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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, 2022 and 2021 and the results of our operations for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. Our financial position and results of operations as of and for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 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 and 2020 periods presented. Unless otherwise indicated, the information in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements related to the 2021 and 2020 periods refer only to Vector Group’s continuing operations and do 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 (i) has interests in numerous real estate projects across the United States and (ii) is seeking to acquire or invest in additional 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 United States cigarette market under the Master Settlement Agreement (“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;
•Increase operational efficiency by developing and adopting an organizational structure to maximize profit potential; 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
•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, 2022, Liggett was the fourth-largest manufacturer of cigarettes in the United States 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 2022, 2021 and 2020 were in the discount segment.
According to data from Management Science Associates, Inc., the discount segment represented 29.4% of the total U.S. cigarette market in 2022 compared to 28.3% in 2021 and 28.6% in 2020. Liggett’s domestic shipments of approximately 10.4 billion cigarettes during 2022 accounted for 5.4% of the total cigarettes shipped in the United States during such year. Liggett’s market share was 4.1% in 2021 and 2020, respectively. According to Management Science Associates, Liggett held a share of approximately 18.5% of the overall discount market segment for 2022 compared to 14.4% for 2021 and 14.2% for 2020.
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 nationally. Montego became Liggett’s largest brand by volume during the second quarter of 2022. Prior to August 2020, Montego was sold in select targeted markets in four states. Montego’s unit volume represented 47% of Liggett’s total unit volume sales in 2022, 16% in 2021 and 6% in 2020.
•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 35% of Liggett’s unit volume in 2022, 57% in 2021 and 62% in 2020. Eagle 20’s is Liggett’s second largest brand.
•Pyramid — A brand re-launched in the second quarter of 2009 as a deep discount product; Pyramid, Liggett’s third-largest brand, represented 13% of Liggett’s unit volume in 2022, 20% in 2021 and 23% in 2020.
•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 as a result 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 3%, its MSA payment is based on 1.35%, which is the difference between Liggett’s total market share of 3% 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 Management Science Associates, Inc., 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. Management Science Associates, Inc.’s information relating to
unit sales volume and market share of certain smaller, primarily deep discount, cigarette manufacturers is based on estimates developed by Management Science Associates, Inc.
Sales, Marketing and Distribution. Liggett’s products are distributed from a central distribution center in Mebane, North Carolina to 14 public warehouses located throughout the United States by third-party trucking companies. These warehouses serve as local distribution centers for Liggett’s customers.
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 15% and 11% of Liggett’s revenues in 2022, 14% and 12% of Liggett’s revenues in 2021 and 18% and 12% of Liggett’s revenues in 2020. 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 37%, respectively, of net accounts receivable at December 31, 2022, 0% and 2%, respectively, at December 31, 2021 and 5% and 4%, respectively, at December 31, 2020. 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 United States 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, 2022, 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 10.1 billion cigarettes in 2022 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 United States: 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 Management Science Associates Inc.’s data, the unit sales of Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds accounted in the aggregate for 71.8% of the domestic cigarette market in 2022. Liggett’s domestic shipments of approximately 10.4 billion
cigarettes during 2022 accounted for 5.4% of the approximately 191 billion cigarettes shipped in the United States, compared to 8.6 billion cigarettes in 2021 (4.1%) and 9.2 billion cigarettes in 2020 (4.1%).
In 2022 industry wide shipments in the United States decreased by 9.9% (approximately 20.9 billion units) and for the five-year period 2017 to 2022, industry-wide shipments of cigarettes in the United States have declined by approximately 5.0% per annum. Liggett’s management believes that industry-wide shipments of cigarettes in the United States will continue to decline 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 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 United States, 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 United States 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;
•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 2022 were $30,686 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 and FDA has indicated it may publish a final rule by the end of 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately 20% of our cigarette unit sales were menthol flavored. We cannot predict how 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 and some cities have, or are considering, a ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes.
In August 2020, the California legislature passed a law banning the sale of menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products, which became effective on December 21, 2022, following a voter referendum in November 2022 approving the ban. On November 9, 2022, a group of tobacco companies filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court, Southern District of California challenging the legality of the flavor ban. While the menthol ban in Massachusetts and California 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 on February 1, 2023, FDA filed a notice indicating it would appeal the ruling.
Product Review
The TCA requires premarket review of “new tobacco products.” A “new tobacco product” is one that was not commercially marketed in the United States 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, 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 2022. 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 2022. 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 inspectional 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 United States 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 in May 2023 that establishes a tobacco product standard reducing the level of nicotine in cigarettes to non-addictive levels. FDA subsequently changed the anticipated publication date to October 2023. At this time, we cannot predict the specific regulations FDA will enact, the timeframe for such regulations, or the effect of such regulations. 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.
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 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 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 United States. Vector Tobacco has no payment obligations under the MSA except to the extent its market share exceeds a market share exemption of approximately 0.28% of total cigarettes sold in the United States. Liggett and Vector Tobacco’s domestic shipments accounted for 5.4% of the total cigarettes sold in the United States in 2022. 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
We own and seek to acquire investment interests in various domestic and international real estate projects through debt and equity investments. Our current real estate investments include the following projects (as of December 31, 2022):
Condominium and Mixed-Use Development
As of December 31, 2022, we owned investments in condominium and mixed-use development real estate ventures, recorded at $94.0 million. We had condominium and mixed-use development real estate ventures, recorded at $16.8 million as of December 31, 2022, in the New York City Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (“SMSA”). Of the six condominium and mixed-use development real estate ventures in the New York City SMSA, four were closing on units or completed as of December 31, 2022, and the remaining two had projected construction completion dates in 2023. We had condominium and mixed-use development real estate ventures with projected construction completion dates between March 2023 and April 2025 recorded at $77.2 million in other U.S. areas as of December 31, 2022.
Apartment Buildings
As of December 31, 2022, we owned an investment in a venture that owns an apartment building located in Hoover, AL, which was recorded at $9.5 million. The investment was operating as of December 31, 2022.
Hotels
As of December 31, 2022, we owned investments in hotels recorded at $2.5 million, with ventures recorded at $0.8 million located in the New York City SMSA and the remainder located in Bermuda. The hotels were operating as of December 31, 2022.
Commercial
As of December 31, 2022, we owned investments in commercial real estate ventures recorded at $15.3 million, one located in the New York City SMSA and one located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both commercial real estate ventures were operating as of December 31, 2022.
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, 2022, our real estate investment business held interests in joint ventures recorded on our financial statements at approximately $121.7 million.
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, 2022, we employed 536 employees, of which 509 were employed by Liggett, and 27 were employed at Vector Group’s corporate headquarters.
Approximately 30% 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 509 employees at Liggett as of December 31, 2022, 298 were employed at Liggett’s Mebane factory, 154 were employed throughout the United States in sales positions and the remaining 57 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. Management Science Associates’ data indicate that in 2022, Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds, the two largest cigarette manufacturers, controlled 71.8% of the United States 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 58.8% of the premium segment and 44.4% of the total domestic market during 2022. During 2022, all of Liggett’s sales were in the discount segment, and its share of the total domestic cigarette market was 5.4%. 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.
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 18.5% in 2022, 14.4% in 2021 and 14.2% in 2020, Management Science Associates’ data indicate that the discount market share of these other smaller manufacturers and
importers was approximately 30.3% in 2022, 34.2.% in 2021 and 35.5% in 2020. 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.
The domestic cigarette industry has experienced declining unit sales in recent periods, which could result in lower sales or higher costs for us.
Management Science Associates’ data indicated that domestic industry-wide shipments of cigarettes declined by approximately 9.9% in 2022 and 6.5% in 2021 and increased by 1.5% in 2020. 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 United States 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 $1.8 million for each percentage point decline in shipment volumes in the U.S. market and approximately $2.6 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 United States, 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. Since certain of these excise taxes were proportionately smaller on other types of tobacco products, a dramatic increase in the sale of mislabeled pipe tobacco occurred, which took away market share from traditional cigarette products.
•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 United States 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.
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.
In June 2009, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (“TCA”) became law. 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. For a more complete discussion of the TCA, see Item 1. “Business. Legislation and Regulation.”
In July 2017, FDA announced a comprehensive plan for tobacco and nicotine regulation, proposing an increased focus on the impact of flavors (including menthol) and on reducing the level of nicotine in tobacco. In April 2021, FDA announced that it intends to issue a proposed rule to prohibit menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes within the next year. FDA indicated that the proposed rule will be one of the agency’s highest priorities. FDA indicated it may publish a final rule by the end of 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately 20% of our cigarette unit sales were menthol flavored. Regulations under the TCA that restrict or prohibit the sale of menthol flavored cigarettes would reduce the demand for our cigarettes and may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. 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.
As part of the comprehensive plan, FDA said it would focus on nicotine addiction, with the goal of lowering nicotine levels in combustible cigarettes through a product standard developed through notice and comment rule making, which FDA announced in March 2018. FDA indicated it plans to publish a proposed rule in October 2023. See Item 1. “Business. Legislation and Regulation.” At this time, we cannot predict the specific regulations FDA will enact, the timeframe for such regulations, or the effect of such regulations. The rule making process could take years and once a final rule is issued it typically does not take effect for at least one year. We cannot predict how a nicotine tobacco product standard, if ultimately issued by FDA, would impact product sales, whether it would have a material adverse effect on Liggett or Vector Tobacco, or whether it would impact Liggett and Vector Tobacco to a greater degree than other companies in the industry.
In April 2018, FDA announced a change in its process for reviewing “provisional” substantial equivalence applications. See Item 1. “Business. Legislation and Regulation” for additional information on the substantial equivalence process. 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 applications, with certain “conditions” (as described under Item 1. “Business. Legislation and Regulation”). Liggett received a letter from FDA in May 2018 advising that FDA does not intend to conduct further review for certain applications, also with certain “conditions” (as described under Item 1. “Business. Legislation and Regulation”). FDA has not indicated whether the applications relating to Liggett’s other products, not covered by that May 2018 letter, would proceed through FDA review. We cannot predict whether FDA will deem Liggett’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.
In March 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. The rule establishes marketing requirements that include the random and equal display and distribution of the required warnings for cigarette packages and quarterly rotation of the required warnings for cigarette advertisements. In April 2020, Liggett, along with other tobacco companies, commenced an action against the FDA in the United States District Court, District of Texas (Tyler Division) challenging the legality of the graphic warning final rule. In December 2022, the district court granted the tobacco companies’ motion for summary judgment finding that the graphic warning final rule violated the rights of the tobacco companies under the First Amendment. In February 2023, FDA filed a notice indicating it would appeal the ruling. The inclusion of new warnings and rotation requirements pursuant to the final rule would likely increase Liggett’s production costs.
It is likely that the TCA and further regulatory efforts by FDA could result in a decline in cigarette sales in the United States, 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.
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, 2022, there were 53 individual product liability lawsuits, two purported class actions and one health care cost recovery action pending in the United States 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 Liggett. Punitive damages, often in amounts ranging into the 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 Florida Supreme Court’s ruling in Engle 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. 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 $145.0 billion in punitive damages, including $790.0 million 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, we and Liggett, and other cigarette manufacturers, were sued in thousands of Engle progeny cases in both federal and state courts in Florida. Although we were not named as a defendant in the Engle case, we were named as a defendant in substantially all of the Engle progeny cases where Liggett was named as a defendant. Notwithstanding Liggett’s multi-plaintiff settlements, Liggett and Vector Group remain defendants in 21 state court Engle progeny cases. The costs associated with defending these cases continue to negatively impact our cash flows. We cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future settlements and judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that those requirements will not be able to be met.
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 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, 2022, the Participating Manufacturers had entered into agreements with 39 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, 2022, Liggett and Vector Tobacco accrued approximately $11.1 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 Attorneys General of Mississippi and Texas advised Liggett that they 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 agreements with Mississippi and Texas.
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 (the “1996 Agreement”). In April 2017, the Chancery Court ruled that the 1996 Agreement should be enforced and referred the matter to a Special Master for further proceedings to determine the amount of damages, if any, to be awarded.
In April 2021, the parties stipulated that the unpaid principal (exclusive of interest) purportedly due from Liggett to Mississippi pursuant to the 1996 Agreement (from inception through 2019) is approximately $16.7 million, subject to Liggett’s right to litigate and/or appeal the enforceability of the 1996 Agreement (and all issues other than the calculation of such principal amount). In September 2019, the Special Master held a hearing regarding Mississippi’s claim for pre- and post-judgment interest. In August 2021, the Special Master issued a final report with proposed findings and recommendations that pre-judgment interest, in the amount of approximately $18.8 million, is due from Liggett from April 2005 - August 3, 2021. In April 2022, the Mississippi Chancery Court affirmed the Special Master’s findings and a final judgment was entered by the court on June 1, 2022. Additional interest amounts will accrue if the judgment is not overturned on appeal. Liggett continues to assert that the April 2017 Chancery Court order is in error because the most favored nations provision in the 1996 Agreement eliminated all of Liggett’s payment obligations to Mississippi. Liggett appealed the final judgment and posted a bond of $24 million in June 2022. Briefing on the appeal is underway.
Liggett may be required to make additional payments to Mississippi and Texas which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
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 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 United States 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.
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.
Our success depends on the availability of suitable real estate investments at acceptable prices and having sufficient liquidity to acquire such investments. Our success in investing in real estate depends in part upon the continued availability of suitable real estate assets at acceptable prices. The availability of properties for investment at favorable prices depends on a number of factors outside of our control, including the risk of competitive over-bidding on real estate assets. Should suitable opportunities become less available, the number of properties we develop and invest in would be reduced, which would reduce revenue and profits. In addition, our ability to make investments will depend upon whether we have sufficient liquidity to fund such purchases and investments.
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.
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 of the 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
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 entered into with Douglas Elliman in connection with the Distribution, 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 $1.7 million, $9.0 million and $10.8 million from these projects for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, 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 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 as a result 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 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, 2022, we and our subsidiaries had total outstanding indebtedness of $1.44 billion. In addition, subject to the terms of any future agreements, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future. There is a risk that we will not be able to generate sufficient funds to repay our debt. If we cannot service our fixed charges, it would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We have significant liquidity commitments.
During 2023, we will have significant liquidity commitments that will require the use of our existing cash resources. As of December 31, 2022, 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 $107.2 million,
•dividends of approximately $127.2 million based on the assumed quarterly cash dividend rate of $0.20 per share (based on payments on 156,173,968 common shares outstanding as of February 17, 2023 and 2,767,504 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.
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.
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 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 United States 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 29 years as of December 31, 2022. 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. Please see the Risk Factor, “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.
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 $8.64 and $14.39 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;
•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 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 expires in April 2028, as amended in January 2023.
We lease approximately 9,000 square feet of office space in New York, New York under a lease that expires in 2025. 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, 2022, 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
Liggett and other United States 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 which is incorporated by reference 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.
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, 2022 and 2021 and the results of operations of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 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 United States. 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 United States 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 on 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 at December 31, 2022 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.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The components of “Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash” in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 | | December 31,
2020 |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 224,580 | | | $ | 193,411 | | | $ | 258,421 | |
| | | | | |
| Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in other assets | 25,794 | | | 1,438 | | | 554 | |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of discontinued operations | — | | | — | | | 106,702 | |
| Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows | $ | 250,374 | | | $ | 194,849 | | | $ | 365,677 | |
(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 15% and 11% of Liggett’s revenues in 2022, 14% and 12% in 2021 and 18% and 12% in 2020. 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 37%, respectively, of Liggett’s net accounts receivable at December 31, 2022, and approximately 0% and 2%, respectively, at December 31, 2021. 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 $838 and $326 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Uncollectible accounts are written off when the likelihood of collection is remote and when collection efforts have been abandoned.
(h) Inventories:
Tobacco inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value with cost determined primarily by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method at Liggett and Vector Tobacco. Although portions of leaf tobacco inventories may not be used or sold within one year because of the time required for aging, they are included in current assets, which is common practice in the industry.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(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.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Indefinite life intangible assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, were $107,511. The Company performed its impairment test for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 and no impairment was noted.
(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.
Additionally, the Company performs impairment reviews on its long-term investments that are classified as equity securities without readily determinable fair values that do not qualify for the net asset value (“NAV”) practical expedient. On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the investments to determine if there are indicators of impairment. If so, a determination is made of whether there is an impairment and if it is considered temporary or other than temporary. The assessment of temporary or other-than-temporary impairment includes judgment and all relevant facts and circumstances. The impairment indicators that are taken into consideration as part of the 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.
(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.
The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components; the Company has elected the accounting policy to combine lease and non-lease components for all underlying asset classes.
(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 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 2014 Management Incentive Plan and under 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 balance sheets as reductions in additional paid-in capital until fully utilized and then accumulated deficit ($4,239, $3,832 and $3,684, net of
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
income taxes, for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively), which are included as “Distributions and dividends on common stock” in the Company’s consolidated statement of stockholders’ deficiency.
(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 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 $8,747 in 2022, $7,006 in 2021 and $5,602 in 2020. Shipping and handling costs related to sales transactions are part of cost of sales.
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 $4,748, $4,464 and $4,103 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(t) Comprehensive Income:
The Company presents net income and other comprehensive income in two separate, but 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,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 | | December 31,
2020 |
Net unrealized gains on investment securities available for sale, net of income taxes of $7, $21, and $160, respectively | $ | 7 | | | $ | 46 | | | $ | 422 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Pension-related amounts, net of income taxes of $5,799, $5,692, and $7,809, respectively | (16,080) | | | (15,769) | | | (21,496) | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ | (16,073) | | | $ | (15,723) | | | $ | (21,074) | |
(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.
The Company records Liggett’s product liability legal expenses as operating, selling, administrative and general expenses as those costs are incurred.
(v) Other, Net:
Other, net consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Interest and dividend income | $ | 8,627 | | | $ | 1,920 | | | $ | 5,621 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Post-retirement benefit insurance credits | 880 | | | 356 | | | 355 | |
| Change in derivative associated with guarantee | 2,646 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | |
| Expense related to Tax Disaffiliation indemnification | (589) | | | — | | | — | |
| Net (losses) gains recognized on investment securities | (7,980) | | | 9,384 | | | 1,818 | |
| Net periodic benefit cost other than the service costs | (944) | | | (975) | | | (3,618) | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Credit loss expense | — | | | — | | | (12,828) | |
| Other income | 106 | | | 2 | | | 6 | |
| Other, net | $ | 2,746 | | | $ | 10,687 | | | $ | (8,646) | |
(w) Other Assets:
Other assets consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31,
2022 | | December 31, 2021 |
| Restricted assets | $ | 25,907 | | | $ | 1,551 | |
| Prepaid pension costs | 38,100 | | | 44,585 | |
| | | |
| Other assets | 31,310 | | | 30,549 | |
| Total other assets | $ | 95,317 | | | $ | 76,685 | |
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(x) Other Current Liabilities:
Other current liabilities consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2022 | | December 31, 2021 |
| Accounts payable | $ | 6,351 | | | $ | 9,443 | |
| Accrued promotional expenses | 56,645 | | | 55,647 | |
| Accrued excise and payroll taxes payable, net | 17,160 | | | 22,919 | |
| Accrued interest | 30,451 | | | 30,676 | |
| | | |
| Accrued salaries and benefits | 9,614 | | | 13,982 | |
| | | |
| Allowance for sales returns | 7,526 | | | 6,669 | |
| Other current liabilities | 7,423 | | | 10,151 | |
| Total other current liabilities | $ | 135,170 | | | $ | 149,487 | |
(y) New Accounting Pronouncements:
Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”) to be adopted in future periods:
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 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.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
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. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Real Estate Segment Revenues | | | | | | |
| Sales on facilities primarily from Escena | | $ | 3,259 | | | $ | 5,353 | | | $ | 3,681 | |
| Revenues from investments in real estate | | 12,625 | | | 12,850 | | | 20,500 | |
| Total real estate revenues | | $ | 15,884 | | | $ | 18,203 | | | $ | 24,181 | |
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, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Term loan receivables: New Valley periodically provides term loans to commercial real estate developers, which are included in Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. New Valley had two loans in maturity default at December 31, 2022, with a total amortized cost basis of $15,928, including accrued interest receivable of $6,428 at both December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The loans are secured by guarantees and given their risk profiles are evaluated individually. As 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. Pursuant to the requirements of ASU 2016-13, New Valley’s expected credit loss estimate was $15,928 at both December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
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 | 15,928 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 15,928 | |
The following is the reconciliation of the allowance for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2021:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| January 1,
2021 | | Current Period Provision | | Write-offs | | Recoveries | | December 31,
2021 |
| Allowance for credit losses: | | | | | | | | | |
| New Valley term loan receivables | 15,928 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 15,928 | |
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
4. EARNINGS PER SHARE
As discussed in Note 14, the Company has stock option 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 represent participating securities under authoritative guidance. The Company recognizes payments of the dividend equivalent rights ($4,239, $3,832, and $3,684, for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively) on these options as reductions in additional paid-in-capital on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. 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 earnings per share (“EPS”) for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, the Company has adjusted its net income for the effect of these participating securities as follows:
Net income (loss) for purposes of determining basic EPS for discontinued operations and net income available to common stockholders attributed to Vector Group Ltd. was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the year ended December 31, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. from continuing operations | $ | 158,701 | | | $ | 147,154 | | | $ | 126,922 | |
| Net income (loss) attributed to Vector Group Ltd. from discontinued operations | — | | | 72,309 | | | (33,984) | |
| Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | 158,701 | | | 219,463 | | | 92,938 | |
| Income from continuing operations attributable to participating securities | (4,947) | | | (5,862) | | | (2,560) | |
| Net income available to common stockholders attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | 153,754 | | | $ | 213,601 | | | $ | 90,378 | |
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, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. from continuing operations | $ | 158,701 | | | $ | 147,154 | | | $ | 126,922 | |
| Income from continuing operations attributable to participating securities | (4,947) | | | (3,694) | | | (2,580) | |
| Net income available to common stockholders attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | 153,754 | | | $ | 143,460 | | | $ | 124,342 | |
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 (loss) for purposes of determining diluted EPS for discontinued operations and net income available to common stockholders attributed to Vector Group Ltd. was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the year ended December 31, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. from continuing operations | $ | 158,701 | | | $ | 147,154 | | | $ | 126,922 | |
| Net income (loss) attributed to Vector Group Ltd. from discontinued operations | — | | | 72,309 | | | (33,984) | |
| Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | 158,701 | | | 219,463 | | | 92,938 | |
| | | | | |
| Income from continuing operations attributable to participating securities | (4,947) | | | (5,862) | | | (2,560) | |
| Net income available to common stockholders attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | 153,754 | | | $ | 213,601 | | | $ | 90,378 | |
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
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, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. from continuing operations | $ | 158,701 | | | $ | 147,154 | | | $ | 126,922 | |
| | | | | |
| Income from continuing operations attributable to participating securities | (4,947) | | | (3,694) | | | (2,580) | |
| Net income available to common stockholders attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | 153,754 | | | $ | 143,460 | | | $ | 124,342 | |
Basic and diluted EPS for continuing and discontinued operations were calculated using the following common shares for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the year ended December 31, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Weighted-average shares for basic EPS | 152,752,874 | | | 152,403,072 | | | 150,216,141 | |
| | | | | |
| Incremental shares related to stock options and non-vested restricted stock | 141,977 | | | 71,777 | | | 34,812 | |
| | | | | |
| Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS | 152,894,851 | | | 152,474,849 | | | 150,250,953 | |
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 and shares issuable upon the conversion of convertible debt were outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the impact of common shares issuable under the convertible debt were anti-dilutive to EPS.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Weighted-average shares of non-vested restricted stock | 1,973 | | | 524,606 | | | 520,936 | |
| Weighted-average expense per share | $ | 11.23 | | | $ | 17.42 | | | $ | 19.54 | |
| Weighted-average number of shares issuable upon conversion of debt | — | | | — | | | 2,423,719 | |
| Weighted-average conversion price | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 20.27 | |
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.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The components of lease expense were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Operating lease cost | | | $ | 4,405 | | | $ | 4,578 | | | $ | 4,572 | |
Short-term lease cost | | | 415 | | | 374 | | | 349 | |
Variable lease cost | | | 299 | | | 320 | | | 634 | |
| | | | | | | |
Finance lease cost: | | | | | | | |
Amortization | | | 33 | | | 58 | | | 111 | |
Interest on lease liabilities | | | 5 | | | 9 | | | 14 | |
Total lease cost | | | $ | 5,157 | | | $ | 5,339 | | | $ | 5,680 | |
| | | | | | | |
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2019 |
| Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities: | | | | | |
Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | 4,850 | | | $ | 4,961 | | | $ | 4,034 | |
Operating cash flows from finance leases | 5 | | | 10 | | | 14 | |
Financing cash flows from finance leases | 37 | | | 57 | | | 102 | |
| | | | | |
| ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: | | | | | |
Operating leases | 208 | | | 1,993 | | | 3,298 | |
Finance leases | — | | | — | | | 60 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | December 31, | | December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Finance leases: | | | | |
Investments in real estate, net (1) | | $ | — | | | $ | 30 | |
| | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, at cost | | $ | 127 | | | $ | 127 | |
Accumulated amortization | | (95) | | | (70) | |
Property and equipment, net | | $ | 32 | | | $ | 57 | |
| | | | |
Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt | | $ | 29 | | | $ | 55 | |
Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion | | 8 | | | 41 | |
Total finance lease liabilities | | $ | 37 | | | $ | 96 | |
| | | | |
| Weighted average remaining lease term in years: | | | | |
Operating leases | | 2.57 | | 3.36 |
Finance leases | | 1.25 | | 1.84 |
| | | | |
| Weighted average discount rate: | | | | |
Operating leases | | 9.89 | % | | 9.60 | % |
Finance leases | | 8.85 | % | | 8.21 | % |
| | | | |
| | | | |
_____________________________
(1)Includes finance lease equipment at a cost of $0 and $748 and accumulated amortization of $0 and $718 as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
As of December 31, 2022, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Operating Leases | | Finance
Leases | |
| Year Ending December 31: | | | | |
| 2023 | $ | 4,268 | | | $ | 31 | | |
| 2024 | 3,532 | | | 8 | | |
| 2025 | 2,137 | | | — | | |
| 2026 | 319 | | | — | | |
| 2027 | — | | | — | | |
| Thereafter | — | | | — | | |
| | | | |
| Total lease payments | 10,256 | | | 39 | | |
Less imputed interest | (1,236) | | | (2) | | |
| Total | $ | 9,020 | | | $ | 37 | | |
The Company leases office space from an affiliate of a significant stockholder of the Company. This lease represents $151 of the ROU asset balances and $163 of lease liability balances as of December 31, 2022. The rent expense for this lease was approximately $458 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had $1,073 undiscounted lease payments relating to leases that have not yet commenced. The operating leases will commence in the first half of 2023 with lease terms ranging between 2 and 3 years.
The Company’s rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $4,405, $4,578 and $4,572, respectively. 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. Rent expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 consisted of $3,170 of amortization and impairment of ROU assets and $1,402 of lease expense for interest accretion on operating lease liabilities.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
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, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The financial results of Douglas Elliman through the Distribution are presented as income (loss) 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, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| | (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) |
| Revenues: | | | | | |
| Real estate | $ | — | | | $ | 1,344,825 | | | $ | 773,987 | |
| | | | | |
| Expenses: | | | | | |
| Cost of sales | — | | | 989,436 | | | 547,543 | |
| | | | | |
| Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses | — | | | 253,942 | | | 212,926 | |
| Net loss on sales of asset | — | | | — | | | 1,169 | |
| Impairments of goodwill and intangible assets | — | | | — | | | 58,252 | |
| Restructuring charges | — | | | — | | | 3,382 | |
| Operating income (loss) | — | | | 101,447 | | | (49,285) | |
| | | | | |
| Other income (expenses): | | | | | |
| Interest expense | — | | | (164) | | | (263) | |
| Equity in (losses) earnings from real estate ventures | — | | | (278) | | | 30 | |
| Other, net | — | | | (870) | | | 3,190 | |
| Pretax income (loss) from discontinued operations | — | | | 100,135 | | | (46,328) | |
| Income tax expense | — | | | 28,016 | | | (12,344) | |
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations | — | | | 72,119 | | | (33,984) | |
| | | | | |
| Net loss from discontinued operations attributed to non-controlling interest | — | | | 190 | | | — | |
| | | | | |
| Net income (loss) from discontinued operations attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | — | | | $ | 72,309 | | | $ | (33,984) | |
The following table presents the information regarding certain components of cash flows from discontinued operations:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| | (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) |
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | — | | | $ | 8,561 | | | $ | 8,537 | |
| Non-cash lease expense | — | | | 18,667 | | | 17,326 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Capital expenditures | — | | | (4,106) | | | (6,126) | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
7. INVESTMENT SECURITIES
Investment securities at fair value consisted of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2022 | | December 31, 2021 |
| Debt securities available for sale | $ | 81,643 | | | $ | 103,906 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| Equity securities at fair value: | | | |
| Marketable equity securities | 12,724 | | | 19,560 | |
| Mutual funds invested in debt securities | 22,069 | | | 23,221 | |
Long-term investment securities at fair value (1) | 28,919 | | | 32,089 | |
| Total equity securities at fair value | 63,712 | | | 74,870 | |
| | | |
| Total investment securities at fair value | 145,355 | | | 178,776 | |
| Less: | | | |
Long-term investment securities at fair value (1) | 28,919 | | | 32,089 | |
| Current investment securities at fair value | $ | 116,436 | | | $ | 146,687 | |
| | | |
Long-term investment securities at fair value (1) | $ | 28,919 | | | $ | 32,089 | |
| Equity-method investments | 16,040 | | | 20,984 | |
| Total long-term investments | $ | 44,959 | | | $ | 53,073 | |
| | | |
Equity securities at cost: (2) | | | |
| Other equity securities at cost | $ | 2,755 | | | $ | 5,200 | |
_____________________________
(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.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Net gains recognized on investment securities were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Net (losses) gains recognized on equity securities at fair value | $ | (5,011) | | | $ | 9,615 | | | $ | 2,123 | |
| Net gains recognized on debt and equity securities available for sale | 6 | | | 45 | | | 110 | |
| | | | | |
| Impairment expense | (2,975) | | | (276) | | | (415) | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Net gains recognized on investment securities | $ | (7,980) | | | $ | 9,384 | | | $ | 1,818 | |
(a) Debt Securities Available for Sale:
The components of debt securities available for sale at December 31, 2022 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cost | | Gross
Unrealized
Gains | | Gross
Unrealized
Losses | | Fair
Value |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Marketable debt securities | $ | 81,629 | | | $ | 14 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 81,643 | |
| | | | | | | |
The table below summarizes the maturity dates of debt securities available for sale at December 31, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment Type: | Fair Value | | Under 1 Year | | 1 Year up to 5 Years | | More than 5 Years |
| U.S. Government securities | $ | 779 | | | $ | 779 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| Corporate securities | 53,814 | | | 33,165 | | | 20,649 | | | — | |
| U.S. mortgage-backed securities | 27,050 | | | 10,103 | | | 16,947 | | | — | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Total debt securities available for sale by maturity dates | $ | 81,643 | | | $ | 44,047 | | | $ | 37,596 | | | $ | — | |
The components of debt securities available for sale at December 31, 2021 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cost | | Gross
Unrealized
Gains | | Gross
Unrealized
Losses | | Fair
Value |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Marketable debt securities | $ | 103,838 | | | $ | 68 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 103,906 | |
| | | | | | | |
There were no available-for-sale debt securities with continuous unrealized losses for less than 12 months and 12 months or greater at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Gross realized gains and losses recognized on debt securities available for sale were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Gross realized gains on sales | | $ | 8 | | | $ | 108 | | | $ | 329 | |
| Gross realized losses on sales | | (2) | | | (63) | | | (219) | |
| Net gains recognized on debt securities available for sale | | $ | 6 | | | $ | 45 | | | $ | 110 | |
| | | | | | |
| Impairment expense | | $ | (2,975) | | | $ | (276) | | | $ | (415) | |
Although management generally does not have the intent to sell any specific securities at the end of the period, in the ordinary course of managing the Company’s investment securities portfolio, management may sell securities prior to their maturities for a variety of reasons, including diversification, credit quality, yield and liquidity requirements.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(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, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Net (losses) gains recognized on equity securities | | | $ | (5,011) | | | $ | 9,615 | | | $ | 2,123 | |
| Less: Net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities sold | | | 1,198 | | | 7,534 | | | (121) | |
| Net unrealized (losses) gains recognized on equity securities still held at the reporting date | | | $ | (6,209) | | | $ | 2,081 | | | $ | 2,244 | |
| | | | | | | |
The Company’s mutual funds invested 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 $514 related to long-term investment securities at fair value as of December 31, 2022.
The Company received cash distributions of $4,971 as of December 31, 2022, all of which were classified as investing cash inflows. The Company received cash distributions of $11,642 as of December 31, 2021, of which $11,509 were classified as investing cash inflows. The Company received cash distributions of $32,676 as of December 31, 2020, of which $32,572 were classified as investing cash inflows.
(c) Equity Securities Without Readily Determinable Fair Values That Do Not Qualify for the NAV Practical Expedient
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values that do not qualify for the NAV practical expedient consisted of investments in various limited liability companies at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The total carrying value of these investments was $2,755 and $5,200 and was included in “Other assets” on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. No impairment or other adjustments related to observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments were identified for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(d) Equity-Method Investments:
Equity-method investments consisted of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2022 | | December 31, 2021 |
| Mutual and hedge funds | $ | 16,040 | | | $ | 20,984 | |
| | | |
| | | |
At December 31, 2022, the Company’s ownership percentages in the mutual and hedge funds accounted for under the equity method ranged from 6.45% to 38.34%. The Company’s ownership percentage in these investments meets the threshold for equity-method accounting.
On February 14, 2020, Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (“LTS”) was acquired pursuant to a cash tender offer of $3.50 per outstanding common share and, in connection therewith, the Company received proceeds of $53,169 in exchange for the Company’s 15,191,205 common shares of LTS. The Company also tendered 240,000 shares of LTS 8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (Liquidation Preference $25.00 Per Share) for redemption and received an additional $6,009 in March 2020.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Equity in (losses) earnings from investments were:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Mutual fund and hedge funds | $ | (4,995) | | | $ | 2,675 | | | $ | 2,844 | |
| Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. | — | | | — | | | 53,424 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Equity in (losses) earnings from investments | $ | (4,995) | | | $ | 2,675 | | | $ | 56,268 | |
The Company received $51 and $50 in dividends from one of its equity-method investments that were reinvested back into the fund in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company received total cash distributions of $54,089 ($53,901, net of reinvested dividends) from the Company’s equity-method investments in 2020. The cash distributions of $53,901 in 2020 were classified as operating cash inflows.
(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.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| Investment securities | $ | 299,389 | | | $ | 493,705 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 2,860 | | | 44,644 | |
| Other assets | 87,507 | | | 14,151 | |
| Total assets | $ | 389,756 | | | $ | 552,500 | |
| | | |
| Other liabilities | $ | 159,246 | | | $ | 214,607 | |
| Total liabilities | 159,246 | | | 214,607 | |
| Partners’ capital | 230,510 | | | 337,893 | |
| Total liabilities and partners’ capital | $ | 389,756 | | | $ | 552,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Investment income | $ | 3,209 | | | $ | 1,574 | | | $ | 1,779 | |
| Expenses | 13,272 | | | 12,873 | | | 9,300 | |
| Net investment loss | (10,063) | | | (11,299) | | | (7,521) | |
| Total net realized gain and net change in unrealized depreciation from investments | (84,466) | | | 48,342 | | | 123,381 | |
| Net increase in partners’ capital resulting from operations | $ | (94,529) | | | $ | 37,043 | | | $ | 115,860 | |
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
8. INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| Leaf tobacco | $ | 39,893 | | | $ | 38,825 | |
| Other raw materials | 8,808 | | | 7,560 | |
| Work-in-process | 798 | | | 2,639 | |
| Finished goods | 64,865 | | | 64,218 | |
| | | |
| Inventories at current cost | 114,364 | | | 113,242 | |
| LIFO adjustments | (21,916) | | | (18,627) | |
| | $ | 92,448 | | | $ | 94,615 | |
All the Company’s inventories as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 have been reported under the LIFO method. The $21,916 LIFO adjustment as of December 31, 2022 decreases the current cost of inventories by $15,213 for Leaf tobacco, $1,220 for Other raw materials, $25 for Work-in-process, and $5,458 for Finished goods. The $18,627 LIFO adjustment as of December 31, 2021 decreased the current cost of inventories by $12,128 for Leaf tobacco, $829 for Other raw materials, $18 for Work-in-process, and $5,652 for Finished goods. Cost of sales was reduced by $3,248 and $330 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, due to liquidations of LIFO inventories.
The amount of capitalized MSA cost in “Finished goods” inventory was $23,084 and $20,450 as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Federal excise tax capitalized in inventory was $26,423 and $25,160 as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
At December 31, 2022, Liggett had tobacco purchase commitments of approximately $23,263. Liggett has a single source supply agreement for reduced ignition propensity cigarette paper through 2022.
9. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| Land and improvements | $ | 1,678 | | | $ | 1,624 | |
| Buildings | 18,792 | | | 18,060 | |
| Machinery and equipment | 175,816 | | | 167,713 | |
| Leasehold improvements | 1,266 | | | 1,277 | |
| | 197,552 | | | 188,674 | |
| Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (157,972) | | | (151,791) | |
| | $ | 39,580 | | | $ | 36,883 | |
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $7,218, $7,816 and $9,092, respectively.
The Company, through Liggett, had future machinery and equipment purchase commitments of $11,830 including $8,607 for factory modernization at December 31, 2022.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
10. NEW VALLEY LLC
(a) Investments in real estate ventures.
New Valley also holds equity investments in various real estate projects domestically and internationally. Many of New Valley’s investments in real estate ventures were in the New York City Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (“SMSA”). New Valley aggregated the disclosure of its investments in real estate ventures by property type and operating characteristics.
The components of “Investments in real estate ventures” were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Range of Ownership (1) | December 31, 2022 | | December 31, 2021 | |
| Condominium and Mixed Use Development: | | | | | |
| New York City SMSA | 4.1% - 22.8% | $ | 16,806 | | | $ | 22,654 | | |
| All other U.S. areas | 12.5% - 77.8% | 76,544 | | | 57,485 | | |
| | 93,350 | | | 80,139 | | |
| Apartment Buildings: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| All other U.S. areas | 50.0% | 9,471 | | | 11,900 | | |
| | 9,471 | | | 11,900 | | |
| Hotels: | | | | | |
| New York City SMSA | 0.4% - 12.3% | 800 | | | 1,635 | | |
| International | 49.0% | 1,710 | | | 1,522 | | |
| | 2,510 | | | 3,157 | | |
| Commercial: | | | | | |
| New York City SMSA | 49.0% | 7,869 | | | — | | |
| All other U.S. areas | 1.6% | 7,478 | | | 7,290 | | |
| | 15,347 | | | 7,290 | | |
| | | | | |
| Other | 15.0% - 49.0% | 439 | | | 2,576 | | |
| Investments in real estate ventures | | $ | 121,117 | | | $ | 105,062 | | |
_____________________________
(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 as a result of various factors including potential dilution, financing or admission of additional partners.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Contributions
The components of New Valley’s contributions to its investments in real estate ventures were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2022 | | December 31, 2021 |
| Condominium and Mixed Use Development: | | | |
| New York City SMSA | $ | 498 | | | $ | 396 | |
| All other U.S. areas | 16,723 | | | 33,719 | |
| 17,221 | | | 34,115 | |
| Apartment Buildings: | | | |
| | | |
| All other U.S. areas | — | | | 11,900 | |
| — | | | 11,900 | |
| Hotels: | | | |
| New York City SMSA | 206 | | | 1,848 | |
| | | |
| 206 | | | 1,848 | |
| Commercial: | | | |
| New York City SMSA | 8,070 | | | — | |
| | | |
| 8,070 | | | — | |
| | | |
| Other | 72 | | | — | |
| Total contributions | $ | 25,569 | | | $ | 47,863 | |
For ventures where New Valley previously held an investment, New Valley contributed its proportionate share of additional capital along with contributions by the other investment partners during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. New Valley’s direct investment percentage for these ventures did not significantly change.
Distributions
The components of distributions received by New Valley from its investments in real estate ventures were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2022 | | December 31, 2021 |
| Condominium and Mixed Use Development: | | | |
| New York City SMSA | $ | 2,187 | | | $ | 4,440 | |
| All other U.S. areas | 161 | | | 13,593 | |
| 2,348 | | | 18,033 | |
| Apartment Buildings: | | | |
| | | |
| All other U.S. areas | 550 | | | 18,566 | |
| 550 | | | 18,566 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| Commercial: | | | |
| | | |
| All other U.S. areas | 1,018 | | | 575 | |
| 1,018 | | | 575 | |
| | | |
| Other | 4,459 | | | — | |
| Total distributions | $ | 8,375 | | | $ | 37,174 | |
Of the distributions received by New Valley from its investment in real estate ventures, $3,429 and $25,326 were from distributions of earnings and $4,946 and $11,848 were a return of capital for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
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, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Condominium and Mixed Use Development: | | | | | |
| New York City SMSA | $ | (4,554) | | | $ | (4,147) | | | $ | (17,167) | |
| All other U.S. areas | (1,915) | | | (1) | | | (16,578) | |
| (6,469) | | | (4,148) | | | (33,745) | |
| Apartment Buildings: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| All other U.S. areas | (1,879) | | | 18,566 | | | (284) | |
| (1,879) | | | 18,566 | | | (284) | |
| Hotels: | | | | | |
| New York City SMSA | (1,041) | | | (1,597) | | | (3,248) | |
| International | 188 | | | (330) | | | (308) | |
| (853) | | | (1,927) | | | (3,556) | |
| Commercial: | | | | | |
| New York City SMSA | (201) | | | (2,591) | | | 1,340 | |
| All other U.S. areas | 1,206 | | | 780 | | | (437) | |
| 1,005 | | | (1,811) | | | 903 | |
| | | | | |
| Other | 2,250 | | | (430) | | | (8,046) | |
| Total equity in earnings (losses) from real estate ventures | $ | (5,946) | | | $ | 10,250 | | | $ | (44,728) | |
The Company recorded impairment expense of $490, $2,713 and $16,513 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The expense related to one commercial venture in each of 2022 and 2021 and the expense in 2020 related to six condominium and mixed use development units. As a result of the Company recording impairment charges on certain of its investments in real estate ventures, the impaired real estate ventures were recorded at fair value as of the period when the impairment charge was recorded. The impaired real estate ventures were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as a result of recording an other-than-temporary impairment charge.
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, 2022, the venture had a carrying value of $12,995.
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, 2022, the venture had a carrying value of $0.
Investment in Real Estate Ventures Entered Into During 2022:
New Valley invested $6,263 during the year ended December 31, 2022 for an approximate 75% interest in Nash Square Upstream JV LLC. The joint venture plans to develop a mixed use development. 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 as a result of its investment in Nash Square Upstream JV LLC was $6,510 at December 31, 2022.
New Valley invested $4,000 during the year ended December 31, 2022 for an approximate 25% interest in BH NV Aventura LLC. The joint venture plans to develop a mixed use development. The venture is a 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 as a result of its investment in BH NV Aventura LLC was $4,071 at December 31, 2022.
New Valley invested $4,000 during the year ended December 31, 2022 for an approximate 35% interest in BH NV NMB Venture LLC. The joint venture plans to develop a mixed use development. The venture is a 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 as a result of its investment in BH NV NMB Venture LLC was $4,080 at December 31, 2022.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
VIE Consideration
The Company has determined that New Valley is the primary beneficiary of one real estate venture because it controls the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the real estate venture. Consequently, New Valley consolidates this variable interest entity (“VIE”).
The carrying amount of the consolidated assets of the VIE was $0 at both December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Those assets are owned by the VIE, not the Company. The consolidated VIE had no recourse liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. A VIE’s assets can only be used to settle the obligations of that VIE. The VIE is not a guarantor of the Company’s senior notes and other debts payable.
For the remaining 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, 2022 |
| Condominium and Mixed Use Development: | |
| New York City SMSA | $ | 16,806 | |
| All other U.S. areas | 76,544 | |
| 93,350 | |
| Apartment Buildings: | |
| |
| All other U.S. areas | 9,471 | |
| 9,471 | |
| Hotels: | |
| New York City SMSA | 800 | |
| International | 1,710 | |
| 2,510 | |
| Commercial: | |
| New York City SMSA | 7,869 | |
| All other U.S. areas | 7,478 | |
| 15,347 | |
| |
| Other | 439 | |
| Total maximum exposure to loss | $ | 121,117 | |
New Valley capitalized $4,432 and $2,669 of interest costs into the carrying value of its ventures whose projects were currently under development during the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, 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.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Company believes that as of December 31, 2022, 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, 2022.
(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.
Other Condominium and Mixed Use Development:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Income Statements | | | | | |
| Revenue | $ | 117,836 | | | $ | 301,703 | | | $ | 386,859 | |
| Cost of sales | 63,618 | | | 317,894 | | | 302,234 | |
| Other expenses | 143,619 | | | 117,985 | | | 270,642 | |
| Loss from continuing operations | $ | (89,401) | | | $ | (134,176) | | | $ | (186,017) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| | | |
| Balance Sheets | | | |
| Investment in real estate | $ | 1,529,516 | | | $ | 1,434,205 | |
| Total assets | 1,667,802 | | | 1,513,581 | |
| Total debt | 1,193,638 | | | 1,107,366 | |
| Total liabilities | 1,480,725 | | | 1,284,579 | |
| Non-controlling interest | 73,391 | | | 63,781 | |
Apartment Buildings:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Income Statements | | | | | |
| Revenue | $ | 2,934 | | | $ | 35,213 | | | $ | 65,808 | |
| | | | | |
| Other expenses | 4,563 | | | 46,360 | | | 63,705 | |
| (Loss) income from continuing operations | $ | (1,629) | | | $ | (11,147) | | | $ | 2,103 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| | | |
| Balance Sheets | | | |
| Investment in real estate | $ | 64,350 | | | $ | — | |
| Total assets | 68,664 | | | 6,780 | |
| Total debt | 48,449 | | | — | |
| Total liabilities | 49,722 | | | 131 | |
| Non-controlling interest | — | | | 4,990 | |
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Hotels:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Income Statements | | | | | |
| Revenue | $ | 166,169 | | | $ | 42,549 | | | $ | 130,742 | |
| Cost of sales | 5,049 | | | 3,671 | | | 2,671 | |
| Other expenses | 293,761 | | | 201,211 | | | 256,973 | |
| Loss from continuing operations | $ | (132,641) | | | $ | (162,333) | | | $ | (128,902) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| | | |
| Balance Sheets | | | |
| Investment in real estate | $ | 1,580,798 | | | $ | 1,553,911 | |
| Total assets | 1,651,072 | | | 1,631,664 | |
| Total debt | 1,113,419 | | | 1,110,700 | |
| Total liabilities | 1,281,161 | | | 1,213,044 | |
| Non-controlling interest | 374,608 | | | 412,165 | |
Commercial:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Income Statements | | | | | |
| Revenue | $ | 10,226 | | | $ | 1,662 | | | $ | 7,911 | |
| | | | | |
| Equity in (losses) earnings | 37,690 | | | 24,383 | | | (13,671) | |
| Other expenses | 12,274 | | | 1,412 | | | 4,740 | |
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | $ | 35,642 | | | $ | 24,633 | | | $ | (10,500) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| | | |
| Balance Sheets | | | |
| Investment in real estate | $ | 51,468 | | | $ | 51,173 | |
| Total assets | 71,364 | | | 71,296 | |
| Total debt | 56,394 | | | 55,625 | |
| Total liabilities | 57,424 | | | 55,016 | |
| | | |
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Other:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Income Statements | | | | | |
| Revenue | $ | 6,761 | | | $ | 180,092 | | | $ | 571 | |
| | | | | |
| Other expenses | 21,548 | | | 303,352 | | | 48,633 | |
| Loss from continuing operations | $ | (14,787) | | | $ | (123,260) | | | $ | (48,062) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| | | |
| Balance Sheets | | | |
| Investment in real estate | $ | 430,961 | | | $ | 392,754 | |
| Total assets | 486,655 | | | 444,520 | |
| Total debt | 321,587 | | | 227,724 | |
| Total liabilities | 331,928 | | | 233,329 | |
| Non-controlling interest | 112,141 | | | 152,775 | |
(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 assets have been classified as “Investments in real estate, net” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and the components were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31,
2022 | | December 31,
2021 |
| Land and land improvements | $ | — | | | $ | 8,520 | |
| Building and building improvements | — | | | 1,926 | |
| Other | — | | | 1,643 | |
| | — | | | 12,089 | |
| Less accumulated depreciation | — | | | (2,991) | |
| Investment in real estate, net | $ | — | | | $ | 9,098 | |
The Company recorded operating income of $1,316 and $63, and operating losses of $735 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, 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 has no continuing investment or involvement. The sale was presented as revenue and the cost of the investment as cost of sales on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Investment in Sagaponack. In April 2015, New Valley invested $12,502 in a residential real estate project located in Sagaponack, NY. In August 2020, New Valley sold the project for $20,500 and recognized the revenue in accordance with the
scope of ASC Topic 606 since New Valley has no continuing investment or involvement. The sales were presented as revenues
and the cost of the investment as cost of sales on the consolidated statements of operations.
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.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
11. NOTES PAYABLE, LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS
Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2022 | | December 31, 2021 |
| Vector: | | | |
5.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 | $ | 875,000 | | | $ | 875,000 | |
| | | |
10.5% Senior Notes due 2026, net of unamortized discount of $2,209 and $2,647 | 539,926 | | | 552,353 | |
| | | |
| Liggett: | | | |
Revolving credit facility | 22,035 | | | 24 | |
| | | |
Equipment loans | 37 | | | 64 | |
| Other | — | | | 32 | |
| Total notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations | 1,436,998 | | | 1,427,473 | |
| Less: | | | |
| Debt issuance costs | (24,672) | | | (28,803) | |
| Total notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations | 1,412,326 | | | 1,398,670 | |
| Less: | | | |
| Current maturities | (22,065) | | | (79) | |
| Amount due after one year | $ | 1,390,261 | | | $ | 1,398,591 | |
Senior Notes - Vector:
6.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2025:
On January 27, 2017, the Company sold $850,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 6.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 in a private offering to qualified institutional investors and non-U.S. persons pursuant to the exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”) contained in Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act.
The 6.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 paid interest on a semi-annual basis at a rate of 6.125% per year and had a maturity date of February 1, 2025. On February 1, 2021, the 6.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 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.
The 6.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 were guaranteed subject to certain customary automatic release provisions on a joint and several basis by all of the wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries of the Company that are engaged in the conduct of the Company’s cigarette businesses. In addition, some of the guarantees were collateralized by first priority or second priority security interests in certain assets of some of the subsidiary guarantors, including their common stock, pursuant to security and pledge agreements.
5.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2029:
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 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.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
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, 2022, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.
10.5% Senior Notes due 2026:
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.
In September 2022, the Company repurchased in the market $12,865 in aggregate principal amount of its 10.5% Senior Notes outstanding and recorded a gain of $412 associated with the repurchase. The Senior Notes that were repurchased have been retired. As of December 31, 2022, the Company has outstanding $542,135 aggregate principal amount of its 10.5% Senior Notes.
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, 2022. 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, 2022, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.
Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debt:
5.5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes due 2020:
On March 24, 2014, the Company completed the sale of $258,750 in aggregate principal amount of its 5.5% Variable Interest Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 (the “5.5% Convertible Notes”). The 5.5% Convertible Notes matured on April 15, 2020 and the Company paid $169,610 of principal.
Embedded Derivatives on the Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debt:
The portion of the interest on the Company’s convertible debt which was computed by reference to the cash dividends paid on the Company’s common stock was considered an embedded derivative within the convertible debt, which the Company was required to separately value.
A summary of non-cash interest expense associated with the amortization of the debt discount created by the embedded derivative liability associated with the Company’s variable interest senior convertible debt is set forth in the following table:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| | | | | |
5.5% Convertible Notes | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 4,053 | |
| | | | | |
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
A summary of non-cash changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt is set forth in the following table:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| | | | | |
5.5% Convertible Notes | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 4,999 | |
| | | | | |
The following table reconciles the fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt:
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | 5.5% Convertible Notes | | |
| Balance at January 1, 2020 | | | $ | 4,999 | | | |
| Gain from changes in fair value of embedded derivatives | | | (4,999) | | | |
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | | | $ | — | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Beneficial Conversion Feature on Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debt:
After giving effect to the recording of the embedded derivative liability as a discount to the convertible debt, the Company’s common stock had a fair value at the issuance date of the debt exceeding the conversion price resulting in a beneficial conversion feature.
A summary of non-cash interest expense associated with the amortization of the debt discount created by the beneficial conversion feature on the Company’s variable interest senior convertible debt is set forth in the following table:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Amortization of beneficial conversion feature: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
5.5% Convertible Notes | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,223 | |
| | | | | |
Unamortized Debt Discount on Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debt:
The following table reconciles unamortized debt discount within convertible debt:
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | 5.5% Convertible Notes | | |
| Balance at January 1, 2020 | | | $ | 5,276 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Amortization of embedded derivatives | | | (4,053) | | | |
| Amortization of beneficial conversion feature | | | (1,223) | | | |
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | | | $ | — | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Revolving Credit Agreement — Liggett:
In January 2015, Liggett and 100 Maple LLC (“Maple”), a subsidiary of Liggett, entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as agent and lender.
On October 31, 2019, Liggett and Maple amended the Credit Agreement to, among other things, update the borrowing base to adjust the advance rates in respect of eligible inventory and add certain eligible real property. On March 22, 2021, Liggett, Maple and Vector Tobacco entered into Amendment No. 4 and Joinder to the Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo. The Credit Agreement was amended to, among other things, (i) add Vector Tobacco as a borrower under the Credit Agreement, (ii) extend the maturity of the Credit Agreement to March 22, 2026, and (iii) increase the amount of the maximum credit line thereunder from $60,000 to $90,000.
Since October 31, 2019, all borrowings under the Credit Agreement have been limited to a borrowing base equal to the sum of (I) the lesser of 85% of eligible trade receivables less certain reserves and $15,000; plus (II) 80% of the value of eligible inventory consisting of packaged cigarettes; plus (III) 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 (IV) the lesser of (a) the real property subline amount or (b) 60% of the fair market value of eligible real property. The obligations under the Credit Agreement are collateralized on a first priority basis by
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
all inventories, receivables and certain other personal property of Liggett and Maple, a mortgage on Liggett’s manufacturing facility and certain real property of Maple, subject to certain permitted liens.
The term of the Credit Agreement expires on March 22, 2026. Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.25%. The interest rate applicable to this Credit Agreement at December 31, 2022 was 6.64%. The Credit Agreement, as amended, permitted the guaranty of the 6.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2025, and permits the guaranty of the 5.75% Senior Secured Notes and the 10.5% Senior Notes, by each of Liggett, Maple and Vector Tobacco. 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 Liggett’s, Maple’s, Vector Tobacco’s and their subsidiaries’ ability to incur, create or assume certain indebtedness, to incur or assume certain liens, to purchase, hold or acquire certain investments, to declare or make certain dividends and distributions and to engage in certain mergers, consolidations and asset sales. The Credit Agreement also requires the Company to comply with specified financial covenants, including that the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined under the Credit Agreement, on a trailing twelve month basis, of the Tobacco segment 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. The covenants also require 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, 2022.
As of December 31, 2022, there was $22,035 in outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement. Availability, as determined under the Credit Agreement, was $57,488 based on eligible collateral at December 31, 2022.
Non-Cash Interest Expense — Vector:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| | | | | |
| Amortization of debt discount, net | $ | 439 | | | $ | 393 | | | $ | 5,628 | |
| Amortization of debt issuance costs | 4,102 | | | 3,775 | | | 3,761 | |
Gain on repurchase of 10.5% Senior Notes | (412) | | | — | | | — | |
Loss on extinguishment of 6.125% Senior Secured Notes | — | | | 8,349 | | | — | |
| $ | 4,129 | | | $ | 12,517 | | | $ | 9,389 | |
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, 2022 | | December 31, 2021 |
| Carrying
Value | | Fair
Value | | Carrying
Value | | Fair
Value |
5.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 | $ | 875,000 | | | $ | 758,993 | | | $ | 875,000 | | | $ | 849,459 | |
10.5% Senior Notes due 2026 | 539,926 | | | 537,202 | | | 552,353 | | | 576,717 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Liggett and other | 22,072 | | | 22,072 | | | 120 | | | 124 | |
| Notes payable and long-term debt | $ | 1,436,998 | | | $ | 1,318,267 | | | $ | 1,427,473 | | | $ | 1,426,300 | |
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, 2022 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 and other obligations was determined by calculating the present value of the required future cash flows.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
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.
Scheduled Maturities:
Scheduled maturities of notes payable and long-term debt were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Principal | | Unamortized
Discount/ (Premium) | | Net |
| Year Ending December 31: | | | | | |
| 2023 | $ | 22,065 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 22,065 | |
| 2024 | 7 | | | — | | | 7 | |
| 2025 | — | | | — | | | — | |
| 2026 | 542,135 | | | 2,209 | | | 539,926 | |
| 2027 | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Thereafter | 875,000 | | | — | | | 875,000 | |
| Total | $ | 1,439,207 | | | $ | 2,209 | | | $ | 1,436,998 | |
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 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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.
At December 31, 2022, 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: 2023 to 2026 – none; 2027 – $63,550 and 2028 to 2032 – $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 of the Company’s manufacturing employees as of December 31, 2022 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 approximately 57 hourly retirees, who retired prior to 1991, for Medicare Part B premiums. In addition, the Company provides life insurance
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
benefits to approximately 76 active employees and 333 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.
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 |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Change in benefit obligation: | | | | | | | |
| Benefit obligation at January 1 | $ | (121,166) | | | $ | (125,842) | | | $ | (8,480) | | | $ | (9,101) | |
| Service cost | (414) | | | (415) | | | — | | | — | |
| Interest cost | (2,628) | | | (2,284) | | | (233) | | | (224) | |
| | | | | | | |
| Plan amendment | — | | | — | | | — | | | (48) | |
| | | | | | | |
| Benefits paid | 5,993 | | | 6,452 | | | 975 | | | 471 | |
| Expenses paid | 264 | | | 291 | | | — | | | — | |
| Actuarial gain | 14,375 | | | 632 | | | 1,455 | | | 422 | |
| Benefit obligation at December 31 | $ | (103,576) | | | $ | (121,166) | | | $ | (6,283) | | | $ | (8,480) | |
| Change in plan assets: | | | | | | | |
| Fair value of plan assets at January 1 | $ | 104,545 | | | $ | 102,812 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | |
| Actual return on plan assets | (14,331) | | | 8,373 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | |
| Expenses paid | (264) | | | (291) | | | — | | | — | |
| Contributions | 101 | | | 103 | | | 975 | | | 471 | |
| Benefits paid | (5,993) | | | (6,452) | | | (975) | | | (471) | |
| Fair value of plan assets at December 31 | $ | 84,058 | | | $ | 104,545 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| Unfunded status at December 31 | $ | (19,518) | | | $ | (16,621) | | | $ | (6,283) | | | $ | (8,480) | |
| Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets: | | | | | | | |
| Prepaid pension costs | $ | 38,100 | | | $ | 44,585 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| Other accrued liabilities | (89) | | | (95) | | | (596) | | | (621) | |
| Non-current employee benefit liabilities | (57,529) | | | (61,111) | | | (5,687) | | | (7,859) | |
| Net amounts recognized | $ | (19,518) | | | $ | (16,621) | | | $ | (6,283) | | | $ | (8,480) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Pension Benefits | | Other Postretirement Benefits |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Service cost — benefits earned during the period | $ | 414 | | | $ | 415 | | | $ | 592 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 2,628 | | | 2,284 | | | 3,545 | | | 233 | | | 224 | | | 286 | |
| Expected return on assets | (3,530) | | | (3,458) | | | (3,869) | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Prior service cost | — | | | — | | | — | | | 8 | | | 4 | | | 4 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Settlement loss | — | | | — | | | 1,805 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Amortization of net loss (gain) | 1,636 | | | 1,835 | | | 1,836 | | | (31) | | | 86 | | | 11 | |
| Net expense | $ | 1,148 | | | $ | 1,076 | | | $ | 3,909 | | | $ | 210 | | | $ | 314 | | | $ | 301 | |
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
As of December 31, 2022, accumulated other comprehensive loss, before income taxes, consisted of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Defined
Benefit
Pension Plans | | Post-
Retirement
Plans | | Total |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of January 1, 2022 | $ | (20,817) | | | $ | (644) | | | $ | (21,461) | |
| Amortization of prior service costs | — | | | 8 | | | 8 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Amortization of loss (gain) | 1,636 | | | (31) | | | 1,605 | |
| Net (loss) gain arising during the year | (3,486) | | | 1,455 | | | (2,031) | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as of December 31, 2022 | $ | (22,667) | | | $ | 788 | | | $ | (21,879) | |
As of December 31, 2021, accumulated other comprehensive loss, before income taxes, consisted of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Defined
Benefit
Pension Plans | | Post-
Retirement
Plans | | Total |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of January 1, 2021 | $ | (28,199) | | | $ | (1,106) | | | $ | (29,305) | |
| Amortization of prior service costs | — | | | 4 | | | 4 | |
| Effect of settlement | — | | | (48) | | | (48) | |
| Amortization of loss | 1,835 | | | 86 | | | 1,921 | |
| Net gain arising during the year | 5,547 | | | 420 | | | 5,967 | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2021 | $ | (20,817) | | | $ | (644) | | | $ | (21,461) | |
As of December 31, 2022, 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, |
| 2022 | | 2021 |
| Accumulated benefit obligation | $ | 57,618 | | | $ | 61,206 | |
| Fair value of plan assets | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, |
| 2022 | | 2021 |
| Projected benefit obligation | $ | 57,618 | | | $ | 61,206 | |
| 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 |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Weighted average assumptions: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Discount rates — benefit obligation | 4.90% - 5.30% | | 1.80% - 2.70% | | 1.40% - 2.30% | | 5.40% | | 2.85% | | 2.55% |
| Discount rates — service cost | 1.80% - 2.70% | | 1.40% - 2.30% | | 2.55% - 3.10% | | 2.85% | | 2.55% | | 3.30% |
| Assumed rates of return on invested assets | 3.50% | | 3.50% | | 4.00 % | | N/A | | N/A | | N/A |
| Salary increase assumptions | N/A | | N/A | | N/A | | 3.00% | | 3.00% | | 3.00% |
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
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
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 4.83%, 7.74% and 6.91% for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and the Company’s actual five-year annual rate of return on its pension plan assets was 2.42%, 7.86% and 7.51% for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, 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 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, 2022, Liggett used a 12.57-year period for its Hourly Plan and a 11.34-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, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Asset category: | | | |
| Equity securities | 34 | % | | 38 | % |
| Investment grade fixed income securities | 66 | % | | 62 | % |
| High yield fixed income securities | — | % | | — | % |
| | | |
| | | |
| Total | 100 | % | | 100 | % |
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
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, 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 | | $ | 1,679 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,679 | | | $ | — | |
| Amounts in individually managed investment accounts: | | | | | | | | |
| Cash, mutual funds and common stock | | 85 | | | 85 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Common collective trusts at NAV (1) | | 82,294 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Total | | $ | 84,058 | | | $ | 85 | | | $ | 1,679 | | | $ | — | |
(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, 2021 |
| | | | 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 | | $ | 1,868 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,868 | | | $ | — | |
| Amounts in individually managed investment accounts: | | | | | | | | |
| Cash, mutual funds and common stock | | 91 | | | 91 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Common collective trusts at NAV (1) | | 102,586 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Total | | $ | 104,545 | | | $ | 91 | | | $ | 1,868 | | | $ | — | |
(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 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. For 2021 measurement purposes, annual increases in Medicare Part B trends were assumed to equal rates between 4.21% and 7.19% between 2022 and 2029 and 4.5% thereafter.
To comply with ERISA’s minimum funding requirements, the Company does not currently anticipate that it will be required to make any contributions to the pension plan year beginning on January 1, 2023 and ending on December 31, 2023. 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 |
| 2023 | $ | 5,902 | | | $ | 596 | |
| 2024 | 5,576 | | | 598 | |
| 2025 | 5,223 | | | 585 | |
| 2026 | 4,891 | | | 564 | |
| 2027 | 68,108 | | | 547 | |
| 2028 - 2032 | 24,994 | | | 2,398 | |
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plans:
The Company maintains 401(k) plans for substantially all U.S. employees which allow eligible employees to invest a percentage of their pre-tax compensation. The Company contributed to the 401(k) plans and expensed $1,590, $1,473 and $1,465 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
13. INCOME TAXES
The amounts provided for income taxes were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Current: | | | | | |
| U.S. Federal | $ | 35,733 | | | $ | 33,398 | | | $ | 30,583 | |
| State | 10,902 | | | 14,945 | | | 12,910 | |
| | 46,635 | | | 48,343 | | | 43,493 | |
| Deferred: | | | | | |
| U.S. Federal | 11,079 | | | 11,399 | | | 7,343 | |
| State | 4,147 | | | 3,065 | | | 3,285 | |
| | 15,226 | | | 14,464 | | | 10,628 | |
| Total | $ | 61,861 | | | $ | 62,807 | | | $ | 54,121 | |
The tax effect of temporary differences which give rise to a significant portion of deferred tax assets and liabilities is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2022 | | December 31, 2021 |
| Deferred tax assets: | | | |
Employee benefit accruals | $ | 7,471 | | | $ | 7,828 | |
Impairment of investments | 12,342 | | | 12,337 | |
Impact of timing of settlement payments | 9,054 | | | 10,854 | |
| | | |
| Various U.S. federal and state tax loss carryforwards | 1,828 | | | 2,378 | |
Operating lease liabilities | 2,328 | | | 3,277 | |
| Current expected credit losses | 4,111 | | | 4,111 | |
Other | 3,000 | | | 3,910 | |
| 40,134 | | | 44,695 | |
Less: Valuation allowance | (550) | | | (348) | |
Net deferred tax assets | $ | 39,584 | | | $ | 44,347 | |
| | | |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | | | |
| Basis differences on non-consolidated entities | $ | (39,884) | | | $ | (24,441) | |
| Basis differences on fixed and intangible assets | (34,794) | | | (35,154) | |
| | | |
| Basis differences on inventory | (11,165) | | | (10,808) | |
| Basis differences on long-term investments | (2,777) | | | (4,383) | |
| | | |
| Basis differences on available for sale securities | — | | | (1,490) | |
| Operating lease right of use assets | (1,998) | | | (2,839) | |
| | | |
| $ | (90,618) | | | $ | (79,115) | |
| | | |
| Net deferred tax liabilities | $ | (51,034) | | | $ | (34,768) | |
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 $1,828 and $2,378 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company had valuation allowances of $550 and $348 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The valuation allowances at December 31, 2022 and 2021 primarily related to state net operating loss carryforwards of standalone subsidiaries.
On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act into law. The Act includes several significant tax and payroll-related provisions for corporations, including the usage of net operating losses, bonus depreciation, interest expense, and certain payroll benefits. The Company determined that there was a minimal impact of the CARES Act on its financial statements and required disclosures.
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, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Income before provision for income taxes | $ | 220,562 | | | $ | 209,961 | | | $ | 181,043 | |
| Federal income tax expense at statutory rate | 46,318 | | | 44,092 | | | 38,018 | |
| Increases (decreases) resulting from: | | | | | |
| State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefits | 10,585 | | | 13,946 | | | 12,974 | |
| | | | | |
| Non-deductible expenses | 3,511 | | | 6,205 | | | 2,859 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation | (285) | | | (561) | | | (206) | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Changes in valuation allowance, net of equity and tax audit adjustments | 202 | | | (504) | | | (440) | |
| | | | | |
| Other | 1,530 | | | (371) | | | 916 | |
| Income tax expense | $ | 61,861 | | | $ | 62,807 | | | $ | 54,121 | |
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 and Distribution expenses. The federal and state NOLs and valuation allowance are decreased by the Distribution entity and NOLs expiration.
The following table summarizes the activity related to the unrecognized tax benefits:
| | | | | |
| Balance at January 1, 2020 | $ | 1,647 | |
| |
| Additions based on tax positions related to prior years | 458 | |
| |
| Settlements | (402) | |
| Expirations of the statute of limitations | (50) | |
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | 1,653 | |
| |
| Additions based on tax positions related to prior years | 1,640 | |
| |
| Settlements | (1,065) | |
| Expirations of the statute of limitations | (19) | |
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | 2,209 | |
| |
| Additions based on tax positions related to prior years | 1,409 | |
| |
| Settlements | — | |
| Expirations of the statute of limitations | (351) | |
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | 3,267 | |
In the event the unrecognized tax benefits of $3,267 at December 31, 2022 were recognized, such recognition would impact the effective tax rate. The Company classifies all tax-related interest and penalties as income tax expense.
It is reasonably possible the Company may recognize up to approximately $39 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.
The Company files U.S. and state and local income tax returns in jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. The Company, from time to time, receives notices related to audits and adjustments related to its partnerships.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
14. STOCK COMPENSATION
The Company granted equity compensation under its Amended and Restated 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “1999 Plan”) until the 1999 Plan expired on December 31, 2013. On May 16, 2014, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2014 Management Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”). The 2014 Plan replaced the 1999 Plan. Like the 1999 Plan, the 2014 Plan provides for the Company to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock. The 2014 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 2014 Plan are 5,262,538 shares. The Company may satisfy its obligations under any award granted under the 2014 Plan by issuing new shares. Awards previously granted under the 1999 Plan remain outstanding in accordance with their terms.
Stock Options. The Company recognized compensation expense of $339, $849 and $1,428 related to stock options in the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
All awards have a contractual term of ten years and awards vest over a period of four years. The fair value of option grants is 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.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
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, 2020 | 4,443,346 | | | $ | 14.80 | | | 5.0 | | $ | 4,427 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Exercised | (620,527) | | | $ | 11.14 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Outstanding on December 31, 2020 | 3,822,819 | | | $ | 15.40 | | | 4.6 | | $ | 487 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Exercised | — | | | $ | — | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Outstanding on December 31, 2021 | 3,822,819 | | | $ | 15.40 | | | 3.6 | | $ | 238 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Exercised | — | | | $ | — | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Outstanding on December 31, 2022 | 3,822,819 | | | $ | 15.40 | | | 2.6 | | $ | 794 | |
| Options exercisable at: | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2020 | 2,540,150 | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2021 | 2,988,727 | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2022 | 3,415,944 | | | | | | | |
_____________________________
(1)The aggregate intrinsic value represents the amount by which the fair value of the underlying common stock ($11.86, $11.48 and $11.65 at December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively) exceeds the option exercise price.
Additional information relating to options outstanding at December 31, 2022 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 |
| 12/31/2022 | | | | 12/31/2022 | | | |
| $9.86 | - | $11.83 | | 1,462,190 | | | 1.8 | | $ | 11.32 | | | 1,055,315 | | | 0.2 | | $ | 11.47 | | | $ | — | |
| $11.83 | - | $13.80 | | — | | | — | | | $ | — | | | — | | | — | | | $ | — | | | — | |
| $13.80 | - | $15.77 | | 519,278 | | | 1.4 | | $ | 14.68 | | | 519,278 | | | 1.4 | | $ | 14.68 | | | — | |
| $15.77 | - | $17.74 | | — | | | — | | | $ | — | | | — | | | — | | | $ | — | | | — | |
| $17.74 | - | $19.71 | | 1,841,351 | | | 3.6 | | $ | 18.84 | | | 1,841,351 | | | 3.6 | | $ | 18.84 | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | 3,822,819 | | | 2.6 | | $ | 15.40 | | | 3,415,944 | | | 2.2 | | $ | 15.93 | | | $ | 794 | |
As of December 31, 2022, there was $41 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 0.16 years at December 31, 2022.
As a result of adopting 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, 2020 was $835. Tax benefits related to option exercises of $104 were recorded as reductions to income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Restricted Stock Awards. In 2022, the Company granted 770,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the 2014 Plan. The shares vest over a period of four years and the Company will recognize $8,547 of expense over the vesting period. The Company recognized expense of $1,810 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
In 2022, the Company granted an award of 300,000 shares of its common stock pursuant to its 2014 Plan subject to service and performance-based vesting (and continued employment) over a period of four-years. The Company will recognize $3,330 of expense over the vesting period. The Company recognized expense of $705 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
In 2022, the Company granted 45,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the 2014 Plan. The shares vest over a period of two years and the Company will recognize $505 of expense over the vesting period. The Company recognized expense of $14 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
In 2021, the Company granted 623,500 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the 2014 Plan. The shares vest over a period of four years and the Company will recognize $8,919 of expense over the vesting period. The Company recognized expense of $1,492 and $4,245 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
In 2021, the Company granted an award of 250,000 shares of its common stock pursuant to its 2014 Plan subject to service and performance-based vesting (and continued employment) over a period of four-years. The Company will recognize $3,578 of expense over the vesting period. The Company recognized expense of $596 and $1,699 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
In 2020, the Company granted 425,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the 2014 Plan. The shares vest over a period of four years and the Company will recognize $5,041 of expense over the vesting period. The Company recognized expense of $839, $2,271 and $747 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
In 2019, the Company granted 63,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the 2014 Plan. The shares vest over a period of three years and the Company will recognize $564 of expense over the vesting period. The Company recognized expense of $43, $209 and $188 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The Company recognized expense of $2,010, $5,525, and $7,022 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to performance based restricted stock awards granted in 2014 and 2015.
As of December 31, 2022, there was $15,501 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 1.39 years.
As of December 31, 2021, there was $10,627 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock awards.
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 United States cigarette manufacturers have been named as defendants in numerous direct, third-party and purported class actions predicated on the theory that cigarette manufacturers should be liable for damages alleged to have been caused by cigarette smoking or by exposure to secondary smoke from cigarettes. The cases have generally fallen into the following categories: (i) smoking and health cases alleging personal injury brought on behalf of individual plaintiffs (“Individual Actions”); (ii) lawsuits by individuals requesting the benefit of the Engle ruling (“Engle progeny cases”); (iii) smoking and health cases primarily alleging personal injury or seeking court-supervised programs for ongoing medical monitoring, as well as cases alleging that use of the terms “lights” and/or “ultra lights” constitutes a deceptive and unfair trade practice, common law fraud or violation of federal law, purporting to be brought on behalf of a class of individual plaintiffs (“Class Actions”); and (iv) health care cost recovery actions brought by various foreign and domestic governmental plaintiffs and non-governmental plaintiffs seeking reimbursement for health care expenditures allegedly caused by cigarette smoking and/or disgorgement of profits (“Health Care Cost Recovery Actions”). The future financial impact of the risks and expenses of litigation are not quantifiable. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, Liggett incurred tobacco product liability legal expenses and costs totaling $8,031, $6,256, and $6,476, 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.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
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, 2022, other than the bond regarding the Mississippi litigation (described below), there are no other litigation bonds posted.
In June 2009, Florida amended its existing bond cap statute by adding a $200,000 bond cap that applies to all Florida tobacco litigation in the aggregate and establishes individual bond caps in amounts that vary depending on the number of judgments in effect at a given time. The maximum amount of any such bond for an appeal in the Florida state courts will be no greater than $5,000. In several cases, plaintiffs challenged the constitutionality of the bond cap statute, but to date the courts have upheld the constitutionality of the statute. It is possible that the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome of such challenges.
Accounting Policy. The Company and its subsidiaries record provisions in their consolidated financial statements for pending litigation when they determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. At the present time, while it is reasonably possible that an unfavorable outcome in a case may occur, except as 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, 2022, there were 53 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 |
| | |
| Florida | | 24 |
| Illinois | | 12 |
| Hawaii | | 6 |
| Nevada | | 4 |
| New Mexico | | 3 |
| Louisiana | | 2 |
| Massachusetts | | 1 |
| South Carolina | | 1 |
| | |
The plaintiffs’ allegations of liability in cases in which individuals seek recovery for injuries allegedly caused by cigarette smoking are based on various theories of recovery, including negligence, gross negligence, breach of special duty, strict liability, fraud, concealment, misrepresentation, design defect, failure to warn, breach of express and implied warranties, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, concert of action, unjust enrichment, common law public nuisance, property damage, invasion of privacy, mental anguish, emotional distress, disability, shock, indemnity, violations of deceptive trade practice laws, the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”), state RICO statutes and antitrust statutes. In many of these cases, in addition to compensatory damages, plaintiffs also seek other forms of relief including treble/multiple damages,
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
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.
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, 2022, 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 $3,700 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. On an individual basis, Liggett settled an additional 210 Engle progeny cases for approximately $8,240 in the aggregate.
As of December 31, 2022, 21 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, 2022, 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.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Liggett Only Cases
There are currently two cases where Liggett is the sole defendant: Cowart is an Individual Action and Forbing is an Engle progeny case. It is possible that cases where Liggett is the only defendant could increase as a result of the remaining Engle progeny cases and newly filed Individual Actions.
Upcoming Trials
As of December 31, 2022, there was one Engle progeny case (Stein) and ten Individual Actions (Bennett, Camacho, Geist, Grace, Lopez, H., Martinez, McMakin, Mier, Roach and Tully) scheduled for trial through December 31, 2023, where Liggett is a named defendant. Trial dates are subject to change and additional cases could be set for trial during this time.
Maryland Cases
Liggett was a defendant in 16 multi-defendant personal injury cases in Maryland alleging claims arising from asbestos and tobacco exposure (“synergy cases”). In June 2017, after the Court of Appeals (Maryland’s highest court) ruled that joinder of tobacco and asbestos cases may be possible in certain circumstances and then remanded the case, the trial court dismissed all synergy cases against the tobacco company defendants, including Liggett, without prejudice. Plaintiffs may seek appellate review or file new cases against the tobacco companies.
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, 2022, 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, 2022, 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
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
claims that the tobacco industry was “unjustly enriched” by their payment of health care costs allegedly attributable to smoking and seek reimbursement of those costs. Relief sought by some, but not all, plaintiffs include punitive damages, multiple damages and other statutory damages and penalties, injunctions prohibiting alleged marketing and sales to minors, disclosure of research, disgorgement of profits, funding of anti-smoking programs, additional disclosure of nicotine yields, and payment of attorney and expert witness fees.
Department of Justice Lawsuit
In September 1999, the United States government commenced litigation against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. The action sought to recover, among other things, an unspecified amount of health care costs paid and to be paid by the federal government for smoking-related illnesses allegedly caused by the fraudulent and tortious conduct of defendants. In August 2006, the trial court entered a Final Judgment against each of the cigarette manufacturing defendants, except Liggett. The judgment was affirmed on appeal. As a result, the cigarette manufacturing defendants, other than Liggett, are now subject to the trial court’s Final Judgment which ordered, among other things, the issuance of “corrective statements” in various media regarding the adverse health effects of smoking, the addictiveness of smoking and nicotine, the lack of any significant health benefit from smoking “low tar” or “lights” cigarettes, defendants’ manipulation of cigarette design to ensure optimum nicotine delivery and the adverse health effects of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.
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 United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands (collectively, the “Settling States”) to settle the asserted and unasserted health care cost recovery and certain other claims of the Settling States. The MSA received final judicial approval in each Settling State.
As a result of the MSA, the Settling States released Liggett and Vector Tobacco from:
•all claims of the Settling States and their respective political subdivisions and other recipients of state health care funds, relating to: (i) past conduct arising out of the use, sale, distribution, manufacture, development, advertising and marketing of tobacco products; (ii) the health effects of the exposure to, or research, statements or warnings about, tobacco products; and
•all monetary claims of the Settling States and their respective subdivisions and other recipients of state health care funds relating to future conduct arising out of the use of, or exposure to, tobacco products that have been manufactured in the ordinary course of business.
The MSA restricts tobacco product advertising and marketing within the Settling States and otherwise restricts the activities of 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.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Liggett has no payment obligations under the MSA except to the extent its market share exceeds a market share exemption of approximately 1.65% of total cigarettes sold in the United States. Vector Tobacco has no payment obligations under the MSA except to the extent its market share exceeds a market share exemption of approximately 0.28% of total cigarettes sold in the United States. Liggett and Vector Tobacco’s domestic shipments accounted for approximately 5.4% of the total cigarettes sold in the United States in 2022. 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 29, 2022, Liggett and Vector Tobacco pre-paid $268,250 of their approximate $283,000 2022 MSA obligation, the balance of which will be paid in April 2023, subject to applicable disputes or adjustments.
Certain MSA Disputes
NPM Adjustment. Liggett and Vector Tobacco contend that they are entitled to an NPM Adjustment for 2003 - 2021. 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 - 2021, 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.
In June 2010, after the PMs prevailed in 48 of 49 motions to compel arbitration, the parties commenced the arbitration for the 2003 NPM Adjustment. That arbitration concluded in September 2013. It was followed by various challenges filed in state courts by states that did not prevail in the arbitration. Those challenges resulted in reductions, but not elimination of, the amounts awarded. Since then, the PMs have settled the NPM Adjustment dispute with 39 states representing approximately 80% of the MSA allocable share.
The 2004 NPM Adjustment arbitration commenced in 2016, with the arbitration panel eventually finding three states liable for the NPM Adjustment. Two of these states have since filed motions in applicable state courts and with the arbitration panels 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. The parties have selected an arbitration panel to address the NPM Adjustments for 2005 - 2007 and are engaged in discovery, with individual state hearings scheduled to start in March 2023.
As a result of the settlements described above, Liggett and Vector Tobacco reduced cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2022 by $12,278, for an aggregate reduction in costs of sales for years 2013 - 2021 of $74,550. Liggett and Vector Tobacco may be entitled to further adjustments. As of December 31, 2022, Liggett and Vector Tobacco had accrued approximately $11,100 related to the 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. As of December 31, 2022, there remains approximately $48,500 in the disputed payments account relating to Liggett and Vector Tobacco’s 2011 - 2021 NPM Adjustment disputes with the non-settling states. If Liggett and Vector Tobacco lose the disputes for all or any of those years, pursuant to the MSA, no interest would be due on the amounts paid into the disputed payment account.
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 United States Tobacco Company, Liggett’s payment obligations to those four states were eliminated. With respect to all non-economic obligations under the previous settlements, Liggett believes it is entitled to the most favorable provisions as between the MSA and each state’s respective settlement with the other major tobacco companies. Therefore, Liggett’s non-economic obligations to all states and territories are now defined by the MSA.
In 2003, as a result of a dispute with Minnesota regarding its settlement agreement, Liggett agreed to pay $100 a year in any year cigarettes manufactured by Liggett are sold in that state. In November 2022, Minnesota advised Liggett that the settlement agreement had terminated pursuant to its terms and that statutory fee-in-lieu of settlement payments will be collected from wholesalers distributing Liggett’s products in Minnesota. Further, the Attorneys General for Florida, Mississippi and Texas advised Liggett that they believed Liggett had failed to make payments under the respective settlement agreements with those states. In 2010, Liggett settled with Florida and agreed to pay $1,200 and to make further annual payments of $250 for a
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
period of 21 years, starting in March 2011, with the payments in 2022 through the duration of the agreement subject to an inflation adjustment.
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 (the “1996 Agreement”) alleging that Liggett owes Mississippi at least $27,000 in compensatory damages and interest. In April 2017, the Chancery Court ruled, over Liggett’s objections, that the 1996 Agreement should be enforced as Mississippi claims and referred the matter first to arbitration and then to a Special Master for further proceedings to determine the amount of damages, if any, to be awarded. In April 2021, following confirmation of the final arbitration award, the parties stipulated that the unpaid principal (exclusive of interest) purportedly due from Liggett to Mississippi pursuant to the 1996 Agreement was approximately $16,700, subject to Liggett’s right to litigate and/or appeal the enforceability of the 1996 Agreement (and all issues other than the calculation of the principal amount allegedly due).
In September 2019, the Special Master held a hearing regarding Mississippi’s claim for pre- and post-judgment interest. In August 2021, the Special Master issued a final report with proposed findings and recommendations that pre-judgment interest, in the amount of approximately $18,800, is due from Liggett from April 2005 - August 3, 2021. In April 2022, the Mississippi Chancery Court affirmed the Special Master’s findings and a final judgment was entered by the court on June 1, 2022. Additional interest amounts will accrue if the judgment is not overturned on appeal. Liggett continues to assert that the April 2017 Chancery Court order is in error because the most favored nations provision in the 1996 Agreement eliminated all of Liggett’s payment obligations to Mississippi. Liggett appealed the final judgment and posted a bond of $24,000 in June 2022. Briefing on the appeal is underway.
Liggett may be required to make additional payments to Mississippi and/or Texas which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Cautionary Statement
Management is not able to reasonably predict the outcome of the litigation pending or threatened against Liggett or the Company. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties. Liggett has been found liable in multiple Engle progeny cases and Individual Actions, several of which were affirmed on appeal and satisfied by Liggett. It is possible that other cases could be decided unfavorably against Liggett and that Liggett will be unsuccessful on appeal. Liggett may attempt to settle particular cases if it believes it is in its best interest to do so.
Management cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future defense costs, settlements or judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that 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.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The activity in the Company’s accruals for the MSA and tobacco litigation for the three years ended December 31, 2022 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, 2020 | $ | 34,116 | | | $ | 4,249 | | | $ | 38,365 | | | $ | 17,275 | | | $ | 20,594 | | | $ | 37,869 | |
| Expenses | 175,538 | | | 312 | | | 175,850 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| NPM Settlement adjustment | 299 | | | — | | | 299 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Change in MSA obligations capitalized as inventory | 182 | | | — | | | 182 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Payments | (170,513) | | | (4,334) | | | (174,847) | | | (197) | | | — | | | (197) | |
| Reclassification to/(from) non-current liabilities | (855) | | | 3,252 | | | 2,397 | | | 855 | | | (3,252) | | | (2,397) | |
| Interest on withholding | — | | | 488 | | | 488 | | | — | | | 1,926 | | | 1,926 | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2020 | 38,767 | | | 3,967 | | | 42,734 | | | 17,933 | | | 19,268 | | | 37,201 | |
| Expenses | 173,786 | | | 211 | | | 173,997 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| NPM Settlement adjustment | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Change in MSA obligations capitalized as inventory | (670) | | | — | | | (670) | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Payments, net of credits received | (204,706) | | | (4,091) | | | (208,797) | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Reclassification to/(from) non-current liabilities | 4,709 | | | 3,351 | | | 8,060 | | | (4,709) | | | (3,351) | | | (8,060) | |
| Interest on withholding | — | | | 480 | | | 480 | | | — | | | 1,763 | | | 1,763 | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2021 | 11,886 | | | 3,918 | | | 15,804 | | | 13,224 | | | 17,680 | | | 30,904 | |
| Expenses | 278,327 | | | 239 | | | 278,566 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| NPM Settlement adjustment | (15) | | | — | | | (15) | | | (2,108) | | | — | | | (2,108) | |
| Change in MSA obligations capitalized as inventory | 2,634 | | | — | | | 2,634 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Payments, net of credits received | (277,994) | | | (7,948) | | | (285,942) | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Reclassification to/(from) non-current liabilities | — | | | 3,566 | | | 3,566 | | | — | | | (3,566) | | | (3,566) | |
| Interest on withholding | — | | | 521 | | | 521 | | | — | | | 2,003 | | | 2,003 | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $ | 14,838 | | | $ | 296 | | | $ | 15,134 | | | $ | 11,116 | | | $ | 16,117 | | | $ | 27,233 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
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.
Liggett and the Company have received three separate 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.
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.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
16. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
| Cash paid during the period for: | | | | | |
| Interest, including interest related to finance leases | $ | 112,759 | | | $ | 111,759 | | | $ | 118,807 | |
| Income taxes, net | 42,426 | | | 92,698 | | | 41,372 | |
| | | | | |
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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 $540 under the agreement for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.
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 in 2022. The Company and Douglas Elliman also entered into 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 agreement, Douglas Elliman paid the Company $2,418 in 2022. 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.
As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company’s indemnification obligation of the contingent liability related to Douglas Elliman was valued at $0 and $2,646, respectively.
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 $1,709, $8,956 and $10,783 from these projects for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, 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 and $870, respectively, in accordance with brokerage activities in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
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 $257, $241 and $265 in 2022, 2021 and 2020, 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 $41 per month increasing to $48 per month. The Company recorded rental expense of $458 for the three years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, associated with the lease.
Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. Prior to February 14, 2020, the Company owned 15,191,205 common shares (or approximately 10.2%) of LTS, which was a publicly-traded diversified financial services company prior to its merger with Advisor Group. The Company accounted for its investment in LTS under the equity method of accounting. In connection with the merger, in February 2020, the Company received cash proceeds of $53,169. The Company recorded equity in earnings of $53,424 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company also received $6,009 for the redemption of its 240,000 shares of LTS 8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Prior to the merger, the Company and LTS were parties to a management agreement and LTS paid the Company $103 under the agreement for 2020; this amount was recorded as equity income. At the closing of the transaction, the Company’s management agreement with LTS was terminated.
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, 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) | | $ | 155,411 | | | $ | 155,411 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial paper (1) | | 54,526 | | | — | | | 54,526 | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Money market funds securing legal bonds (2) | | 24,000 | | | 24,000 | | | — | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Investment securities at fair value | | | | | | | | | | |
| Equity securities at fair value | | | | | | | | | | |
Marketable equity securities | | 12,724 | | | 12,724 | | | — | | | — | | | |
| Mutual funds invested in debt securities | | 22,069 | | | 22,069 | | | — | | | — | | | |
Total equity securities at fair value | | 34,793 | | | 34,793 | | | — | | | — | | | |
| Debt securities available for sale | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government securities | | 779 | | | — | | | 779 | | | — | | | |
Corporate securities | | 53,814 | | | — | | | 53,814 | | | — | | | |
U.S. government and federal agency | | 27,050 | | | — | | | 27,050 | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total debt securities available for sale | | 81,643 | | | — | | | 81,643 | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total investment securities at fair value | | 116,436 | | | 34,793 | | | 81,643 | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Long-term investments | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term investment securities at fair value (3) | | 28,919 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | | $ | 379,292 | | | $ | 214,204 | | | $ | 136,169 | | | $ | — | | | |
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_____________________________
(1)Amounts included in Cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets.
(2)Amounts included in current restricted assets and non-current restricted 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.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2021 | | |
| 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) | | $ | 130,583 | | | $ | 130,583 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial paper (1) | | 24,426 | | | — | | | 24,426 | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Certificates of deposit (2) | | 110 | | | — | | | 110 | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Investment securities at fair value | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity securities at fair value | | | | | | | | | | |
Marketable equity securities | | 19,560 | | | 19,560 | | | — | | | — | | | |
| Mutual funds invested in debt securities | | 23,221 | | | 23,221 | | | — | | | — | | | |
Total equity securities at fair value | | 42,781 | | | 42,781 | | | — | | | — | | | |
Debt securities available for sale | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. government securities | | 6,481 | | | — | | | 6,481 | | | — | | | |
Corporate securities | | 47,531 | | | — | | | 47,531 | | | — | | | |
U.S. government and federal agency | | 19,572 | | | — | | | 19,572 | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial paper | | 29,103 | | | — | | | 29,103 | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| International fixed-income securities | | 1,219 | | | — | | | 1,219 | | | — | | | |
Total debt securities available for sale | | 103,906 | | | — | | | 103,906 | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Total investment securities at fair value | | 146,687 | | | 42,781 | | | 103,906 | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Long-term investments | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term investment securities at fair value (3) | | 32,089 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | |
| Total | | $ | 333,895 | | | $ | 173,364 | | | $ | 128,442 | | | $ | — | | | |
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| Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair value of contingent liability | | $ | 2,646 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,646 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 2,646 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,646 | | | |
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_____________________________
(1)Amounts included in Cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets.
(2)Amounts included in current restricted assets and non-current restricted 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 the Level 2 certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is the rate offered by the financial institution. The fair value of investment securities 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, 2022 and 2021, respectively, except for investments in real estate ventures that were impaired as of December 31, 2021.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
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,
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 | | $ | 490 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
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.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Fair Value Measurement Using: |
| | Year Ended December 31,
2021 | | | | 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 | | $ | 2,713 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
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 $2,713 of impairment charges were included in equity in losses from real estate ventures for the year ended December 31, 2021.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
19. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company’s business segments were Tobacco and Real Estate. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.
Financial information for the Company’s operations before taxes and non-controlling interests for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Real | | Corporate | | |
| Tobacco | | | | Estate | | and Other | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | |
| 2022 | | | | | | | | | |
| Revenues | $ | 1,425,125 | | | | | $ | 15,884 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,441,009 | |
| Operating income (loss) | 347,044 | | (1) | | | 8,016 | | | (16,050) | | | 339,010 | |
| Equity in losses from real estate ventures | — | | | | | (5,946) | | | — | | | (5,946) | |
| Identifiable assets | 343,874 | | | | | 137,747 | | (4) | 426,970 | | (7) | 908,591 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 5,901 | | | | | 66 | | | 1,251 | | | 7,218 | |
| Capital expenditures | 9,872 | | | | | 1 | | | 84 | | | 9,957 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| 2021 | | | | | | | | | |
| Revenues | $ | 1,202,497 | | | | | $ | 18,203 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,220,700 | |
| Operating income (loss) | 360,317 | | (2) | | | 4,066 | | | (43,944) | | (5) | 320,439 | |
| Equity in earnings from real estate ventures | — | | | | | 10,250 | | | — | | | 10,250 | |
| Identifiable assets of continuing operations | 302,051 | | | | | 128,256 | | (4) | 440,780 | | (7) | 871,087 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 6,525 | | | | | 249 | | | 1,042 | | | 7,816 | |
| Capital expenditures | 5,827 | | | | | 3 | | | 3,570 | | | 9,400 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | | | | | | | | |
| Revenues | $ | 1,204,501 | | | | | $ | 24,181 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,228,682 | |
| Operating income (loss) | 319,536 | | (3) | | | (610) | | | (24,498) | | (6) | 294,428 | |
| Equity in losses from real estate ventures | | | | | (44,728) | | | | | (44,728) | |
| Identifiable assets of continuing operations | 357,518 | | | | | 103,523 | | (4) | 428,386 | | (7) | 889,427 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 7,877 | | | | | 337 | | | 878 | | | 9,092 | |
| Capital expenditures | 4,491 | | | | | 100 | | | 8,346 | | | 12,937 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
_____________________________
(1)Includes $2,123 received from a litigation settlement associated with the MSA expense (which reduced cost of sales) and $239 of litigation settlement and judgment expense.
(2)Includes $2,722 received from a litigation settlement associated with the MSA expense (which reduced cost of sales) and $211 of litigation settlement and judgment expense.
(3)Includes $337 of litigation settlement and judgment expense and $299 of expense from MSA settlement.
(4)Includes real estate investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting of $121,117, $105,062 and $85,400 as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, 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 $2,283 of gain on sale of assets.
(7)Includes cash of $213,988, investment securities of $116,436 and long-term investments of $44,959 as of December 31, 2022; cash of $167,383, investment securities of $146,687, and long-term investments of $53,073 as of December 31, 2021 and cash of $211,729, investment securities of $135,585, and long-term investments of $52,291 as of December 31, 2020.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
20. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
Unaudited quarterly data for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, | | September 30, | | June 30, | | March 31, |
| 2022 | | 2022 | | 2022 | | 2022 |
| Revenues | $ | 363,770 | | | $ | 377,995 | | | $ | 387,202 | | | $ | 312,042 | |
| Gross Profit | 116,188 | | | 110,972 | | | 115,964 | | | 99,227 | |
| Operating income | 89,272 | | | 83,901 | | | 90,711 | | | 75,126 | |
| Net income from continuing operations | 48,150 | | | 38,856 | | | 39,153 | | | 32,542 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Net income applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | 48,150 | | | $ | 38,856 | | | $ | 39,153 | | | $ | 32,542 | |
| Per basic common share: | | | | | | | |
| Net income from continuing operations applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | 0.30 | | | $ | 0.25 | | | $ | 0.25 | | | $ | 0.21 | |
| Net income from discontinued operations applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Net income applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | 0.30 | | | $ | 0.25 | | | $ | 0.25 | | | $ | 0.21 | |
| Per diluted common share: | | | | | | | |
| Net income from continuing operations applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | 0.30 | | | $ | 0.25 | | | $ | 0.25 | | | $ | 0.21 | |
| Net income from discontinued operations applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Net income applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | 0.30 | | | $ | 0.25 | | | $ | 0.25 | | | $ | 0.21 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, | | September 30, | | June 30, | | March 31, |
| 2021 | | 2021 | | 2021 | | 2021 |
| Revenues | $ | 313,673 | | | $ | 298,485 | | | $ | 337,554 | | | $ | 270,988 | |
| Gross Profit | 110,373 | | | 111,041 | | | 125,148 | | | 104,596 | |
| Operating income | 68,556 | | | 82,015 | | | 93,893 | | | 75,975 | |
| Net income from continuing operations | 30,711 | | | 29,912 | | | 64,981 | | | 21,550 | |
| Net income from discontinued operations | 14,531 | | | 18,857 | | | 28,324 | | | 10,407 | |
| Net income applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | 45,312 | | | $ | 48,889 | | | $ | 93,305 | | | $ | 31,957 | |
| Per basic common share: | | | | | | | |
| Net income from continuing operations applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | 0.20 | | | $ | 0.19 | | | $ | 0.41 | | | $ | 0.14 | |
| Net income from discontinued operations applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | 0.09 | | | 0.12 | | | 0.19 | | | 0.06 | |
| Net income applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | 0.29 | | | $ | 0.31 | | | $ | 0.60 | | | $ | 0.20 | |
| Per diluted common share: | | | | | | | |
| Net income from continuing operations applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | 0.20 | | | $ | 0.19 | | | $ | 0.41 | | | $ | 0.14 | |
| Net income from discontinued operations applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | 0.09 | | | 0.12 | | | 0.19 | | | 0.06 | |
| Net income applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. | $ | 0.29 | | | $ | 0.31 | | | $ | 0.60 | | | $ | 0.20 | |
It may not be possible to recalculate EPS attributable to common stockholders by adjusting EPS from continuing operations by EPS from discontinued operations because each amount is calculated independently.