e10vq
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For The Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2010
 
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
         
Delaware   1-5759   65-0949535
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  Commission File Number   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
100 S.E. Second Street
Miami, Florida 33131
305/579-8000

(Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code,
of the principal executive offices)
 
     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
þ Yes o No
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). þ Yes o No
     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
þ Large accelerated filer   o Accelerated filer   o Non-accelerated filer
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  o Smaller reporting company
     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. o Yes þ No
     At August 5, 2010, Vector Group Ltd. had 71,374,164 shares of common stock outstanding.
 
 

 


 

VECTOR GROUP LTD.
FORM 10-Q
T A B L E  O F  C O N T E N T S
         
    Page  
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
       
 
       
Item 1. Vector Group Ltd. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited):
       
 
       
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 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2
 EX-99.1
 EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
 EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

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VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
     
ASSETS:
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 285,530     $ 209,454  
Investment securities available for sale
    70,732       51,743  
Accounts receivable — trade
    6,743       8,098  
Inventories
    100,749       98,486  
Deferred income taxes
    15,602       14,154  
Restricted assets
    2,979       3,138  
Other current assets
    3,480       4,135  
 
           
Total current assets
    485,815       389,208  
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
    46,341       42,986  
Investment in Escena, net
    13,443       13,244  
Long-term investments accounted for at cost
    45,971       50,323  
Long-term investments accounted for under the equity method
    10,900        
Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses
    56,111       49,566  
Restricted assets
    5,713       4,835  
Deferred income taxes
    37,662       39,838  
Intangible asset
    107,511       107,511  
Prepaid pension costs
    9,480       8,994  
Other assets
    31,039       29,037  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 849,986     $ 735,542  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY:
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt
  $ 31,974     $ 21,889  
Current portion of employee benefits
    1,029       1,029  
Accounts payable
    5,894       4,355  
Accrued promotional expenses
    13,006       12,745  
Income taxes payable, net
    15,387       19,924  
Accrued excise and payroll taxes payable, net
    15,787       24,093  
Settlement accruals
    60,525       18,803  
Deferred income taxes
    23,965       17,254  
Accrued interest
    16,959       13,840  
Other current liabilities
    12,448       15,076  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    196,974       149,008  
 
               
Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion
    413,724       334,920  
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
    141,941       153,016  
Non-current employee benefits
    35,135       34,247  
Deferred income taxes
    49,261       45,120  
Other liabilities
    32,549       23,913  
 
           
Total liabilities
    869,584       740,224  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ deficiency:
               
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized
           
Common stock, par value $0.10 per share, 150,000,000 shares authorized, 74,605,075 and 74,510,595 shares issued and 71,357,164 and and 71,262,684 shares outstanding
    7,135       7,126  
Additional paid-in capital
          15,928  
Accumulated deficit
    (9,299 )      
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (4,577 )     (14,879 )
Less: 3,247,911 shares of common stock in treasury, at cost
    (12,857 )     (12,857 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ deficiency
    (19,598 )     (4,682 )
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficiency
  $ 849,986     $ 735,542  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
     
Revenues*
  $ 268,460     $ 206,794     $ 490,547     $ 328,010  
 
                               
Expenses:
                               
Cost of goods sold*
    210,994       147,764       380,905       220,290  
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
    22,028       20,183       43,186       41,713  
Litigation judgment expense
    14,361             14,361        
Gain on brand transaction
                      (5,000 )
Restructuring charges
                      1,000  
 
                       
Operating income
    21,077       38,847       52,095       70,007  
 
                               
Other income (expenses):
                               
Interest expense
    (20,770 )     (17,086 )     (39,575 )     (33,160 )
Loss on extinguishment of debt
          (18,444 )           (18,444 )
Change in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
    13,789       (19,488 )     11,075       (19,791 )
Impairment charges on investments
                      (8,500 )
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
    7,207       1,811       11,778       816  
Gain on sale of investment securities available for sale
    6,447             11,111        
Other, net
    2,852       76       2,978       226  
 
                       
 
                               
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
    30,602       (14,284 )     49,462       (8,846 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    11,379       (6,338 )     18,301       (4,000 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net income (loss)
  $ 19,223     $ (7,946 )   $ 31,161     $ (4,846 )
 
                       
 
                               
Per basic common share:
                               
 
                               
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ 0.27     $ (0.11 )   $ 0.43     $ (0.07 )
 
                       
 
                               
Per diluted common share:
                               
 
                               
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ 0.20     $ (0.11 )   $ 0.41     $ (0.07 )
 
                       
 
                               
Cash distributions and dividends declared per share
  $ 0.40     $ 0.38     $ 0.80     $ 0.76  
 
                       
 
*   Revenues and Cost of goods sold include excise taxes of $135,217, $103,458, $246,410 and $137,170, respectively.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Unaudited
                                                         
                                    Accumulated              
                    Additional             Other              
    Common Stock     Paid-In     Accumulated     Comprehensive     Treasury        
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Loss     Stock     Total  
Balance, December 31, 2009
    71,262,684     $ 7,126     $ 15,928     $     $ (14,879 )   $ (12,857 )   $ (4,682 )
 
                                                       
Net income
                      31,161                   31,161  
Pension-related minimum liability adjustments, net of income taxes
                            972             972  
Forward contract adjustments, net of income taxes
                            18             18  
Unrealized loss on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method, net of income taxes
                            (131 )           (131 )
Change in net unrealized gain on investment securities, net of income taxes
                            16,043             16,043  
Net unrealized gains reclassified into net income, net of income taxes
                            (6,600 )           (6,600 )
 
                                                   
Unrealized gain on investment securities, net of income taxes
                            9,443             9,443  
 
                                                     
Total other comprehensive income
                                        10,302  
 
                                                     
Total comprehensive income
                                        41,463  
 
                                                     
Tax benefit of options exercised
                75                         75  
Distributions and dividends on common stock
                (17,882 )     (40,460 )                 (58,342 )
Restricted stock grants
    50,000       5       (5 )                        
Exercise of stock options
    44,480       4       503                         507  
 
                                                       
Amortization of deferred compensation
                1,381                         1,381  
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Balance, June 30, 2010
    71,357,164     $ 7,135     $     $ (9,299 )   $ (4,577 )   $ (12,857 )   $ (19,598 )
 
                                         
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
                 
    Six Months     Six Months  
    Ended     Ended  
    June 30, 2010     June 30, 2009  
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 55,852     $ 52,553  
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Sale or maturity of investment securities
    15,433        
Purchase of investment securities
    (7,414 )     (10,667 )
Proceeds from sale or liquidation of long-term investments
    1,001       1,407  
Purchase of long-term investments
    (5,000 )      
Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses
    (924 )      
Distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses
    3,539       2,364  
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies
    (529 )     (757 )
(Increase) decrease in non-current restricted assets
    (878 )     446  
Issuance of notes receivable
    (535 )      
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
    3        
Capital expenditures
    (9,244 )     (1,409 )
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (4,548 )     (8,616 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from debt issuance
    79,585       38,246  
Deferred financing costs
    (2,582 )     (216 )
Repayments of debt
    (2,429 )     (3,052 )
Borrowings under revolver
    472,865       306,788  
Repayments on revolver
    (465,330 )     (306,167 )
Dividends and distributions on common stock
    (57,919 )     (58,310 )
Proceeds from exercise of Vector options and warrants
    507       182  
Excess tax benefit of options exercised
    75       13  
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    24,772       (22,516 )
 
           
 
               
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    76,076       21,421  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    209,454       211,105  
 
           
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 285,530     $ 232,526  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
1.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
  (a)   Basis of Presentation:
    The condensed consolidated financial statements of Vector Group Ltd. (the “Company” or “Vector”) include the accounts of VGR Holding LLC (“VGR Holding”), Liggett Group LLC (“Liggett”), Vector Tobacco Inc. (“Vector Tobacco”), Liggett Vector Brands Inc. (“Liggett Vector Brands”), New Valley LLC (“New Valley”) and other less significant subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
    Liggett is engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the United States. Vector Tobacco is engaged in research related to reduced risk cigarette products and the sale of cigarettes in the United States. New Valley is engaged in the real estate business and is seeking to acquire additional operating companies and real estate properties.
    The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments necessary (which are normal and recurring) to state fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The consolidated results of operations for interim periods should not be regarded as necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.
    Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2009 financial information to conform to the 2010 presentation.
  (b)   Distributions and Dividends on Common Stock:
    The Company records distributions on its common stock as dividends in its condensed consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity to the extent of retained earnings and accumulated paid-in capital. Any amounts exceeding retained earnings are recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital. Any amounts then exceeding accumulated paid-in capital are recorded as an increase to accumulated deficit.
  (c)   Earnings Per Share (“EPS”):
    Information concerning the Company’s common stock has been adjusted to give retroactive effect to the 5% stock dividend paid to Company stockholders on September 29, 2009. All per share amounts have been presented as if the stock dividends had occurred on January 1, 2009.
    Net income for purposes of determining basic EPS was as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
     
Net income (loss)
  $ 19,223     $ (7,946 )   $ 31,161     $ (4,846 )
(Income) loss attributable to participating securities
    (405 )     364       (671 )     222  
 
                       
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders
  $ 18,818     $ (7,582 )   $ 30,490     $ (4,624 )
 
                       

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

Unaudited
    Net income for purposes of determining diluted EPS was as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
     
Net income (loss)
  $ 19,223     $ (7,946 )   $ 31,161     $ (4,846 )
Income attributable to 3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures
    (3,509 )                  
Expense attributable to 6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Exchange Notes
                  1,046          
(Income) loss attributable to participating securities
    (331 )     364       (694 )     222  
 
                       
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders
  $ 15,383     $ (7,582 )   $ 31,513     $ (4,624 )
 
                       
    Basic and diluted EPS were calculated using the following shares:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
     
Weighted-average shares for basic EPS
    70,755,098       69,103,606       70,738,872       69,098,358  
 
                               
Plus incremental shares related to stock options and non-vested restricted stock
    249,318             202,261        
 
                               
Plus incremental shares related to convertible debt
    6,218,867             6,617,278        
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average shares for fully diluted EPS
    77,223,283       69,103,606       77,558,411       69,098,358  
 
                       
    The following stock options, non-vested restricted stock and shares issuable upon the conversion of convertible debt were outstanding during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the effects are considered anti-dilutive.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
     
Number of stock options
    609,442       5,535,475       609,442       5,535,475  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average exercise price
  $ 17.86     $ 11.04     $ 17.86     $ 11.04  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average shares of non-vested restricted stock
    10,326       691,064       5,220       450,095  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average expense per share
  $ 16.82     $ 13.50     $ 16.82     $ 14.12  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average number of shares issuable upon conversion of debt
    10,107,972       15,099,336       9,709,561       14,343,459  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average conversion price
  $ 15.59     $ 16.11     $ 16.48     $ 15.84  
 
                       

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

Unaudited
  (d)   Comprehensive Income:
    Other comprehensive income is a component of stockholders’ equity and includes such items as the unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale, forward foreign contracts and minimum pension liability adjustments. The Company’s comprehensive income was $21,818 and $41,463 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively. The Company’s comprehensive loss was $3,882 and $5,095 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.
  (e)   Fair Value of Derivatives Embedded within Convertible Debt:
    The range of estimated fair market values of the Company’s embedded derivatives was between $144,966 and $139,031. The Company recorded the fair market value of its embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs at $141,941 as of June 30, 2010. The estimated fair market value of the Company’s embedded derivatives could change significantly based on future market conditions. (See Note 4.)
  (f)   New Accounting Pronouncements:
    In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting and disclosure requirements for transfers of financial assets. The guidance requires additional disclosures for transfers of financial assets and changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets. The Company adopted this guidance for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
    In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting and disclosure requirements for the consolidation of variable interest entities. The amended guidance eliminates exceptions to consolidating qualifying special purpose entities, contains new criteria for determining the primary beneficiary, and increases the frequency of required reassessments to determine whether a company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. This guidance also contains a new requirement that any term, transaction, or arrangement that does not have a substantive effect on an entity’s status as a variable interest entity, a company’s power over a variable interest entity, or a company’s obligation to absorb losses or its right to receive benefits of an entity must be disregarded. The elimination of the qualifying special-purpose entity concept and its consolidation exception means more entities will be subject to consolidation assessments and reassessments. The Company adopted this guidance for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
    In January 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance intended to improve disclosure about fair value measurements. The guidance requires entities to disclose significant transfers in and out of fair value hierarchy levels and the reasons for the transfers and to present information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements separately in the reconciliation of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Additionally, the guidance clarifies that a reporting entity should provide fair value measurements for each class of assets and liabilities and disclose the inputs and valuation techniques used for fair value measurements using significant other observable inputs (Level 2) and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009 except for the disclosure about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the Level 3 reconciliation, which will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The Company adopted this authoritative guidance, with the exception of the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the Level 3 reconciliation. The adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company’s 2010 condensed consolidated financial statements. The remaining disclosures will be added to the Company’s future filings when applicable.

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Unaudited
2.   INVENTORIES
    Inventories consist of:
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
     
Leaf tobacco
  $ 44,153     $ 48,942  
Other raw materials
    3,148       3,497  
Work-in-process
    2,063       2,388  
Finished goods
    68,532       59,294  
 
           
Inventories at current cost
    117,896       114,121  
LIFO adjustments
    (17,147 )     (15,635 )
 
           
 
  $ 100,749     $ 98,486  
 
           
    The Company has a leaf inventory management program whereby, among other things, it is committed to purchase certain quantities of leaf tobacco. The purchase commitments are for quantities not in excess of anticipated requirements and are at prices, including carrying costs, established at the commitment date. At June 30, 2010, Liggett had leaf tobacco purchase commitments of approximately $38,100.
    All of the Company’s inventories at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 have been reported under the LIFO method.
3.   LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
    Long-term investments accounted at cost consist of the following:
                                 
    June 30, 2010     December 31, 2009  
    Carrying     Fair     Carrying     Fair  
    Value     Value     Value     Value  
Investment partnerships
  $ 45,134     $ 61,013     $ 49,486     $ 68,679  
Real estate partnership
    837       1,063       837       1,261  
 
                       
 
  $ 45,971     $ 62,076     $ 50,323     $ 69,940  
 
                       
    The fair value determination disclosed above would be classified as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy disclosed in Note 8 if such assets were recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The fair values were determined on unobservable inputs and were based on company assumptions, and information obtained from the partnerships based on the indicated market values of the underlying assets or investment portfolio.
    The changes in the fair value of the long-term investments accounted for at cost as of June 30, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:
                 
    2010     2009  
     
Balance as of January 1
  $ 69,940     $ 54,997  
Unrealized gain (loss) on long-term investments
    1,018       (357 )
 
           
Balance as of March 31
    70,958       54,640  
Revision for partnership now accounted for under the equity method
    (5,790 )      
Distributions
    (1,002 )      
Unrealized (loss) gain from long-term investments
    (2,090 )     8,432  
 
           
Balance as of June 30
  $ 62,076     $ 63,072  
 
           

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    Long-term investments accounted for under the equity method:
    The Company recorded equity income of $2,770 related to a limited partnership for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010. Included in this amount is the impact of an error identified by the Company, which resulted in an out-of-period adjustment of approximately $1,650 (approximately $980 after taxes). The error occurred because the Company’s ownership in the limited partnership increased from a nominal percentage to more than 10% during the fourth quarter of 2008 (due to significant withdrawals from other partners); thus, commencing in the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company should have retroactivity accounted for under the equity method for all previous periods in which the investment was held. The Company assessed the materiality of this error on all previously issued financial statements in accordance with the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 99 and concluded that the error was immaterial to all previously issued financial statements. The impact of correcting this error in the current year is not expected to be material to the Company’s 2010 consolidated financial statements. This adjustment was recognized within other income in the consolidated statements of operations. The carrying value of this investment was approximately $10,900 as of June 30, 2010 which approximated its fair value because the underlying securities are classified as available for sale.
4.   NOTES PAYABLE, LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS
    Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations consist of:
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Vector:
               
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015, net of unamortized discount of $3,733 and $4,849
  $ 321,267     $ 245,151  
6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Note due 2014, net of unamortized discount of $39,173 and $39,755*
    10,827       10,245  
6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Exchange Notes due 2014, net of unamortized discount of $67,517 and $69,749*
    40,013       37,781  
3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures due 2026, net of unamortized discount of $83,321 and $83,589*
    26,679       26,411  
 
               
Liggett:
               
Revolving credit facility
    24,917       17,382  
Term loan under credit facility
    6,489       6,755  
Equipment loans
    7,955       4,852  
 
               
V.T. Aviation:
               
Note payable
    3,166       3,882  
 
               
VGR Aviation:
               
Note payable
    3,500       3,687  
 
               
Other
    885       663  
 
           
 
               
Total notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations
    445,698       356,809  
Less:
               
Current maturities
    (31,974 )     (21,889 )
 
           
Amount due after one year
  $ 413,724     $ 334,920  
 
           

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*   The fair value of the derivatives embedded within the 6.75% Variable Interest Convertible Note ($21,053 at June 30, 2010 and $23,890 at December 31, 2009, respectively), the 6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Exchange Notes ($39,699 at June 30, 2010 and $47,552 at December 31, 2009, respectively), and the 3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures ($81,189 at June 30, 2010 and $81,574 at December 31, 2009, respectively) is separately classified as a derivative liability in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
    Revolving Credit Facility — Liggett:
    Liggett has a $50,000 credit facility with Wachovia Bank, N.A. (“Wachovia”) under which $24,917 was outstanding at June 30, 2010. Availability as determined under the facility was approximately $12,100 based on eligible collateral at June 30, 2010.
    11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 — Vector:
    In September 2009, the Company sold an additional $85,000 principal amount of its 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (the “Senior Secured Notes”) at 94% of face value in a private offering to qualified institutional investors in accordance with Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933.
    In April 2010, the Company sold another $75,000 principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes at 101% of face value in a private offering to qualified institutional investors in accordance with Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. The Company will amortize the deferred costs and debt premium related to the additional Senior Secured Notes over the estimated life of the debt. The Company received net proceeds from the 2010 offering of approximately $73,500.
    In June 2010, the Company completed an offer to exchange the Senior Secured Notes issued in September 2009 and April 2010 for an equal amount of newly issued 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015. The new Senior Secured Notes have substantially the same terms as the original notes, except that the new Senior Secured Notes have been registered under the Securities Act.
    Non-cash Interest Expense — Vector:
    Components of non-cash interest expense is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
     
Amortization of debt discount
  $ 1,810     $ 2,896     $ 3,448     $ 5,577  
Amortization of deferred finance costs
    1,140       998       2,142       1,952  
 
                       
 
  $ 2,950     $ 3,894     $ 5,590     $ 7,529  
 
                       
    Fair Value of Notes Payable and Long-term Debt:
                                 
    June 30, 2010   December 31, 2009
    Carrying   Fair   Carrying   Fair
    Value   Value   Value   Value
Notes payable and long-term debt
  $ 445,698     $ 692,763     $ 356,809     $ 573,439  

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5.   CONTINGENCIES
    Tobacco-Related Litigation:
    Overview
    Since 1954, Liggett and other United States cigarette manufacturers have been named as defendants in numerous direct, third-party and purported class actions predicated on the theory that cigarette manufacturers should be liable for damages alleged to have been caused by cigarette smoking or by exposure to secondary smoke from cigarettes. New cases continue to be commenced against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers. The cases generally fall into the following categories: (i) smoking and health cases alleging personal injury brought on behalf of individual plaintiffs (“Individual Actions”); (ii) smoking and health cases primarily alleging personal injury or seeking court-supervised programs for ongoing medical monitoring, as well as cases alleging the use of the terms “lights” and/or “ultra lights” constitutes a deceptive and unfair trade practice, common law fraud or violation of federal law, purporting to be brought on behalf of a class of individual plaintiffs (“Class Actions”); and (iii) health care cost recovery actions brought by various foreign and domestic governmental plaintiffs and non-governmental plaintiffs seeking reimbursement for health care expenditures allegedly caused by cigarette smoking and/or disgorgement of profits (“Health Care Cost Recovery Actions”). As new cases are commenced, the costs associated with defending these cases and the risks relating to the inherent unpredictability of litigation continue to increase. The future financial impact of the risks and expenses of litigation and the effects of the tobacco litigation settlements discussed below are not quantifiable at this time. For the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, Liggett incurred legal expenses and other litigation costs totaling approximately $17,626 and $2,960, respectively.
    Litigation is subject to uncertainty and it is possible that there could be adverse developments in pending or future cases. An unfavorable outcome or settlement of pending tobacco-related or other litigation could encourage the commencement of additional litigation. Damages claimed in some tobacco-related or other litigation are or can be significant.
    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 43 states now limit the dollar amount of bonds or require no bond at all. Liggett has secured approximately $2,478 in bonds as of June 30, 2010.
    In June 2009, Florida amended its existing bond cap statute by adding a $200,000 bond cap that applies to all Engle progeny lawsuits in the aggregate and establishes individual bond caps for individual Engle progeny cases in amounts that vary depending on the number of judgments in effect at a given time. The legislation applies to judgments entered after the effective date and remains in effect until December 31, 2012. Certain plaintiffs have challenged the constitutionality of the bond cap statute. Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of such challenges, it is possible that the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows could be materially affected by an unfavorable outcome of such challenges.
    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: (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

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    any amounts in the consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes, if any. Liggett believes, and has been so advised by counsel, that it has valid defenses to the litigation pending against it, as well as valid bases for appeal of adverse verdicts. All such cases are, and will continue to be vigorously defended. However, Liggett may enter into settlement discussions in particular cases if it believes it is in the best interest of the Company to do so.
    Individual Actions
    As of June 30, 2010, there were 35 individual cases pending against Liggett and/or the Company, where one or more individual plaintiffs allege injury resulting from cigarette smoking, addiction to cigarette smoking or exposure to secondary smoke and seek compensatory and, in some cases, punitive damages. In addition, there were approximately 7,014 Engle progeny cases (defined below) pending against Liggett and the Company, in state and federal courts in Florida, and approximately 100 individual cases pending in West Virginia state court as part of a consolidated action. The following table lists the number of individual cases by state that are pending against Liggett or its affiliates as of June 30, 2010 (excluding Engle progeny cases in Florida and the consolidated cases in West Virginia):
         
    Number
State   of Cases
Florida
    15  
New York
    9  
Louisiana
    5  
West Virginia
    2  
Maryland
    2  
Missouri
    1  
Ohio
    1  
    Liggett Only Cases. There are currently five cases pending where Liggett is the only tobacco company defendant. Cases where Liggett is the only defendant could increase substantially as a result of the Engle progeny cases. In February 2009, in Ferlanti v. Liggett Group, a Florida state court jury awarded compensatory damages of $1,200 as well as $96 in expenses, but found that the plaintiff was 40% at fault. Therefore, plaintiff’s award was reduced to $720 in compensatory damages. Punitive damages were not awarded. Liggett appealed the award. In May 2009, the court granted plaintiff’s motion for an award of attorneys’ fees but the amount has not yet been determined. In Hausrath v. Philip Morris, a case pending in New York state court, where two individuals are suing, plaintiffs dismissed all defendants other than Liggett. There has been no recent activity in the case. The other three individual actions, in which Liggett is the only tobacco company defendant, are dormant. In Davis v. Liggett Group, another Liggett only case, judgment was entered against Liggett in the amount of $540 plus attorneys’ fees. The judgment was paid by Liggett and this matter is concluded.
    The plaintiffs’ allegations of liability in cases in which individuals seek recovery for injuries allegedly caused by cigarette smoking are based on various theories of recovery, including negligence, gross negligence, breach of special duty, strict liability, fraud, concealment, misrepresentation, design defect, failure to warn, breach of express and implied warranties, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, concert of action, unjust enrichment, common law public nuisance, property damage, invasion of privacy, mental anguish, emotional distress, disability, shock, indemnity and violations of deceptive trade practice laws, the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”), state RICO statutes and antitrust statutes. In many of these cases, in addition to compensatory damages, plaintiffs also seek other forms of relief including treble/multiple damages, medical monitoring, disgorgement of profits and punitive damages. Although alleged damages often are not determinable from a complaint, and the law governing the pleading and calculation of damages varies from state to state and jurisdiction to jurisdiction, compensatory and punitive damages have been specifically pleaded in a number of cases, sometimes in amounts ranging into the hundreds of millions and even billions of dollars.

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    Defenses raised in individual cases include lack of proximate cause, assumption of the risk, comparative fault and/or contributory negligence, lack of design defect, statute of limitations, equitable defenses such as “unclean hands” and lack of benefit, failure to state a claim and federal preemption.
    In addition to awards against Liggett, including Davis and Ferlanti (and the Engle progeny cases described below), jury awards in individual cases have also been returned against other cigarette manufacturers in recent years. The awards in these individual actions, often in excess of millions of dollars, may be for both compensatory and punitive damages. There are several significant jury awards against other cigarette manufacturers which are currently on appeal and several awards which are final and have been paid.
    Engle Progeny Cases. In 2000, a jury in Engle v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. rendered a $145,000,000 punitive damages verdict in favor of a “Florida Class” against certain cigarette manufacturers, including Liggett. Pursuant to the Florida Supreme Court’s July 2006 ruling in Engle, which decertified the class on a prospective basis, and affirmed the appellate court’s reversal of the punitive damages award, former class members had one year from January 11, 2007 in which to file individual lawsuits. In addition, some individuals who filed suit prior to January 11, 2007, and who claim they meet the conditions in Engle, are attempting to avail themselves of the Engle ruling. Lawsuits by individuals requesting the benefit of the Engle ruling, whether filed before or after the January 11, 2007 deadline, are referred to as the “Engle progeny cases.” Liggett and the Company have been named in approximately 7,014 Engle progeny cases in both federal (3,862 cases) and state (3,152 cases) courts in Florida. Other cigarette manufacturers have also been named as defendants in these cases, although as a case proceeds, one or more defendants may ultimately be dismissed from the action. These cases include approximately 8,284 plaintiffs, approximately 3,862 of whom have claims pending in federal court and 5,082 in state court. Duplicate cases were filed in federal and state court on behalf of approximately 660 plaintiffs. The number of Engle progeny cases will likely increase as the courts may require multi-plaintiff cases to be severed into individual cases. The total number of plaintiffs may also increase as a result of attempts by existing plaintiffs to add additional parties.
    As of July 31, 2010, in addition to the Lukacs case described below, the following Engle progeny cases have resulted in judgments against Liggett:
                         
            Compensatory   Punitive Damages
Date of Verdict   Case Name   County   Damages Against Liggett   Against Liggett
August 2009
  Campbell v. R.J. Reynolds   Escambia   $ 156     None
 
                       
March 2010
  Douglas v. R.J. Reynolds   Hillsborough   $ 1,350     None
 
                       
April 2010
  Clay v. R.J. Reynolds   Escambia   $ 349     $ 1,000  
 
                       
April 2010
  Putney v. R.J. Reynolds   Broward   $ 3,017     None
    These judgments are all currently on appeal or will be appealed. As of June 30, 2010, there were 43 Engle progeny cases scheduled for trial in 2010 and 2011, where Liggett and the Company are named defendants. For further information on the Engle case and on Engle progeny cases, including a description of the Lukacs case, see “Class Actions — Engle Case,” below.
    Class Actions
    As of June 30, 2010, there were seven actions pending for which either a class had been certified or plaintiffs were seeking class certification, where Liggett is a named defendant, including one alleged price fixing case. Other cigarette manufacturers are also named in these actions. Many of these actions purport to constitute statewide class actions and were filed after May 1996 when the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, in Castano v. American Tobacco Co., reversed a federal district court’s certification of a purported nationwide class action on behalf of persons who were allegedly “addicted” to tobacco products.

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    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.
    Engle Case. In May 1994, Engle was filed against Liggett and others in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The class consisted of all Florida residents who, by November 21, 1996, “have suffered, presently suffer or have died from diseases and medical conditions caused by their addiction to cigarette smoking.” In July 1999, after the conclusion of Phase I of the trial, the jury returned a verdict against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers on certain issues determined by the trial court to be “common” to the causes of action of the plaintiff class. The jury made several findings adverse to the defendants including that defendants’ conduct “rose to a level that would permit a potential award or entitlement to punitive damages.” Phase II of the trial was a causation and damages trial for three of the class plaintiffs and a punitive damages trial on a class-wide basis, before the same jury that returned the verdict in Phase I. In April 2000, the jury awarded compensatory damages of $12,704 to the three class plaintiffs, to be reduced in proportion to the respective plaintiff’s fault. In July 2000, the jury awarded approximately $145,000,000 in punitive damages, including $790,000 against Liggett.
    In May 2003, Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal reversed the trial court and remanded the case with instructions to decertify the class. The judgment in favor of one of the three class plaintiffs, in the amount of $5,831, was overturned as time barred and the court found that Liggett was not liable to the other two class plaintiffs.
    In July 2006, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the decision vacating the punitive damages award and held that the class should be decertified prospectively, but determined that the following Phase I findings are entitled to res judicata effect in Engle progeny cases: (i) that smoking causes lung cancer, among other diseases; (ii) that nicotine in cigarettes is addictive; (iii) that defendants placed cigarettes on the market that were defective and unreasonably dangerous; (iv) that defendants concealed material information knowing that the information was false or misleading or failed to disclose a material fact concerning the health effects or addictive nature of smoking; (v) that defendants agreed to conceal or omit information regarding the health effects of cigarettes or their addictive nature with the intention that smokers would rely on the information to their detriment; (vi) that defendants sold or supplied cigarettes that were defective; and (vii) that defendants were negligent. The Florida Supreme Court decision also allowed former class members to proceed to trial on individual liability issues (using the above findings) and compensatory and punitive damage issues, provided they filed their individual lawsuits by January 2008. In December 2006, the Florida Supreme Court added the finding that defendants sold or supplied cigarettes that, at the time of sale or supply, did not conform to the representations made by defendants. In October 2007, the United States Supreme Court denied defendants’ petition for writ of certiorari. As a result of the Engle decision, approximately 8,495 former Engle class members have claims pending against the Company and Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers.
    Three federal district courts (in the Merlob, Brown and Burr cases) ruled that the findings in Phase I of the Engle proceedings cannot be used to satisfy elements of plaintiffs’ claims, and two of those rulings (Brown and Burr) were certified by the trial court for interlocutory review. The certification was granted by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the appeals were consolidated (in February 2009, the appeal in Burr was dismissed for lack of prosecution). In July 2010, the Eleventh Circuit ruled that plaintiffs do not have an unlimited right to use the findings from the original Engle trial to meet their burden of establishing the elements of their claims at trial. Rather, plaintiffs may only use the findings to establish specific facts that they demonstrate with a

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    reasonable degree of certainty were actually decided by the original Engle jury. The Eleventh Circuit remanded the case to the district court to determine what specific factual findings the Engle jury actually made.
    Lukacs Case. In June 2002, the jury in a Florida state court action entitled Lukacs v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., awarded $37,500 in compensatory damages, jointly and severally, in a case involving Liggett and two other cigarette manufacturers, which amount was subsequently reduced by the court. The jury found Liggett 50% responsible for the damages incurred by the plaintiff. The Lukacs case was the first case to be tried as an individual Engle progeny case, but was tried almost five years prior to the Florida Supreme Court’s final decision in Engle. In November 2008, the court entered final judgment in the amount of $24,835 (for which Liggett was 50% responsible), plus interest from June 2002 which, as of June 30, 2010, was in excess of $15,000 (for which Liggett was 50% responsible). Plaintiff filed a motion seeking an award of attorneys’ fees from Liggett based on plaintiff’s prior proposal for settlement. In March 2010, the Third District Court of Appeal affirmed the decision, per curiam. The defendants’ motion for reconsideration was subsequently denied in May 2010. In June 2010, Liggett paid its share of the judgment and settled claims for attorneys’ fees and accrued interest for a total payment of approximately $14,361. This matter is concluded.
    Other Class Actions. In Smith v. Philip Morris, a Kansas state court case filed in February 2000, plaintiffs allege that cigarette manufacturers conspired to fix cigarette prices in violation of antitrust laws. Plaintiffs seek to recover an unspecified amount in actual and punitive damages. Class certification was granted in November 2001. Discovery is ongoing.
    Class action suits have been filed in a number of states against cigarette manufacturers, alleging, among other things, that use of the terms “light” and “ultra light” constitutes unfair and deceptive trade practices, among other things. One such suit, Schwab [McLaughlin] v. Philip Morris, pending in federal court in New York since 2004, sought to create a nationwide class of “light” cigarette smokers. In September 2006, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York certified the class. In April 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit decertified the class. The case was voluntarily dismissed with prejudice by the plaintiffs in July 2010. In December 2008, the United States Supreme Court, in Altria Group v. Good, ruled that the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act did not preempt the state law claims asserted by the plaintiffs and that they could proceed with their claims under the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act. This ruling has resulted in the filing of additional “lights” class action cases in other states against other cigarette manufacturers. Although Liggett was not a defendant in the Good case, an adverse ruling or commencement of additional “lights” related class actions could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
    In November 1997, in Young v. American Tobacco Co., a purported personal injury class action was commenced on behalf of plaintiff and all similarly situated residents in Louisiana who, though not themselves cigarette smokers, are alleged to have been exposed to secondhand smoke from cigarettes which were manufactured by the defendants, and who suffered injury as a result of that exposure. The plaintiffs seek to recover an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. In October 2004, the trial court stayed this case pending the outcome of the appeal in Scott v. American Tobacco Co. (see discussion below).
    In June 1998, in Cleary v. Philip Morris, a putative class action was brought in Illinois state court on behalf of persons who were allegedly injured by: (i) defendants’ purported conspiracy to conceal material facts regarding the addictive nature of nicotine; (ii) defendants’ alleged acts of targeting their advertising and marketing to minors; and (iii) defendants’ claimed breach of the public’s right to defendants’ compliance with laws prohibiting the distribution of cigarettes to minors. Plaintiffs sought disgorgement of all profits unjustly received through defendants’ sale of cigarettes to plaintiffs and the class. In March 2009, plaintiffs filed a third amended complaint

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    adding, among other things, allegations regarding defendants’ sale of “light” cigarettes. The case was then removed to federal court on the basis of this new claim. In November 2009, plaintiffs filed a revised motion for class certification as to the three proposed classes, which motion was denied by the court. In February 2010, the court granted summary judgment in favor of defendants as to all claims, other than a “lights” claim involving another cigarette manufacturer. The court granted leave to the plaintiffs to reinstate the motion as to the addiction claims. Plaintiffs filed a Fourth Amended Complaint in an attempt to resurrect their addiction claims. In June 2010, the court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the Fourth Amended Complaint. In July 2010, the court denied plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration.
    In April 2001, in Brown v. Philip Morris USA, a California state court granted in part plaintiffs’ motion for class certification and certified a class comprised of adult residents of California who smoked at least one of defendants’ cigarettes “during the applicable time period” and who were exposed to defendants’ marketing and advertising activities in California. In March 2005, the court granted defendants’ motion to decertify the class based on a recent change in California law. In June 2009, the California Supreme Court reversed and remanded the case to the trial court for further proceedings regarding whether the class representatives have, or can, demonstrate standing. In August 2009, the California Supreme Court denied defendants’ rehearing petition and issued its mandate. In September 2009, plaintiffs sought reconsideration of the court’s September 2004 order finding that plaintiffs’ allegations regarding “lights” cigarettes are preempted by federal law, in light of the recent United States Supreme Court decision in Altria Group v. Good. In March 2010, the trial court granted reconsideration of its September 2004 order granting partial summary judgment to defendants with respect to plaintiffs’ “lights” claims on the basis of judicial decisions issued since its order was issued, including the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in Altria v Good, thereby reinstating plaintiffs’ “lights” claims. Since the trial court’s prior ruling decertifying the class was reversed on appeal by the California Supreme Court, the parties and the court are treating all claims currently being asserted by the plaintiffs as certified, subject, however, to defendants’ challenge to the class representatives standing to assert their claims. In June 2010, plaintiffs filed a motion seeking collateral estoppel effect from the findings in the case brought by the Department of Justice (see DOJ Lawsuit described below). Trial is scheduled to start May 6, 2011.
    Although not technically a class action, in In Re: Tobacco Litigation (Personal Injury Cases), a West Virginia state court consolidated approximately 750 individual smoker actions that were pending prior to 2001 for trial of certain common issues. In January 2002, the court severed Liggett from the trial of the consolidated action, which commenced in June 2010 and ended in a mistrial. If the case were to proceed against Liggett, it is estimated that Liggett could be a defendant in approximately 100 of the individual cases.
    In July 2010, an action entitled Calistro v. Altria Group was commenced against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, on behalf of a putative class of smokers who contend they were injured by the defendants’ alleged fraudulent concealment and other purported misconduct regarding the addictive nature of nicotine and the promotion of “light” cigarettes. The plaintiffs seek equitable relief, compensatory and punitive damages, including, without limitation, damages for medical monitoring and nicotine rehabilitation programs.
    In addition to the cases described above, numerous class actions remain certified against other cigarette manufacturers, including Scott. In that case, in May 2004 a Louisiana jury awarded plaintiffs approximately $590,000 against other cigarette manufacturers to fund a statewide 10-year smoking cessation program for members of the class. In April 2010, the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal affirmed in part prior decisions ordering the defendants to fund a statewide 10-year smoking cessation program. The court of appeal reduced the amount of the judgment to approximately $241,000, plus interest from July 2008.
    Health Care Cost Recovery Actions
    As of June 30, 2010, there were three active Health Care Cost Recovery Actions pending against Liggett. Other cigarette manufacturers are also named in these cases. The claims asserted in health care cost recovery actions vary. Although, typically, no specific damage amounts are pled, it is possible that requested damages might be in

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    the billions of dollars. In these cases, plaintiffs typically assert equitable claims that the tobacco industry was “unjustly enriched” by their payment of health care costs allegedly attributable to smoking and seek reimbursement of those costs. Relief sought by some, but not all, plaintiffs include punitive damages, multiple damages and other statutory damages and penalties, injunctions prohibiting alleged marketing and sales to minors, disclosure of research, disgorgement of profits, funding of anti-smoking programs, additional disclosure of nicotine yields, and payment of attorney and expert witness fees.
    Other claims asserted include the equitable claim of indemnity, common law claims of negligence, strict liability, breach of express and implied warranty, breach of special duty, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, conspiracy, public nuisance, claims under state and federal statutes governing consumer fraud, antitrust, deceptive trade practices and false advertising, and claims under RICO.
    DOJ Lawsuit. In September 1999, the United States government commenced litigation against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. The action sought to recover an unspecified amount of health care costs paid and to be paid by the federal government for lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and other smoking-related illnesses allegedly caused by the fraudulent and tortious conduct of defendants, to restrain defendants and co-conspirators from engaging in alleged fraud and other allegedly unlawful conduct in the future, and to compel defendants to disgorge the proceeds of their unlawful conduct. Claims were asserted under RICO.
    In August 2006, the trial court entered a Final Judgment and Remedial Order against each of the cigarette manufacturing defendants, except Liggett. In May 2009, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia affirmed most of the district court’s decision. In February 2010, the government and all defendants, other than Liggett, filed petitions for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court. In the government’s petition, it sought reinstatement of its claims for remedies, including disgorgement of industry profits. In June 2010, the United States Supreme Court, without comment, denied review of the appeals. It is unclear what impact, if any, the Final Judgment will have on the cigarette industry as a whole. To the extent that the Final Judgment leads to a decline in industry-wide shipments of cigarettes in the United States or otherwise results in restrictions that adversely affect the industry, Liggett’s sales volume, operating income and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
    In City of St. Louis v. American Tobacco Company, a case pending in Missouri state court since December 1998, the City of St. Louis and approximately 38 hospitals and former hospitals seek recovery of costs expended by the hospitals on behalf of patients who suffer, or have suffered, from illnesses allegedly resulting from the use of cigarettes. In June 2005, the court granted defendants’ motion for summary judgment as to claims for damages which accrued prior to November 16, 1993. In April 2010, the court further determined that each plaintiff is barred from seeking damages which accrued more than five years prior to the time that that plaintiff joined the suit. In that same order, the court granted partial summary judgment for defendants barring plaintiffs’ claims for future damages. In July 2010, the court dismissed certain other claims brought by plaintiffs, on the grounds they were preempted. Defendants have filed other summary judgment motions that remain pending. Trial is scheduled to start on January 10, 2011.
    In June 2005, the Jerusalem District Court in Israel added Liggett as a defendant in an action commenced in 1998 by the largest private insurer in that country, General Health Services, against the major United States cigarette manufacturers. The plaintiff seeks to recover the past and future value of the total expenditures for health care services provided to residents of Israel resulting from tobacco related diseases, court ordered interest for past expenditures from the date of filing the statement of claim, increased and/or punitive and/or exemplary damages and costs. The court ruled that, although Liggett had not sold product in Israel since at least 1978, it might still have liability for cigarettes sold prior to that time. Motions filed by defendants are pending before the Israel Supreme Court seeking appeal from a lower court’s decision granting leave to plaintiff for foreign service of process.

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    In May 2008, in National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare v. Philip Morris USA, a case pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, plaintiffs commenced an action to recover damages equal to twice the amount paid by Medicare for the smoking-related health care services provided from May 21, 2002 to the present, for which treatment defendants’ allegedly were required to make payment under the Medicare Secondary Payer provisions of the Social Security Act. In July 2008, defendants’ filed a motion to dismiss plaintiffs’ claims and plaintiffs filed a motion for partial summary judgment. In March 2009, the court granted defendants’ motion and dismissed the case. In May 2009, plaintiffs noticed an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Oral Argument is scheduled in September 2010.
    Upcoming Trials
    In addition to the January 2011 trial in the City of St. Louis case and the May 2011 trial in the Brown case, both discussed above, as of June 30, 2010, there were 43 Engle progeny cases that are scheduled for trial in 2010 and 2011. The Company and/or Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers are currently named as defendants in each of these cases, although as a case proceeds, one or more defendants may ultimately be dismissed from the action. Cases against other cigarette manufacturers are also currently scheduled for trial in 2010 and 2011. Trial dates are subject to change.
    MSA and Other State Settlement Agreements
    In March 1996, March 1997 and March 1998, Liggett entered into settlements of smoking-related litigation with 45 states and territories. The settlements released Liggett from all smoking-related claims made by those states and territories, including claims for health care cost reimbursement and claims concerning sales of cigarettes to minors.
    In November 1998, Philip Morris, Brown & Williamson, R.J. Reynolds and Lorillard (the “Original Participating Manufacturers” or “OPMs”) and Liggett (together with any other tobacco product manufacturer that becomes a signatory, the “Subsequent Participating Manufacturers” or “SPMs”) (the OPMs and SPMs are hereinafter referred to jointly as the “Participating Manufacturers”) entered into the Master Settlement Agreement (the “MSA”) with 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands (collectively, the “Settling States”) to settle the asserted and unasserted health care cost recovery and certain other claims of the Settling States. The MSA received final judicial approval in each Settling State.
    As a result of the MSA, the Settling States released Liggett from:
    all claims of the Settling States and their respective political subdivisions and other recipients of state health care funds, relating to: (i) past conduct arising out of the use, sale, distribution, manufacture, development, advertising and marketing of tobacco products; (ii) the health effects of, the exposure to, or research, statements or warnings about, tobacco products; and
    all monetary claims of the Settling States and their respective subdivisions and other recipients of state health care funds relating to future conduct arising out of the use of, or exposure to, tobacco products that have been manufactured in the ordinary course of business.
    The MSA restricts tobacco product advertising and marketing within the Settling States and otherwise restricts the activities of Participating Manufacturers. Among other things, the MSA prohibits the targeting of youth in the advertising, promotion or marketing of tobacco products; bans the use of cartoon characters in all tobacco advertising and promotion; limits each Participating Manufacturer to one tobacco brand name sponsorship during any 12-month period; bans all outdoor advertising, with certain limited exceptions; prohibits payments for tobacco product placement in various media; bans gift offers based on the purchase of tobacco products without sufficient proof that the intended recipient is an adult; prohibits Participating Manufacturers from licensing third parties to

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    advertise tobacco brand names in any manner prohibited under the MSA; and prohibits Participating Manufacturers from using as a tobacco product brand name any nationally recognized non-tobacco brand or trade name or the names of sports teams, entertainment groups or individual celebrities.
    The MSA also requires Participating Manufacturers to affirm corporate principles to comply with the MSA and to reduce underage use of tobacco products and imposes restrictions on lobbying activities conducted on behalf of Participating Manufacturers. In addition, the MSA provides for the appointment of an independent auditor to calculate and determine the amounts of payments owed pursuant to the MSA.
    Under the payment provisions of the MSA, the Participating Manufacturers are required to make annual payments of $9,000,000 (subject to applicable adjustments, offsets and reductions). These annual payments are allocated based on unit volume of domestic cigarette shipments. The payment obligations under the MSA are the several, and not joint, obligation of each Participating Manufacturer and are not the responsibility of any parent or affiliate of a Participating Manufacturer.
    Liggett has no payment obligations under the MSA except to the extent its market share exceeds a market share exemption of approximately 1.65% of total cigarettes sold in the United States. Vector Tobacco has no payment obligations under the MSA except to the extent its market share exceeds a market share exemption of approximately 0.28% of total cigarettes sold in the United States. According to data from Management Science Associates, Inc., domestic shipments by Liggett and Vector Tobacco accounted for approximately 2.7% of the total cigarettes sold in the United States in 2009. For the six month period ending June 30, 2010, Liggett and Vector Tobacco’s domestic shipments accounted for approximately 3.3% of the total cigarettes sold in the United States. If Liggett’s or Vector Tobacco’s market share exceeds their respective market share exemption in a given year, then on April 15 of the following year, Liggett and/or Vector Tobacco, as the case may be, must pay on each excess unit an amount equal (on a per-unit basis) to that due from the OPMs for that year. Liggett and Vector Tobacco paid $54,435 for their 2009 MSA obligations.
    Certain MSA Disputes
    NPM Adjustment. In March 2006, an economic consulting firm selected pursuant to the MSA determined that the MSA was a “significant factor contributing to” the loss of market share of Participating Manufacturers, to non-participating manufacturers, for 2003. This is known as the “NPM Adjustment.” The economic consulting firm subsequently rendered the same decision with respect to 2004 and 2005. In March 2009, a different economic consulting firm made the same determination for 2006. As a result, the manufacturers are entitled to potential NPM Adjustments to their 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 MSA payments. The Participating Manufacturers are also entitled to potential NPM Adjustments to their 2007, 2008 and 2009 payments pursuant to an agreement entered into in June 2009 between the OPMs and the Settling States under which the OPMs agreed to make certain payments for the benefit of the Settling States, in exchange for which the Settling States stipulated that the MSA was a “significant factor contributing to” the loss of market share of Participating Manufacturers in 2007, 2008 and 2009. A Settling State that has diligently enforced its qualifying escrow statute in the year in question may be able to avoid application of the NPM Adjustment to the payments made by the manufacturers for the benefit of that Settling State.
    For 2003 through 2009, Liggett and Vector Tobacco disputed that they owe the Settling States the NPM Adjustments as calculated by the Independent Auditor. As permitted by the MSA, Liggett and Vector Tobacco withheld payment associated with these NPM Adjustment amounts. The total amount withheld or paid into a disputed payment account by Liggett and Vector Tobacco for 2003 through 2009 is $29,236. In 2003, Liggett and Vector Tobacco paid the NPM adjustment amount of $9,345 to the Settling States although both companies continue to dispute this amount. At June 30, 2010, included in “Other assets” on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet was a noncurrent receivable of $6,542 relating to such payment.

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    The following amounts have not been expensed by the Company as they relate to Liggett and Vector Tobacco’s NPM Adjustment claims for 2003 through 2005: $6,542 for 2003, $3,789 for 2004 and $800 for 2005. Liggett and Vector Tobacco have expensed all disputed amounts related to the NPM Adjustment since 2005.
    Since April 2006, notwithstanding provisions in the MSA requiring arbitration, litigation was filed in 49 Settling States over the issue of whether the application of the NPM Adjustment for 2003 is to be determined through litigation or arbitration. These actions relate to the potential NPM Adjustment for 2003, which the independent auditor under the MSA previously determined to be as much as $1,200,000 for all Participating Manufacturers. All but one of the 48 courts that have decided the issue have ruled that the 2003 NPM Adjustment dispute is arbitrable. All 47 of those decisions are final and non-appealable. One court, the Montana Supreme Court, ruled that Montana’s claim of diligent enforcement must be litigated. This decision has been appealed. In response to a proposal from the OPMs and many of the SPMs, 45 of the Settling States, representing approximately 90% of the allocable share of the Settling States, entered into an agreement providing for a nationwide arbitration of the dispute with respect to the NPM Adjustment for 2003. The agreement provides for selection of the arbitration panel beginning November 1, 2009 and that the parties and the arbitrators will thereafter establish the schedule and procedures for the arbitration. In June 2010, the three person arbitration panel was selected and procedural hearings have commenced. Because states representing more than 80% of the allocable share signed the agreement, signing states will receive a 20% reduction of any potential 2003 NPM adjustment. There can be no assurance that Liggett or Vector Tobacco will receive any adjustment as a result of these proceedings.
    Gross v. Net Calculations. In October 2004, the independent auditor notified Liggett and all other Participating Manufacturers that their payment obligations under the MSA, dating from the agreement’s execution in late 1998, had been recalculated using “net” unit amounts, rather than “gross” unit amounts (which had been used since 1999).
    Liggett objected to this retroactive change and disputed the change in methodology. Liggett contends that the retroactive change from “gross” to “net” unit amounts is impermissible for several reasons, including:
    use of “net” unit amounts is not required by the MSA (as reflected by, among other things, the use of “gross” unit amounts through 2005);
 
    such a change is not authorized without the consent of affected parties to the MSA;
 
    the MSA provides for four-year time limitation periods for revisiting calculations and determinations, which precludes recalculating Liggett’s 1997 Market Share (and thus, Liggett’s market share exemption); and
 
    Liggett and others have relied upon the calculations based on “gross” unit amounts since 1998.
    The change in the method of calculation could result in Liggett owing, at a minimum, approximately $9,500, plus interest, of additional MSA payments for prior years, because the proposed change from “gross” to “net” units would serve to lower Liggett’s market share exemption under the MSA. The Company estimates that future MSA payments would be at least approximately $2,250 higher if the method of calculation is changed. No amounts have been expensed or accrued in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for any potential liability relating to the “gross” versus “net” dispute. There can be no assurance that Liggett will not be required to make additional material payments, which payments could adversely affect the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
    Litigation Challenging the MSA. In Freedom Holdings Inc. v. Cuomo, litigation pending in federal court in New York, certain importers of cigarettes allege that the MSA and certain related New York statutes violate federal antitrust and constitutional law. The district court granted New York’s motion to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim. On appeal, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit held that if all of the

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    allegations of the complaint were assumed to be true, plaintiffs had stated a claim for relief on antitrust grounds. In January 2009, the district court granted New York’s motion for summary judgment, dismissing all claims brought by the plaintiffs, and dissolving the preliminary injunction. Plaintiffs appealed the decision. Oral argument on the appeal occurred in December 2009. A decision is pending.
    In Grand River Enterprises Six Nations, Ltd. v. King, another proceeding pending in federal court in New York, plaintiffs seek to enjoin the statutes enacted by New York and other states in connection with the MSA on the grounds that the statutes violate the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution and federal antitrust laws. In September 2005, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit held that if all of the allegations of the complaint were assumed to be true, plaintiffs had stated a claim for relief and that the New York federal court had jurisdiction over the other defendant states. On remand, the trial court held that plaintiffs are unlikely to succeed on the merits. After discovery, the parties cross-moved for summary judgment; briefing concluded in December 2009 and oral argument took place in April 2010.
    Similar challenges to the MSA and MSA-related state statutes are pending in several other states. Liggett and the other cigarette manufacturers are not defendants in these cases. Litigation challenging the validity of the MSA, including claims that the MSA violates antitrust laws, has not been successful to date.
    In October 2008, Vibo Corporation, Inc., d/b/a General Tobacco (“Vibo”) commenced litigation in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky against each of the Settling States and certain Participating Manufacturers, including Liggett and Vector Tobacco. Vibo alleged, among other things, that the market share exemptions (i.e., grandfathered shares) provided to certain SPMs under the MSA, including Liggett and Vector Tobacco, violate federal antitrust and constitutional law. In January 2009, the district court dismissed the complaint. In January 2010, the court entered final judgment in favor of the defendants. Vibo appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
    Other State Settlements. The MSA replaces Liggett’s prior settlements with all states and territories except for Florida, Mississippi, Texas and Minnesota. Each of these four states, prior to the effective date of the MSA, negotiated and executed settlement agreements with each of the other major tobacco companies, separate from those settlements reached previously with Liggett. Liggett’s agreements with these states remain in full force and effect, and Liggett made various payments to these states under the agreements. These states’ settlement agreements with Liggett contained most favored nation provisions which could reduce Liggett’s payment obligations based on subsequent settlements or resolutions by those states with certain other tobacco companies. Beginning in 1999, Liggett determined that, based on each of these four states’ settlements with United States Tobacco Company, Liggett’s payment obligations to those states had been eliminated. With respect to all non-economic obligations under the previous settlements, Liggett believes it is entitled to the most favorable provisions as between the MSA and each state’s respective settlement with the other major tobacco companies. Therefore, Liggett’s non-economic obligations to all states and territories are now defined by the MSA.
    In 2003, in order to resolve any potential issues with Minnesota as to Liggett’s ongoing economic settlement obligations, Liggett negotiated a $100 a year payment to Minnesota, to be paid any year cigarettes manufactured by Liggett are sold in that state. In 2004, the Attorneys General for Florida, Mississippi and Texas advised Liggett that they believed that Liggett had failed to make required payments under the respective settlement agreements with these states from 1998 through 2003 and that additional payments may be due for subsequent years. Liggett believes the states’ allegations are without merit, based, among other things, on the language of the most favored nation provisions of the settlement agreements. Liggett has recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Florida providing for a good faith payment by Liggett of $250. The parties have agreed to non-binding mediation of the dispute. There can be no assurance that Liggett will resolve these matters or that Liggett will not be required to make additional material payments, which payments could adversely affect the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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    Cautionary Statement. Management is not able to predict the outcome of the litigation pending or threatened against Liggett. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties. For example, the jury in the Lukacs case, an Engle progeny case tried in 2002, awarded $24,835 in compensatory damages plus interest against Liggett and two other defendants and found Liggett 50% responsible for the damages. The verdict was affirmed on appeal. Liggett has paid its share of the damages award and settled plaintiff’s claim for interest and attorneys’ fees. Accordingly, this case is now concluded. Liggett has been found liable in four other Engle progeny cases, which are currently on appeal or will be appealed. As a result of the Engle decision, approximately 8,284 former Engle class members have claims pending against the Company and Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers. It is possible that other cases could be decided unfavorably against Liggett and that Liggett will be unsuccessful on appeal. Liggett may enter into discussions in an attempt to settle particular cases if it believes it is in its best interest to do so.
    Management cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future defense costs, settlements or judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that those requirements will not be able to be met. An unfavorable outcome of a pending smoking and health case could encourage the commencement of additional similar litigation, or could lead to multiple adverse decisions in the Engle progeny cases. Management is unable to make a reasonable estimate with respect to the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the cases pending against Liggett or the costs of defending such cases and as a result has not provided any amounts in its condensed consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes. The complaints filed in these cases rarely detail alleged damages. Typically, the claims set forth in an individual’s complaint against the tobacco industry seek money damages in an amount to be determined by a jury, plus punitive damages and costs.
    The tobacco industry is subject to a wide range of laws and regulations regarding the marketing, sale, taxation and use of tobacco products imposed by local, state and federal governments. There have been a number of restrictive regulatory actions, adverse legislative and political decisions and other unfavorable developments concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry. These developments may negatively affect the perception of potential triers of fact with respect to the tobacco industry, possibly to the detriment of certain pending litigation, and may prompt the commencement of additional similar litigation or legislation.
    It is possible that the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any of the smoking-related litigation.
    Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s management are unaware of any material environmental conditions affecting their existing facilities. Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s management believe that current operations are conducted in material compliance with all environmental laws and regulations and other laws and regulations governing cigarette manufacturers. Compliance with federal, state and local provisions regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, has not had a material effect on the capital expenditures, results of operations or competitive position of Liggett or Vector Tobacco.
    Other Matters:
    In February 2004, Liggett Vector Brands and another cigarette manufacturer entered into a five year agreement with a subsidiary of the American Wholesale Marketers Association to support a program to permit certain tobacco distributors to secure, on reasonable terms, tax stamp bonds required by state and local governments for the distribution of cigarettes. This agreement has been extended through February 2014. Under the agreement, Liggett Vector Brands has agreed to pay a portion of losses, if any, incurred by the surety under the bond program, with a maximum loss exposure of $500 for Liggett Vector Brands. To secure its potential obligations under the agreement, Liggett Vector Brands has delivered to the subsidiary of the association a $100 letter of credit and agreed to fund up to an additional $400. Liggett Vector Brands has incurred no losses to date under this agreement, and the Company believes the fair value of Liggett Vector Brands’ obligation under the agreement was immaterial at June 30, 2010.
    In December 2009, a complaint was filed against Liggett in Alabama state court by the estate of a woman who died, in 2007, in a house fire allegedly caused by the ignition of contents of the house by a Liggett cigarette.

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    Plaintiff is suing under the Alabama Extended Manufacturers Liability Doctrine and for breach of warranty and negligence. The plaintiff seeks both punitive and compensatory damages. In January 2010, Liggett removed the case to federal court. In February 2010, Liggett filed a motion to dismiss the case and plaintiff filed a motion to remand. A decision on both motions is pending.
    There may be several other proceedings, lawsuits and claims pending against the Company and certain of its consolidated subsidiaries unrelated to tobacco or tobacco product liability. Management is of the opinion that the liabilities, if any, ultimately resulting from such other proceedings, lawsuits and claims should not materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
6.   INCOME TAXES
    The Company’s provision for income taxes in interim periods is based on an estimated annual effective income tax rate derived, in part, from estimated annual pre-tax results from ordinary operations. The annual effective income tax rate is reviewed and, if necessary, adjusted on a quarterly basis.
    The Company’s income tax expense consisted of the following:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
     
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
  $ 30,602     $ (14,284 )   $ 49,462     $ (8,846 )
 
                       
 
                               
Income tax expense (benefit) using estimated annual effective income tax rate
    11,751       (6,138 )     18,959       (3,800 )
Changes in effective tax rates
    (214 )     (800 )           (800 )
Impact of discrete items, net
          600             600  
Reduction of valuation allowance
                (500 )      
Reversal of unrecognized tax benefits
    (158 )           (158 )      
 
                       
 
                               
Income tax expense (benefit)
  $ 11,379     $ (6,338 )   $ 18,301     $ (4,000 )
 
                       
    The Company recorded a benefit of $0 and $500 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 resulting from the reduction of a previously established valuation allowance of a deferred tax asset. The valuation allowance was reduced for the recognition of state tax net operating losses at Vector Tobacco Inc. after evaluating the impact of the negative and positive evidence that such asset would be realized.
    The discrete item for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 related to the impact of the Company’s loss on extinguishment of debt due to differences in the Company’s marginal tax rate and its anticipated effective annual income tax rate at June 30, 2009.
7.   NEW VALLEY LLC
    The components of “Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses” were as follows:
                 
    June 30, 2010     December 31, 2009  
Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC
  $ 42,680     $ 36,086  
Aberdeen Townhomes LLC
    277       1,248  
New Valley Oaktree Chelsea Eleven LLC
    13,154       12,232  
 
           
 
               
Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses
  $ 56,111     $ 49,566  
 
           

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    Residential Brokerage Business. New Valley recorded income of $7,207 and $1,810 for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and income of $11,778 and $615 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, associated with Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC. New Valley received cash distributions from Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC of $3,224 and $2,049 for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $5,185 and $3,476 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
    The summarized financial information of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC is as follows:
                 
    June 30, 2010   December 31, 2009
Cash
  $ 41,247     $ 26,920  
Other current assets
    7,769       6,664  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    13,699       13,498  
Trademarks
    21,663       21,663  
Goodwill
    38,361       38,601  
Other intangible assets, net
    1,477       742  
Other non-current assets
    2,848       2,871  
Notes payable — current
    524       776  
Current portion of notes payable to member - Prudential Real Estate Financial Services of America, Inc.
          2,487  
Current portion of notes payable to member — New Valley
          2,487  
Other current liabilities
    24,046       20,724  
Notes payable — long term
    1,067       2,136  
Other long-term liabilities
    10,422       7,747  
Members’ equity
    91,005       74,602  
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30,   June 30,
    2010   2009   2010   2009
     
Revenues
  $ 98,518     $ 60,373     $ 175,179     $ 109,329  
Costs and expenses
    83,653       55,766       150,828       106,326  
Depreciation expense
    865       1,134       1,765       2,333  
Amortization expense
    88       64       165       128  
Other income
    441             838        
Interest expense, net
    167       602       445       1,293  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    435       (55 )     706       (365 )
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 13,751     $ 2,862     $ 22,108     $ (386 )
 
                       
    Aberdeen Townhomes LLC. In January 2010, Aberdeen sold one of its four townhomes and the mortgage of approximately $4,550 was retired. The Company received a preferred return distribution of approximately $971 in connection with the sale. In addition, Aberdeen received $375 in August 2010 from escrow on the January 2010 sale. Mortgages on the three remaining Aberdeen townhomes had a balance of approximately $27,400 as of June 30, 2010. These mortgages matured during 2009 and are in default. Aberdeen is in discussions with the lender related to the three remaining mortgages which are in default. There can be no assurance that an agreement will be reached.
 
    The Company’s maximum exposure to loss on its investment in Aberdeen is $277 at June 30, 2010.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
    New Valley Oaktree Chelsea Eleven, LLC. A subsidiary of New Valley is operating as an investment vehicle for the Chelsea Eleven LLC real estate development project. Chelsea sold 16 and 19 condominium units during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.
 
    As of August 4, 2010, 30 of 54 condominium units in the Chelsea Eleven LLC real estate development had closed. As of June 30, 2010, Chelsea Eleven LLC had approximately $70,261 of total assets and $53,895 of total liabilities, excluding amounts owed to New Valley Oaktree Chelsea Eleven LLC (approximately $86,833 at June 30, 2010).
 
    Chelsea Eleven LLC retired its construction loan during the second quarter of 2010 from the proceeds of the sales of units. In addition, on July 1, 2010, Chelsea Eleven LLC borrowed $47,100, which is due in July 1, 2012, bearing interest at 14% per annum. The proceeds were used to retire Chelsea’s then outstanding mezzanine debt (approximately $37,200) and for other working capital purposes.
 
    As of June 30, 2010, the Company had lent an additional $1,141 to New Valley Oaktree Chelsea Eleven LLC. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss on its investment in New Valley Oaktree Chelsea Eleven LLC is $13,154 at June 30, 2010.
 
    Investment in Escena:
 
    The components of the Company’s investment in Escena are as follows:
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
     
Land and land improvements
  $ 11,112     $ 11,126  
Building and building improvements
    1,426       1,154  
Other
    1,123       1,038  
 
           
 
    13,661       13,318  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (218 )     (74 )
 
           
 
  $ 13,443     $ 13,244  
 
           
    The Company recorded an operating loss of $164 for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and income of approximately $118 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 from Escena.
8.   INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
    The Company’s recurring financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements are as follows:
                                 
    Fair Value Measurements as of June 30, 2010  
            Quoted Prices              
            in Active     Significant        
            Markets for     Other     Significant  
            Identical     Observable     Unobservable  
            Assets     Inputs     Inputs  
Description   Total     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Assets:
                               
Money market funds
  $ 272,598     $ 272,598     $     $  
Certificates of deposit
    2,768             2,768        
Bonds
    2,728       2,728              
Investment securities available for sale
    70,732       66,618       4,114        
 
                       
Total
  $ 348,826     $ 341,944     $ 6,882     $  
 
                       
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
  $ 141,941     $     $     $ 141,941  
 
                       

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
                                 
    Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2009  
            Quoted Prices              
            in Active     Significant        
            Markets for     Other     Significant  
            Identical     Observable     Unobservable  
            Assets     Inputs     Inputs  
Description   Total     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Assets:
                               
Money market funds
  $ 199,423     $ 199,423     $     $  
Certificates of deposit
    2,785             2,785        
Bonds
    3,128       3,128              
Investment securities available for sale
    51,742       38,706       13,036        
 
                       
Total
  $ 257,078     $ 241,257     $ 15,821     $  
 
                       
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
  $ 153,016     $     $     $ 153,016  
 
                       
    The fair value of investment securities available for sale included in Level 1 are based on quoted market prices from various stock exchanges. The Level 2 investment securities available for sale were not registered and do not have direct market quotes.
 
    The fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt were derived using a valuation model and have been classified as Level 3. The valuation model assumes future dividend payments by the Company and utilizes interest rates and credit spreads for secured to unsecured debt, unsecured to subordinated debt and subordinated debt to preferred stock to determine the fair value of the derivatives embedded within the convertible debt. The changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt are presented on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
    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’s nonrecurring nonfinancial assets subject to fair value measurements are as follows:
                                         
            Fair Value Measurements as of June 30, 2009 Using:  
    Six             Quoted Prices              
    Months Ended             in Active     Significant        
    June 30,             Markets for     Other     Significant  
    2009             Identical     Observable     Unobservable  
    Impairment             Assets     Inputs     Inputs  
Description   Charge     Total     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Assets:
                                       
Investment in real estate
  $ 5,000     $ 12,204     $     $     $ 12,204  
Investment in non- consolidated real estate businesses
    3,500       3,000                   3,000  
 
                             
Total
  $ 8,500     $ 15,204     $     $     $ 15,204  
 
                             

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
    The Company estimated the fair value of its investment in Escena and non-consolidated real estate 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 decrease in the mortgage receivable and the non-consolidated real estate were attributed to the decline in the New York and California real estate markets due to various factors including downward pressure on housing prices, the impact of the recent contraction in the subprime and mortgage markets generally and a large inventory of unsold homes at the same time that sales volumes were decreasing.
9.   SEGMENT INFORMATION
    As a result of the suspension of the marketing of low nicotine and nicotine-free cigarette products by Vector Tobacco and significant reductions in Vector Tobacco’s related research activities, the Company has reevaluated its operating segments and combined the Liggett and Vector Tobacco businesses into a single Tobacco segment. The Company’s significant business segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, were Tobacco and Real Estate. The Tobacco segment consists of the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and the research related to reduced risk products. The Real Estate segment includes the Company’s investment in Escena and investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Prior period segment information has been recast to conform to the current presentation.
 
    Financial information for the Company’s operations before taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, follows:
                                 
            Real   Corporate    
    Tobacco   Estate   and Other   Total
Three months ended June 30, 2010
                               
Revenues
  $ 268,460                 $ 268,460  
Operating income (loss)
    26,027 (1)     (164 )     (4,786 )     21,077  
Depreciation and amortization
    2,119       76       580       2,775  
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
          7,207             7,207  
 
                               
Three months ended June 30, 2009
                               
Revenues
  $ 206,794                 $ 206,794  
Operating income (loss)
    41,948             (3,101 )     38,847  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,998             527       2,525  
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
          1,811             1,811  
 
                               
Six months ended June 30, 2010
                               
Revenues
  $ 490,547                 $ 490,547  
Operating income (loss)
    60,959 (1)     118       (8,982 )     52,095  
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
          11,778             11,778  
Depreciation and amortization
    4,192       144       1,159       5,495  
Capital expenditures
    8,639       560       45       9,244  
 
                               
Six months ended June 30, 2009
                               
Revenues
  $ 328,010                 $ 328,010  
Operating income (loss)
    77,573 (2)           (7,566 )     70,007  
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
          816             816  
Depreciation and amortization
    4,011             1,107       5,118  
Capital expenditures
    1,409                   1,409  
 
(1)   Operating income includes litigation judgment expense of $14,361.
 
(2)   Operating income includes a gain of $5,000 on the Philip Morris brand transaction completed February 2009 and restructuring costs of $1,000.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
10.   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    The accompanying condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X, Rule 3-10, “Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered”. Each of the subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, and all guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several. The Company’s investments in its consolidated subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting.

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
                                         
    June 30, 2010  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
ASSETS:
                                       
Current assets:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 271,400     $ 13,713     $ 417     $     $ 285,530  
Investment securities available for sale
    70,732                         70,732  
Accounts receivable — trade
          6,742       1             6,743  
Intercompany receivables
    3                   (3 )      
Inventories
          100,749                   100,749  
Deferred income taxes
    12,040       3,562                   15,602  
Income taxes receivable
    10,534       10,046             (20,580 )      
Restricted assets
          2,979                   2,979  
Other current assets
    533       2,794       153             3,480  
 
                             
Total current assets
    365,242       140,585       571       (20,583 )     485,815  
 
                                       
Property, plant and equipment, net
    615       45,726                   46,341  
Investment in Escena, net
                13,443             13,443  
Long-term investments accounted for at cost
    45,134             837             45,971  
Long-term investments accounted for under the equity method
    10,900                         10,900  
Investments in non- consolidated real estate businesses
                56,111             56,111  
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
    239,969                   (239,969 )      
Restricted assets
    2,668       3,045                   5,713  
Deferred income taxes
    26,935       106,259       9,247       (104,779 )     37,662  
Intangible asset
          107,511                   107,511  
Prepaid pension costs
          9,480                   9,480  
Other assets
    16,524       14,515                   31,039  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 707,987     $ 427,121     $ 80,209     $ (365,331 )   $ 849,986  
 
                             
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY:
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                       
Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt
  $     $ 31,855     $ 119     $     $ 31,974  
Current portion of employee benefits
          1,029                   1,029  
Accounts payable
    646       5,176       72             5,894  
Intercompany payables
          3             (3 )      
Accrued promotional expenses
          13,006                   13,006  
Income taxes payable, net
          612       35,355       (20,580 )     15,387  
Accrued excise and payroll taxes payable, net
          15,787                   15,787  
Settlement accruals
          60,525                   60,525  
Deferred income taxes
    22,031       1,934                   23,965  
Accrued interest
    16,959                         16,959  
Other current liabilities
    4,332       7,417       699             12,448  
 
                             
Total current liabilities
    43,968       137,344       36,245       (20,583 )     196,974  
Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion
    398,786       14,518       420             413,724  
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
    141,941                         141,941  
Non-current employee benefits
    14,025       21,110                   35,135  
Deferred income taxes
    128,609       25,372       59       (104,779 )     49,261  
Other liabilities
    256       31,789       504             32,549  
 
                             
Total liabilities
    727,585       230,133       37,228       (125,362 )     869,584  
 
                                       
Commitments and contingencies
                             
 
                                       
Stockholders’ deficiency
    (19,598 )     196,988       42,981       (239,969 )     (19,598 )
 
                             
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficiency
  $ 707,987     $ 427,121     $ 80,209     $ (365,331 )   $ 849,986  
 
                             

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
                                         
    December 31, 2009  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
ASSETS:
                                       
Current assets:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 204,133     $ 5,004     $ 317     $     $ 209,454  
Investment securities available for sale
    51,743                         51,743  
Accounts receivable — trade
          8,089       9             8,098  
Intercompany receivables
          43             (43 )      
Inventories
          98,485       1             98,486  
Deferred income taxes
    11,240       2,914                   14,154  
Income taxes receivable
          26,086             (26,086 )      
Restricted assets
          3,138                   3,138  
Other current assets
    497       3,512       126             4,135  
 
                             
Total current assets
    267,613       147,271       453       (26,129 )     389,208  
 
                                       
Property, plant and equipment, net
    623       42,363                   42,986  
Investment in Escena, net
                13,244             13,244  
Long-term investments accounted for at cost
    49,486             837             50,323  
Investments in non- consolidated real estate businesses
                49,566             49,566  
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
    282,010                   (282,010 )      
Restricted assets
    2,685       2,150                   4,835  
Deferred income taxes
    28,729       94,088       9,667       (92,646 )     39,838  
Intangible asset
          107,511                   107,511  
Prepaid pension costs
          8,994                   8,994  
Other assets
    14,942       14,095                   29,037  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 646,088     $ 416,472     $ 73,767     $ (400,785 )   $ 735,542  
 
                             
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY:
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                       
Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt
  $     $ 21,773     $ 116     $     $ 21,889  
Current portion of employee benefits
          1,029                   1,029  
Accounts payable
    1,490       2,763       102             4,355  
Intercompany payables
    43                   (43 )      
Accrued promotional expenses
          12,745                   12,745  
Income taxes payable, net
    14,472       547       30,991       (26,086 )     19,924  
Accrued excise and payroll taxes payable, net
          24,088       5             24,093  
Settlement accruals
          18,803                   18,803  
Deferred income taxes
    14,992       2,262                   17,254  
Accrued interest
    13,840                         13,840  
Other current liabilities
    6,039       8,427       610             15,076  
 
                             
Total current liabilities
    50,876       92,437       31,824       (26,129 )     149,008  
Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion
    319,588       14,853       479             334,920  
Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
    153,016                         153,016  
Non-current employee benefits
    13,301       20,946                   34,247  
Deferred income taxes
    113,667       24,040       59       (92,646 )     45,120  
Other liabilities
    322       22,763       828             23,913  
 
                             
Total liabilities
    650,770       175,039       33,190       (118,775 )     740,224  
 
                                       
Commitments and contingencies
                             
 
                                       
Stockholders’ deficiency
    (4,682 )     241,433       40,577       (282,010 )     (4,682 )
 
                             
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficiency
  $ 646,088     $ 416,472     $ 73,767     $ (400,785 )   $ 735,542  
 
                             

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                         
    Three Months Ended June 30, 2010  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
Revenues
  $     $ 268,460     $     $     $ 268,460  
Expenses:
                                       
Cost of goods sold
          210,994                   210,994  
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
    5,916       15,884       228             22,028  
Litigation judgment expense
          14,361                   14,361  
Management fee expense
          2,131             (2,131 )      
 
                             
Operating (loss) income
    (5,916 )     25,090       (228 )     2,131       21,077  
Other income (expenses):
                                       
Interest expense
    (20,540 )     (219 )     (11 )           (20,770 )
Changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
    13,789                         13,789  
Equity income on non-consolidated real estate businesses
                7,207             7,207  
Gain on investment securities available for sale
    6,447                         6,447  
Equity income in consolidated subsidiaries
    33,553                   (33,553 )      
Management fee income
    2,131                   (2,131 )      
Other, net
    2,844       8                   2,852  
 
                             
Income before provision for income taxes
    32,308       24,879       6,968       (33,553 )     30,602  
Income tax (expense) benefit
    (13,085     4,535       (2,829 )           (11,379 )
 
                             
Net income
  $ 19,223     $ 29,414     $ 4,139     $ (33,553 )   $ 19,223  
 
                             

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                         
    Three Months Ended June 30, 2009  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
Revenues
  $     $ 206,794     $     $     $ 206,794  
Expenses:
                                       
Cost of goods sold
          147,764                   147,764  
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
    4,502       15,870       (189 )           20,183  
Management fee expense
          2,056             (2,056 )      
 
                             
Operating income (loss)
    (4,502 )     41,104       189       2,056       38,847  
Other income (expenses):
                                       
Interest expense
    (16,838 )     (248 )                 (17,086 )
Loss on exchanges
    (18,444 )                       (18,444 )
Changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
    (19,488 )                       (19,488 )
Equity income on non-consolidated real estate businesses
                1,811             1,811  
Equity income in consolidated subsidiaries
    26,253                   (26,253 )      
Management fee income
    2,056                   (2,056 )      
Other, net
    62       14                   76  
 
                             
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
    (30,901 )     40,870       2,000       (26,253 )     (14,284 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    22,955       (15,656 )     (961 )           6,338  
 
                             
Net income (loss)
  $ (7,946 )   $ 25,214     $ 1,039     $ (26,253 )   $ (7,946 )
 
                             

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30, 2010  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
Revenues
  $     $ 490,547     $     $     $ 490,547  
Expenses:
                                       
Cost of goods sold
          380,905                   380,905  
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
    11,134       32,079       (27 )           43,186  
Litigation judgment expense
          14,361                   14,361  
Management fee expense
          4,261             (4,261 )      
 
                             
Operating (loss) income
    (11,134 )     58,941       27       4,261       52,095  
Other income (expenses):
                                       
Interest expense
    (39,115 )     (438 )     (22 )           (39,575 )
Changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
    11,075                         11,075  
Equity income on non-consolidated real estate businesses
                11,778             11,778  
Gain on investment securities available for sale
    11,111                         11,111  
Equity income in consolidated subsidiaries
    60,921                   (60,921 )      
Management fee income
    4,261                   (4,261 )      
Other, net
    2,962       16                   2,978  
 
                             
Income before provision for income taxes
    40,081       58,519       11,783       (60,921 )     49,462  
Income tax (expense) benefit
    (8,920 )     (4,597 )     (4,784 )           (18,301 )
 
                             
Net income
  $ 31,161     $ 53,922     $ 6,999     $ (60,921 )   $ 31,161  
 
                             

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30, 2009  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
Revenues
  $     $ 328,010     $     $     $ 328,010  
Expenses:
                                       
Cost of goods sold
          220,290                   220,290  
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses
    9,652       31,860       201             41,713  
Gain on brand transaction
          (5,000 )                 (5,000 )
Restructuring charges
          1,000                   1,000  
Management fee expense
          4,112             (4,112 )      
 
                             
Operating income (loss)
    (9,652 )     75,748       (201 )     4,112       70,007  
Other income (expenses):
                                       
Interest expense
    (32,632 )     (528 )                 (33,160 )
Loss on exchanges
    (18,444 )                       (18,444 )
Changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt
    (19,791 )                       (19,791 )
Impairment charges on investments
                (8,500 )           (8,500 )
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses
                816             816  
Equity income in consolidated subsidiaries
    41,752                   (41,752 )      
Management fee income
    4,112                   (4,112 )      
Other, net
    137       89                   226  
 
                             
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
    (34,518 )     75,309       (7,885 )     (41,752 )     (8,846 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    29,672       (28,775 )     3,103             4,000  
 
                             
Net income (loss)
  $ (4,846 )   $ 46,534     $ (4,782 )   $ (41,752 )   $ (4,846 )
 
                             

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30, 2010  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 51,784     $ 107,284     $ 2,480     $ (105,696 )   $ 55,852  
 
                             
 
                                       
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                       
Sale or maturity of investment securities
    15,433                         15,433  
Purchase of investment securities
    (7,414 )                       (7,414 )
Proceeds from sale of or liquidation of long-term investments
    1,001                         1,001  
Purchase of long-term investment
    (5,000 )                       (5,000 )
Investment in non- consolidated real estate businesses
                (924 )           (924 )
Distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses
                3,539             3,539  
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies
    (513 )     (16 )                 (529 )
(Increase) decrease in non-current restricted assets
    17       (895 )                 (878 )
Issuance of notes receivable
    (535 )                       (535 )
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
          3                   3  
Investments in subsidiaries
    (2,325 )                 2,325        
Capital expenditures
    (262 )     (8,639 )     (343 )           (9,244 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    402       (9,547 )     2,272       2,325       (4,548 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                       
Proceeds from debt issuance
    75,000       4,585                   79,585  
Deferred financing costs
    (2,582 )                       (2,582 )
Repayments of debt
          (2,373 )     (56 )           (2,429 )
Borrowings under revolver
          472,865                   472,865  
Repayments on revolver
          (465,330 )                 (465,330 )
Capital contributions received
          2,325             (2,325 )      
Intercompany dividends paid
          (101,100 )     (4,596 )     105,696        
Dividends and distributions on common stock
    (57,919 )                       (57,919 )
Proceeds from exercise of Vector options and warrants
    507                         507  
Tax benefits from exercise of Vector options and warrants
    75                         75  
 
                             
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    15,081       (89,028 )     (4,652 )     103,371       24,772  
 
                             
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    67,267       8,709       100             76,076  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    204,133       5,004       317             209,454  
 
                             
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 271,400     $ 13,713     $ 417     $     $ 285,530  
 
                             

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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Unaudited
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30, 2009  
                    Subsidiary             Consolidated  
    Parent/     Subsidiary     Non-     Consolidating     Vector Group  
    Issuer     Guarantors     Guarantors     Adjustments     Ltd.  
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 55,499     $ 55,892     $ 1,642     $ (60,480 )   $ 52,553  
 
                             
 
                                       
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                       
Purchase of investment securities
    (10,667 )                       (10,667 )
Proceeds from sale or liquidation of long-term investments
    1,407                         1,407  
Distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses
                2,364             2,364  
Investments in subsidiaries
    (2,050 )                 2,050        
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies
    (425 )     (332 )                 (757 )
(Increase) decrease in non- current restricted assets
    (122 )     568                   446  
Capital expenditures
          (1,409 )                 (1,409 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (11,857 )     (1,173 )     2,364       2,050       (8,616 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                       
Proceeds from debt Issuance
    38,225       21                   38,246  
Repayments of debt
          (3,052 )                 (3,052 )
Deferred financing charges
    (210 )     (6 )                 (216 )
Borrowings under revolver
          306,788                   306,788  
Repayments on revolver
          (306,167 )                 (306,167 )
Capital contributions received
          2,050             (2,050 )      
Intercompany dividends paid
          (56,475 )     (4,005 )     60,480        
Dividends and distributions on common stock
    (58,310 )                       (58,310 )
Proceeds from exercise of Vector options and warrants
    182                         182  
Tax benefit of options exercised
    13                         13  
 
                             
Net cash (used in) financing activities
    (20,100 )     (56,841 )     (4,005 )     58,430       (22,516 )
 
                             
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    23,542       (2,122 )     1             21,421  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    200,066       11,039                   211,105  
 
                             
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 223,608     $ 8,917     $ 1     $     $ 232,526  
 
                             

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Overview
     We are a holding company and are engaged principally in:
    the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the United States through our Liggett Group LLC,
 
    research relating to reduced risk cigarette products and manufacture and sale of cigarettes through our Vector Tobacco Inc. subsidiary, and
 
    the real estate business through our New Valley LLC subsidiary, which is seeking to acquire additional operating companies and real estate properties. New Valley owns 50% of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, which operates the largest residential brokerage company in the New York metropolitan area.
     All of Liggett’s unit sales volume in 2009 and for the first six months of 2010 was in the discount segment, which Liggett’s management believes has been the primary growth segment in the industry for more than a decade. The significant discounting of premium cigarettes in recent years has led to brands, such as EVE, that were traditionally considered premium brands to become more appropriately categorized as discount, following list price reductions.
     Liggett’s cigarettes are produced in approximately 135 combinations of length, style and packaging. Liggett’s current brand portfolio includes:
    LIGGETT SELECT — a leading brand in the deep discount category,
 
    GRAND PRIX — re-launched as a national brand in 2005,
 
    EVE — a leading brand of 120 millimeter cigarettes in the branded discount category,
 
    PYRAMID — the industry’s first deep discount product with a brand identity re-launched in the second quarter of 2009, and
 
    USA and various Partner Brands and private label brands.
     In 1999, Liggett introduced LIGGETT SELECT, one of the leading brands in the deep discount category. LIGGETT SELECT’s unit volume was 14.7% of Liggett’s unit volume for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 21.5% for the year ended December 31, 2009. In September 2005, Liggett repositioned GRAND PRIX to distributors and retailers nationwide. GRAND PRIX’s unit volume was 21.2% of Liggett’s unit volume for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 27.9% for the year ended December 31, 2009. In April 2009, Liggett repositioned PYRAMID as a box-only brand in specific markets with a new low price to specifically compete with brands which are priced at the lowest level of the deep discount segment. PYRAMID is now the largest seller in Liggett’s family of brands with 34.9% of Liggett’s unit volume for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 14.6% for the year ended December 31, 2009.
     Under the Master Settlement Agreement reached in November 1998 with 46 states and various territories, the three largest cigarette manufacturers must make settlement payments to the states and territories based on how many cigarettes they sell annually. Liggett, however, is not required to make any payments unless its market share exceeds approximately 1.65% of the U.S. cigarette market. Additionally, Vector Tobacco has no payment obligation unless its market

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share exceeds approximately 0.28% of the U.S. market. Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s payments under the Master Settlement Agreement are based on each company’s incremental market share above the minimum threshold applicable to such company. We believe that Liggett has gained a sustainable cost advantage over its competitors as a result of the settlement.
     The discount segment is a challenging marketplace, with consumers having less brand loyalty and placing greater emphasis on price. Liggett’s competition is now divided into two segments. The first segment is made up of the three largest manufacturers of cigarettes in the United States, Philip Morris USA Inc., Reynolds America Inc., and Lorillard Tobacco Company as well as the fourth largest, Commonwealth Brands, Inc. (acquired by Imperial Tobacco PLC in 2007). The three largest manufacturers, while primarily premium cigarette based companies, also produce and sell discount cigarettes. The second segment of competition is comprised of a group of smaller manufacturers and importers, most of which sell lower quality, deep discount cigarettes.
Recent Developments
     Senior Secured Notes. In September 2009, we sold an additional $85,000 principal amount of our 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (the “Senior Secured Notes”) at 94% of face value in a private offering to qualified institutional investors in accordance with Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. In April 2010, we sold another $75,000 principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes at 101% of face value in a private offering to qualified institutional investors in accordance with Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. Following the April 2010 offering, a total of $325,000 principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes were outstanding. In June 2010, we completed an offer to exchange the Senior Secured Notes issued in September 2009 and April 2010 for an equal amount of newly issued 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015. The new Senior Secured Notes have substantially the same terms as the original notes, except that the new Senior Secured Notes have been registered under the Securities Act.
     Enacted and proposed excise tax increases. Effective April 1, 2009, the federal cigarette excise tax was increased from $3.90 per carton ($0.39 per pack) to $10.07 per carton ($1.01 per pack). In 2009, 14 states and the District of Columbia enacted increases to state excise taxes and further increases in states’ excise taxes are expected. As of the financial statement issuance date, three states had enacted increases to state excise taxes in 2010 and further increases in states’ excise taxes are expected.
     New Valley Oaktree Chelsea Eleven, LLC. Chelsea Eleven LLC sold 16 and 19 condominium units during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010. As of August 4, 2010, 30 of the 54 condominium units in the Chelsea Eleven LLC real estate development had closed. As of June 30, 2010, Chelsea Eleven LLC had approximately $70,261 of total assets and $53,895 of total liabilities, excluding amounts owed to New Valley Oaktree Chelsea Eleven (approximately $86,833 at June 30, 2010). Chelsea Eleven LLC retired its construction loan during the second quarter of 2010 from the proceeds of the sales of units. In addition, on July 1, 2010, Chelsea Eleven LLC borrowed $47,100, which is due on July 1, 2012, bearing interest at 14% per annum. The proceeds were used to retire Chelsea Eleven LLC’s then outstanding mezzanine debt (approximately $37,200) and other working capital purposes.
     Aberdeen Townhomes LLC. In January 2010, Aberdeen sold one of its four remaining townhomes and the mortgage of approximately $4,550 was retired. We received a preferred return distribution of approximately $971 in connection with the sale and did not record a gain or loss associate with the sale. In addition, in August 2010, Aberdeen received $375 from escrow related to the January 2010 sale.

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Recent Developments in Tobacco-Related Litigation
     The cigarette industry continues to be challenged on numerous fronts. New cases continue to be commenced against Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers. As of June 30, 2010, there were approximately 7,050 individual suits (excluding approximately 100 individual cases pending in West Virginia state court as part of a consolidated action; Liggett has been severed from the trial of the consolidated action), seven purported class actions and four healthcare cost recovery actions pending in which Liggett or us, or both, were named as a defendant.
     Liggett Only Cases. There are currently five cases pending where Liggett is the only tobacco company defendant. Cases where Liggett is the only defendant could increase substantially as a result of the Engle progeny cases. In February 2009, in Ferlanti v. Liggett Group, a Florida state court jury awarded compensatory damages of $1,200 as well as $96 in expenses, but found that the plaintiff was 40% at fault. Therefore, plaintiff’s award was reduced to $720 in compensatory damages. Punitive damages were not awarded. Liggett appealed the award. In May 2009, the court granted plaintiff’s motion for an award of attorneys’ fees but the amount has not yet been determined. In Hausrath v. Philip Morris, a case pending in New York state court, where two individuals are suing, plaintiffs dismissed all defendants other than Liggett. There has been no recent activity in the case. The other three individual actions, in which Liggett is the only tobacco company defendant, are dormant.
     Engle Progeny Cases. In 2000, a jury in Engle v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. rendered a $145,000,000 punitive damages verdict in favor of a “Florida Class” against certain cigarette manufacturers, including Liggett. Pursuant to the Florida Supreme Court’s July 2006 ruling in Engle, which decertified the class on a prospective basis, and affirmed the appellate court’s reversal of the punitive damages award, former class members had one year from January 11, 2007 in which to file individual lawsuits. In addition, some individuals who filed suit prior to January 11, 2007, and who claim they meet the conditions in Engle, are attempting to avail themselves of the Engle ruling. Lawsuits by individuals requesting the benefit of the Engle ruling, whether filed before or after the January 11, 2007 deadline, are referred to as the “Engle progeny cases.” Liggett and/or the Company have been named in approximately 7,014 Engle progeny cases in both state and federal courts in Florida. Other cigarette manufacturers have also been named as defendants in these cases, although as the cases are activated, the plaintiffs often dismiss the case against one or more defendants. These cases include approximately 8,284 plaintiffs, approximately 3,862 of whom have claims pending in federal court and 5,082 in state court. Duplicate cases were filed in federal and state court on behalf of approximately 660 plaintiffs. The number of progeny cases will likely increase as the courts may require multi-plaintiff cases to be severed into individual cases. The total number of plaintiffs may also increase as a result of attempts by existing plaintiffs to add additional parties. As of June 30, 2010, 43 alleged Engle progeny cases, where Liggett is currently named as a defendant, were scheduled for trial in 2010 and 2011. As of June 30, 2010, four adverse verdicts in Engle progeny cases have been entered against Liggett. These verdicts are on appeal or will be appealed. In June 2002, the jury in Lukacs v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, an individual case brought under the third phase of the Engle case, awarded $37,500, (subsequently reduced by the court to $24,835) of compensatory damages, plus interest, jointly and severally, against Liggett and two other cigarette manufacturers and found Liggett 50% responsible for the damages. In November 2008, the court entered final judgment. On March 17, 2010, the Third District Court of Appeal affirmed the decision, per curiam. In June 2010, Liggett paid its share of the judgment and settled claims for attorneys’ fees and accrued interest for a total payment of approximately $14,361. It is possible that additional cases could be decided unfavorably and that there could be further adverse developments in the Engle case. Liggett may enter into discussions in an attempt to settle particular cases if it believes it is appropriate to do so. We cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future settlements and judgments, including

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cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that those requirements will not be able to be met.
Critical Accounting Policies
     There are no material changes from the critical accounting policies set forth in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2009. Please refer to that section and the information below for disclosures regarding the critical accounting policies related to our business.
Results of Operations
     The following discussion provides an assessment of our results of operations, capital resources and liquidity and should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of VGR Holding, Liggett, Vector Tobacco, Liggett Vector Brands, New Valley and other less significant subsidiaries.
     As a result of the suspension of the marketing of low nicotine and nicotine-free cigarette products by Vector Tobacco and significant reductions in Vector Tobacco’s related research activities, we reevaluated our operating segments and combined the Liggett and Vector Tobacco businesses into a single Tobacco segment. For purposes of this discussion and other consolidated financial reporting, our significant business segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were Tobacco and Real Estate. The Tobacco segment consists of the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and the research related to reduced risk products. The Real Estate segment includes our investment in Escena and investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses. Prior period segment information has been recast to conform to the current presentation.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,     June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
Revenues:
                               
Tobacco
  $ 268,460     $ 206,794     $ 490,547     $ 328,010  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating income:
                               
Tobacco
  $ 26,027 (1)   $ 41,948     $ 60,959 (1)   $ 77,573 (2)
Real Estate
    (164 )           118        
Corporate and other
    (4,786 )     (3,101 )     (8,982 )     (7,566 )
 
                       
Total operating income
  $ 21,077     $ 38,847     $ 52,095     $ 70,007  
 
                       
 
(1)   Operating income includes litigation judgment expense of $14,361.
 
(2)   Operating income includes a gain of $5,000 on the Philip Morris brand transaction completed February 2009 and restructuring costs of $1,000.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010 Compared to Three Months ended June 30, 2009
     Revenues. All of our revenues were from the Tobacco segment for the second quarter of 2010 and 2009. Liggett increased the list price of LIGGETT SELECT and EVE by $0.90 per carton in

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February 2009 and an additional $7.10 per carton in March 2009. Liggett increased the list price of GRAND PRIX by $7.20 per carton in March 2009. In June 2009, Liggett increased the list price of all brands by $0.10 per carton in conjunction with the user fees imposed by the passage of the bill granting the FDA jurisdiction over tobacco. Liggett increased the list price of LIGGETT SELECT, EVE, and GRAND PRIX by $0.60 per carton in January 2010 and an additional $0.65 per carton in May 2010.
     All of our sales for the second quarter of 2010 and 2009 were in the discount category. For the three months ended June 30, 2010, revenues were $268,460 compared to $206,794 for the three months ended June 30, 2009. Revenues increased by 29.8% ($61,666) due to a favorable volume variance of $47,767 (approximately 633.2 million units or a 30.8% increase in unit volume) primarily related to PYRAMID, a favorable price variance of $9,581 and a favorable mix variance of $4,318.
     Tobacco gross profit. Tobacco gross profit was $57,466 for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $59,032 for the three months ended June 30, 2009. This represented a decrease of $1,566 (2.7%) when compared to the same period in 2009. This decrease was due primarily to the sales mix. As a percent of revenues (excluding federal excise taxes), Tobacco gross profit decreased to 43.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to gross profit of 57.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2009.
     Expenses. Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $22,028 for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $20,183 for the same period last year, an increase of $1,845 (9.1%). Tobacco expenses, not including the $14,361 litigation judgment expense discussed below, were $17,078 for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $17,084 for the same period in the prior year. Tobacco product liability legal expenses and other litigation costs were $1,617 and $1,573 for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In addition, we recorded $14,361 of expense associated with a litigation judgment paid in June 2010. Expenses at the corporate segment increased from $3,099 to $4,786 due to increased expenses for the Supplemental Retirement Plan and professional fees in 2010.
     Operating income. For the three months ended June 30, 2010, Tobacco segment operating income decreased from $41,948 in 2009 to $26,027 in 2010 primarily due to the litigation judgment expense of $14,361 and decreased margins on higher volume brands in 2010. The real estate segment operating loss of $164 in 2010 related primarily to Escena’s operations.
     Other income (expenses). Other income was $9,525 for the three months ended June 30, 2010 compared to expenses of $53,131 for the same period last year. For the three months ended June 30, 2010, other income primarily consisted of income of $13,789 for changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt, a realized gain on investments held for sale of $6,447, equity income on non-consolidated real estate businesses of $7,207, and equity income on a long-term investment of $2,770 and was offset by interest expense of $20,770. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, other expenses primarily consisted of interest expense of $17,086, a loss on the extinguishment of the 5% Notes of $18,444, equity income of $1,811 on non-consolidated real estate businesses, and a loss of $19,488 for changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt.
     We recorded equity income of $2,770 related to a limited partnership for the three months ended June 30, 2010. Included in this amount is the impact of an error identified by us, which resulted in an out-of-period adjustment of approximately $1,650 (approximately $980 after taxes). The error occurred because our ownership in the limited partnership increased from a nominal percentage to more than 10% during the fourth quarter of 2008 (due to significant withdrawals from other partners); thus, our investment should have been accounted for under the equity method for all previous periods in which the investment was held. We assessed the materiality of this error on all previously issued financial statements in accordance with the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 99 and concluded that the error was immaterial to all previously issued financial

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statements. The impact of correcting this error in the current year is not expected to be material to our 2010 consolidated financial statements.
     The fair value of the embedded derivatives is contingent on changes in interest rates of debt instruments maturing over the duration of the convertible debt, our stock price as well as projections of future cash and stock dividends over the term of the debt. The income of $13,789 from the embedded derivatives for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was primarily the result of increasing spreads between corporate convertible debt and risk free investments offset by interest payments during the period. The loss of $19,488 for the three month months ended June 30, 2009, was primarily the result of declining spreads between corporate convertible debt and risk free investments offset by interest payments during the period.
     Income (loss) before income taxes. Income before income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $30,602 compared to loss before income taxes of $14,284 for the three months ended June 30, 2009.
     Income tax provision (benefit). The income tax provision was $11,379 for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and the income tax benefit was $6,338 for the three months ended June 30, 2009. Our provision for income taxes in interim periods is based on an estimated annual effective income tax rate derived, in part, from estimated annual pre-tax results from ordinary operations in accordance with guidance on accounting for income taxes on interim periods.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 Compared to Six Months ended June 30, 2009
     Revenues. All of our revenues were from the Tobacco segment for the first six months of 2010 and 2009. Liggett increased the list price of LIGGETT SELECT and EVE by $0.90 per carton in February 2009 and an additional $7.10 per carton in March 2009. Liggett increased the list price of GRAND PRIX by $7.20 per carton in March 2009. In June 2009, Liggett increased the list price of all brands by $0.10 per carton in conjunction with the user fees imposed by the passage of the bill granting the FDA jurisdiction over tobacco. Liggett increased the list price of LIGGETT SELECT, EVE, and GRAND PRIX by $0.60 per carton in January 2010 and an additional $0.65 per carton in May 2010.
     All of our sales were in the discount category for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, revenues were $490,547 compared to $328,010 for the six months ended June 30, 2009. Revenues increased by 49.6% ($162,537) due to a favorable price variance of $70,722, primarily related to increases in price of LIGGETT SELECT and GRAND PRIX (primarily associated with the increase in federal excise taxes on cigarettes), a favorable volume variance of $90,392 (approximately 1,112.5 million units or a 29.4% increase in unit volume) and a favorable mix variance of $1,423.
     Tobacco gross profit. Tobacco gross profit was $109,644 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $107,721 for the six months ended June 30, 2009. The $1,923 (1.8%) increase was primarily due to higher sales volume offset by sales mix. As a percent of revenues (excluding federal excise taxes), Tobacco gross profit decreased to 44.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to gross profit of 56.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2009 due to sales mix.
     Expenses. Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $43,186 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $41,713 for the same period last year, an increase of $1,473 (3.5%). Tobacco expenses, not including the $14,361 litigation judgment expense discussed below, were $34,324 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $35,148 for the same period in the prior year, a decrease of $824, which was primarily the result of restructuring costs of $1,000 in 2009 and a decrease of $580 in research expenses offset by increased legal and product liability expenses of $305 in 2010. Tobacco product liability

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legal expenses and other litigation costs were $3,265 and $2,960 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In addition, we recorded $14,361 of expense associated with a litigation judgment paid in June 2010. Expenses at the corporate segment increased from $6,565 to $8,980 due primarily to increased expenses for the Supplemental Retirement Plan and professional fees in 2010.
     Operating income. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, Tobacco segment operating income decreased from $77,573 in 2009 to $60,959 in 2010 primarily due to litigation judgment expense of $14,361 in 2010, the absence of a gain recorded in 2009 of $5,000 from the Philip Morris brands transaction, and decreased margins due to sales mix in 2010. The real estate segment’s operating income of $118 in the 2010 six-month period related primarily to Escena’s operations.
     Other expenses. Other expenses were $2,633 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to $78,853 for the same period last year. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, other expenses primarily consisted of interest expense of $39,575 offset by other income of $11,075 for changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt, a realized gain on investments held for sale of $11,111, equity income on non-consolidated real estate businesses of $11,778, equity income on a long-term partnership of $2,770 and interest and other income of $208. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, other expenses primarily consisted of interest expense of $33,160, a loss on the extinguishment of the 5% Notes of $18,444, a loss of $8,500 associated with a decline in value in the Escena mortgage receivable of $5,000 and the Aberdeen real estate investment of $3,500 and a loss of $19,791 for changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt offset by equity income of $816 on non-consolidated real estate businesses and interest income of $226.
     The fair value of the embedded derivatives is contingent on changes in interest rates of debt instruments maturing over the duration of the convertible debt, our stock price as well as projections of future cash and stock dividends over the term of the debt. The income of $11,075 from the embedded derivative for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was primarily the result of increasing spreads between corporate convertible debt and risk free investments offset by interest payments during the period. The loss of $19,791 for the six months ended June 30, 2009, was primarily the result of declining spreads between corporate convertible debt and risk free investments offset by interest payments during the period.
     Income(loss)before income taxes. Income before income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $49,462 compared to a loss before income taxes of $8,846 for the six months ended June 30, 2009.
     Income tax provision (benefit). The income tax provision was $18,301 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and a benefit of $4,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009. Our provision for income taxes in interim periods is based on an estimated annual effective income tax rate derived, in part, from estimated annual pre-tax results from ordinary operations in accordance with guidance on accounting for income taxes on interim periods. We recorded a benefit of approximately $500 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 resulting from the reduction of a previously established valuation allowance of a deferred tax asset. The net deferred tax asset has been recognized for state tax net operating losses at Vector Tobacco Inc. after evaluating the impact of the negative and positive evidence that such asset would be realized.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
     Net cash and cash equivalents increased $76,076 and $21,421 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
     Net cash provided from operations was $55,852 and $52,553 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The difference between the two periods related primarily to

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increased settlement accruals under the Master Settlement Agreement in 2010 compared to the 2009 period. We accrue liabilities under the Master Settlement Agreement when a sale is consummated; however, the payments under the Master Settlement Agreement are generally not made until the December in the year of the sale or the April after the year of sale. The difference was offset by the absence of the $5,000 payment received on the Philip Morris brands transaction in 2009 and a payment of $14,361 associated with a litigation judgment.
     Cash used in investing activities was $4,548 and $8,616 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In the first six months of 2010, cash was used for the purchase of investment securities of $7,414, long-term investments of $5,000, investments in non-consolidated real estate business of $924, increase in non-current restricted assets of $878, an increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies of $529, the issuance of notes receivable of $535 and capital expenditures of $9,244 offset by the proceeds from the sale or maturity of investment securities of $15,433, proceeds from the sale or liquidation of long-term investments of $1,001, and distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses of $3,539. In the first six months of 2009, cash was used for the purchase of investment securities of $10,667, capital expenditures of $1,409, an increase in cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance policies of $757, offset by distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses of $2,364, proceeds from the liquidation of long-term investments of $1,407 and a decrease in restricted assets of $446.
     Cash provided from financing activities was $24,772 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to cash used in financing activities of $22,516 for the six months ended June 30, 2009. In the first six months of 2010, cash provided from financing activities was from the proceeds of debt issuance of $79,585, net borrowing under the revolver of $7,535, and proceeds from the exercise of Vector options of $507 offset by cash used for distributions on common stock of $57,919, repayments of debt of $2,429, and deferred finance charges of $2,582. In the first six months of 2009, cash was primarily used for distributions on common stock of $58,310 and repayments of debt of $3,052 offset by net borrowings of debt under the revolver of $621 and deferred financing charges on debt issuance of $216, offset by the proceeds from the issuance of debt of $38,246 and the exercise of options of $182.
     Liggett. Liggett has a $50,000 credit facility with Wachovia Bank, N.A. under which $24,917 was outstanding at June 30, 2010. Availability as determined under the facility was approximately $12,100 based on eligible collateral at June 30, 2010. The facility contains covenants that provide that Liggett’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined under the facility, on a trailing twelve-month basis, shall not be less than $100,000 if Liggett’s excess availability, as defined, under the facility is less than $20,000. The covenants also require that annual capital expenditures, as defined under the facility, (before a maximum carryover amount of $2,500) shall not exceed $10,000 during any fiscal year. At June 30, 2010, management believed that Liggett was in compliance with all covenants under the credit facility; Liggett’s EBITDA, as defined, were approximately $131,300 for the twelve months ended June 30, 2010.
     In June 2002, the jury in an individual case brought under the third phase of the Engle case awarded $24,835 of compensatory damages against Liggett and two other defendants and found Liggett 50% responsible for the damages. Liggett has paid its share of the damages award and settled plaintiff’s claim for interest and attorneys’ fees. Accordingly, the case is now concluded. To date, four other adverse verdicts have been entered in Engle progeny cases against Liggett in the total amount of approximately $5,872. It is possible that additional cases could be decided unfavorably. There are approximately 7,014 Engle progeny cases, in state and federal courts in Florida, where Liggett (and other cigarette manufacturers) and us, were named as defendants. Approximately 43 cases are currently scheduled for trial in 2010 and 2011. Liggett may enter into discussions in an attempt to settle particular cases if it believes it is appropriate to do so. Management cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future settlements or judgments,

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including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that those requirements will not be able to be met. An unfavorable outcome of a pending smoking and health case could encourage the commencement of additional similar litigation. In recent years, there have been a number of adverse regulatory, political and other developments concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry. These developments generally receive widespread media attention. Neither we nor Liggett are able to evaluate the effect of these developing matters on pending litigation or the possible commencement of additional litigation or regulation. See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements and “Legislation and Regulation” below for a description of legislation, regulation and litigation.
     Management is unable to make a reasonable estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the cases pending against Liggett or the costs of defending such cases. It is possible that our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any such tobacco-related litigation.
     In April 2010, we sold another $75,000 principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes at 101% of face value in a private offering to qualified institutional investors in accordance with Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. We received net proceeds from the 2010 offering of $73,500. Following the offering, a total of $325,000 principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes were outstanding.
     The Senior Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by all of our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that are engaged in the conduct of our cigarette businesses. In addition, some of the guarantees are collateralized by second priority or first priority security interests in certain collateral of some of the subsidiary guarantors pursuant to security and pledge agreements.
     The indenture contains covenants that restrict the payment of dividends by us if our consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, which is defined in the indenture as Consolidated EBITDA, for the most recently ended four full quarters is less than $50,000. The indenture also restricts the incurrence of debt if our Leverage Ratio and our Secured Leverage Ratio, as defined in the indenture, exceed 3.0 and 1.5, respectively. Our Leverage Ratio is defined in the indenture as the ratio of our and our guaranteeing subsidiaries’ total debt less the fair market value of our cash, investments in marketable securities and long-term investments to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the indenture. Our Secured Leverage Ratio is defined in the indenture in the same manner as the Leverage Ratio, except that secured indebtedness is substituted for indebtedness. The following table summarizes the requirements of these financial covenants and the results of the calculation, as defined by the indenture.
                         
    Indenture   June 30,   December 31,
Covenant   Requirement   2010   2009
Consolidated EBITDA, as defined
  $    50,000     $ 183,737     $ 174,158  
Leverage ratio, as defined
  <3.0 to 1     0.1 to 1       0.3 to 1  
Secured leverage ratio, as defined
  <1.5 to 1   Negative   Negative
     We and our subsidiaries have significant indebtedness and debt service obligations. At June 30, 2010, we and our subsidiaries had total outstanding indebtedness (including the embedded derivative liabilities related to our convertible notes) of approximately $593,000. We must redeem $11,000 of our 3.875% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures by June 15, 2011, and

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we are required to offer to repurchase $99,000 of the debentures on June 15, 2012. Approximately $157,500 of our 6.75% convertible debt matures in 2014 and $325,000 of our 11% senior secured notes matures in 2015. In addition, subject to the terms of any future agreements, we and our subsidiaries will be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future. There is a risk that we will not be able to generate sufficient funds to repay our debt. If we cannot service our fixed charges, it would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
     We believe that our cigarette operations are positive cash flow generating units and will continue to be able to sustain their operations without any significant liquidity concerns.
     In order to meet the above liquidity requirements as well as other anticipated liquidity needs in the normal course of business, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $286,000, investment securities available for sale of approximately $71,000, long-term investments with an estimated value of approximately $72,966 and availability under Liggett’s credit facility of approximately $12,100 at June 30, 2010. Management currently anticipates that these amounts, as well as expected cash flows from our operations, proceeds from public and/or private debt and equity financing, management fees and other payments from subsidiaries should be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs over the next 12 months. We may acquire or seek to acquire additional operating businesses through merger, purchase of assets, stock acquisition or other means, or to make other investments, which may limit our liquidity otherwise available.
     On a quarterly basis, we evaluate our investments to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If so, we also make a determination if such impairment is considered temporary or other-than-temporary. We believe that the assessment of temporary or other-than-temporary impairment is facts and circumstances driven. However, among the matters that are considered in making such a determination are the period of time the investment has remained below its cost or carrying value, the likelihood of recovery given the reason for the decrease in market value and our original expected holding period of the investment.
Market Risk
     We are exposed to market risks principally from fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and equity prices. We seek to minimize these risks through our regular operating and financing activities and our long-term investment strategy. Our market risk management procedures cover all market risk sensitive financial instruments.
     As of June 30, 2010, approximately $38,100 of our outstanding debt at face value had variable interest rates determined by various interest rate indices, which increases the risk of fluctuating interest rates. Our exposure to market risk includes interest rate fluctuations in connection with our variable rate borrowings, which could adversely affect our cash flows. As of June 30, 2010, we had no interest rate caps or swaps. Based on a hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates (1%), our annual interest expense could increase or decrease by approximately $381.
     In addition, as of June 30, 2010, approximately $77,519 ($267,530 principal amount) of outstanding debt had a variable interest rate determined by the amount of the dividends on our common stock. The difference between the stated value of the debt and carrying value is due principally to certain embedded derivatives, which were separately valued and recorded upon issuance.
     Changes to the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives are reflected within our statements of operations as “Changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt.” The value of the embedded derivative is contingent on changes in interest rates of debt instruments maturing over the duration of the convertible debt as well as projections of future cash and stock dividends over the term of the debt and changes in the closing stock price at the end of each quarterly period. Based on a hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in

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interest rates (1%), our annual “Changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt” could increase or decrease by approximately $5,724 with approximately $432 resulting from the embedded derivative associated with our 6.75% Note due 2014, $811 resulting from the embedded derivative associated with our 6.75% exchange notes due 2014, and the remaining $4,481 resulting from the embedded derivative associated with our 3.875% variable interest senior convertible debentures due 2026. An increase in our quarterly dividend rate by $0.10 per share would increase interest expense by approximately $6,700 per year.
     We have estimated the fair market value of the embedded derivatives based principally on the results of a valuation model. The estimated fair value of the derivatives embedded within the convertible debt is based principally on the present value of future dividend payments expected to be received by the convertible debt holders over the term of the debt. The discount rate applied to the future cash flows is estimated based on a spread in yield of our debt when compared to risk-free securities with the same duration; thus, a readily determinable fair market value of the embedded derivatives is not available. The valuation model assumes our future dividend payments and utilizes interest rates and credit spreads for secured to unsecured debt, unsecured to subordinated debt and subordinated debt to preferred stock to determine the fair value of the derivatives embedded within the convertible debt. The valuation also considers items, including current and future dividends and the volatility of our stock price. The range of estimated fair market values of our embedded derivatives was between $144,966 and $139,031. We recorded the fair market value of our embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs at $141,941 as of June 30, 2010. The estimated fair market value of our embedded derivatives could change significantly based on future market conditions.
     We held investment securities available for sale totaling $70,732 at June 30, 2010, which includes 13,891,205 shares of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. carried at $17,364.
     We and New Valley also hold long-term investments in various investment partnerships. These investments are illiquid, and their ultimate realization is subject to the performance of the underlying entities.
New Accounting Pronouncements
     Refer to Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our financial statements for further information on New Accounting Pronouncements.
Legislation and Regulation
     Reports with respect to the alleged harmful physical effects of cigarette smoking have been publicized for many years and, in the opinion of Liggett’s management, have had and may continue to have an adverse effect on cigarette sales. Since 1964, the Surgeon General of the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services have released a number of reports which state that cigarette smoking is a causative factor with respect to a variety of health hazards, including cancer, heart disease and lung disease, and have recommended various government actions to reduce the incidence of smoking. In 1997, Liggett publicly acknowledged that, as the Surgeon General and respected medical researchers have found, smoking causes health problems, including lung cancer, heart and vascular disease, and emphysema.
     On June 22, 2009, the President signed into law the “Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act” (Public Law 111-31). The law grants the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) broad authority over the manufacture, sale, marketing and packaging of tobacco products, although the FDA is prohibited from issuing regulations banning all cigarettes or all smokeless tobacco products, or requiring the reduction of nicotine yields of a tobacco product to zero. Among other measures, the law (under various deadlines):

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    increases the number of health warnings required on cigarette and smokeless tobacco products, increases the size of warnings on packaging and in advertising, requires the FDA to develop graphic warnings for cigarette packages, and grants the FDA authority to require new warnings;
 
    requires practically all tobacco product advertising to eliminate color and imagery and instead consist solely of black text on white background;
 
    imposes new restrictions on the sale and distribution of tobacco products, including significant new restrictions on tobacco product advertising and promotion, as well as the use of brand and trade names;
 
    bans the use of “light,” “mild,” “low” or similar descriptors on tobacco products;
 
    bans the use of “characterizing flavors” in cigarettes other than tobacco or menthol;
 
    gives the FDA the authority to impose tobacco product standards that are appropriate for the protection of the public health (by, for example, requiring reduction or elimination of the use of particular constituents or components, requiring product testing, or addressing other aspects of tobacco product construction, constituents, properties or labeling);
 
    requires manufacturers to obtain FDA review and authorization for the marketing of certain new or modified tobacco products;
 
    requires pre-market approval by the 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 the FDA to disclose certain constituent information to the public;
 
    mandates that manufacturers test and report on ingredients and constituents identified by the FDA as requiring such testing to protect the public health, and allows the FDA to require the disclosure of testing results to the public;
 
    requires manufacturers to submit to the FDA certain information regarding the health, toxicological, behavioral or physiologic effects of tobacco products;
 
    prohibits use of tobacco containing a pesticide chemical residue at a level greater than allowed under federal law;
 
    requires the FDA to establish “good manufacturing practices” to be followed at tobacco manufacturing facilities;
 
    requires tobacco product manufacturers (and certain other entities) to register with the FDA;
 
    authorizes the 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 the FDA to impose) various recordkeeping and reporting requirements on tobacco product manufacturers; and
 
    grants the FDA the regulatory authority to impose broad additional restrictions.
     The law also requires establishment, within the FDA’s new Center for Tobacco Products, of a Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee to provide advice, information and recommendations with respect to the safety, dependence or health issues related to tobacco products, including:
    a recommendation on modified risk applications;
 
    a recommendation on the effects of tobacco product nicotine yield alteration and whether there is a threshold level below which nicotine yields do not produce dependence;
 
    a report on the public health impact of the use of menthol in cigarettes; and
 
    a report on the public health impact of dissolvable tobacco products.

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     The law imposes user fees on certain tobacco product manufacturers in order to fund tobacco-related FDA activities. User fees will be allocated among tobacco product classes according to a formula set out in the legislation, and then among manufacturers and importers within each class based on market share. The FDA user fees for Liggett and Vector Tobacco for 2009 were $2,300 and we estimate that they will be significantly higher in the future.
     The law also imposes significant new restrictions on the advertising and promotion of tobacco products. For example, the law requires the FDA to finalize certain portions of regulations previously adopted by the FDA in 1996 (which were struck down by the Supreme Court in 2000 as beyond the FDA’s authority). As written, these regulations would significantly limit the ability of manufacturers, distributors and retailers to advertise and promote tobacco products, by, for example, restricting the use of color and graphics in advertising, limiting the use of outdoor advertising, restricting the sale and distribution of non-tobacco items and services, gifts, and sponsorship of events, and imposing restrictions on the use for cigarette or smokeless tobacco products of trade or brand names that are used for nontobacco products.
     In August 2009, several cigarette manufacturers filed a federal lawsuit against FDA challenging the constitutionality of a number of the restrictions imposed by these regulations, including the ban on color and graphics, limits on the right to make truthful statements regarding modified risk tobacco products, restrictions on the placement of outdoor advertising, and a ban on the distribution of product samples. On January 4, 2010, a federal judge ruled that the regulations’ ban on the use of color and graphics in certain tobacco product advertising was unconstitutional and prohibited FDA from enforcing that ban. The judge, however, let stand numerous other advertising and promotion restrictions. In March, 2010, both parties appealed this decision, In May, 2010, FDA issued a guidance document indicating that it intends to exercise its enforcement discretion and not commence enforcement actions based upon these provisions during the pendency of the litigation.
     In April 2010, a number of cigarette manufacturers filed a federal lawsuit against FDA challenging the restrictions on trade or brand names based upon First Amendment and other grounds. In May 2010, FDA issued a guidance document indicating that FDA is aware of concerns regarding the trade and brand name restrictions and is considering what changes, if any, would be appropriate to address those concerns. FDA also indicated that while the agency is considering those issues, it intends to exercise its enforcement discretion and not commence trade or brand name enforcement actions for the duration of its consideration where: (1) The trade or brand name of the cigarettes or smokeless tobacco product was registered, or the product was marketed, in the United States on or before June 22, 2009; or (2) The first marketing or registration in the United States of the tobacco product occurs before the first marketing or registration in the United States of the non-tobacco product bearing the same name; provided, however, that the tobacco and non-tobacco product are not owned, manufactured, or distributed by the same, related, or affiliated entities (including as a licensee).
     Separately, the law also requires the FDA to issue future regulations regarding the promotion and marketing of tobacco products sold through non-face-to-face transactions.
     It is likely that the new tobacco law could result in a decrease in cigarette sales in the United States, including sales of Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s brands. Total compliance and related costs are not possible to predict and depend substantially on the future requirements imposed by the FDA under the new tobacco 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, failure to comply with the new tobacco 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 new tobacco law will impact Liggett and Vector Tobacco to a greater degree than other companies in the industry, thus affecting its competitive position.

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     Liggett and Vector Tobacco provide ingredient information annually, as required by law, to the states of Massachusetts, Texas and Minnesota. Several other states are considering ingredient disclosure legislation.
     In October 2004, the Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004 (“FETRA”) was signed into law. FETRA provides for the elimination of the federal tobacco quota and price support program through an industry funded buyout of tobacco growers and quota holders. Pursuant to the legislation, manufacturers of tobacco products have been assessed $10,140,000 over a ten year period, commencing in 2005, to compensate tobacco growers and quota holders for the elimination of their quota rights. Cigarette manufacturers are currently responsible for 95% of the assessment (subject to adjustment in the future), which is allocated based on relative unit volume of domestic cigarette shipments. Liggett’s and Vector Tobacco’s assessment was approximately $22,900 for 2009. Management anticipates that the assessment will be higher for 2010. The relative cost of the legislation to the three largest cigarette manufacturers will likely be less than the cost to smaller manufacturers, including Liggett and Vector Tobacco, because one effect of the legislation is that the three largest manufacturers are no longer obligated to make certain contractual payments, commonly known as Phase II payments, that they agreed in 1999 to make to tobacco-producing states. The ultimate impact of this legislation cannot be determined, but there is a risk that smaller manufacturers, such as Liggett and Vector Tobacco, will be disproportionately affected by the legislation, which could have a material adverse effect on us.
     Cigarettes are subject to substantial and increasing federal, state and local excise taxes. Effective April 1, 2009, the federal cigarette excise tax increased from $0.39 to $1.01 per pack. State excise taxes vary considerably and, when combined with sales taxes, local taxes and the federal excise tax, may exceed $4.00 per pack. In 2009, 14 states and the District of Columbia enacted increases in excise taxes and several other states are considering, or have pending, legislation proposing further state excise tax increases. Management believes increases in excise and similar taxes have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on sales of cigarettes.
     Over the last several years all 50 states and the District of Columbia have enacted virtually identical legislation requiring cigarettes to meet a laboratory test standard for reduced ignition propensity. Cigarettes that meet this standard are referred to as “fire standards compliant” or “FSC,” and are sometimes commonly called “self-extinguishing.” All of the cigarettes that Liggett and Vector Tobacco manufacture are fire standards compliant. Compliance with such legislation could be burdensome and costly and could harm the business of Liggett and Vector Tobacco, particularly if there were to be varying standards from state to state.
     In November 2008, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) rescinded guidance it issued in 1966 that generally permitted statements concerning cigarette “tar” and nicotine yields if they were based on the Cambridge Filter Method, sometimes called the FTC method. In its rescission notice, the FTC also indicated that advertisers should no longer use terms suggesting the FTC’s endorsement or approval of any specific test method, including terms such as “per FTC Method” or other phrases that state or imply FTC endorsement or approval of the Cambridge Filter Method or other machine-based methods for measuring cigarette “tar” or nicotine yields. Also in its rescission notice, the FTC indicated that cigarette descriptors such as “light” and “ultra light” have not been defined by the FTC, nor has the FTC provided any guidance or authorization for their use. The FTC indicated that to the extent descriptors are used in a manner that convey an overall impression that is false, misleading, or unsubstantiated, such use could be actionable. The FTC further indicated that companies must ensure that any continued use of descriptors does not convey an erroneous or unsubstantiated message that a particular cigarette presents a reduced risk of harm or is otherwise likely to mislead consumers. In response to the FTC’s action, we have removed all reference to “tar” and nicotine testing from our point-of-sale advertising. In addition, the new tobacco law imposes a ban – which took effect in June 2010 – on the use of “light”, “mild”, “low” or similar descriptors on tobacco product labels and in labeling or

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advertising. To the extent descriptors are no longer used to market or promote our cigarettes, this may have a material adverse effect on us.
     A wide variety of federal, state and local laws limit the advertising, sale and use of cigarettes, and these laws have proliferated in recent years. For example, many local laws prohibit smoking in restaurants and other public places, and many employers have initiated programs restricting or eliminating smoking in the workplace. There are various other legislative efforts pending at the federal, state or local level which seek to, among other things, eliminate smoking in public places, curtail affirmative defenses of tobacco companies in product liability litigation, and further restrict the sale, marketing and advertising of cigarettes and other tobacco products. This trend has had, and is likely to continue to have, an adverse effect on us. It is not possible to predict what, if any, additional legislation, regulation or other governmental action will be enacted or implemented, or to predict what the impact of the new FDA tobacco law will be on these pending legislative efforts.
     In addition to the foregoing, there have been a number of other restrictive regulatory actions, adverse legislative and political decisions and other unfavorable developments concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry. These developments may negatively affect the perception of potential triers of fact with respect to the tobacco industry, possibly to the detriment of certain pending litigation, and may prompt the commencement of additional similar litigation or legislation.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
     In addition to historical information, this report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities law. Forward-looking statements include information relating to our intent, belief or current expectations, primarily with respect to, but not limited to:
    economic outlook,
 
    capital expenditures,
 
    cost reduction,
 
    new legislation,
 
    cash flows,
 
    operating performance,
 
    litigation,
 
    impairment charges and cost saving associated with restructurings of our tobacco operations, and
 
    related industry developments (including trends affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations).
     We identify forward-looking statements in this report by using words or phrases such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may be”, “objective”, “plan”, “seek”, “predict”, “project” and “will be” and similar words or phrases or their negatives.
     The forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from our anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the following:

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    general economic and market conditions and any changes therein, due to acts of war and terrorism or otherwise,
 
    impact of current crises in capital and credit markets, including any continued worsening,
 
    governmental regulations and policies,
 
    effects of industry competition,
 
    impact of business combinations, including acquisitions and divestitures, both internally for us and externally in the tobacco industry,
 
    impact of restructurings on our tobacco business and our ability to achieve any increases in profitability estimated to occur as a result of these restructurings,
 
    impact of new legislation on our competitors’ payment obligations, results of operations and product costs, i.e. the impact of recent federal legislation eliminating the federal tobacco quota system and providing for regulation of tobacco products by the FDA,
 
    impact of substantial increases in federal, state and local excise taxes,
 
    uncertainty related to litigation and potential additional payment obligations for us under the Master Settlement Agreement and other settlement agreements with the states, and
 
    risks inherent in our new product development initiatives.
     Further information on risks and uncertainties specific to our business include the risk factors discussed above in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results Operations” and under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
     Although we believe the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is a risk that these expectations will not be attained and that any deviations will be material. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
          The information under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Market Risk” is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
     Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, and, based on their evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective.
     There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
      Reference is made to Note 5, incorporated herein by reference, to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report which contains a general description of certain legal proceedings to which our company, VGR Holding, Liggett, Vector Tobacco, New Valley or their subsidiaries are a party and certain related matters. Reference is also made to Exhibit 99.1 for additional information regarding the pending smoking-related material legal proceedings to which Liggett or us is a party. A copy of Exhibit 99.1 will be furnished without charge upon written request to us at our principal executive offices, 100 S.E. Second St., 32nd Floor, Miami, Florida 33131, Attn. Investor Relations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
      Except as set forth below, there are no material changes from the risk factors set forth in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. Please refer to that section for disclosures regarding the risks and uncertainties related to our business. The risk factors in the Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled “Litigation will continue to harm the tobacco industry”, “Individual tobacco-related cases have increased as a result of the Florida Supreme Court’s ruling in Engle” and “Liggett may have additional payment obligations under the Master Settlement Agreement and its other settlement agreements with the states” are revised to reflect the updated information concerning the number and status of cases and other matters discussed under Note 5 to our condensed consolidated financial statements and in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition — Recent Developments — Tobacco Settlement Agreements”, “— Recent Developments in Legislation, Regulation and Tobacco-Related Litigation”, and “— Legislation and Regulation.”

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Item 6.   Exhibits
     
4.1
  Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2010, among Vector Group Ltd., the subsidiary guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated April 20, 2010).
 
   
4.2
  Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 20, 2010, between Vector Group Ltd., the subsidiary guarantors named therein and Jefferies & Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 in Vector’s Form 8-K dated April 20, 2010).
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
99.1
  Material Legal Proceedings

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

 
 
  By:   /s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III    
    J. Bryant Kirkland III   
    Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer   
 
Date: August 5, 2010

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