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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________________ to __________________
Commission File Number 33-75224
LIGGETT GROUP INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 56-1702115
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
700 WEST MAIN STREET, DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA 27702
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (919) 683-9000
EVE HOLDINGS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 56-1703877
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
100 SOUTHEAST SECOND STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33131
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (305) 539-9460
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 12 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
--- ---
As of November 13, 1996 there were outstanding 1,000 shares of common stock,
par value $0.10 per share, of Liggett Group Inc. and 100 shares of common stock,
par value $1.00 per share, of Eve Holdings Inc.
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INDEX
PAGE
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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Liggett Group Inc.:
-------------------
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995 . . . . . 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 1996 and 1995. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Consolidated Statement of Stockholder's Equity (Deficit) for the nine months
September 30, 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 and 1995. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Eve Holdings Inc.:
------------------
Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1996
and 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 . . . 23
Notes to Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
SIGNATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
LIGGETT GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
September 30, December 31,
1996 1995
------------- ------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 610 $ -
Accounts Receivable:
Trade less allowances of $665 and $815, respectively . . . . . 18,052 22,279
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,062 1,367
Affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 1,105
Inventories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,365 54,342
Deferred income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - 3,800
Other current assets (Note 4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 946 1,703
------- --------
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71,135 84,596
Property, plant and equipment, at cost, less accumulated
depreciation of $28,831 and $26,545, respectively. . . . . . . . 18,174 18,352
Intangible assets, at cost, less accumulated amortization
of $16,956 and $15,661, respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,754 5,036
Other assets and deferred charges, at cost, less accumulated
amortization of $6,917 and $5,440, respectively . . . . . . . . 5,179 5,330
------- --------
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $98,242 $113,314
======= ========
(continued)
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LIGGETT GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
September 30, December 31,
1996 1995
------------- ------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . $ 38,071 $ 50
Cash overdraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - 3,761
Accounts payable, principally trade . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,659 18,921
Accrued expenses:
Promotional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28,684 25,519
Compensation and related items . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267 1,175
Taxes, principally excise taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,102 7,006
Estimated allowance for sales returns . . . . . . . . . . 5,000 5,000
Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,389 8,412
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,257 5,728
-------- --------
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103,429 75,572
Long-term debt, less current maturities . . . . . . . . . . . 144,702 173,251
Non-current employee benefits and other liabilities . . . . . 17,944 19,197
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 5 and 8)
Stockholder's equity (deficit):
Redeemable preferred stock (par value $1.00 per share;
authorized 1,000 shares; no shares issued and out-
standing)
Common stock (par value $0.10 per share; authorized
2,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,000 shares)
and contributed capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49,840 53,240
Accumulated deficit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (217,673) (207,946)
-------- --------
Total stockholder's deficit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (167,833) (154,706)
-------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity (deficit). . $ 98,242 $113,314
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these financial statements.
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LIGGETT GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
------------------ -------------------
1996 1995 1996 1995
-------- ------- -------- ---------
Net sales* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $101,125 $122,648 $292,899 $337,217
Cost of sales* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45,614 53,630 134,439 155,713
-------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55,511 69,018 158,460 181,504
Selling, general and administrative expenses . . . 51,709 56,008 148,357 156,647
Restructuring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425 745 1,180 1,786
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,377 12,265 8,923 23,071
Other income (expense):
Interest income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 - 23 -
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (5,982) (5,836) (17,831) (17,638)
Equity in loss of affiliate . . . . . . . . . . (740) - (740) -
Sale of assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - 131 3,698 416
Miscellaneous, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - - - (327)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes. . . . . . (3,322) 6,560 (5,927) 5,522
Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,800 388 3,800 109
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net income (loss). . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (7,122) $ 6,172 $ (9,727) $ 5,413
======== ======== ======== ========
*Net sales and cost of sales include federal excise taxes of $26,074, $32,643,
$76,758 and $92,238, respectively.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these financial statements.
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LIGGETT GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
Common
Stock and Total
Contributed Accumulated Stockholder's
Capital Deficit Deficit
----------- ----------- -------------
Balance at December 31, 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . $53,240 $(207,946) $(154,706)
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - (9,727) (9,727)
Consideration for option to acquire affiliate
stock in excess of its net assets (Note 10) . . . (3,400) - (3,400)
------- --------- ---------
Balance at September 30, 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . $49,840 $(217,673) $(167,833)
======= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these financial statements.
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LIGGETT GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
-----------------------
1996 1995
------- --------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(9,727) $ 5,413
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided
by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,071 6,024
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,800 -
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . (3,698) (416)
Equity in loss of affiliate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 740 -
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,537 11,327
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,977 1,382
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (261) (696)
Accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (6,141) (15,829)
Non-current employee benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (246) (320)
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (914) 460
------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities . . . . . . . (862) 7,345
------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . 4,415 567
Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2,983) (781)
Investments in affiliates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (5,500) (800)
------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4,068) (1,014)
------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (191) (756)
Net borrowings (repayments) under revolving credit facility. . . . . . 9,510 (3,449)
Deferred finance charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (18) -
Decrease in cash overdraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3,761) (2,126)
------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities . . . . . . . 5,540 (6,331)
------- --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 610 -
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - -
------- --------
End of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 610 $ -
======= ========
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash payments (refunds) during the period for:
Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,400 $ 22,364
Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 129 $ (16)
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these financial statements.
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LIGGETT GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
1. The Company
Liggett Group Inc. ("Liggett" or the "Company") is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of BGLS Inc. ("BGLS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brooke Group Ltd.
("BGL"). Liggett is engaged primarily in the manufacture and sale of
cigarettes, principally in the United States.
The consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited and,
in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments necessary (which are
normal and recurring) to present fairly the Company's consolidated financial
position, results of operations and cash flows. The December 31, 1995 balance
sheet has been derived from audited financial statements. Certain amounts in
the 1995 financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 1996
presentation with no effect on previously reported net income (loss) or
stockholder's equity (deficit). These consolidated financial statements should
be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended
December 31, 1995, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
results of operations for interim periods should not be regarded as necessarily
indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared
assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. Liggett had a net
capital deficiency of $167,833 as of September 30, 1996 and is highly
leveraged. Due to the many risks and uncertainties associated with the
cigarette industry, impact of recent tobacco litigation settlements and
increased tobacco costs, there can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to meet its future earnings goals. Consequently, the Company could be in
violation of certain debt covenants and, if the lenders were to exercise
acceleration rights under the revolving credit facility or senior secured note
indenture or refuse to lend under the revolving credit facility, the Company
would not be able to satisfy such demands or its working capital requirements.
Liggett is currently negotiating with its lenders for an extension of the
maturity and a modification of other terms under its revolving credit facility
which expires on March 8, 1997. In addition, $7,500 principal amount of its
senior secured notes are required to be redeemed on or before February 1,
1997. While management currently believes that its revolving credit facility
will be extended and modified on satisfactory terms and funds will be available
to meet the 1997 redemption requirement, no assurances can be made in this
regard.
2. Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities,
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
3. Per Share Data
All of the Company's common shares (1,000 shares, issued and outstanding
for all periods presented herein) are owned by BGLS. Accordingly, earnings and
dividends per share data are not presented in these consolidated financial
statements.
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4. Assets Under Agreements for Sale
On April 29, 1996, Liggett executed a definitive agreement (as amended on
September 11, 1996) with Blue Devil Ventures, a North Carolina limited
liability partnership, for the sale by Liggett to Blue Devil Ventures of
certain surplus realty in Durham, NC, for a sale price of $2,200. While the
agreement provides for the closing to occur on or before March 11, 1997, Blue
Devil Ventures has the option, if it determines that its development project is
not feasible, to forfeit its deposit of $550 and not close. The net book value
of those assets ($315) for which the agreement was signed have been classified
as current assets on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September
30, 1996.
On April 9, 1996, Liggett executed a definitive agreement with the County
of Durham for the sale by Liggett to the County of Durham of certain surplus
realty in Durham, NC, for a sale price of $4,300. The net book value of those
assets ($713) for which the agreement was signed have been classified as
current assets on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31,
1995. The transaction closed on May 14, 1996, at which time a gain of
approximately $3,600 was recognized.
5. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
September 30, December 31,
1996 1995
------------- ------------
Finished goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,608 $18,240
Work-in-process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,415 3,331
Raw materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23,292 24,946
Replacement parts and supplies. . . . . . . . 3,829 3,926
------- -------
Inventories at current cost . . . . . . . . . 50,144 50,443
LIFO adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221 3,899
------- -------
Inventories at LIFO cost . . . . . . . . . . $50,365 $54,342
======= =======
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
date of the commitment. Liggett had leaf tobacco purchase commitments of
approximately $29,840 at September 30, 1996.
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6. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
September 30, December 31,
1996 1995
------------ ------------
Land and improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 455 $ 542
Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,848 6,011
Machinery and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,702 38,344
------- -------
Property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47,005 44,897
Less accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (28,831) (26,545)
------- -------
Property, plant and equipment, net. . . . . . . . . . . . $18,174 $18,352
======= =======
7. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following:
September 30, December 31,
1996 1995
------------- ------------
11.5% Senior Secured Notes due February 1, 1999, net
of unamortized discount of $474 and $627,
respectively. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $119,638 $119,485
Variable Rate Series C Senior Secured Notes due
February 1, 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32,279 32,279
Borrowings outstanding under revolving credit facility. . 30,527 21,017
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329 520
-------- --------
182,773 173,301
Current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (38,071) (50)
-------- --------
Amount due after one year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $144,702 $173,251
======== ========
Senior Secured Notes
On February 14, 1992, Liggett issued $150,000 in Senior Secured Notes (the
"Series B Notes"). Interest on the Series B Notes is payable semiannually on
February 1 and August 1 at an annual rate of 11.5%. The Series B Notes and
Series C Notes referred to below (collectively, the "Notes") require mandatory
principal redemptions of $7,500 on February 1 in each of the years 1993 through
1997 and $37,500 on February 1, 1998 with the balance of the Notes due on
February 1, 1999. The Notes are collateralized by substantially all of the
assets of the Company, excluding inventories and receivables. Eve is a
guarantor for the Notes. The Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at a
price equal to 104%, 102% and 100% of the principal amount in the years 1996,
1997 and 1998, respectively, at the option of the Company at any time on or
after February 1, 1996. The Notes contain restrictions on Liggett's ability to
declare or pay cash dividends, incur additional debt, grant liens and enter
into any new agreements with affiliates, among others.
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On January 31, 1994, the Company issued $22,500 of Variable Rate Series C
Senior Secured Notes (the "Series C Notes"). The Series C Notes have the same
terms (other than interest rate) and stated maturity as the Series B Notes. The
Series C Notes initially bore a 16.5% interest rate, which was reset on February
1, 1995 to 19.75%. The Company had received the necessary consents from the
required percentage of holders of its Series B Notes allowing for an aggregate
principal amount up to but not exceeding $32,850 of Series C Notes to be issued
under the Note indenture. In connection with the consents, holders of Series B
Notes received Series C Notes totaling two percent of their current Series B
Notes holdings. The total principal amount of such Series C Notes issued was
$2,842. On November 20, 1994, the Company issued the remaining $7,508 of Series
C Notes in exchange for an equal amount of Series B Notes and cash of $375. The
Series B Notes so exchanged were credited against the mandatory redemption
requirement for February 1, 1995.
BGLS purchased $4,500 of the Series C Notes which were subsequently sold.
Revolving Credit Facility
On March 8, 1994, Liggett entered into a revolving credit facility ("the
Facility") under which it can borrow up to $40,000 (depending on the amount of
eligible inventory and receivables as determined by the lenders) from a
syndicate of commercial lenders. Availability under the Facility was
approximately $1,550 based upon eligible collateral at September 30, 1996. The
Facility is collateralized by all inventories and receivables of the Company.
Borrowings under the Facility bear interest at a rate equal to 1.5% above
Philadelphia National Bank's (the indirect parent of Congress Financial
Corporation, the lead lender) prime rate, which was 8.25% at September 30, 1996.
The Facility contains certain financial covenants similar to those contained in
the Note indenture, including restrictions on Liggett's ability to declare or
pay cash dividends, incur additional debt, grant liens and enter into any new
agreements with affiliates, among others. In addition, the Facility imposes
requirements with respect to the Company's adjusted net worth (not to fall below
a deficit of $175,000) and working capital (not to fall below a deficit of
$35,000). The Facility was reclassified to short-term debt because it becomes
due on March 8, 1997.
8. Commitments and Contingencies
Since 1954, Liggett and other United States cigarette manufacturers have
been named as defendants in a number of direct and third-party actions
predicated on the theory that they should be liable for damages from cancer and
other adverse health effects alleged to have been caused by cigarette smoking or
by exposure to secondary smoke (environmental tobacco smoke, "ETS") from
cigarettes. These cases are reported hereinafter as though having been
commenced against Liggett (without regard to whether such actually were
commenced against BGL or Liggett). New cases continue to be commenced against
Liggett and other cigarette manufacturers. As new cases are commenced, the
costs associated with defending such cases and the risks attendant to the
inherent unpredictability of litigation continue to increase. Liggett has been
receiving certain financial and other assistance from others in the industry
in defraying the costs and other burdens incurred in the defense of smoking and
health litigation and related proceedings. The future financial benefit to the
Company is not quantifiable at this time since the arrangements for assistance
can be terminated under certain circumstances and the amount received, if any,
would be a function of the level of costs incurred. Certain joint defense
arrangements, and the financial benefits incident thereto, have ended. No
assurances can be made that other arrangements will continue. To date a number
of such actions, including several against Liggett, have been disposed of
favorably to the defendants.
In the action entitled Cipollone v. Liggett Group Inc., et al., the United
States Supreme Court on June 24, 1992, issued an opinion regarding federal
preemption of state law damage actions. The Supreme Court in Cipollone
concluded that The Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act (the "1965
Act") did not preempt any state common law damage claims. Relying on The
Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act of 1969 (the "1969 Act"), however, the
Supreme Court concluded that the 1969 Act preempted
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certain, but not all, common law damage claims. Accordingly, the decision bars
plaintiffs from asserting claims that, after the effective date of the 1969 Act,
the tobacco companies either failed to warn adequately of the claimed health
risks of cigarette smoking or sought to neutralize those claimed risks in their
advertising or promotion of cigarettes. It does permit, however, claims for
fraudulent misrepresentation (other than a claim of fraudulently neutralizing
the warning), concealment (other than in advertising and promotion of
cigarettes), conspiracy and breach of express warranty after 1969. The Court
expressed no opinion as to whether any of these claims are viable under state
law, but assumed arguendo that they are viable.
In addition, bills have been introduced in Congress on occasion to
eliminate the federal preemption defense. Enactment of any federal legislation
with such an effect could result in a significant increase in claims,
liabilities and litigation costs.
On March 27, 1987, an action entitled Yvonne Rogers v. Liggett Group Inc.
et al., Superior Court, Marion County, Indiana, was filed against Liggett and
others. The plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages for cancer
alleged to have been caused by cigarette smoking. Trial commenced on January
31, 1995. The trial ended on February 22, 1995 when the trial court declared a
mistrial due to the jury's inability to reach a verdict. The Court directed a
verdict in favor of the defendants as to the issue of punitive damages during
the trial of this action. A second trial commenced on August 5, 1996. On
August 23, 1996, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendants.
On October 31, 1991, an action entitled Broin et al. v. Philip Morris
Companies, Inc., et al., Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial District in and for
Dade County, Florida, was filed against Liggett and others. This case was the
first class action commenced against the industry, and has been brought by
plaintiffs on behalf of all flight attendants that have worked or are presently
working for airlines based in the United States and who have never regularly
smoked cigarettes but allege that they have been damaged by involuntary
exposure to ETS. On December 12, 1994, plaintiffs' motion to certify the
action as a class action was granted. Defendants appealed this ruling and on
January 3, 1996, the Third District Court of Appeal in Florida ("Third DCA")
affirmed the class certification order. On May 8, 1996, the Third DCA denied
defendants' rehearing request. On June 5, 1996, the Third DCA denied
defendants' petition for a stay of its order upholding class certification, but
granted defendants' motion for a stay of class notice pending consideration by
the Florida Supreme Court. On June 17, 1996, the Florida Supreme Court denied
defendants' petition for review. The suit is scheduled to go to trial on June
2, 1997.
On May 12, 1992, an action entitled Cordova v. Liggett Group Inc., et al.,
Superior Court of the State of California, City of San Diego, was filed against
Liggett and others. In her complaint, plaintiff, purportedly on behalf of the
general public, alleges that defendants have been engaged in unlawful, unfair
and fraudulent business practices by allegedly misrepresenting and concealing
from the public scientific studies pertaining to smoking and health funded by,
and misrepresenting the independence of, the Council for Tobacco Research
("CTR") and its predecessor. The complaint seeks equitable relief against the
defendants, including the imposition of a corrective advertising campaign,
restitution of funds, disgorgement of revenues and profits and the imposition
of a constructive trust. The case is presently in the discovery phase. A
similar action has been filed in the Superior Court for the State of
California, City of San Francisco.
On September 10, 1993, an action entitled Sackman v. Liggett Group Inc.,
United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, was filed against
Liggett alone alleging as injury lung cancer. Fact discovery closed on August
31, 1995; expert discovery continues. On May 25, 1996, the District Court
granted Liggett summary judgment on plaintiffs' fraud and breach of warranty
claims on statute of limitations grounds, but allowed plaintiffs' personal
injury claims to survive. In the same order, the District Court vacated the
Magistrate's March 19, 1996 order compelling Liggett to produce certain CTR
documents with respect to which Liggett had asserted various privilege claims,
and allowed the other cigarette manufacturers and the CTR to intervene in order
to assert their interests and privileges with respect to those same documents.
The Court also ordered the Magistrate to reconsider his March 19, 1996
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order and the effect of the District Court's summary judgment order. Oral
argument concerning the relevancy of the CTR documents in light of the District
Court's summary judgment order was conducted on August 8, 1996. The
Magistrate's ruling on this matter is pending.
On March 25, 1994, an action entitled Castano, et al. v. The American
Tobacco Company, et al., United States District Court, Eastern District of
Louisiana, was filed against Liggett and others. The class action complaint
was brought on behalf of plaintiffs and residents of the United States who
claim to be addicted to tobacco products and survivors who claim their
decedents were addicted. The complaint is based upon the claim that defendants
manipulated the nicotine levels in their tobacco products with the intent to
addict plaintiffs and the class members. The complaint also alleges causes of
action sounding in fraud, deceit, negligent misrepresentation, breach of
express and implied warranty, strict liability and violation of consumer
protection statutes. Plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages and
equitable relief including disgorgement of profits from the sale of cigarettes
and creation of a fund to monitor the health of class members and to pay for
medical expenses allegedly caused by defendants, attorneys' fees and costs. On
February 17, 1995, the District Court issued an order that granted in part
plaintiffs' motion for class certification. On May 23, 1996, the Court of
Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed the District Court's order certifying
the nationwide class action and instructed the District Court to dismiss the
class complaint.
On March 12, 1996, BGL and Liggett entered into an agreement to settle the
Castano class action tobacco litigation. The settlement undertakes to release
BGL and Liggett from all current and future addiction-based claims, including
claims by a nationwide class of smokers in the Castano class action pending in
Louisiana federal court as well as claims by a narrower statewide class in the
Engle case (described below) pending in Florida state court. The settlement
is subject to and conditioned upon the approval of the United States District
Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The Company is unable to
determine at this time when the Court will review the settlement, and no
assurance can be given that the settlement will be approved by the Court.
Certain of the terms of the settlement are summarized below.
Under the settlement, the Castano class would receive up to 5% of
Liggett's pretax income (income before income taxes) each year (up to a maximum
of $50,000 per year) for the next twenty-five years, subject to certain
reductions provided for in the agreement, together with reasonable fees and
expenses of the Castano Plaintiffs Legal Committee. Settlement funds received
by the class would be used to pay half the cost of smoking-cessation programs
for eligible class members. While neither consenting to Food and Drug
Administration ("FDA") jurisdiction nor waiving their objections thereto, BGL
and Liggett also have agreed to phase in compliance with certain of the
proposed interim FDA regulations regarding smoking by children and adolescents,
including a prohibition on the use of cartoon characters in tobacco advertising
and limitations on the use of promotional materials and distribution of sample
packages where minors are present.
BGL and Liggett have the right to terminate the Castano settlement if the
remaining defendants succeed on the merits or in the event of a full and final
denial of class action certification. The terms of the settlement would still
apply if the Castano plaintiffs or their lawyers were to institute a
substantially similar new class action against the tobacco industry. BGL and
Liggett may also terminate the settlement if they conclude that too many class
members have chosen to opt out of the settlement. In the event of any such
termination by BGL and Liggett, the named plaintiffs would be at liberty to
renew their prosecution of such civil action against BGL and Liggett.
On March 14, 1996, BGL and the Castano Plaintiffs Legal Committee and the
Castano Plaintiffs entered into a letter agreement. According to the terms of
the letter agreement, for the period ending nine months from the date of Final
Approval of the Castano settlement or, if earlier, the completion of a
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combination by BGL or Liggett with certain defendants, or an affiliate thereof,
in Castano, the Castano Plaintiffs agree not to enter into any settlement
agreement with any Castano defendant which would reduce the terms of the Castano
settlement agreement. If the Castano Plaintiffs enter into any such settlement
during this period, they shall pay BGL $250,000 within thirty days of the more
favorable agreement and offer BGL and Liggett the option to enter into a
settlement on terms at least as favorable as those included in such other
settlement. The letter agreement further provides that during the same time
period, and if the Castano settlement agreement has not been earlier terminated
by BGL in accordance with its terms, BGL and its affiliates will not enter into
any business transaction with any third party which would cause the termination
of the Castano settlement agreement. If BGL or its affiliates enter into any
such transaction, then the Castano Plaintiffs will be entitled to receive
$250,000 within thirty days from the transacting party.
On May 11, 1996, the Castano Plaintiffs Legal Committee filed a motion
seeking preliminary approval of the Castano settlement. That motion has not
yet been heard by the court.
On May 5, 1994, an action entitled Engle, et al. v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco
Company, et al., Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial District in and for Dade
County, Florida, was filed against Liggett and others. The class action
complaint was brought on behalf of plaintiffs and all persons in the United
States who allegedly have become addicted to cigarette products and allegedly
have suffered personal injury as a result thereof. Plaintiffs seek
compensatory and punitive damages together with equitable relief including but
not limited to a medical fund for future health care costs, attorneys' fees and
costs. On October 31, 1994, plaintiffs' motion to certify the action as a
class action was granted. Defendants have appealed this ruling. On January
31, 1996, the Third DCA affirmed the ruling of the trial court certifying the
action as a class action, but modified the trial court ruling to limit the
class to Florida citizens and residents. On May 8, 1996, the Third DCA denied
defendants' rehearing request. On June 5, 1996, the Third DCA denied
defendants' petition for a stay of its order upholding class certification but
granted defendants' motion for a stay of class notice pending consideration by
the Florida Supreme Court. On October 2, 1996, the Florida Supreme Court
denied defendants' petition for review.
In February 1995, an action entitled Grady Carter, et al. v. The American
Tobacco Company, et al., Superior Court for the State of Florida, Duval County,
was filed against Liggett and others. Plaintiff sought compensatory damages,
including, but not limited to, reimbursement for medical costs. Both American
Tobacco and Liggett were subsequently dismissed from this action. On August 9,
1996, a jury returned a verdict against the remaining defendant, Brown &
Williamson Tobacco Corp., in the amount of $750,000. Brown & Williamson has
announced that it intends to appeal that verdict.
On April 11, 1996, an action entitled Harris, et al. v. The American
Tobacco Company, et al., United States District Court for the Eastern District
of Pennsylvania, was filed against Liggett and others. The class action
complaint was brought on behalf of plaintiffs and all persons in the United
States, its territories and possessions and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico who
allegedly have become addicted to cigarette products and have suffered personal
injury as a result thereof. Plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages
together with equitable relief including, but not limited to, a medical fund
for future health costs, attorneys' fees and costs.
On May 6, 1996, an action entitled Norton, et al. v. RJR Nabisco Holdings
Corp., et al., Madison County, Indiana Superior Court, was filed against
Liggett and others. The class action complaint was brought on behalf of
plaintiffs and all persons in the State of Indiana who allegedly have become
addicted to cigarette products and allegedly have suffered personal injury as a
result thereof. Plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages together
with equitable relief including, but not limited to, a medical fund for future
health care costs, attorneys' fees and costs. On June 3, 1996, the defendant
tobacco companies filed a notice of removal in the United States District Court
for the Southern District of Indiana.
On May 29, 1996, an action entitled Richardson, et al. v. Philip Morris
Inc., et al., Circuit Court for Baltimore City, was filed against Liggett and
others. The class action complaint was brought on behalf of plaintiffs and all
persons in the State of Maryland who allegedly have become addicted to
cigarette products and allegedly have suffered personal injury as a result
thereof. Plaintiffs seek
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compensatory and punitive damages, together with equitable relief including, but
not limited to, a medical fund for future health care costs, attorneys' fees and
costs. On June 27, 1996, the defendant tobacco companies filed a notice of
removal in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.
On June 21, 1996, an action entitled Reed v. Philip Morris, et al.,
Superior Court of the District of Columbia, was filed against Liggett and
others. The class action complaint was brought on behalf of plaintiff and all
persons in the District of Columbia who allegedly have become addicted to
cigarette products and have suffered personal injury as a result thereof.
Plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages together with equitable
relief including, but not limited to, a medical fund for future health costs,
attorneys' fees and costs.
On August 8, 1996, an action entitled Arch, et al. v. The American Tobacco
Company, et al., Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, was filed against
Liggett and others. The class action complaint was brought on behalf of
plaintiff and all persons in the State of Pennsylvania who allegedly have
become addicted to cigarette products and have suffered personal injury as a
result thereof. Plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages together
with equitable relief including, but not limited to, a medical fund for future
health costs, attorneys' fees and costs. On August 27, 1996, the defendant
tobacco companies filed a notice of removal in the United States District Court
for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. That court denied plaintiffs' Motion
to Remand on October 21, 1996.
On August 20, 1996, an action entitled Chamberlain, et al. v. The American
Tobacco Company, et al., Court of Common Pleas of Cuyahoga County, State of
Ohio, was filed against Liggett and others. The class action complaint was
brought on behalf of plaintiffs and all persons in the State of Ohio who
allegedly have become addicted to cigarette products and have suffered personal
injury as a result thereof. Plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages
together with equitable relief including, but not limited to, a medical fund
for future health costs, attorneys' fees and costs. On September 12, 1996, the
defendant tobacco companies filed a notice of removal in the United States
District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
A number of proceedings have been filed against Liggett and others by
state and local government entities or officials seeking restitution and
indemnity for medical payments and expenses made or incurred for tobacco
related illnesses. Such actions have been filed by the States of Minnesota
(together with Minnesota Blue Cross-Blue Shield), Mississippi, West Virginia,
Massachusetts, Louisiana, Texas, Washington, Maryland, Connecticut, Arizona,
Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Oklahoma. Additionally, the City and County of
San Francisco, the City and County of Los Angeles and the City and County of
New York have commended proceedings. In West Virginia, the trial court, in a
ruling issued on May 3, 1995, dismissed eight of the ten counts of the
complaint filed therein, leaving only two counts of an alleged conspiracy to
control the market and the market price of tobacco products and an alleged
consumer protection claim. In a subsequent ruling, the trial court adjudged
the contingent fee agreement entered into by West Virginia and its counsel to
be unconstitutional under the Constitution of the State of West Virginia. In
Mississippi, the Governor has recently commenced an action in the Mississippi
Supreme Court against the Attorney General of the state, making application for
a writ of prohibition to bar further prosecution and to seek dismissal of the
suit brought by the Attorney General of the state seeking such restitution and
indemnity, alleging that the commencement and prosecution of such a civil
action by the Attorney General of the state was and is outside the authority of
the Attorney General.
On November 28, 1995, each of the major manufacturers in the industry,
including Liggett, filed suit in both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and
the State of Texas seeking declaratory relief to the effect that the
commencement of any such litigation seeking to recover Medicaid expenses
against the manufacturers (as had been filed by the above referenced states) by
either the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the State of Texas would be
unlawful. On January 22, 1996, a suit seeking substantially similar
declaratory relief was filed in the State of Maryland.
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The State of Florida enacted legislation, effective July 1, 1994, allowing
certain state authorities or entities to commence litigation seeking recovery of
certain Medicaid payments made on behalf of Medicaid recipients as a result of
diseases (including, but not limited to, diseases allegedly caused by cigarette
smoking) allegedly caused by liable third parties (including, but not limited
to, the tobacco industry). Liggett, after initial litigation, entered into a
settlement of this controversy with the State of Florida, the terms of which are
described below.
In addition, legislation authorizing a state to sue a company or individual
to recover the costs incurred by that state to provide health care to persons
allegedly injured by the company or individual also has been introduced in a
number of other states. These bills contain some or all of the following
provisions: eliminating certain affirmative defenses, permitting the use of
statistical evidence to prove causation and damages, adopting market share
liability and allowing class action suits without notification to class
members.
On March 15, 1996, BGL and Liggett entered into a settlement of tobacco
litigation with the Attorneys General of the States of Florida, Louisiana,
Mississippi, West Virginia and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The
settlement with the Attorneys General releases BGL and Liggett from all
tobacco-related claims by these states including claims for Medicaid
reimbursement and concerning sales of cigarettes to minors. The settlement
provides that additional states which commence similar Attorney General actions
may agree to be bound by the settlement prior to six months from the date
thereof (subject to extension of such period by the settling defendants).
Certain of the terms of the settlement are summarized below.
Under the settlement, the states would share an initial $5,000 ($1,000 of
which was paid on March 22, 1996, with the balance payable over nine years and
indexed and adjusted for inflation), provided that any unpaid amount will be
due sixty days after either a default by Liggett in its payment obligations
under the settlement or a merger or other similar transaction by BGL or Liggett
with another defendant in the lawsuits. In addition, Liggett will be required
to pay the states a percentage of Liggett's pretax income (income before income
taxes) each year from the second through the twenty-fifth year. This annual
percentage would range from 2-1/2% to 7-1/2% of Liggett's pretax income
depending on the number of additional states joining the settlement. All of
Liggett's payments are subject to certain reductions provided for in the
agreement. Liggett has also agreed to pay to the states $5,000 if BGL or
Liggett fails to consummate a merger or other similar transaction with another
defendant in the lawsuits within three years of the date of the settlement. At
December 31, 1995, Liggett accrued approximately $4,000 for the settlement with
the Attorneys General.
Settlement funds received by the Attorneys General will be used to
reimburse the states' smoking-related healthcare costs. While neither
consenting to FDA jurisdiction nor waiving their objections thereto, BGL and
Liggett also have agreed to phase in compliance with certain of the proposed
interim FDA regulations on the same basis as provided in the Castano
settlement.
BGL and Liggett have the right to terminate the settlement with respect to
any state participating in the settlement if any of the remaining defendants in
the litigation succeed on the merits in that state's Attorney General action.
BGL and Liggett may also terminate the settlement if they conclude that too
many states have filed Attorney General actions and have not resolved such
cases as to the settling defendants by joining in the settlement.
Currently, in addition to the above, approximately 120 product liability
lawsuits are pending and active in which Liggett is a defendant. Of these,
approximately 85 are pending in the State of Florida. In most of these
lawsuits, plaintiffs seek punitive as well as compensatory damages. The next
case scheduled for trial where Liggett is a defendant is George Jay v. R.J.
Reynolds Tobacco Company, et al., which is scheduled for trial in
March 1997.
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17
A grand jury investigation presently is being conducted by the office of
the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York regarding
possible violations of criminal law relating to the activities of The Council
for Tobacco Research - USA, Inc. The Company was a sponsor of The Council for
Tobacco Research - USA, Inc. at one time. The Company is unable at this time
to predict the outcome of this investigation.
Liggett has been responding to a civil investigative demand from the
Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice which requests
certain information from Liggett. The request appears to focus on United
States tobacco industry activities in connection with product development
efforts regarding, in particular, "fire-safe" or self-extinguishing cigarettes.
It also requests certain general information addressing Liggett's involvement
with and relationship to its competitors. The Company is unable to predict, at
this time, the outcome of this investigation.
As to each of the cases referred to above which is pending against
Liggett, the Company believes, and has been advised by counsel handling the
respective cases, that the Company has a number of valid defenses to the claim
or claims asserted against the Company. Litigation is subject to many
uncertainties, and it is possible that some of these actions could be decided
unfavorably. An unfavorable outcome of a pending smoking and health case could
encourage the commencement of additional similar litigation. Recently, there
have been a number of restrictive regulatory actions, adverse political
decisions and other unfavorable developments concerning cigarette smoking and
the tobacco industry, including the commencement of the purported class actions
referred to above. These developments generally receive widespread media
attention. The Company is not able to evaluate the effect of these developing
matters on pending litigation or the possible commencement of additional
litigation.
The Company is unable to make a meaningful estimate of the amount or range
of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the cases pending
against Liggett. It is possible that the Company's consolidated financial
position, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely
affected by an ultimate unfavorable outcome in any of such pending litigation.
On August 28, 1996, the FDA filed in the Federal Register a final rule
classifying tobacco as a drug, asserting jurisdiction by the FDA over the
manufacture and marketing of tobacco products and imposing restrictions on the
sale, advertising and promotion of tobacco products. The FDA's stated
objective and focus for its initiative is to limit access to cigarettes by
minors by measures beyond the restrictions either mandated by existing federal,
state and local laws or voluntarily implemented by major manufacturers in the
industry. Litigation has been commenced in the United States District Court for
the Middle District of North Carolina challenging the legal authority of the
FDA to assert such jurisdiction, as well as challenging the constitutionality
of the rules. Management is unable to predict the outcome of this litigation or
the effects of regulations, if implemented, on Liggett's operations, but such
actions could have an unfavorable impact thereon.
BGL and Liggett, while neither consenting to FDA jurisdiction nor waiving
their objections thereto, agreed to withdraw their objections and opposition to
the proposed rule making and to phase in compliance with certain of the proposed
interim FDA regulations. See discussions of the Castano and Attorneys General
settlements above.
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 ("OBRA") required each
United States cigarette manufacturer to use at least 75% domestic tobacco in
the aggregate of the cigarettes manufactured by it in the United States,
effective January 1, 1994, on an annualized basis or pay a "marketing
assessment" based upon price differentials between foreign and domestic tobacco
and, under certain circumstances, make purchases of domestic tobacco from the
tobacco stabilization cooperatives organized by the United
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States government. OBRA was repealed retroactively (as of December 31, 1994)
coincident in time with the issuance of a Presidential proclamation, effective
September 13, 1995, imposing tariffs on imported tobacco in excess of certain
quotas.
The United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") informed Liggett that
it did not satisfy the 75% domestic tobacco usage requirement for 1994 and was
subject to a marketing assessment of approximately $5,500. At December 31,
1995, the Company accrued approximately $4,900 representing the present value
of its obligation for the USDA marketing assessment. The charge was included
as a component of cost of sales in 1995. Liggett has agreed to pay this
assessment in quarterly installments with interest over a five year period.
Under certain circumstances, payment can be accelerated. Since the levels of
domestic tobacco inventories on hand at the tobacco stabilization organizations
are below reserve stock levels, the Company was not obligated to make purchases
of domestic tobacco from the tobacco stabilization cooperatives.
On September 13, 1995, the President of the United States, after
negotiations with the affected countries, declared a tariff rate quota ("TRQ")
on certain imported tobacco, imposing extremely high tariffs on imports of
flue-cured and burley tobacco in excess of certain levels which vary from
country to country. Oriental tobacco is exempt from the quota as well as all
tobacco originating from Canada, Mexico or Israel. Management believes that
the TRQ levels are sufficiently high to allow Liggett to operate without
material disruption to its business.
On February 20, 1996, the United States Trade representative issued an
"advance notice of rule making" concerning how tobaccos imported under the TRQ
should be allocated. Currently, tobacco imported under the TRQ is allocated on
a "first-come, first-served" basis, meaning that entry is allowed on an open
basis to those first requesting entry in the quota year. Others in the
cigarette industry have suggested an "end-user licensing" system under which
the right to import tobacco under the quota would be initially assigned on the
basis of domestic market share. Such an approach, if adopted, could have a
material adverse effect on the Company. The Company believes it is unlikely
that an end-user licensing system will be adopted, although no assurances can
be given that an end-user licensing system will not be adopted.
In September 1991, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
("OSHA") issued a Request for Information relating to indoor air quality,
including ETS, in occupational settings. OSHA announced in March 1994 that it
would commence formal rulemaking during the year. Hearings were completed
during 1995 but it is not anticipated that any regulation will issue prior to
the end of 1996. While the Company cannot predict the outcome, some form of
federal regulation of smoking in workplaces may result.
In January 1993, the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA")
released a report on the respiratory effect of ETS which concludes that ETS is
a known human lung carcinogen in adults, and in children causes increased
respiratory tract disease and middle ear disorders and increases the severity
and frequency of asthma. In June 1993, the two largest of the major domestic
cigarette manufacturers, together with other segments of the tobacco and
distribution industries, commenced a lawsuit against the EPA seeking a
determination that the EPA did not have the statutory authority to regulate
ETS, and that given the current body of scientific evidence and the EPA's
failure to follow its own guidelines in making the determination, the EPA's
classification of ETS was arbitrary and capricious. Whatever the outcome of
this litigation, issuance of the report may encourage efforts to limit smoking
in public areas.
The Company has been involved in certain environmental proceedings, none
of which, either individually or in the aggregate, rise to the level of
materiality. The Company's current operations are conducted in accordance with
all environmental laws and regulations. Management is unaware of any material
environmental conditions affecting its existing facilities. Compliance with
federal, state and local provisions regulating the discharge of materials into
the environment, or otherwise relating to the
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protection of the environment, have not had a material effect on the capital
expenditures, earnings or competitive position of Liggett.
On March 15, 1996, an action entitled Spencer J. Volk v. Liggett Group
Inc. was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
New York, Case No. 96-CIV-1921, wherein the plaintiff, who was formerly employed
as Liggett's President and Chief Executive Officer, seeks recovery of certain
monies allegedly owing by Liggett to him for long-term incentive compensation.
At a September 19, 1996 hearing, the Court dismissed the plaintiff's alternate
claim for recovery under a fraud theory and reserved judgment on an additional
ground of Liggett's motion to dismiss the balance of the complaint, which
decision is still pending. Preliminary discovery has recently commenced.
There are several other proceedings, lawsuits and claims pending against
Liggett unrelated to 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 Liggett's financial position, results
of operations or cash flows.
9. Income Taxes
Liggett increased its valuation allowance for its deferred tax assets by
$3,800 in the three months ended September 30, 1996 based on its current
determination that it is more likely than not that such future tax benefits may
not be realized. The provision for income taxes for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 1995, which represented the effects of the Alternative
Minimum Tax and state income taxes, does not bear a customary relationship with
pre-tax accounting income (loss) principally as a consequence of the changes in
the valuation allowance relating to deferred tax assets.
10. Related Party Transactions
On July 5, 1996, Liggett purchased from Brooke (Overseas) Ltd. ("BOL"), an
indirect subsidiary of BGL, 140,000 shares (approximately 20%) of Liggett-Ducat
Ltd.'s ("LDL") tobacco operations for $2,100. LDL, which produces cigarettes
in Russia, manufactured and marketed 10.4 billion cigarettes in 1995. Liggett
also acquired on that date for $3,400 a ten-year option, exercisable by Liggett
in whole or in part, to purchase from BOL at the same per share price, up to
292,407 additional shares of LDL, thereby entitling Liggett to increase its
interest in LDL to approximately 62%. The option fee would be credited against
the purchase price. In addition, Liggett has the right on or before June 30,
1997 to acquire from BOL for $2,200 another ten-year option on the same terms
to purchase the remaining 27% of the shares of LDL owned by BOL. Liggett
accounts for its investment in LDL under the equity method of accounting.
Liggett's equity in the net loss of LDL amounted to $740 for the three months
ended September 30, 1996. The excess of the cost of the option over carrying
amount of net assets to be acquired under the option has been charged to
stockholder's deficit.
Since October 1990, Liggett has provided certain administrative and
technical support to LDL in exchange for which LDL provides assistance to
Liggett in its pursuit of selling cigarettes in the Russian Republic. The
expenses associated with Liggett's activities amounted to $5, $30, $9 and $138
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Liggett is a party to a Tax-Sharing Agreement dated June 29, 1990 with BGL
and certain other entities pursuant to which Liggett has paid taxes to BGL as
if it were filing a separate company tax return, except that the agreement
effectively limits the ability of Liggett to carry back losses for refunds.
Liggett is entitled to recoup overpayments in a given year out of future
payments due under the agreement.
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20
Liggett is a party to an agreement dated February 26, 1991, as amended
October 1, 1995, with BGL to provide various management and administrative
services to the Company in consideration for an annual management fee of $900
paid in monthly installments and annual overhead reimbursements of $864 paid in
quarterly installments. The expenses associated with Liggett's activities
amounted to $441, $441, $1,323 and $1,323 for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Liggett has entered into an annually renewable Corporate Services Agreement
with BGLS wherein BGLS provides corporate services to the Company at an annual
fee paid in monthly installments. Corporate services provided by BGLS under
this agreement include the provision of administrative services related to
Liggett's participation in its parent company's multi-employer benefit plan,
external publication of financial results, preparation of consolidated financial
statements and tax returns and such other administrative and managerial services
as may be reasonably requested by Liggett. The charges for services rendered
under the agreement amounted to $790, $752, $2,370 and $2,257 for the three and
nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. This fee is in
addition to the management fee and overhead reimbursements described above.
Since April 1994, the Company has leased equipment from BGLS for $50 per
month.
Accounts receivable from affiliates relate principally to advances for
expenses paid by Liggett on behalf of its affiliates.
The Company acquired Carolina Tobacco Express Company ("CTEC") from its
indirect parent during 1995 for $800. The excess of cost over carrying amount
of net assets acquired has been charged to stockholder's deficit. The effect
of the accounting treatment presents the investment in CTEC at carryover basis.
11. Restructuring Charges
During the first nine months of 1995, Liggett, in an effort to reduce
costs, offered voluntary retirement programs to eligible employees, among other
things, and reduced the Company's headcount by 117 positions. In connection
therewith, the Company recorded a $2,407 restructuring charge to operations
($621 of which was included in cost of sales) for severance programs, primarily
salary continuation and related benefits for terminated employees.
During the first nine months of 1996, Liggett continued its efforts to
reduce costs and reduced the Company's headcount by 7 additional positions. A
restructuring charge of $1,180 for severance programs, primarily salary
continuation and related benefits for terminated employees was recorded in
connection therewith.
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EVE HOLDINGS INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
September 30, December 31,
1996 1995
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ASSETS
Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6 $ 8
Office equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2
Trademarks, at cost, less accumulated amortization of
$16,868 and $15,593, respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,545 4,820
------- -------
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,553 $ 4,830
======= =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Federal income taxes currently payable to parent . . . . . . . . . . $ 4 $ 164
Dividends payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,052 2,536
Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 -
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,241 1,687
------- -------
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,497 4,387
------- -------
Stockholder's equity:
Common stock (par value $1.00 per share; authorized,
issued and outstanding 100 shares) and contributed
capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46,824 47,653
Receivables from parent:
Note receivable - interest at 14%, due no sooner
than February 1, 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (44,520) (44,520)
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2,248) (2,690)
------- -------
Total stockholder's equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 443
------- -------
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity. . . . . . . . . . $ 3,553 $ 4,830
======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these financial statements.
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EVE HOLDINGS INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
-------------------- --------------------
1996 1995 1996 1995
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Revenues:
Royalties - parent . . . . . . . . . . $2,233 $3,176 $ 6,383 $ 8,115
Interest - parent . . . . . . . . . . 1,576 1,576 4,729 4,729
------ ------ ------- -------
3,809 4,752 11,112 12,844
Expenses:
Amortization of trademarks . . . . . . 425 425 1,275 1,276
Miscellaneous, net . . . . . . . . . . 227 25 286 82
------ ------ ------- -------
Income before income taxes . . . . . 3,157 4,302 9,551 11,486
Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . 1,105 1,506 3,343 4,020
------ ------- ------- -------
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,052 $2,796 $ 6,208 $ 7,466
====== ======= ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these financial statements.
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EVE HOLDINGS INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
----------------------
1996 1995
--------- -----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,208 $ 7,466
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,275 1,276
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (446) (447)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Federal income taxes currently payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (160) 192
Dividends payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - 323
Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 -
------- -------
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . 7,077 8,810
------- -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends/capital distributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (7,521) (8,295)
(Increase) decrease in due from parent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442 (507)
------- -------
Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . (7,079) (8,802)
------- -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) 8
Cash:
Beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2
------- -------
End of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6 $ 10
======= =======
Supplemental cash flow information:
Payments of income taxes through receivable from parent . . . . . $ 3,949 $ 4,275
Dividends/capital distributions declared but not paid . . . . . . . . $ 2,052 $ -
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these financial statements.
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EVE HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
1. The Company
Eve Holdings Inc. ("Eve") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liggett Group
Inc. ("Liggett"). Eve, formed in June 1990, is the proprietor of, and has all
right, title and interest in, certain federal trademark registrations (the
"Trademarks"). Eve has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with
Liggett (effective until 2010) whereby Eve grants the use of the Trademarks to
Liggett in exchange for royalties, computed based upon Liggett's annual net
sales, excluding excise taxes. The Trademarks are pledged as collateral for
Liggett's borrowings under the notes indentures (see Note 3).
2. Per Share Data
All of Eve's common shares (100 shares authorized, issued and outstanding
for all periods presented herein) are owned by Liggett. Accordingly, earnings
and dividends per share data are not presented in these financial statements.
3. Guarantee of Liggett Notes
On February 14, 1992, Liggett issued $150,000 of Senior Secured Notes (the
"Series B Notes"). In connection with the issuance of the Series B Notes, the
Trademarks were pledged as collateral. In addition, Eve is a guarantor for
the Series B Notes.
During 1994, Liggett issued $32,850 of Series C Senior Secured Notes (the
"Series C Notes"). Eve is a guarantor for the Series C Notes.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SELLING PRICES)
INTRODUCTION
Liggett Group Inc. ("Liggett" or the "Company") is the operating successor
to the Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company formed in 1873. Liggett is the fifth
largest manufacturer of cigarettes in the United States in terms of unit sales.
The following discussion provides an assessment of Liggett's consolidated
results of operations and capital resources and liquidity and should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Liggett and notes
thereto included elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-Q. The operating results
of the periods presented were not significantly affected by inflation.
Eve Holdings Inc. ("Eve") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liggett. Eve's
sole business is to hold certain federal trademark registrations used by, and
to license them on an exclusive basis to, Liggett and to hold a certain note
receivable from Liggett. Accordingly, Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Eve are not presented herein
because they are not material to Liggett's operations.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared
assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. Liggett had a net
capital deficiency of $167,833 as of September 30, 1996 and is highly
leveraged. Due to the many risks and uncertainties associated with the
cigarette industry, impact of recent tobacco litigation settlements and
increased tobacco costs, there can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to meet its future earnings goals. Consequently, the Company could be in
violation of certain debt covenants and, if the lenders were to exercise
acceleration rights under the revolving credit facility or senior secured note
indenture or refuse to lend under the revolving credit facility, the Company
would not be able to satisfy such demands or its working capital requirements.
Liggett is currently negotiating with its lenders for an extension of the
maturity and a modification of other terms under its revolving credit facility
which expires on March 8, 1997. In addition, $7,500 principal amount of its
senior secured notes are required to be redeemed on or before February 1,
1997. While management currently believes that the revolving credit facility
will be extended and modified on satisfactory terms and funds will be available
to meet the 1997 redemption requirement, no assurances can be given in this
regard.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CIGARETTE INDUSTRY
Pricing Activity
On April 8, 1996, Philip Morris announced a list price increase on all
brands of 40 cents per carton. The other manufacturers, including Liggett,
matched the price increase.
Legislation and Litigation
The cigarette industry continues to be challenged on numerous fronts.
Several federal administrative bodies, including the United States
Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration, have
issued reports or commenced regulatory proceedings which have had or could have
an adverse effect on Liggett and the cigarette industry as a whole. The rate
of filings of individual product liability cases has increased, and the
Company's risk attendant thereto has correspondingly increased. Several
purported class actions have been commenced against Liggett and other companies
in the industry, one of which actions Liggett has settled. A number of states'
Attorneys General have commenced litigation against the industry asserting
numerous different theories of liability, five of which
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actions Liggett has settled. The various companies in the industry are
actively engaged in defending against and responding to these initiatives. The
Company is not able to evaluate the effect of these developing matters, but it
is possible that the Company's financial position, results of operations and
cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an ultimate unfavorable
outcome in any of such pending litigation and regulatory proceedings. For a
description of pending litigation and regulatory proceedings, see Note 8 to
the Company's consolidated financial statements.
On March 12, 1996, BGL and Liggett entered into an agreement to settle the
Castano class action tobacco litigation, and on March 15, 1996, BGL and Liggett
entered into an agreement with the Attorneys General of the States of Florida,
Massachusetts, Mississippi, Louisiana and West Virginia to settle certain
actions brought against Liggett by such states.
Under the Castano settlement, the Castano class would receive up to 5% of
Liggett's pretax income (income before income taxes) each year (up to a
maximum of $50,000 per year) for the next twenty-five years, subject to certain
reductions provided for in the agreement, together with reasonable fees and
expenses of the Castano Plaintiffs Legal Committee. The settlement is subject
to and conditioned upon the approval of the United States District Court for
the Eastern District of Louisiana. The Company is unable to determine at this
time when the Court will review the settlement, and no assurance can be given
that the settlement will be approved by the Court.
Under the Attorneys General settlement, the states would share an initial
$5,000 ($1,000 of which was paid on March 22, 1996, with the balance payable
over nine years and indexed and adjusted for inflation). In addition, Liggett
will be required to pay the states a percentage of Liggett's pretax income
(income before income taxes) each year from the second through the twenty-fifth
year. This annual percentage would range from 2-1/2% to 7-1/2% of Liggett's
pretax income, depending on the number of additional states joining the
settlement. All of Liggett's payments are subject to certain reductions
provided for in the agreement. Liggett has also agreed to pay to the states
$5,000 if BGL or Liggett fails to consummate a merger or other similar
transaction with another defendant in the lawsuits within three years of the
date of the settlement.
At December 31, 1995, the Company accrued approximately $4,000 for the
present value of the fixed payments under the Attorneys General settlement.
The Company cannot quantify the future costs of the settlements at this time as
the amount Liggett must pay is based, in part, on future operating results.
Possible future payments based on a percentage of pretax income, and other
contingent payments, will be expensed when known.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
1996 Restructuring
During the first nine months of 1996, the Company reduced its headcount by
7 positions and recorded a $1,180 restructuring charge to operations for
severance programs, primarily salary continuation and related benefits for
terminated employees. The anticipated savings of the 1996 restructuring relate
primarily to reduced payroll and benefits expenses in future periods which
management currently estimates at approximately $650 on an annualized basis,
although there can be no assurance such savings can be realized. Of the
restructuring recorded in 1996, $565 was funded by September 30, 1996.
1995 Restructuring
During the first nine months of 1995, the Company reduced its headcount
by 117 positions and recorded a $2,407 restructuring charge to operations ($621
of which was included in cost of sales) for severance programs, primarily
salary continuation and related benefits for terminated employees. The
anticipated savings of the 1995 restructuring relate primarily to reduced
payroll and benefits expenses in future periods which management currently
estimates at approximately $6,700 on an annualized basis, although there can be
no assurance such savings can be realized. All of the restructuring recorded
in 1995 ($2,548 for the year ended December 31, 1995) was fully funded by June
30, 1996.
Three Months Ended September 30, 1996 Compared to Three Months Ended September
30, 1995
Net sales were $101,125 for the three months ended September 30, 1996
compared to $122,648 for the same period in 1995. This 17.5% decrease in
revenues was due primarily to a 20.5% decline in domestic unit sales volume,
partially offset by the effects of the recent list price increase (see "-
Recent Developments in the Cigarette Industry - Pricing Activity"). The
decline in unit sales volume was
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comprised of declines within the premium segment of 15.3% and discount segment
(which includes generic, control label and branded discount products) of 22.1%.
The decline in premium and discount unit sales volume was due to certain
competitors continuing leveraging rebate programs tied to their products and
increased promotional activity by certain other manufacturers. The Company
experienced a significant increase in volume at the end of the quarter, in part
due to ongoing trade programs based on quarterly volume targets which Liggett
sets for its customers and in part due to consumer promotional programs
consisting of coupons and variable price reductions.
Gross profit was $55,511 for the three months ended September 30, 1996, a
decrease of $13,507 from $69,018 for the same period in 1995, due primarily to
the decline in unit sales volume discussed above. As a percent of revenues
(excluding federal excise taxes), gross profit decreased to 74.0% for the three
months ended September 30, 1996 compared to 76.7% for the same period in 1995.
This decrease is the result of increased tobacco costs due to reduced worldwide
supply of tobacco and a reduction in the average discount available to Liggett
from leaf tobacco dealers on tobacco purchased under prior years' purchase
commitments, partially offset by the recent list price increase.
Operating income decreased to $3,377 for the three months ended September
30, 1996 from $12,265 for the same period in 1995, due primarily to the
decrease in gross profit discussed above. The negative effects on operating
income were partially offset by reduced spending on promotional programs.
Net interest expense was $5,959 for the three months ended September 30,
1996 compared to $5,836 for the same period in 1995. This increase was due to
interest accrued on the United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA")
marketing assessment and Attorneys General settlement, partially offset by the
redemption of $7,000 Series B Notes in December 1995.
Net loss amounted to $7,122 for the three months ended September 30, 1996
compared to net income of $6,172 for the same period in 1995. This decrease
was primarily the result of the same factors affecting operating income as
discussed above, along with Liggett's equity in the net loss of Liggett-Ducat
Ltd. ("LDL") of $740 and recording of $3,800 tax expense to increase the
valuation allowance for deferred tax assets based on management's determination
that it is more likely than not that such future tax benefits may not be
realized.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 Compared to Nine Months Ended September
30, 1995
Net sales were $292,899 for the nine months ended September 30, 1996
compared to $337,217 for the same period in 1995. This 13.1% decrease in
revenues was due primarily to a 17.2% decline in domestic unit sales volume,
partially offset by effects of recent list price increases. The decline in
unit sales volume was comprised of declines within the premium segment of 11.8%
and discount segment of 18.8%. The decline in premium and discount unit sales
volume was due to aggressive trade programs offered by the Company at the end
of the fourth quarter of 1995 which may have accelerated purchases that would
ordinarily have been made in early 1996, certain competitors continuing
leveraging rebate programs tied to their products and increased promotional
activity by certain other manufacturers.
Gross profit was $158,460 for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, a
decrease of $23,044 from $181,504 for the same period in 1995, due primarily to
the decline in unit sales volume discussed above. As a percent of revenues
(excluding federal excise taxes), gross profit decreased to 73.3% for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 compared to 74.1% for the same period in 1995.
This decrease is a result of the increased tobacco costs discussed above,
partially offset by recent list price increases and restructuring charges
incurred in 1995 with no similar charges in 1996.
Operating income decreased to $8,923 for the nine months ended September
30, 1996 from $23,071 for the same period in 1995, due primarily to the
decrease in gross profit discussed above. The negative effects on operating
income were partially offset by reduced spending on promotional programs,
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reduced administrative expenses resulting from the restructurings discussed
above and reduced legal expenses due to the financial assistance Liggett has
been receiving from others in the industry in defraying the costs incurred in
the defense of smoking and health litigation (see "- Capital Resources and
Liquidity").
Net interest expense was $17,808 for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 compared to $17,638 for the same period in 1995. This increase was due to
interest accrued on the USDA marketing assessment and Attorneys General
settlement, along with the higher reset interest rate on the Series C Notes
which was reset from 16.5% to 19.75% on February 1, 1995, partially offset by
the redemption of $7,000 Series B Notes in December 1995.
Net loss amounted to $9,727 for the nine months ended September 30, 1996
compared to net income of $5,413 for the same period in 1995. This decrease
was primarily the result of the same factors affecting operating income
discussed above, along with Liggett's equity in the net loss of LDL of $740 and
the recording of $3,800 tax expense to increase the valuation allowance for
deferred tax assets based on management's determination that it is more likely
than not that such future tax benefits may not be realized. The negative
effects on income were partially offset by the gain of approximately $3,600 on
the sale of surplus realty to the County of Durham (see "- Capital Resources
and Liquidity").
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Cash used in operations was $862 for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 compared to cash provided by operations of $7,345 for the same period in
1995. This decrease was due primarily to the decline in net sales (see "-
Results of Operations"). The negative effects on cash flows from operations
were partially offset by increased promotional accruals, decreased trade
receivables and inventories, savings resulting from the restructurings (see
"- Results of Operations") and reduced legal fees.
Liggett has been receiving certain financial and other assistance from
others in the industry in defraying the costs and other burdens incurred in the
defense of smoking and health litigation and related proceedings. The future
financial benefit to the Company is not quantifiable at this time since the
arrangements for assistance can be terminated under certain circumstances and
the amount of assistance received, if any, would be a function of the level of
costs incurred. Certain joint defense arrangements, and the financial benefits
incident thereto, have ended. No assurances can be made that other
arrangements will continue.
Management believes that cash flows from operations and the Company's
revolving credit facility ("the Facility") will continue to meet its liquidity
requirements for the twelve months ending September 30, 1997. Management
believes that the positive effects on cash flow from operations resulting from
the April 1996 price increase, estimated at approximately $7,100 on an annual
basis, and the estimated savings resulting from the Company's restructurings,
estimated at approximately $7,350 on an annual basis, will enable the Company to
meet its estimated interest expense of approximately $22,700 annually, the
sinking fund requirement to redeem $7,500 principal amount of the Notes on or
before February 1, 1997, budgeted capital expenditures of approximately $2,500
and payments of $1,400 on the USDA marketing assessment. However, there can be
no assurance that such anticipated increases in cash flow will materialize as
there are a number of factors including increased tobacco costs, litigation
expenses and payments based on future income to which the Company is committed
under the Castano and Attorneys General settlement agreements, the amounts of
which are unknown. Further, the Facility was reclassified to short-term debt
because the Facility becomes due on March 8, 1997 thereby creating a working
capital deficiency of approximately $32,300 at September 30, 1996. Liggett is
currently negotiating with its lenders for an extension of the maturity and a
modification of other terms under the Facility. While management currently
believes the Facility will be extended and modified on satisfactory terms and
funds will be available to meet the requirement to redeem $7,500 principal
amount of Notes, no assurances can be given in this regard.
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Cash used in investing activities was $4,068 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 compared to $1,014 for the same period in 1995. Capital
expenditures were $2,983 and expenditures for the investment in LDL were
$5,500 (see below) for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 compared to
expenditures for the acquisition of Carolina Tobacco Express for $800 and
capital expenditures of $781 for the same period in 1995. The capital
expenditures of both periods were principally for equipment modernization.
Capital expenditures of approximately $350 are forecasted for the remainder of
the year ending December 31, 1996. These expenditures are expected to be
funded with cash flow from operations and borrowings under the Facility.
On May 14, 1996 Liggett sold certain surplus realty in Durham, NC to the
County of Durham for a sale price of $4,300. A gain of approximately $3,600
was recognized on this sale.
On April 29, 1996, Liggett executed a definitive agreement (as amended on
September 11, 1996) with Blue Devil Ventures, a North Carolina limited
liability partnership, for the sale by Liggett to Blue Devil Ventures of
certain surplus realty in Durham, NC, for a sale price of $2,200. While the
agreement provides for the closing to occur on or before March 11, 1997, Blue
Devil Ventures has the option, if it determines that its development project is
not feasible, to forfeit its deposit of $550 and not close.
On July 5, 1996, Liggett purchased from Brooke (Overseas) Ltd. ("BOL"), an
indirect subsidiary of BGL, 140,000 shares (approximately 20%) of LDL's tobacco
operations for $2,100. LDL, which produces cigarettes in Russia, manufactured
and marketed 10.4 billion cigarettes in 1995. Liggett also acquired on that
date for $3,400 a ten-year option, exercisable by Liggett in whole or in part,
to purchase from BOL at the same per share price, up to 292,407 additional
shares of LDL, thereby entitling Liggett to increase its interest in LDL to
approximately 62%. The option fee would be credited against the purchase
price. The transactions did not impact Liggett's cash flows from operations as
the Company used the proceeds from the May 1996 sale of surplus realty to the
County of Durham of $4,300 and the payment of a receivable from New Valley
Corporation, also an affiliate, of $1,200 to fund the transactions. In
addition, Liggett has the right on or before June 30, 1997 to acquire from BOL
for $2,200 another ten-year option on the same terms to purchase the remaining
27% of the shares of LDL owned by BOL.
Cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September
30, 1996 was $5,540 compared to cash used in financing activities of $6,331 for
the same period in 1995. This increase resulted primarily from increased
borrowings under the Facility.
On March 8, 1994, Liggett entered into the Facility under which it can
borrow up to $40,000 (depending on the amount of eligible inventory and
receivables as determined by the lenders) from a syndicate of commercial
lenders. Availability under the Facility was approximately $1,550 based upon
eligible collateral at September 30, 1996. The Facility is collateralized by
all inventories and receivables of the Company. Borrowings under the Facility
bear interest at a rate equal to 1.5% above Philadelphia National Bank's (the
indirect parent of Congress Financial Corporation, the lead lender) prime rate,
which was 8.25% at September 30, 1996. The Facility contains certain financial
covenants similar to those contained in the Note indenture, including
restrictions on Liggett's ability to declare or pay cash dividends, incur
additional debt, grant liens and enter into any new agreements with affiliates,
among others. In addition, the Facility imposes requirements with respect to
the Company's adjusted net worth (not to fall below a deficit of $175,000) and
working capital (not to fall below a deficit of $35,000). At September 30,
1996, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Facility. The
Facility was reclassified to short-term debt because it becomes due on March 8,
1997. While management currently believes the maturity of the Facility will
be extended and other terms of the Facility will be modified on satisfactory
terms, no assurances can be given in this regard.
On February 14, 1992, Liggett issued $150,000 in Senior Secured Notes (the
"Series B Notes"). From the proceeds of $148,244, net of an original issue
discount, $144,054 was dividended to BGLS (which reduced stockholder's equity)
and $4,190 was paid as financing fees. Interest on the Series B
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Notes is payable semiannually on February 1 and August 1 at an annual rate of
11.5%. The Series B Notes and Series C Notes referred to below (collectively,
the "Notes") require mandatory principal redemptions of $7,500 on February 1 in
each of the years 1993 through 1997 and $37,500 on February 1, 1998 with the
balance of the Notes due on February 1, 1999. The Notes are collateralized by
substantially all of the assets of the Company, excluding inventories and
receivables. Eve is a guarantor for the Notes. The Notes may be redeemed, in
whole or in part, at a price equal to 104%, 102% and 100% of the principal
amount in the years 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively, at the option of the
Company at any time on or after February 1, 1996. The Notes contain
restrictions on Liggett's ability to declare or pay cash dividends, incur
additional debt, grant liens and enter into any new agreements with affiliates,
among others. At September 30, 1996, the Company was in compliance with all
covenants under the Note indenture.
On January 31, 1994, the Company issued $22,500 of Variable Rate Series C
Senior Secured Notes (the "Series C Notes"). Liggett received $15,000 from
the issuance in cash and received $7,500 in Series B Notes which were credited
against the mandatory redemption requirement for February 1, 1994. The Series C
Notes have the same terms (other than interest rate) and stated maturity as the
Series B Notes. The Series C Notes initially bore a 16.5% interest rate, which
was reset on February 1, 1995 to 19.75%. The Company had received the
necessary consents from the required percentage of holders of its Series B
Notes allowing for an aggregate principal amount up to but not exceeding
$32,850 of Series C Notes to be issued under the Note indenture. In
connection with the consents, holders of Series B Notes received Series C
Notes totaling two percent of their current Series B Notes holdings. The total
principal amount of such Series C Notes issued was $2,842. On November 20,
1994, the Company issued the remaining $7,508 of Series C Notes in exchange for
an equal amount of Series B Notes and cash of $375. The Series B Notes so
exchanged were credited against the mandatory redemption requirement for
February 1, 1995.
In December 1995, $7,000 of Series B Notes were purchased using revolver
availability and credited against the mandatory redemption requirement for
February 1, 1996. The transaction resulted in a net gain of $1,114. The
remaining $500 mandatory redemption requirement for February 1, 1996 was met by
retiring the $500 Series C Notes held in treasury. While management currently
believes that funds will be available from cash flows from operations and
borrowings under the Facility to meet the 1997 redemption requirement, no
assurances can be given in this regard. There are no definite plans as yet for
funding the 1998 mandatory redemption requirement.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Company and its representatives may from time to time make oral or
written "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private
Securities Reform Act of 1995 (the "Reform Act"), including any statements that
may be contained in the foregoing discussion in "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations", and elsewhere in
this report and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and in its reports to securityholders which reflect management's current views
with respect to future events and financial performance. These forward-looking
statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and, in connection
with the "safe-harbor" provisions of the Reform Act, the Company is hereby
identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement made by or on
behalf of the Company. The Company continues to be subject to risk factors
endemic to the domestic tobacco industry including, without limitation, health
concerns relating to the use of tobacco products and exposure to environmental
tobacco smoke, legislation, including tax increases, governmental regulation,
privately imposed smoking restrictions, decline in consumption, governmental
and grand jury investigations and litigation. Furthermore, the Company is
subject to intense competition, changes in consumer preferences, the effects of
changing prices for its raw materials and local economic conditions. In
addition, the Company has a high degree of leverage and substantial near term
debt service requirements, as well as a net worth and a working capital
deficiency and recent net losses, and is highly dependent upon its revolving
credit facility which becomes due in March 1997. The Notes contain
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restrictions on the Company's ability to incur additional debt, grant liens,
enter into any new agreements with affiliates and declare or pay cash dividends,
among others. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of
the date such statements are made. The Company does not undertake to update any
forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of
the Company.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Reference is made to information entitled "Commitments and Contingencies"
in Note 8 to the Company's consolidated financial statements included elsewhere
in this Report on Form 10-Q.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a). Exhibits
27.1 Liggett Group Inc.'s Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only)
27.2 Eve Holdings Inc.'s Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only)
(b). Reports on Form 8-K
The Company filed no reports on Form 8-K for the three months ended
September 30, 1996.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized on November 14, 1996.
LIGGETT GROUP INC.
By: /s/ Samuel M. Veasey
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Samuel M. Veasey
Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Principal
Accounting Officer)
EVE HOLDINGS INC.
By: /s/ Joselynn D. Van Siclen
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Joselynn D. Van Siclen
Director, Vice President and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Principal
Accounting Officer)
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