLC was $727 as of December 31, 2023.
New Valley invested $3,983 during the year ended December 31, 2023 for an approximate 13.5 % interest in Banyan Cay. The joint venture plans to develop a resort. The venture is a variable interest entity (“VIE”); however, New Valley is not the primary beneficiary. New Valley accounts for this investment under the equity method of accounting. New Valley's maximum exposure to loss in its investment in Banyan Cay was $3,983 as of December 31, 2023.
VIE Consideration
For the investments in real estate ventures, New Valley determined that the entities were VIEs but New Valley was not the primary beneficiary. Therefore, New Valley’s investment in such real estate ventures has been accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Maximum Exposure to Loss
New Valley’s maximum exposure to loss from its investments in real estate ventures consisted of the net carrying value of the venture adjusted for any future capital commitments and/or guarantee arrangements. The maximum exposure to loss was as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | |||||
| Condominium and Mixed-Use Development | $ | 108,334 | |||
| Apartment Buildings | 7,791 | ||||
| Hotels | 138 | ||||
| Commercial | 15,234 | ||||
| Total maximum exposure to loss | $ | ||||
New Valley capitalized $4,287 and $4,432 of interest costs into the carrying value of its ventures whose projects were currently under development during the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
(b) Guarantees and Commitments:
The joint venture agreements through which New Valley invests in real estate ventures set forth certain conditions where New Valley or its affiliate may be required to contribute payments towards the satisfaction of liabilities of the other partners in the joint venture, or to otherwise indemnify other partners. Mostly, these contribution/indemnity requirements are triggered in the event New Valley, or its affiliate, commits an act that results in liability of another partner under a guarantee that the other partner has given to a lender in connection with a loan. The guarantees given in connection with the loans may include non-recourse carve-out, environmental, carry and/or completion guarantees, depending on the specific project. In some instances, New Valley or its affiliate would be proportionately liable in the event of liability under a guarantee that is not the fault of any of the partners in the joint venture. In very limited circumstances, New Valley has agreed to be a guarantor directly in connection with a loan.
The Company believes that as of December 31, 2023, in the event New Valley becomes legally obligated to contribute funds or otherwise indemnify another partner due to a triggering event under a guarantee, or becomes legally obligated as a guarantor (in the limited circumstances where New Valley is a direct guarantor under the loan documents), the real estate underlying the applicable project is expected to be sufficient to largely repay any guaranteed obligation (although a lender need not necessarily resort to foreclosing on the real estate before seeking recourse under a loan guarantee). New Valley has no additional capital commitments as of December 31, 2023.
(c) Combined Financial Statements for Unconsolidated Subsidiaries Accounted for on Equity Method:
Pursuant to Rule 4-08(g), the following summarized financial data for unconsolidated subsidiaries includes information for the following: Other Condominium and Mixed-Use Development, Apartment Buildings, Hotels, Commercial and Other.
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| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| Income Statements | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Other Condominium and Mixed-Use Development: | |||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | |||||||||||||||||
| Other expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss from continuing operations | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||
| Apartment Buildings: | |||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Other expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss from continuing operations | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||
| Hotels: | |||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | |||||||||||||||||
| Other expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss from continuing operations | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||
| Commercial: | |||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings | |||||||||||||||||
| Other expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Other: | |||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Other expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss from continuing operations | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||
F-31
| Balance Sheets | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
| Other Condominium and Mixed-Use Development: | |||||||||||
| Investment in real estate | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total assets | |||||||||||
| Total debt | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest | |||||||||||
| Apartment Buildings: | |||||||||||
| Investment in real estate | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total assets | |||||||||||
| Total debt | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest | |||||||||||
| Hotels: | |||||||||||
| Investment in real estate | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total assets | |||||||||||
| Total debt | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest | |||||||||||
| Commercial: | |||||||||||
| Investment in real estate | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total assets | |||||||||||
| Total debt | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest | |||||||||||
| Other: | |||||||||||
| Investment in real estate | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total assets | |||||||||||
| Total debt | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest | |||||||||||
(d) Investments in real estate, net:
Escena. In March 2008, a wholly owned subsidiary of New Valley purchased a loan collateralized by a substantial portion of a 450 -acre approved master planned community in Palm Springs, California known as “Escena.” In April 2009, New Valley completed the foreclosure process and took title to the collateral. The project consisted of 615 residential lots with site and public infrastructure, an 18 -hole golf course, a completed clubhouse, and a seven -acre site approved for a 450 -room hotel.
The Company recorded operating income of $0 , $1,316 and $63 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, from Escena. In April 2022, New Valley sold Escena and received approximately $15,300 in net cash proceeds. The Company recognized the revenue in accordance with the scope of ASC Topic 606 since New Valley had no continuing investment or involvement. The sale was presented as revenue and the cost of the investment as cost of sales on the consolidated statements of operations.
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Townhome A (11 Beach Street). In November 2020, New Valley received, as part of a liquidating distribution from a real estate joint venture, Unit TH-A, a townhouse located in Manhattan, NY. In April 2021, New Valley sold the unit for $6,750 and recognized the revenue in accordance with the scope of ASC Topic 606 since New Valley has no continuing investment or involvement. The sale was presented as revenue and the cost of the investment as cost of sales on the consolidated statements of operations.
Real Estate Market Conditions. Because of the risks and uncertainties of the real estate markets, the Company will continue to perform additional assessments to determine the impact of the markets, if any, on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Thus, future impairment charges may occur.
11. NOTES PAYABLE, LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS
Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations consisted of:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Vector: | |||||||||||
| $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Liggett: | |||||||||||
Revolving credit facility | |||||||||||
Equipment loans | |||||||||||
| Total notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations | |||||||||||
| Less: | |||||||||||
| Debt issuance costs | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations | |||||||||||
| Less: | |||||||||||
| Current maturities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Amount due after one year | $ | $ | |||||||||
Vector:
On February 1, 2021, the 6.125 % Senior Secured Notes due 2025, which had an aggregate principal amount of $850,000 , were redeemed in full and the Company recorded a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $21,362 in 2021, including $13,013 of premium and $8,349 of other costs and non-cash interest expense related to the recognition of previously unamortized deferred finance costs.
On January 28, 2021, the Company completed the sale of $875,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 5.75 % Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (“5.75 % Senior Secured Notes”) to qualified institutional buyers and non-U.S. persons in a private offering pursuant to the exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act 1933 (“Securities Act”) contained in Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act. The aggregate net cash proceeds from the sale of the 5.75 % Senior Secured Notes were approximately $855,500 after deducting the initial purchaser’s discount and estimated expenses and fees payable by the Company in connection with the offering. The Company used the net cash proceeds from the 5.75 % Senior Secured Notes offering, together with cash on hand, to redeem all the Company’s outstanding 6.125 % Senior Secured Notes due 2025, including accrued interest and any premium thereon, and to pay fees and expenses in connection with the offering of the 5.75 % Senior Secured Notes.
The 5.75 % Senior Secured Notes pay interest on a semi-annual basis at a rate of 5.75 % per year and mature on the earlier of February 1, 2029 and the date that is 91 days before November 1, 2026, the final stated maturity date of the 10.5 % Senior Notes due 2026 (“10.5 % Senior Notes”) if such 10.5 % Senior Notes have not been repurchased and cancelled or refinanced by such date.
F-33
The 5.75 % Senior Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, subject to certain customary automatic release provisions, on a joint and several basis by all the wholly owned domestic subsidiaries of the Company that are engaged in the conduct of the Company’s cigarette businesses, which subsidiaries, as of the issuance date of the 5.75 % Senior Secured Notes were also guarantors under the Company’s outstanding 10.5 % Senior Notes. The guarantees provided by certain of the guarantors are secured by first priority or second priority security interests in certain collateral of such guarantors, including, in the case of VGR Holding LLC, a pledge of the membership interests of Liggett and Vector Tobacco, pursuant to security and pledge agreements, subject to certain permitted liens and exceptions as further described in the indenture and the security documents relating thereto. Neither New Valley LLC nor any of the Company’s subsidiaries engaged in the real estate business guarantee the 5.75 % Senior Secured Notes. The Company does not pledge any collateral for the 5.75 % Senior Secured Notes.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.
On November 2, 2018, the Company completed the sale of $325,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 10.5 % Senior Notes to qualified institutional buyers and non-U.S. persons in a private offering pursuant to the exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act contained in Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act. The aggregate net proceeds from the initial sale of the 10.5 % Senior Notes were approximately $315,000 after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, fees and offering expenses.
On November 18, 2019, the Company completed the sale of an additional $230,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 10.5 % Senior Notes. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $220,400 after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, fees and offering expenses. The Company used a portion of the net cash proceeds from the offering to retire the Company’s outstanding 5.5 % Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes in April 2020.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company repurchased in the market $23,443 and $12,865 , respectively, in aggregate principal amount of its 10.5 % Senior Notes outstanding and recorded a loss of $549 and a gain of $412 , respectively. The Senior Notes that were repurchased have been retired.
The Company pays cash interest on the 10.5 % Senior Notes at a rate of 10.5 % per year, payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year. The 10.5 % Senior Notes mature on November 1, 2026.
The 10.5 % Senior Notes were fully and unconditionally guaranteed subject to certain customary automatic release provisions on a joint and several basis by all the Company’s wholly owned domestic subsidiaries that are engaged in the conduct of its cigarette businesses, and, prior to the Distribution, by DER Holdings LLC, through which the Company indirectly owned a 100 % interest in Douglas Elliman as of December 31, 2023. In connection with the Distribution, the guarantee by DER Holdings LLC was released. DER Holdings LLC did not guarantee our 5.75 % Senior Secured Notes.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.
Revolving Credit Agreement — Liggett:
Liggett, 100 Maple LLC (“Maple”), a subsidiary of Liggett, and Vector Tobacco are party to the Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo, as agent and lender, which provides a maximum credit line of $90,000 and matures on March 22, 2026.
Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the borrower’s option, (a) the base rate, (b) Term SOFR for the applicable interest period plus 2.25 % or (c) Daily Simple SOFR plus 2.25 %, where “SOFR” means the Secured Overnight Financing Rate. The interest rate as of December 31, 2023 was 7.56 %. An unused line fee is also payable on the average undrawn commitments at a rate of 0.25 %, regardless of the amount borrowed under the facility.
Borrowings are limited by a borrowing base equal to the sum of (a) the lesser of (i) 85 % of eligible trade receivables less certain reserves and (ii) $15,000 ; plus (b) 80 % of the value of eligible inventory consisting of packaged cigarettes; plus (c) the designated percentage of the value of eligible inventory consisting of leaf tobacco (i.e., 65 % of Liggett’s eligible cost of inventory consisting of leaf tobacco less certain reserves or 85 % of the net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory); plus (d) the lesser of (i) the real property subline amount or (ii) 60 % of the fair market value of eligible real property.
The obligations under the Credit Agreement are collateralized on a first priority basis by all inventories, receivables and certain other personal property of Liggett, Maple, and Vector Tobacco, and a mortgage on Liggett’s manufacturing facility and certain real property of Maple, subject to certain permitted liens.
Wells Fargo, Liggett, Maple, Vector Tobacco and the collateral agent for the holders of the 5.75 % Senior Secured Notes have entered into an intercreditor agreement, pursuant to which the liens of such collateral agent on the assets that are subject to the Credit Agreement are subordinated to the liens of Wells Fargo on such assets.
F-34
The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that limit the incurrence of indebtedness and liens, the acquisition of investments, the making of dividends and certain mergers, consolidations and asset sales. The Credit Agreement also contains financial covenants, including (a) a requirement that the Tobacco segment’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined under the Credit Agreement, on a trailing twelve month basis, shall not be less than $150,000 if the Tobacco segment’s excess availability, as defined under the Credit Agreement, is less than $30,000 , and (b) a requirement that annual capital expenditures, as defined under the Credit Agreement (before a maximum carryover amount of $10,000 ), shall not exceed $20,000 during any fiscal year. The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default. The borrowers were in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2023, there was no outstanding balance due under the Credit Agreement. Availability, as determined under the Credit Agreement, was $84,000 based on eligible collateral as of December 31, 2023.
Non-Cash Interest Expense — Vector:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Amortization of debt discount, net | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of debt issuance costs | |||||||||||||||||
Loss (gain) on repurchase of | ( | ||||||||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of | |||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Fair Value of Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt:
The estimated fair value of the Company’s notes payable and long-term debt was as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying Value | Fair Value | Carrying Value | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Liggett and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable and long-term debt | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Notes payable and long-term debt are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at amortized cost. The fair value determinations disclosed above would be classified as Level 2 under the fair value hierarchy disclosed in Note 18 if such liabilities were recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The estimated fair value of the Company’s notes payable and long-term debt has been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies including the evaluation of the Company’s credit risk as described in Note 1. The Company used a derived price based upon quoted market prices and trade activity as of December 31, 2023 to determine the fair value of its publicly traded notes and debentures. The carrying value of the revolving credit facility is equal to the fair value. The fair value of the equipment loans was determined by calculating the present value of the required future cash flows. However, considerable judgment is required to develop the estimates of fair value and, accordingly, the estimate presented herein is not necessarily indicative of the amount that could be realized in a current market exchange.
F-35
Scheduled Maturities:
Scheduled maturities of notes payable and long-term debt were as follows:
| Principal | Unamortized Discount/ (Premium) | Net | |||||||||||||||
| Year Ending December 31: | |||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2027 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2028 | |||||||||||||||||
| Thereafter | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Benefit Plans and Postretirement Plans:
Defined Benefit Plans. The Company sponsors four defined benefit pension plans (two qualified and two non-qualified) covering virtually all individuals who were employed by Liggett on a full-time basis prior to 1994. Future accruals of benefits under these four defined benefit plans were frozen between 1993 and 1995. These benefit plans provide pension benefits for eligible employees based primarily on their compensation and length of service. Contributions are made to the two qualified pension plans in amounts necessary to meet the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The plans’ assets and benefit obligations were measured on December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The Company also sponsors a Supplemental Retirement Plan (“SERP”) where the Company will pay supplemental retirement benefits to certain key employees, including certain executive officers of the Company. The plan meets the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and is intended to be unfunded for tax purposes. Payments under the SERP are made from the general assets of the Company. The SERP is a defined benefit plan. Under the SERP, the benefit payable to a participant at his normal retirement date is a lump sum amount which is the actuarial equivalent of a predetermined annual retirement benefit set by the Company’s Board of Directors. Normal retirement date is defined as the January 1 following the attainment by the participant of the latter of age 60 or the completion of eight years of employment following January 1, 2002 with the Company or a subsidiary.
The SERP provides the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer with an additional benefit paid as a lump sum under the SERP that is actuarially equivalent to a $1,788 lifetime annuity. In addition, in the event of a termination of his employment under the circumstances where he is entitled to severance payments under his employment agreement, he will be credited with an additional 36 months of service towards vesting under the SERP.
As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate lump sum equivalents of the annual retirement benefits payable under the Amended SERP at normal retirement dates occurring during the following years is as follows: 2028 – $68,316 and 2029 to 2033 – $6,866 . In the case of a participant who becomes disabled prior to his normal retirement date or whose service is terminated without cause, the participant’s benefit consists of a pro-rata portion of the full projected retirement benefit to which he would have been entitled had he remained employed through his normal retirement date, as actuarially discounted back to the date of payment. A participant who dies while working for the Company or a subsidiary (and before becoming disabled or attaining his normal retirement date) will be paid an actuarially discounted equivalent of his projected retirement benefit; conversely, a participant who retires beyond his normal retirement date will receive an actuarially increased equivalent of his projected retirement benefit.
Postretirement Medical and Life Plans. The Company provides certain postretirement medical and life insurance benefits to certain employees and retirees. Substantially all Liggett manufacturing employees as of December 31, 2023 are eligible for postretirement medical benefits if they reach retirement age while working for Liggett or certain affiliates. Retirees are required to fund 100 % of participant medical premiums and, pursuant to union contracts, Liggett reimburses 43 hourly retirees, who retired prior to 1991, for Medicare Part B premiums. In addition, the Company provides life insurance benefits to 66 active employees and 326 retirees who reach retirement age and are eligible to receive benefits under two of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans. The Company’s postretirement liabilities are comprised of Medicare Part B and life insurance premiums.
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The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and the funded status of the pension plans and other postretirement benefits:
| Pension Benefits | Other Postretirement Benefits | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in benefit obligation: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit obligation at January 1 | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Service cost | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Benefits paid | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses paid | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Actuarial gain | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit obligation at December 31 | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Change in plan assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets at January 1 | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Actual return on plan assets | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses paid | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefits paid | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets at December 31 | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unfunded status at December 31 | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prepaid pension costs | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other accrued liabilities | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current employee benefit liabilities | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net amounts recognized | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Pension Benefits | Other Postretirement Benefits | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service cost — benefits earned during the period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expected return on assets | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prior service cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of net loss (gain) | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net expense | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2023, accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, before income taxes, consisted of the following:
| Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Post- Retirement Plans | Total | |||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) gain as of January 1, 2023 | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service costs | |||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of loss (gain) | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) gain arising during the year | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as of December 31, 2023 | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||
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As of December 31, 2022, accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, before income taxes, consisted of the following:
| Defined Benefit Pension Plans | Post- Retirement Plans | Total | |||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of January 1, 2022 | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service costs | |||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of loss (gain) | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) gain arising during the year | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as of December 31, 2022 | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2023, our total accumulated benefit obligations, as well as our projected benefit obligations more than the fair value of the related plan assets, for defined benefit pension plans were as follows:
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Accumulated benefit obligation | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Projected benefit obligation | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
The information for other postretirement benefit plans with an accumulated postretirement benefit obligation more than plan assets has been disclosed in the Obligations table above because all the other postretirement benefit plans are unfunded or underfunded.
The assumptions used for the pension benefits and other postretirement benefits were:
| Pension Benefits | Other Postretirement Benefits | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average assumptions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discount rates — benefit obligation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discount rates — service cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed rates of return on invested assets | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salary increase assumptions | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discount rates were determined by a quantitative analysis examining the prevailing prices of high-quality bonds to determine an appropriate discount rate for measuring obligations. The aforementioned analyses analyze the cash flow from each of the Company’s four benefit plans as well as a separate analysis of the cash flows from the postretirement medical and life insurance plans sponsored by Liggett. The aforementioned analyses then construct a hypothetical bond portfolio whose cash flow from coupons and maturities match the year-by-year, projected benefit cash flow from the respective pension or retiree health plans. The Company uses the lower discount rate derived from the two independent analyses in the computation of the benefit obligation and service cost for each respective retirement liability.
The Company considers input from its external advisors and historical returns in developing its expected rate of return on plan assets. The expected long-term rate of return is the weighted average of the target asset allocation of each individual asset class. The Company’s actual 10-year annual rate of return on its pension plan assets was 4.42 %, 4.83 % and 7.74 % for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and the Company’s actual five-year annual rate of return on its pension plan assets was 3.00 %, 2.42 % and 7.86 % for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Gains and losses resulted from changes in actuarial assumptions and from differences between assumed and actual experience, including, among other items, changes in discount rates and changes in actual returns on plan assets as compared to
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assumed returns. These gains and losses are amortized to the extent that they exceed 10% of the greater of Projected Benefit Obligation and the fair value of assets. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Liggett used a 12.64 -year period for its Hourly Plan and an 11.01 -year period for its Salaried Plan to amortize pension fund gains and losses on a straight-line basis. Such amounts are reflected in the pension expense calculation beginning the year after the gains or losses occur. The amortization of deferred losses negatively impacts pension expense in the future periods.
Plan assets are invested employing multiple investment management firms. Managers within each asset class cover a range of investment styles and focus primarily on issue selection to add value. Risk is controlled through a diversification among asset classes, managers, styles and securities. Risk is further controlled both at the manager and asset class level by assigning excess return and tracking error targets. Investment managers are monitored to evaluate performance against these benchmark indices and targets.
Allowable investment types include equity, investment grade fixed income and short-term investments. The equity fund is comprised of a Large Cap Index fund and a Mid Cap Index fund, both of which are U.S. based. The investment grade fixed income fund includes two managed funds investing in fixed income securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, or by its respective agencies, mortgage-backed securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations, and corporate debt obligations. The Company generally utilizes its short-term investments, including interest-bearing cash, to pay benefits and to deploy in special situations.
The Liggett Employee Benefits Committee has established the following target assets allocation to equal 35 % equity investments and 65 % investment grade fixed income, with a rebalancing range of approximately plus or minus 5 % around the target asset allocations.
Vector’s defined benefit retirement plan allocations by asset category, were as follows:
| Plan Assets at December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Asset category: | |||||||||||
| Equity securities | % | % | |||||||||
| Investment grade fixed income securities | % | % | |||||||||
| Total | % | % | |||||||||
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The defined benefit plans’ recurring financial assets subject to fair value measurements and the necessary disclosures were as follows:
| Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets | Significant Other Observable Inputs | Significant Unobservable Inputs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Description | Total | (Level 1) | (Level 2) | (Level 3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance contracts | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts in individually managed investment accounts: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash, mutual funds and common stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common collective trusts at NAV (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) In accordance with Subtopic 820-10, investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV practical expedient are not classified in the fair value hierarchy. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets | Significant Other Observable Inputs | Significant Unobservable Inputs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Description | Total | (Level 1) | (Level 2) | (Level 3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance contracts | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts in individually managed investment accounts: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash, mutual funds and common stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common collective trusts at NAV (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) In accordance with Subtopic 820-10, investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV practical expedient are not classified in the fair value hierarchy. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The fair value of investment included in Level 1 is based on quoted market prices from various stock exchanges. The Level 2 investments are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active.
For 2023 measurement purposes, annual increases in Medicare Part B trends were assumed to equal rates between 5.54 % and 7.23 % between 2024 and 2031 and 4.5 % thereafter. For 2022 measurement purposes, annual increases in Medicare Part B trends were assumed to equal rates between 3.06 % and 8.01 % between 2023 and 2030 and 4.5 % thereafter.
To comply with ERISA’s minimum funding requirements, the Company currently anticipates that it will be required to make $88 of contributions to the pension plan year beginning on January 1, 2024 and ending on December 31, 2024. Any additional funding obligation that the Company may have for subsequent years is contingent on several factors and is not reasonably estimable at this time.
Estimated future pension and postretirement medical benefits payments were as follows:
| Pension | Postretirement Medical | ||||||||||
| 2024 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| 2025 | |||||||||||
| 2026 | |||||||||||
| 2027 | |||||||||||
| 2028 | |||||||||||
| 2029 - 2033 | |||||||||||
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Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plans:
13. INCOME TAXES
The amounts provided for income taxes were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Current: | |||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Federal | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| State | |||||||||||||||||
| Deferred: | |||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Federal | |||||||||||||||||
| State | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The tax effect of temporary differences which give rise to a significant portion of deferred tax assets and liabilities is as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets: | |||||||||||
Employee benefit accruals | $ | $ | |||||||||
Impairment of investments | |||||||||||
Impact of timing of settlement payments | |||||||||||
| Various U.S. federal and state tax loss carryforwards | |||||||||||
Operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Current expected credit losses | |||||||||||
Other | |||||||||||
Less: Valuation allowance | ( | ( | |||||||||
Net deferred tax assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Basis differences on non-consolidated entities | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Basis differences on fixed and intangible assets | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Basis differences on inventory | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Basis differences on long-term investments | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Operating lease right of use assets | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other | ( | ||||||||||
| $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||
| Net deferred tax liabilities | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
The Company files a consolidated U.S. income tax return that includes its more than 80 %-owned U.S. subsidiaries. Standalone subsidiaries had tax-effected federal and state and local net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of $1,284 and $1,828 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, expiring through tax year 2027. The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all
F-41
deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company had valuation allowances of $552 and $550 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The valuation allowances as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 primarily related to state net operating loss carryforwards of standalone subsidiaries.
The consolidated balance sheets of the Company include deferred income tax assets and liabilities, which represent temporary differences in the application of accounting rules established by U.S. GAAP and income tax laws.
Differences between the amounts provided for income taxes and amounts computed at the federal statutory tax rate are summarized as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Federal income tax expense at statutory rate | |||||||||||||||||
| Increases (decreases) resulting from: | |||||||||||||||||
| State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefits | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-deductible expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in valuation allowance, net of equity and tax audit adjustments | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Other | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The Company’s income tax expense is principally attributable to the Company’s federal and state income taxes based on the Company’s earnings. The non-deductible expenses presented in the table above largely relate to the Company’s non-deductible executive compensation. The state NOLs and valuation allowance are decreased by the NOLs expiration. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the non-deductible expenses also included Distribution expenses and the federal and state NOLs and valuation allowance also decreased by the Distribution entity.
The following table summarizes the activity related to the unrecognized tax benefits:
| Balance at January 1, 2021 | $ | ||||
| Additions based on tax positions related to prior years | |||||
| Settlements | ( | ||||
| Expirations of the statute of limitations | ( | ||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | |||||
| Additions based on tax positions related to prior years | |||||
| Settlements | |||||
| Expirations of the statute of limitations | ( | ||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | |||||
| Additions based on tax positions related to prior years | |||||
| Settlements | ( | ||||
| Expirations of the statute of limitations | ( | ||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | ||||
In the event the unrecognized tax benefits of $2,998 as of December 31, 2023 were recognized, such recognition would impact the effective tax rate. The Company classifies all tax-related interest and penalties as income tax expense. The Company had accrued, as a component of the unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties of $628 and $699 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
It is reasonably possible the Company may recognize up to approximately $331 of unrecognized tax benefits over the next 12 months, primarily pertaining to expiring statutes of limitations on prior state and local income tax return positions.
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14. STOCK COMPENSATION
On May 16, 2014, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2014 Plan. The 2014 Plan replaced the 1999 Plan. On July 26, 2023, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2023 Plan. The 2023 Plan replaced the 2014 Plan. Like the 1999 Plan and 2014 Plan, the 2023 Plan provides for the Company to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock. The 2023 Plan also provides for awards based on a multi-year performance period and for annual short-term awards based on a twelve-month performance period. Shares available for issuance under the 2023 Plan are 7,955,000 shares. The Company may satisfy its obligations under any award granted under the 2023 Plan by issuing new shares. Awards previously granted under the 1999 Plan and the 2014 Plan remain outstanding in accordance with their terms.
Stock Options. The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $42 , $339 and $849 related to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company has not granted option awards to employees since 2019.
All stock option awards have a contractual term of 10 years and they vested over a period of four years . The fair value of option grants was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including expected stock price characteristics which are significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of stock-based compensation awards.
The assumptions used under the Black-Scholes option pricing model in computing fair value of options are based on the expected option life considering both the contractual term of the option and expected employee exercise behavior, the interest rate associated with U.S. Treasury issues with a remaining term equal to the expected option life and the expected volatility of the Company’s common stock over the expected term of the option.
F-43
A summary of employee stock option transactions follows:
| Number of Shares | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding on January 1, 2021 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding on December 31, 2021 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding on December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding on December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Options exercisable at: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
_____________________________
(1)The aggregate intrinsic value represents the amount by which the fair value of the underlying common stock ($11.28 , $11.86 and $11.48 as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively) exceeds the option exercise price.
Additional information relating to options outstanding as of December 31, 2023 follows:
| Options Outstanding | Options Exercisable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Range of Exercise Prices | Outstanding as of | Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | Exercisable as of | Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2023 | 12/31/2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | - | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | - | $ | — | $ | — | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | - | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | - | $ | — | $ | — | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | - | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In accordance with ASU 2016-09, the Company reflects the net excess tax benefits of stock-based compensation in its consolidated financial statements as a component of “Cash Flows from Operating Activities.”
The Company has elected to use the long-form method under which each award grant is tracked on an employee-by-employee basis and grant-by-grant basis to determine if there is a tax benefit or tax deficiency for such award. The Company then compares the fair value expense to the tax deduction received for each grant in order to calculate the related tax benefits and deficiencies. All excess tax benefits and deficiencies are recognized as a component of income tax expense or benefit on the income statement.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $1,066 . Tax benefits related to option exercises of $417 were recorded as reductions to income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Restricted Stock Awards. The Company recognizes compensation expense using the fair value method. All awards vest over a period that ranges between and four years . For time-based share awards, the Company recognizes compensation cost net of an estimated forfeiture rate ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the expected vesting period. For performance-based share awards, the Company estimates compensation cost based on the probability of the performance condition being achieved and recognizes expense ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the expected vesting period. If all or a portion of the performance condition is not expected to be met, the appropriate amount of previously recognized compensation expense is reversed and future compensation expense is adjusted accordingly.
The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $10,069 , $7,509 and $13,949 related to restricted stock awards for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
F-44
A summary of nonvested restricted stock award activities follows:
| Number of Shares | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | ||||||||||
| Nonvested at January 1, 2023 | $ | ||||||||||
Granted (1) | $ | ||||||||||
Vested (2) | ( | $ | |||||||||
| Forfeited | $ | ||||||||||
| Nonvested at December 31, 2023 | $ | ||||||||||
_____________________________
(1)The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock awards granted during 2022 and 2021 was $11.11 and $14.31 , respectively.
As of December 31, 2023, there was $22,566 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock awards. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.33 years.
The Company’s accounting policy is to treat dividends paid on unvested restricted stock as a reduction to additional paid-in capital on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Included in the stock compensation costs for the year ended December 31, 2021, were expenses of $4,317 associated with the acceleration of stock compensation in connection with the Company’s Distribution of Douglas Elliman.
15. CONTINGENCIES
Tobacco-Related Litigation:
Overview. Since 1954, Liggett and other U.S. cigarette manufacturers have been named as defendants in numerous direct, third-party and purported class actions predicated on the theory that cigarette manufacturers should be liable for damages alleged to have been caused by cigarette smoking or by exposure to secondary smoke from cigarettes. The cases have generally fallen into the following categories: (i) smoking and health cases alleging personal injury brought on behalf of individual plaintiffs (“Individual Actions”); (ii) lawsuits by individuals requesting the benefit of the Engle ruling (“Engle progeny cases”); (iii) smoking and health cases primarily alleging personal injury or seeking court-supervised programs for ongoing medical monitoring, as well as cases alleging that use of the terms “lights” and/or “ultra lights” constitutes a deceptive and unfair trade practice, common law fraud or violation of federal law, purporting to be brought on behalf of a class of individual plaintiffs (“Class Actions”); and (iv) health care cost recovery actions brought by various foreign and domestic governmental plaintiffs and non-governmental plaintiffs seeking reimbursement for health care expenditures allegedly caused by cigarette smoking and/or disgorgement of profits (“Health Care Cost Recovery Actions”). The future financial impact of the risks and expenses of litigation are not quantifiable. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, Liggett incurred tobacco product liability legal expenses and costs totaling $8,612 , $8,031 , and $6,256 , respectively. Legal defense costs are expensed as incurred.
Litigation is subject to uncertainty and it is possible that there could be adverse developments in pending cases. With the commencement of new cases, the defense costs and the risks relating to the unpredictability of litigation increase. Management reviews on a quarterly basis with counsel all pending litigation and evaluates the probability of a loss being incurred and whether an estimate can be made of the possible loss or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome. An unfavorable outcome or settlement of pending tobacco-related litigation could encourage the commencement of additional litigation. Damages awarded in tobacco-related litigation can be significant.
Bonds. Although Liggett has been able to obtain required bonds or relief from bonding requirements in order to prevent plaintiffs from seeking to collect judgments while adverse verdicts are on appeal, there remains a risk that such relief may not be obtainable in all cases. This risk has been reduced given that a majority of states now limit the dollar amount of bonds or require no bond at all. As of December 31, 2023, there are no litigation bonds posted.
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Accounting Policy. The Company and its subsidiaries record provisions in their consolidated financial statements for pending litigation when they determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. At the present time, while it is reasonably possible that an unfavorable outcome in a case may occur, except as discussed in this Note 15: (i) management has concluded that it is not probable that a loss has been incurred in any of the pending tobacco-related cases; or (ii) management is unable to reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of any of the pending tobacco-related cases and, therefore, management has not provided any amounts in the consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes, if any.
Although Liggett has generally been successful in managing the litigation filed against it, litigation is subject to uncertainty and significant challenges remain. There can be no assurances that Liggett’s past litigation experience will be representative of future results. Judgments have been entered against Liggett in the past, in Individual Actions and Engle progeny cases, and several of those judgments were affirmed on appeal and satisfied by Liggett. It is possible that the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome or settlement of any of the remaining smoking-related litigation. Liggett believes, and has been so advised by counsel, that it has valid defenses to the litigation pending against it. All such cases are and will continue to be vigorously defended. Liggett has entered into settlement discussions in individual cases or groups of cases where Liggett has determined it was in its best interest to do so, and it may continue to do so in the future. As cases proceed through the appellate process, the Company will consider accruals on a case-by-case basis if an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Individual Actions
As of December 31, 2023, there were 70 Individual Actions pending against Liggett, where one or more individual plaintiffs allege injury resulting from cigarette smoking, addiction to cigarette smoking or exposure to secondary smoke and seek compensatory and, in some cases, punitive damages. These cases do not include the remaining Engle progeny cases. The following table lists the number of Individual Actions by state:
| State | Number of Cases | |||||||
| Massachusetts | ||||||||
| Illinois | ||||||||
| Florida | ||||||||
| Nevada | ||||||||
| Louisiana | ||||||||
| Hawaii | ||||||||
| California | ||||||||
| New Mexico | ||||||||
| Alabama | ||||||||
The plaintiffs’ allegations of liability in cases in which individuals seek recovery for injuries allegedly caused by cigarette smoking are based on various theories of recovery, including negligence, gross negligence, breach of special duty, strict liability, fraud, concealment, misrepresentation, design defect, failure to warn, breach of express and implied warranties, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, concert of action, unjust enrichment, common law public nuisance, property damage, invasion of privacy, mental anguish, emotional distress, disability, shock, indemnity, violations of deceptive trade practice laws, the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”), state RICO statutes and antitrust statutes. In many of these cases, in addition to compensatory damages, plaintiffs also seek other forms of relief including treble/multiple damages, medical monitoring, disgorgement of profits and punitive damages. Although alleged damages often are not determinable from a complaint, and the law governing the pleading and calculation of damages varies from state to state and jurisdiction to jurisdiction, compensatory and punitive damages have been specifically pleaded in a number of cases, sometimes in amounts ranging into the hundreds of millions and even billions of dollars.
Defenses raised in Individual Actions include lack of proximate cause, assumption of the risk, comparative fault and/or contributory negligence, lack of design defect, statute of limitations, statute of repose, equitable defenses such as “unclean hands” and lack of benefit, failure to state a claim and federal preemption.
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Engle Progeny Cases
In May 1994, the Engle case was filed as a class action 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.” A trial was held and the jury returned a verdict adverse to the defendants (approximately $145,000,000 in punitive damages, including $790,000 against Liggett). Following an appeal to the Third District Court of Appeal, the Florida Supreme Court in July 2006 decertified the class on a prospective basis and affirmed the appellate court’s reversal of the punitive damages award. Former class members had until January 2008 to file individual lawsuits. As a result, Liggett and the Company, and other cigarette manufacturers, were sued in thousands of Engle progeny cases in both federal and state courts in Florida.
Cautionary Statement About Engle Progeny Cases. Since 2009, judgments have been entered against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers in Engle progeny cases. A number of the judgments were affirmed on appeal and satisfied by the defendants. Many were overturned on appeal. As of December 31, 2023, 25 Engle progeny cases where Liggett was a defendant at trial resulted in verdicts.
There have been 16 verdicts returned in favor of the plaintiffs and nine in favor of Liggett. In five of the cases, punitive damages were awarded against Liggett. Several of the adverse verdicts were overturned on appeal and new trials were ordered. In certain cases, the judgments were entered jointly and severally with other defendants and Liggett faces the risk that one or more co-defendants decline or otherwise fail to participate in the bonding required for an appeal or to pay their proportionate or jury-allocated share of a judgment. As a result, under certain circumstances, Liggett may have to pay more than its proportionate share of any bonding or judgment related amounts. Except as discussed in this Note 15, management is unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss from the remaining Engle progeny cases as there are currently multiple defendants in each case, except as discussed herein and, in most of the remaining cases, discovery has not occurred or is limited. As a result, the Company lacks information about whether plaintiffs are in fact Engle class members, the relevant smoking history, the nature of the alleged injury and the availability of various defenses, among other things. Further, plaintiffs typically do not specify the amount of their demand for damages.
Engle Progeny Settlements.
In October 2013, the Company and Liggett entered into a settlement with approximately 4,900 Engle progeny plaintiffs and their counsel. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, Liggett agreed to pay a total of $110,000 , with $61,600 paid in an initial lump sum and the balance to be paid in installments over 14 years starting in February 2015. The Company’s future payments will be approximately $4,000 per annum through 2028, including an annual cost of living increase that began in 2021. In exchange, the claims of these plaintiffs were dismissed with prejudice against the Company and Liggett.
Liggett subsequently entered into two separate settlement agreements with a total of 152 Engle progeny plaintiffs where Liggett paid a total of $23,150 and individually, Liggett settled an additional 214 Engle progeny cases for approximately $8,400 .
As of December 31, 2023, 14 Engle progeny cases remain pending in state court. Therefore, the Company and Liggett may still be subject to periodic adverse judgments which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Judgments Paid in Engle Progeny Cases.
As of December 31, 2023, Liggett paid in the aggregate $40,111 , including interest and attorneys’ fees, to satisfy the judgments in the following Engle progeny cases: Lukacs, Campbell, Douglas, Clay, Tullo, Ward, Rizzuto, Lambert, Buchanan and Santoro.
Liggett Only Cases
As of December 31, 2023, there were five cases pending where Liggett is the sole defendant: Cowart, Cunningham, Siler and Watson are Individual Actions and Forbing is an Engle progeny case. It is possible that cases where Liggett is the only defendant could increase.
Upcoming Trials
As of December 31, 2023, there were four Individual Actions (Kanuha, Lane, Sandler and Taylor) scheduled for trial through December 31, 2024, where Liggett is a named defendant. Trial dates are subject to change and additional cases could be set for trial during this time.
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City of Baltimore
In December 2022, the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore sued Liggett and others, claiming, among other things, that defendants’ failure to use biodegradable filters on their cigarette products resulted in littering by smokers of the city’s streets, sidewalks, beaches, parks, lawns and waterways, which in turn resulted in contamination of the soil and water, increased costs of clean-up and disposal of this litter, as well as the reduction of property values and tourism to the city. Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, punitive damages, penalties, fines, disgorgement of profits and equitable relief.
Class Actions
As of December 31, 2023, two actions were pending for which either a class had been certified or plaintiffs were seeking class certification where Liggett is a named defendant. Other cigarette manufacturers are also named in these two cases.
In November 1997, in Young v. American Tobacco Co., a purported class action was brought on behalf of plaintiff and all similarly situated residents in Louisiana who, though not themselves cigarette smokers, allege they were exposed to and suffered injury from secondhand smoke from cigarettes. The plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. The case has been stayed since March 2016 pending completion of the smoking cessation program ordered by the court in Scott v. The American Tobacco Co.
In February 1998, in Parsons v. AC & S Inc., a purported class action was brought on behalf of plaintiff and all West Virginia residents who allegedly have claims arising from their exposure to cigarette smoke and asbestos fibers and seeks compensatory and punitive damages. The case has been stayed since December 2000 as a result of bankruptcy petitions filed by three co-defendants.
Plaintiffs’ allegations of liability in class action cases are based on various theories of recovery, including negligence, gross negligence, strict liability, fraud, misrepresentation, design defect, failure to warn, nuisance, breach of express and implied warranties, breach of special duty, conspiracy, concert of action, violation of deceptive trade practice laws and consumer protection statutes and claims under the federal and state anti-racketeering statutes. Plaintiffs in the class actions seek various forms of relief, including compensatory and punitive damages, treble/multiple damages and other statutory damages and penalties, creation of medical monitoring and smoking cessation funds, disgorgement of profits, and injunctive and equitable relief.
Defenses raised in these cases include, among others, lack of proximate cause, individual issues predominate, assumption of the risk, comparative fault and/or contributory negligence, statute of limitations and federal preemption.
Health Care Cost Recovery Actions
As of December 31, 2023, one Health Care Cost Recovery Action was pending against Liggett where the plaintiff seeks to recover damages from Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers based on various theories of recovery as a result of alleged sales of tobacco products to minors. The case is dormant.
The claims asserted in health care cost recovery actions vary, but can include the equitable claim of indemnity, common law claims of negligence, strict liability, breach of express and implied warranty, breach of special duty, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, conspiracy, public nuisance, claims under state and federal statutes governing consumer fraud, antitrust, deceptive trade practices and false advertising, and claims under RICO. Although no specific damage amounts are typically pleaded, it is possible that requested damages might be in billions of dollars. In these cases, plaintiffs have asserted equitable claims that the tobacco industry was “unjustly enriched” by their payment of health care costs allegedly attributable to smoking and seek reimbursement of those costs. Relief sought by some, but not all, plaintiffs include punitive damages, multiple damages and other statutory damages and penalties, injunctions prohibiting alleged marketing and sales to minors, disclosure of research, disgorgement of profits, funding of anti-smoking programs, additional disclosure of nicotine yields, and payment of attorney and expert witness fees.
MSA and Other State Settlement Agreements
In March 1996, March 1997 and March 1998, Liggett entered into settlements of smoking-related litigation with 45 states and territories. The settlements released Liggett from all smoking-related claims made by those states and territories, including claims for health care cost reimbursement and claims concerning sales of cigarettes to minors.
In November 1998, Philip Morris, R.J. Reynolds and two other companies (the “Original Participating Manufacturers” or “OPMs”) and Liggett and Vector Tobacco (together with any other tobacco product manufacturer that becomes a signatory, the “Subsequent Participating Manufacturers” or “SPMs”) (the OPMs and SPMs are hereinafter referred to jointly as “PMs”) entered into the Master Settlement Agreement (the “MSA”) with 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands (collectively, the “Settling States”) to settle the asserted
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and unasserted health care cost recovery and certain other claims of the Settling States. The MSA received final judicial approval in each Settling State.
As a result of the MSA, the Settling States released Liggett and Vector Tobacco from:
•all claims of the Settling States and their respective political subdivisions and other recipients of state health care funds, relating to: (i) past conduct arising out of the use, sale, distribution, manufacture, development, advertising and marketing of tobacco products; (ii) the health effects of the exposure to, or research, statements or warnings about, tobacco products; and
•all monetary claims of the Settling States and their respective subdivisions and other recipients of state health care funds relating to future conduct arising out of the use of, or exposure to, tobacco products that have been manufactured in the ordinary course of business.
The MSA restricts tobacco product advertising and marketing within the Settling States and otherwise restricts the activities of PMs. 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 PM 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 PMs from licensing third parties to advertise tobacco brand names in any manner prohibited under the MSA; and prohibits PMs 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 PMs to affirm corporate principles to comply with the MSA and to reduce underage use of tobacco products and imposes restrictions on lobbying activities conducted on behalf of PMs. In addition, the MSA provides for the appointment of an independent auditor to calculate and determine the amounts of payments owed pursuant to the MSA.
Under the payment provisions of the MSA, PMs are required to make annual payments of $9,000,000 (subject to applicable adjustments, offsets and reductions including a “Non-Participating Manufacturers Adjustment” or “NPM Adjustment”). These annual payments are allocated based on unit volume of domestic cigarette shipments. The payment obligations under the MSA are the several, and not joint, obligations of each PM and are not the responsibility of any parent or affiliate of a PM.
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 U.S. 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 U.S. Liggett and Vector Tobacco’s domestic shipments accounted for approximately 5.5 % of the total cigarettes sold in the U.S. in 2023. 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 must pay on each excess unit an amount equal (on a per-unit basis) to that due from the OPMs for that year. On December 28, 2023, Liggett and Vector Tobacco pre-paid $263,000 of their approximate $272,000 2023 MSA obligation. The remaining balance of $9,000 will be paid in April 2024.
Certain MSA Disputes
NPM Adjustment. Liggett and Vector Tobacco contend that they are entitled to an NPM Adjustment for 2003 - 2023. The NPM Adjustment is a potential adjustment to annual MSA payments, available when PMs suffer a market share loss to NPMs for a particular year and an economic consulting firm selected pursuant to the MSA determines (or the parties agree) that the MSA was a “significant factor contributing to” that loss. A Settling State that has “diligently enforced” its qualifying escrow statute in the year in question may be able to avoid its allocable share of the NPM Adjustment. For 2003 - 2023, Liggett and Vector Tobacco, as applicable, disputed that they owed the Settling States the NPM Adjustments as calculated by the independent auditor. As permitted by the MSA, Liggett and Vector Tobacco either paid subject to dispute, withheld payment, or paid into a disputed payment account, the amounts associated with these NPM Adjustments.
To date, the PMs have settled the NPM Adjustment dispute with 40 states representing approximately 81 % of the MSA allocable share. As a result of the settlements described above, for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, Liggett and Vector Tobacco reduced cost of sales by $14,809 , $12,278 and $7,896 , respectively. Liggett and Vector Tobacco may be entitled to further adjustments. As of December 31, 2023, Liggett and Vector Tobacco had accrued approximately $8,700 related to the disputed amounts withheld from the non-settling states for 2005 - 2010, which may be subject to payment, with interest, if Liggett and Vector Tobacco lose the disputes for those years.
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The 2004 NPM Adjustment arbitration with the non-settling states commenced in 2016, with the arbitration panel finding three states liable for the NPM Adjustment. Two of these states filed motions challenging these determinations and several issues remain to be resolved by the arbitration panels that will affect the final amount of the 2004 NPM Adjustment. Individual state hearings with respect to the NPM Adjustments for 2005 - 2007 are ongoing with the non- settling states.
Other State Settlements. The MSA replaced Liggett’s prior settlements with all states and territories except for Florida, Mississippi, Texas and Minnesota. Each of these four states, prior to the effective date of the MSA, negotiated and executed settlement agreements with each of the other major tobacco companies, separate from those settlements reached previously with Liggett. Except as described below, Liggett’s agreements with these states remain in full force and effect. These states’ settlement agreements with Liggett contained most favored nation provisions which could reduce Liggett’s payment obligations based on subsequent settlements or resolutions by those states with certain other tobacco companies. Beginning in 1999, Liggett determined that, based on settlements or resolutions with U.S. Tobacco Company, Liggett’s payment obligations to those four states were eliminated. With respect to all non-economic obligations under the previous settlements, Liggett believes it is entitled to the most favorable provisions as between the MSA and each state’s respective settlement with the other major tobacco companies. Therefore, Liggett’s non-economic obligations to all states and territories are now defined by the MSA.
In 2003, as a result of a dispute with Minnesota Liggett agreed to pay $100 a year in any year cigarettes manufactured by Liggett sold in that state, through 2022. In 2023, Minnesota and Liggett agreed to amend that agreement with Liggett agreeing to pay $1,000 per year for an additional ten years . In 2010, Liggett resolved the dispute with Florida and agreed to pay $1,200 and to make annual payments of $250 through 2032, with the payments in 2022 through the duration of the agreement subject to an inflation adjustment.
In January 2016, the Attorney General for Mississippi filed a motion in Chancery Court in Jackson County, Mississippi to enforce the March 1996 settlement agreement among Liggett, Mississippi and other states alleging that Liggett owed Mississippi at least $27,000 in compensatory damages plus interest, attorneys’ fees and punitive damages. In August 2023, Liggett resolved the dispute with Mississippi for payment of $18,000 .
Cautionary Statement
Management is not able to reasonably predict the outcome of the litigation pending or threatened against Liggett or the Company. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties. Liggett has been found liable in multiple Engle progeny cases and Individual Actions, several of which were affirmed on appeal and satisfied by Liggett. It is possible that other cases could be decided unfavorably against Liggett and that Liggett will be unsuccessful on appeal. Liggett may attempt to settle particular cases if it believes it is in its best interest to do so.
Management cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future defense costs, settlements or judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that Liggett may not be able to meet those requirements. An unfavorable outcome of a pending smoking-related case could encourage the commencement of additional litigation. Except as discussed in this Note 15, management is unable to estimate the loss or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the cases pending against Liggett or the costs of defending such cases and as a result has not provided any amounts in its consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes.
The tobacco industry is subject to a wide range of laws and regulations regarding the marketing, sale, taxation and use of tobacco products imposed by local, state and federal governments. There have been a number of restrictive regulatory actions, adverse legislative and political decisions and other unfavorable developments concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry. These developments may negatively affect the perception of potential triers of fact with respect to the tobacco industry, possibly to the detriment of certain pending litigation, and may prompt the commencement of additional litigation or legislation.
It is possible that the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any of the smoking-related litigation.
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The activity in the Company’s accruals for the MSA and tobacco litigation for the three years ended December 31, 2023 was as follows:
| Current Liabilities | Non-Current Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payments due under Master Settlement Agreement | Litigation Accruals | Total | Payments due under Master Settlement Agreement | Litigation Accruals | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of January 1, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NPM Settlement adjustment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in MSA obligations capitalized as inventory | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payments, net of credits received | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification to/(from) non-current liabilities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest on withholding | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NPM Settlement adjustment | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in MSA obligations capitalized as inventory | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payments, net of credits received | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification to/(from) non-current liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest on withholding | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NPM Settlement adjustment | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in MSA obligations capitalized as inventory | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payments, net of credits received | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification to/(from) non-current liabilities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest on withholding | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Matters:
Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s management are unaware of any material environmental conditions affecting their existing facilities. Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s management believe that current operations are conducted in material compliance with all environmental laws and regulations and other laws and regulations governing cigarette manufacturers. Compliance with federal, state and local provisions regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, has not had a material impact on the capital expenditures, results of operations or competitive position of Liggett or Vector Tobacco.
Over the years, Liggett and the Company have received various demands for indemnification from Altria Client Services, on behalf of Philip Morris, relating to lawsuits alleging smokers’ use of L&M cigarettes. The indemnification demands are purportedly issued in connection with Eve Holdings’ 1999 sale of certain trademarks to Philip Morris. It is unclear what, if any, liability the Company may have in connection with these matters.
Management is of the opinion that the liabilities, if any, resulting from other proceedings, lawsuits and claims pending against the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, unrelated to tobacco product liability, should not materially affect the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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16. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash paid during the period for: | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest, including interest related to finance leases | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Income taxes, net | |||||||||||||||||
17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Consulting services. Beginning in April 2020, a director of the Company, who served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Liggett Group and Liggett Vector Brands until March 2020, has served as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Managers of Liggett Vector Brands and as a Senior Advisor to Liggett. In addition to fees earned as a director of the Company, he has received $720 , $720 and $720 under the agreement for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Douglas Elliman Inc. On December 29, 2021, the Company completed the Distribution of Douglas Elliman, which included the real estate services and PropTech investment business formerly owned by the Company through its subsidiary, New Valley.
Vector Group and Douglas Elliman entered into the Distribution Agreement and the Transition Services Agreement with respect to transition services and several ongoing commercial relationships. Under the Transition Services Agreement, Douglas Elliman paid the Company $4,200 two Aircraft Lease Agreements for the right to lease on a flight-by-flight basis certain aircraft owned by subsidiaries of the Company. Under the agreements, Douglas Elliman paid $2,124 in 2023 and $2,418 in 2022 to the Company. The Company has agreed to indemnify Douglas Elliman for certain tax matters under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement. The Company paid Douglas Elliman $589 in 2022 and recorded Other expense in its consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 related to the tax indemnifications.
Following the Distribution, there is an overlap between certain officers of Vector Group and Douglas Elliman. The President and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and the General Counsel and Secretary of Vector Group serve in the same role at Douglas Elliman. Furthermore, three of the members of Vector Group’s Board of Directors also serve as directors of Douglas Elliman.
Douglas Elliman Realty LLC has been engaged by certain developers as the sole broker or the co-broker for several of the real estate development projects that New Valley owns an interest in through its real estate venture investments. Douglas Elliman had gross commissions of approximately $1,766 , $1,709 and $8,956 from these projects for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
A son of the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer is an associate broker with Douglas Elliman and he received commissions and other payments of $925 in accordance with brokerage activities in 2021.
Insurance. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, a firm in which he is a shareholder, and affiliates of that firm received insurance commissions aggregating approximately $265 , $257 and $241 in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, on various insurance policies issued for the Company and its subsidiaries.
Other. In September 2012, the Company entered into an office lease with an entity affiliated with Dr. Phillip Frost, who beneficially owns more than 5 % of the Company’s common stock. The lease is for space in an office building in Miami, Florida and will expire on April 30, 2028, as amended in February 2023. The amended lease provides for payments of $43 per month increasing to $48 per month. The Company recorded rental expense of $541 , $458 , and $458 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, associated with the lease.
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18. INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Company’s financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements were as follows:
| Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Description | Total | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Money market funds (1) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial paper (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment securities at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Marketable equity securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mutual funds invested in debt securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total equity securities at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt securities available for sale | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government and federal agency | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial paper | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Index-linked U.S. bonds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total debt securities available for sale | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total investment securities at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term investment securities at fair value (2) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
_____________________________
(1)Amounts included in Cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets.
(2)In accordance with Subtopic 820-10, investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV practical expedient are not classified in the fair value hierarchy.
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| Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Description | Total | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Money market funds (1) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial paper (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Money market funds securing legal bonds (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment securities at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Marketable equity securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mutual funds invested in debt securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total equity securities at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt securities available for sale | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government and federal agency | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total debt securities available for sale | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investment securities at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term investment securities at fair value (3) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
_____________________________
(1)Amounts included in Cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets.
(2)Amounts included in Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
(3)In accordance with Subtopic 820-10, investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV practical expedient are not classified in the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of investment securities at fair value included in Level 1 is based on quoted market prices from various stock exchanges. The Level 2 investment securities at fair value are based on quoted market prices of securities that are thinly traded, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active or inputs other than quoted prices such as interest rates and yield curves.
The long-term investments are based on NAV per share provided by the partnerships based on the indicated market value of the underlying assets or investment portfolio. In accordance with Subtopic 820-10, these investments are not classified under the fair value hierarchy disclosed above because they are measured at fair value using the NAV practical expedient.
In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company is required to record assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Generally, assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as a result of impairment charges. The Company had no nonrecurring nonfinancial assets subject to fair value measurements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, except for investments in real estate ventures that were impaired as of December 31, 2022.
F-54
The Company’s investment in real estate ventures subject to nonrecurring fair value measurements are as follows:
| Fair Value Measurement Using: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2023 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Description | Impairment Charge | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments in real estate ventures | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Company estimated the fair value of its investments in real estate ventures using observable inputs such as market pricing based on recent events, however, significant judgment was required to select certain inputs from observed market data. The decline in the investments in real estate ventures was attributed to the decline in the projected sales prices and the duration of the estimated sell out of the respective real estate ventures. The $1,202 of impairment charges were included in equity in earnings from real estate ventures for the year ended December 31, 2023.
| Fair Value Measurement Using: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2022 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Description | Impairment Charge | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments in real estate ventures | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Company estimated the fair value of its investments in real estate ventures using observable inputs such as market pricing based on recent events, however, significant judgment was required to select certain inputs from observed market data. The decline in the investments in real estate ventures was attributed to the decline in the projected sales prices and the duration of the estimated sell out of the respective real estate ventures. The $490 of impairment charges were included in equity in losses from real estate ventures for the year ended December 31, 2022.
19. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company’s business segments for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were Tobacco and Real Estate. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.
F-55
Financial information for the Company’s operations before taxes and non-controlling interests for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:
| Real | Corporate | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tobacco | Estate | and Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | (1) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings from real estate ventures | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Identifiable assets | (4) | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | (2) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in losses from real estate ventures | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Identifiable assets of continuing operations | (4) | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | (3) | ( | (5) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings from real estate ventures | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Identifiable assets of continuing operations | (4) | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | |||||||||||||||||||||||
_____________________________
(1)Includes $734 received from a litigation settlement associated with the MSA (which reduced cost of sales) and $18,799 of litigation settlement and judgment expense.
(2)Includes $2,123 received from a litigation settlement associated with the MSA (which reduced cost of sales) and $239 of litigation settlement and judgment expense.
(3)Includes $2,722 received from a litigation settlement associated with the MSA (which reduced cost of sales) and $211 of litigation settlement and judgment expense.
(4)Includes real estate investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting of $131,497 , $121,117 and $105,062 as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(5)Includes transaction expenses of $10,468 and accelerated stock compensation of $4,317 related to the Distribution of Douglas Elliman; and $910 of gain on sale of assets.
(6)Includes cash of $251,732 , investment securities of $110,935 and long-term investments of $46,760 as of December 31, 2023; cash of $213,988 , investment securities of $116,436 , and long-term investments of $44,959 as of December 31, 2022; and cash of $167,383 , investment securities of $146,687 , and long-term investments of $53,073 as of December 31, 2021.
F-56
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(Dollars in Thousands)
| Description | Balance at Beginning of Period | Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses | Deductions | Balance at End of Period | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowances for: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash discounts | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax valuation allowance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales returns | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowances for: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash discounts | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax valuation allowance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales returns | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowances for: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash discounts | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax valuation allowance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales returns | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
F-57
EXHIBIT 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY
The following is a list of our active subsidiaries as of December 31, 2023, including the jurisdiction of incorporation of each and the names under which such subsidiaries conduct business. In the case of each subsidiary which is indented, its immediate parent owns beneficially all of the voting securities.
| VGR Holding LLC | Delaware | ||||
Liggett Group LLC | Delaware | ||||
| Vector Tobacco LLC | Virginia | ||||
| New Valley LLC | Delaware | ||||
Not included above are other subsidiaries which, if considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, would not constitute a significant subsidiary, as such term is defined by Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X.
EXHIBIT 22.1
Vector Group Ltd. List of Guarantor Subsidiaries
Vector Group Ltd. (“Vector Group”), a Delaware corporation, and the following 100% owned subsidiaries of Vector Group have filed a shelf registration statement for the offering of debt securities on a delayed or continuous basis. Any such debt securities may be issued by Vector Group and guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by the following subsidiaries:
| Entity | Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization | ||||
| VGR Holding LLC | Delaware | ||||
| Liggett Group LLC | Delaware | ||||
| Liggett Vector Brands LLC | Delaware | ||||
| Vector Tobacco LLC | Virginia | ||||
| 100 Maple LLC | Delaware | ||||
| Eve Holdings LLC | Delaware | ||||
| Zoom E-Cigs LLC | Delaware | ||||
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-274215 and 333-196274 on Form S-8 and Registration Statement No. 333-267358 of Form S-3 of our reports dated February 16, 2024, relating to the financial statements of Vector Group Ltd. and the effectiveness of Vector Group Ltd.'s internal control over financial reporting appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Miami, Florida
February 16, 2024
EXHIBIT 31.1
RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I, Howard M. Lorber, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K 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: | February 16, 2024 | |||||||
| /s/ Howard M. Lorber | ||||||||
| Howard M. Lorber | ||||||||
| President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||
EXHIBIT 31.2
RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
I, J. Bryant Kirkland III, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K 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):
(c)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
(d)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: | February 16, 2024 | |||||||
| /s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III | ||||||||
| J. Bryant Kirkland III | ||||||||
| Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
EXHIBIT 32.1
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
In connection with the Annual Report of Vector Group Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 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.
| Date: | February 16, 2024 | |||||||
| /s/ Howard M. Lorber | ||||||||
| Howard M. Lorber | ||||||||
| President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||
In connection with the Annual Report of Vector Group Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 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.
| Date: | February 16, 2024 | |||||||
| /s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III | ||||||||
| J. Bryant Kirkland III | ||||||||
| Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
EXHIBIT 97.1
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION CLAWBACK POLICY
(ADOPTED AS OF NOVEMBER 21, 2023)
I.GENERAL
Vector Group Ltd. (the “Company”) has adopted this executive compensation clawback policy (this “Policy”) to provide for the recovery or “clawback” of Incentive-Based Compensation earned by current or former Executive Officers of the Company in the event of a required Restatement (each, as defined herein).
This Policy is intended to comply with, and will be interpreted to be consistent with, the requirements of Section 303A.14 of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) Listed Company Manual (the “Listing Standard”). To the extent that any provision in this Policy is ambiguous as to its compliance with the Listing Standard or to the extent any provision in this Policy must be modified to comply with the Listing Standard, such provision will be read, or will be modified, as the case may be, in such a manner so that all applicable provisions under this Policy comply with the Listing Standard. Certain terms used in this Policy are defined in Section VII below.
II.PROCEDURE; AMOUNT SUBJECT TO RECOVERY
a.Statement of Policy. The Compensation and Human Capital Committee (the “Committee”) of the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) shall recover reasonably promptly the amount of erroneously awarded Incentive-Based Compensation in the event that the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, including any required accounting restatement to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that is material to the previously issued financial statements, or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period (a “Restatement”). The Company shall recover erroneously awarded Incentive-Based Compensation in compliance with this Policy, except to the extent provided under Section IV below.
b.Recoverable Amount. The amount of Incentive-Based Compensation subject to recovery under this Policy is the amount of Incentive-Based Compensation received that exceeds the amount of Incentive-Based Compensation that otherwise would have been received had it been determined based on the restated amounts, computed without regard to any taxes paid.
c.Covered Compensation Based on Stock Price or TSR. For Incentive-Based Compensation based on stock price or total shareholder return (“TSR”), where the amount of erroneously awarded Incentive-Based Compensation is not subject to mathematical recalculation directly from the information in a Restatement, the recoverable amount shall be determined by the Committee based on a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Restatement on the stock price or TSR upon which the Incentive-Based Compensation was received. In such event, the Company shall maintain documentation of the determination of that reasonable estimate and provide such documentation to NYSE to the extent requested or required.
d.Method of Recovery. Without limiting Section III, the Committee will have discretion in determining how to accomplish recovery of erroneously awarded Incentive-Based Compensation under this Policy, recognizing that different means of recovery may be appropriate in different circumstances.
III.SCOPE OF POLICY
a.Persons Covered and Recovery Period. This Policy applies to all Incentive-Based Compensation received by a person:
i.after beginning service as an Executive Officer;
ii.who served as an Executive Officer at any time during the performance period for that Incentive-Based Compensation;
iii.while the Company has a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange; and
iv.during the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date that the Company is required to prepare a Restatement (the “Recovery Period”).
Notwithstanding this look-back requirement, the Company is only required to apply this Policy to Incentive-Based Compensation received on or after October 2, 2023.
For purposes of this Policy, Incentive-Based Compensation shall be deemed “received” in the Company’s fiscal period during which the Financial Reporting Measure (as defined herein) specified in the Incentive-Based Compensation award is attained, even if the payment or grant of the Incentive-Based Compensation occurs before or after the end of that period.
b.Transition Period. In addition to the Recovery Period, this Policy applies to any transition period (that results from a change in the Company’s fiscal year) within or immediately following the Recovery Period (a “Transition Period”), provided that a Transition Period between the last day of the Company’s previous fiscal year end and the first day of the Company’s new fiscal year that comprises a period of nine to 12 months will be deemed a completed fiscal year.
c.Determining Recovery Period. For purposes of determining the relevant Recovery Period, the date that the Company is required to prepare the Restatement is the earlier to occur of:
i.the date the Board, a committee of the Board, or the officer or officers of the Company authorized to take such action if Board action is not required, concludes, or reasonably should have concluded, that the Company is required to prepare a Restatement, and
ii.the date a court, regulator, or other legally authorized body directs the Company to prepare a Restatement.
For clarity, the Company’s obligation to recover erroneously awarded Incentive-Based Compensation under this Policy is not dependent on if or when a Restatement is filed.
IV.EXCEPTIONS
The Company shall recover erroneously awarded Incentive-Based Compensation in compliance with this Policy except to the extent that the conditions set forth below are met and the Committee has made a determination that recovery would be impracticable:
a.Direct Expense Exceeds Recoverable Amount. The direct expense paid to a third party to assist in enforcing this Policy would exceed the amount to be recovered; provided, however, that before concluding it would be impracticable to recover any amount of erroneously awarded Incentive-Based Compensation based on expense of enforcement, the Company shall make a reasonable attempt to recover such erroneously awarded Incentive-Based Compensation, document such reasonable attempt(s) to recover, and provide that documentation to NYSE.
b.Recovery from Certain Tax-Qualified Retirement Plans. Recovery would likely cause an otherwise tax-qualified retirement plan, under which benefits are broadly available to employees of the Company, to fail to meet the requirements of 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(13) or 26 U.S.C. 411(a) and regulations thereunder.
V.PROHIBITION AGAINST INDEMNIFICATION
a.Notwithstanding the terms of any indemnification arrangement or insurance policy with any individual covered by this Policy, the Company shall not indemnify any Executive Officer or former Executive Officer against the loss of erroneously awarded Incentive-Based Compensation, including any payment or reimbursement for the cost of insurance obtained by any such covered individual to fund amounts recoverable under this Policy.
VI.DISCLOSURE
a.The Company shall file all disclosures with respect to this Policy and recoveries under this Policy in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Federal securities laws, including the disclosure required by the applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings.
VII.DEFINITIONS
Unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions apply for purposes of this Policy:
a.“Executive Officer” means the Company’s president, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer (or if there is no such accounting officer, the controller), any vice-president of the Company in charge of a principal business unit, division, or function (such as sales, administration, or finance), any other officer who performs a policy-making function, or any other person who performs similar policymaking functions for the Company. Executive officers of the Company’s subsidiaries are deemed Executive Officers of the Company if they perform such policy making functions for the Company. Policy-making function is not intended to include policymaking functions that are not significant. Identification of an Executive Officer for purposes of this Policy would include at a minimum executive officers identified pursuant to 17 CFR 229.401(b).
b.“Financial Reporting Measures” means any of the following: (i) measures that are determined and presented in accordance with the accounting principles used in preparing the Company’s financial statements, and any measures that are derived wholly or in part from such measures, (ii) stock price and (iii) TSR. A Financial Reporting Measure need not be presented within the Company’s financial statements or included in a filing with the SEC.
c.“Incentive-Based Compensation” means any compensation that is granted, earned, or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a Financial Reporting Measure.
VIII.EFFECTIVENESS
a.The Committee has the sole authority to construe, interpret and implement this Policy, make any determination necessary or advisable in administering this Policy, including determinations regarding how any recovery under this Policy is effected, and amend, modify, supplement, terminate, rescind or replace all or any portion of this Policy. Any determinations of the Committee will be final, binding and conclusive and need not be uniform with respect to each person covered by this Policy.
IX.EFFECTIVENESS; OTHER RECOUPMENT RIGHTS
a.This Policy shall be effective as of December 1, 2023. This Policy supersedes any previous policy of the Company concerning the recovery of excess Incentive-Based Compensation earned by current or former Executive Officers in the event of a required Restatement. Any right of recoupment under this Policy is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies or rights of recoupment that may be available to the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates under applicable law or pursuant to the terms of any similar policy or similar provision in any employment agreement, equity award agreement or similar agreement.
Exhibit 99.1
I. INDIVIDUAL CASES
A. Engle Progeny Cases.
Pursuant to the Florida Supreme Court’s ruling in Engle v. Liggett Group Inc., which decertified the Engle class on a prospective basis, former class members had until January 2008 to file individual lawsuits. Lawsuits by individuals requesting the benefit of the Engle ruling are referred to as the “Engle progeny” cases. Liggett has resolved the claims of all but 14 Engle progeny plaintiffs. For more information on the Engle case and on the settlement, see “Note 7. Contingencies.”
(i)Engle Progeny Cases with trial dates through December 31, 2024.
None.
(ii)Post-Trial Engle Progeny Cases.
None.
B. Other Individual Cases.
Alabama
Shaw v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. CV2023-051, Circuit Court of Cullman County, Alabama (case filed 12/08/2023). One individual suing.
California
Taylor, et al. v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 8:23-cv-00483, United States District Court, Central District of California (case filed 12/16/2022). Three individuals suing for the death of their husband and father. The case is set for trial starting 10/08/2024.
Florida
Almuina v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 2023-020317-CA-01, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County (case filed 07/26/2023). One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker.
Cowart v. Liggett Group Inc., et al., Case No. 98-01483-CA, Circuit Court of the 4th Judicial Circuit, Duval County (case filed 03/16/1998). One individual suing. Liggett is the only remaining defendant in this case. The case is dormant.
Cunningham v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 17-CA-000293, Circuit Court of the 19th Judicial Circuit, St. Lucie County (case filed 02/20/2017). One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker.
Lane, et al. v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 17-011591, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 06/16/2017). Two individuals suing. The case is set for trial during the trial period starting 05/13/2024.
Santayana, et al., v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2022-022140, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County (case filed 11/18/2022). Two individuals suing.
Schoene v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 21-004689, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County (case filed 03/05/2021). One individual suing.
1
Siler v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 22-022692, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County (case filed 11/28/2022). One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of deceased smoker. Liggett is the only remaining defendant in this case.
Taylor v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 19-CA-255, Circuit Court of the 2nd Judicial Circuit, Wakulla County (case filed 12/18/2019). One individual suing.
Voglio v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 18-CA-000640, Circuit Court of the 19th Judicial Circuit, Martin County (case filed 08/29/2018). One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker.
Watson, et al. v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 20-CA-009690-O, Circuit Court of the 9th Judicial Circuit, Orange County (case filed 09/25/2020). One individual suing. Liggett is the only remaining defendant in this case.
Hawaii
Kanuha v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 1CCV-22-0000832, Circuit Court, 1st Circuit, Hawaii, (case filed 07/19/2022) One individual suing. The case is special set for trial starting 12/16/2024.
Illinois
Bromberek, et al. v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2023-L-008023, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (case filed 08/10/2023). Two individuals suing.
Bush v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al.. Case No. 2023-L-008342, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (case filed 08/21/2023). One individual suing.
Cain v. Philip Morris USA, Inc., et al., Case No. 2021-L-008850, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (case filed 09/02/2021). One individual suing.
Collins v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2022-L-000578, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (case filed 01/19/2022). One individual suing.
Fields, et al. v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2023-L-008345, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (case filed 08/21/2023). Two individuals suing.
Gerace, et al. v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2022-L-003599, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (case filed 04/19/2022). Two individuals suing.
Gleason, et al. v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2023-L-010781, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (case filed 10/24/2023). Two individuals suing.
Hedlund v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 2023-L-009387, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (case filed 09/15/2023). One individual suing.
Johnson v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2024-L-000939, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (case filed 01/26/2024). Two individuals suing.
Malevitis, et al. v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2023-L-007203. Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (case filed 7/19/2023). Two individuals suing.
Morton v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2022-L-006350, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (case filed 07/15/2022). One individual suing.
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Norwood, et al. v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2023-L-007660, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, (case filed 08/02/2023). Two individuals suing.
Ogbebor v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2023-L-000605, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (case filed 01/20/2023). One individual suing.
Outlaw v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2023-L-010786, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (case filed 10/24/2023). One individual suing.
Thompson, et al. v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2023-L-000843, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (case filed 01/27/2023). Two individuals suing.
Van Johnson v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2023-L-007709, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (case filed 08/02/2023). One individual suing.
Ziemba v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2023-L-008024, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (case filed 08/10/2023). One individual suing.
Louisiana
Oser v. The American Tobacco Co., et al., Case No. 97-9293, Circuit Court of the Civil District Court, Parish of Orleans (case filed 05/27/1997). One individual suing. There has been no recent activity in this case.
Reese, et al. v. R. J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 2003-12761, Circuit Court of the 22nd Judicial District Court, St. Tammany Parish (case filed 06/10/2003). Five individuals suing. There has been no recent activity in this case.
Massachusetts
Anderson v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384-CV-01033, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 05/02/2023). One individual suing.
Allen v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384-CV-00680, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 03/20/2023). One individual suing.
Ashmore v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384-CV-00492, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 03/06/2023). One individual suing.
Ayala v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384-CV-01742, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 07/31/2023). One individual suing.
Bloom v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384-CV-00386, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 02/10/2023). One individual suing.
Boutwell v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al.., Case No. 2384-CV-02503, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 11/02/2023). One individual suing.
Campagnone. v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2377-CV-00486, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Essex County (case filed 05/19/2023). One individual suing on behalf of the estate.
Cavanaugh v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384-CV-01096, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 05/11/2023). One individual suing.
Crowfoot v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 2384-CV-01244, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 5/30/2023). One individual suing.
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Daviolo v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384-CV-01014, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 05/01/2023). One individual suing.
Defuria v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 2384-CV-02225, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 10/03/2023). One individual suing.
Dent v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384-CV-00746, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 03/28/2023). One individual suing.
DiMaio v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384-CV-01036, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 05/02/2023). One individual suing.
Doherty v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al.. Case No. 2484-CV-00141, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 01/17/2024). One individual suing.
Duplisea v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al.. Case No. 2484-CV-00140, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 01/17/2024). One individual suing.
Fakhiri v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2484-CV-00046, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 01/05/2024). One individual suing.
Goodwin v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384-CV-00767, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 03/29/2023). One individual suing.
Jankouski v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384-CV-01015, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 05/01/2023). One individual suing.
Johnson v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384-CV-0559, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 03/06/2023). One individual suing.
Lapreste v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2484-CV-00045, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 01/05/2024). One individual suing.
LoGiudice v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384-CV-01038, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 05/03/2023). One individual suing.
McGrath v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2484-CV-00258, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 01/29/2024). One individual suing.
McGrath v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2484-CV-00254, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 01/29/2024). One individual suing on behalf of the estate and survivors of William McGrath, a deceased smoker.
O'Neal v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384-CV-02488, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 11/01/2023). One individual suing.
Prescott v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. 2384-CV-0058, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 03/06/2023). One individual suing.
Rasmussen v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384CV02821, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 12/13/2023). One individual suing.
Rodrigues, D. v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384-CV-01680, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 07/21/2023). One individual suing.
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Sandler v. Philip Morris USA, Inc., et al. Case No. 22-220, Norfolk Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, (case filed 03/10/2022). One individual suing. The case is set for trial starting 10/07/2024.
Sweeney v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2385-CV-01285, Superior Court Worcester County, Massachusetts, (case filed 11/28/2023). One individual suing on behalf of the estate.
Vanstigt v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2377-CV-00866, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Essex County (case filed 09/08/2023). One individual suing.
Vartanian v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384-CV-01035, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 05/02/2023). One individual suing.
Waldrip v. R.J. Reynolds, et al., Case No. 2377-CV-01130, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Essex County (case filed 11/20/23). One individual suing.
Zachariewicz v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 2384CV00981, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Suffolk County (case filed 04/27/2023). One individual suing.
Nevada
Camacho, et al. v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. A-19-807650C, District Court, Clark County, Nevada, (case filed 12/30/2019). Two individuals suing.
Lango v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. A-23-872964-C, District Court, Clark County, Nevada (case filed 06/26/2023). One individual suing.
Rowan v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. A-20-811091C, District Court, Clark County, Nevada, (case filed 02/25/2020). One individual suing as personal representative of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker.
Tully, et al. v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. A-19-807657C, District Court, Clark County, Nevada, (case filed 12/30/2019). Two individuals suing.
New Mexico
Abney v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. D-1215-CV-2023-00890, 12th Judicial Circuit, Otero County, New Mexico (case filed 11/27/2023). One individual suing individually and on behalf of the estate and survivors of a deceased smoker.
II. CLASS ACTION CASES
Parsons, et al. v. A C & S Inc., et al., Case No. 00-C-7000, First Judicial Circuit, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed 02/09/1998). This purported class action is brought on behalf of plaintiff and all West Virginia residents who allegedly have claims arising from their exposure to cigarette smoke and asbestos fibers and seeks compensatory and punitive damages. The case has been stayed since December 2000 as a result of bankruptcy petitions filed by three co-defendants.
Young, et al. v. American Brands Inc., et al., Case No. 97-19984cv, Civil District Court, Louisiana, Orleans Parish (case filed 11/12/1997). This purported class action is brought on behalf of plaintiff and all similarly situated residents in Louisiana who, though not themselves cigarette smokers, were exposed to and suffered injury from secondhand smoke from cigarettes. The plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. The case has been stayed since March 2016 pending the completion of the smoking cessation program ordered by the court in Scott v. The American Tobacco Co.
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III. HEALTH CARE COST RECOVERY ACTIONS
Crow Creek Sioux Tribe v. The American Tobacco Company, et al., Case No. cv-97-09-082, Tribal Court of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, South Dakota (case filed 09/26/1997). The plaintiff seeks to recover actual and punitive damages, restitution, funding of a clinical cessation program, funding of a corrective public education program and disgorgement of unjust profits from alleged sales to minors. The case is dormant.
IV. OTHER MATTERS
Mayor of Baltimore, et al. v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., Case No. 24C2200494, Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland (case filed 11/21/22). The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore sued Liggett and others, claiming, among other things, that defendants’ failure to use biodegradable filters on their cigarette products resulted in littering by smokers of the city’s streets, sidewalks, beaches, parks, lawns and waterways, which in turn resulted in contamination of the soil and water, increased costs of clean-up and disposal of this litter, as well as the reduction of property values and tourism to the city. Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, punitive damages, penalties, fines, disgorgement of profits and equitable relief.
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EXHIBIT 99.2
Vector Group Ltd.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements
December 31, 2023
(in thousands of dollars)
Presented herein are Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023 and the related Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 of Vector Group Ltd. (Parent/Issuer), the guarantor subsidiaries (Subsidiary Guarantors) and the subsidiaries that are not guarantors (Subsidiary Non-Guarantors).
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Parent/ | Subsidiary | Non- | Consolidating | Vector Group | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuer | Guarantors | Guarantors | Adjustments | Ltd. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASSETS: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 251,720 | $ | 16,753 | $ | 127 | $ | — | $ | 268,600 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Investment securities at fair value | 110,935 | — | — | — | 110,935 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable - trade, net | — | 26,442 | — | — | 26,442 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intercompany receivables | 2,854 | — | — | (2,854) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inventories | — | 91,959 | — | — | 91,959 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income taxes receivable, net | 15,215 | — | 16,901 | (32,116) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other current assets | 996 | 10,289 | 380 | — | 11,665 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total current assets | 381,720 | 145,443 | 17,408 | (34,970) | 509,601 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 603 | 34,365 | 8,412 | — | 43,380 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term investment securities | 46,760 | — | — | — | 46,760 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments in real estate ventures | — | — | 131,497 | — | 131,497 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 7,071 | 3,946 | — | — | 11,017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments in consolidated subsidiaries | 290,780 | — | — | (290,780) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets | — | 107,511 | — | — | 107,511 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | 14,022 | 62,506 | 7,801 | — | 84,329 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 740,956 | $ | 353,771 | $ | 165,118 | $ | (325,750) | $ | 934,095 | |||||||||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt | $ | — | $ | 8 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Intercompany payables | — | 606 | 2,248 | (2,854) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income taxes payable, net | — | 32,833 | — | (32,116) | 717 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement | — | 8,812 | — | — | 8,812 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current operating lease liability | 1,694 | 2,012 | — | — | 3,706 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other current liabilities | 39,590 | 91,545 | 545 | — | 131,680 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 41,284 | 135,816 | 2,793 | (34,970) | 144,923 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion | 1,371,811 | — | — | — | 1,371,811 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current employee benefits | 61,258 | 5,853 | — | — | 67,111 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes, net | (495) | 28,292 | 30,173 | — | 57,970 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current operating lease liability | 5,917 | 2,260 | — | — | 8,177 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other liabilities, including litigation accruals and payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement | 2,995 | 22,634 | 288 | — | 25,917 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 1,482,770 | 194,855 | 33,254 | (34,970) | 1,675,909 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total stockholders' (deficiency) equity | (741,814) | 158,916 | 131,864 | (290,780) | (741,814) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' deficiency | $ | 740,956 | $ | 353,771 | $ | 165,118 | $ | (325,750) | $ | 934,095 | |||||||||||||||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
| Year Ended December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Parent/ | Subsidiary | Non- | Consolidating | Vector Group | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuer | Guarantors | Guarantors | Adjustments | Ltd. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | — | $ | 1,424,268 | $ | 1,031 | $ | (1,031) | $ | 1,424,268 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | — | 965,348 | — | — | 965,348 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses | 32,748 | 79,407 | 962 | (1,031) | 112,086 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Litigation settlement and judgment expense | — | 18,799 | — | — | 18,799 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Management fee expense | — | 14,063 | — | (14,063) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating (loss) income | (32,748) | 346,651 | 69 | 14,063 | 328,035 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expenses): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (106,672) | (1,945) | — | — | (108,617) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | (549) | — | — | — | (549) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings from real estate ventures | — | — | 2,202 | — | 2,202 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings from investments | 1,262 | — | — | — | 1,262 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings in consolidated subsidiaries | 264,841 | — | — | (264,841) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Management fee income | 14,063 | — | — | (14,063) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | 15,580 | 10,177 | 362 | — | 26,119 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | 155,777 | 354,883 | 2,633 | (264,841) | 248,452 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | 27,749 | (91,887) | (788) | — | (64,926) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 183,526 | $ | 262,996 | $ | 1,845 | $ | (264,841) | $ | 183,526 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | $ | 186,687 | $ | 266,497 | $ | 1,845 | $ | (268,342) | $ | 186,687 | |||||||||||||||||||