Vector Group Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Vector Group (NYSE: VGR) reported a decrease in consolidated revenues to $324.6 million in the first quarter of 2024, with the tobacco segment seeing a 2.9% decrease compared to the prior year. However, the operating income for the tobacco segment increased by 5.6% to $83.0 million. Adjusted EBITDA rose by 6.0% to $82.8 million, showcasing the company's focus on sustainable growth. Vector Group maintained liquidity of $333 million in cash and cash equivalents, emphasizing financial stability. The company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share, returning $32 million to stockholders. Despite challenges in market share, Vector Group remains optimistic about driving long-term value for its shareholders through innovative brand strategies and retail execution.

Positive

• Increased operating income for the tobacco segment by 5.6% to $83.0 million in the first quarter.

• Adjusted EBITDA grew by 6.0% to $82.8 million, reflecting the company's sustained growth efforts.

• Maintained significant liquidity with $333 million in cash and cash equivalents, ensuring financial stability.

• Quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share returned $32 million to stockholders, highlighting commitment to shareholders.

Negative

• Consolidated revenues declined to $324.6 million, down 2.9% compared to the prior year.

• Tobacco segment revenues also decreased by 2.9% to $324.6 million, indicating challenges in the segment.

• Wholesale market share for the tobacco segment declined to 5.6% from 5.7%, showcasing competition in the industry.

• Retail market share for the tobacco segment remained unchanged at 5.8%, potentially impacting future growth.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Vector Group's first quarter financials indicate a nuanced scenario. Revenues have slightly decreased, which may concern investors at first glance; however, this is contrasted by an increase in operating income and Adjusted EBITDA. This suggests efficiency improvements, particularly in the tobacco segment. The growth of Montego's market share is promising, yet the overall decline in wholesale shipments suggests a challenging industry environment. The company's liquidity position seems robust with substantial cash reserves and the commitment to dividends is a positive signal for investors seeking income stability. Overall, one must weigh the stable earnings against the slight revenue decline and industry headwinds. The performance of Vector Group seems stable with potential for cautious optimism.

Market Research Analyst

The tobacco industry is highly regulated and subject to consumer trends that are increasingly health-conscious. Vector Group's strategy to transition Montego from volume-based to income-based is an adaptive move, reflecting an understanding of these market dynamics. What stands out is the stable market share in retail, signaling brand loyalty amidst a declining industry trend in wholesale shipments. For investors, this could mean resilience in Vector Group's brand equity. However, the overall decrease in industry volume may raise questions about long-term sustainability, which should be monitored closely.

Continued Strong Earnings Growth in Tobacco Segment

First Quarter 2024 Highlights:

• Consolidated revenues of $324.6 million, down 2.9% or $9.6 million compared to the prior year period.
  • Tobacco segment revenues of $324.6 million, down 2.9% or $9.6 million compared to the prior year period.
  • Tobacco segment wholesale market share declined to 5.6% from 5.7% in the prior year period and retail market share remained at 5.8%, unchanged from the prior year period.
  • Montego wholesale market share increased to 3.9% from 3.3% in the prior year period and retail market share increased to 4.0% from 3.4% in the prior year period.
• Reported operating income of $77.8 million, up 4.7% or $3.5 million compared to the prior year period.
  • Tobacco segment operating income of $83.0 million, up 5.6% or $4.4 million compared to the prior year period, primarily attributable to the continued transition of the Montego brand strategy from volume-based to income-based.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $82.8 million, up 6.0% or $4.7 million compared to the prior year period.
  • Tobacco Adjusted EBITDA of $84.4 million, up 5.5% or $4.4 million compared to the prior year period.

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vector Group Ltd. (NYSE:VGR) today announced financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

“Vector Group delivered strong performance in the first quarter driven by continued growth of our Montego brand,” said Howard M. Lorber, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vector Group Ltd. “Our proven ability to increase Montego’s market share and profitability underscores the effectiveness of our brand strategy, market analysis, broad-based distribution, and excellent retail execution. We remain confident in our ability to continue driving sustainable growth and creating long-term value for our stockholders.”

GAAP Financial Results

Three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023

For the three months ended March 31, 2024 revenues were $324.6 million, compared to revenues of $334.1 million for the first quarter of 2023. The Company recorded operating income of $77.8 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $74.3 million for the first quarter of 2023. Net income for the first quarter of 2024 was $34.8 million, or $0.22 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $34.7 million, or $0.22 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2023.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023

Adjusted EBITDA (as described in Table 2 attached hereto) were $82.8 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $78.1 million for the first quarter of 2023.

Adjusted Net Income (as described in Table 3 attached hereto) was $37.2 million, or $0.24 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $34.0 million, or $0.22 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2023.

Adjusted Operating Income (as described in Table 4 attached hereto) was $77.8 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $74.3 million for the first quarter of 2023.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Vector Group maintained significant liquidity at March 31, 2024 with cash and cash equivalents of $333 million, including $84 million of cash at Liggett. Vector Group also held investment securities of $129 million and long-term investments of $50 million.

Vector Group continued its longstanding practice of paying a quarterly cash dividend in the first quarter of 2024, returning $32 million to stockholders at a rate of $0.20 per common share.

Tobacco Segment Financial Results

For the first quarter of 2024, the Tobacco segment had revenues of $324.6 million, compared to $334.1 million for the first quarter of 2023.

Operating Income from the Tobacco segment was $83.0 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $78.6 million for the first quarter of 2023.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Tobacco Adjusted Operating Income (as described in Table 5 attached hereto) was $83.0 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $78.6 million for the first quarter of 2023.

Operational Metrics

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Tobacco segment had conventional cigarette (wholesale) shipments of approximately 2.10 billion units, compared to 2.35 billion units for the first quarter of 2023.

According to data from Management Science Associates, Inc., for the first quarter of 2024, the Tobacco segment’s wholesale market share declined to 5.6% from 5.7% for the first quarter of 2023. The Tobacco segment’s wholesale market share was 5.5% for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2024. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, Montego’s wholesale market share increased to 3.9%, from 3.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Compared to the first quarter of 2023, the Tobacco segment’s wholesale shipments in the first quarter of 2024 declined by 10.7%, while the industry’s overall wholesale shipments declined by 9.8%.

According to data from Management Science Associates, for the first quarter of 2024, the Tobacco segment’s retail market share remained stable at 5.8% compared to the first quarter of 2024. The Tobacco segment’s retail market share is 5.8% for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2024. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, Montego’s retail market share increased to 4.0%, from 3.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Compared to the first quarter of 2023, the Tobacco segment’s retail shipments in the first quarter of 2024 declined by 8.7% while the industry’s overall retail shipments declined by 8.9%.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Operating Income, Tobacco Adjusted Operating Income, and Tobacco Adjusted EBITDA (the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”) are financial measures not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company believes that the Non-GAAP Financial Measures are important measures that supplement discussions and analysis of its results of operations and enhance an understanding of its operating performance. The Company believes the Non-GAAP Financial Measures provide investors and analysts with a useful measure of operating results unaffected by differences in capital structures and ages of related assets among otherwise comparable companies.

Management uses the Non-GAAP Financial Measures as measures to review and assess operating performance of the Company’s business, and management does and investors should review both the overall performance (GAAP net income) and the operating performance (the Non-GAAP Financial Measures) of the Company’s business. While management considers the Non-GAAP Financial Measures to be important, they should be considered in addition to, but not as substitutes for or superior to, other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP, such as operating income, net income and cash flows from operations. In addition, the Non-GAAP Financial Measures are susceptible to varying calculations and the Company’s measurement of the Non-GAAP Financial Measures may not be comparable to those of other companies.

Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to the comparable GAAP financial results for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2024 and the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 are included in Tables 2 through 6.

Conference Call to Discuss First Quarter 2024 Results

As previously announced, Vector Group will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 8:00AM (ET) to discuss its first quarter 2024 results. Investors can access the call via webcast at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2271/50471. Please join the webcast at least 10 minutes prior to the start time.

A replay of the call will be available shortly after the call ends on May 2, 2024 through May 16, 2024 at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2271/50471.

About Vector Group Ltd.

Vector Group is a holding company for Liggett Group LLC, Vector Tobacco LLC, and New Valley LLC. Additional information concerning the Company is available on the Company’s website, www.VectorGroupLtd.com.

Investors and others should note that we may post information about the Company or its subsidiaries on our website at www.VectorGroupLtd.com and/or at the websites of those subsidiaries or, if applicable, on their accounts on LinkedIn, TikTok, X or other social media platforms. It is possible that the postings or releases could include information deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in the Company to review the information we post on our website at www.VectorGroupLtd.com, on the websites of our subsidiaries and on their social media accounts.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities law. All statements other than statements of historical or current facts made in this document are forward-looking. We identify forward-looking statements in this document by using words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may be,” “continue,” “could,” “potential,” “objective,” “plan,” “seek,” “predict,” “project” and “will be” and similar words or phrases or their negatives. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Actual results could differ materially for a variety of reasons.

Risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ significantly from our current expectations are described in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K and, when filed, in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. We undertake no responsibility to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement except as required by applicable law.

[Financial Tables Follow]

TABLE 1 VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
		2024				2023
Revenues:
Tobacco*	$	324,567			$	334,145
Expenses:
Cost of sales:
Tobacco*		217,901				232,286
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses		28,694				27,292
Litigation settlement and judgment expense		191				270
Operating income		77,781				74,297
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense		(27,449	)			(27,474	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		—				(141	)
Equity in earnings (losses) from investments		2,138				(159	)
Equity in losses from real estate ventures		(10,721	)			(1,893	)
Other, net		6,385				3,620
Income before provision for income taxes		48,134				48,250
Income tax expense		13,334				13,509
Net income	$	34,800			$	34,741
Per basic common share:
Net income applicable to common shares	$	0.22			$	0.22
Per diluted common share:
Net income applicable to common shares	$	0.22			$	0.22
* Revenues and cost of sales include federal excise taxes of $105,823 and $117,818 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

TABLE 2 VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited) (Dollars in Thousands)
	LTM				Year Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31,				December 31,				March 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Net income	$	183,585			$	183,526			$	34,800			$	34,741
Interest expense		108,592				108,617				27,449				27,474
Income tax expense		64,751				64,926				13,334				13,509
Depreciation and amortization		6,882				6,941				1,633				1,692
EBITDA	$	363,810			$	364,010			$	77,216			$	77,416
Equity in (earnings) losses from investments (a)		(3,559	)			(1,262	)			(2,138	)			159
Equity in losses (earnings) from real estate ventures (b)		6,626				(2,202	)			10,721				1,893
Loss on extinguishment of debt		408				549				—				141
Stock-based compensation expense (c)		11,319				10,111				3,314				2,106
Litigation settlement and judgment expense (d)		18,720				18,799				191				270
Impact of MSA settlement (e)		(592	)			(734	)			(169	)			(311	)
Other, net		(28,884	)			(26,119	)			(6,385	)			(3,620	)
Adjusted EBITDA	$	367,848			$	363,152			$	82,750			$	78,054
Adjusted EBITDA by Segment
Tobacco	$	375,003			$	370,575			$	84,390			$	79,962
Real Estate		222				313				(29	)			62
Corporate and Other		(7,377	)			(7,736	)			(1,611	)			(1,970	)
Total	$	367,848			$	363,152			$	82,750			$	78,054

____________
a.		Represents equity in (earnings) losses recognized from investments that the Company accounts for under the equity method.
b.		Represents equity in losses (earnings) recognized from the Company’s investment in certain real estate ventures that are accounted for under the equity method and are not consolidated in the Company’s financial results.
c.		Represents amortization of stock-based compensation.
d.		Represents accruals for litigation in the Tobacco segment.
e.		Represents the Tobacco segment’s settlement of long-standing disputes related to the Master Settlement Agreement.

TABLE 3 VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NET INCOME (Unaudited) (Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
		2024				2023
Net income	$	34,800			$	34,741
Loss on extinguishment of debt		—				141
Litigation settlement and judgment expense (a)		191				270
Impact of MSA settlement (b)		(169	)			(311	)
Impact of net interest expense capitalized to real estate ventures		3,218				(1,041	)
Total adjustments		3,240				(941	)
Tax expense (benefit) related to adjustments		(818	)			243
Adjusted Net Income	$	37,222			$	34,043
Per diluted common share:
Adjusted Net Income applicable to common shares	$	0.24			$	0.22

____________
a.		Represents accruals for litigation in the Tobacco segment.
b.		Represents the Tobacco segment’s settlement of long-standing disputes related to the Master Settlement Agreement.

TABLE 4 VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME (Unaudited) (Dollars in Thousands)
	LTM				Year Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31,				December 31,				March 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Operating income	$	331,519			$	328,035			$	77,781			$	74,297
Litigation settlement and judgment expense (a)		18,720				18,799				191				270
Impact of MSA settlement (b)		(592	)			(734	)			(169	)			(311	)
Total adjustments		18,128				18,065				22				(41	)
Adjusted Operating Income	$	349,647			$	346,100			$	77,803			$	74,256

____________
a.		Represents accruals for litigation in the Tobacco segment.
b.		Represents the Tobacco segment’s settlement of long-standing disputes related to the Master Settlement Agreement.

TABLE 5 VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF TOBACCO ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME AND TOBACCO ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited) (Dollars in Thousands)
	LTM				Year Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31,				December 31,				March 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Tobacco Adjusted Operating Income:
Operating income from Tobacco segment	$	351,073			$	346,673			$	82,999			$	78,599
Litigation settlement and judgment expense (a)		18,720				18,799				191				270
Impact of MSA settlement (b)		(592	)			(734	)			(169	)			(311	)
Total adjustments		18,128				18,065				22				(41	)
Tobacco Adjusted Operating Income	$	369,201			$	364,738			$	83,021			$	78,558

	LTM				Year Ended				Three Months Ended
	March 31,				December 31,				March 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Tobacco Adjusted EBITDA:
Operating income from Tobacco segment	$	351,073			$	346,673			$	82,999			$	78,599
Litigation settlement and judgment expense (a)		18,720				18,799				191				270
Impact of MSA settlement (b)		(592	)			(734	)			(169	)			(311	)
Total adjustments		18,128				18,065				22				(41	)
Tobacco Adjusted Operating Income		369,201				364,738				83,021				78,558
Depreciation and amortization		5,621				5,686				1,312				1,377
Stock-based compensation expense		181				151				57				27
Total adjustments		5,802				5,837				1,369				1,404
Tobacco Adjusted EBITDA	$	375,003			$	370,575			$	84,390			$	79,962

____________
a.		Represents accruals for litigation in the Tobacco segment.
b.		Represents the Tobacco segment’s settlement of long-standing disputes related to the Master Settlement Agreement.

TABLE 6 VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF REVENUES (Unaudited) (Dollars in Thousands)
		LTM				Year Ended				Three Months Ended
		March 31,				December 31,				March 31,
			2024				2023				2024				2023
Revenues:
Tobacco (a)		$	1,414,690			$	1,424,268			$	324,567			$	334,145

____________
a.		Tobacco segment revenues include federal excise taxes of $474,268 for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2024, $486,263 for the year ended December 31, 2023, and $105,823, and $117,818 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240501852371/en/

Columbia Clancy/Catherine Livingston

FGS Global

212-687-8080 (U.S.)

VectorGroupIR@fgsglobal.com

J. Bryant Kirkland III, Vector Group Ltd.

305-579-8000

Source: Vector Group Ltd.

FAQ

What were Vector Group's consolidated revenues in the first quarter of 2024?

Vector Group's consolidated revenues in the first quarter of 2024 were $324.6 million.

How did the tobacco segment perform in the first quarter of 2024?

The tobacco segment saw a 2.9% decrease in revenues to $324.6 million compared to the prior year.

What was the operating income for the tobacco segment in the first quarter of 2024?

The operating income for the tobacco segment in the first quarter of 2024 was $83.0 million, up by 5.6% compared to the prior year.

What was Vector Group's Adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter of 2024?

Vector Group's Adjusted EBITDA was $82.8 million in the first quarter of 2024, showing a growth of 6.0%.

How much cash and cash equivalents did Vector Group maintain for the first quarter of 2024?

Vector Group maintained $333 million in cash and cash equivalents for the first quarter of 2024.