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, 2015

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 1-5721

LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter)

New York
(State or other jurisdiction of
13-2615557
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification Number)
 
 
520 Madison Avenue, New York, New York
(Address of principal executive offices)
10022
(Zip Code)

(212) 460-1900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

______________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant:  (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES               X       NO            _____

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
YES                X     NO            _____

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  x
 
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer    o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES            _____  NO            X     

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock at October 22, 2015 was 362,338,029.




LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014
(Dollars in thousands, except par value)
(Unaudited)
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
3,559,301

 
$
4,276,775

Cash and securities segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing and depository organizations
904,009

 
3,444,674

Financial instruments owned, including securities pledged of $14,151,752 and $14,794,488:
 

 
 

Trading assets, at fair value
20,494,447

 
19,612,490

Available for sale securities
292,450

 
1,608,769

Total financial instruments owned
20,786,897


21,221,259

Investments in managed funds
604,831

 
281,470

Loans to and investments in associated companies
1,703,746

 
1,712,568

Securities borrowed
7,702,853

 
6,853,103

Securities purchased under agreements to resell
4,273,682

 
3,926,858

Securities received as collateral

 
5,418

Receivables
4,286,520

 
3,934,825

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net
716,906

 
726,376

Intangible assets, net and goodwill
2,667,870

 
2,720,763

Deferred tax asset, net
1,622,790

 
1,712,535

Other assets
1,684,333

 
1,807,284

Total
$
50,513,738


$
52,623,908

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings
$
12,000

 
$
12,000

Trading liabilities, at fair value
9,513,210

 
8,904,592

Securities loaned
3,645,195

 
2,598,487

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
10,840,877

 
10,672,157

Other secured financings
970,412

 
705,126

Obligation to return securities received as collateral

 
5,418

Payables, expense accruals and other liabilities
6,945,182

 
10,516,491

Long-term debt
7,856,749

 
8,527,929

Total liabilities
39,783,625


41,942,200

 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies


 


 
 
 
 
MEZZANINE EQUITY
 

 
 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests
179,061

 
186,686

Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred shares
125,000

 
125,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EQUITY
 

 
 

Common shares, par value $1 per share, authorized 600,000,000 shares; 362,286,341 and 367,498,615 shares issued and outstanding, after deducting 53,661,877 and 48,447,573 shares held in treasury
362,286

 
367,499

Additional paid-in capital
5,006,504

 
5,059,508

Accumulated other comprehensive income
415,855

 
447,082

Retained earnings
4,580,831

 
4,428,069

Total Leucadia National Corporation shareholders’ equity
10,365,476


10,302,158

Noncontrolling interests
60,576

 
67,864

Total equity
10,426,052


10,370,022

 
 
 
 
Total
$
50,513,738

 
$
52,623,908


See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

2



LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beef processing services
$
1,863,040

 
$
1,983,058

 
$
5,709,835

 
$
5,872,424

Commissions
172,284

 
159,085

 
512,714

 
488,526

Principal transactions
(253,145
)
 
160,345

 
548,328

 
617,133

Investment banking
389,820

 
465,192

 
1,044,877

 
1,210,661

Interest income
238,468

 
257,124

 
724,782

 
805,796

Net realized securities gains
236

 
3,848

 
24,418

 
20,903

Other
155,320

 
185,012

 
432,713

 
435,040

Total revenues
2,566,023


3,213,664

 
8,997,667

 
9,450,483

Interest expense
199,927

 
210,021

 
607,425

 
652,353

Net revenues
2,366,096


3,003,643

 
8,390,242

 
8,798,130

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cost of sales
1,937,288

 
2,001,779

 
5,909,878

 
5,988,785

Compensation and benefits
375,495

 
516,635

 
1,303,634

 
1,506,635

Floor brokerage and clearing fees
45,307

 
56,030

 
159,100

 
159,673

Interest
28,949

 
29,499

 
90,069

 
87,219

Depreciation and amortization
58,466

 
46,464

 
166,146

 
132,594

Selling, general and other expenses
217,019

 
263,994

 
540,531

 
614,348

 
2,662,524


2,914,401

 
8,169,358

 
8,489,254

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income related to associated companies
(296,428
)
 
89,242

 
220,884

 
308,876

Income related to associated companies
24,243

 
28,917

 
94,501

 
84,298

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
(272,185
)

118,159

 
315,385

 
393,174

Income tax provision (benefit)
(90,273
)
 
59,906

 
107,834

 
163,885

Income (loss) from continuing operations
(181,912
)

58,253

 
207,551

 
229,289

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax (benefit) of $231, $(3,057), $231 and $(10,137)
429

 
(5,676
)
 
429

 
(18,825
)
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income tax provision of $700, $4,407, $700 and $4,407
1,300

 
7,685

 
1,300

 
8,185

Net income (loss)
(180,183
)

60,262

 
209,280

 
218,649

Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests
1,238

 
1,058

 
1,828

 
(567
)
Net (income) loss attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests
6,788

 
(5,625
)
 
15,931

 
(966
)
Preferred stock dividends
(1,016
)
 
(1,016
)
 
(3,047
)
 
(3,047
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income (loss) attributable to Leucadia National Corporation common shareholders
$
(173,173
)

$
54,679

 
$
223,992

 
$
214,069

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Leucadia National Corporation common shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(0.47
)
 
$
0.14

 
$
0.59

 
$
0.59

Gain (loss) from discontinued operations

 
(0.02
)
 

 
(0.05
)
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations

 
0.02

 

 
0.02

Net income (loss)
$
(0.47
)

$
0.14

 
$
0.59

 
$
0.56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Leucadia National Corporation common shareholders:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(0.47
)
 
$
0.14

 
$
0.59

 
$
0.59

Gain (loss) from discontinued operations

 
(0.02
)
 

 
(0.05
)
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations

 
0.02

 

 
0.02

Net income (loss)
$
(0.47
)

$
0.14

 
$
0.59

 
$
0.56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts attributable to Leucadia National Corporation common shareholders:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of taxes
$
(174,902
)
 
$
52,745

 
$
222,263

 
$
224,761

Gain (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
429

 
(5,751
)
 
429

 
(18,877
)
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes
1,300

 
7,685

 
1,300

 
8,185

Net income (loss)
$
(173,173
)

$
54,679

 
$
223,992

 
$
214,069


See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

3



LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(180,183
)
 
$
60,262

 
$
209,280

 
$
218,649

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments arising during the period, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(5,486), $(6,014), $(3,850) and $(4,380)
(9,884
)
 
(10,832
)
 
(6,936
)
 
(7,889
)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income (loss), net of income tax provision (benefit) of $198, $860, $5,230 and $(578)
(355
)
 
(1,549
)
 
(9,419
)
 
1,041

Net change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(5,684), $(6,874), $(9,080) and $(3,802)
(10,239
)

(12,381
)
 
(16,355
)
 
(6,848
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses) arising during the period, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $96, $(4,335), $(3,900) and $(4,392)
(228
)
 
(16,553
)
 
(18,644
)
 
(13
)
Less: reclassification adjustment for foreign exchange (gains) losses included in net income (loss), net of income tax provision (benefit) of $0, $149, $0 and $149

 
(267
)
 

 
(267
)
Net change in unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses), net of income tax provision (benefit) of $96, $(4,484), $(3,900) and $(4,541)
(228
)

(16,820
)
 
(18,644
)
 
(280
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives arising during the period, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $0, $221, $0 and $34

 
399

 

 
61

Less: reclassification adjustment for derivative (gains) losses included in net income (loss), net of income tax provision (benefit) of $0, $0, $0 and $0

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized derivative gains (losses), net of income tax provision (benefit) of $0, $221, $0 and $34


399

 

 
61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net pension gains (losses) arising during the period, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $0, $0, $0 and $0

 

 

 

Less: reclassification adjustment for pension (gains) losses included in net income (loss), net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(653), $(422), $(1,959) and $(1,266)
1,258

 
760

 
3,772

 
2,280

Net change in pension liability, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $653, $422, $1,959 and $1,266
1,258


760

 
3,772

 
2,280

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
(9,209
)

(28,042
)
 
(31,227
)
 
(4,787
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
(189,392
)

32,220

 
178,053

 
213,862

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests
1,238

 
1,058

 
1,828

 
(567
)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests
6,788

 
(5,625
)
 
15,931

 
(966
)
Preferred stock dividends
(1,016
)
 
(1,016
)
 
(3,047
)
 
(3,047
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Leucadia National Corporation common shareholders
$
(182,382
)

$
26,637

 
$
192,765

 
$
209,282






See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

4



LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
2015
 
2014
Net cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
209,280

 
$
218,649

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operations:
 

 
 

Deferred income tax provision
101,476

 
124,099

Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements
120,705

 
92,189

Other amortization
8,309

 
3,956

Share-based compensation
71,852

 
87,493

Provision for doubtful accounts
18,626

 
10,131

Net securities gains
(24,418
)
 
(20,903
)
Income related to associated companies
(182,192
)
 
(157,937
)
Distributions from associated companies
185,369

 
130,930

Net (gains) losses related to property and equipment, and other assets
6,667

 
(29,584
)
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations
(2,000
)
 
(12,592
)
Change in estimated litigation reserve
(96,500
)
 

Net change in:
 

 
 

Cash and securities segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing and depository organizations
2,538,334

 
316,049

Trading assets
(795,615
)
 
(2,781,472
)
Investments in managed funds
(296,453
)
 
(82,776
)
Securities borrowed
(852,183
)
 
(908,113
)
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
(351,875
)
 
(820,235
)
Receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations
97,622

 
(298,153
)
Receivables from customers of securities operations
(57,661
)
 
(612,457
)
Other receivables
(157,478
)
 
(102,453
)
Other assets
(69,354
)
 
(139,909
)
Trading liabilities
644,008

 
2,634,241

Securities loaned
1,049,172

 
(40,086
)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
176,960

 
(252,215
)
Payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations
192,867

 
638,448

Payables to customers of securities operations
(3,454,703
)
 
730,493

Trade payables, expense accruals and other liabilities
(200,390
)
 
40,912

Other
(60,693
)
 
(32,979
)
Net cash used for operating activities
(1,180,268
)

(1,264,274
)
 
 
 
 
Net cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Acquisitions of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, and other assets
(212,589
)
 
(470,781
)
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment, and other assets
10,806

 
49,628

Proceeds from disposal of discontinued operations, net of expenses and cash of operations sold

 
223,373

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 
(59,378
)
Cash paid and cash of real estate operations sold to HomeFed Corporation

 
(19,730
)
Advances on notes, loans and other receivables
(283,000
)
 
(8,500
)
Collections on notes, loans and other receivables
134,556

 
19,240

Loans to and investments in associated companies
(1,134,067
)
 
(1,320,588
)
Capital distributions and loan repayment from associated companies
1,123,480

 
1,301,118

Deconsolidation of asset management entities
(16,512
)
 
(207,965
)
Purchases of investments (other than short-term)
(806,023
)
 
(1,473,934
)
Proceeds from maturities of investments
324,415

 
920,949

Proceeds from sales of investments
1,800,227

 
1,542,798

Other
2,541

 
6,212

Net cash provided by investing activities
943,834


502,442

 
 
 
 
Net cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Issuance of debt, net of issuance costs
$
215,175

 
$
1,001,510

Change in short-term borrowings

 
80,000

Reduction of debt
(770,671
)
 
(394,985
)
Net proceeds from other secured financings
265,286

 
494,627

Issuance of common shares
1,031

 
1,295

Net distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests

 
(2,765
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 
(2,152
)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
1,530

 
44,557

Purchase of common shares for treasury
(121,619
)
 
(54,190
)
Dividends paid
(69,655
)
 
(69,785
)
Other
385

 
1,640

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
(478,538
)

1,099,752

 
 
 
 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash
(2,502
)
 
2,363

 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(717,474
)
 
340,283

 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents at January 1, including cash classified as assets of discontinued operations
4,276,775

 
3,907,595

 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, including cash classified as assets of discontinued operations
$
3,559,301


$
4,247,878

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 

 
 

Cash paid during the year for:
 

 
 

Interest
$
706,472

 
$
833,594

Income tax payments (refunds), net
$
5,388

 
$
5,475

 
 
 
 
Non-cash financing activities:
 
 
 
Issuance of common shares for debt conversion
$

 
$
97,546

See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

5



LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
For the periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
(In thousands, except par value and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

 
Leucadia National Corporation Common Shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
Common
Shares
$1 Par
Value
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Subtotal
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, January 1, 2014
$
364,541

 
$
4,881,031

 
$
538,050

 
$
4,318,840

 
$
10,102,462

 
$
70,591

 
$
10,173,053

Net income
 

 
 

 
 

 
214,069

 
214,069

 
567

 
214,636

Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
 

 
 

 
(4,787
)
 
 

 
(4,787
)
 
 

 
(4,787
)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 
62,519

 
62,519

Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 
(3,954
)
 
(3,954
)
Deconsolidation of asset management entities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 
(77,475
)
 
(77,475
)
Change in interest in consolidated subsidiary
 

 
(3,086
)
 
 

 
 

 
(3,086
)
 
3,086

 

Share-based compensation expense
 

 
87,493

 
 

 
 

 
87,493

 
 

 
87,493

Change in fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests
 

 
10,588

 
 

 
 

 
10,588

 
 

 
10,588

Exercise of options to purchase common shares, including excess tax benefit
7

 
155

 
 
 
 
 
162

 
 
 
162

Issuance of common shares for debt conversion
4,606

 
92,940

 
 

 
 

 
97,546

 
 

 
97,546

Purchase of common shares for treasury
(2,004
)
 
(52,186
)
 
 

 
 

 
(54,190
)
 
 

 
(54,190
)
Dividends ($.1875 per common share)
 

 
 

 
 

 
(71,275
)
 
(71,275
)
 
 

 
(71,275
)
Other
1,314

 
4,811

 
 

 
 

 
6,125

 
8,577

 
14,702

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, September 30, 2014
$
368,464


$
5,021,746


$
533,263


$
4,461,634


$
10,385,107


$
63,911


$
10,449,018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, January 1, 2015
$
367,499

 
$
5,059,508

 
$
447,082

 
$
4,428,069

 
$
10,302,158

 
$
67,864

 
$
10,370,022

Net income
 

 
 

 
 

 
223,992

 
223,992

 
(1,828
)
 
222,164

Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
 

 
 

 
(31,227
)
 
 

 
(31,227
)
 
 

 
(31,227
)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 
1,871

 
1,871

Deconsolidation of asset management entities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 
(8,193
)
 
(8,193
)
Change in interest in consolidated subsidiary
 

 
(862
)
 
 

 
 

 
(862
)
 
862

 

Share-based compensation expense
 

 
71,852

 
 

 
 

 
71,852

 
 

 
71,852

Change in fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests
 

 
(8,306
)
 
 

 
 

 
(8,306
)
 
 

 
(8,306
)
Exercise of options to purchase common shares, including excess tax benefit
2

 
42

 
 
 
 
 
44

 
 
 
44

Purchase of common shares for treasury
(5,713
)
 
(115,906
)
 
 

 
 

 
(121,619
)
 
 

 
(121,619
)
Dividends ($.1875 per common share)
 

 
 

 
 

 
(71,230
)
 
(71,230
)
 
 

 
(71,230
)
Other
498

 
176

 
 

 
 

 
674

 
 

 
674

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, September 30, 2015
$
362,286


$
5,006,504


$
415,855


$
4,580,831


$
10,365,476


$
60,576


$
10,426,052





See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

6



LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 1.  Nature of Operations

Leucadia National Corporation (“Leucadia” or the “Company”) is a diversified holding company focused on return on investment and long-term value creation to maximize shareholder value.  We continuously review acquisitions of businesses, securities and assets that have the potential for significant long-term value creation, invest in a broad array of businesses, and evaluate the retention and disposition of our existing operations and holdings.  Changes in the mix of our businesses and investments should be expected.

Our financial services businesses and investments include Jefferies (investment banking and capital markets), Leucadia Asset Management (asset management), Berkadia (commercial mortgage banking and servicing), FXCM (a publicly traded company providing online foreign exchange trading) and HomeFed (a publicly traded real estate company).  We also own and have investments in a diverse array of other businesses, including National Beef (beef processing), HRG Group ("HRG"), formerly known as Harbinger (a publicly traded diversified holding company), Vitesse Energy and Juneau Energy (oil and gas exploration and development), Garcadia (automobile dealerships), Linkem (fixed wireless broadband services in Italy), Conwed Plastics and Idaho Timber (manufacturing companies), and Golden Queen (a gold and silver mining project). The structure of each of our investments is tailored to the unique opportunity each transaction presents. Our investments may be reflected in our consolidated results as operating subsidiaries, equity investments, receivables, securities, or in other ways, depending on the structure of our holdings.

Jefferies is a global full service, integrated securities and investment banking firm.  In March 2013, Jefferies became an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Leucadia, yet retains a separate credit rating and continues to be a separate SEC reporting company.  Through Jefferies, we own 50% of Jefferies Finance LLC ("Jefferies Finance"), our joint venture with Babson Capital Management LLC and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company.  Jefferies Finance is a commercial finance company whose primary focus is the origination and syndication of senior secured debt of middle market and growth companies in the form of term and revolving loans.  Through Jefferies, we also own a 48.5% voting interest in Jefferies LoanCore, a joint venture with the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation and LoanCore, LLC.  Jefferies LoanCore originates, purchases and securitizes commercial real estate loans throughout the United States.

Jefferies has a November 30th fiscal year, which it retains for standalone reporting purposes.  We reflect Jefferies in our consolidated financial statements utilizing a one month lag.  We have reviewed Jefferies business and internal operating results for the month of September 2015 for the purpose of evaluating whether additional financial statement disclosure or adjustments are required to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and we have concluded that no additional disclosures or adjustments are warranted.

Leucadia Asset Management seeds and develops focused alternative asset management businesses led by distinct management teams. These primarily include Folger Hill, a multi-manager hedge fund platform; Topwater Capital, a first-loss hedge fund; Mazama Capital Management, a long-only growth equity fund manager; as well as our investment in Structured Alpha, a fund based on quantitative strategies.

Our investment in FXCM Inc. ("FXCM") consists of a two-year senior secured term loan ($202.9 million outstanding at September 30, 2015), with rights to a variable proportion of certain distributions in connection with an FXCM sale of assets or certain other events, and our right to require a sale of FXCM beginning in January 2018.

Berkadia, our 50-50 equity method joint venture with Berkshire Hathaway, originates and brokers commercial real estate loans primarily in respect of multi-family housing units and services commercial real estate loans in the U.S.

Our approximately 65% equity method interest of HomeFed, owns and develops real estate projects.  HomeFed is a public company traded on the NASD OTC Bulletin Board.

We own 78.9% of National Beef Packing Company.  National Beef processes and markets fresh boxed beef, case-ready beef, beef by-products and wet blue leather for domestic and international markets.  National Beef operates two beef processing facilities, three consumer-ready facilities and a wet blue tanning facility, all located in the U.S.  National Beef’s products include boxed beef, ground beef, hides, tallow, and other beef and beef by-products. National Beef operates one of the largest wet blue tanning facility in the world that sells processed hides to tanners that produce finished leather for the automotive, luxury goods, apparel and furniture industries.  National Beef owns Kansas City Steak Company, LLC, which sells portioned beef and other products to customers in the food service and retail channels as well as direct to consumers through the internet and direct mail.  National Beef also owns a refrigerated and livestock transportation company that provides transportation services for National Beef and third parties.

We own approximately 23% of HRG, a diversified holding company that operates in four business segments: consumer products, insurance, energy and asset management.  Its consumer products segment contains an approximate 58% ownership stake in Spectrum Brands, a global consumer products company. Its insurance segment includes an approximate 81% ownership stake in Fidelity & Guaranty Life, as to which HRG is exploring strategic alternatives. HRG is a public company traded on the NYSE and we reflect this investment at fair value.

Vitesse Energy, LLC is our 96% owned consolidated subsidiary that acquires and develops non-operated working and royalty oil and gas interests in the Bakken Shale oil field in North Dakota.

Juneau Energy, LLC, a 98% owned consolidated subsidiary, engages in the exploration, development and production of oil and gas from onshore, unconventional resource areas.  Juneau currently has interests in acreage in the Oklahoma and Texas Gulf Coast regions.

Garcadia is an equity method joint venture that owns and operates 27 automobile dealerships in California, Texas, Iowa and Michigan. We own approximately 75%.

We own approximately 42% of the common shares of Linkem and a convertible note which, if converted, would increase our ownership to approximately 55% of Linkem’s common shares.  Linkem provides residential broadband services using WiMAX and LTE technologies deployed over the 3.5 GHz spectrum band.  Linkem operates in Italy, which has few cable television systems and poor broadband alternatives. Linkem is accounted for under the equity method.


7



Conwed Plastics is our consolidated subsidiary that manufactures and markets lightweight plastic netting used for building and construction, erosion and sediment control, packaging, agricultural purposes, carpet padding, filtration, consumer products and other purposes.  In 2014, Conwed acquired 80% of Filtrexx, a manufacturer and marketer of a knitted sock product with numerous applications in sediment control and storm water management, and 100% of Weaver Express, the leading installer of Filtrexx's knitted sock projects.

Idaho Timber is our consolidated subsidiary engaged in the manufacture and distribution of various wood products, including the following principal product lines:  remanufacturing dimension lumber; remanufacturing, bundling and bar coding of home center boards for large retailers; and production of pine dimension lumber and 5/4” radius-edge, pine decking. 

Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC owns the Soledad Mountain project, a fully-permitted, open pit, heap leach gold and silver project in Kern County, California.  We and the Clay family have formed and made contributions to a limited liability company, controlled by us, through which we invested in Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC for the development and operation of the project. Our effective ownership of Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC is approximately 35% and is accounted for under the equity method.

During August, Jefferies sold an investment to Leucadia, for a cash payment of $124.4 million, which represented the fair value of the investment at the time of sale.  This intercompany transaction had no impact on our consolidated results.

Note 2.  Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes which are normally included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.  These financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items or items discussed herein) that management believes are necessary to fairly state results for the interim periods presented.  Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of annual results of operations.

The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.  On an on-going basis, we evaluate all of these estimates and assumptions.  The most important of these estimates and assumptions relate to fair value measurements, compensation and benefits, asset impairment, the ability to realize deferred tax assets, the recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions and contingencies.  Although these and other estimates and assumptions are based on the best available information, actual results could be different from these estimates.

Fair Value Hierarchy

In determining fair value, we maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available.  Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources.  Unobservable inputs reflect our assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.  We apply a hierarchy to categorize our fair value measurements broken down into three levels based on the transparency of inputs as follows:

Level 1:
Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date.

Level 2:
Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date.  The nature of these financial instruments include cash instruments for which quoted prices are available but traded less frequently, derivative instruments whose fair value have been derived using a model where inputs to the model are directly observable in the market, or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data, and instruments that are fair valued using other financial instruments, the parameters of which can be directly observed.

Level 3:
Instruments that have little to no pricing observability as of the reported date.  These financial instruments are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.

Financial instruments are valued at quoted market prices, if available.  Certain financial instruments have bid and ask prices that can be observed in the marketplace.  For financial instruments whose inputs are based on bid-ask prices, the financial instrument is valued at the point within the bid-ask range that meets our best estimate of fair value.  We use prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date.  For financial instruments that do not have readily determinable fair values using quoted market prices, the determination of fair value is based upon consideration of available information, including types of financial instruments, current financial information, restrictions on dispositions, fair values of underlying financial instruments and quotations for similar instruments.

The valuation of financial instruments may include the use of valuation models and other techniques.  Adjustments to valuations derived from valuation models may be made when, in management’s judgment, features of the financial instrument such as its complexity, the market in which the financial instrument is traded and risk uncertainties about market conditions require that an adjustment be made to the value derived from the models.  Adjustments from the price derived from a valuation model reflect management’s judgment that other participants in the market for the financial instrument being measured at fair value would also consider in valuing that same financial instrument.  To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment.

The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of financial instrument and market conditions.  As the observability of prices and inputs may change for a financial instrument from period to period, this condition may cause a transfer of an instrument among the fair value hierarchy levels.  Transfers among the levels are recognized at the beginning of each period.  The degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.


8



Valuation Process for Financial Instruments

The Jefferies Independent Price Verification ("IPV") Group, which is part of the Jefferies finance department, in partnership with Jefferies Risk Management, is responsible for establishing Jefferies valuation policies and procedures.  The IPV Group and Risk Management, which are independent of business functions, play an important role and serve as a control function in determining that Jefferies financial instruments are appropriately valued and that fair value measurements are reliable.  This is particularly important where prices or valuations that require inputs are less observable. In the event that observable inputs are not available, the control processes are designed to assure that the valuation approach utilized is appropriate and consistently applied and that the assumptions are reasonable.  The IPV Group reports to the Jefferies Global Controller and is subject to the oversight of the IPV Committee, which includes senior members of Jefferies finance department and other personnel.  Jefferies independent price verification policies and procedures are reviewed, at a minimum, annually and changes to the policies require the approval of the IPV Committee.

Price Testing Process.  Jefferies business units are responsible for determining the fair value of Jefferies financial instruments using approved valuation models and methodologies.  In order to ensure that the business unit valuations represent a fair value exit price, the IPV Group tests and validates the fair value of the financial instruments inventory.  In the testing process, the IPV Group obtains prices and valuation inputs from sources independent of Jefferies, consistently adheres to established procedures set forth in the valuation policies for sourcing prices and valuation inputs and utilizing valuation methodologies.  Sources used to validate fair value prices and inputs include, but are not limited to, exchange data, recently executed transactions, pricing data obtained from third party vendors, pricing and valuation services, broker quotes and observed comparable transactions.

To the extent discrepancies between the business unit valuations and the pricing or valuations resulting from the price testing process are identified, such discrepancies are investigated by the IPV Group and fair values are adjusted, as appropriate.  The IPV Group maintains documentation of its testing, results, rationale and recommendations and prepares a monthly summary of its valuation results.  This process also forms the basis for the classification of fair values within the fair value hierarchy (i.e., Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3).  The IPV Group utilizes the additional expertise of Risk Management personnel in valuing more complex financial instruments and financial instruments with less or limited pricing observability.  The results of the valuation testing are reported to the IPV Committee on a monthly basis, which discusses the results and is charged with the final conclusions as to the financial instrument fair values in the consolidated financial statements.  This process specifically assists management in asserting as to the fair presentation of our financial condition and results of operations as included within our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K.  At each quarter end, the overall valuation results, as concluded upon by the IPV Committee, are presented to the Jefferies Audit Committee.

Judgment exercised in determining Level 3 fair value measurements is supplemented by daily analysis of profit and loss performed by the Product Control functions.  Gains and losses, which result from changes in fair value, are evaluated and corroborated daily based on an understanding of each of the trading desks’ overall risk positions and developments in a particular market on the given day.  Valuation techniques generally rely on recent transactions of suitably comparable financial instruments and use the observable inputs from those comparable transactions as a validation basis for Level 3 inputs.  Level 3 fair value measurements are further validated through subsequent sales testing and market comparable sales, if such information is available.  Level 3 fair value measurements require documentation of the valuation rationale applied, which is reviewed for consistency in application from period to period; and the documentation includes benchmarking the assumptions underlying the valuation rationale against relevant analytic data.

Third Party Pricing Information.  Pricing information obtained from external data providers (including independent pricing services and brokers) may incorporate a range of market quotes from dealers, recent market transactions and benchmarking model derived prices to quoted market prices and trade data for comparable securities.  External pricing data is subject to evaluation for reasonableness by the IPV Group using a variety of means including comparisons of prices to those of similar product types, quality and maturities, consideration of the narrowness or wideness of the range of prices obtained, knowledge of recent market transactions and an assessment of the similarity in prices to comparable dealer offerings in a recent time period.  Jefferies has a process whereby it challenges the appropriateness of pricing information obtained from external data providers (including independent pricing services and brokers) in order to validate the data for consistency with the definition of a fair value exit price.  Jefferies process includes understanding and evaluating the external data providers’ valuation methodologies.  For corporate, U.S. government and agency, municipal debt securities, and loans, to the extent independent pricing services or broker quotes are utilized in our valuation process, the vendor service providers are collecting and aggregating observable market information as to recent trade activity and active bid-ask submissions.  The composite pricing information received from the independent pricing service is not based on unobservable inputs or proprietary models.  For mortgage- and other asset-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations, the independent pricing services use a matrix evaluation approach incorporating both observable yield curves and market yields on comparable securities as well as implied inputs from observed trades for comparable securities in order to determine prepayment speeds, cumulative default rates and loss severity.  Further, Jefferies considers pricing data from multiple service providers as available as well as compares pricing data to prices observed for recent transactions, if any, in order to corroborate valuation inputs.

Model Review Process.  Where a pricing model is to be used to determine fair value, the pricing model is reviewed for theoretical soundness and appropriateness by Risk Management, independent from the trading desks, and then approved by Risk Management to be used in the valuation process.  Review and approval of a model for use may include benchmarking the model against relevant third party valuations, testing sample trades in the model, backtesting the results of the model against actual trades and stress-testing the sensitivity of the pricing model using varying inputs and assumptions.  In addition, recently executed comparable transactions and other observable market data are considered for purposes of validating assumptions underlying the model.  Models are independently reviewed and validated by Risk Management annually or more frequently if market conditions or use of the valuation model changes.

Receivables

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Receivables include receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations of $2,074.7 million and $2,187.5 million, respectively, and receivables from customers of securities operations of $1,302.8 million and $1,250.5 million, respectively.
Payables, expense accruals and other liabilities
At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Payables, expense accruals and other liabilities include payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations of $2,469.8 million and $2,280.1 million, respectively, and payables to customers of securities operations of $2,780.9 million and $6,242.0 million, respectively.

9



Accounting Developments

Discontinued Operations.  In January 2015, we adopted new Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance on the reporting of discontinued operations.  The new guidance requires that disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity be reported as discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results, and would require expanded disclosures.  The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition.  In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance that defines how companies report revenues from contracts with customers, and also requires enhanced disclosures.  The core principle of this new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services.  This guidance originally was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  In August 2015, the FASB issued guidance that deferred the effective date by one year, with early adoption on the original effective date permitted.  We are currently evaluating the impact this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Repurchase Agreements.  In January 2015, we adopted the FASB’s new guidance that changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and linked repurchase financings to secured borrowing accounting, which is consistent with the accounting for other repurchase agreements.  This guidance did not significantly affect our consolidated results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.  Effective for interim periods beginning after March 31, 2015, the guidance also requires new disclosures about transfers that are accounted for as sales in transactions that are economically similar to repurchase agreements and increased transparency about the types of collateral pledged in repurchase agreements and similar transactions accounted for as secured borrowings.  We have provided the additional disclosures in our consolidated financial statements.

Consolidation.  In February 2015, the FASB issued new guidance that amends current consolidation guidance including changes to both the variable and voting interest models used to evaluate whether an entity should be consolidated.  This guidance also eliminates the deferral of certain consolidation standards for entities considered to be investment companies.  This guidance will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted.  We are evaluating the impact this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Debt Issuance Costs.  In April 2015, the FASB issued new guidance that requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability.  This guidance will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted.  The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value. In May 2015, the FASB issued new guidance that removes the requirement to include investments in the fair value hierarchy for which the fair value is measured at net asset value ("NAV") using the practical expedient. The guidance also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient. Rather, those disclosures are limited to investments for which we have elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. The guidance is effective retrospectively for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted and we have early adopted this guidance during the second quarter of 2015. Since the guidance only impacts our disclosures, adoption did not affect our consolidated financial statements.



10



Note 3.  Fair Value Disclosures
The following is a summary of our financial instruments and trading liabilities that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis, excluding Investments at fair value based on NAV of $40.2 million and $42.2 million, respectively, by level within the fair value hierarchy at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2015
 
Level 1 (1)
 
Level 2 (1)
 
Level 3
 
Counterparty
and
Cash
Collateral
Netting (2)
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading assets, at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate equity securities
$
3,286,660

 
$
176,636

 
$
38,502

 
$

 
$
3,501,798

Corporate debt securities

 
2,956,190

 
24,331

 

 
2,980,521

Collateralized debt obligations

 
151,499

 
81,050

 

 
232,549

U.S. government and federal agency securities
2,109,086

 
592,321

 

 

 
2,701,407

Municipal securities

 
599,471

 

 

 
599,471

Sovereign obligations
1,052,681

 
798,645

 

 

 
1,851,326

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
3,824,389

 
86,422

 

 
3,910,811

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 
1,465,115

 
15,147

 

 
1,480,262

Other asset-backed securities

 
64,648

 
32,596

 

 
97,244

Loans and other receivables

 
1,666,454

 
95,399

 

 
1,761,853

Derivatives
7,263

 
4,831,942

 
34,345

 
(4,394,947
)
 
478,603

Investments at fair value

 
16,866

 
213,518

 

 
230,384

Investment in FXCM

 

 
613,000

 

 
613,000

Physical commodities

 
14,973

 

 

 
14,973

Total trading assets, excluding Investments at fair value based on NAV
$
6,455,690


$
17,159,149


$
1,234,310


$
(4,394,947
)

$
20,454,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available for sale securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate equity securities
$
79,664

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
79,664

Corporate debt securities

 
5,777

 

 

 
5,777

U.S. government securities
121,176

 

 

 

 
121,176

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
45,344

 

 

 
45,344

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 
1,183

 

 

 
1,183

Other asset-backed securities

 
39,306

 

 

 
39,306

Total available for sale securities
$
200,840


$
91,610


$


$


$
292,450

Cash and cash equivalents
$
3,559,301

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,559,301

Cash and securities segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing and depository organizations
$
904,009

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
904,009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Trading liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate equity securities
$
1,739,278

 
$
99,051

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,838,329

Corporate debt securities

 
1,932,534

 
226

 

 
1,932,760

U.S. government and federal agency securities
2,414,440

 
133,181

 

 

 
2,547,621

Sovereign obligations
1,228,377

 
874,705

 

 

 
2,103,082

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
3,329

 

 

 
3,329

Loans

 
819,841

 
10,371

 

 
830,212

Derivatives
35,592

 
4,685,299

 
41,508

 
(4,504,522
)
 
257,877

Total trading liabilities
$
5,417,687


$
8,547,940


$
52,105


$
(4,504,522
)

$
9,513,210

Other secured financings
$

 
$
70,327

 
$
574

 
$

 
$
70,901


11



 
December 31, 2014
 
Level 1 (1)
 
Level 2 (1)
 
Level 3
 
Counterparty
and
Cash
Collateral
Netting (2)
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading assets, at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate equity securities
$
3,130,892

 
$
226,441

 
$
20,964

 
$

 
$
3,378,297

Corporate debt securities (4)

 
3,342,276

 
22,766

 

 
3,365,042

Collateralized debt obligations (4)

 
306,218

 
124,650

 

 
430,868

U.S. government and federal agency securities
2,694,268

 
81,273

 

 

 
2,775,541

Municipal securities

 
590,849

 

 

 
590,849

Sovereign obligations
1,968,747

 
790,764

 

 

 
2,759,511

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
2,879,954

 
82,557

 

 
2,962,511

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 
966,651

 
26,655

 

 
993,306

Other asset-backed securities

 
137,387

 
2,294

 

 
139,681

Loans and other receivables

 
1,458,760

 
97,258

 

 
1,556,018

Derivatives
65,145

 
5,046,278

 
54,190

 
(4,759,345
)
 
406,268

Investments at fair value

 
73,148

 
77,047

 

 
150,195

Physical commodities

 
62,234

 

 

 
62,234

Total trading assets, excluding Investments at fair value based on NAV
$
7,859,052


$
15,962,233


$
508,381


$
(4,759,345
)

$
19,570,321

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available for sale securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate equity securities
$
89,353

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
89,353

Corporate debt securities

 
30,403

 

 

 
30,403

U.S. government securities
593,773

 

 

 

 
593,773

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
606,683

 

 

 
606,683

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

 
43,401

 

 

 
43,401

Other asset-backed securities

 
245,156

 

 

 
245,156

Total available for sale securities
$
683,126


$
925,643


$


$


$
1,608,769

Cash and cash equivalents
$
4,276,775

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,276,775

Cash and securities segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing and depository organizations (3)
$
3,444,674

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,444,674

Securities received as collateral
$
5,418

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,418

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Trading liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate equity securities
$
1,934,469

 
$
74,681

 
$
38

 
$

 
$
2,009,188

Corporate debt securities

 
1,611,994

 
223

 

 
1,612,217

Collateralized debt obligations

 
4,557

 

 

 
4,557

U.S. government and federal agency securities
2,253,055

 

 

 

 
2,253,055

Sovereign obligations
1,217,075

 
574,010

 

 

 
1,791,085

Loans

 
856,525

 
14,450

 

 
870,975

Derivatives
52,778

 
5,117,803

 
49,552

 
(4,856,618
)
 
363,515

Total trading liabilities
$
5,457,377


$
8,239,570


$
64,263


$
(4,856,618
)

$
8,904,592

Other secured financings
$

 
$

 
$
30,825

 
$

 
$
30,825

Obligation to return securities received as collateral
$
5,418

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,418


(1)
There were no material transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  During the year ended December 31, 2014, equity options presented within Trading assets and Trading liabilities of $6.1 million and $6.6 million, respectively, were transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 as adjustments were incorporated into the valuation approach for such contracts to estimate the point within the bid-ask range that meets the best estimate of fair value.
(2)
Represents counterparty and cash collateral netting across the levels of the fair value hierarchy for positions with the same counterparty.
(3)
At December 31, 2014, securities comprise U.S. government securities segregated for regulatory purposes with a fair value of $453.7 million and Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) approved money market funds with a fair value of $545.0 million at December 31, 2014.
(4)
Level 3 Collateralized debt obligations increased by $33.2 million with a corresponding decrease in Level 3 Corporate debt securities from those previously reported to correct for the classification of certain positions. The total amount of Level 3 assets remained unchanged.


12



The following is a description of the valuation basis, including valuation techniques and inputs, used in measuring our financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis:

Corporate Equity Securities

Exchange Traded Equity Securities:  Exchange traded equity securities are measured based on quoted closing exchange prices, which are generally obtained from external pricing services, and are categorized within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy, otherwise they are categorized within Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Non-exchange Traded Equity Securities:  Non-exchange traded equity securities are measured primarily using broker quotations, pricing data from external pricing services and prices observed for recently executed market transactions and are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  Where such information is not available, non-exchange traded equity securities are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and measured using valuation techniques involving quoted prices of or market data for comparable companies, similar company ratios and multiples (e.g., price/EBITDA, price/book value), discounted cash flow analyses and transaction prices observed for subsequent financing or capital issuance by the company.  When using pricing data of comparable companies, judgment must be applied to adjust the pricing data to account for differences between the measured security and the comparable security (e.g., issuer market capitalization, yield, dividend rate, geographical concentration).
Equity Warrants:  Non-exchange traded equity warrants are generally categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and are measured using the Black-Scholes model with key inputs impacting the valuation including the underlying security price, implied volatility, dividend yield, interest rate curve, strike price and maturity date.

Corporate Debt Securities

Corporate Bonds:  Corporate bonds are measured primarily using pricing data from external pricing services and broker quotations, where available, prices observed for recently executed market transactions of comparable size, and bond spreads or credit default swap spreads of the issuer adjusted for basis differences between the swap curve and the bond curve.  Corporate bonds measured using these valuation methods are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  If broker quotes, pricing data or spread data is not available, alternative valuation techniques are used including cash flow models incorporating interest rate curves, single name or index credit default swap curves for comparable issuers and recovery rate assumptions.  Corporate bonds measured using alternative valuation techniques are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and comprise a limited portion of our corporate bonds.
High Yield Corporate and Convertible Bonds:  A significant portion of our high yield corporate and convertible bonds are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and are measured primarily using broker quotations and pricing data from external pricing services, where available, and prices observed for recently executed market transactions of comparable size.  Where pricing data is less observable, valuations are categorized within Level 3 and are based on pending transactions involving the issuer or comparable issuers, prices implied from an issuer’s subsequent financings or recapitalizations, models incorporating financial ratios and projected cash flows of the issuer and market prices for comparable issuers.

Collateralized Debt Obligations

Collateralized debt obligations are measured based on prices observed for recently executed market transactions of the same or similar security or based on valuations received from third party brokers or data providers and are categorized within Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the observability and significance of the pricing inputs.  Valuation that is based on recently executed market transitions of similar securities incorporates additional review and analysis of pricing inputs and comparability criteria including but not limited to collateral type, tranche type, rating, origination year, prepayment rates, default rates, and severities.

U.S. Government and Federal Agency Securities

U.S. Treasury Securities:  U.S. Treasury securities are measured based on quoted market prices and categorized within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
U.S. Agency Issued Debt Securities:  Callable and non-callable U.S. agency issued debt securities are measured primarily based on quoted market prices obtained from external pricing services.  Non-callable U.S. agency securities are generally categorized within Level 1 and callable U.S. agency securities are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Municipal Securities

Municipal securities are measured based on quoted prices obtained from external pricing services and are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Sovereign Obligations

Foreign sovereign government obligations are measured based on quoted market prices obtained from external pricing services, where available, or recently executed independent transactions of comparable size.  To the extent external price quotations are not available or recent transactions have not been observed, valuation techniques incorporating interest rate yield curves and country spreads for bonds of similar issuers, seniority and maturity are used to determine fair value of sovereign bonds or obligations. Foreign sovereign government obligations are classified in Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, primarily based on the country of issuance.

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities:  Agency residential mortgage-backed securities include mortgage pass-through securities (fixed and adjustable rate), collateralized mortgage obligations and interest-only and principal-only securities and are generally measured using market price quotations from external pricing services and categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Agency Residential Interest-Only and Inverse Interest-Only Securities ("Agency Inverse IOs"):  The fair value of Agency Inverse IOs is estimated using expected future cash flow techniques that incorporate prepayment models and other prepayment assumptions to amortize the underlying mortgage loan collateral.  We use prices observed for recently executed transactions to develop market-clearing spread and yield curve assumptions.  Valuation inputs with regard to the underlying collateral incorporate weighted average coupon, loan-to-value, credit scores, geographic location, maximum and average loan size, originator, servicer, and weighted average loan age.  Agency Inverse IOs are categorized within Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. We also use vendor data in developing our assumptions, as appropriate.

13



Non-Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities:  Fair values are determined primarily using discounted cash flow methodologies and securities are categorized within Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy based on the observability and significance of the pricing inputs used.  Performance attributes of the underlying mortgage loans are evaluated to estimate pricing inputs, such as prepayment rates, default rates and the severity of credit losses.  Attributes of the underlying mortgage loans that affect the pricing inputs include, but are not limited to, weighted average coupon; average and maximum loan size; loan-to-value; credit scores; documentation type; geographic location; weighted average loan age; originator; servicer; historical prepayment, default and loss severity experience of the mortgage loan pool; and delinquency rate.  Yield curves used in the discounted cash flow models are based on observed market prices for comparable securities and published interest rate data to estimate market yields.

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

Agency Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities:  Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) project loans are measured based on inputs corroborated from and benchmarked to observed prices of recent securitization transactions of similar securities with adjustments incorporating an evaluation for various factors, including prepayment speeds, default rates, and cash flow structures as well as the likelihood of pricing levels in the current market environment. Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) Delegated Underwriting and Servicing (“DUS”) mortgage-backed securities are generally measured by using prices observed for recently executed market transactions to estimate market-clearing spread levels for purposes of estimating fair value.  GNMA project loan bonds and FNMA DUS mortgage-backed securities are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Non-Agency Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities:  Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities are measured using pricing data obtained from external pricing services and prices observed for recently executed market transactions and are categorized within Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Other Asset-Backed Securities

Other asset-backed securities include, but are not limited to, securities backed by auto loans, credit card receivables, student loans and other consumer loans and are categorized within Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.  Valuations are primarily determined using pricing data obtained from external pricing services and prices observed for recently executed market transactions.

Loans and Other Receivables

Corporate Loans:  Corporate loans categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy are measured based on market price quotations where market price quotations from external pricing services are supported by market transaction data.  Corporate loans categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are measured based on market price quotations that are considered to be less transparent, market prices for debt securities of the same creditor, and estimates of future cash flow incorporating assumptions regarding creditor default and recovery rates and consideration of the issuer’s capital structure.
Participation Certificates in Agency Residential Loans: Valuations of participation certificates in agency residential loans are based on observed market prices of recently executed purchases and sales of similar loans. The loan participation certificates are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy given the observability and volume of recently executed transactions and availability of data provider pricing.
Project Loans and Participation Certificates in GNMA Project and Construction Loans:  Valuations of participation certificates in GNMA project and construction loans are based on inputs corroborated from and benchmarked to observed prices of recent securitizations of assets with similar underlying loan collateral to derive an implied spread. Securitization prices are adjusted to estimate the fair value of the loans incorporating an evaluation for various factors, including prepayment speeds, default rates, and cash flow structures as well as the likelihood of pricing levels in the current market environment. The measurements are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy given the observability and volume of recently executed transactions.
Consumer Loans and Funding Facilities: Consumer and small business whole loans and related funding facilities are valued based on observed market transactions incorporating additional valuation inputs including, but not limited to, delinquency and default rates, prepayment rates, borrower characteristics, loan risk grades and loan age. These assets are categorized within Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Escrow and Trade Claim Receivables:  Escrow and trade claim receivables are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy where fair value is estimated based on reference to market prices and implied yields of debt securities of the same or similar issuers.  Escrow and trade claim receivables are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy where fair value is based on recent trade activity in the same security.

Derivatives

Listed Derivative Contracts:  Listed derivative contracts that are actively traded are measured based on quoted exchange prices, which are generally obtained from external pricing services, and are categorized within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  Listed derivatives for which there is limited trading activity are measured based on incorporating the closing auction price of the underlying equity security, use similar valuation approaches as those applied to over-the-counter derivative contracts and are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
OTC Derivative Contracts:  Over-the-counter ("OTC") derivative contracts are generally valued using models, whose inputs reflect assumptions that we believe market participants would use in valuing the derivative in a current period transaction.  Inputs to valuation models are appropriately calibrated to market data.  For many OTC derivative contracts, the valuation models do not involve material subjectivity as the methodologies do not entail significant judgment and the inputs to valuation models do not involve a high degree of subjectivity as the valuation model inputs are readily observable or can be derived from actively quoted markets.  OTC derivative contracts are primarily categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy given the observability and significance of the inputs to the valuation models.  Where significant inputs to the valuation are unobservable, derivative instruments are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

OTC options include OTC equity, foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity options measured using various valuation models, such as the Black-Scholes, with key inputs impacting the valuation including the underlying security, foreign exchange spot rate or commodity price, implied volatility, dividend yield, interest rate curve, strike price and maturity date.  Discounted cash flow models are utilized to measure certain OTC derivative contracts including the valuations of our interest rate swaps, which incorporate observable inputs related to interest rate curves, valuations of our foreign exchange forwards and swaps, which incorporate observable inputs related to foreign currency spot rates and forward curves and valuations of our commodity swaps and forwards, which incorporate observable inputs related to commodity spot prices and forward curves.  Credit default swaps include both index and single-name credit default swaps.  External prices are available as inputs in measuring index credit default swaps and single-name credit default swaps.  For commodity and equity total return swaps, market prices are observable for the underlying asset and used as the basis for measuring the fair value of the derivative contracts.  Total return swaps executed on other underlyings are measured based on valuations received from external pricing services.

14



National Beef Derivatives: National Beef uses futures contracts in order to reduce its exposure associated with entering into firm commitments to purchase live cattle at prices determined prior to the delivery of the cattle as well as firm commitments to sell certain beef products at sales prices determined prior to shipment. The futures contracts and their related firm purchase commitments are accounted for at fair value, which are classified as Level 1 or Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Certain firm commitments for live cattle purchases and all firm commitments for sales are treated as normal purchases and sales and therefore not marked to market. Fair values classified as Level 1 are calculated based on the quoted market prices of identical assets or liabilities compared to National Beef's cost of those same assets or liabilities. Fair values classified as Level 2 are calculated based on the difference between the contracted price for live cattle and the relevant quoted market price for live cattle futures.

Oil Futures Derivatives: Vitesse uses call and put options in order to reduce exposure to future oil price fluctuations. Vitesse accounts for the derivative instruments at fair value, which are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Fair values classified as Level 2 are determined under the income valuation technique using an option-pricing model that is based on directly or indirectly observable inputs.

Investment in FXCM

In January 2015, we entered into a credit agreement with FXCM, and provided FXCM a $300 million two-year senior secured term loan with rights to a variable proportion of certain distributions in connection with an FXCM sale of assets or certain other events, and to require a sale of FXCM beginning in January 2018.  FXCM is an online provider of foreign exchange trading and related services.  The loan has an initial interest rate of 10% per annum, increasing by 1.5% per annum each quarter, not to exceed 20.5% per annum.  The variable proportion of distributions is as follows: 100% until amounts due under the loan are repaid; 50% of the next $350 million; then 90% of an amount equal to two times the balance outstanding on the term loan as of April 16, 2015 (not to be less than $500 million or more than $680 million); and 60% of all amounts thereafter.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we received $127.3 million of principal, interest and fees from FXCM and $202.9 million remained outstanding under the credit agreement as of September 30, 2015

FXCM is considered a variable interest entity and our term loan with rights is a variable interest.  We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of FXCM because we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact FXCM’s performance.  Therefore, we are not consolidating FXCM.

We view the FXCM loan and associated rights as one integrated transaction; since the rights, as derivatives, are accounted for at fair value, we have elected the fair value option for the loan.  The total amount of our investment in FXCM is reported within Trading assets, at fair value in our Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition, and unrealized and realized changes in value, including the component related to interest income on the loan, are included within Principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded in Principal transactions an aggregate $(113.2) million and $461.3 million, respectively, of unrealized and realized gains (losses), interest income and fees relating to our investment in FXCM.  Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with FXCM is limited to the carrying value of our investment ($613.0 million at September 30, 2015).

We engaged an independent valuation firm to assist management in estimating the fair value of our loan and rights in FXCM.  Our estimate of fair value was determined using valuation models with inputs including management’s assumptions concerning the amount and timing of expected cash flows; the loan’s implied credit rating and effective yield; implied total equity value, based primarily on the publicly traded FXCM stock price; volatility; risk-free rate; and term.  Because of these inputs and the degree of judgment involved, we have categorized our investment in FXCM in Level 3.  The valuation is most significantly impacted by the inputs and assumptions related to the publicly traded stock price and volatility.  A $1.00 change in the price of FXCM’s shares alone (representing about 11% of the price at September 30, 2015 after FXCM completed a one-for-ten reverse split of its common stock), would result in a change of about $22 million in this valuation, assuming no change in any other factors we considered.  Likewise, a 10% change in the assumed volatility would result in a change of about $25 million in this valuation, assuming no other change in any other factors.  As we adjust to fair value each quarter, we anticipate there could be volatility in the FXCM valuation, which could materially impact our results in a given period.

Physical Commodities

Physical commodities include base and precious metals and are measured using observable inputs including spot prices and published indices.  Physical commodities are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  To facilitate the trading in precious metals we undertake leasing of such precious metals.  The fees earned or paid for such leases are recorded as revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Investments at Fair Value and Investments in Managed Funds

Investments at fair value based on NAV and Investments in managed funds include investments in hedge funds, fund of funds, private equity funds, convertible bond funds and other funds, which are measured at the net asset value of the funds provided by the fund managers and are excluded from the fair value hierarchy.  Investments at fair value also include direct equity investments in private companies, which are measured at fair value using valuation techniques involving quoted prices of or market data for comparable companies, similar company ratios and multiples (e.g., price/EBITDA, price/book value), discounted cash flow analyses and transaction prices observed for subsequent financing or capital issuance by the company.  Direct equity investments in private companies are categorized within Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.  Additionally, investments at fair value include investments in insurance contracts relating to our defined benefit plan in Germany.  Fair value for the insurance contracts is determined using a third party and is categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.  The following tables present information about our investments in entities that have the characteristics of an investment company (in thousands).

15



 
Fair Value (1)
 
Unfunded
Commitments
 
Redemption
Frequency
(if currently eligible)
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Long/Short Hedge Funds (2)
$
485,317

 
$

 
(2
)
Fixed Income and High Yield Hedge Funds (3)
2,130

 

 

Fund of Funds (4)
286

 
94

 

Equity Funds (5)
41,691

 
20,792

 

Convertible Bond Funds (6)
3,472

 

 
At Will
Multi-strategy Fund (7)
112,180

 

 

Total
$
645,076


$
20,886

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

Equity Long/Short Hedge Funds (2)
$
146,134

 
$

 
Monthly/Quarterly
Fixed Income and High Yield Hedge Funds (3)
2,704

 

 

Fund of Funds (4)
323

 
94

 

Equity Funds (5)
65,216

 
26,023

 

Convertible Bond Funds (6)
3,355

 

 
At Will
Multi-strategy Fund (7)
105,954

 

 

Total
$
323,686


$
26,117

 
 

 
(1)
Where fair value is calculated based on NAV, fair value has been derived from each of the funds' capital statements.
(2)
This category includes investments in hedge funds that invest, long and short, in primarily equity securities in domestic and international markets in both the public and private sectors.  At September 30, 2015, investments with a fair value of $108.1 million and at December 31, 2014 substantially all of the investments in this category are redeemable with 30 to 90 days prior written notice, and includes an investment in a private asset management fund managed by us with a fair value of $51.8 million and $117.2 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  At September 30, 2015, this category also includes investments in two Folger Hill feeder funds that invest solely in a Folger Hill master fund that makes long/short equity investments, with broad industry and geographic diversification.  Investment in these funds is subject to a lock-up until August 15, 2019, subject to certain release events and other withdrawal rights.  Following this date, investments can be redeemed as of any calendar quarter-end with no less than 45 calendar days’ notice, subject to certain limitations.  At September 30, 2015, our investments in these two funds had an aggregate fair value of $377.2 million.
(3)
Includes investments in funds that invest in loans secured by a first trust deed on property, domestic and international public high yield debt, private high yield investments, senior bank loans, public leveraged equities, distressed debt, and private equity investments.  There are no redemption provisions.  At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the underlying assets of 7% and 8%, respectively, of these funds are being liquidated and we are unable to estimate when the underlying assets will be fully liquidated.
(4)
Includes investments in fund of funds that invest in various private equity funds.  At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, approximately 95% and 95%, respectively, of the fair value of investments in this category is managed by us and have no redemption provisions, instead distributions are received through the liquidation of the underlying assets of the fund of funds, which are estimated to be liquidated in the next sixteen months.  For the remaining investments, we have requested redemption; however, we are unable to estimate when these funds will be received.
(5)
At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, approximately 100% and 99%, respectively, of the fair value of investments in this category include investments in equity funds that invest in the equity of various U.S. and foreign private companies in the energy, technology, internet service and telecommunication service industries.  These investments cannot be redeemed; instead distributions are received through the liquidation of the underlying assets of the funds which are expected to liquidate in one to eight years. 
(6)
Investment in the Jefferies Umbrella Fund, an open-ended investment company managed by Jefferies that invests primarily in convertible bonds.  The remaining investments are in liquidation and we are unable to estimate when the underlying assets will be fully liquidated.
(7)
Investment in private asset management fund managed by us that employs a variety of investment strategies and can invest in U.S. and non-U.S. equity and equity related securities, futures, exchange traded funds, fixed income securities, preferred securities, options, forward contracts and swaps.  Withdrawals from the fund prior to the first year anniversary of the investment are subject to a 5% withdrawal fee and withdrawals during any calendar quarter are limited to 25% of the fund’s net asset value.  Both of these restrictions can be waived by us, in our sole discretion.

Other Secured Financings

Other secured financings that are accounted for at fair value include notes issued by consolidated VIEs, which are classified as Level 2 or Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.  Fair value is based on recent transaction prices for similar assets.  In addition, at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Other secured financings includes $0.0 and $7.8 million, respectively, related to transfers of loans accounted for as secured financings rather than as sales and classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.



16



The following is a summary of changes in fair value of our financial assets and liabilities that have been categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands):

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Balance, June 30, 2015
 
Total gains (losses)
(realized and unrealized) (1)
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Issuances
 
Net transfers
into (out of)
Level 3
 
Balance, September 30, 2015
 
Changes in
unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at
September 30,
2015 (1)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate equity securities
$
20,547

 
$
3,901

 
$
21,162

 
$
(5,173
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(1,935
)
 
$
38,502

 
$
3,803

Corporate debt securities
31,917

 
(5,276
)
 
10,395

 
(17,197
)
 
(1
)
 

 
4,493

 
24,331

 
(5,544
)
Collateralized debt obligations
89,007

 
(12,560
)
 
14,961

 

 
(13,230
)
 

 
2,872

 
81,050

 
(12,561
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
88,695

 
(3,009
)
 
10,034

 
(8,424
)
 
(195
)
 

 
(679
)
 
86,422

 
655

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
17,862

 
(510
)
 

 
(680
)
 

 

 
(1,525
)
 
15,147

 
(545
)
Other asset-backed securities
11,857

 
870

 
21,913

 

 
(1,167
)
 

 
(877
)
 
32,596

 
813

Loans and other receivables
108,756

 
(2,111
)
 
31,269

 
(603
)
 
(42,529
)
 

 
617

 
95,399

 
(6,182
)
Investments at fair value
154,862

 
82,943

 

 
(3,000
)
 
(277
)
 

 
(21,010
)
 
213,518

 
27,623

Investment in FXCM
759,000

 
(113,193
)
 

 

 
(32,807
)
 

 

 
613,000

 
(113,193
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Trading liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate equity securities
$
38

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(38
)
 
$

 
$

Corporate debt securities
452

 
(226
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
226

 
226

Net derivatives (2)
(1,586
)
 
(1,020
)
 
(1,432
)
 
11,618

 
24

 
416

 
(857
)
 
7,163

 
551

Loans
10,732

 
109

 
(3,012
)
 

 

 

 
2,542

 
10,371

 
(110
)
Other secured financings
56,060

 

 

 

 
(3,914
)
 

 
(51,572
)
 
574

 


(1)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are reported in Principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2)
Net derivatives represent Trading assets - Derivatives and Trading liabilities - Derivatives.

Analysis of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities for the three months ended September 30, 2015

During the three months ended September 30, 2015, transfers of assets of $73.4 million from Level 2 to Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are attributed to:
Collateralized debt obligations of $42.8 million, non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities of $17.8 million and commercial mortgage-backed securities of $3.7 million for which no recent trade activity was observed for purposes of determining observable inputs;
Loans and other receivables of $4.1 million due to a lower number of contributors comprising vendor quotes to support classification within Level 2;
Corporate debt securities of $5.0 million due to a lack of observable market transactions.

During the three months ended September 30, 2015, transfers of assets of $91.4 million from Level 3 to Level 2 are attributed to:
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities of $18.5 million and commercial mortgage-backed securities of $5.2 million for which market trades were observed in the period for either identical or similar securities;
Collateralized debt obligations of $39.9 million due to a greater number of contributors for certain vendor quotes supporting classification into Level 2;
Investments at fair value of $21.0 million due to an increase in observable market transactions;
Loans and other receivables of $3.5 million due to a greater number of contributors for certain vendor quotes supporting classification into Level 2;
Corporate equity securities of $1.9 million due to an increase in observable market transactions.
During the three months ended September 30, 2015, there were transfers of $51.6 million of other secured financings from Level 3 to Level 2 due to an increase in observable inputs in the valuation and transfers of $2.5 million of loan liabilities from Level 2 to Level 3 due to a decrease in observable inputs in the valuation.
Net losses on Level 3 assets were $48.9 million and net gains on Level 3 liabilities were $1.1 million for three months ended September 30, 2015.  Net losses on Level 3 assets were primarily due to decreased valuations of our investment in FXCM and decreased valuations of collateralized debt obligations, corporate debt securities, residential mortgage-backed securities and loans and other receivables partially offset by increased valuations of certain corporate equity securities and investments at fair value.  Net gains on Level 3 liabilities were primarily due to decreased valuations of certain derivative instruments.

17



 The following is a summary of changes in fair value of our financial assets and liabilities that have been categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Balance, December 31, 2014
 
Total gains (losses)
(realized and unrealized) (1)
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Issuances
 
Net transfers
into (out of)
Level 3
 
Balance at September 30, 2015
 
Changes in
unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at
September 30,
2015 (1)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate equity securities
$
20,964

 
$
10,247

 
$
22,631

 
$
(5,176
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(10,164
)
 
$
38,502

 
$
10,210

Corporate debt securities
22,766

 
(5,425
)
 
83,613

 
(88,711
)
 
(1
)
 

 
12,089

 
24,331

 
(5,797
)
Collateralized debt obligations
124,650

 
(28,999
)
 
63,038

 
(47,570
)
 
(20,481
)
 

 
(9,588
)
 
81,050

 
(22,654
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
82,557

 
(6,776
)
 
30,865

 
(25,222
)
 
(358
)
 

 
5,356

 
86,422

 
(2,507
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
26,655

 
(2,053
)
 
3,366

 
(9,973
)
 
(6,981
)
 

 
4,133

 
15,147

 
(1,851
)
Other asset-backed securities
2,294

 
666

 
69,892

 
(40,000
)
 
(1,438
)
 

 
1,182

 
32,596

 
607

Loans and other receivables
97,258

 
(7,331
)
 
115,370

 
(40,978
)
 
(82,100
)
 

 
13,180

 
95,399

 
(8,850
)
Investments at fair value
77,047

 
87,254

 

 
(427
)
 
(3,818
)
 

 
53,462

 
213,518

 
32,016

Investment in FXCM

 
461,341

 
279,000

 

 
(127,341
)
 

 

 
613,000

 
461,341

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Trading liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate equity securities
$
38

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(38
)
 
$

 
$

Corporate debt securities
223

 
(1
)
 
(6,677
)
 
6,804

 

 

 
(123
)
 
226

 
(226
)
Net derivatives (2)
(4,638
)
 
3,022

 
(4,527
)
 
11,340

 
(30
)
 
1,901

 
95

 
7,163

 
(5,211
)
Loans
14,450

 
(102
)
 
(3,487
)
 

 

 

 
(490
)
 
10,371

 
102

Other secured financings
30,825

 

 

 

 
(15,674
)
 
36,995

 
(51,572
)
 
574

 


(1)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are reported in Principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2)
Net derivatives represent Trading assets - Derivatives and Trading liabilities - Derivatives.

Analysis of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2015

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, transfers of assets of $157.7 million from Level 2 to Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are attributed to:
Collateralized debt obligations of $16.0 million, non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities of $21.3 million, commercial mortgage-backed securities of $9.8 million and other asset-backed securities of $1.4 million for which no recent trade activity was observed for purposes of determining observable inputs;
Loans and other receivables of $19.2 million due to a lower number of contributors comprising vendor quotes to support classification within Level 2;
Corporate debt securities of $12.2 million, corporate equity securities of $1.6 million and investments at fair value of $76.2 million due to a lack of observable market transactions.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, transfers of assets of $88.1 million from Level 3 to Level 2 are attributed to:
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities of $15.9 million and commercial mortgage-backed securities of $5.6 million for which market trades were observed in the period for either identical or similar securities;
Collateralized debt obligations of $25.6 million and loans and other receivables of $6.1 million due to a greater number of contributors for certain vendor quotes supporting classification into Level 2;
Investments at fair value of $22.7 million due to an increase in observable market transactions;
Corporate equity securities of $11.8 million due to an increase in observable market transactions.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, there were transfers other secured financings of $51.6 million from Level 3 to Level 2 due to an increase in observable inputs in the valuation.

Net gains on Level 3 assets were $508.9 million and net losses on Level 3 liabilities were $2.9 million for nine months ended September 30, 2015.  Net gains on Level 3 assets were primarily due to increased valuations of our investment in FXCM and increase in valuation of certain investments at fair value and corporate equity securities partially offset by decreased valuations of collateralized debt obligations, loans and other receivables, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities and corporate debt securities.  Net losses on Level 3 liabilities were primarily due to increased valuations of certain derivatives.
The following is a summary of changes in fair value of our financial assets and liabilities that have been categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands):

18



Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Balance, June 30, 2014
 
Total gains (losses)
(realized and unrealized) (1)
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Issuances
 
Net transfers
into (out of)
Level 3
 
Balance, September 30, 2014
 
Changes in
unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at
September 30,
2014 (1)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate equity securities
$
16,402

 
$
(480
)
 
$
4,528

 
$
(529
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(12,144
)
 
$
7,777

 
$
(286
)
Corporate debt securities
31,648

 
5,454

 
21,793

 
(15,713
)
 
(34
)
 

 
(6,264
)
 
36,884

 
3,470

Collateralized debt obligations
42,313

 
(845
)
 
7,613

 
(15,204
)
 

 

 
9,863

 
43,740

 
(1,575
)
U.S. government and federal agency securities

 
(11
)
 
2,505

 

 

 

 

 
2,494

 
(11
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
71,962

 
(2,557
)
 
3,981

 
(9,635
)
 
(325
)
 

 
17,608

 
81,034

 
(302
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
24,246

 
(256
)
 
641

 
(7,068
)
 

 

 
1,764

 
19,327

 
(832
)
Other asset-backed securities
45,444

 
1,272

 
50,620

 
(49,411
)
 
(8,774
)
 

 
(37,072
)
 
2,079

 
(3
)
Loans and other receivables
138,643

 
(8,074
)
 
194,387

 
(96,340
)
 
(40,617
)
 

 
26

 
188,025

 
(7,967
)
Investments at fair value
101,697

 
198

 
500

 
(5,414
)
 
(305
)
 

 
5,416

 
102,092

 
307

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Trading liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate equity securities
$
38

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
38

 
$

Corporate debt securities
2,780

 
(101
)
 
(2,566
)
 

 

 

 
129

 
242

 
67

Net derivatives (2)
15,282

 
(1,632
)
 
(74
)
 
74

 
(70
)
 

 

 
13,580

 
70

Loans
31,534

 

 
(16,307
)
 

 

 

 
(8,566
)
 
6,661

 

Other secured financings
20,288

 

 

 

 
(7,570
)
 
18,948

 

 
31,666

 


(1)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are reported in Principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2)
Net derivatives represent Trading assets - Derivatives and Trading liabilities - Derivatives.

Analysis of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities for the three months ended September 30, 2014

During the three months ended September 30, 2014, transfers of assets of $87.8 million from Level 2 to Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are attributed to:
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities of $30.1 million, commercial mortgage-backed securities of $6.8 million and other asset-backed securities of $1.5 million for which no recent trade activity was observed for purposes of determining observable inputs;
Loans and other receivables of $25.1 million and investments at fair value of $5.4 million due to a lower number of contributors comprising vendor quotes to support classification within Level 2;
Collateralized debt obligations of $15.2 million which have little to no transparency in trade activity.

During the three months ended September 30, 2014, transfers of assets of $108.6 million from Level 3 to Level 2 are attributed to:
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities of $12.5 million, commercial mortgage-backed securities of $5.0 million and other asset-backed securities of $38.6 million for which market trades were observed in the period for either identical or similar securities;
Collateralized debt obligations of $5.3 million and loans and other receivables of $25.1 million due to a greater number of contributors for certain vendor quotes supporting classification into Level 2;
Corporate equity securities of $13.9 million due to an increase in observable market transactions.

During the three months ended September 30, 2014, there were transfers of loan liabilities of $8.6 million from Level 3 to Level 2 due to an increase in observable inputs in the valuation. 

Net losses on Level 3 assets were $5.3 million and net gains on Level 3 liabilities were $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014.  Net losses on Level 3 assets were primarily due to decreased valuations of certain loans and other receivables, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations and corporate equity securities, partially offset by an increase in valuation of certain corporate debt securities and other asset-backed securities.  Net gains on Level 3 liabilities were primarily due to decreased valuations of certain derivative instruments and certain corporate debt securities.
The following is a summary of changes in fair value of our financial assets and liabilities that have been categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands):


19



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Balance, December 31, 2013
 
Total gains (losses)
(realized and unrealized) (1)
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Issuances
 
Net transfers
into (out of)
Level 3
 
Balance, September 30, 2014
 
Changes in
unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at
September 30,
2014 (1)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate equity securities
$
9,884

 
$
(1,528
)
 
$
36,661

 
$
(31,444
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(5,796
)
 
$
7,777

 
$
(400
)
Corporate debt securities
25,666

 
10,727

 
137,164

 
(128,733
)
 

 

 
(7,940
)
 
36,884

 
10,177

Collateralized debt obligations
37,216

 
5,198

 
94,743

 
(99,661
)
 

 

 
6,244

 
43,740

 
(6,283
)
U.S. government and federal agency securities

 
(11
)
 
2,505

 

 

 

 

 
2,494

 
(11
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
105,492

 
(6,974
)
 
44,454

 
(65,229
)
 
(812
)
 

 
4,103

 
81,034

 
(3,564
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
17,568

 
(3,120
)
 
34,959

 
(32,774
)
 
(1,315
)
 

 
4,009

 
19,327

 
(3,380
)
Other asset-backed securities
12,611

 
256

 
52,495

 
(52,282
)
 
(8,804
)
 

 
(2,197
)
 
2,079

 

Loans and other receivables
145,890

 
(9,028
)
 
247,383

 
(147,851
)
 
(61,791
)
 

 
13,422

 
188,025

 
(8,961
)
Investments at fair value
66,931

 
26,744

 
28,160

 
(18,100
)
 
(945
)
 

 
(698
)
 
102,092

 
12,255

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Trading liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate equity securities
$
38

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
38

 
$

Corporate debt securities

 
163

 
(7
)
 
97

 

 

 
(11
)
 
242

 
163

Net derivatives (2)
6,905

 
9,959

 
(124
)
 
(76
)
 
248

 

 
(3,332
)
 
13,580

 
(10,519
)
Loans
22,462

 

 
(15,472
)
 
3,549

 

 

 
(3,878
)
 
6,661

 

Other secured financings
8,711

 

 

 

 
(16,684
)
 
39,639

 

 
31,666

 


(1)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are reported in Principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2)
Net derivatives represent Trading assets - Derivatives and Trading liabilities - Derivatives.

Analysis of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, transfers of assets of $79.3 million from Level 2 to Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are attributed to:
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities of $27.2 million, commercial mortgage-backed securities of $4.6 million and other asset-backed securities of $1.3 million for which no recent trade activity was observed for purposes of determining observable inputs;
Loans and other receivables of $31.4 million due to a lower number of contributors comprising vendor quotes to support classification within Level 2;
Collateralized debt obligations of $7.5 million which have little to no transparency in trade activity;
Investments at fair value of $6.5 million due to lack of observable market transactions.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, transfers of assets of $68.1 million from Level 3 to Level 2 are attributed to:
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities of $23.1 million, commercial mortgage-backed securities of $.5 million and other asset-backed securities of $3.5 million for which market trades were observed in the period for either identical or similar securities;
Collateralized debt obligations of $1.3 million, loans and other receivables of $18.0 million and investments at fair value of $7.2 million due to a greater number of contributors for certain vendor quotes supporting classification into Level 2;
Corporate equity securities of $6.5 million and corporate debt securities of $8.0 million due to an increase in observable market transactions.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were transfers of loan liabilities of $3.9 million from Level 3 to Level 2 and transfers of net derivative liabilities of $3.3 million from Level 3 to Level 2 due to an increase in observable inputs in the valuation and an increase in observable inputs used in valuing of derivative contracts, respectively.

Net gains on Level 3 assets were $22.3 million and net losses on Level 3 liabilities were $10.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Net gains on Level 3 assets were primarily due to increased valuations of certain investments at fair value, corporate debt securities and collateralized debt obligations, partially offset by a decrease in valuation of certain residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, loans and other receivables and corporate equity securities. Net losses on Level 3 liabilities were primarily due to increased valuations of certain derivative instruments.

Quantitative Information about Significant Unobservable Inputs used in Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

The tables below present information on the valuation techniques, significant unobservable inputs and their ranges for our financial assets and liabilities, subject to threshold levels related to the market value of the positions held, measured at fair value on a recurring basis with a significant Level 3 balance.  The range of unobservable inputs could differ significantly across different firms given the range of products across different firms in the financial services sector.  The inputs are not representative of the inputs that could have been used in the valuation of any one financial instrument; i.e., the input used for valuing one financial instrument within a particular class of financial instruments may not be appropriate for valuing other financial instruments within that given class.  Additionally, the ranges of inputs presented below should not be construed to represent uncertainty regarding the fair values of our financial instruments; rather the ranges of inputs are reflective of the differences in the underlying characteristics of the financial instruments in each category.

For certain categories, we have provided a weighted average of the inputs allocated based on the fair values of the financial instruments comprising the category.  We do not believe that the range or weighted average of the inputs is indicative of the reasonableness of uncertainty of our Level 3 fair values.  The range and

20



weighted average are driven by the individual financial instruments within each category and their relative distribution in the population.  The disclosed inputs when compared with the inputs as disclosed in other quarters should not be expected to necessarily be indicative of changes in our estimates of unobservable inputs for a particular financial instrument as the population of financial instruments comprising the category will vary from period to period based on purchases and sales of financial instruments during the period as well as transfers into and out of Level 3 each period.
September 30, 2015
Financial Instruments Owned
 
Fair Value
(in thousands)
 
Valuation
 Technique
 
Significant
Unobservable Input(s)
 
Input/Range
 
Weighted
Average
Corporate equity securities
 
$
17,340

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-exchange traded securities
 
 

 
Market approach
 
EBITDA (a) multiple
 
4.6 to 8.5
 
6.6

 
 
 
 
Discounted cash flows
 
Underlying stock price
 
$5 to $7
 
$
6.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
 
$
24,331

 
Convertible bond model
 
Discount rate/yield
 
74%
 

 
 
 
 
Market approach
 
Discount rate/yield
 
19%
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Transaction level
 
$138.00
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateralized debt obligations
 
$
33,075

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Constant prepayment rate
 
0% to 20%
 
17
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Constant default rate
 
0% to 2%
 
2
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Loss severity
 
25% to 100%
 
40
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Yield
 
10% to 13%
 
11
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
$
86,422

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Constant prepayment rate
 
0% to 50%
 
12
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Constant default rate
 
1% to 8%
 
5
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Loss severity
 
25% to 80%
 
52
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Yield
 
1% to 11%
 
5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
$
15,147

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Yield
 
8% to 20%
 
14
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Cumulative loss rate
 
2% to 54%
 
15
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other asset-backed securities
 
$
32,596

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Constant prepayment rate
 
0% to 24%
 
10
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Constant default rate
 
0% to 9%
 
5
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Loss severity
 
0% to 100%
 
77
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Yield
 
1% to 25%
 
10
%
 
 
 
 
Over-collateralization
 
Over-collateralization percentage
 
111% to 125%
 
123
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans and other receivables
 
$
85,445

 
Comparable pricing
 
Comparable loan price
 
$91 to $100
 
$
97.0

 
 
 

 
Market approach
 
Discount rate/yield
 
2% to 13%
 
10
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
EBITDA (a) multiple
 
6.9
 

 
 
 

 
Scenario analysis
 
Estimated  recovery percentage
 
34% to 77%
 
39
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
20,308

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Foreign exchange options
 
 

 
Option model
 
Volatility
 
11%
 

Unfunded commitment
 
 

 
Comparable pricing
 
Comparable loan price
 
$91 to $100
 
$
100.0

 
 
 

 
    Market approach
 
Discount rate/yield
 
12% to 15%
 
13
%
Foreign exchange forwards
 
 
 
 
 
Credit spread
 
500 bps
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments at fair value
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Private equity securities
 
$
61,379

 
Market approach
 
Transaction Level
 
$3 to $56
 
$
10.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
15% to 30%
 
23
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment in FXCM
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Term loan
 
$
208,000

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Term based on the pay off
 
0 months to 1.2 years
 
0.5 years
Rights
 
405,000

 
Option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
65%
 

 
 
$
613,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading Liabilities
 
Fair Value
(in thousands)
 
Valuation
 Technique
 
Significant
Unobservable Input(s)
 
Input/Range
 
Weighted
Average
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
41,508

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Foreign exchange options
 
 
 
Option model
 
Volatility
 
11%
 

Equity options
 
 
 
Option model
 
Volatility
 
42%
 

 
 
 
 
Default rate
 
    Default probability
 
—%
 

Unfunded commitments
 
 

 
Comparable pricing
 
Comparable loan price
 
$91 to $100
 
$95.8
 
 
 

 
Market approach
 
Discount rate/yield
 
4% to 15%
 
13
%
 
 
 

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Constant prepayment rate
 
20%
 

 
 
 

 
   
 
Constant default rate
 
2%
 

 
 
 

 
   
 
Loss severity
 
30%
 

 
 
 

 
   
 
Yield
 
11%
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
 
$
10,371

 
Comparable pricing
 
Comparable loan price
 
$100
 


21



December 31, 2014
Financial Instruments Owned
 
Fair Value
(in thousands)
 
Valuation
 Technique
 
Significant
Unobservable Input(s)
 
Input/Range
 
Weighted
Average
Corporate equity securities
 
$
19,814

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-exchange traded securities
 
 

 
Market approach
 
EBITDA (a) multiple
 
3.4 to 4.7
 
3.6

 
 
 

 
Scenario analysis
 
Estimated  recovery percentage
 
24%
 

Corporate debt securities
 
$
22,766

 
Convertible bond model
 
Discount rate/yield
 
32%
 

Collateralized debt obligations
 
$
41,784

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Constant prepayment rate
 
0% to 20%
 
13
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Constant default rate
 
0% to 2%
 
2
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Loss severity
 
0% to 70%
 
39
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Yield
 
2% to 51%
 
16
%
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
$
82,557

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Constant prepayment rate
 
1% to 50%
 
13
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Constant default rate
 
1% to 100%
 
14
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Loss severity
 
20% to 80%
 
50
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Yield
 
3% to 13%
 
7
%
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
$
26,655

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Yield
 
8% to 12%
 
11
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
Cumulative loss rate
 
4% to 72%
 
15
%
 
 
 

 
Scenario analysis
 
Estimated  recovery percentage
 
90%
 

Other asset-backed securities
 
$
2,294

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Constant prepayment rate
 
8%
 

 
 
 

 
   
 
Constant default rate
 
3%
 

 
 
 

 
   
 
Loss severity
 
70%
 

 
 
 

 
   
 
Yield
 
7%
 

Loans and other receivables
 
$
88,154

 
Comparable pricing
 
Comparable loan price
 
$100 to $101
 
$100.3
 
 
 

 
Market approach
 
Yield
 
3% to 5%
 
4
%
 
 
 

 
   
 
EBITDA (a) multiple
 
3.4 to 8.2
 
7.6

 
 
 

 
Scenario analysis
 
Estimated  recovery percentage
 
10% to 41%
 
36
%
Derivatives
 
$
54,190

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Foreign exchange options
 
 

 
Option model
 
Volatility
 
13% to 23%
 
17
%
Commodity forwards
 
 

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Discount rate
 
17%
 

Loan commitments
 
 

 
Comparable pricing
 
Comparable loan price
 
$100
 

Investments at fair value
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Private equity securities
 
$
32,323

 
Market approach
 
Transaction Level
 
$50
 

 
 
 

 
Market approach
 
Discount rate
 
15% to 30%
 
23
%
Trading Liabilities
 
Fair Value
(in thousands)
 
Valuation
 Technique
 
Significant
Unobservable Input(s)
 
Input/Range
 
Weighted
Average
Derivatives
 
$
49,552

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

FX options
 
 

 
Option model
 
Volatility
 
13% to 23%
 
17
%
Unfunded commitments
 
 

 
Comparable pricing
 
Comparable loan price
 
$89 to $100
 
$92.0
 
 
 

 
   
 
Credit spread
 
45 bps
 

 
 
 

 
Market approach
 
Yield
 
5%
 

Loans
 
$
14,450

 
Comparable pricing
 
Comparable loan price
 
$100
 

Other secured financings
 
$
30,825

 
Comparable pricing
 
Comparable loan price
 
$81 to $100
 
$98.7

(a)
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”).

The fair values of certain Level 3 assets and liabilities that were determined based on third-party pricing information, unadjusted past transaction prices, reported net asset value or a percentage of the reported enterprise fair value are excluded from the above table.  At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, asset exclusions consisted of $245.2 million and $137.8 million, respectively, primarily comprised of investments in non-exchange traded securities, private equity securities, derivative contracts, collateralized debt obligations and certain corporate loans and other receivables.  At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, liability exclusions consisted of $0.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of corporate debt and equity securities and other secured financings.

Sensitivity of Fair Values to Changes in Significant Unobservable Inputs

For recurring fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in significant unobservable inputs and interrelationships between those unobservable inputs (if any) are described below:

Loans and other receivables, loan and unfunded commitments, loans and other secured financings using comparable pricing valuation techniques.  A significant increase (decrease) in the comparable loan price in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.
Corporate debt securities using a convertible bond model. A significant increase (decrease) in the bond discount rate/yield would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.
Non-exchange traded securities, corporate debt securities, loans and other receivables, unfunded commitments, foreign exchange forwards and private equity securities using a market approach valuation technique.  A significant increase (decrease) in the EBITDA or other multiples in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.  A significant increase (decrease) in the yield of a corporate debt security, loan and other

22



receivable or unfunded commitment would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. A significant increase (decrease) in the transaction level of a private equity security would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.
Non-exchange traded securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and loans and other receivables using scenario analysis.  A significant increase (decrease) in the possible recovery rates of the cash flow outcomes underlying the investment would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement for the financial instrument.
Collateralized debt obligations, non-exchange traded securities, corporate debt securities, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, other asset-backed securities, commodity forwards and unfunded commitments using a discounted cash flow valuation technique.  A significant decrease (increase) in the underlying stock price would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. A significant increase (decrease) in isolation in the constant default rate and loss severities or cumulative loss rate would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.  The impact of changes in the constant prepayment rate would have differing impacts depending on the capital structure of the security.  A significant increase (decrease) in the loan or bond yield would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
Certain other asset-backed securities using an over-collateralization model. A significant increase (decrease) in the over-collateralization percentage would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.
Derivative foreign exchange and equity options using an option model.  A significant increase (decrease) in volatility would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.
Derivative equity options using a default rate model.  A significant increase (decrease) in default probability would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.
Investment in FXCM using a discounted cash flow valuation technique and an option pricing model.  A significant increase in term based on the time to pay off the loan would result in a significantly higher fair value measurement.  A significant increase (decrease) in volatility or time to liquidity event would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.

Fair Value Option Election
We have elected the fair value option for all loans and loan commitments made by Jefferies capital markets businesses.  These loans and loan commitments include loans entered into by Jefferies investment banking division in connection with client bridge financing and loan syndications, loans purchased by Jefferies leveraged credit trading desk as part of its bank loan trading activities and mortgage loan commitments and fundings in connection with mortgage-backed securitization activities.  Loans and loan commitments originated or purchased by Jefferies leveraged credit and mortgage-backed businesses are managed on a fair value basis.  Loans are included in Trading assets and loan commitments are included in Trading assets and Trading liabilities.  The fair value option election is not applied to loans made to affiliate entities as such loans are entered into as part of ongoing, strategic business ventures.  Loans to affiliate entities are included within Loans to and investments in associated companies and are accounted for on an amortized cost basis.  We have also elected the fair value option for certain financial instruments held by Jefferies subsidiaries as the investments are risk managed on a fair value basis.  The fair value option has also been elected for certain secured financings that arise in connection with Jefferies securitization activities and other structured financings.  Other secured financings, receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations, receivables from customers of securities operations, payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations and payables to customers of securities operations, are accounted for at cost plus accrued interest rather than at fair value; however, the recorded amounts approximate fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature.

The following is a summary of gains (losses) due to changes in instrument specific credit risk on loans and other receivables and loan commitments measured at fair value under the fair value option for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Financial Instruments Owned:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans and other receivables
$
(13,566
)
 
$
(15,002
)
 
$
(25,686
)
 
$
(12,841
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Instruments Sold:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loans
$
38

 
$
103

 
$
112

 
$
(751
)
Loan commitments
$
(51
)
 
$
1,338

 
$
(1,673
)
 
$
(10,299
)

The following is a summary of the amount by which contractual principal exceeds fair value for loans and other receivables measured at fair value under the fair value option (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
Loans and other receivables (1)
$
354,262

 
$
403,119

Loans and other receivables greater than 90 days past due (1)
$
32,867

 
$
5,594

Loans and other receivables on nonaccrual status (1) (2)
$
3,330

 
$
(22,360
)

(1)
Interest income is recognized separately from other changes in fair value and is included within Interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2)
Amounts include all loans and other receivables greater than 90 days past due.

The aggregate fair value of loans and other receivables that were greater than 90 days past due was $13.0 million and $0.0 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

The aggregate fair value of loans and other receivables on nonaccrual status, which includes all loans and other receivables greater than 90 days past due, was $313.9 million and $274.6 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

23




We have elected the fair value option for Jefferies investment in KCG Holdings, Inc.  The change in the fair value of this investment was $(28.3) million and $(6.5) million for three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $26.7 million and $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we owned approximately 46.6 million common shares of HRG, representing approximately 23% of HRG’s outstanding common shares, which are accounted for under the fair value option. The shares are included in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value of $546.6 million and $659.9 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  The shares were acquired at an aggregate cost of $475.6 million.  The change in the fair value of our investment in HRG aggregated $(59.2) million and $(113.2) million, respectively, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 which is included in other merchant banking businesses and $17.5 million and $69.6 million, respectively, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, of which $17.5 million and $49.7 million, respectively, is included in other merchant banking businesses and $0.0 million and $19.9 million, respectively, is included in Jefferies results of operations for the period it owned certain of these shares.  We currently have two directors on HRG’s board.  We have agreed not to increase our interest in HRG above 27.5% through March 17, 2016.  The shares have the benefit of a registration rights agreement, and may be otherwise sold consistent with the securities laws; however, we have agreed not to sell the shares to a party if after such sale the party would own in excess of 4.9% of HRG common stock.

We believe accounting for these investments at fair value better reflected the economics of these investments, and quoted market prices for these investments provides an objectively determined fair value at each balance sheet date.  Our investment in HomeFed is the only investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting that is also a publicly traded company for which we did not elect the fair value option.  HomeFed’s common stock is not listed on any stock exchange, and price information for the common stock is not regularly quoted on any automated quotation system.  It is traded in the over-the-counter market with high and low bid prices published by the National Association of Securities Dealers OTC Bulletin Board Service; however, trading volume is minimal.  For these reasons we did not elect the fair value option for HomeFed.
Note 4.  Derivative Financial Instruments

Off-Balance Sheet Risk

Jefferies has contractual commitments arising in the ordinary course of business for securities loaned or purchased under agreements to resell, repurchase agreements, future purchases and sales of foreign currencies, securities transactions on a when-issued basis and underwriting.  Each of these financial instruments and activities contains varying degrees of off-balance sheet risk whereby the fair values of the securities underlying the financial instruments may be in excess of, or less than, the contract amount.  The settlement of these transactions is not expected to have a significant effect upon our consolidated financial statements.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative activities are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition in Trading assets and Trading liabilities, net of cash paid or received under credit support agreements and on a net counterparty basis when a legal right to offset exists under a master netting agreement.  Net realized and unrealized gains and losses are recognized in Principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a trade date basis and as a component of cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  Acting in a trading capacity, Jefferies may enter into derivative transactions to satisfy the needs of its clients and to manage its own exposure to market and credit risks resulting from trading activities.  See Notes 3 and 21 for additional disclosures about derivative financial instruments.

Derivatives are subject to various risks similar to other financial instruments, including market, credit and operational risk. The risks of derivatives should not be viewed in isolation, but rather should be considered on an aggregate basis along with our other trading-related activities.  Jefferies manages the risks associated with derivatives on an aggregate basis along with the risks associated with proprietary trading as part of its firm wide risk management policies.  In connection with Jefferies derivative activities, Jefferies may enter into International Swaps and Derivative Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) master netting agreements and similar agreements with counterparties.  These agreements provide Jefferies with the ability to offset a counterparty’s rights and obligations, request additional collateral when necessary or liquidate the collateral in the event of counterparty default.  See Note 10 for additional information with respect to financial statement offsetting.

The following tables present the fair value and related number of derivative contracts categorized by type of derivative contract as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  The fair value of assets/liabilities related to derivative contracts represents our receivable/payable for derivative financial instruments, gross of counterparty netting and cash collateral received and pledged (in thousands, except contract amounts):


24



 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Fair Value
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Fair Value
 
Number of
Contracts
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
$
2,615,113

 
79,627

 
$
2,526,976

 
108,203

Foreign exchange contracts
777,346

 
10,653

 
795,572

 
10,216

Equity contracts
1,374,612

 
3,083,380

 
1,291,680

 
3,083,277

Commodity contracts
48,198

 
255,024

 
61,395

 
264,526

Credit contracts: centrally cleared swaps
43,456

 
103

 
42,246

 
88

Credit contracts: other credit derivatives
14,825

 
93

 
44,530

 
99

Total
4,873,550

 
 

 
4,762,399

 
 

Counterparty/cash-collateral netting
(4,394,947
)
 
 

 
(4,504,522
)
 
 

Total per Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition
$
478,603

 
 

 
$
257,877

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
$
2,299,807

 
71,505

 
$
2,292,691

 
89,861

Foreign exchange contracts
1,514,881

 
12,861

 
1,519,349

 
12,752

Equity contracts
1,050,990

 
2,271,507

 
1,058,015

 
2,051,469

Commodity contracts
276,726

 
1,031,568

 
303,206

 
1,020,418

Credit contracts: centrally cleared swaps
17,831

 
27

 
23,264

 
22

Credit contracts: other credit derivatives
5,378

 
18

 
23,608

 
27

Total
5,165,613

 
 

 
5,220,133

 
 

Counterparty/cash-collateral netting
(4,759,345
)
 
 

 
(4,856,618
)
 
 

Total per Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition
$
406,268

 
 

 
$
363,515

 
 


The following table presents unrealized and realized gains (losses) on derivative contracts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2015

2014
 
2015
 
2014
Interest rate contracts
$
25,308

 
$
(3,803
)
 
$
580

 
$
(70,288
)
Foreign exchange contracts
6,893

 
6,697

 
30,417

 
9,046

Equity contracts
68,649

 
(49,422
)
 
28,008

 
(219,584
)
Commodity contracts
(33,940
)
 
(4,991
)
 
(17,261
)
 
32,989

Credit contracts
(4,375
)
 
(1,330
)
 
(612
)
 
(16,953
)
Total
$
62,535

 
$
(52,849
)
 
$
41,132

 
$
(264,790
)

OTC Derivatives.  The following tables set forth by remaining contract maturity the fair value of OTC derivative assets and liabilities as reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at September 30, 2015 (in thousands):

 
OTC Derivative Assets (1) (2) (3)
 
0-12 Months
 
1-5 Years
 
Greater Than
5 Years
 
Cross-
Maturity
Netting (4)
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity swaps, options and forwards
$
10,952

 
$
3,884

 
$
14,037

 
$

 
$
28,873

Equity swaps and options
33,975

 
8,486

 
2,316

 

 
44,777

Credit default swaps
54

 
4,084

 
2,224

 
(1,832
)
 
4,530

Total return swaps
23,005

 
4

 

 
(180
)
 
22,829

Foreign currency forwards, swaps and options
165,529

 
21,372

 

 
(11,252
)
 
175,649

Interest rate swaps, options and forwards
70,025

 
158,272

 
77,267

 
(34,593
)
 
270,971

Total
$
303,540

 
$
196,102

 
$
95,844

 
$
(47,857
)
 
547,629

Cross product counterparty netting
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
(10,029
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total OTC derivative assets included in Trading assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
$
537,600


(1)
At September 30, 2015, we held exchange traded derivative assets and other credit agreements with a fair value of $144.2 million, which are not included in this table.

25



(2)
OTC derivative assets in the table above are gross of collateral received.  OTC derivative assets are recorded net of collateral received in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  At September 30, 2015 cash collateral received was $208.3 million.
(3)
Derivative fair values include counterparty netting within product category.
(4)
Amounts represent the netting of receivable balances with payable balances for the same counterparty within product category across maturity categories.
 
OTC Derivative Liabilities (1) (2) (3)
 
0-12 Months
 
1-5 Years
 
Greater Than
5 Years
 
Cross-Maturity
Netting (4)
 
Total
Commodity swaps, options and forwards
$
7,532

 
$

 
$
5,470

 
$

 
$
13,002

Equity swaps and options
16,909

 
39,538

 
9,139

 

 
65,586

Credit default swaps

 
1,519

 
11,016

 
(1,832
)
 
10,703

Total return swaps
54,507

 
1,927

 
1,967

 
(180
)
 
58,221

Foreign currency forwards, swaps and options
157,468

 
48,147

 

 
(11,252
)
 
194,363

Fixed income forwards
342

 

 

 

 
342

Interest rate swaps, options and forwards
47,137

 
86,081

 
85,610

 
(34,593
)
 
184,235

Total
$
283,895

 
$
177,212

 
$
113,202

 
$
(47,857
)
 
526,452

Cross product counterparty netting
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
(10,029
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total OTC derivative liabilities included in Trading liabilities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
$
516,423

 
(1)
At September 30, 2015, we held exchange traded derivative liabilities and other credit agreements with a fair value of $25.6 million, which are not included in this table.
(2)
OTC derivative liabilities in the table above are gross of collateral pledged. OTC derivative liabilities are recorded net of collateral pledged in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  At September 30, 2015, cash collateral pledged was $317.8 million.
(3)
Derivative fair values include counterparty netting within product category.
(4)
Amounts represent the netting of receivable balances with payable balances for the same counterparty within product category across maturity categories.

At September 30, 2015, the counterparty credit quality with respect to the fair value of our OTC derivative assets was as follows (in thousands):
Counterparty credit quality (1):
 
A- or higher
$
260,841

BBB- to BBB+
124,498

BB+ or lower
74,834

Unrated
77,427

Total
$
537,600

 
(1)
We utilize internal credit ratings determined by Jefferies Risk Management.  Credit ratings determined by Risk Management use methodologies that produce ratings generally consistent with those produced by external rating agencies.

Contingent Features

Certain of Jefferies derivative instruments contain provisions that require their debt to maintain an investment grade credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies.  If Jefferies debt were to fall below investment grade, it would be in violation of these provisions and the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing full overnight collateralization on Jefferies derivative instruments in liability positions.  The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with such credit-risk-related contingent features that are in a liability position at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is $112.5 million and $269.0 million, respectively, for which Jefferies has posted collateral of $105.2 million and $234.6 million, respectively, in the normal course of business.  If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered on September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Jefferies would have been required to post an additional $13.1 million and $55.1 million, respectively, of collateral to its counterparties.

Other Derivatives

National Beef uses future contracts in order to reduce its exposure associated with entering into firm commitments to purchase live cattle at prices determined prior to the delivery of the cattle as well as firm commitments to sell certain beef products at sales prices determined prior to shipment. National Beef accounts for the futures contracts and their related firm purchase commitments at fair value. Certain firm commitments for live cattle purchases and all firm commitments for sales are treated as normal purchases and sales and therefore not marked to market. The gains and losses associated with the change in fair value of the futures contracts and the offsetting gains and losses associated with changes in the market value of certain of the firm purchase commitments related to the futures contracts are recorded to income and expense in the period of change.

Vitesse uses call and put options in order to reduce exposure to future oil price fluctuations. Vitesse accounts for the derivative instruments at fair value. The gains and losses associated with the change in fair value of the derivatives are recorded in income.


26



Note 5.  Collateralized Transactions

Jefferies enters into secured borrowing and lending arrangements to obtain collateral necessary to effect settlement, finance trading asset inventory positions, meet customer needs or re-lend as part of dealer operations.  Jefferies monitors the fair value of the securities loaned and borrowed on a daily basis as compared with the related payable or receivable, and requests additional collateral or returns excess collateral, as appropriate.  Jefferies pledges financial instruments as collateral under repurchase agreements, securities lending agreements and other secured arrangements, including clearing arrangements.  Jefferies agreements with counterparties generally contain contractual provisions allowing the counterparty the right to sell or repledge the collateral.  Pledged securities owned that can be sold or repledged by the counterparty are included within Financial instruments owned and noted parenthetically as Securities pledged on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

The following tables set forth the carrying value of securities lending arrangements and repurchase agreements by class of collateral pledged and remaining contractual maturity (in thousands):

Collateral Pledged
 
Securities Lending Arrangements
 
Repurchase Agreements
 
Total
Corporate equity securities
 
$
2,506,969

 
$
347,844

 
$
2,854,813

Corporate debt securities
 
1,109,775

 
1,959,647

 
3,069,422

Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
 

 
5,044,406

 
5,044,406

U.S. government and federal agency securities
 
28,451

 
9,412,058

 
9,440,509

Municipal securities
 

 
492,599

 
492,599

Sovereign securities
 

 
1,604,147

 
1,604,147

Loans and other receivables
 

 
617,861

 
617,861

Total
 
$
3,645,195

 
$
19,478,562

 
$
23,123,757


 
 
Contractual Maturity
 
 
Overnight and Continuous
 
Up to 30 Days
 
30 to 90 Days
 
Greater than 90 Days
 
Total
Securities lending arrangements
 
$
1,954,916

 
$
336,335

 
$
1,353,944

 
$

 
$
3,645,195

Repurchase agreements
 
9,827,633

 
4,539,795

 
2,869,691

 
2,241,443

 
19,478,562

Total
 
$
11,782,549

 
$
4,876,130

 
$
4,223,635

 
$
2,241,443

 
$
23,123,757


Jefferies receives securities as collateral under resale agreements, securities borrowing transactions and customer margin loans.  Jefferies also receives securities as collateral in connection with securities-for-securities transactions in which it is the lender of securities.  In many instances, Jefferies is permitted by contract or custom to rehypothecate the securities received as collateral.  These securities may be used to secure repurchase agreements, enter into securities lending transactions, satisfy margin requirements on derivative transactions or cover short positions.  At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the approximate fair value of securities received as collateral by Jefferies that may be sold or repledged was $26.1 billion and $25.8 billion, respectively.  A substantial portion of these securities have been sold or repledged.


Note 6.  Securitization Activities

Jefferies engages in securitization activities related to corporate loans, commercial mortgage loans, consumer loans and mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities.  In securitization transactions, Jefferies transfers assets to special purpose entities ("SPEs") and acts as the placement or structuring agent for the beneficial interests sold to investors by the SPE.  A significant portion of the securitization transactions are securitization of assets issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies.  These SPEs generally meet the criteria of variable interest entities; however, the SPEs are generally not consolidated as Jefferies is not considered the primary beneficiary for these SPEs.  Beginning in the third quarter of 2014, another of our subsidiaries has utilized SPEs to securitize automobile loans receivable.  The SPEs are variable interest entities and our subsidiary is the primary beneficiary; the related assets and the secured borrowings are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition.  These secured borrowings do not have recourse to our subsidiary’s general credit. See Note 8 for further information on variable interest entities.

Jefferies accounts for securitization transactions as sales provided it has relinquished control over the transferred assets.  Transferred assets are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations prior to the identification and isolation for securitization.  Subsequently, revenues recognized upon securitization are reflected as net underwriting revenues.  Jefferies generally receives cash proceeds in connection with the transfer of assets to an SPE.  Jefferies may, however, have continuing involvement with the transferred assets, which is limited to retaining one or more tranches of the securitization (primarily senior and subordinated debt securities in the form of mortgage- and other asset-backed securities or collateralized loan obligations), which are included within Trading assets and are generally initially categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.  We apply fair value accounting to the securities.  If Jefferies has not relinquished control over the transferred assets, the assets continue to be recognized in Trading assets and a corresponding liability is recognized in Other secured financings.  The related liabilities do not have recourse to Jefferies general credit.

The following table presents activity related to our securitizations that were accounted for as sales in which we had continuing involvement during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in millions):


27



 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015

2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transferred assets
$
853.9

 
$
1,562.1

 
$
3,931.5

 
$
4,788.7

Proceeds on new securitizations
888.1

 
1,567.2

 
3,979.6

 
4,795.4

Cash flows received on retained interests
10.7

 
15.2

 
28.6

 
37.9


Jefferies has no explicit or implicit arrangements to provide additional financial support to these SPEs, has no liabilities related to these SPEs and has no outstanding derivative contracts executed in connection with these securitizations at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

The following table summarizes our retained interests in SPEs where Jefferies transferred assets and has continuing involvement and received sale accounting treatment (in millions):
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Securitization Type 
Total
Assets
 
Retained
Interests
 
Total
Assets
 
Retained
Interests
U.S. government agency residential mortgage-backed securities
$
11,480.4

 
$
162.0

 
$
19,196.9

 
$
226.9

U.S. government agency commercial mortgage-backed securities
2,831.3

 
213.2

 
5,848.5

 
204.7

Collateralized loan obligations
3,731.7

 
52.3

 
4,511.8

 
108.4


Total assets represent the unpaid principal amount of assets in the SPEs in which Jefferies has continuing involvement and are presented solely to provide information regarding the size of the transaction and the size of the underlying assets supporting its retained interests, and are not considered representative of the risk of potential loss.  Assets retained in connection with a securitization transaction represent the fair value of the securities of one or more tranches issued by an SPE, including senior and subordinated tranches.  Jefferies risk of loss is limited to this fair value amount which is included within total Trading assets in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Although not obligated, in connection with secondary market-making activities Jefferies may make a market in the securities issued by these SPEs.  In these market-making transactions, Jefferies buys these securities from and sells these securities to investors.  Securities purchased through these market-making activities are not considered to be continuing involvement in these SPEs, although the securities are included in Trading assets.  To the extent Jefferies purchased securities through these market-making activities and Jefferies is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity, these securities are included in agency and non-agency mortgage- and asset-backed securitizations in the nonconsolidated variable interest entities section presented in Note 8.


28



Note 7.  Available for Sale Securities

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair value of investments classified as available for sale at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonds and notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government securities
$
121,100

 
$
76

 
$

 
$
121,176

Residential mortgage-backed securities
44,736

 
684

 
76

 
45,344

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
1,199

 

 
16

 
1,183

Other asset-backed securities
39,220

 
161

 
75

 
39,306

All other corporates
5,806

 
12

 
41

 
5,777

Total fixed maturities
212,061

 
933

 
208

 
212,786

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Common stocks:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Banks, trusts and insurance companies
35,071

 
13,954

 

 
49,025

Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
19,052

 
11,587

 

 
30,639

Total equity securities
54,123

 
25,541

 

 
79,664

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
266,184

 
$
26,474

 
$
208

 
$
292,450

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Bonds and notes:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. government securities
$
593,803

 
$
33

 
$
63

 
$
593,773

Residential mortgage-backed securities
597,402

 
10,959

 
1,678

 
606,683

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
42,991

 
484

 
74

 
43,401

Other asset-backed securities
245,533

 
619

 
996

 
245,156

All other corporates
30,519

 
60

 
176

 
30,403

Total fixed maturities
1,510,248

 
12,155

 
2,987

 
1,519,416

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Common stocks:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Banks, trusts and insurance companies
31,853

 
18,740

 

 
50,593

Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
20,355

 
18,405

 

 
38,760

Total equity securities
52,208

 
37,145

 

 
89,353

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,562,456

 
$
49,300

 
$
2,987

 
$
1,608,769


The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments classified as available for sale at September 30, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Expected maturities are likely to differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
Due within one year
$
125,340

 
$
125,422

Due after one year through five years
1,566

 
1,531

Due after five years through ten years

 

Due after ten years

 

 
126,906

 
126,953

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
85,155

 
85,833

 
$
212,061

 
$
212,786


At September 30, 2015, the unrealized losses on investments which have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and 12 months or longer were not significant.


29



Note 8.  Variable Interest Entities

Variable interest entities ("VIEs") are entities in which equity investors lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest.  VIEs are consolidated by the primary beneficiary.  The primary beneficiary is the party who has both the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses of the entity or a right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity.

Our variable interests in VIEs include debt and equity interests, an equity interest in an associated company, commitments, guarantees and certain fees.  Our involvement with VIEs arises primarily from the following activities of Jefferies, but also includes other activities discussed below:

Purchases of securities in connection with our trading and secondary market making activities,
Retained interests held as a result of securitization activities, including the resecuritization of mortgage- and other asset-backed securities and the securitization of commercial mortgage, corporate and consumer loans,
Acting as placement agent and/or underwriter in connection with client-sponsored securitizations,
Financing of agency and non-agency mortgage- and other asset-backed securities,
Warehousing funding arrangements for client-sponsored consumer loan vehicles and collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) through participation certificates and revolving loan commitments, and
Loans to, investments in and fees from various investment fund vehicles.

We determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE upon our initial involvement with the VIE and we reassess whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE on an ongoing basis.  Our determination of whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE is based upon the facts and circumstances for each VIE and requires significant judgment.  Our considerations in determining the VIE’s most significant activities and whether we have power to direct those activities include, but are not limited to, the VIE’s purpose and design and the risks passed through to investors, the voting interests of the VIE, management, service and/or other agreements of the VIE, involvement in the VIE’s initial design and the existence of explicit or implicit financial guarantees.  In situations where we have determined that the power over the VIE’s most significant activities is shared, we assess whether we are the party with the power over the majority of the significant activities.  If we are the party with the power over the majority of the significant activities, we meet the "power" criteria of the primary beneficiary.  If we do not have the power over a majority of the significant activities or we determine that decisions require consent of each sharing party, we do not meet the "power" criteria of the primary beneficiary.

We assess our variable interests in a VIE both individually and in aggregate to determine whether we have an obligation to absorb losses of or a right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.  The determination of whether our variable interest is significant to the VIE requires significant judgment.  In determining the significance of our variable interest, we consider the terms, characteristics and size of the variable interests, the design and characteristics of the VIE, our involvement in the VIE and our market-making activities related to the variable interests.

Consolidated VIEs

The following tables present information about the assets and liabilities of our consolidated VIEs, which are presented within our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition in the respective asset and liability categories, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
Securitization Vehicles
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
(In millions)
Cash
$
3.0

 
$
0.5

Financial instruments owned
86.4

 
62.7

Securities purchased under agreement to resell (1)
736.7

 
575.2

Other
174.9

 
107.1

Total assets
$
1,001.0

 
$
745.5

 
 
 
 
Other secured financings (2)
$
986.3

 
$
737.0

Other
14.7

 
8.5

Total liabilities
$
1,001.0

 
$
745.5


(1)
Securities purchased under agreement to resell represent an amount due under a collateralized transaction on a related consolidated entity, which is eliminated in consolidation.
(2)
Approximately $15.9 million and $39.7 million of the secured financing represents an amount held by Jefferies in inventory and eliminated in consolidation at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Securitization vehicles.  Jefferies is the primary beneficiary of securitization vehicles to which it transferred term loans backed by consumer installment receivables and mortgage-backed securities. Jefferies retained a portion of the securities issued by the securitization vehicles.  In the creation of the securitization vehicles, Jefferies was involved in the decisions made during the establishment and design of the entities and holds variable interests consisting of the securities retained that could potentially be significant.  The assets of the VIEs consist of the term loans backed by consumer installment receivables and mortgage-backed securities, which are available for the benefit of the vehicles' beneficial interest holders.  The creditors of the VIEs do not have recourse to Jefferies general credit and the assets of the VIEs are not available to satisfy any other debt.

Jefferies is the primary beneficiary of mortgage-backed financing vehicles to which Jefferies sells agency and non-agency residential and commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities pursuant to the terms of a master repurchase agreement.  Jefferies manages the assets within these vehicles.  Jefferies variable interests in these vehicles consist of its collateral margin maintenance obligations under the master repurchase agreement.  The assets of these VIEs consist of

30



reverse repurchase agreements, which are available for the benefit of the vehicle’s debt holders.  The creditors of these VIEs do not have recourse to Jefferies general credit and each such VIE’s assets are not available to satisfy any other debt.

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, another of our subsidiaries is the primary beneficiary of SPEs it utilized to securitize automobile loans receivable.  Our subsidiary acts as the servicer for which it receives a fee, and owns the equity interest in the SPEs.  The notes issued by the SPEs are secured solely by the assets of the SPEs and do not have recourse to our subsidiary’s general credit and the assets of the VIEs are not available to satisfy any other debt.

Nonconsolidated VIEs

The following tables present information about Jefferies variable interests in nonconsolidated VIEs.
 
Variable Interests
 
 
 
Financial Statement
Carrying Amount (1)
 
Maximum
Exposure to Loss
 
VIE Assets
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Collateralized loan obligations
$
82.7

 
$
768.8

 
$
6,409.1

Consumer loan vehicles
123.4

 
867.0

 
602.1

Asset management vehicles
3.6

 
3.6

 
49.8

Private equity vehicles
25.5

 
45.9

 
74.8

Total
$
235.2

 
$
1,685.3

 
$
7,135.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

Collateralized loan obligations
$
134.0

 
$
926.9

 
$
7,737.1

Consumer loan vehicles
170.6

 
797.8

 
485.2

Asset management vehicles
11.3

 
11.3

 
432.3

Private equity vehicles
44.3

 
59.2

 
92.8

Total
$
360.2

 
$
1,795.2

 
$
8,747.4


(1)
There were no significant liabilities at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
Jefferies maximum exposure to loss often differs from the carrying value of the variable interests.  The maximum exposure to loss is dependent on the nature of the variable interests in the VIEs and is limited to the notional amounts of certain loan commitments and guarantees.  Jefferies maximum exposure to loss does not include the offsetting benefit of any financial instruments that may be utilized to hedge the risks associated with its variable interests and is not reduced by the amount of collateral held as part of a transaction with a VIE.
Collateralized Loan Obligations.  Assets collateralizing the CLOs include bank loans, participation interests and sub-investment grade and senior secured U.S. loans.  Jefferies underwrites securities issued in CLO transactions on behalf of unaffiliated sponsors and provides advisory services to the unaffiliated sponsors.  Jefferies may also sell corporate loans to the CLOs.  Jefferies variable interests in connection with collateralized loan obligations where it has been involved in providing underwriting and/or advisory services consist of the following:

Forward sale agreements whereby we commit to sell, at a fixed price, corporate loans and ownership interests in an entity holding such corporate loans to CLOs
Warehouse funding arrangements in the form of participation interests in corporate loans held by CLOs and commitments to fund such participation interests
Trading positions in securities issued in a CLO transaction
Investments in variable funding notes issued by CLOs
A guarantee to a CLO managed by Jefferies Finance, whereby we guarantee certain of the obligations of Jefferies Finance to the CLO

In addition, Jefferies owns variable interests in CLOs previously managed by Jefferies.  These variable interests consist of debt securities and a right to a portion of the CLOs’ management and incentive fees.  Jefferies exposure to loss from these CLOs is limited to its investments in the debt securities held.  Management and incentives fees are accrued as the amounts become realizable.  These CLOs represent interests in assets consisting primarily of senior secured loans, unsecured loans and high yield bonds.

Consumer Loan Vehicles. Jefferies provides financing and lending related services to certain client-sponsored VIEs in the form of revolving funding note agreements, revolving credit facilities and forward purchase agreements.  The underlying assets, which are collateralizing the vehicles, are primarily comprised of unsecured consumer and small business loans.  In addition, Jefferies may provide structuring and advisory services and act as an underwriter or placement agent for securities issued by the vehicles.  Jefferies does not control the activities of these entities.

Asset Management Vehicle.  Jefferies managed the Jefferies Umbrella Fund, an "umbrella structure" company that invested primarily in convertible bonds and enabled investors to choose between one or more investment objectives by investing in one or more sub-funds within the same structure.  Jefferies variable interests in the Jefferies Umbrella Fund consist of equity interests, management fees and performance fees. Effective May 2015, the Jefferies Umbrella Fund was placed into liquidation.

Jefferies manages an asset management vehicle that provides investors with exposure to absolute return strategies, primarily including merger arbitrage, relative value and stock loan arbitrage. Our variable interests in this asset management vehicle consist of management and performance fees.


31



Private Equity Vehicles.  On July 26, 2010, Jefferies committed to invest equity of up to $75.0 million in Jefferies SBI USA Fund L.P. (the "SBI USA Fund L.P.").  As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Jefferies funded approximately $64.6 million and $60.1 million, respectively, of its commitment.  The carrying amount of Jefferies equity investment was $24.4 million and $43.1 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Jefferies exposure to loss is limited to its equity commitment.  The SBI USA Fund L.P. has assets consisting primarily of private equity and equity related investments.

Jefferies has a variable interest in Jefferies Employees Partners IV, LLC ("JEP IV") consisting of an equity investment.  The carrying amount of Jefferies equity investment was $1.1 million and $1.2 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Jefferies exposure to loss is limited to its equity investment.  JEP IV has assets consisting primarily of private equity and equity related investments.
Jefferies has provided a guarantee of a portion of Energy Partners I, LP's obligations under a credit agreement. Energy Partners I, LP, is a private equity fund owned and managed by certain of our employees. At September 30, 2015, the carrying value and maximum exposure to loss of the guarantee were $0.0 and $10.0 million, respectively.  Energy Partners I, LP, has assets consisting primarily of debt and equity investments.

Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Vehicles.  In connection with Jefferies secondary trading and market-making activities, Jefferies buys and sells agency and non-agency mortgage- and asset-backed securities, which are issued by third party securitization SPEs and are generally considered variable interests in VIEs.  Securities issued by securitization SPEs are backed by residential mortgage loans, U.S. agency collateralized mortgage obligations, commercial mortgage loans, collateralized debt obligations and CLOs and other consumer loans, such as installment receivables, auto loans and student loans.  These securities are accounted for at fair value and included in Trading assets in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  Jefferies has no other involvement with the related SPEs and therefore does not consolidate these entities.

Jefferies also engages in underwriting, placement and structuring activities for third-party-sponsored securitization trusts generally through agency (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae) or non-agency sponsored SPEs and may purchase loans or mortgage-backed securities from third parties that are subsequently transferred into the securitization trusts.  The securitizations are backed by residential and commercial mortgage, home equity and auto loans.  Jefferies does not consolidate agency sponsored securitizations as it does not have the power to direct the activities of the SPEs that most significantly impact their economic performance.  Further, Jefferies is not the servicer of non-agency sponsored securitizations and therefore does not have power to direct the most significant activities of the SPEs and accordingly, does not consolidate these entities.  Jefferies may retain unsold senior and/or subordinated interests at the time of securitization in the form of securities issued by the SPEs.

Jefferies transfers existing securities, typically mortgage-backed securities, into resecuritization vehicles.  These transactions in which debt securities are transferred to a VIE in exchange for new beneficial interests occur in connection with both agency and non-agency sponsored VIEs.  The consolidation analysis is largely dependent on Jefferies role and interest in the resecuritization trusts.  Most resecuritizations in which Jefferies is involved are in connection with investors seeking securities with specific risk and return characteristics.  As such, we have concluded that the decision-making power is shared between Jefferies and the investor (s), considering the joint efforts involved in structuring the trust and selecting the underlying assets as well as the level of security interests the investor(s) hold in the SPE; therefore, Jefferies does not consolidate the resecuritization VIEs.

 At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Jefferies held $4,706.5 million and $3,186.9 million of agency mortgage-backed securities, respectively, and $893.5 million and $1,120.0 million of non-agency mortgage- and other asset-backed securities, respectively, as a result of its secondary trading and market-making activities, underwriting, placement and structuring activities and resecuritization activities.  Jefferies maximum exposure to loss on these securities is limited to the carrying value of its investments in these securities.  Mortgage- and other asset-backed securitization vehicles discussed within this section are not included in the above table containing information about Jefferies variable interests in nonconsolidated VIEs.

We also have a variable interest in a nonconsolidated VIE consisting of our equity interest in an associated company, Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC.  See Note 9 for further discussion.

In addition, at September 30, 2015, we have a variable interest in a nonconsolidated VIE consisting of our senior secured term loan receivable with rights with FXCM.  See Note 3 for further discussion.

Note 9.  Loans to and Investments in Associated Companies

A summary of loans to and investments in associated companies at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 accounted for under the equity method of accounting is as follows (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Jefferies Finance, LLC
$
526,638

 
$
508,891

Jefferies LoanCore LLC
246,272

 
258,947

Berkadia
198,710

 
208,511

Garcadia companies
169,602

 
167,939

HomeFed
270,068

 
271,782

Linkem S.p.A.
141,690

 
159,054

Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC (1)
114,820

 
103,598

Other
35,946

 
33,846

 
 
 
 
Total
$
1,703,746

 
$
1,712,568


(1)
At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the balance reflects $33.9 million and $33.7 million, respectively, related to a noncontrolling interest.


32



Income (losses) related to associated companies includes the following for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Berkadia
$
15,730

 
$
20,042

 
$
67,806

 
$
58,403

Garcadia companies
16,342

 
13,798

 
47,476

 
39,100

Linkem
(4,750
)
 
(4,535
)
 
(13,892
)
 
(15,094
)
HomeFed
1,338

 
962

 
(1,714
)
 
1,139

Golden Queen
(279
)
 
(1,160
)
 
(1,278
)
 
(1,160
)
Other
(4,138
)
 
(190
)
 
(3,897
)
 
1,910

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
24,243

 
$
28,917

 
$
94,501

 
$
84,298


Income (losses) related to associated companies classified as Other revenues includes the following for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Jefferies Finance
$
26,714

 
$
33,983

 
$
58,245

 
$
66,257

Jefferies LoanCore
12,510

 
2,273

 
30,604

 
8,155

Other
(679
)
 
(509
)
 
(1,158
)
 
(773
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
38,545

 
$
35,747

 
$
87,691

 
$
73,639


Jefferies Finance

In October 2004, Jefferies entered into an agreement with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company ("MassMutual") and Babson Capital Management LLC to form Jefferies Finance, a joint venture entity.  Jefferies Finance is a commercial finance company whose primary focus is the origination and syndication of senior secured debt to middle market and growth companies in the form of term and revolving loans.  Loans are originated primarily through the investment banking efforts of Jefferies.  Jefferies Finance may also originate other debt products such as second lien term, bridge and mezzanine loans, as well as related equity co‑investments.  Jefferies Finance also purchases syndicated loans in the secondary market.

Jefferies and MassMutual each have equity commitments to Jefferies Finance of $600.0 million.  At September 30, 2015, approximately $510.4 million of Jefferies commitment was funded.  The investment commitment is scheduled to mature on March 1, 2016 with automatic one year extensions subject to a 60 day termination notice by either party.

In addition, Jefferies and MassMutual have entered into a Secured Revolving Credit Facility, to be funded equally, to support loan underwritings by Jefferies Finance.  The Secured Revolving Credit Facility bears interest based on the interest rates of the related Jefferies Finance underwritten loans and is secured by the underlying loans funded by the proceeds of the facility.  During the third quarter of 2015, the Secured Revolving Credit Facility was modified and reduced from a committed and discretionary total of $1.0 billion to a total committed amount of $0.5 billion at September 30, 2015.  Advances are shared equally between Jefferies and MassMutual.  The facility is scheduled to mature on March 1, 2016 with automatic one year extensions subject to a 60 day termination notice by either party.  At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $0.0 and $0.0, respectively, of Jefferies $250.0 million and $350.0 million , respectively, commitments were funded.

Jefferies engages in debt capital markets transactions with Jefferies Finance related to the originations of loans by Jefferies Finance.  In connection with such transactions, Jefferies earned fees of $53.3 million and $53.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $108.8 million and $139.8 million, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which are recognized in Investment banking revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  In addition, Jefferies paid fees to Jefferies Finance in respect of certain loans originated by Jefferies Finance of $1.5 million and $2.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $3.1 million and $10.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which are recognized within Selling, general and other expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, Jefferies acted as placement agent in connection with several CLOs managed by Jefferies Finance, for which Jefferies recognized fees of $0 and $3.1 million, respectively, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, and $2.5 million and $4.6 million, respectively, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 which are included in Investment banking revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Jefferies held securities issued by CLOs managed by Jefferies Finance, which are included within Trading assets, and provided a guarantee, whereby Jefferies is required to make payments to a CLO in the event Jefferies Finance is unable to meet its obligation to the CLO.  Additionally, Jefferies has entered into participation agreements and derivative contracts with Jefferies Finance whose underlying is based on certain securities issued by the CLO.  There were no significant revenues recognized by Jefferies in connection with its roles related to the execution of the CLO.

We acted as underwriter in connection with senior notes issued by Jefferies Finance, for which we recognized underwriting fees of $1.3 million and $4.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amounts for the three month periods were not significant.

33




Under a service agreement, Jefferies charged Jefferies Finance $8.4 million and $6.5 million for services provided during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $43.3 million and $35.2 million for services provided during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Receivables from Jefferies Finance, included within Other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, were $122.5 million and $41.5 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Jefferies LoanCore

In February 2011, Jefferies entered into a joint venture agreement with the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation and LoanCore, LLC and formed Jefferies LoanCore, a commercial real estate finance company.  Jefferies LoanCore originates and purchases commercial real estate loans throughout the U.S. with the support of the investment banking and securitization capabilities of Jefferies and the real estate and mortgage investment expertise of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation and LoanCore, LLC.  Jefferies LoanCore has aggregate equity commitments of $600.0 million.  At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Jefferies had funded $118.4 million and $200.9 million, respectively, of its $291.0 million equity commitment and has a 48.5% voting interest in Jefferies LoanCore.

Berkadia

Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC is a commercial mortgage banking and servicing joint venture formed in 2009 with Berkshire Hathaway.  We and Berkshire Hathaway each contributed $217.2 million of equity capital to the joint venture and each have a 50% equity interest in Berkadia.  Through September 30, 2015, cumulative cash distributions received from this investment aggregated $375.8 million.  Berkadia originates commercial/multifamily real estate loans that are sold to U.S. government agencies, and originates and brokers commercial mortgage loans which are not part of government agency programs.  Berkadia is a servicer of commercial real estate loans in the U.S., performing primary, master and special servicing functions for U.S. government agency programs, commercial mortgage-backed securities transactions, banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions.

Berkadia uses all of the proceeds from the commercial paper sales of an affiliate of Berkadia to fund new mortgage loans, servicer advances, investments and other working capital requirements.  Repayment of the commercial paper is supported by a $2.5 billion surety policy issued by a Berkshire Hathaway insurance subsidiary and corporate guaranty, and we have agreed to reimburse Berkshire Hathaway for one-half of any losses incurred thereunder.  As of September 30, 2015, the aggregate amount of commercial paper outstanding was $2.47 billion.

Linkem

We own approximately 42% of the common shares of Linkem, a fixed wireless broadband services provider in Italy, at a cost of $142.9 million.  In addition, we have purchased 5% convertible notes issued by Linkem for $101.0 million (€80.7 million principal amount, including interest in kind) which if converted, would increase our ownership to approximately 55% of Linkem’s common equity.  The excess of our investment in Linkem’s common shares over our share of underlying book value is being amortized to expense over 12 years.

HomeFed

At September 30, 2015, we own 9,974,226 shares of HomeFed’s common stock, representing approximately 65% of HomeFed’s outstanding common shares; however, we have agreed to limit our voting rights such that we will not be able to vote more than 45% of HomeFed’s total voting securities voting on any matter, assuming all HomeFed shares not owned by us are voted.  HomeFed is engaged, directly and through subsidiaries, in the investment in and development of real estate projects.  HomeFed is a public company traded on the NASD OTC Bulletin Board (Symbol: HOFD).  As a result of a 1998 distribution to all of our shareholders, approximately 4.8% of HomeFed is beneficially owned by our Chairman at September 30, 2015.  Our Chairman also serves as HomeFed’s Chairman, and our President is a Director of HomeFed.

During 2014, we sold to HomeFed substantially all of our real estate properties and operations, our interest in Brooklyn Renaissance Plaza (“BRP”) and cash of approximately $14.0 million, in exchange for 7,500,000 newly issued unregistered HomeFed common shares. Under GAAP, we are not permitted to immediately recognize any gain on real estate sale transactions in which the seller does not receive cash; accordingly, the gain on sale of approximately $36.1 million was deferred and is being recognized into income over time.

Since we do not control HomeFed, our investment in HomeFed is accounted for as an investment in an associated company.  We have also entered into a stockholders agreement that will limit our ability to increase our interest in HomeFed or dispose of our interest in HomeFed. We have a registration rights agreement with HomeFed that covers all of our HomeFed shares.

Golden Queen Mining Company

During 2014 and 2015, we invested $83.0 million, net in cash in a limited liability company (Gauss LLC) to partner with the Clay family and Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd., to jointly fund, develop and operate the Soledad Mountain gold and silver mine project.  Previously 100% owned by Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd., the project is a fully-permitted, open pit, heap leach gold and silver project located in Kern County, California.  Construction has started on site and commissioning is planned for late 2015.  In exchange for a noncontrolling ownership interest in Gauss LLC, the Clay family contributed $34.5 million, net in cash.  Gauss LLC invested both our and the Clay family’s net contributions totaling $117.5 million to the joint venture, Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC, in exchange for a 50% ownership interest.  Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. contributed the Soledad Mountain project to the joint venture in exchange for the other 50% interest.

As a result of our consolidating Gauss LLC, our Loans to and investments in associated companies reflects Gauss LLC’s net investment of $117.5 million in the joint venture, which includes both the amount we contributed and the amount contributed by the Clay family.  The joint venture, Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC, is considered a VIE as the voting rights of the investors are not proportional to their obligations to absorb the expected losses and their rights to receive the expected residual returns, given the provision of services to the joint venture by Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd.  Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. has entered into an agreement with the joint venture for the provision of executive officers, financial, managerial, administrative and other services, and office space and equipment. 
We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the joint venture and are therefore not consolidating its results.

Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with the joint venture is limited to our investment.


34



Note 10.  Financial Statement Offsetting

In connection with Jefferies derivative activities and securities financing activities, Jefferies may enter into master netting agreements and collateral arrangements with counterparties.  Generally, transactions are executed under standard industry agreements, including, but not limited to: derivative transactions – ISDA master netting agreements; securities lending transactions – master securities lending agreements; and repurchase transactions – master repurchase agreements.  A master agreement creates a single contract under which all transactions between two counterparties are executed allowing for trade aggregation and a single net payment obligation.  Master agreements provide protection in bankruptcy in certain circumstances and, where legally enforceable, enable receivables and payables with the same counterparty to be settled or otherwise eliminated by applying amounts due to a counterparty against all or a portion of an amount due from the counterparty or a third party.  In addition, Jefferies may enter into customized bilateral trading agreements and other customer agreements that provide for the netting of receivables and payables with a given counterparty as a single net obligation.

Under Jefferies derivative ISDA master netting agreements, Jefferies typically will also execute credit support annexes, which provide for collateral, either in the form of cash or securities, to be posted by or paid to a counterparty based on the fair value of the derivative receivable or payable based on the rates and parameters established in the credit support annex.  In the event of the counterparty’s default, provisions of the master agreement permit acceleration and termination of all outstanding transactions covered by the agreement such that a single amount is owed by, or to, the non-defaulting party.  In addition, any collateral posted can be applied to the net obligations, with any excess returned; and the collateralized party has a right to liquidate the collateral.  Any residual claim after netting is treated along with other unsecured claims in bankruptcy court.

The conditions supporting the legal right of offset may vary from one legal jurisdiction to another and the enforceability of master netting agreements and bankruptcy laws in certain countries or in certain industries is not free from doubt.  The right of offset is dependent both on contract law under the governing arrangement and consistency with the bankruptcy laws of the jurisdiction where the counterparty is located.  Industry legal opinions with respect to the enforceability of certain standard provisions in respective jurisdictions are relied upon as a part of managing credit risk.  Master netting agreements are a critical component of Jefferies risk management processes as part of reducing counterparty credit risk and managing liquidity risk.

Jefferies is also a party to clearing agreements with various central clearing parties.  Under these arrangements, the central clearing counterparty facilitates settlement between counterparties based on the net payable owed or receivable due and, with respect to daily settlement, cash is generally only required to be deposited to the extent of the net amount.  In the event of default, a net termination amount is determined based on the market values of all outstanding positions and the clearing organization or clearing member provides for the liquidation and settlement of the net termination amount among all counterparties to the open repurchase and/or securities lending transactions.

The following table provides information regarding derivative contracts, repurchase agreements and securities borrowing and lending arrangements that are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and 1) the extent to which, under enforceable master netting arrangements, such balances are presented net in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as appropriate under GAAP and 2) the extent to which other rights of setoff associated with these arrangements exist and could have an effect on our consolidated financial position.

(In thousands)
Gross
Amounts
 
Netting in Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition
 
Net Amounts in Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition
 
Additional Amounts Available for Setoff (1)
 
Available Collateral (2)
 
Net Amount (3)
Assets at September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative contracts
$
4,873,550

 
$
(4,394,947
)
 
$
478,603

 
$

 
$

 
$
478,603

Securities borrowing arrangements
$
7,702,853

 
$

 
$
7,702,853

 
$
(624,220
)
 
$
(776,755
)
 
$
6,301,878

Reverse repurchase agreements
$
12,911,367

 
$
(8,637,685
)
 
$
4,273,682

 
$
(111,791
)
 
$
(4,153,574
)
 
$
8,317

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities at September 30, 2015
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative contracts
$
4,762,399

 
$
(4,504,522
)
 
$
257,877

 
$

 
$

 
$
257,877

Securities lending arrangements
$
3,645,195

 
$

 
$
3,645,195

 
$
(624,220
)
 
$
(2,985,739
)
 
$
35,236

Repurchase agreements
$
19,478,562

 
$
(8,637,685
)
 
$
10,840,877

 
$
(111,791
)
 
$
(9,263,393
)
 
$
1,465,693

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets at December 31, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative contracts
$
5,165,613

 
$
(4,759,345
)
 
$
406,268

 
$

 
$

 
$
406,268

Securities borrowing arrangements
$
6,853,103

 
$

 
$
6,853,103

 
$
(680,222
)
 
$
(1,274,196
)
 
$
4,898,685

Reverse repurchase agreements
$
14,059,133

 
$
(10,132,275
)
 
$
3,926,858

 
$
(634,568
)
 
$
(3,248,817
)
 
$
43,473

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities at December 31, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative contracts
$
5,220,133

 
$
(4,856,618
)
 
$
363,515

 
$

 
$

 
$
363,515

Securities lending arrangements
$
2,598,487

 
$

 
$
2,598,487

 
$
(680,222
)
 
$
(1,883,140
)
 
$
35,125

Repurchase agreements
$
20,804,432

 
$
(10,132,275
)
 
$
10,672,157

 
$
(634,568
)
 
$
(8,810,770
)
 
$
1,226,819


(1)
Under master netting agreements with our counterparties, we have the legal right of offset with a counterparty, which incorporates all of the counterparty’s outstanding rights and obligations under the arrangement.  These balances reflect additional credit risk mitigation that is available by counterparty in the event of a counterparty’s default, but which are not netted in the balance sheet because other provisions of GAAP are not met.  Further, for derivative assets and liabilities, amounts netted include cash collateral paid or received.
(2)
Includes securities received or paid under collateral arrangements with counterparties that could be liquidated in the event of a counterparty default and thus offset against a counterparty’s rights and obligations under the respective repurchase agreements or securities borrowing or lending arrangements.
(3)
At September 30, 2015, amounts include $6,266.5 million of securities borrowing arrangements, for which we have received securities collateral of $6,068.1 million, and $1,438.7 million of repurchase agreements, for which we have pledged securities collateral of $1,484.0 million, which are subject to master netting agreements but we have not yet determined the agreements to be legally enforceable.  At December 31, 2014, amounts include $4,847.4

35



million of securities borrowing arrangements, for which we have received securities collateral of $4,694.0 million, and $1,201.9 million of repurchase agreements, for which we have pledged securities collateral of $1,238.4 million, which are subject to master netting agreements but we have not yet determined the agreements to be legally enforceable.

Note 11.  Intangible Assets, Net and Goodwill

A summary of Intangible assets, net and goodwill at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Indefinite-lived intangibles:
 
 
 
Exchange and clearing organization membership interests and registrations
$
13,166

 
$
14,528

 
 
 
 
Amortizable intangibles:
 

 
 

Customer and other relationships, net of accumulated amortization of $183,145 and $155,548
465,225

 
493,501

Trademarks and tradename, net of accumulated amortization of $59,814 and $47,101
334,789

 
347,883

Supply contracts, net of accumulated amortization of $38,124 and $30,433
111,871

 
119,562

Other, net of accumulated amortization of $5,125 and $4,703
2,588

 
2,900

Total intangible assets, net
927,639

 
978,374

 
 
 
 
Goodwill:
 

 
 

National Beef
14,991

 
14,991

Jefferies
1,716,689

 
1,718,847

Other operations
8,551

 
8,551

Total goodwill
1,740,231

 
1,742,389

 
 
 
 
Total Intangible assets, net and goodwill
$
2,667,870

 
$
2,720,763


Amortization expense on intangible assets was $15.8 million and $16.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $48.3 million and $49.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The estimated aggregate future amortization expense for the intangible assets for each of the next five years is as follows:  2015 (for the remaining three months) - $15.8 million; 2016 - $63.0 million; 2017 - $63.1 million; 2018 - $63.3 million; and 2019 - $63.1 million.

Goodwill and Intangibles Impairment Testing

We performed our annual impairment testing of Jefferies goodwill as of August 1, 2015. The quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed at our reporting unit level and consists of two steps. In the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared with its carrying value, including goodwill and allocated intangible assets. If the fair value is in excess of the carrying value, the goodwill for the reporting unit is considered not to be impaired. If the fair value is less than the carrying value then a second step is performed in order to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any, which is based on comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to the carrying value. Our annual impairment test did not indicate an impairment of Jefferies goodwill.

We also performed our annual impairment testing of Jefferies intangible assets with an indefinite useful life, which consists of exchange and clearing organization membership interests and registrations, at August 1, 2015. We elected to perform a quantitative assessment of membership interests and registrations that have available quoted sales prices as well as all other membership interests and registrations related to the Bache business. A qualitative assessment was performed on the remainder of Jefferies indefinite-life intangible assets. In applying the quantitative assessment, we recognized an impairment loss of $1.3 million on certain exchange memberships based on a decline in fair value at August 1, 2015. With regard to the qualitative assessment of the remaining indefinite-life intangible assets, based on our assessment of market conditions, the utilization of the assets and replacement costs associated with the assets, we have concluded that it is not more likely than not that the intangible assets are impaired.

Note 12.  Inventory

A summary of inventory at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 which is classified as Other assets is as follows (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
Finished goods
$
266,296

 
$
343,959

Work in process
38,702

 
40,951

Raw materials, supplies and other
39,767

 
37,993

 
$
344,765

 
$
422,903


Note 13.  Short-Term Borrowings

Short-term borrowings represent Jefferies bank loans that are payable on demand and generally bear interest at a spread over the federal funds rate.  Unsecured bank loans are typically overnight loans used to finance trading assets or clearing related balances, but are not part of Jefferies systemic funding model.  At

36



September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $12.0 million and $12.0 million, respectively, was outstanding.  At September 30, 2015, the interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding is 0.68% per annum.

On April 23, 2015, Jefferies entered into a committed revolving credit facility (“Intraday Credit Facility”) with the Bank of New York Mellon under which, the Bank of New York Mellon has agreed to make revolving intraday credit advances for an aggregate committed amount of $500.0 million in U.S. dollars. The term of the Intraday Credit Facility is six months after the closing date, but can be extended for an additional six months upon our request and at the lender's discretion. The Intraday Credit Facility contains a financial covenant, which includes a minimum regulatory net capital requirement. Interest is based on the higher of the Federal funds effective rate plus 0.5% or the prime rate. At September 30, 2015, Jefferies was in compliance with debt covenants under the Intraday Credit Facility.

Note 14.  Long-Term Debt

The principal amount (net of unamortized discounts and premiums), stated interest rate and maturity date of outstanding debt at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Parent Company Debt:
 
 
 
Senior Notes:
 
 
 
8.125% Senior Notes due September 15, 2015, $0 and $458,641 principal
$

 
$
457,723

5.50% Senior Notes due October 18, 2023, $750,000 principal
741,370

 
740,748

6.625% Senior Notes due October 23, 2043, $250,000 principal
247,018

 
246,991

Total long-term debt – Parent  Company
988,388

 
1,445,462

 
 
 
 
Subsidiary Debt (non-recourse to Parent Company):
 

 
 

Jefferies:
 

 
 

3.875% Senior Notes, due November 9, 2015, $500,000 principal
501,630

 
507,944

5.5% Senior Notes, due March 15, 2016, $350,000 principal
355,600

 
363,229

5.125% Senior Notes, due April 13, 2018, $800,000 principal
833,352

 
842,359

8.5% Senior Notes, due July 15, 2019, $700,000 principal
812,894

 
832,797

2.375% Euro Senior Notes, due May 20, 2020, $561,250 and $622,175 principal
560,111

 
620,725

6.875% Senior Notes, due April 15, 2021, $750,000 principal
842,406

 
853,091

2.25% Euro Medium Term Notes, due July 13, 2022, $4,490 and $4,977 principal
3,996

 
4,379

5.125% Senior Notes, due January 20, 2023, $600,000 principal
621,505

 
623,311

6.45% Senior Debentures, due June 8, 2027, $350,000 principal
380,172

 
381,515

3.875% Convertible Senior Debentures, due November 1, 2029, $345,000 principal
347,685

 
348,568

6.25% Senior Debentures, due January 15, 2036, $500,000 principal
512,811

 
513,046

6.50% Senior Notes, due January 20, 2043, $400,000 principal
421,734

 
421,960

Secured credit facility

 
170,000

National Beef Term Loan
318,750

 
345,000

National Beef Revolving Credit Facility
171,287

 
135,144

Other
184,428

 
119,399

Total long-term debt – subsidiaries
6,868,361

 
7,082,467

 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
$
7,856,749

 
$
8,527,929


Subsidiary Debt:

Jefferies 3.875% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2029 are convertible into our common shares; each $1,000 are convertible into 22.3764 common shares (equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $44.69).  The debentures are convertible at the holders’ option any time beginning on August 1, 2029 and convertible at any time if: 1) our common stock price is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days in a period of 30 consecutive trading days; 2) if the trading price per debenture is less than 95% of the price of our common stock times the conversion ratio for any 10 consecutive trading days; 3) if the debentures are called for redemption; or 4) upon the occurrence of specific corporate actions.  The debentures may be redeemed for par, plus accrued interest, on or after November 1, 2012 if the price of our common stock is greater than 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 days in a period of 30 consecutive trading days and we may redeem the debentures for par, plus accrued interest, at our election any time on or after November 1, 2017.  Holders may require us to repurchase the debentures for par, plus accrued interest, on November 1, 2017, 2019 and 2024.  In addition to ordinary interest, commencing November 1, 2017, contingent interest will accrue at 0.375% if the average trading price of a debenture for 5 trading days ending on and including the third trading day immediately preceding a six-month interest period equals or exceeds $1,200 per $1,000 debenture.

At December 31, 2014, Jefferies had a committed senior secured revolving credit facility ("Jefferies Credit Facility") with a group of commercial banks in U.S. dollars, Euros and Sterling, in an aggregate committed amount of $750.0 million with availability subject to one or more borrowing bases.  The Jefferies Credit Facility contained certain financial covenants, including, but not limited to, restrictions on future indebtedness of Jefferies subsidiaries, minimum tangible net worth and liquidity requirements amounts and minimum capital requirements.  Interest was based on, in the case of U.S. dollar borrowings, the Federal funds rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate or, in the case of non-U.S. dollar borrowings, was based on the London Interbank Offered Rate.  The obligations of each borrower under the Credit Facility were secured by substantially all the assets of such borrower, but none of the borrowers was responsible for any obligations of any other borrower.  Jefferies terminated the Credit Facility on July 31, 2015, due to the exiting of the Bache business. For further information with respect to Jefferies use of the Credit Facility, see Note 27.

37




At September 30, 2015, National Beef’s credit facility consisted of a $375.0 million term loan and a revolving credit facility of $375.0 million, which matures in October 2018.  The term loan and the revolving credit facility bear interest at the Base Rate or the LIBOR Rate (as defined in the credit facility), plus a margin ranging from 0.75% to 2.75% depending upon certain financial ratios and the rate selected.  At September 30, 2015, the interest rate on the outstanding term loan was 2.9% and the interest rate on the outstanding revolving credit facility was 2.9%.  The credit facility contains a minimum tangible net worth covenant; at September 30, 2015, National Beef met this covenant.  The credit facility is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the assets of National Beef and its subsidiaries.

Borrowings under the revolving credit facility are available for National Beef’s working capital requirements, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes.  Unused capacity under the facility can also be used to issue letters of credit; letters of credit aggregating $20.1 million were outstanding at September 30, 2015.  Amounts available under the revolver are subject to a borrowing base calculation primarily comprised of receivable and inventory balances.  At September 30, 2015, after deducting outstanding amounts and issued letters of credit, $115.7 million of the unused revolver was available to National Beef.

Note 15.  Mezzanine Equity

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Redeemable noncontrolling interests primarily relate to National Beef and are held by its minority owners, principally USPB, NBPCo Holdings and the chief executive officer of National Beef.  The holders of these interests share in the profits and losses of National Beef on a pro rata basis with us.  However, the minority owners have the right to require us to purchase their interests under certain specified circumstances at fair value (put rights), and we also have the right to purchase their interests under certain specified circumstances at fair value (call rights).  Each of the holders of the put rights has the right to make an election that requires us to purchase up to one-third of their interests on December 30, 2016, one-third on December 30, 2018, and the remainder on December 30, 2021.  In addition, USPB may elect to exercise their put rights following the termination of the cattle supply agreement, and the chief executive officer following the termination of his employment.

Our call rights with respect to USPB may be exercised following the termination of the cattle supply agreement or after USPB’s ownership interest is less than 20% of their interest held at the time we acquired National Beef.  Our call rights with respect to other members may be exercised after the ten year anniversary of our acquisition of National Beef if such member’s ownership interest is less than 50% of the interest held at the time we acquired National Beef.  Additionally, we may acquire the chief executive officer’s interest following the termination of his employment.

Redeemable noncontrolling interests in National Beef are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value.  The following table reconciles National Beef’s redeemable noncontrolling interests activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

 
2015
 
2014
As of January 1,
$
184,333

 
$
241,075

Income (loss) allocated to redeemable noncontrolling interests
(15,868
)
 
966

Net distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests

 
(2,765
)
Increase (decrease) in fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests credited to additional paid-in capital
8,306

 
(10,588
)
Balance, September 30,
$
176,771


$
228,688


At acquisition, we prepared a projection of future cash flows of National Beef, which was used along with other information to allocate the purchase price to National Beef’s individual assets and liabilities.  At September 30, 2015, we calculated the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests by updating our estimate of future cash flows, as well as considering other market comparable information deemed appropriate.  The projected future cash flows consider estimated revenue growth, cost of sales changes, capital expenditures and other unobservable inputs.  However, the most significant unobservable inputs affecting the estimate of fair value are the discount rate (12.7%) and the terminal growth rate (2.0%) used to calculate the capitalization rate of the terminal value.

The table below is a sensitivity analysis which shows the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests using the assumed discount and the terminal growth rates and fair values under different rate assumptions as of September 30, 2015 (dollars in millions):

 
 
Discount Rates
Terminal Growth Rates
 
12.45%
 
12.70%
 
12.95%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.75
%
 
$
180.7

 
$
174.5

 
$
168.6

2.00
%
 
$
183.1

 
$
176.8

 
$
170.7

2.25
%
 
$
185.6

 
$
179.1

 
$
172.9


The projection of future cash flows is updated with input from National Beef personnel.  The estimate is reviewed by personnel at our corporate office as part of the normal process for the preparation of our quarterly and annual financial statements.

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, redeemable noncontrolling interests also include the noncontrolling interest in a business acquired by Conwed of $2.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively.

Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares

In connection with our acquisition of Jefferies in March 2013, we issued a new series of 3.25% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Shares (“Preferred Shares”) ($125.0 million at mandatory redemption value) in exchange for Jefferies outstanding 3.25% Series A-1 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.  The Preferred Shares have a 3.25% annual, cumulative cash dividend and are currently convertible into 4,162,200 common shares, an effective conversion price of $30.03 per share.  The Preferred Shares are callable beginning in 2023 at a price of $1,000 per share plus accrued interest and are mandatorily redeemable in 2038.

38




Note 16.  Common Shares and Compensation Plans

Prior to the acquisition of Jefferies, we had two share-based compensation plans: a fixed stock option plan and a senior executive warrant plan.  The fixed stock option plan provides for the issuance of stock options and stock appreciation rights to non-employee directors and certain employees at not less than the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant.  Options granted to employees under this plan are intended to qualify as incentive stock options to the extent permitted under the Internal Revenue Code and become exercisable in five equal annual installments starting one year from date of grant.  Options granted to non-employee directors become exercisable in four equal annual installments starting one year from date of grant.  No stock appreciation rights have been granted.  At September 30, 2015, 4,915,100 of our common shares were reserved for stock options and warrants.

Compensation and benefits expense included $19.0 million and $24.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $71.9 million and $87.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for share-based compensation expense relating to grants made under our share-based compensation plans.  Total compensation cost includes the amortization of sign-on, retention and senior executive awards, less forfeitures and clawbacks.  The total tax benefit recognized in results of operations related to share-based compensation expenses was $7.2 million and $9.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $26.5 million and $31.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  As of September 30, 2015, total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation plans was $49.7 million; this cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

The net tax detriment related to share-based compensation plans recognized in additional paid-in capital was $5.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and was not significant during the three month 2015 period and the 2014 periods.  Cash flows resulting from tax deductions in excess of the grant date fair value of share-based awards are included in cash flows from financing activities; accordingly, we reflected the excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation in cash flows from financing activities. Such amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were not significant.

At September 30, 2015, there were 2,107,000 shares of restricted stock outstanding with future service required, 4,036,000 RSUs outstanding with future service required, 8,633,000 RSUs outstanding with no future service required and 925,000 shares issuable under other plans.  Excluding shares issuable pursuant to outstanding stock options and warrants, the maximum potential increase to common shares outstanding resulting from these outstanding awards is 13,594,000.

Note 17.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Activity in accumulated other comprehensive income is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity but not in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  A summary of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):

 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains on available for sale securities
$
561,233

 
$
577,588

Net unrealized foreign exchange losses
(45,415
)
 
(26,771
)
Net minimum pension liability
(99,963
)
 
(103,735
)
 
$
415,855


$
447,082


For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income are as follows (in thousands):
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Components
 
Amount Reclassified from
 Accumulated Other
 Comprehensive Income
 
Affected Line Item in the
Consolidated Statements
of Operations
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $5,230 and $(578)
 
$
9,419

 
$
(1,041
)
 
Net realized securities gains
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized foreign exchange gains, net of income tax provision of $0 and $149
 

 
267

 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax (benefit)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of defined benefit pension plan actuarial gains (losses), net of income tax benefit of $(1,959) and $(1,266)
 
(3,772
)
 
(2,280
)
 
Compensation and benefits, which includes pension expense. See the pension footnote for information on this component.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax
 
$
5,647


$
(3,054
)
 
 


39



Note 18.  Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefits

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic pension cost charged to operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Components of net periodic pension cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest cost
$
3,472

 
$
3,769

 
$
10,416

 
$
11,317

Service cost

 
11

 

 
33

Expected return on plan assets
(2,690
)
 
(2,536
)
 
(8,071
)
 
(7,609
)
Actuarial losses
1,911

 
1,207

 
5,730

 
3,624

Net periodic pension cost
$
2,693


$
2,451

 
$
8,075

 
$
7,365


$1.0 million of employer contributions were paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

In the third quarter of 2015, we launched a limited time voluntary lump sum offer to approximately 4,000 of the deferred vested participants of the WilTel Communications Pension Plan. For those participants electing to receive a lump sum payment, payments will be made on December 1, 2015 using pension plan assets. We anticipate recognizing a settlement charge in the fourth quarter of 2015, which is contingent on the acceptance rate of the participants.

Other

We have defined contribution pension plans covering certain employees.  Contributions and costs are a percent of each covered employee’s salary.  Amounts charged to expense related to such plans were not significant for the 2015 and 2014 periods.

We provide certain health care and other benefits to certain retired employees under plans which are currently unfunded.  We pay the cost of postretirement benefits as they are incurred.  Accumulated postretirement benefit obligations and amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were not significant.
 
Note 19.  Income Taxes

The aggregate amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2015 was $194.7 million (including $42.1 million for interest), of which $146.2 million was related to Jefferies.  If recognized, such amounts would lower our effective tax rate.

The statute of limitations with respect to our federal income tax returns has expired for all years through 2011.  Our New York State and New York City income tax returns are currently being audited for the 2009 to 2011 period.  Prior to becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary, Jefferies filed a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return with its qualifying subsidiaries and was subject to income tax in various states, municipalities and foreign jurisdictions.  Jefferies is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service and other major tax jurisdictions.  The statute of limitations with respect to Jefferies federal income tax returns has expired for all years through 2006.

We do not expect that resolution of these examinations will have a significant effect on our consolidated financial position, but could have a significant impact on the consolidated results of operations for the period in which resolution occurs.

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the provision (benefit) for income taxes includes $1.2 million and $11.2 million, respectively, for state income taxes and $2.3 million and $3.8 million, respectively, for foreign income taxes. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the provision (benefit) for income taxes includes $10.8 million and $51.1 million, respectively for state income taxes and $5.0 million and $14.5 million, respectively, for foreign taxes. During the second quarter of 2015, we recorded a benefit of $12.8 million related to certain state and local net operating loss carryforwards which we now believe are more likely than not to be realized in the future, a significant portion of which results from recently enacted state and local tax law changes. This benefit is reflected in the nine months ended September 30, 2015. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the provision for income taxes includes a tax benefit of $22.2 million related to the reduction of the valuation allowance with respect to certain net operating loss carryforwards, which we believe are more likely than not to be utilized before they expire.


40



Note 20.  Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share amounts were calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The numerators and denominators used to calculate basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
 
For the 
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
For the 
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Numerator for earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Leucadia National Corporation common shareholders
$
(173,173
)
 
$
54,679

 
$
223,992

 
$
214,069

Allocation of earnings to participating securities (1)

 
(1,264
)
 
(3,871
)
 
(5,167
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Leucadia National Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings (loss) per share
(173,173
)
 
53,415

 
220,121

 
208,902

Adjustment to allocation of earnings to participating securities related to diluted shares (1)

 
(16
)
 
(24
)
 
(36
)
Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred share dividends

 

 

 

Interest on 3.75% Convertible Notes

 

 

 
739

Net income (loss) attributable to Leucadia National Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(173,173
)

$
53,399

 
$
220,097

 
$
209,605

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator for earnings (loss) per share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share – weighted average shares
372,547

 
373,347

 
373,181

 
371,372

Stock options

 
28

 
6

 
54

Warrants

 

 

 

Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred shares

 

 

 

3.875% Convertible Senior Debentures

 

 

 

3.75% Convertible Notes

 

 

 
1,839

Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share
372,547


373,375

 
373,187

 
373,265


(1)
Represents dividends declared during the period on participating securities plus an allocation of undistributed earnings to participating securities.  Net losses are not allocated to participating securities.  Participating securities represent restricted stock and RSUs for which requisite service has not yet been rendered and amounted to weighted average shares of 6,320,200 and 8,925,200 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and 6,641,100 and 9,262,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Dividends declared on participating securities were $0.4 million and $0.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $1.2 million and $1.7 million during nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Undistributed earnings are allocated to participating securities based upon their right to share in earnings if all earnings for the period had been distributed.

Options to purchase 905,000 and 1,578,100 weighted-average shares of common stock were outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and 1,074,200 and 1,581,700 weighted-average shares of common stock were outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted per share amounts as the effect was antidilutive.

For each period in the table above, the denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share does not include weighted-average common shares of 4,000,000 related to outstanding warrants to purchase common shares at $33.33 per share, as the effect was antidilutive.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, shares related to the 3.875% Convertible Senior Debentures were not included in the computation of diluted per share amounts as the conversion price exceeded the average market price.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, 4,162,200 shares related to the mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred shares were not included in the computation of diluted per share amounts as the effect was antidilutive.


41



Note 21.  Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees

Commitments

The following table summarizes commitments associated with certain business activities (in millions):
 
Expected Maturity Date
 
 
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
and
2018
 
2019
and
2020
 
2021
and
Later
 
Maximum
Payout 
Equity commitments (1)
$
11.4

 
$
107.7

 
$
67.0

 
$
48.8

 
$
232.4

 
$
467.3

Loan commitments (1)
5.0

 
356.0

 
450.3

 
52.3

 

 
863.6

Mortgage-related and other purchase commitments
472.4

 
1,553.1

 
576.4

 

 

 
2,601.9

Forward starting reverse repos and repos
2,712.6

 

 

 

 

 
2,712.6

Other unfunded commitments (1)

 

 
24.0

 
6.0

 
37.0

 
67.0

 
$
3,201.4


$
2,016.8


$
1,117.7


$
107.1


$
269.4


$
6,712.4


(1)
Equity, loan and other unfunded commitments are generally presented by contractual maturity date.  The amounts are however mostly available on demand.

Equity Commitments.  Equity commitments include commitments to invest in Jefferies joint ventures, Jefferies Finance and Jefferies LoanCore, and commitments to invest in private equity funds and in Jefferies Capital Partners, LLC, the manager of the private equity funds, which are managed by a team led by Brian P. Friedman, our President and a Director.  As of September 30, 2015, Jefferies outstanding commitments relating to Jefferies Capital Partners, LLC and its private equity funds were $25.4 million.

See Note 9 for additional information regarding Jefferies investments in Jefferies Finance and Jefferies LoanCore.

In August 2014, we and Solomon Kumin established Folger Hill Asset Management LLC (“Folger Hill”); we committed to provide Folger Hill with a three-year, $20 million revolving credit facility to fund its start-up and initial operating expenses.  As of September 30, 2015, $6.9 million has been provided to Folger Hill under the revolving credit facility.

In August 2015, we expanded our asset management business to include 54 Madison Capital, LLC.  We made a capital commitment of $225.0 million to this new fund, which will target real estate projects.

Additionally, as of September 30, 2015, Jefferies had other equity commitments to invest up to $4.4 million in various other investments.

Loan Commitments. From time to time Jefferies makes commitments to extend credit to investment banking and other clients in loan syndication, acquisition finance and securities transactions and to SPE sponsors in connection with the funding of CLO and other asset-backed transactions.  These commitments and any related drawdowns of these facilities typically have fixed maturity dates and are contingent on certain representations, warranties and contractual conditions applicable to the borrower.  As of September 30, 2015, Jefferies has $613.6 million of outstanding loan commitments to clients.

Loan commitments outstanding as of September 30, 2015, also include Jefferies portion of the outstanding secured revolving credit facility provided to Jefferies Finance, to support loan underwritings by Jefferies Finance.

Mortgage-Related and Other Purchase Commitments.  Jefferies enters into forward contracts to purchase mortgage participation certificates, mortgage-backed securities and consumer loans.  The mortgage participation certificates evidence interests in mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration and the mortgage-backed securities are insured or guaranteed by the FNMA (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) or the GNMA (Ginnie Mae).  Jefferies frequently securitizes the mortgage participation certificates and mortgage-backed securities.  The fair value of mortgage-related and other purchase commitments recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at September 30, 2015 was $187.7 million.

Forward Starting Reverse Repos and Repos.  Jefferies enters into commitments to take possession of securities with agreements to resell on a forward starting basis and to sell securities with agreements to repurchase on a forward starting basis that are primarily secured by U.S. government and agency securities.
Other Unfunded Commitments.  Other unfunded commitments include obligations in the form of revolving notes to provide financing to asset-backed and CLO vehicles. Upon advancing funds, drawn amounts are collateralized by the assets of an entity.

Contingencies

Jefferies Group Inc. Acquisition -- Seven class-action lawsuits had been filed in New York and Delaware on behalf of a class consisting of Jefferies Group’s stockholders concerning the transaction through which Jefferies Group Inc. became our wholly-owned subsidiary.  The class actions named as defendants the Company, Jefferies Group, certain members of our board of directors, certain members of Jefferies Group’s board of directors and, in certain of the actions, certain transaction-related subsidiaries.  On October 31, 2014, the remaining defendants in the Delaware litigation entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs in the Delaware litigation. While the defendants continue to deny each of the plaintiffs’ claims and deny any liability, the defendants entered into the settlement solely to settle and resolve their disputes, to avoid the costs and risks of further litigation and to avoid further distractions to our management. The terms of that settlement agreement provide for an aggregate payment of $70.0 million to certain former equity holders of Jefferies Group Inc., other than the defendants and certain of their affiliates, along with attorneys’ fees that were determined by the court to be $21.5 million. The settlement resolves all of the class-action claims in Delaware. As of November 2, 2015, all of the New York cases were finally dismissed.  We have made all payments on the $70.0 million aggregate settlement amount, and our insurers have covered the majority of the awarded attorneys' fees, all of which have been paid.


42



Sykes v. Mel Harris & Associates, LLC. -- We and certain of our subsidiaries and officers are named as defendants in a consumer class action captioned Sykes v. Mel Harris & Associates, LLC, et al., 9 Civ. 8486 (DC), in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  The named defendants also include the Mel Harris law firm, certain individuals and members associated with the law firm, and a process server, Samserv, Inc. and certain of its employees.  The complaint alleges that default judgments obtained by the law firm against approximately 124,000 individuals in New York courts with respect to consumer debt purchased by our subsidiaries violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, the New York General Business Law and the New York Judiciary Law (alleged only as to the law firm).  The complaint seeks injunctive relief, declaratory relief and damages on behalf of the named plaintiffs and others similarly situated.  We asserted that we were an investor with respect to the subject purchased consumer debt and were regularly informed of the amounts received from debt collections, but otherwise had no involvement in any alleged illegal debt collection activities.

On December 29, 2010, the District Court denied defendants’ motions to dismiss in part (including as to the claims made against us and our subsidiaries) and granted them in part (including as to certain of the claims made against our officers).  On March 28, 2013, the Court certified a Rule 23(b)(2) class and a Rule 23(b)(3) class.  On February 10, 2015, the Second Circuit affirmed the certification of these classes.  None of these decisions addresses the ultimate merits of the case.

On March 18, 2015, we and plaintiffs executed a settlement agreement that provided additional detail regarding the terms of a settlement set out in a December 14, 2014 binding term sheet pursuant to which we expensed $3.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.  This amount is in addition to the $20.0 million previously accrued for this matter and the $22.8 million in deferred revenue.  The settlement agreement will be submitted to the District Court for its approval upon completion of the drafting of related documents. 

Haverhill Retirement System v. Asali, et al. -- On May 2, 2014, plaintiff Haverhill Retirement System (“Haverhill”)  filed an amended putative class action and derivative lawsuit (the “Complaint”) entitled Haverhill Retirement System v. Asali, et al. in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the “Court of Chancery”) against Harbinger Capital Partners LLC, Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd., Global Opportunities Breakaway Ltd., Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. (collectively, the “Harbinger Funds”), the members of the board of directors of Harbinger Group, Inc. (“Harbinger”), nominal defendant Harbinger, as well as Leucadia. The Complaint alleges, among other things, that the directors of Harbinger breached their fiduciary duties in connection with Leucadia’s March 2014 purchase of preferred securities of subsidiaries of the Harbinger Funds that were exchangeable into Harbinger common stock owned by the Harbinger Funds, certain flaws in the process employed by the special committee of directors appointed by the Harbinger board in connection therewith, and that Leucadia aided and abetted the Harbinger board’s breaches of fiduciary, as well as a claim of unjust enrichment against Leucadia.  On April 1, 2014, the Chancery Court denied Haverhill’s motion for expedited proceedings associated with the complaint originally filed by Haverhill on March 26, 2014.  Haverhill filed an amended complaint on May 2, 2014.  On July 2, 2014, the defendants moved to dismiss the amended complaint.  On August 12, 2014, Plaintiffs filed another amended complaint. The amended complaint dropped Plaintiff’s unjust enrichment claim against Leucadia. With respect to remedies sought, the amended complaint no longer sought an injunction against installing Leucadia designees as Board members and no longer sought rescission of Leucadia’s right to select the director class to which one of its designees would be appointed. A term sheet reflecting a settlement among the parties, that did not provide for any payment by the Company, was signed on October 15, 2014.  On December 19, 2014, final settlement papers were submitted to the Court. On June 8, 2015, a settlement hearing took place, at which the Court rejected the settlement.

We and our subsidiaries are parties to other legal and regulatory proceedings that are considered to be either ordinary, routine litigation incidental to their business or not significant to our consolidated financial position.  We and our subsidiaries are also involved, from time to time, in other exams, investigations and similar reviews (both formal and informal) by governmental and self-regulatory agencies regarding our businesses, certain of which may result in judgments, settlements, fines, penalties or other injunctions.  We do not believe that any of these actions will have a significant adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or liquidity, but any amounts paid could be significant to results of operations for the period.

Guarantees

Derivative Contracts.  Jefferies dealer activities cause it to make markets and trade in a variety of derivative instruments. Certain derivative contracts that Jefferies has entered into meet the accounting definition of a guarantee under GAAP, including credit default swaps, written foreign currency options and written equity put options.  On certain of these contracts, such as written interest rate caps and foreign currency options, the maximum payout cannot be quantified since the increase in interest or foreign exchange rates are not contractually limited by the terms of the contract.  As such, we have disclosed notional values as a measure of Jefferies maximum potential payout under these contracts.

The following table summarizes the notional amounts associated with our derivative contracts meeting the definition of a guarantee under GAAP (in millions):
 
Expected Maturity Date
 
 
Guarantee Type
2015
 
2016
 
2017
and
2018
 
2019
and
2020
 
2021
and
Later
 
Notional/
Maximum
Payout
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative contracts – non-credit related
$
19,403.8

 
$
4,091.3

 
$
408.6

 
$
268.2

 
$
440.0

 
$
24,611.9

Written derivative contracts – credit related

 

 
50.6

 
1,904.9

 
20.0

 
1,975.5

Total derivative contracts
$
19,403.8


$
4,091.3


$
459.2


$
2,173.1


$
460.0


$
26,587.4


The external credit ratings of the underlying or referenced assets for our credit related derivatives contracts (in millions):
 
External Credit Rating
 
 
 
AAA/
Aaa
 
AA/
Aa
 
A
 
BBB/Baa
 
Below
Investment
Grade
 
Unrated
 
Notional/
Maximum
Payout
Credit related derivative contracts:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Index credit default swaps
$
1,746.9

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,746.9

Single name credit default swaps
$

 
$

 
$
22.0

 
$
21.5

 
$
134.5

 
$
50.6

 
$
228.6



43



The derivative contracts deemed to meet the definition of a guarantee under GAAP are before consideration of hedging transactions and only reflect a partial or "one-sided" component of any risk exposure.  Written equity options and written credit default swaps are often executed in a strategy that is in tandem with long cash instruments (e.g., equity and debt securities).  Jefferies substantially mitigates its exposure to market risk on these contracts through hedges, such as other derivative contracts and/or cash instruments and Jefferies manages the risk associated with these contracts in the context of its overall risk management framework.  Jefferies believes notional amounts overstate its expected payout and that fair value of these contracts is a more relevant measure of its obligations.  The fair value of derivative contracts meeting the definition of a guarantee is approximately $620.0 million.

Berkadia.  We have agreed to reimburse Berkshire Hathaway for up to one-half of any losses incurred under a $2.5 billion surety policy securing outstanding commercial paper issued by an affiliate of Berkadia.  As of September 30, 2015, the aggregate amount of commercial paper outstanding was $2.47 billion.
Loan Guarantee. Jefferies has provided a guarantee to Jefferies Finance that matures in January 2021, whereby Jefferies is required to make certain payments to a SPE sponsored by Jefferies Finance in the event that Jefferies Finance is unable to meet its obligations to the SPE and a guarantee of a credit agreement with an indefinite term for a fund owned by employees. At September 30, 2015, the maximum amount payable under these guarantees is $28.8 million.
Other Guarantees.  Jefferies is a member of various exchanges and clearing houses.  In the normal course of business Jefferies provides guarantees to securities clearinghouses and exchanges.  These guarantees generally are required under the standard membership agreements, such that members are required to guarantee the performance of other members.  Additionally, if a member becomes unable to satisfy its obligations to the clearinghouse, other members would be required to meet these shortfalls.  To mitigate these performance risks, the exchanges and clearinghouses often require members to post collateral.  Jefferies obligations under such guarantees could exceed the collateral amounts posted.  Jefferies maximum potential liability under these arrangements cannot be quantified; however, the potential for Jefferies to be required to make payments under such guarantees is deemed remote.  Accordingly, no liability has been recognized for these arrangements.

Indemnification.  In connection with the 2013 sale of Empire Insurance Company, we agreed to indemnify the buyer for certain of Empire’s lease obligations that were assumed by another subsidiary of ours as part of the sale of Empire.  Our subsidiary was subsequently sold in 2014 to HomeFed as part of the real estate transaction with HomeFed.  Although HomeFed has agreed to indemnify us for these lease obligations, our indemnification obligation under the Empire transaction remains.  The primary lease expires in 2018 and the aggregate amount of lease obligation as of September 30, 2015 was approximately $33.4 million.  Substantially all of the space under the primary lease has been sublet to various third-party tenants for the full length of the lease term in amounts in excess of the obligations under the primary lease.

Standby Letters of Credit.  At September 30, 2015, Jefferies provided guarantees to certain counterparties in the form of standby letters of credit in the amount of $39.5 million, which expire within one year.  Standby letters of credit commit Jefferies to make payment to the beneficiary if the guaranteed party fails to fulfill its obligation under a contractual arrangement with that beneficiary.  Since commitments associated with these collateral instruments may expire unused, the amount shown does not necessarily reflect the actual future cash funding requirement.

Other subsidiaries of ours have outstanding letters of credit aggregating $22.9 million at September 30, 2015.

Note 22.  Net Capital Requirements

Jefferies operates broker-dealers registered with the SEC and member firms of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA").  Jefferies LLC and Jefferies Execution are subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission Uniform Net Capital Rule ("Rule 15c3-1"), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital and have elected to calculate minimum capital requirements under the alternative method as permitted by Rule 15c3-1 in calculating net capital. Jefferies, as a dually registered U.S. broker-dealer and futures commission merchant ("FCM"), is also subject to Rule 1.17 of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") which sets forth minimum financial requirements. The minimum net capital requirement in determining excess net capital for a dually-registered U.S. broker-dealer and FCM is equal to the greater of the requirement under Rule 15c3-1 or CFTC Rule 1.17.

Jefferies LLC and Jefferies Execution’s net capital and excess net capital are as follows (in thousands):
 
Net Capital
 
Excess
Net Capital
 
 
 
 
Jefferies LLC
$
1,260,105

 
$
1,177,141

Jefferies Execution
8,895

 
8,645

 
FINRA is the designated self-regulatory organization (“DSRO”) for our U.S. broker-dealers and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange is the DSRO for Jefferies LLC as an FCM. Effective September 21, 2015, the National Futures Association will be the DSRO for Jefferies as an FCM.

Certain other U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries of Jefferies are subject to capital adequacy requirements as prescribed by the regulatory authorities in their respective jurisdictions, including Jefferies International Limited and Jefferies Bache Limited which are authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom.

The regulatory capital requirements referred to above may restrict Jefferies ability to withdraw capital from its regulated subsidiaries.


44



Note 23.  Other Fair Value Information

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our principal financial instruments that are not recognized at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
Other Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes and loans receivable (a)
$
322,374

 
$
325,809

 
$
213,174

 
$
217,171

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Short-term borrowings (b)
12,000

 
12,000

 
12,000

 
12,000

Long-term debt (b)
7,856,749

 
7,735,906

 
8,527,929

 
8,806,700


(a)
Notes and loans receivable:  The fair values are primarily measured using Level 2 and 3 inputs principally based on discounted future cash flows using market interest rates for similar instruments.
(b)
Short-term borrowings and long-term debt:  The fair values of short-term borrowings are estimated to be the carrying amount.  The fair values of non-variable rate debt are estimated using quoted prices and estimated rates that would be available for debt with similar terms.  The fair value of variable rate debt is estimated to be the carrying amount.

Note 24.  Related Party Transactions

Jefferies Capital Partners and JEP IV Related Funds.  Jefferies has loans to and/or equity investments in private equity funds and in Jefferies Capital Partners, LLC, the manager of the Jefferies Capital Partners funds, which are managed by a team led by Brian P. Friedman, our President and a Director ("Private Equity Related Funds").  Reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are loans to and/or equity investments in Private Equity Related Funds of $38.0 million and $60.7 million, respectively.  Net gains (losses) aggregating $(3.5) million and $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and net losses aggregating $27.7 million and $11.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were recorded related to the Private Equity Related Funds.  For further information regarding our commitments and funded amounts to Private Equity Related Funds, see Note 21.

Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, LLC.  At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Jefferies has commitments to purchase $412.0 million and $344.8 million, respectively, in agency commercial mortgage-backed securities from Berkadia.

HRG Group, Inc.  As part of Jefferies loan secondary trading activities, it has unsettled purchases and sales of loans pertaining to portfolio companies within funds managed by HRG of $266.6 million and $232.0 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Our Chairman also serves as HRG’s Chairman.
Officers, Directors and Employees.  We have $28.6 million and $20.1 million of loans outstanding to certain employees (none of whom are an executive officer or director of the Company) that are included in Other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Receivables from and payables to customers include balances arising from officers, directors and employees individual security transactions.  These transactions are subject to the same regulations as all customer transactions and are provided on substantially the same terms.  At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Jefferies provided a guarantee of a credit agreement for a private equity fund owned by Jefferies employees.

National Beef.  National Beef participates in a cattle supply agreement with a minority owner and holder of a redeemable noncontrolling interest in National Beef.  Under this agreement National Beef has agreed to purchase 735,385 head of cattle each year (subject to adjustment), from the members of the minority owner, with prices based on those published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, subject to adjustments for cattle performance.  National Beef obtained approximately 27.7% and 23.7% of its cattle requirements under this agreement during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

National Beef also enters into transactions with an affiliate of another minority owner and holder of a redeemable noncontrolling interest in National Beef to buy and sell a limited number of beef products.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, sales to this affiliate were $24.4 million and purchases were $11.1 million.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, sales to this affiliate were $31.5 million and purchases were $9.9 million.  At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, amounts due from and payable to these related parties were not significant.  Both of these arrangements are based on what we believe to be competitive market prices.

HomeFed.  As more fully described in Note 9, during 2014 we sold to HomeFed substantially all of our real estate properties and operations, our interest in BRP and cash of approximately $14.0 million, in exchange for 7,500,000 newly issued unregistered HomeFed common shares.  As discussed in Note 9, as a result of a 1998 distribution to all of our shareholders, approximately 4.8% of HomeFed is beneficially owned by our Chairman at September 30, 2015.  Our Chairman also serves as HomeFed’s Chairman and our President is a Director of HomeFed.

See Note 9 for information on transactions with Jefferies Finance and Jefferies LoanCore.


45



Note 25.  Discontinued Operations

Discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily consists of the Lake Charles clean energy project and Premier Entertainment Biloxi, LLC ("Premier"), through which we conducted our gaming operations. Discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 were not significant.

A summary of the results of discontinued operations is as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
 
For the 
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30, 2014
 
For the 
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
Revenues and other income:
 
 
 
Gaming entertainment
$
3,394

 
$
67,739

Investment and other income
3,763

 
4,675

 
7,157

 
72,414

Expenses:
 

 
 

Direct operating expenses – Gaming entertainment
1,526

 
48,877

Compensation and benefits
1,450

 
4,508

Depreciation and amortization
591

 
5,208

Selling, general and other expenses
12,323

 
42,783

 
15,890

 
101,376

 
 

 
 

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
(8,733
)
 
(28,962
)
Income tax (benefit)
(3,057
)
 
(10,137
)
Loss from discontinued operations after income taxes
$
(5,676
)
 
$
(18,825
)

Gain on disposal of discontinued operations primarily relates to a reversal of a legal reserve in the 2015 periods and the sale of Premier in the 2014 periods.

Note 26.  Segment Information

Our operating segments consist of our consolidated businesses, which offer different products and services and are managed separately.  Our reportable segments, based on qualitative and quantitative requirements, are Jefferies, National Beef, and Corporate and other.  Jefferies is a global full-service, integrated securities and investment banking firm.  National Beef processes and markets fresh boxed beef, case-ready beef, beef by-products and wet blue leather for domestic and international markets. 

Corporate and other assets primarily consist of financial instruments owned, the deferred tax asset (exclusive of Jefferies deferred tax asset), cash and cash equivalents and corporate and other revenues primarily consist of interest, other income and net realized securities gains and losses.  We do not allocate Corporate and other revenues or overhead expenses to the operating units.

All other consists of our other financial services businesses and investments and our other merchant banking businesses and investments.  Our other financial services businesses and investments include the Leucadia asset management platform, specialty finance companies, the commercial mortgage banking investment, the investment in HomeFed and the investment in FXCM.  Our other merchant banking businesses and investments primarily include manufacturing, oil and gas exploration and development, real estate, and our investments in fixed wireless broadband services, automobile dealerships, and our gold and silver mining project.


46



Certain information concerning our segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is presented in the following table.  Consolidated subsidiaries are reflected as of the date a majority controlling interest was acquired.  As discussed above, Jefferies is reflected in our consolidated financial statements utilizing a one month lag.
 
For the 
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
For the 
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In thousands)
Net Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reportable Segments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jefferies
$
580,484

 
$
840,350

 
$
1,964,356

 
$
2,460,165

National Beef
1,864,030

 
1,983,349

 
5,714,914

 
5,879,820

  Corporate and other
2,572

 
10,150

 
36,732

 
43,353

Total net revenues related to reportable segments
2,447,086


2,833,849

 
7,716,002

 
8,383,338

All other
(80,990
)
 
169,794

 
695,240

 
414,792

Intercompany eliminations

 

 
(21,000
)
 

Total consolidated net revenues
$
2,366,096


$
3,003,643

 
$
8,390,242

 
$
8,798,130

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Reportable Segments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Jefferies
$
3,337

 
$
133,917

 
$
107,606

 
$
415,855

National Beef
(31,680
)
 
26,308

 
(74,665
)
 
4,813

  Corporate and other
(25,973
)
 
(104,433
)
 
(31,999
)
 
(134,114
)
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations related to reportable segments
(54,316
)

55,792

 
942

 
286,554

All other
(195,271
)
 
86,648

 
385,651

 
180,444

Parent Company interest
(22,598
)
 
(24,281
)
 
(71,208
)
 
(73,824
)
Total consolidated pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(272,185
)

$
118,159

 
$
315,385

 
$
393,174

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Reportable Segments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Jefferies
$
24,165

 
$
19,495

 
$
68,741

 
$
54,909

National Beef
22,529

 
21,479

 
66,397

 
63,434

  Corporate and other
923

 
1,479

 
2,826

 
4,155

Total depreciation and amortization expenses related to reportable segments
47,617


42,453

 
137,964

 
122,498

All other
10,849

 
4,011

 
28,182

 
10,096

Total consolidated depreciation and amortization expenses
$
58,466


$
46,464

 
$
166,146

 
$
132,594


All other revenue and pre-tax income from continuing operations in the above table include $(113.2) million and $461.3 million of unrealized and realized gains relating to our investment in FXCM for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

Interest expense classified as a component of Net revenues relates to Jefferies.  For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, interest expense classified as a component of Expenses was primarily comprised of National Beef ($3.7 million and $3.7 million, respectively) and parent company interest ($22.6 million and $24.3 million, respectively). For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, interest expense classified as a component of Expenses was primarily comprised of National Beef ($12.1 million and $10.7 million, respectively) and parent company interest ($71.2 million and $73.8 million, respectively).
 

47



Note 27.  Exit Costs

Jefferies Bache.  On April 9, 2015, Jefferies entered into an agreement with Société Générale S.A. (the "Agreement") to transfer certain client exchange and over-the-counter transactions associated with Jefferies futures business for the net book value of the over-the-counter transactions, calculated in accordance with certain principles set forth in the agreement, plus the repayment of certain margin loans in respect of certain exchange transactions.  The transfer was subject to customary closing conditions for a transaction of this nature.  In addition, Jefferies initiated a plan to substantially exit the remaining aspects of its futures business. At September 30, 2015, Jefferies has transferred virtually all of its client accounts to Société Générale S.A. and other brokers. Jefferies substantially completed the exit of the Bache business during its third quarter of 2015. 

In addition, Jefferies terminated its $750.0 million credit facility on July 31, 2015. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, Jefferies recognized costs of $2.7 million and $3.8 million, respectively, related to the Credit Facility.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, Jefferies recorded restructuring and impairment costs as follows (in thousands):
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
Severance costs
$
11,373

 
$
26,932

Accelerated amortization of restricted stock and restricted cash awards
2,442

 
6,902

Accelerated amortization of capitalized software
6,719

 
12,979

Contract termination costs
11,216

 
11,216

Selling, general and other expenses
1,523

 
3,814

Total
$
33,273

 
$
61,843


Of the above costs, $10.2 million and $21.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, are of a non-cash nature.

Restructuring and exit costs are wholly attributed to Jefferies Capital Markets business. Severance costs and amortization of restricted stock and restricted cash awards are recorded as Compensation and benefits, amortization of capitalized software is recorded as Depreciation and amortization and contract termination costs are recorded as Selling, general and other expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Jefferies expects to incur approximately an additional $12.0 million of restructuring and exit costs through the remainder of 2015 in connection with its exit activities comprised of severance and related benefits, including additional amortization for restricted stock and restricted cash awards, contract termination costs and additional amortization of capitalized software.

The following summarizes Jefferies restructuring reserve activity (in thousands):
 
Severance costs
 
Other costs
 
Contract termination costs
 
Total restructuring costs
 
Accelerated amortization of restricted stock and restricted cash awards
 
Accelerated amortization of capitalized software
 
Impairments
 
Total
Balance at March 31, 2015
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses
26,932

 
2,735

 
11,216

 
40,883

 
$
6,902

 
$
12,979

 
$
1,079

 
$
61,843

Payments
(13,770
)
 
(2,507
)
 
(11,213
)
 
(27,490
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liability at September 30, 2015
$
13,162

 
$
228

 
$
3

 
$
13,393

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




48



Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Statements included in this report may contain forward-looking statements.  See “Cautionary Statement for Forward-Looking Information” below.  The following should be read in conjunction with the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Risk Factors and the description of our businesses included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “2014 10-K”) and the Risk Factors included in our Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015.


Results of Operations
We invest in a broad variety of businesses and focus on long-term value creation.  We often have changes in the mix of our businesses and investments.  Our investments may be reflected in our consolidated results as operating subsidiaries, equity investments, notes receivable, available for sale securities, or in other ways, depending on the structure of the investment.  Further, as our investments span a number of industries, each may be impacted by different factors.  For these reasons, our pre-tax income is not predictable from period to period.

Our third quarter and year to date results in 2015 were primarily impacted by the mark to market decrease in HRG, the continued effects of cattle-herd rebuilding at National Beef and the challenges from Jefferies Fixed Income results. The third quarter was also impacted by a fair value adjustment which decreased the value of our investment in FXCM. The balance of our businesses are either contributing well to our results or continue to create long-term value. We are pleased that our more established businesses, including Berkadia, Garcadia, Conwed and Idaho Timber, continue to provide strong returns. We are encouraged by the direction and momentum at HRG and FXCM, and look forward to meaningful progress in the fourth quarter and 2016. We are optimistic we will see meaningful improvement at Jefferies and National Beef in 2016.

A summary of results of continuing operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
 
For the 
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
For the 
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jefferies
$
3,337

 
$
133,917

 
$
107,606

 
$
415,855

National Beef
(31,680
)
 
26,308

 
(74,665
)
 
4,813

Corporate and Other
(25,973
)
 
(104,433
)
 
(31,999
)
 
(134,114
)
Other Financial Services Businesses and Investments
(150,644
)
 
23,550

 
462,649

 
68,158

Other Merchant Banking Businesses and Investments
(44,627
)
 
63,098

 
(76,998
)
 
112,286

Parent Company Interest
(22,598
)
 
(24,281
)
 
(71,208
)
 
(73,824
)
    Total consolidated pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(272,185
)
 
$
118,159

 
$
315,385

 
$
393,174


Jefferies

Jefferies is reflected in our consolidated financial statements utilizing a one month lag; Jefferies fiscal year ends on November 30th and its fiscal quarters end one month prior to our reporting periods.  A summary of results of operations for Jefferies included in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
 
For the 
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
For the 
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net revenues
$
580,484

 
$
840,350

 
$
1,964,356

 
$
2,460,165

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Compensation and benefits
336,499

 
477,268

 
1,183,481

 
1,390,043

Floor brokerage and clearing fees
45,307

 
55,967

 
159,100

 
159,500

Depreciation and amortization
24,165

 
19,495

 
68,741

 
54,909

Selling, general and other expenses
171,176

 
153,703

 
445,428

 
439,858

    Total expenses
577,147


706,433

 
1,856,750

 
2,044,310

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
$
3,337


$
133,917

 
$
107,606

 
$
415,855


Jefferies comprises many business units, with many interactions and much integration among them.  Business activities include the sales, trading, origination and advisory effort for various equity, fixed income, commodities, foreign exchange and advisory services.  Jefferies business, by its nature, does not produce predictable or necessarily recurring earnings.  Jefferies results in any given period can be materially affected by conditions in global financial markets, economic conditions generally, and its own activities and positions.

The discussion below is presented on a detailed product and expense basis.  Net revenues presented for equity and fixed income businesses include allocations of interest income and interest expense as Jefferies assesses the profitability of these businesses inclusive of the net interest revenue or expense associated with the respective activities, which is a function of the mix of each business’s associated assets and liabilities and the related funding costs.


49



The following provides a summary of net revenues by source included in our three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

 
For the 
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
For the 
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Equities
$
203,582

 
$
170,176

 
$
635,810

 
$
532,117

Fixed income
(16,998
)
 
196,519

 
263,079

 
702,068

Total sales and trading
186,584


366,695

 
898,889

 
1,234,185

Investment banking:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Capital markets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Equities
127,051

 
93,309

 
314,927

 
271,773

Debt
113,928

 
175,597

 
329,274

 
495,635

Advisory
148,841

 
196,286

 
421,676

 
443,253

Total investment banking
389,820


465,192

 
1,065,877

 
1,210,661

Other
4,080

 
8,463

 
(410
)
 
15,319

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total net revenues
$
580,484


$
840,350

 
$
1,964,356

 
$
2,460,165


Net Revenues

The decrease in net revenues for Jefferies three months ended September 30, 2015 primarily reflects negative fixed income revenues compared with positive net revenues in the prior year quarter, as certain products were negatively impacted by market conditions. The decrease was also due to lower investment banking revenues as a result of lower transaction volume, partially offset by higher equities revenues, primarily from net mark-to-market gains from certain equity holdings. Investment banking revenues for the third quarter of 2015 were down compared to the same period in 2014 due to lower debt capital markets and advisory revenues, partially offset by higher equity capital markets revenues. Jefferies fixed income results reflected negative revenues for its third quarter of 2015 compared with positive revenues in the prior year quarter, primarily reflecting the slow market environment and increased volatility with concerns about a possible Greek exit from the Euro and the slowdown of economic growth in China. The wind-down of Jefferies Bache business also contributed to the decline in fixed income revenues. Results in the three month 2015 period reflect higher revenues in Jefferies equity business compared with the comparable period in 2014. In the third quarter of 2015, Jefferies reduced its position in KCG Holdings, Inc. (“KCG”) by tendering 6.5 million shares at $14 per share, resulting in proceeds of $91.5 million in cash. The results in the third quarter of 2015 also include a net loss of $28.3 million from its investment in KCG compared with a loss of $6.5 million in the prior year quarter from its investment in KCG. 

The decrease in Jefferies net revenues for the nine month 2015 period primarily reflects lower fixed income revenues, as a result of lower levels of trading activity due to challenging market conditions and global economic pressures and fewer new issuances in leveraged finance capital markets, respectively. Investment banking revenues for the nine month 2015 period were down compared with the comparable period in 2014, due to a decrease in debt capital markets revenues and lower advisory revenues, partially offset by higher equity capital markets revenues. Overall, capital markets revenues decreased from the comparable period in 2014, primarily due to lower transaction volume in the leveraged finance capital markets. Fixed income revenues for the nine month 2015 period were down compared with the comparable 2014 period, primarily due to tighter trading conditions across most core businesses and losses in Jefferies high yield distressed sales and trading business. Results in the nine month 2015 period reflect higher revenues in Jefferies equities business compared with the comparable period in 2014. In the third quarter of 2015, Jefferies reduced its position in KCG by tendering 6.5 million shares at $14 per share, resulting in proceeds of $91.5 million in cash. The nine months 2015 results included net gains of $26.7 million from its investment in KCG, compared with gains of $20.0 million in aggregate in the comparable period in 2014 from its investments in KCG and HRG Group, Inc. ("HRG").

Equities Revenue

Equities revenue is comprised of equity commissions, principal transactions and net interest revenue relating to cash equities, electronic trading, equity derivatives, convertible securities, prime brokerage, securities finance and alternative investment strategies.  Equities revenue is heavily dependent on the overall level of trading activity of its clients.  Equities revenue also includes Jefferies share of the net earnings from its joint venture investments in Jefferies Finance, LLC (“Jefferies Finance”) and Jefferies LoanCore, LLC (“Jefferies LoanCore”), which are accounted for under the equity method, as well as any changes in the value of its investments in KCG and HRG, which are accounted for at fair value.

Equities revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 include losses of $28.3 million and $6.5 million, respectively, from Jefferies investment in KCG. 

During the third quarter of 2015, U.S. equity market conditions were characterized by a downward trend in stock prices. In the equity markets, the NASDAQ Composite Index, the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased. In Europe and Asia, the recovery remains gradual and economic developments vary across regions. Lower revenues from equity block trading contributed to the decline in revenues from Jefferies U.S. equity cash desk. Reduced volatility led to lower trading revenues in Jefferies equity options desk. Offsetting the decline in trading revenues were net mark-to-market gains from other equity inventory positions for the three month 2015 period as well as robust performance from Jefferies electronic trading platform, as a result of increased trading volumes, contributing to the increase in commissions. Equities revenues from the Jefferies LoanCore joint venture increased during the three month 2015 period as compared to the prior year quarter due to an increase in loan closings and syndications by the venture over the comparable period, while revenues from the Jefferies Finance joint venture in the three month 2015 period declined slightly from the comparable prior year quarter.

Equities revenue for the nine month 2015 period increased primarily due to net mark-to-market gains from certain equity inventory positions, as well as higher revenues from Jefferies electronic trading and Asia equity cash decks. This was partially offset by lower revenues from equity block trading results from Jefferies U.S. equity cash desk. The results for the nine month 2015 period include gains of $26.7 million from Jefferies investment in KCG compared with gains of $20.0 million in aggregate in the comparable period in 2014 from its investments in KCG and HRG; as well as net overall gains from certain equity holdings as compared

50



to the prior year nine month period. Additionally, during the first quarter of 2014, Jefferies recognized a mark-to-market gain of $12.2 million in connection with its investment in CoreCommodity Management LLC, which was transferred to Leucadia on February 28, 2014.

Equities revenue from the LoanCore and Jefferies Finance joint ventures increased during the nine month 2015 period as compared to the same period in 2014 due to higher loan closings and securitizations.

Fixed Income Revenue

Fixed income revenue includes commissions, principal transactions and net interest revenue from investment grade corporate bonds, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, government and agency securities, municipal bonds, emerging markets debt, high yield and distressed securities, bank loans, foreign exchange and commodities trading activities.

Jefferies fixed income results reflected negative revenues for its third quarter of 2015 compared with positive revenues in the prior year quarter. The third quarter of 2015 was characterized by volatility in the treasury markets, fluctuating expectations as to future Federal Reserve interest rate increases and depressed oil prices impacting the credit markets in the energy sector. Weak global economic data and the slowdown of China's economic growth, the risk of the Greek exit from the European Union and further economic uncertainty from volatility in currency and energy markets added compounded concerns with respect to the global economy.

During the third quarter of 2015, the uncertainty in the global economy coupled with lower energy prices led to mark-to-market write-downs in Jefferies inventory, resulting in losses in its high yield distressed sales and trading businesses. Transaction volumes and revenues improved in Jefferies rates and investment grade corporates businesses as volatility caused attractive yields and new interest. However, that same volatility negatively impacted the municipal securities business as prices declined and the sector experienced overall net cash outflows. Jefferies mortgages business was also negatively impacted by market volatility as credit spreads tightened for these asset classes and expectations of future rate increases resulted in lower trading volumes and revenues. In addition, futures sales and trading revenues declined as Jefferies executed the wind down of this platform.

Fixed income revenue declined in the nine month 2015 period compared with the same period in 2014 primarily due to tighter trading conditions across most core businesses and losses in Jefferies high yield distressed sales and trading business.

During the nine month 2015 period, the fixed income markets were impacted at various points by geopolitical concerns in the Middle East, the potential of a Greece default, and economic uncertainty caused by volatility in currency and energy markets. Uncertainty as to the timing of potential interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve and extremely low rates globally drove investors to seek spread and yield primarily in more liquid investments. Most of Jefferies core fixed income businesses were negatively impacted during the nine month 2015 period by the uncertainty and market conditions, as investors focused on liquidity resulting in overall lower trading revenues as compared to the nine month 2014 period. In addition, results in Jefferies distressed trading businesses were negatively impacted by its position in the energy sector. Revenues from future sales and trading were also reduced in the nine month 2015 period from that of the comparable prior year period given Jefferies decision to exit this business activity. Partially offsetting the decrease was an increase in transaction volumes and revenues in Jefferies rates and corporates businesses for the nine month 2015 period as compared to the prior year nine month period.

Investment Banking Revenue

Jefferies provides a full range of capital markets and financial advisory services to its clients across most industry sectors across the Americas, Europe and Asia.  Capital markets revenue includes underwriting and placement revenue related to corporate debt, municipal bonds, mortgage- and asset-backed securities and equity and equity-linked securities.  Advisory revenue consists primarily of advisory and transaction fees generated in connection with merger, acquisition and restructuring transactions.

Investment banking revenue for the third quarter of 2015 decreased compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to a decrease in debt capital markets transaction volume and the dollar value of advisory transactions, partially offset by higher equity capital markets revenues. Overall, capital markets and advisory revenues both decreased compared to the prior year quarter.

During the third quarter of 2015, Jefferies generated $127.1 million and $113.9 million in revenues from equity and debt capital raising activities, respectively. During that period, Jefferies completed 297 public and private debt financings that raised $49.8 billion in aggregate and completed 53 public equity and convertible offerings that raised $15.8 billion (50 of which it acted as sole or joint bookrunner). Financial advisory revenues totaled $148.8 million, including revenues from 44 merger and acquisition transactions with an aggregate transaction value of $25.3 billion.

During the third quarter of 2014, Jefferies generated $93.3 million and $175.6 million in revenues from equity and debt capital raising activities, respectively. During that period, Jefferies completed 333 public and private debt financings that raised $62.7 billion in aggregate and completed 61 public equity and convertible offerings that raised $27.9 billion (53 of which it acted as sole or joint bookrunner). Financial advisory revenues totaled $196.3 million, including revenues from 38 merger and acquisition transactions with an aggregate transaction value of $32.2 billion.

Investment banking revenue decreased for the nine month 2015 period compared to the same period in 2014, reflecting a decrease in Jefferies debt capital market revenues, as well as lower advisory revenues, partially offset by higher equity capital market revenues. Overall, capital markets revenues decreased from the comparable nine month period in 2014, primarily due to lower transaction volume in key segments of the leveraged finance market. Advisory revenues decreased in the nine month 2015 period due to a decrease in the dollar value of transactions.

During the nine month 2015 period, Jefferies generated $314.9 million and $329.3 million in revenues from equity and debt capital raising activities, respectively. During that period, Jefferies completed 804 public and private debt financings that raised $161.2 billion in aggregate and completed 151 public equity and convertible offerings that raised $37.4 billion (138 of which it acted as sole or joint bookrunner). Financial advisory revenues totaled $421.7 million, including revenues from 116 merger and acquisition transactions with an aggregate transaction value of $82.6 billion.

During the nine month 2014 period, Jefferies generated $271.8 million and $495.6 million in revenues from equity and debt capital raising activities, respectively. During that period, Jefferies completed 845 public and private debt financings that raised $195.8 billion in aggregate and completed 144 public equity and convertible offerings that raised $51.9 billion (121 of which it acted as sole or joint bookrunner). Financial advisory revenues totaled $443.3 million, including revenues from 96 merger and acquisition transactions and ten restructuring and recapitalization transactions with an aggregate transaction value of $98.2 billion.


51



Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits expense consists of salaries, benefits, cash bonuses, commissions, annual cash compensation awards, historical annual share-based compensation awards and the amortization of certain non-annual share-based and cash compensation awards to employees.  Cash and historical share-based awards granted to employees as part of year end compensation generally contain provisions such that employees who terminate their employment or are terminated without cause may continue to vest in their awards, so long as those awards are not forfeited as a result of other forfeiture provisions (primarily non-compete clauses) of those awards.  Accordingly, the compensation expense for a substantial portion of awards granted at year end as part of annual compensation is fully recorded in the year of the award.

Included within Compensation and benefits expense are share-based amortization expense for senior executive awards granted in September 2012, non-annual share-based and cash-based awards to other employees and certain year end awards that contain future service requirements for vesting.  Such awards are being amortized over their respective future service periods and amounted to compensation expense of $53.2 million and $196.7 million for the three and nine month 2015 periods, respectively, and $55.4 million and $183.6 million for the three and nine month 2014 periods, respectively.  In addition, compensation and benefits expense includes $4.2 million and $11.0 million for the three and nine month 2015 periods, respectively, and $3.4 million and $11.0 million for the three and nine month 2014 periods, respectively, of additional amortization expense related to the write-up of the cost of outstanding share-based awards which had future service requirements at the acquisition date. 

Compensation and benefits expense directly related to Jefferies Bache business was $22.1 million and $22.6 million for the three month 2015 and 2014 periods, respectively, and $80.6 million and $76.8 million for the nine month 2015 and 2014 periods, respectively. Included within Compensation and benefits expense for the Bache business for the three and nine month 2015 periods are severance, retention and related benefits costs of $13.8 million and $33.8 million, respectively, incurred as part of decisions surrounding the exit of this business. Jefferies anticipates that its exit activities will be substantially completed during the remainder of fiscal 2015 and estimates additional compensation-related exit costs of $4.4 million.

Compensation and benefits as a percentage of Net revenues was 58.0% and 60.2% for the three and nine month 2015 periods, respectively, and 56.8% and 56.5% for the three and nine month 2014 periods, respectively.

Non-Compensation Expenses

Non-compensation expenses include floor brokerage and clearing fees, technology and communications expense, occupancy and equipment rental expense, business development, professional services, bad debt provision, impairment charges, depreciation and amortization expense and other costs.  All of these expenses, other than floor brokerage and clearing fees and depreciation and amortization expense, are included within Selling, general and other expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Floor brokerage and clearing expenses are generally reflective of the trading volumes in Jefferies equities trading businesses.

Non-compensation expenses increased in the third quarter of 2015, primarily due to higher technology and communications expenses, partially offset by a decrease in floor brokerage and clearing expenses and professional services. Technology and communication expenses increased primarily due to contract termination costs related to the Jefferies Bache business and accelerated amortization expense related to capitalized software. Floor brokerage and clearing expenses declined in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, primarily reflecting the wind down of the Jefferies Bache business.

For the nine month 2015 period, non-compensation expenses increased due to higher technology and communication expenses related to accelerated amortization expense and contract termination costs related to the Jefferies Bache business. This was partially offset by a decrease in occupancy and equipment rental expense, primarily due to lower rent expenses and a decrease in professional services, reflecting lower legal and consulting fees related to implementing various regulatory requirements.

Non-compensation expenses associated directly with the activities of the Bache business were $37.7 million and $36.1 million for the three month periods in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Jefferies estimates that it will incur exit costs associated with the termination of various technology and other vendor contracts specifically pertaining to the Bache business as well as recognize incremental capitalized software amortization expense of approximately $7.4 million over the remainder of fiscal 2015 as it continues the wind-down of the Bache operations. Non-compensation expenses associated directly with the activities of the Bache business were $114.8 million and $104.5 million for the nine month 2015 and 2014 periods, respectively.

National Beef

A summary of results of operations for National Beef for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
 
For the 
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
For the 
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net revenues
$
1,864,030

 
$
1,983,349

 
$
5,714,914

 
$
5,879,820

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cost of sales
1,849,028

 
1,917,114

 
5,658,685

 
5,750,763

Compensation and benefits
8,856

 
8,816

 
26,351

 
29,975

Interest
3,732

 
3,747

 
12,118

 
10,660

Depreciation and amortization
22,529

 
21,479

 
66,397

 
63,434

Selling, general and other expenses
11,565

 
5,885

 
26,028

 
20,175

Total expenses
1,895,710


1,957,041

 
5,789,579

 
5,875,007

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(31,680
)

$
26,308

 
$
(74,665
)
 
$
4,813



52



National Beef’s profitability is dependent, in large part, on the spread between its cost for live cattle, the primary raw material for its business, and the value received from selling boxed beef and other products.  Because National Beef operates in a large and liquid commodity market, it does not have much influence over the price it pays for cattle or the selling price it receives for the products it produces.  National Beef’s profitability typically fluctuates seasonally as well as cyclically, with relatively higher margins in the spring and summer months and during times of ample cattle availability.

Revenues in the three and nine month 2015 periods decreased in comparison to the same periods in 2014, due primarily to lower sales volume, as fewer cattle were processed. In the three month 2015 period, the decline in revenues also reflected a decrease in selling prices. Additionally, during the three and nine month 2015 periods, decreases to revenues of $34.1 million and $36.4 million were recorded as a result of mark-to-market adjustments on National Beef's futures position due to a significant drop in live cattle futures prices late in the third quarter. For the nine month 2015 period, the decline in sales volume was partially offset by higher selling prices. The change in cost of sales during the three month 2015 period as compared to the same period in 2014, primarily reflects a decline in the number of cattle processed and a decrease in the price of cattle. For the nine month 2015 period the cost of sales declined compared to 2014, due to fewer cattle processed that was partially offset by an increase in the price of cattle. As a result, gross margin was compressed and pre-tax results were adversely impacted.

Corporate and Other Results

A summary of results of operations for corporate and other for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
 
For the 
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
For the 
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net revenues
$
2,572

 
$
10,150

 
$
36,732

 
$
43,353

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Compensation and benefits
18,359

 
22,411

 
56,026

 
63,622

Depreciation and amortization
923

 
1,479

 
2,826

 
4,155

Selling, general and other expenses
9,564

 
89,654

 
10,975

 
110,824

 Total expenses
28,846


113,544

 
69,827

 
178,601

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes and income related
to associated companies
(26,274
)
 
(103,394
)
 
(33,095
)
 
(135,248
)
Income related to associated companies
301

 
(1,039
)
 
1,096

 
1,134

Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(25,973
)

$
(104,433
)
 
$
(31,999
)
 
$
(134,114
)

Net revenues include net realized securities gains of $0.2 million and $24.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, in comparison to $3.8 million and $20.9 million for the same periods in 2014. Net revenues also include interest income of $1.9 million and $9.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, versus $5.2 million and $17.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Compensation and benefits includes accrued estimated incentive bonus expense of $4.4 million and $15.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, in comparison to $7.1 million and $20.7 million for the same periods in 2014. Share-based compensation expense was $5.1 million and $17.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, and $6.7 million and $19.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Selling, general and other expenses for the nine month 2015 period reflects a reduction of $20.1 million in insurance payments covering previously expensed legal fees. Selling, general and other expenses for the 2014 periods include a charge relating to the agreement to settle certain litigation, for an aggregate payment of $70.0 million plus legal fees.

Income related to associated companies is comprised of our share of various investee’s underlying net income or loss, none of which is significant during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.


53



Other Financial Services Businesses and Investments

A summary of results for other financial services businesses and investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
 
For the 
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
For the 
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net revenues
$
(147,240
)
 
$
10,931

 
$
465,028

 
$
30,859

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Compensation and benefits
5,598

 
2,597

 
19,279

 
7,516

Interest
1,972

 
821

 
4,909

 
1,816

Depreciation and amortization
2,306

 
1,258

 
5,669

 
2,757

Selling, general and other expenses
10,596

 
3,701

 
38,614

 
10,154

Total expenses
20,472


8,377

 
68,471

 
22,243

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes and income related
to associated companies
(167,712
)
 
2,554

 
396,557

 
8,616

Income related to associated companies
17,068

 
20,996

 
66,092

 
59,542

Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(150,644
)

$
23,550

 
$
462,649

 
$
68,158


Our other financial services businesses and investments include the consolidated results of certain Leucadia Asset Management fund managers, the returns on our investments in these funds, our share of the income of Berkadia, our investment in FXCM and our share of the income of HomeFed.

As more fully discussed in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements, in January 2015, we entered into a credit agreement with FXCM Inc. ("FXCM"), for a $300 million two-year senior secured term loan with rights to a variable proportion of certain distributions in connection with an FXCM sale of assets or certain other events, and our right to require a sale of FXCM beginning in January 2018.  FXCM is an online provider of foreign exchange trading and related services.  We are accounting for our loan and rights at fair value.  Our $113.2 million fair value adjustment loss in the third quarter reduced our cumulative gains from our FXCM investment during 2015 to $461.3 million, which is recorded within Principal transactions revenues. This reflects the decrease in the publicly traded share price of FXCM, which impacted the estimated value of the derivative portion our investment.  Net revenues in other financial services businesses and investments also reflect a loss of $34.0 million and revenues of $3.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, in comparison to revenues of $10.9 million and $30.9 million for the same periods in 2014. The year-over-year change primarily reflects investments recorded at market value.

Selling, general and other expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 include $21.0 million of investment banking and advisory fees paid to Jefferies in connection with our entering into the agreement with FXCM, and which Jefferies recognized in net revenues during the first quarter.  These intercompany fees have been eliminated in our consolidated results.

Income related to Berkadia was $15.7 million and $67.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, and $20.0 million and $58.4 million for the same periods in 2014. Our share of HomeFed’s results was not significant during these periods.


54



Other Merchant Banking Businesses and Investments

A summary of results for other merchant banking businesses and investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
 
For the 
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
For the 
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net revenues
$
66,250

 
$
158,863

 
$
230,212

 
$
383,933

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cost of sales
88,260

 
84,665

 
251,193

 
238,022

Compensation and benefits
6,183

 
5,543

 
18,497

 
15,479

Interest
647

 
650

 
1,834

 
919

Depreciation and amortization
8,543

 
2,753

 
22,513

 
7,339

Selling, general and other expenses
14,118

 
11,114

 
40,486

 
33,510

Total expenses
117,751


104,725

 
334,523

 
295,269

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes and income related
to associated companies
(51,501
)
 
54,138

 
(104,311
)
 
88,664

Income related to associated companies
6,874

 
8,960

 
27,313

 
23,622

Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(44,627
)

$
63,098

 
$
(76,998
)
 
$
112,286


Our other merchant banking operations include the consolidated results of Vitesse Energy and Juneau Energy (oil and gas exploration and development) and Conwed Plastics and Idaho Timber (manufacturing companies).  It also includes our equity investments in Garcadia (automobile dealerships), Linkem (fixed wireless services in Italy) and Golden Queen (a gold and silver mining project), as well as our ownership of HRG Group ("HRG") shares, which is accounted for at fair value, and impacts our results through its mark-to-market adjustment reflected within net revenues.

Net revenues and pre-tax results decreased in the three and nine month 2015 periods compared to 2014, primarily due to a decline in the value of our investment in HRG. We classified HRG as a trading asset for which the fair value option was elected and we reflect mark-to-market adjustments through Principal transactions revenues. Unrealized gains (losses) of $(59.2) million and $17.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and $(113.2) million and $49.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were recorded as a result of the change in fair value of our investment. These year-over-year declines were partially offset by increased oil and gas exploration and development revenues.

Income Taxes

We recorded an income tax benefit of $90.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, and an income tax expense of $59.9 million for the same period during 2014. During the first nine months of 2015, we recorded a benefit of $12.8 million related to certain state and local net operating loss carryforwards which we now believe are more likely than not to be realized in the future, a significant portion of which results from recently enacted state and local tax law changes. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the provision for income taxes includes a tax benefit of $22.2 million related to the reduction of the valuation allowance with respect to certain net operating loss carryforwards, which we believe are more likely than not to be utilized before they expire. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, our provisions for income taxes were $107.8 million and $163.9 million, representing an effective tax rate of about 34% and 42%.

Discontinued Operations

Our loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax, totaled $5.7 million and $18.8 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and consisted primarily of $7.8 million and $26.4 million of losses related to our Lake Charles clean energy project, offset by income of about $0.2 million and $6.1 million from Premier. Our income from discontinued operations in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was not significant.

Gain on disposal of discontinued operations primarily relates to a reversal of a legal reserve in the 2015 periods and the sale of Premier in the 2014 periods.

For further information, see Note 25 to our consolidated financial statements.

Selected Balance Sheet Data

In addition to preparing our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we also review the tangible capital associated with each of our businesses and investments, which is a non-GAAP presentation and may not be comparable to similar non-GAAP presentations used by other companies. We believe that this presentation is meaningful because it is consistent with the way we view our businesses and investments. We define tangible capital as Total Leucadia National Corporation shareholders' equity less Intangible assets, net and goodwill.


55



The table below presents our tangible capital by significant business and investment (in thousands):
 
Tangible Capital as of
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Jefferies
$
3,582,526

 
$
3,513,905

 
 
 
 
National Beef
72,228

 
106,143

 
 
 
 
Other Financial Services Businesses and Investments:
 
 
 
  Leucadia Asset Management (1)
531,499

 
155,155

  FXCM
613,000

 

  HomeFed
235,758

 
236,572

  Berkadia
198,710

 
208,511

  Foursight and Chrome
66,491

 
60,737

    Total Other Financial Services Businesses and Investments
1,645,458

 
660,975

 
 
 
 
Other Merchant Banking Businesses and Investments:
 
 
 
  HRG
546,618

 
659,856

  Vitesse Energy
266,005

 
246,456

  Juneau Energy
210,616

 
175,846

  Garcadia
186,533

 
183,477

  Linkem
141,690

 
159,054

  Golden Queen
80,954

 
69,929

  Idaho Timber
74,366

 
70,335

  Conwed
48,619

 
41,140

  Other
27,125

 
(21,373
)
    Total Other Merchant Banking Businesses and Investments
1,582,526

 
1,584,720

 
 
 
 
Corporate liquidity and other assets, net of all Corporate liabilities including long-term debt
814,868

 
1,715,652

 
 
 
 
Total Tangible Capital
$
7,697,606

 
$
7,581,395

 
 
 
 
(1) Leucadia Asset Management does not include $320 million at September 30, 2015 and $400 million at December 31, 2014 of highly liquid marketable securities that are available for sale immediately. These highly liquid marketable securities are included in Corporate liquidity and other assets, net of all Corporate liabilities including long-term debt.

Below is a brief description of the captions in the table above:
Jefferies is our consolidated wholly-owned global full service, integrated securities and investment banking firm.

National Beef is our consolidated 79% owned subsidiary that processes and markets fresh boxed beef, case-ready beef, beef by-products and wet blue leather for domestic and international markets.

Other Financial Services Businesses and Investments include:
Leucadia Asset Management platform seeds and develops focused alternative asset management businesses led by distinct management teams.
Our investment in FXCM Inc. consists of a two-year senior secured term loan ($202.9 million outstanding at September 30, 2015), with rights to a variable proportion of certain distributions in connection with an FXCM sale of assets or certain other events, and our right to require a sale of FXCM beginning in January 2018.
Our approximately 65% equity method interest in HomeFed, owns and develops real estate projects. HomeFed is a public company traded on the NASD OTC Bulletin Board.
Berkadia, our 50-50 equity method joint venture with Berkshire Hathaway, originates and brokers commercial real estate loans primarily in respect of multi-family housing units and services commercial real estate loans in the U.S.
Foursight Capital purchases automobile installment contracts originated by franchised dealerships in conjunction with the sale of new and used automobiles and services these loans throughout their life cycle. Chrome Capital is a lessor of used Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the U.S. We consolidate both of these subsidiaries.

Other Merchant Banking Businesses and Investments include:
Approximately 23% of HRG, a diversified holding company that operates in four business segments: consumer products, insurance, energy and asset management.  Its consumer products segment contains an approximate 58% ownership stake in Spectrum Brands, a global consumer products company. Its insurance segment includes an approximate 81% ownership stake in Fidelity & Guaranty Life, as to which HRG is exploring strategic alternatives. HRG is a public company traded on the NYSE and we reflect this investment at fair value.
Vitesse Energy, LLC is our 96% owned consolidated subsidiary that acquires and develops non-operated working and royalty oil and gas interests in the Bakken Shale oil field in North Dakota.
Juneau Energy, LLC, a 98% owned consolidated subsidiary, engages in the exploration, development and production of oil and gas from onshore, unconventional resource areas. Juneau currently has interests in acreage in the Oklahoma and Texas Gulf Coast regions.
Garcadia is an equity method joint venture that owns and operates 27 automobile dealerships in the U.S. We own approximately 75%.

56



We own approximately 42% of the common shares of Linkem and a convertible note which, if converted, would increase our ownership to approximately 55% of Linkem’s common shares. Linkem provides residential broadband services using WiMAX and LTE technologies deployed over the 3.5 GHz spectrum band. Linkem operates in Italy, which has few cable television systems and poor broadband alternatives. Linkem is accounted for under the equity method.
Conwed Plastics is our consolidated subsidiary that manufactures and markets lightweight plastic netting used for building and construction, erosion and sediment control, packaging, agricultural purposes, carpet padding, filtration, consumer products and other purposes. In 2014, Conwed acquired 80% of Filtrexx, a manufacturer and marketer of a knitted sock product with numerous applications in sediment control and storm water management, and 100% of Weaver Express, the leading installer of Filtrexx's knitted sock projects.
Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC owns the Soledad Mountain project, a fully-permitted, open pit, heap leach gold and silver project in Kern County, California. We and the Clay family have formed and made contributions to a limited liability company, controlled by us, through which we invested in Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC for the development and operation of the project. Our effective ownership of Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC is approximately 35% and is accounted for under the equity method.
Idaho Timber is our consolidated subsidiary engaged in the manufacture and distribution of various wood products, including the following principal product lines: remanufacturing dimension lumber; remanufacturing, bundling and bar coding of home center boards for large retailers; and production of pine dimension lumber and 5/4” radius-edge, pine decking.

Corporate liquidity and other assets, net of Corporate liabilities primarily consist of financial instruments owned, the deferred tax asset (exclusive of Jefferies deferred tax asset) and cash and cash equivalents, net of long-term debt, trade payables and accruals, as well as our outstanding mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred shares.

The tables below reconcile tangible capital to our U.S. GAAP balance sheet (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2015
 
Jefferies
 
National Beef
 
Other Financial Services Businesses and Investments (1)
 
Other Merchant Banking Businesses and Investments
 
Corporate liquidity and other assets, net of Corporate liabilities
 
Inter-company Eliminations
 
Total
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
3,441,785

 
$
19,870

 
$
13,597

 
$
37,763

 
$
46,286

 
$

 
$
3,559,301

Cash and securities segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing and depository organizations
904,009

 

 

 

 

 

 
904,009

Financial instruments owned
18,892,372

 
5,081

 
662,360

 
551,317

 
675,767

 

 
20,786,897

Investments in managed funds
86,765

 

 
489,381

 

 
54,950

 
(26,265
)
 
604,831

Loans to and investments in associated companies
782,063

 

 
468,778

 
433,830

 
19,075

 

 
1,703,746

Securities borrowed
7,702,853

 

 

 

 

 

 
7,702,853

Securities purchased under agreements to resell
4,273,682

 

 

 

 

 

 
4,273,682

Receivables
3,661,996

 
226,849

 
284,121

 
61,889

 
51,665

 

 
4,286,520

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net
243,294

 
388,684

 
11,091

 
47,460

 
26,377

 

 
716,906

Intangible assets, net and goodwill
1,947,321

 
656,362

 
400

 
63,787

 

 

 
2,667,870

Deferred tax asset, net
375,469

 

 

 

 
1,247,321

 

 
1,622,790

Other assets
511,905

 
359,831

 
61,392

 
681,341

 
69,864

 

 
1,684,333

    Total Assets
42,823,514

 
1,656,677

 
1,991,120

 
1,877,387

 
2,191,305

 
(26,265
)
 
50,513,738

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Total liabilities
37,261,365

 
751,316

 
339,579

 
179,928

 
1,251,437

 

 
39,783,625

  Redeemable noncontrolling interests

 
176,771

 

 
2,290

 

 

 
179,061

  Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred shares

 

 

 

 
125,000

 

 
125,000

  Noncontrolling interests
32,302

 

 
5,683

 
48,856

 

 
(26,265
)
 
60,576

Total Leucadia National Corporation shareholders' equity
$
5,529,847

 
$
728,590

 
$
1,645,858

 
$
1,646,313

 
$
814,868

 
$

 
$
10,365,476

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation to Tangible Capital
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Leucadia National Corporation shareholders' equity
$
5,529,847

 
$
728,590

 
$
1,645,858

 
$
1,646,313

 
$
814,868

 
$

 
10,365,476

Less: Intangible assets, net and goodwill
(1,947,321
)
 
(656,362
)
 
(400
)
 
(63,787
)
 

 

 
(2,667,870
)
Tangible Capital
$
3,582,526

 
$
72,228

 
$
1,645,458

 
$
1,582,526

 
$
814,868

 
$

 
$
7,697,606



57



 
December 31, 2014
 
Jefferies
 
National Beef
 
Other Financial Services Businesses and Investments (1)
 
Other Merchant Banking Businesses and Investments
 
Corporate liquidity and other assets, net of Corporate liabilities
 
Inter-company Eliminations
 
Total
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
4,079,710

 
$
15,627

 
$
8,974

 
$
33,100

 
$
139,364

 
$

 
$
4,276,775

Cash and securities segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing and depository organizations
3,444,674

 

 

 

 

 

 
3,444,674

Financial instruments owned
18,636,612

 

 
47,609

 
659,856

 
1,877,182

 

 
21,221,259

Investments in managed funds
74,365

 

 
105,954

 

 
126,571

 
(25,420
)
 
281,470

Loans to and investments in associated companies
773,141

 

 
480,293

 
443,302

 
15,832

 

 
1,712,568

Securities borrowed
6,853,103

 

 

 

 

 

 
6,853,103

Securities purchased under agreements to resell
3,926,858

 

 

 

 

 

 
3,926,858

Securities received as collateral
5,418

 

 

 

 

 

 
5,418

Receivables
3,414,526

 
225,340

 
183,582

 
54,006

 
57,371

 

 
3,934,825

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net
251,957

 
394,984

 
10,164

 
48,547

 
20,724

 

 
726,376

Intangible assets, net and goodwill
1,960,628

 
690,303

 
400

 
69,432

 

 

 
2,720,763

Deferred tax asset, net
399,597

 

 

 

 
1,312,938

 

 
1,712,535

Other assets
743,219

 
392,267

 
37,116

 
571,502

 
91,165

 
(27,985
)
 
1,807,284

    Total Assets
44,563,808

 
1,718,521

 
874,092

 
1,879,745

 
3,641,147

 
(53,405
)
 
52,623,908

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Total liabilities
39,050,427

 
737,742

 
205,634

 
175,887

 
1,800,495

 
(27,985
)
 
41,942,200

  Redeemable noncontrolling interests

 
184,333

 

 
2,353

 

 

 
186,686

  Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred shares

 

 

 

 
125,000

 

 
125,000

  Noncontrolling interests
38,848

 

 
7,083

 
47,353

 

 
(25,420
)
 
67,864

Total Leucadia National Corporation shareholders' equity
$
5,474,533

 
$
796,446

 
$
661,375

 
$
1,654,152

 
$
1,715,652

 
$

 
$
10,302,158

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation to Tangible Capital
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Leucadia National Corporation shareholders' equity
$
5,474,533

 
$
796,446

 
$
661,375

 
$
1,654,152

 
$
1,715,652

 
$

 
10,302,158

Less: Intangible assets, net and goodwill
(1,960,628
)
 
(690,303
)
 
(400
)
 
(69,432
)
 

 

 
(2,720,763
)
Tangible Capital
$
3,513,905

 
$
106,143

 
$
660,975

 
$
1,584,720

 
$
1,715,652

 
$

 
$
7,581,395


(1) Other financial services businesses and investments does not include $320 million at September 30, 2015 and $400 million at December 31, 2014 of highly liquid marketable securities that are available for sale immediately. These highly liquid marketable securities are included in Corporate liquidity and other assets, net of Corporate liabilities.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Parent Company Liquidity

We are a holding company whose assets principally consist of the stock or membership interests of direct subsidiaries, cash and cash equivalents and other non-controlling investments in debt and equity securities.  We continuously evaluate the retention and disposition of our existing operations and investments and investigate possible acquisitions of new businesses in order to maximize shareholder value.  Accordingly, further acquisitions, divestitures, investments and changes in capital structure are possible.  Our principal sources of funds are available cash resources, liquid investments, public and private capital market transactions, repayment of subsidiary advances, funds distributed from subsidiaries as tax sharing payments, management and other fees, and dividends from subsidiaries, as well as dispositions of existing businesses and investments.

In addition to cash and cash equivalents, we have certain other investments that are easily convertible into cash within a relatively short period of time.  These are classified as trading assets, available for sale securities, and investments in managed funds.  Together these total $661.9 million at September 30, 2015, primarily comprised of cash and short-term bonds and notes of the U.S. Government and its agencies, and other publicly traded debt and equity securities.  Our available liquidity, and the investment income realized from cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities is used to meet our short-term recurring cash requirements, which are principally the payment of interest on our debt and corporate overhead expenses. Of the parent company's debt ($988.4 million principal outstanding as of September 30, 2015), the remaining principal is due in 2023 ($750.0 million) and 2043 ($250.0 million).

Historically, we have used our available liquidity to make acquisitions of new businesses and other investments, but, except as disclosed in this report, the timing of any future investments and the costs thereof cannot be predicted.

In August 2014, we and Solomon Kumin established Folger Hill Asset Management LLC (“Folger Hill”); during the first quarter of 2015, we invested $400 million in Folger Hill’s funds.  This investment is subject to a lock-up until August 15, 2019, subject to certain release events and other withdrawal rights.  Following this

58



date, investments can be redeemed as of any calendar quarter-end with no less than 45 calendar days’ notice, subject to certain limitations.  We also committed to provide Folger Hill with a 3-year, $20 million revolving credit facility to fund its start-up and initial operating expenses; as of September 30, 2015, $6.9 million has been provided.

During the first quarter of 2015, we also invested $279.0 million in FXCM, structured as a two-year term loan and rights to receive a variable proportion of certain distributions in connection with an FXCM sale of assets or certain other events, as more fully discussed in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements.  We received $32.8 million and $127.3 million of principal, interest and fees from FXCM during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. As of November 4, 2015, we received an additional $7.5 million.

During the first nine months of 2015, we paid $80.4 million (which was previously accrued) in connection with legal settlements.

During the third quarter of 2015, we paid $458.6 million on the maturity of our 8.125% Senior Notes.

During August, Jefferies sold an investment to Leucadia, for a cash payment of $124.4 million, which represented the fair value of the investment at the time of sale.  This intercompany transaction had no impact on our consolidated results.

During the third quarter of 2015 we purchased a total of 4,389,302 of our common shares for $91.3 million, at an average price per share of $20.79.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we paid three quarterly dividends of $0.0625 per share which aggregated $69.7 million.  The payment of dividends in the future is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon general business conditions, legal and contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and other factors that the Board of Directors may deem to be relevant.

In February 2009, the Board of Directors authorized, from time to time, the purchase of our outstanding debt securities through cash purchases in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any, depend upon prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements and other factors; such purchases may be commenced or suspended at any time without notice.

At September 30, 2015, we had outstanding 362,286,341 common shares and 13,594,000 share based awards that do not require the holder to pay any exercise price (potentially an aggregate of 375,880,341 outstanding common shares if all awards become outstanding common shares).  In November 2012, the Board of Directors increased the number of our common shares that we are authorized to purchase to 25,000,000.  Such purchases may be made from time to time in the open market, through block trades or otherwise.  Depending on market conditions and other factors, such purchases may be commenced or suspended at any time without notice.  As of September 30, 2015, we are authorized to repurchase 20,000,000 common shares.

Concentration, Liquidity and Leverage Targets

In connection with presentations made to credit rating agencies with respect to the Jefferies acquisition, we advised the agencies that we would target specific concentration, leverage and liquidity principles, expressed in the form of certain ratios and percentages, although there is no legal requirement to do so. 

Concentration Target: As a diversification measure, we limit cash investments such that our single largest investment does not exceed 20% of equity excluding Jefferies, and that our next largest investment does not exceed 10% of equity excluding Jefferies, in each case measured at the time the investment was made. National Beef is our largest investment and HRG is our next largest investment; there have been no additional contributions to either of these investments during 2015.

Liquidity Target: We hold a liquidity reserve calculated as a minimum of twenty-four months of holding company expenses (excluding non-cash components), parent company interest, and dividends.  Maturities of parent company debt within the upcoming year are also included in the target; however, our next maturity is during 2023 so there is no current inclusion.  

Leverage Target: We target a maximum parent debt to stressed equity ratio of .50, with stressed equity defined as equity (excluding Jefferies) assuming the loss of our two largest investments.


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These thresholds and calculations of the actual ratios and percentages are detailed below at September 30, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
Total equity
$
10,365,476

 
Less, investment in Jefferies
(5,529,847
)
 
Equity excluding Jefferies
4,835,629

 
Less, our two largest investments:
 

 
National Beef
(728,590
)
 
HRG, at cost
(475,600
)
 
Equity in a stressed scenario
3,631,439

 
Less, net deferred tax asset excluding Jefferies amount
(1,247,321
)
 
Equity in a stressed scenario less net deferred tax asset
$
2,384,118

 
Balance sheet amounts:
 

 
Available liquidity
$
661,908

 
Parent company debt (see Note 14 to our
 

 
consolidated financial statements)
$
988,388

 
Ratio of parent company debt to stressed equity:
 

 
Maximum
0.50

x
Actual, equity in a stressed scenario
0.27

x
Actual, equity in a stressed scenario excluding net deferred tax asset
0.41

x
Liquidity reserve:
 

 
Minimum
$
494,000

 
Actual
$
661,908

 

Jefferies Liquidity

General

The Chief Financial Officer and Global Treasurer of Jefferies are responsible for developing and implementing liquidity, funding and capital management strategies for the Jefferies businesses.  These policies are determined by the nature and needs of day to day business operations, business opportunities, regulatory obligations, and liquidity requirements.

The actual levels of capital, total assets, and financial leverage are a function of a number of factors, including asset composition, business initiatives and opportunities, regulatory requirements and cost and availability of both long-term and short-term funding.  Jefferies has historically maintained a balance sheet consisting of a large portion of total assets in cash and liquid marketable securities, arising principally from traditional securities brokerage and trading activity.  The liquid nature of these assets provides flexibility in financing and managing Jefferies business.

A business unit level balance sheet and cash capital analysis is prepared and reviewed with senior management on a weekly basis.  As a part of this balance sheet review process, capital is allocated to all assets and gross and adjusted balance sheet limits are established.  This process ensures that the allocation of capital and costs of capital are incorporated into business decisions.  The goals of this process are to protect the Jefferies platform, enable the businesses to remain competitive, maintain the ability to manage capital proactively and hold businesses accountable for both balance sheet and capital usage.

Substantially all trading assets and trading liabilities are valued on a daily basis and balance sheet limits for the various businesses are monitored and employed.  The overall securities inventory is continually monitored, including the inventory turnover rate, which confirms the liquidity of overall assets.  As a Primary Dealer in the U.S. and with a similar role in several European jurisdictions, Jefferies carries inventory and makes an active market for its clients in securities issued by the various governments.  These inventory positions are substantially comprised of the most liquid securities in the asset class, with a significant portion in holdings of securities of G-7 countries. 

Of Jefferies total trading assets, approximately 73.1% are readily and consistently financeable at haircuts of 10% or less.  In addition, as a matter of Jefferies policy, a portion of these assets has internal capital assessed, which is in addition to the funding haircuts provided in the securities finance markets.  Additionally, trading assets primarily consisting of bank loans, investments and non-agency mortgage-backed securities are predominantly funded by Jefferies long-term capital and consumer loans.  Under Jefferies cash capital policy, capital allocation levels are modeled that are more stringent than the haircuts used in the market for secured funding; and surplus capital is maintained at these maximum levels.  At September 30, 2015, our Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition includes Jefferies Level 3 trading assets that are approximately 2.3% of total trading assets.

Securities financing assets and liabilities include both financing for financial instruments trading activity and matched book transactions.  Matched book transactions accommodate customers, as well as obtain securities for the settlement and financing of inventory positions.  By executing repurchase agreements with central clearing corporations, Jefferies reduces the credit risk associated with these arrangements and decreases net outstanding balances.


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The following table presents Jefferies period end balance, average balance and maximum balance at any month end within the periods presented for Securities purchased under agreements to resell and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (in millions):
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30, 2015
 
Year Ended
December 31, 2014
Securities purchased under agreements to resell:
 
 
 
Period end
$
4,274

 
$
3,927

Month end average
5,724

 
5,788

Maximum month end
7,577

 
8,081

 
 
 
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase:
 

 
 

Period end
$
10,841

 
$
10,672

Month end average
13,639

 
13,291

Maximum month end
16,340

 
16,586


Fluctuations in the balance of Jefferies repurchase agreements from period to period and intraperiod are dependent on business activity in those periods.  Additionally, the fluctuations in the balances of Jefferies securities purchased under agreements to resell are influenced in any given period by its clients’ balances and desires to execute collateralized financing arrangements via the repurchase market or via other financing products.  Average balances and period end balances will fluctuate based on market and liquidity conditions and Jefferies considers the fluctuations intraperiod to be typical for the repurchase market.

Liquidity Management

The key objectives of Jefferies liquidity management framework are to support the successful execution of business strategies while ensuring sufficient liquidity through the business cycle and during periods of financial distress.  The liquidity management policies are designed to mitigate the potential risk that adequate financing may not be accessible to service financial obligations without material franchise or business impact.

The principal elements of Jefferies liquidity management framework are the Contingency Funding Plan, the Cash Capital Policy and the assessment of Maximum Liquidity Outflow.

Contingency Funding Plan.  The Jefferies Contingency Funding Plan is based on a model of a potential liquidity contraction over a one year time period.  This incorporates potential cash outflows during a liquidity stress event, including, but not limited to, the following: (a) repayment of all unsecured debt maturing within one year and no incremental unsecured debt issuance; (b) maturity rolloff of outstanding letters of credit with no further issuance and replacement with cash collateral; (c) higher margin requirements than currently exist on assets on securities financing activity, including repurchase agreements; (d) liquidity outflows related to possible credit downgrade; (e) lower availability of secured funding; (f) client cash withdrawals; (g) the anticipated funding of outstanding investment and loan commitments; and (h) certain accrued expenses and other liabilities and fixed costs.

Cash Capital Policy.  A cash capital model is maintained that measures long-term funding sources against requirements.  Sources of cash capital include equity and the noncurrent portion of long-term borrowings.  Uses of cash capital include the following: (a) illiquid assets such as equipment, goodwill, net intangible assets, exchange memberships, deferred tax assets and certain investments; (b) a portion of securities inventory that is not expected to be financed on a secured basis in a credit stressed environment (i.e., margin requirements); and (c) drawdowns of unfunded commitments.  To ensure that Jefferies does not need to liquidate inventory in the event of a funding crisis, Jefferies seeks to maintain surplus cash capital, which is reflected in the leverage ratios Jefferies maintains.

Maximum Liquidity Outflow.  Jefferies businesses are diverse, and liquidity needs are determined by many factors, including market movements, collateral requirements and client commitments, all of which can change dramatically in a difficult funding environment.  During a liquidity crisis, credit-sensitive funding, including unsecured debt and some types of secured financing agreements, may be unavailable, and the terms (e.g., interest rates, collateral provisions and tenor) or availability of other types of secured financing may change.  As a result of Jefferies policy to ensure it has sufficient funds to cover estimates of what may be needed in a liquidity crisis, Jefferies holds more cash and unencumbered securities and has greater long-term debt balances than the businesses would otherwise require.  As part of this estimation process, Jefferies calculates a Maximum Liquidity Outflow that could be experienced in a liquidity crisis.  Maximum Liquidity Outflow is based on a scenario that includes both market-wide stress and firm-specific stress.

Based on the sources and uses of liquidity calculated under the Maximum Liquidity Outflow scenarios Jefferies determines, based on its calculated surplus or deficit, additional long-term funding that may be needed versus funding through the repurchase financing market and considers any adjustments that may be necessary to Jefferies inventory balances and cash holdings.  Jefferies has sufficient excess liquidity to meet all contingent cash outflows detailed in the Maximum Liquidity Outflow.


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Sources of Liquidity

Within Jefferies, the following are financial instruments that are cash and cash equivalents or are deemed by Jefferies management to be generally readily convertible into cash, marginable or accessible for liquidity purposes within a relatively short period of time, as reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2015
 
Average Balance
 Third Quarter 2015 (1)
 
December 31, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash in banks
$
860,812

 
$
663,198

 
$
1,083,605

Certificate of deposit
75,000

 
75,000

 
75,000

Money market investments
2,505,973

 
1,518,267

 
2,921,363

Total cash and cash equivalents
3,441,785


2,256,465


4,079,968

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other sources of liquidity:
 

 
 

 
 

Debt securities owned and securities purchased under agreements to resell (2)
1,263,110

 
1,151,878

 
1,056,766

Other (3)
446,355

 
669,784

 
363,713

Total other sources
1,709,465


1,821,662


1,420,479

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total cash and cash equivalents and other liquidity sources
$
5,151,250


$
4,078,127


$
5,500,447


(1)
Average balances are calculated based on weekly balances.
(2)
Consists of high quality sovereign government securities and reverse repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities and other high quality sovereign government securities; deposits with a central bank within the European Economic Area, Canada, Australia, Japan, Switzerland or the USA; and securities issued by a designated multilateral development bank and reverse repurchase agreements with underlying collateral comprised of these securities.
(3)
Other includes unencumbered inventory representing an estimate of the amount of additional secured financing that could be reasonably expected to be obtained from financial instruments owned that are currently not pledged after considering reasonable financing haircuts and additional funds available under the committed senior secured revolving credit facility available for working capital needs of Jefferies LLC.

In addition to the cash balances and liquidity pool presented above, the majority of trading assets and liabilities are actively traded and readily marketable.  Repurchase financing can be readily obtained for 73.1% of Jefferies inventory at haircuts of 10% or less, which reflects the liquidity of the inventory.  Jefferies continually assesses the liquidity of its inventory based on the level at which Jefferies could obtain financing in the marketplace for a given asset.  Assets are considered to be liquid if financing can be obtained in the repurchase market or the securities lending market at collateral haircut levels of 10% or less.  The following summarizes Jefferies trading assets by asset class that are considered to be of a liquid nature and the amount of such assets that have not been pledged as collateral as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Liquid Financial
 Instruments
 
Unencumbered
Liquid Financial
 Instruments (2)
 
Liquid Financial
 Instruments
 
Unencumbered
Liquid Financial
 Instruments (2)
Corporate equity securities
$
2,520,785

 
$
301,099

 
$
2,191,288

 
$
297,628

Corporate debt securities
1,862,093

 
89,922

 
2,583,779

 
11,389

U.S. Government, agency and municipal securities
3,151,589

 
500,510

 
3,124,780

 
250,278

Other sovereign obligations
1,617,007

 
878,145

 
2,671,807

 
877,366

Agency mortgage-backed securities (1)
4,648,276

 

 
3,395,771

 

Physical commodities
14,970

 

 
62,234

 

 
$
13,814,720


$
1,769,676


$
14,029,659


$
1,436,661


(1)
Consists solely of agency mortgage-backed securities issued by Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and Ginnie Mae.  These securities include pass-through securities, securities backed by adjustable rate mortgages (“ARMs”), collateralized mortgage obligations, commercial mortgage-backed securities and interest- and principal-only securities.
(2)
Unencumbered liquid balances represent assets that can be sold or used as collateral for a loan, but have not been.

In addition to being able to be readily financed at modest haircut levels, it is estimated that each of the individual securities within each asset class above could be sold into the market and converted into cash within three business days under normal market conditions, assuming that the entire portfolio of a given asset class was not simultaneously liquidated.  There are no restrictions on the unencumbered liquid securities, nor have they been pledged as collateral.

Sources of Funding

Secured Financing

Readily available secured funding is used to finance Jefferies financial instruments inventory.  The ability of Jefferies to support increases in total assets is largely a function of the ability to obtain short and intermediate-term secured funding, primarily through securities financing transactions.  Repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements (collectively "repos"), respectively, are used to finance a portion of long inventory and cover a portion of short inventory through pledging and borrowing securities.  Approximately 73.4% of Jefferies repurchase financing activities use collateral that is considered eligible collateral by central clearing corporations.  Central clearing corporations are situated between participating members who borrow cash and lend securities (or vice versa); accordingly repo

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participants contract with the central clearing corporation and not one another individually.  Therefore, counterparty credit risk is borne by the central clearing corporation which mitigates the risk through initial margin demands and variation margin calls from repo participants.  The comparatively large proportion of Jefferies total repo activity that is eligible for central clearing reflects the high quality and liquid composition of its trading inventory.  The tenor of repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements generally exceeds the expected holding period of the financed assets.  A significant portion of Jefferies financing of European Sovereign inventory is executed using central clearinghouse financing arrangements rather than via bi-lateral repo agreements.  For those asset classes not eligible for central clearinghouse financing, bi-lateral financings are sought on an extended term basis.

Weighted average maturity of repurchase agreements for non-clearing corporation eligible funded inventory is approximately three months.  Jefferies ability to finance inventory via central clearinghouses and bi-lateral arrangements is augmented by Jefferies ability to draw bank loans on an uncommitted basis under various banking arrangements.  As of September 30, 2015, short-term borrowings, which include bank loans, as well as borrowings under revolving credit facilities which must be repaid within one year or less, totaled $12.0 million.  Interest under the bank lines is generally at a spread over the federal funds rate.  Letters of credit are used in the normal course of business mostly to satisfy various collateral requirements in favor of exchanges in lieu of depositing cash or securities.  Average daily short-term borrowings for Jefferies for the three and nine month 2015 periods were $18.5 million and $44.9 million, respectively.

In addition to the above financing arrangements, Jefferies issues notes backed by eligible collateral under a master repurchase agreement.  The outstanding amount of the notes issued under the program was $736.2 million in aggregate, which is presented within Other secured financings in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at September 30, 2015.  Of the $736.2 million aggregate notes, $40.0 million matures in March 2016, $50.0 million in June 2016, $200.0 million matures in July 2016, $80.0 million in August 2016, $60.0 million in December 2016, $60.0 million in May 2017 and $60.0 million in October 2017, all bearing interest at a spread over one month LIBOR.  The remaining $186.2 million matures in January 2016, and bears interest at a spread over three month LIBOR.  $440.0 million of the $736.2 million aggregate notes are redeemable within approximately 90 days at the option of the noteholders.

During the second quarter of 2015, Jefferies LLC entered into a committed revolving credit facility (“Intraday Credit Facility”) with the Bank of New York Mellon under which, the Bank of New York Mellon has agreed to make revolving intraday credit advances for an aggregate committed amount of $500.0 million in U.S. dollars. The term of the Intraday Credit Facility is six months after the closing date, but can be extended for additional six months upon request. The Intraday Credit Facility contains a financial covenant, which includes a minimum regulatory net capital requirement. Interest is based on the higher of the Federal funds effective rate plus 0.5% or the prime rate. Jefferies was in compliance with debt covenants under the Intraday Credit Facility.

Long-Term Debt

Jefferies long-term debt reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at September 30, 2015 is $6.2 billion.  Jefferies long-term debt has a weighted average maturity of approximately 7 years.  Jefferies next scheduled maturity is the $500.0 million principal amount of 3.875% Senior Notes that mature in November 2015.

The Jefferies Credit Facility was a committed senior secured revolving credit facility with a group of commercial banks in Dollars, Euros and Sterling, for an aggregate committed amount of $750.0 million, with availability subject to one or more borrowing bases and of which $250.0 million could be borrowed by Jefferies Bache Limited without a borrowing base requirement.  The borrowers under the facility were Jefferies Bache Financial Services, Inc., Jefferies Bache, LLC and Jefferies Bache Limited, with a guarantee from Jefferies Group LLC.  On September 1, 2014, Jefferies Bache, LLC merged with and into Jefferies LLC.  Jefferies LLC is the surviving entity, and therefore, was a borrower under the Credit Facility.  Interest was based on, in the case of U.S. dollar borrowings, the Federal funds rate, or in the case of Euro and Sterling borrowings, the Euro Interbank Offered Rate and the London Interbank Offered Rate, respectively.  The facility was guaranteed by Jefferies Group LLC and contained financial covenants that, among other things, imposed restrictions on future indebtedness of its subsidiaries, required Jefferies Group LLC to maintain specified levels of tangible net worth and liquidity amounts, and required certain of its subsidiaries to maintain specified levels of regulated capital.  Throughout the period, Jefferies was in compliance with the facility.  Jefferies terminated this Credit Facility in the third quarter of 2015, due to the exiting of the Bache business. For further information with respect to Jefferies use of the Credit Facility, see Note 27 in our consolidated financial statements.

Jefferies long-term debt ratings are as follows:
 
    Rating
Outlook
 
 
   
Moody’s Investors Service
Baa3
Negative
Standard and Poor’s
BBB-
Stable
Fitch Ratings
BBB-
Stable

Jefferies relies upon its cash holdings and external sources to finance a significant portion of its day to day operations.  Jefferies access to these external sources, as well as the cost of that financing, is dependent upon various factors, including its debt ratings.  Jefferies current debt ratings are dependent upon many factors, including industry dynamics, operating and economic environment, operating results, operating margins, earnings trend and volatility, balance sheet composition, liquidity and liquidity management, capital structure, overall risk management, business diversification and market share and competitive position in the markets in which it operates.  Deteriorations in any of these factors could impact Jefferies credit ratings.  While certain aspects of a credit rating downgrade are quantifiable pursuant to contractual provisions, the impact on its business and trading results in future periods is inherently uncertain and depends on a number of factors, including the magnitude of the downgrade, the behavior of individual clients and future mitigating action taken by Jefferies.

In connection with certain over-the-counter derivative contract arrangements and certain other trading arrangements, Jefferies may be required to provide additional collateral to counterparties, exchanges and clearing organizations in the event of a credit rating downgrade.  The amount of additional collateral that could be called by counterparties, exchanges and clearing organizations under the terms of such agreements in the event of a downgrade of Jefferies long-term credit rating below investment grade was $54.9 million.  For certain foreign clearing organizations credit rating is only one of several factors employed in determining collateral that could be called.  The above represents management’s best estimate for additional collateral to be called in the event of credit rating downgrade.  The impact of additional collateral requirements is considered in Jefferies Contingency Funding Plan and calculation of Maximum Liquidity Outflow, as described above.
Ratings issued by credit rating agencies are subject to change at any time.


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Net Capital

Jefferies operates broker-dealers registered with the SEC and member firms of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA").  Jefferies LLC and Jefferies Execution are subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission Uniform Net Capital Rule ("Rule 15c3-1"), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital and have elected to calculate minimum capital requirements under the alternative method as permitted by Rule 15c3-1 in calculating net capital. Jefferies, as a dually registered U.S. broker-dealer and futures commission merchant ("FCM"), is also subject to Rule 1.17 of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") which sets forth minimum financial requirements. The minimum net capital requirement in determining excess net capital for a dually-registered U.S. broker-dealer and FCM is equal to the greater of the requirement under Rule 15c3-1 or CFTC Rule 1.17.

Jefferies LLC and Jefferies Execution’s net capital and excess net capital were as follows (in thousands):
 
Net Capital
 
Excess Net Capital
Jefferies LLC
$
1,260,105

 
$
1,177,141

Jefferies Execution
8,895

 
8,645


Certain other U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries of Jefferies are subject to capital adequacy requirements as prescribed by the regulatory authorities in their respective jurisdictions, including Jefferies International Limited and Jefferies Bache Limited which are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the U.K.  The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") was signed into law on July 21, 2010.  The Dodd-Frank Act contains provisions that require the registration of all swap dealers, major swap participants, security-based swap dealers, and/or major security-based swap participants.  While entities that register under these provisions will be subject to regulatory capital requirements, these regulatory capital requirements have not yet been finalized.  Jefferies expects that these provisions will result in modifications to the regulatory capital requirements of some of its entities, and will result in some of its other entities becoming subject to regulatory capital requirements for the first time, including Jefferies Derivative Products LLC and Jefferies Financial Services, Inc., which registered as swap dealers with the CFTC during January 2013 and Jefferies Financial Products LLC, which registered during August 2014.

The regulatory capital requirements referred to above may restrict Jefferies' ability to withdraw capital from its regulated subsidiaries.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

As discussed above, we have historically relied on our available liquidity to meet short-term and long-term needs, and to make acquisitions of new businesses and investments.  Except as otherwise disclosed herein, our operating businesses do not generally require significant funds to support their operating activities, and we do not depend on positive cash flow from our operating segments to meet our liquidity needs.  The mix of our operating businesses and investments can change frequently as a result of acquisitions or divestitures, the timing of which is impossible to predict but which often have a significant impact on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in any one period.  Further, the timing and amounts of distributions from investments in associated companies may be outside our control.  As a result, reported cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities do not generally follow any particular pattern or trend, and reported results in the most recent period should not be expected to recur in any subsequent period.

Net cash of $1,180.3 million and $1,264.3 million was used for operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.  Jefferies used funds of $702.8 million and $649.4 million during the 2015 and 2014 periods.  National Beef generated funds of $28.8 million during the 2015 period and used funds of $42.6 million during the 2014 period; manufacturing generated funds of $12.6 million and $17.7 million during the 2015 and 2014 periods; and discontinued operations used funds of $6.9 million and $34.9 million in 2015 and 2014.  During 2015 and 2014, net cash of $325.0 million and $317.0 million was used to make additional investments in the Leucadia asset management platform and, in 2014, $253.0 million was used to acquire our investment in HRG, both of which are classified as a use of cash for operating activities. Additionally, during 2015, $80.4 million was paid in connection with legal settlements. During 2015, distributions from associated companies principally were received from Berkadia ($71.4 million), Garcadia ($43.0 million) and Jefferies associated companies ($70.8 million).  During 2014, distributions from associated companies principally were received from Berkadia ($51.4 million), Garcadia ($34.0 million) and Jefferies associated companies ($43.4 million).

Net cash of $943.8 million and $502.4 million was provided by investing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.  Acquisitions of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, and other assets include amounts primarily related to Jefferies ($51.3 million and $86.2 million in 2015 and 2014); National Beef ($31.1 million and $36.1 million in 2015 and 2014); other financial services businesses ($35.0 million and $12.9 million in 2015 and 2014); other merchant banking businesses, primarily oil and gas exploration and development businesses, ($83.0 million and $324.8 million in 2015 and 2014); corporate ($12.0 million in 2015); and discontinued operations ($9.4 million in 2014).  Proceeds from disposal of discontinued operations, net of expenses and cash of operations sold in 2014 relates to the sale of Premier. Advances on notes, loans and other receivables in 2015 include the investment in FXCM ($279.0 million). Collections on notes, loans and other receivables primarily relates to FXCM. Loans to and investments in associated companies includes Golden Queen ($12.5 million, including $.4 million contributed from the noncontrolling interest), Linkem ($6.9 million) and Jefferies associated companies ($1,111.8 million) for 2015, and Golden Queen ($105.0 million, including $34.1 million contributed from the noncontrolling interest), Garcadia ($10.8 million), Linkem ($6.7 million) and Jefferies associated companies ($1,196.6 million) for 2014.  Capital distributions and loan repayment from associated companies includes Jefferies associated companies ($1,119.8 million and $1,297.1 million in 2015 and 2014) and Garcadia ($2.8 million and $3.3 million in 2015 and 2014).

Net cash of $478.5 million was used for financing activities and $1,099.8 million was provided by financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.  During 2015, issuance of debt primarily reflects borrowings by National Beef under its bank credit facility ($36.1 million), borrowings by the other financial services businesses ($163.6 million) and borrowings by the other merchant banking businesses ($15.5 million).  During 2014, issuance of debt primarily reflects increases in Jefferies debt ($739.2 million), borrowings by National Beef under its bank credit facility ($106.4 million), borrowings by the other financial services businesses ($95.1 million) and borrowings by the other merchant banking businesses ($60.8 million).  Reduction of debt for 2015 includes $458.6 million on the maturity of our 8.125% Senior Notes, $170.0 million related to Jefferies debt, $29.7 million related to National Beef’s debt, $108.0 million related to other financial services businesses’ debt and $4.3 million related to other merchant banking businesses’ debt.  Reduction of debt for 2014 includes $24.0 million related to National Beef’s debt, $250.0 million related to Jefferies debt and $117.8 million related to other financial services businesses’ debt.  Purchases of common shares for treasury relate to shares received from participants in our stock compensation plans and, in 2015, the buyback of our common shares in the open market ($89.2 million).


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Cautionary Statement for Forward-Looking Information

Statements included in this Report may contain forward-looking statements.  Such statements may relate, but are not limited, to projections of revenues, income or loss, development expenditures, plans for growth and future operations, competition and regulation, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing.  Such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted or quantified.  When used in this Report, the words “will,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “intends” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking statements.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any results projected, forecasted, estimated or budgeted or may materially and adversely affect our actual results include but are not limited to the following: potential acquisitions and dispositions of our operations and investments could change our risk profile and if unsuccessful could reduce the value of our common shares; economic downturns, including a downgrade of the U.S. credit rating or a recession; risks associated with the increased volatility in raw material prices and the availability of key raw materials; outbreaks of disease affecting livestock; product liability due to contaminated beef; volatility in the volume and prices at which beef products are sold; political and economic risks in foreign countries as well as foreign currency fluctuations; costs to comply with environmental regulations; failure to replace Walmart’s consumer-ready business; failure to comply with government laws and regulations and costs associated with compliance; unfavorable labor relations with its employees; declines in the U.S. housing and commercial real estate markets; risks of loss relating to our oil and gas exploration and development investments; changes in existing government and government-sponsored mortgage programs and the loss of or changes in Berkadia’s relationships with the related governmental bodies; the inability of Berkadia to repay its commercial paper borrowings; uncertainties in HRG’s business and operations; uncertainties relating to FXCM’s revenue and profitability; volatility in the value of our investment in FXCM; revenue from new and used car sales at dealerships; investment in illiquid securities subject to standstill or otherwise restricted agreements; the failure of our technology systems and vulnerability to unauthorized access, computer hacking or computer viruses; our ability to pay dividends; transfer restrictions on our common shares; intensified competition in the operation of our businesses or for skilled management and other employees; an inability to generate sufficient taxable income to fully realize our net deferred tax asset; an inability to successfully defend any challenges to our tax filing positions; weather related conditions and significant natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, earthquakes and hailstorms; an inability to insure certain risks economically; dividend payments on our common shares; new financial legislation that could affect the market value of certain of our investments, impose additional costs on operations or require changes in business practices; credit-rating agency downgrades; volatility in the value of our investment portfolio; the effect of recent legislation and new pending regulation under the Dodd-Frank Act on Jefferies; extensive international regulation of Jefferies business; international legal, regulatory, political and economic and other risks associated with Jefferies international operations; price volatility and price declines in Jefferies debt securities and loss of revenues, clients and employees as a result of unfounded allegations; risks of loss relating to Jefferies principal trading and investments; a disruption of Jefferies business due to operational failures; credit risk associated with Jefferies business; risk associated with Jefferies hedging and derivative transactions; and liability associated with legal proceedings.  For additional information, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K (our “2014 10-K”) and Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors contained in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015, incorporated herein by reference.

Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are applicable only as of the date hereof.  The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date of this Report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

65



Item 3.                          Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The following includes “forward-looking statements” that involve risk and uncertainties.  Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  The discussion of risk is presented separately for Jefferies and the balance of our company.  Exclusive of Jefferies, our market risk arises principally from interest rate risk related to our financial instruments owned and equity price risk.  Information related thereto required under this Item is contained in Item 7A in our 2014 10-K, and is incorporated by reference herein.

As more fully discussed elsewhere in this Report, we own approximately 46.6 million common shares of HRG, representing approximately 23% of HRG’s outstanding common shares, which are accounted for under the fair value option and included within Trading assets at fair value of $546.6 million at September 30, 2015.  Assuming a decline of 10% in market prices, the value of our investment in HRG could decrease by approximately $55 million.

In addition, as more fully discussed elsewhere in this Report, we have an investment in FXCM consisting of a $300 million two-year senior secured term loan with rights to a variable proportion of certain distributions in connection with an FXCM sale of assets or certain other events, and our right to require a sale of FXCM beginning in January 2018.  We are accounting for this investment at fair value, which is included within Trading assets at fair value of $613.0 million at September 30, 2015.  Our market risk with respect to our investment in FXCM primarily relates to our rights; changes to the significant input with respect to our loan did not have a significant impact on the risk of loss.  The market risks surrounding our FXCM rights are primarily related to FXCM’s underlying common stock price and its volatility.  Assuming a decline of $1.00 (representing approximately 11% of the price at September 30, 2015 after FXCM completed a one-for-ten reverse split of its' common stock) in FXCM’s market price, as of September 30, 2015, the value of our FXCM rights would decrease by approximately $22 million, assuming no change in any other factors.  Likewise, assuming an increase in the observed volatility of FXCM by 10%, the value of our FXCM rights would decrease by approximately $25 million, assuming no other change in any other factors.

The potential for changes in the value of financial instruments is referred to as market risk.  Jefferies market risk generally represents the risk of loss that may result from a change in the value of a financial instrument as a result of fluctuations in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, commodity prices and foreign exchange rates, along with the level of volatility.  Interest rate risks result primarily from exposure to changes in the yield curve, the volatility of interest rates, and credit spreads.  Equity price risks result from exposure to changes in prices and volatilities of individual equities, equity baskets and equity indices.  Commodity price risks result from exposure to the changes in prices and volatilities of individual commodities, commodity baskets and commodity indices.  Market risk arises from market making, proprietary trading, underwriting, specialist and investing activities.  Jefferies seeks to manage its exposure to market risk by diversifying exposures, controlling position sizes, and establishing economic hedges in related securities or derivatives.  Due to imperfections in correlations, gains and losses can occur even for positions that are hedged.  Position limits in trading and inventory accounts are established and monitored on an ongoing basis.  Each day, consolidated position and exposure reports are prepared and distributed to various levels of management, which enable management to monitor inventory levels and results of the trading groups.

Value-at-Risk

Within Jefferies, Value-at-Risk (VaR) is used as a measurement of market risk using a model that simulates revenue and loss distributions on substantially all financial instruments by applying historical market changes to the current portfolio.  Using the results of this simulation, VaR measures the potential loss in value of our financial instruments over a specified time horizon at a given confidence level.  Jefferies calculates a one-day VaR using a one year look-back period measured at a 95% confidence level.

As with all measures of VaR, the estimate has inherent limitations due to the assumption that historical changes in market conditions are representative of the future.  Furthermore, the VaR model measures the risk of a current static position over a one-day horizon and might not capture the market risk of positions that cannot be liquidated or offset with hedges in a one-day period.  Published VaR results reflect past trading positions while future risk depends on future positions.
 
While Jefferies believes the assumptions and inputs in its risk model are reasonable, Jefferies could incur losses greater than the reported VaR because the historical market prices and rates changes may not be an accurate measure of future market events and conditions.  Consequently, this VaR estimate is only one of a number of tools Jefferies uses in its daily risk management activities.  When comparing the VaR numbers to those of other firms, it is important to remember that different methodologies and assumptions could produce significantly different results.
 
The following table illustrates each separate component of VaR for each component of market risk by interest rate, equity, currency and commodity products, as well as for Jefferies overall trading positions using the past 365 days of historical data.  The aggregated VaR presented here is less than the sum of the individual components (i.e., interest rate risk, foreign exchange rate risk, equity risk and commodity price risk) due to the benefit of diversification among the four risk categories.  Diversification benefit equals the difference between aggregated VaR and the sum of VaRs for the four risk categories and arises because the market risk categories are not perfectly correlated.  Since we consolidate Jefferies on a one month lag, all amounts reported are for Jefferies quarterly and annual fiscal periods.
(In millions)
 
 
Risk Categories
 
VaR at
August 31, 2015
 
Daily VaR (1)
Value-at-Risk In Trading Portfolios
Daily VaR for the
Three Months Ended
 August 31, 2015
 
VaR at
 May 31, 2015
 
Daily VaR (1)
Value-at-Risk In Trading Portfolios
Daily VaR for the
Three Months Ended
 May 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
High
 
Low
 
 
 
Average
 
High
 
Low
 
Interest Rates
 
$
5.18

 
$
5.89

 
$
6.91

 
$
4.96

 
$
6.31

 
$
6.19

 
$
8.06

 
$
4.88

 
Equity Prices
 
6.71

 
10.16

 
12.72

 
6.71

 
10.85

 
9.98

 
12.22

 
6.94

 
Currency Rates
 
0.92

 
0.35

 
0.97

 
0.12

 
0.27

 
0.28

 
0.81

 
0.12

 
Commodity Prices
 
1.62

 
0.66

 
1.62

 
0.04

 
0.26

 
0.32

 
0.81

 
0.10

 
Diversification Effect (2)
 
(4.26
)
 
(3.29
)
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
(2.57
)
 
(3.97
)
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Firmwide
 
$
10.17

 
$
13.77

 
$
17.75

 
$
10.17

 
$
15.12

 
$
12.80

 
$
15.98

 
$
10.18

 

(1)
VaR is the potential loss in value of Jefferies trading positions due to adverse market movements over a defined time horizon with a specific confidence level.  For the VaR numbers reported above, a one-day time horizon, with a one year look-back period, and a 95% confidence level were used.
(2)
The diversification effect is not applicable for the maximum and minimum VaR values as the Jefferies VaR and VaR values for the four risk categories might have occurred on different days during the period.

66



Average daily VaR increased to $13.77 million for the three months ended August 31, 2015 from $12.80 million for the three months ended May 31, 2015.  The increase was primarily driven by an increase in various equity block positions and a reduction in the diversification benefit.  Excluding the investment in KCG, average VaR increased to $12.16 million for the three months ended August 31, 2015 from $9.86 million in the three months ended May 31, 2015.
 
The primary method used to test the efficacy of the VaR model is to compare actual daily net revenue for those positions included in the VaR calculation with the daily VaR estimate.  This evaluation is performed at various levels of the trading portfolio, from the holding company level down to specific business lines.  For the VaR model, trading related revenue is defined as principal transaction revenue, trading related commissions, revenue from securitization activities and net interest income.  For a 95% confidence one day VaR model (i.e., no intra-day trading), assuming current changes in market value are consistent with the historical changes used in the calculation, net trading losses would not be expected to exceed the VaR estimates more than twelve times on an annual basis (i.e., once in every 20 days).  During the three months ended August 31, 2015, results of the evaluation at the aggregate level demonstrated 2 days when the net trading loss exceeded the 95% one day VaR.

Certain individual positions within financial instruments are not included in the VaR model because VaR is not the most appropriate measure of risk.  Accordingly, Jefferies Risk Management has additional procedures in place to assure that the level of potential loss that would arise from market movements are within acceptable levels.  Such procedures include performing stress tests, monitoring concentration risk and tracking price target/stop loss levels.  The table below presents the potential reduction in net income associated with a 10% stress of the fair value of the positions that are not included in the VaR model at August 31, 2015 (in thousands):
 
10% Sensitivity
 
 
Private investments
$
24,032

Corporate debt securities in default
10,266

Trade claims
2,292


Excluding trading losses associated with the daily marking to market of the investment in KCG, there were 18 days with trading losses out of a total of 65 trading days in the three months ended August 31, 2015. Including these losses, there were 21 days with trading losses.

Scenario Analysis and Stress Tests

While VaR measures potential losses due to adverse changes in historical market prices and rates, Jefferies uses stress testing to analyze the potential impact of specific events or moderate or extreme market moves on its current portfolio both firm wide and within business segments.  Stress scenarios comprise both historical market price and rate changes and hypothetical market environments, and generally involve simultaneous changes of many risk factors.  Indicative market changes in Jefferies scenarios include, but are not limited to, a large widening of credit spreads, a substantial decline in equities markets, significant moves in selected emerging markets, large moves in interest rates, changes in the shape of the yield curve and large moves in European markets.  In addition, Jefferies also performs ad hoc stress tests and adds new scenarios as market conditions dictate.  Because Jefferies stress scenarios are meant to reflect market moves that occur over a period of time, its estimates of potential loss assume some level of position reduction for liquid positions.  Unlike Jefferies VaR, which measures potential losses within a given confidence interval, stress scenarios do not have an associated implied probability; rather, stress testing is used to estimate the potential loss from market moves that tend to be larger than those embedded in the VaR calculation.

Stress testing is performed and reported regularly as part of the risk management process.  Stress testing is used to assess Jefferies aggregate risk position as well as for limit setting and risk/reward analysis.

Counterparty Credit Risk and Issuer Country Exposure

Counterparty Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk of loss due to adverse changes in a counterparty’s credit worthiness or its ability or willingness to meet its financial obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of a financial contract.  Jefferies is exposed to credit risk as trading counterparty to other broker-dealers and customers, as a direct lender and through extending loan commitments, as a holder of securities and as a member of exchanges and clearing organizations.

It is critical to Jefferies financial soundness and profitability that Jefferies properly and effectively identify, assess, monitor and manage the various credit and counterparty risks inherent in its businesses.  Credit is extended to counterparties in a controlled manner in order to generate acceptable returns, whether such credit is granted directly or is incidental to a transaction.  All extensions of credit are monitored and managed on a Jefferies enterprise level in order to limit exposure to loss related to credit risk.

Jefferies employs a Credit Risk Framework, which is responsible for identifying credit risks throughout its operating businesses, establishing counterparty limits and managing and monitoring those credit limits.   Jefferies framework includes:

defining credit limit guidelines and credit limit approval processes;
providing a consistent and integrated credit risk framework across the enterprise;
approving counterparties and counterparty limits with parameters set by its Risk Management Committee;
negotiating, approving and monitoring credit terms in legal and master documentation;
delivering credit limits to all relevant sales and trading desks;
maintaining credit reviews for all active and new counterparties;
operating a control function for exposure analytics and exception management and reporting;
determining the analytical standards and risk parameters for on-going management and monitoring of global credit risk books;
actively managing daily exposure, exceptions, and breaches;
monitoring daily margin call activity and counterparty performance (in concert with the Margin Department); and
setting the minimum global requirements for systems, reports, and technology.

Jefferies Credit Exposures

Credit exposure exists across a wide-range of products including cash and cash equivalents, loans, securities finance transactions and over-the-counter derivative contracts.


67



Loans and lending arise in connection with our capital markets activities and represents the notional value of loans that have been drawn by the borrower and lending commitments outstanding.  In addition, credit exposures on forward settling traded loans are included within Jefferies loans and lending exposures for consistency with the Statement of Financial Condition categorization of these items.
Securities and margin finance includes credit exposure arising on securities financing transactions (reverse repurchase agreements, repurchase agreements and securities lending agreements) to the extent the fair value of the underlying collateral differs from the contractual agreement amount and from margin provided to customers.
Derivatives represent over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives, which are reported net by counterparty when a legal right of setoff exists under an enforceable master netting agreement.  Derivatives are accounted for at fair value net of cash collateral received or posted under credit support agreements.  In addition, credit exposures on forward settling trades are included within Jefferies derivative credit exposures.
Cash and cash equivalents include both interest-bearing and non-interest bearing deposits at banks.

Current counterparty credit exposures are summarized in the table below and provided by credit quality, region and industry. Credit exposures presented take netting and collateral into consideration by counterparty and master agreement.  Collateral taken into consideration includes both collateral received as cash as well as collateral received in the form of securities or other arrangements.  Current exposure is the loss that would be incurred on a particular set of positions in the event of default by the counterparty, assuming no recovery.  Current exposure equals the fair value of the positions less collateral.  Issuer risk is the credit risk arising from inventory positions (for example, corporate debt securities and secondary bank loans).  Issuer risk is included in Jefferies country risk exposure tables below.  The amounts in the tables and related disclosures below are for amounts included in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in millions).
Counterparty Credit Exposure by Credit Rating
 
Loans and Lending
 
Securities and
Margin Finance
 
OTC Derivatives
 
Total
 
Cash and Cash
Equivalents
 
Total with Cash and
Cash Equivalents
 
At
 
At
 
At
 
At
 
At
 
At
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
AAA Range  
$

 
$

 
$
2.0

 
$
1.9

 
$

 
$

 
$
2.0

 
$
1.9

 
$
2,506.0

 
$
2,921.4

 
$
2,508.0

 
$
2,923.3

AA Range  

 
2.7

 
129.8

 
134.6

 
9.2

 
7.1

 
139.0

 
144.4

 
125.9

 
412.9

 
264.9

 
557.3

A Range  
0.1

 
7.6

 
636.1

 
586.9

 
109.8

 
218.1

 
746.0

 
812.6

 
783.6

 
731.3

 
1,529.6

 
1,543.9

BBB Range  
90.7

 
132.3

 
108.6

 
73.6

 
45.9

 
34.8

 
245.2

 
240.7

 
26.2

 
2.8

 
271.4

 
243.5

BB or Lower  
199.9

 
189.9

 
22.2

 
127.9

 
35.2

 
45.2

 
257.3

 
363.0

 

 

 
257.3

 
363.0

Unrated  
92.2

 
139.6

 

 

 

 

 
92.2

 
139.6

 
0.1

 
11.5

 
92.3

 
151.1

Total  
$
382.9

 
$
472.1

 
$
898.7

 
$
924.9

 
$
200.1

 
$
305.2

 
$
1,481.7

 
$
1,702.2

 
$
3,441.8

 
$
4,079.9

 
$
4,923.5

 
$
5,782.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Counterparty Credit Exposure by Region
 
Loans and Lending
 
Securities and
Margin Finance
 
OTC Derivatives
 
Total
 
Cash and Cash
Equivalents
 
Total with Cash and
Cash Equivalents
 
At
 
At
 
At
 
At
 
At
 
At
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Asia/Latin America/Other  
$
37.4

 
$
48.8

 
$
21.6

 
$
55.7

 
$
31.4

 
$
24.6

 
$
90.4

 
$
129.1

 
$
157.4

 
$
221.0

 
$
247.8

 
$
350.1

Europe  
0.4

 
8.5

 
211.7

 
218.2

 
59.7

 
76.1

 
271.8

 
302.8

 
246.0

 
617.5

 
517.8

 
920.3

North  America
345.1

 
414.8

 
665.4

 
651.0

 
109.0

 
204.5

 
1,119.5

 
1,270.3

 
3,038.4

 
3,241.4

 
4,157.9

 
4,511.7

Total  
$
382.9

 
$
472.1

 
$
898.7

 
$
924.9

 
$
200.1

 
$
305.2

 
$
1,481.7

 
$
1,702.2

 
$
3,441.8

 
$
4,079.9

 
$
4,923.5

 
$
5,782.1


Counterparty Credit Exposure by Industry
 
Loans and Lending
 
Securities and
Margin Finance
 
OTC Derivatives
 
Total
 
Cash and Cash
Equivalents
Total with Cash and
Cash Equivalents
 
At
 
At
 
At
 
At
 
At
At
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Asset  Managers
$

 
$

 
$
117.2

 
$
91.8

 
$
0.1

 
$

 
$
117.3

 
$
91.8

 
$
2,506.0

 
$
2,921.4

$
2,623.3

$
3,013.2

Banks, Broker-dealers
0.5

 
10.7

 
469.0

 
482.2

 
147.0

 
251.4

 
616.5

 
744.3

 
935.8

 
1,158.5

1,552.3

1,902.8

Commodities  

 

 

 
59.9

 
21.4

 
24.8

 
21.4

 
84.7

 

 

21.4

84.7

Corporates/ loans
244.6

 
320.8

 

 

 
6.7

 
0.8

 
251.3

 
321.6

 

 

251.3

321.6

Other  
137.8

 
140.6

 
312.5

 
291.0

 
24.9

 
28.2

 
475.2

 
459.8

 

 

475.2

459.8

Total  
$
382.9


$
472.1


$
898.7


$
924.9


$
200.1


$
305.2


$
1,481.7


$
1,702.2


$
3,441.8


$
4,079.9

$
4,923.5

$
5,782.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


68



For additional information regarding credit exposure to OTC derivative contracts, see Note 4 in our consolidated financial statements.

Jefferies has no material exposure to countries where either sovereign or non-sovereign sectors potentially pose potential default risk as the result of liquidity concerns, given that individually and collectively all countries of concern are less than 2% of Jefferies total exposure.

Jefferies Country Risk Exposure

Country risk is the risk that events or developments that occur in the general environment of a country or countries due to economic, political, social, regulatory, legal or other factors, will affect the ability of obligors of the country to honor their obligations.  Jefferies defines country risk as the country of jurisdiction or domicile of the obligor.  The following tables reflect Jefferies top exposures to the sovereign governments, corporations and financial institutions in those non-U.S. countries in which there is net long issuer and counterparty exposure, as reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in millions):
 
September 30, 2015
 
Issuer Risk
 
Counterparty Risk
 
Issuer and Counterparty Risk
 
Fair Value of
Long Debt
 Securities
 
Fair Value of
Short Debt
 Securities
 
Net Derivative
Notional
 Exposure
 
Loans
and
 Lending
 
Securities
and Margin
 Finance
 
OTC
 Derivatives
 
Cash and
Cash Equivalents
 
Excluding
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Including
Cash and
Cash Equivalents
United Kingdom
$
536.5

 
$
(226.0
)
 
$
(2.2
)
 
$
0.4

 
$
43.9

 
$
30.4

 
$
40.9

 
$
383.0

 
$
423.9

Germany
310.9

 
(249.1
)
 
(30.4
)
 

 
106.4

 
0.4

 
46.0

 
138.2

 
184.2

Italy
877.4

 
(1,090.2
)
 
388.1

 

 

 

 

 
175.3

 
175.3

France
367.7

 
(153.4
)
 
(70.3
)
 

 
12.3

 
13.9

 

 
170.2

 
170.2

Belgium
43.7

 
(37.7
)
 
(5.5
)
 

 

 

 
116.3

 
0.5

 
116.8

Netherlands
237.8

 
(171.4
)
 
8.6

 

 
17.8

 
0.2

 

 
93.0

 
93.0

Hong Kong
28.6

 
(14.4
)
 
(2.0
)
 

 

 

 
78.4

 
12.2

 
90.6

Switzerland
79.6

 
(47.9
)
 

 

 
31.2

 
13.7

 
3.8

 
76.6

 
80.4

Australia
57.3

 
(29.6
)
 
6.0

 
37.4

 

 
0.5

 
1.8

 
71.6

 
73.4

Puerto Rico
58.5

 

 

 
2.5

 

 
0.6

 

 
61.6

 
61.6

Total
$
2,598.0


$
(2,019.7
)

$
292.3


$
40.3


$
211.6


$
59.7


$
287.2


$
1,182.2


$
1,469.4


 
December 31, 2014
 
Issuer Risk
 
Counterparty Risk
 
Issuer and Counterparty Risk
 
Fair Value of
Long Debt
 Securities
 
Fair Value of
Short Debt
 Securities
 
Net Derivative
Notional
 Exposure
 
Loans
and
 Lending
 
Securities
and Margin
 Finance
 
OTC
 Derivatives
 
Cash and
Cash Equivalents
 
Excluding
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Including
Cash and
Cash Equivalents
Germany
$
357.6

 
$
(153.7
)
 
$
196.1

 
$

 
$
97.8

 
$
16.8

 
$
59.5

 
$
514.6

 
$
574.1

Spain
587.2

 
(171.0
)
 

 
0.2

 
1.2

 

 

 
417.6

 
417.6

United Kingdom
441.0

 
(252.5
)
 
(25.4
)
 
6.5

 
29.8

 
25.2

 
138.9

 
224.6

 
363.5

Belgium
137.6

 
(65.9
)
 
(8.4
)
 

 
2.5

 

 
278.7

 
65.8

 
344.5

Canada
123.1

 
(28.8
)
 
(27.3
)
 

 
120.2

 
79.6

 
5.3

 
266.8

 
272.1

Netherlands
341.4

 
(121.0
)
 
(13.5
)
 

 
5.4

 

 

 
212.3

 
212.3

Italy
1,467.9

 
(880.1
)
 
(427.7
)
 

 

 
0.3

 

 
160.4

 
160.4

Hong Kong
18.4

 
(8.5
)
 

 

 
0.6

 

 
145.1

 
10.5

 
155.6

Luxembourg
5.6

 
(6.9
)
 
2.9

 

 
0.4

 

 
127.2

 
2.0

 
129.2

Puerto Rico
108.2

 

 

 

 

 
0.8

 

 
109.0

 
109.0

Total
$
3,588.0


$
(1,688.4
)

$
(303.3
)

$
6.7


$
257.9


$
122.7


$
754.7


$
1,983.6


$
2,738.3


As reflected above, Jefferies issuer and counterparty risk exposure to Puerto Rico was $61.6 million, which is in connection with our municipal securities market making activities. The government of Puerto Rico is seeking to restructure much of its $72 billion in debt on a voluntary basis. In addition, ongoing developments in Greece have renewed concerns about its economic and financial stability. At August 31, 2015, Jefferies had no net current counterparty credit exposure to Greece, and net issuer exposure from traded securities totaled $9.2 million.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

The Company's management evaluated, with the participation of the Company's principal executive and principal financial officers, the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of September 30, 2015.  Based on their evaluation, the Company's principal executive and principal financial officers concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2015.

No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

69



PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

The information set forth in response to this Item 1 is incorporated by reference from the “Contingencies” section in Note 21, Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees, in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

(c)  Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table presents information on our purchases of our common shares during the three months ended September 30, 2015:
 
(a) Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased (1)
 
(b) Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
(c) Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (2)
 
(d) Maximum Number
of Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
July 1, 2015 to July 31, 2015
38,440

 
$
24.08

 

 
24,295,194

August 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015
790,930

 
$
22.89

 
783,766

 
23,511,428

September 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015
3,559,932

 
$
20.29

 
3,511,428

 
20,000,000

Total
4,389,302

 
 

 
4,295,194

 
 

(1)Includes an aggregate of 94,108 shares repurchased other than as part of our publicly announced Board authorized repurchase program.  We repurchased these securities in connection with our share compensation plans which allow participants to use shares to satisfy certain tax liabilities arising from the vesting of restricted shares and the distribution of restricted share units. The total number of shares purchased does not include unvested shares forfeited back to us pursuant to the terms of our share compensation plans.
(2)In November 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase, from time to time, of up to an aggregate of 25,000,000 of our common shares, inclusive of prior authorizations.

70



Item 5.  Other Information.


Item 6.
Exhibits.

 
 
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101
Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Leucadia National Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



71



SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 

 
LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION
 
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
Date:  November 5, 2015
By:
/s/          John M. Dalton
 
 
 
Name:   John M. Dalton
 
 
 
Title:     Controller
 
 
 
(Chief Accounting Officer)
 

72



Exhibit Index

 
 
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101
Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Leucadia National Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



 
 
 
 





























 

73




 

 
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS

I, Richard B. Handler, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Leucadia National Corporation;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
 
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
 
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
 
 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
 
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
 
 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
 
 
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 5, 2015
 
 
By:            /s/ Richard B. Handler
 
Richard B. Handler
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 







 

 
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS

I, Teresa S. Gendron, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Leucadia National Corporation;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
 
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
 
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
 
 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
 
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
 
 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
 
 
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:  November 5, 2015
By:
/s/           Teresa S. Gendron
 
 
 
Teresa S. Gendron
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 








 

 
Exhibit 32.1


CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED BY SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Richard B. Handler, as Chief Executive Officer of Leucadia National Corporation (the "Company") certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
(1)            the accompanying Form 10-Q report for the period ending September 30, 2015 as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2)            the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: November 5, 2015
By:
/s/         Richard B. Handler
 
 
 
Richard B. Handler
 
 
 
  Chief Executive Officer
 

 










 

 
Exhibit 32.2


CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED BY SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Teresa S. Gendron, as Chief Financial Officer of Leucadia National Corporation (the "Company") certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
(1)            the accompanying Form 10-Q report for the period ending September 30, 2015 as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2)            the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
 
 
 
 
Date:  November 5, 2015
By:
/s/          Teresa S. Gendron
 
 
 
Teresa S. Gendron
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 


 
 





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