LUK 2017 10-K

Leucadia National Corp (LUK) SEC Quarterly Report (10-Q) for Q1 2018

LUK Q2 2018 10-Q
LUK 2017 10-K LUK Q2 2018 10-Q



UNITED STATES

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 March 31, 2018

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 o


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 o


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer   x

Accelerated filer  o

Non-accelerated filer     o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company   o

Emerging growth company   o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o No x


The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock at May 1, 2018 was 344,540,975 .




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item I. Financial Statements.

LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017

(Dollars in thousands, except par value)

(Unaudited)

March 31,

December 31,

2018

2017

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

$

5,144,625


$

5,275,480


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

802,693


578,014


Financial instruments owned, including securities pledged of $10,861,294 and $10,842,051:



Trading assets, at fair value

17,346,648


16,082,676


Available for sale securities

690,745


716,561


Total financial instruments owned

18,037,393



16,799,237


Loans to and investments in associated companies

2,233,070


2,066,829


Securities borrowed

7,300,171


7,721,803


Securities purchased under agreements to resell

2,983,945


3,689,559


Receivables

6,710,631


5,419,015


Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

754,668


750,403


Intangible assets, net and goodwill

2,450,957


2,463,180


Deferred tax asset, net

777,138


743,811


Other assets

1,806,203


1,661,777


Total assets (1)

$

49,001,494



$

47,169,108


LIABILITIES



Short-term borrowings

$

468,046


$

436,215


Trading liabilities, at fair value

9,992,014


8,454,965


Securities loaned

2,372,473


2,843,911


Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

8,250,339


8,660,511


Other secured financings

1,254,893


1,029,485


Payables, expense accruals and other liabilities

7,336,062


7,167,666


Long-term debt

8,499,724


7,885,783


Total liabilities (1)

38,173,551



36,478,536


Commitments and contingencies





MEZZANINE EQUITY



Redeemable noncontrolling interests

414,815


426,593


Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred shares

125,000


125,000


EQUITY



Common shares, par value $1 per share, authorized 600,000,000 shares; 357,215,901 and 356,227,038 shares issued and outstanding, after deducting 59,577,117 and 60,165,980 shares held in treasury

357,216


356,227


Additional paid-in capital

4,711,218


4,676,038


Accumulated other comprehensive income

357,317


372,724


Retained earnings

4,833,329


4,700,968


Total Leucadia National Corporation shareholders' equity

10,259,080



10,105,957


Noncontrolling interests

29,048


33,022


Total equity

10,288,128



10,138,979


Total

$

49,001,494


$

47,169,108




(1)

Total assets include assets related to variable interest entities of $595.6 million and $382.9 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, and Total liabilities include liabilities related to variable interest entities of $1,251.8 million and $1,031.0 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. See Note 8 for additional information related to variable interest entities.


See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.


2



LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Revenues:

Beef processing services

$

1,781,920


$

1,559,023


Commissions and other fees

147,902


145,822


Principal transactions

145,663


416,403


Investment banking

439,991


408,021


Interest income

275,290


223,630


Other

155,703


327,470


Total revenues

2,946,469


3,080,369


Interest expense of Jefferies

265,676


212,387


Net revenues

2,680,793


2,867,982


Expenses:



Cost of sales

1,752,711


1,533,094


Compensation and benefits

499,866


503,327


Floor brokerage and clearing fees

42,176


45,858


Interest expense

23,607


27,384


Depreciation and amortization

53,679


49,510


Selling, general and other expenses

234,200


182,138


Total expenses

2,606,239


2,341,311


Income before income taxes and income (loss) related to associated companies

74,554


526,671


Income (loss) related to associated companies

32,100


(128,574

)

Income before income taxes

106,654


398,097


Income tax provision (benefit)

(32,495

)

104,174


Net income

139,149


293,923


Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests

1,344


523


Net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests

(14,796

)

(12,022

)

Preferred stock dividends

(1,172

)

(1,016

)



Net income attributable to Leucadia National Corporation common shareholders

$

124,525


$

281,408


Basic earnings per common share attributable to Leucadia National Corporation common shareholders:

Net income

$

0.34


$

0.76


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

Net income

$

0.34


$

0.75


Dividends per common share

$

0.1000


$

0.0625












See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.


3



LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Net income

$

139,149


$

293,923


Other comprehensive income (loss):



Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments arising during the period, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(370) and $5,907

(1,226

)

10,143


Less: reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income (loss), net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(5) and $(11)

15


18


Net change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(365) and $5,918

(1,211

)

10,161


Net unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses) arising during the period, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $1,926 and $1,511

17,903


(18

)

Less: reclassification adjustment for foreign exchange (gains) losses included in net income (loss), net of income tax provision (benefit) of $0 and $1,097

-


5,290


Net change in unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses), net of income tax provision (benefit) of $1,926 and $414

17,903


5,272


Net change in unrealized instrument specific credit risk gains (losses), net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(4,634) and $(6,345)

(11,569

)

(9,695

)

Net change in unrealized cash flow hedges gains (losses), net of income tax provision (benefit) of $1,234 and $0

1,248


-


Reclassification adjustment for pension (gains) losses included in net income (loss), net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(151) and $(1,435)

5,806


(798

)

Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes

12,177


4,940


Comprehensive income

151,326


298,863


Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests

1,344


523


Comprehensive income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests

(14,796

)

(12,022

)

Preferred stock dividends

(1,172

)

(1,016

)

Comprehensive income attributable to Leucadia National Corporation common shareholders

$

136,702


$

286,348



















See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.


4



LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

2018

2017

Net cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

$

139,149


$

293,923


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



Deferred income tax provision (benefit)

(28,494

)

99,357


Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements

38,709


34,482


Other amortization

3,385


3,541


Share-based compensation

12,431


9,983


Provision for doubtful accounts

11,851


9,517


(Income) loss related to associated companies

(37,705

)

102,311


Distributions from associated companies

26,546


14,040


Net (income) losses related to property and equipment, and other assets

7,997


(29

)

Gain on sale of subsidiary

-


(179,894

)

Net change in:

Securities deposited with clearing and depository organizations

64,861


13


Trading assets

(1,161,658

)

323,477


Securities borrowed

427,310


856,236


Securities purchased under agreements to resell

716,157


(609,225

)

Receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations

(1,320,380

)

(807,458

)

Receivables from customers of securities operations

(37,552

)

(341,347

)

Other receivables

33,048


(35,160

)

Other assets

(134,918

)

(174,512

)

Trading liabilities

1,521,136


381,118


Securities loaned

(476,725

)

(295,666

)

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

(418,052

)

525,137


Payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations

812,757


(329,027

)

Payables to customers of securities operations

222,603


114,834


Trade payables, expense accruals and other liabilities

(794,065

)

(317,806

)

Other

(33,644

)

(20,164

)

Net cash used for operating activities

(405,253

)


(342,319

)

Net cash flows from investing activities:



Acquisitions of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, and other assets

(59,558

)

(46,985

)

Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment, and other assets

4,277


17,288


Proceeds from sale of subsidiary, net of expenses and cash of operations sold

-


291,425


Advances on notes, loans and other receivables

-


(25,063

)

Collections on notes, loans and other receivables

8,197


88,608


Loans to and investments in associated companies

(1,790,110

)

(1,227,838

)

Capital distributions and loan repayments from associated companies

1,643,665


1,143,541


Purchases of investments (other than short-term)

(653,392

)

(383,934

)

Proceeds from maturities of investments

293,550


52,335


Proceeds from sales of investments

296,606


214,754


Other

4


1,250


Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

(256,761

)


125,381


(continued)








See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.


5



LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

2018

2017

Net cash flows from financing activities:

Issuance of debt, net of issuance costs

$

1,541,116


$

880,493


Other changes in short-term borrowings, net

-


(107,113

)

Repayment of debt

(856,311

)

(55,405

)

Net change in other secured financings

225,020


(189,518

)

Net change in bank overdrafts

2,360


4,195


Contributions from noncontrolling interests

47


18,777


Purchase of common shares for treasury

(2,700

)

(3,455

)

Dividends paid

(35,990

)

(22,710

)

Other

966


441


Net cash provided by financing activities

874,508


525,705


Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

2,583


(550

)

Change in cash classified as assets held for sale

-


(3,136

)

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

215,077


305,081




Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at January 1,

5,774,505


4,597,113




Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at March 31,

$

5,989,582


$

4,902,194



The following presents our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash by category within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition to the total of the same amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows above (in thousands):

March 31, 2018

March 31, 2017

Cash and cash equivalents

$

5,144,625


$

4,261,427


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

767,824


605,433


Other assets

77,133


35,334


Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$

5,989,582


$

4,902,194


















See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.


6



LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017

(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, 2017

$

359,425


$

4,812,587


$

310,697


$

4,645,391


$

10,128,100


$

175,549


$

10,303,649


Net income




281,408


281,408


(523

)

280,885


Other comprehensive income, net of taxes



4,940



4,940



4,940


Contributions from noncontrolling interests





-


18,777


18,777


Distributions to noncontrolling interests





-


(179

)

(179

)

Change in interest in consolidated subsidiary


36




36


(36

)

-


Share-based compensation expense


9,983




9,983



9,983


Change in fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests


(1,038

)



(1,038

)


(1,038

)

Purchase of common shares for treasury

(147

)

(3,308

)



(3,455

)


(3,455

)

Dividends ($.0625 per common share)




(23,375

)

(23,375

)


(23,375

)

Other

538


1,021




1,559




1,559


Balance, March 31, 2017

$

359,816



$

4,819,281



$

315,637



$

4,903,424



$

10,398,158



$

193,588



$

10,591,746


Balance, January 1, 2018

$

356,227


$

4,676,038


$

372,724


$

4,700,968


$

10,105,957


$

33,022


$

10,138,979


Cumulative effect of the adoption of accounting standards

(27,584

)

45,396


17,812



17,812


Balance, January 1, 2018, as adjusted

356,227


4,676,038


345,140


4,746,364


10,123,769


33,022


10,156,791


Net income




124,525


124,525


(1,344

)

123,181


Other comprehensive income, net of taxes



12,177



12,177



12,177


Change in interest in consolidated subsidiary


2,677




2,677


(2,677

)

-


Share-based compensation expense


12,431




12,431



12,431


Change in fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests


17,067




17,067



17,067


Purchase of common shares for treasury

(100

)

(2,600

)



(2,700

)


(2,700

)

Dividends ($.10 per common share)




(37,560

)

(37,560

)


(37,560

)

Other

1,089


5,605




6,694


47


6,741


Balance, March 31, 2018

$

357,216



$

4,711,218



$

357,317



$

4,833,329



$

10,259,080



$

29,048



$

10,288,128















See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.


7



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 financial services company engaged in investment banking and capital markets, merchant banking and the early stages of building an alternative asset management platform. Our financial services businesses and subsidiaries include Jefferies (investment banking and capital markets), Leucadia Asset Management (alternative asset management), Berkadia (commercial mortgage banking, investment sales and servicing), HomeFed (real estate), FXCM (provider of online foreign exchange trading services) and Foursight Capital (vehicle finance).

Our Leucadia Merchant Banking portfolio includes interests in NYSE-listed HRG Group (consumer products), National Beef (beef processing), Vitesse Energy Finance and JETX Energy (oil and gas), Linkem (fixed wireless broadband services in Italy), Idaho Timber (manufacturing) and Golden Queen (gold and silver mining). From time to time, we evaluate the retention and disposition of holdings within our merchant banking portfolio and changes in the mix of these holdings should be expected.

We currently own 78.9% of National Beef Packing Company. National Beef processes and markets fresh and chilled boxed beef, ground beef, beef by-products, consumer-ready beef and pork, and wet blue leather for domestic and international markets. In April 2018, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell 48% of National Beef to Marfrig Global Foods S.A. ("Marfrig") for approximately $900 million in cash, reducing our ownership in National Beef to 31% . The estimated pre-tax gain that will be recognized as a result of this transaction is approximately $800 million to $850 million . We expect to receive an additional estimated $150 million in distributions prior to the closing, representing recent profits plus a true-up to the debt amount set in the enterprise valuation associated with the sale. Marfrig has also agreed to acquire a further 3% of National Beef from other equity owners and will own 51% of National Beef. Leucadia will continue to designate two board members and have a series of other rights in respect of our continuing equity interest, with a lockup period of five years and thereafter fair market value liquidity protections. The transaction is subject to limited conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018. Once the transaction closes, we will deconsolidate our investment in National Beef and account for our remaining interest under the equity method of accounting.


We currently own approximately 75% of Garcadia, an equity method joint venture that owns and operates 28 automobile dealerships in California, Texas, Iowa and Michigan. In April 2018, Leucadia entered into a letter agreement to sell 100% of its equity interests in Garcadia and its associated real estate to our current partners, the Garff family. At closing, we will receive $435 million in cash and $50 million in senior preferred equity of an entity that will own all of the automobile dealerships associated broadly with the Ken Garff Automotive Group, including all of the Garcadia dealerships. At or prior to closing, we will pay approximately $53 million to retire the mortgage debt on the real estate to be sold. In addition, we agreed to pay at closing an amount equal to $5.75 million to the Garff family representing the satisfaction of a pre-existing obligation. The estimated pre-tax gain that will be recognized as a result of this transaction is approximately $220 million . This transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018.


Vitesse Energy, LLC ("Vitesse Energy Finance") is our consolidated subsidiary that acquires and invests in non-operated working and royalty oil and gas interests in the Bakken Shale oil field in North Dakota and Montana, as well as the Denver-Julesburg Basin in Wyoming. These non-operated interests represent Vitesse Energy Finance's share of mineral rights associated with specified acreage. As operators convert undeveloped portions of this acreage into flowing horizontal wells, our interests in the mineral rights are essentially converted into interests in the cash flows associated with the wells. In April 2018, Vitesse Energy Finance acquired a package of non-operated Bakken assets from an institutional seller for $190 million in cash, of which approximately $145 million was funded as equity by Leucadia and the balance was drawn under Vitesse Energy Finance's credit line. The assets purchased include interests in mineral rights associated with future oil and gas development, as well as interests in existing cash flows from producing wells through revenue sharing arrangements.

Leucadia Asset Management ("LAM") supports and develops focused alternative asset management businesses led by distinct management teams. We are patiently developing this business over time, and changes in the platforms and structure should be expected. LAM currently includes Folger Hill Asset Management LLC ("Folger Hill"), a multi-manager discretionary long/short equity hedge fund platform. In April 2018, we agreed with Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC ("Schonfeld") to combine the fundamental equities businesses of Folger Hill and Schonfeld under the Schonfeld brand. Post-closing, Leucadia will own a significant revenue share interest in Schonfeld's global fundamental equities business.


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. 


8



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. For a detailed discussion about the Company's significant accounting policies, see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 ("2017 10-K").


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.


Jefferies has a November 30 year-end, 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 March 2018 for the purpose of evaluating whether financial statement disclosure or adjustments are required in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and we have concluded that no additional disclosures or adjustments are warranted.


During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , other than the following, there were no significant updates made to the Company's significant accounting policies. The accounting policy changes are attributable to the adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") guidance on Revenue from Contracts with Customers (the "new revenue standard"). These revenue recognition policy updates are applied prospectively in our financial statements from January 1, 2018 forward using the modified retrospective approach. Reported financial information for the historical comparable period was not revised and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect during the historical periods.


Revenue Recognition Policies

Investment Banking Revenues:

Advisory fees from mergers and acquisitions engagements are recognized at a point in time when the related transaction is completed.

Expenses associated with investment banking advisory engagements are deferred only to the extent they are explicitly reimbursable by the client and the related revenue is recognized at a point in time. All other investment banking advisory related expenses, including expenses incurred related to restructuring advisory engagements, are expensed as incurred.

All investment banking expenses are recognized within their respective expense category on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and any expenses reimbursed by clients are recognized as Investment banking revenues.

Asset Management Fees:

Performance fee revenue is generally recognized only at the end of the performance period to the extent that the benchmark return has been met.

See Accounting Developments - Adopted Accounting Standards below and Note 17 for further information.


Changes to the Consolidated Statements of Operations


We have changed the presentation of our gains and losses generated from our capital invested in asset management funds. This was previously presented as Other revenues and is now presented within Principal transactions revenues. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , this resulted in a decrease to Principal transactions revenues of $0.1 million and an increase to Other revenues of $0.1 million .


Receivables


At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , Receivables include receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations of $3,959.3 million and $2,635.2 million , respectively, and receivables from customers of securities operations of $1,597.0 million and $1,563.8 million , respectively.



9



Payables, expense accruals and other liabilities


At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , Payables, expense accruals and other liabilities include payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations of $3,045.7 million and $2,228.9 million , respectively, and payables to customers of securities operations of $2,886.6 million and $2,664.0 million , respectively.


Supplemental Cash Flow Information

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Cash paid during the year for:

(In thousands)

Interest

$

322,769


$

248,211


Income tax payments (refunds), net

$

(1,918

)

$

2,728


Accounting Developments - Adopted Accounting Standards


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 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. We adopted the guidance as of January 1, 2018 and recognized an increase of $17.8 million after-tax to beginning Retained earnings as the cumulative effect of adoption of accounting standards. The increase primarily relates to the recognition of $24.3 million of revenue previously deferred from the sale of real estate to HomeFed in 2014, offset by a decrease of $6.1 million related to Jefferies. For Jefferies, the impact of adoption primarily related to investment banking expenses that were deferred as of December 31, 2017 under the previously existing accounting guidance, which would have been expensed in prior periods under the new revenue standard and investment banking revenues that were previously recognized in prior periods, which would have been deferred as of December 31, 2017 under the new revenue standard. We elected to adopt the new guidance using a modified retrospective approach applied to contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Accordingly, the new revenue standard is applied prospectively in our financial statements from January 1, 2018 forward and reported financial information for historical comparable periods is not revised and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect during those historical periods.


The new revenue standard does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including loans and securities that are accounted for under other GAAP, and as a result, did not have an impact on the elements of our Consolidated Statements of Operations most closely associated with financial instruments, including Principal transactions revenues, Interest income and Interest expense. The new revenue standard primarily impacts Jefferies revenue recognition and presentation accounting policies as follows:


Investment Banking Revenues. Advisory fees from mergers and acquisitions engagements are recognized at a point in time when the related transaction is completed, as the performance obligation is to successfully broker a specific transaction.


Certain Capital Markets Revenues. Revenues associated with price stabilization activities as part of a securities underwriting were historically recognized as part of Investment banking revenues. Under the new revenue standard, revenues from these activities are recognized within Principal transactions revenues, as these revenues are not considered to be within the scope of the new standard.


• Investment Banking Advisory Expenses. Historically, expenses associated with investment banking advisory assignments were deferred until reimbursed by the client, the related fee revenue is recognized or the engagement is otherwise concluded. Under the new revenue standard, expenses are deferred only to the extent they are explicitly reimbursable by the client and the related revenue is recognized at a point in time. All other investment banking advisory related expenses, including expenses incurred related to restructuring assignments, are expensed as incurred.


Investment Banking Underwriting and Advisory Expenses. Expenses have historically been recorded net of client reimbursements and/or netted against revenues. Under the new revenue standard, all investment banking expenses will be recognized within their respective expense category in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and any expense reimbursements will be recognized as Investment banking revenues (i.e., expenses are no longer recorded net of client reimbursements and are not netted against revenues).



10



Asset Management Fees. In certain asset management fee arrangements, Jefferies and LAM receive performance-based fees, which vary with performance or, in certain cases, are earned when the return on assets under management exceed certain benchmark returns or other performance targets. Historically, performance fees have been accrued (or reversed) quarterly based on measuring performance to date versus any relevant benchmark return hurdles stated in the investment management agreement. Under the new revenue standard, performance fees are considered variable as they are subject to fluctuation (e.g., based on market performance) and/or are contingent on a future event during the measurement period (e.g., exceeding a specified benchmark index) and are recognized only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty is resolved. Accordingly, performance fee revenue will generally be recognized only at the end of the performance period to the extent that the benchmark return has been met.


National Beef earns over 95% of its revenues through the sale of beef, pork and beef by-products. Agreements with customers for these sales typically specify the type and quantity of products to be delivered, the unit price of each product, the estimated delivery date, and credit and payment terms. The transaction price is generally fixed at the time of sale and revenue is recognized when the customer takes control of the product. The new guidance does not impact how revenue is recognized for this revenue stream.


There was no significant impact as a result of applying the new revenue standard to our consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2018 , except as it relates to the presentation of Jefferies investment banking expenses. The table below presents the impact of applying the new revenue recognition standard to the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as a result of the change in presentation of investment banking expenses (in thousands):

As Reported

Impact of Adoption of Revenue Recognition Standard

Financial Results Prior to Adoption of Revenue Recognition Standard

Revenues:

Beef processing services

$

1,781,920


$

-


$

1,781,920


Commissions and other fees

147,902


-


147,902


Principal transactions

145,663


-


145,663


Investment banking

439,991


32,485


407,506


Interest income

275,290


-


275,290


Other

155,703


-


155,703


Total revenues

2,946,469


32,485


2,913,984


Interest expense of Jefferies

265,676


-


265,676


Net revenues

2,680,793


32,485


2,648,308


Expenses:




Cost of sales

1,752,711


-


1,752,711


Compensation and benefits

499,866


-


499,866


Floor brokerage and clearing fees

42,176


-


42,176


Interest expense

23,607


-


23,607


Depreciation and amortization

53,679


-


53,679


Selling, general and other expenses

234,200


32,485


201,715


Total expenses

2,606,239


32,485


2,573,754


Income before income taxes and income (loss) related to associated companies

$

74,554


$

-


$

74,554



Financial Instruments. In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We have adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2018 with a cumulative effect increase to opening retained earnings of $27.6 million and a corresponding decrease to Accumulated other comprehensive income. The opening retained earnings adjustment is to recognize the unrealized gains we had for available for sale equity securities. Beginning in 2018, these available for sale equity securities are now reported as part of Trading assets,


11



at fair value within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Early adoption was permitted for the accounting guidance on financial liabilities under the fair value option and we adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of the guidance on financial liabilities under the fair value option did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.


Retirement Benefits. In March 2017, the FASB issued new guidance for improving the presentation of net periodic pension costs in the statement of operations. The update also allows the service cost to be eligible for capitalization, when applicable. We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. The adoption of this guidance resulted in the following adjustments to the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 : a decrease of $0.9 million to Compensation and benefits expenses and an increase to Selling, general and other expenses of $0.9 million .


Cash Flow Classifications. In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance to reduce the diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The guidance adds or clarifies guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on restricted cash. The guidance requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2018. Prior periods were retrospectively adjusted to conform to the current period presentation. The adoption of the guidance did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Upon adoption, we recorded a decrease of $149.3 million in Net cash used for operating activities and an increase of $0.6 million in Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 related to reclassifying the changes in our restricted cash balance from operating and investing activities to the cash and cash equivalent balances within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.


Compensation. In May 2017, the FASB issued new guidance providing clarity and reducing diversity in practice and cost and complexity when accounting for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.


Accounting Developments - Accounting Standards to be Adopted in Future Periods


Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that affects the accounting and disclosure requirements for leases. The FASB requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the statement of financial condition. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.


Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance for estimating credit losses on certain types of financial instruments by introducing an approach based on expected losses. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.


Goodwill. In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance for simplifying goodwill impairment testing. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted. We do not believe the new guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.


Derivatives and hedging. In August 2017, the FASB issued new guidance to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements.


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Note 3.  Fair Value Disclosures


The following is a summary of our financial instruments, trading liabilities, short-term borrowings and long-term debt that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis, excluding Investments at fair value based on net asset value ("NAV") (within trading assets) of $668.2 million and $590.1 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

March 31, 2018

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Counterparty

and

Cash

Collateral

Netting (1)

Total

Assets:

Trading assets, at fair value:

Corporate equity securities

$

3,483,285


$

65,101


$

35,753


$

-


$

3,584,139


Corporate debt securities

-


2,865,547


26,103


-


2,891,650


Collateralized debt obligations and

collateralized loan obligations

-


144,505


38,613


-


183,118


U.S. government and federal agency securities

844,212


42,943


-


-


887,155


Municipal securities

-


713,643


-


-


713,643


Sovereign obligations

1,312,317


1,139,803


-


-


2,452,120


Residential mortgage-backed securities

-


2,357,081


21,762


-


2,378,843


Commercial mortgage-backed securities

-


505,552


15,103


-


520,655


Other asset-backed securities

-


286,459


51,288


-


337,747


Loans and other receivables

-


2,118,571


62,043


-


2,180,614


Derivatives (2)

17,110


2,549,843


4,712


(2,414,276

)

157,389


Investments at fair value

-


-


318,159


-


318,159


FXCM term loan

-


-


73,200


-


73,200


Total trading assets, excluding investments at fair value based on NAV

$

5,656,924



$

12,789,048



$

646,736



$

(2,414,276

)


$

16,678,432


Available for sale securities:






U.S. government securities

$

491,396


$

-


$

-


$

-


$

491,396


Residential mortgage-backed securities

-


140,358


-


-


140,358


Commercial mortgage-backed securities

-


20,960


-


-


20,960


Other asset-backed securities

-


38,031


-


-


38,031


Total available for sale securities

$

491,396



$

199,349



$

-



$

-



$

690,745


Liabilities:






Trading liabilities:






Corporate equity securities

$

2,096,743


$

6,592


$

61


$

-


$

2,103,396


Corporate debt securities

-


1,595,775


522


-


1,596,297


U.S. government and federal agency securities

1,398,020


-


-


-


1,398,020


Municipal securities

-


7,659


-


-


7,659


Sovereign obligations

1,208,396


923,899


-


-


2,132,295


Commercial mortgage-backed securities

-


-


35


-


35


Loans

-


1,861,278


10,323


-


1,871,601


Derivatives

16,395


3,510,080


11,594


(2,655,358

)

882,711


Total trading liabilities

$

4,719,554



$

7,905,283



$

22,535



$

(2,655,358

)


$

9,992,014


Long-term debt - structured notes

$

-


$

735,456


$

-


$

-


$

735,456



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December 31, 2017

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Counterparty

and

Cash

Collateral

Netting (1)

Total

Assets:

Trading assets, at fair value:

Corporate equity securities

$

2,975,463


$

60,300


$

22,270


$

-


$

3,058,033


Corporate debt securities

-


3,261,300


26,036


-


3,287,336


Collateralized debt obligations and

collateralized loan obligations

-


139,166


42,184


-


181,350


U.S. government and federal agency securities

1,269,230


39,443


-


-


1,308,673


Municipal securities

-


710,513


-


-


710,513


Sovereign obligations

1,381,552


1,035,907


-


-


2,417,459


Residential mortgage-backed securities

-


1,453,294


26,077


-


1,479,371


Commercial mortgage-backed securities

-


508,115


12,419


-


520,534


Other asset-backed securities

-


217,111


61,129


-


278,240


Loans and other receivables

-


1,620,581


47,304


-


1,667,885


Derivatives

165,396


3,323,278


9,295


(3,318,481

)

179,488


Investments at fair value

-


946


329,944


-


330,890


FXCM term loan

-


-


72,800


-


72,800


Total trading assets, excluding investments at fair value based on NAV

$

5,791,641



$

12,369,954



$

649,458



$

(3,318,481

)


$

15,492,572


Available for sale securities:






Corporate equity securities (3)

$

88,486


$

-


$

-


$

-


$

88,486


U.S. government securities

552,805


-


-


-


552,805


Residential mortgage-backed securities

-


34,561


-


-


34,561


Commercial mortgage-backed securities

-


5,870


-


-


5,870


Other asset-backed securities

-


34,839


-


-


34,839


Total available for sale securities

$

641,291



$

75,270



$

-



$

-



$

716,561


Liabilities:






Trading liabilities:






Corporate equity securities

$

1,721,267


$

32,122


$

48


$

-


$

1,753,437


Corporate debt securities

-


1,688,825


522


-


1,689,347


U.S. government and federal agency securities

1,430,737


-


-


-


1,430,737


Sovereign obligations

1,216,643


956,992


-


-


2,173,635


Commercial mortgage-backed securities

-


-


105


-


105


Loans

-


1,148,824


3,486


-


1,152,310


Derivatives

249,361


3,480,506


16,041


(3,490,514

)

255,394


Total trading liabilities

$

4,618,008



$

7,307,269



$

20,202



$

(3,490,514

)


$

8,454,965


Short-term borrowings

$

-


$

23,324


$

-


$

-


$

23,324


Long-term debt - structured notes

$

-


$

606,956


$

-


$

-


$

606,956



(1)

Represents counterparty and cash collateral netting across the levels of the fair value hierarchy for positions with the same counterparty.

(2)

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , Jefferies transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 $20.8 million of listed options included in Trading assets - Derivatives, which are measured based on broker quotes or mid-market valuations. There were no other material transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 .

(3)

As of January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the FASB's new guidance that affects the accounting for equity investments and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. At March 31, 2018 , equity investments are primarily classified as Trading assets, at fair value and the change in fair value of equity securities is now recognized through the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 2 for additional information.



14



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 of the fair value hierarchy. To the extent these securities are actively traded, valuation adjustments are not applied.

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 from 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/Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), price/book value), discounted cash flow analyses and transaction prices observed from subsequent financing or capital issuance by Jefferies. 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 measured primarily using pricing data from external pricing services, prices observed from recently executed market transactions and broker quotations and are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Where such information is not available, 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 from recently executed market transactions 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 are 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 from recently executed market transactions of institutional 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 financing or recapitalization, models incorporating financial ratios and projected cash flows of the issuer and market prices for comparable issuers.


Collateralized Debt Obligations and Collateralized Loan Obligations


Collateralized Debt Obligations ("CDOs") and Collateralized Loan Obligations ("CLOs") are measured based on prices observed from 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 transactions 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 loss severity.


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



15



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


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. Sovereign government obligations are classified in Level 1 or Level 2 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 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:   The fair value 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 from 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 residential interest-only and inverse interest-only securities are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We also use vendor data in developing our assumptions, as appropriate.

Non-Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities:   The fair value of non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities is 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. In addition, broker quotes, where available, are also referenced to compare prices primarily on interest-only securities.


Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities


Agency Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities:   Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") project loan bonds are measured based on inputs corroborated from and benchmarked to observed prices of recent securitization transactions of similar securities with adjustments incorporating an evaluation of 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 from 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 from 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 broker quotes and prices observed from recently executed market transactions.



16



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 transaction data. Corporate loans categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are measured based on 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 and data provider pricing. 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 with similar underlying loan collateral to derive an implied spread. Securitization prices are adjusted to estimate the fair value of the loans to account for the arbitrage that is realized at the time of securitization. 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 and incorporating 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 receivable.


Derivatives


Listed Derivative Contracts:   Listed derivative contracts that are actively traded are measured based on quoted exchange prices, broker quotes or vanilla option valuation models, such as Black-Scholes, using observable valuation inputs from the principal market. Exchange quotes and/or valuation inputs are generally obtained from external vendors and pricing services. Broker quotes are validated directly through observable and tradeable quotes. Listed derivative contracts that use unadjusted exchange close prices are generally categorized within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. All other listed derivative contracts are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Over-the-Counter ("OTC") Derivative Contracts:   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 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 including the underlying security price, foreign exchange spot rate, 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. Discounted cash flow models are also utilized to measure certain variable funding note swaps, which are backed by CLOs and incorporate constant prepayment rate, constant default rate and loss severity assumptions. 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 generally 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.


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


17



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 Energy Finance uses swaps and call and put options in order to reduce exposure to future oil price fluctuations. Vitesse Energy Finance 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.


Investments at Fair Value


Investments at fair value based on NAV include investments in hedge funds, fund of funds and private equity funds, which are measured at the NAV 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 Jefferies 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).

Fair Value (1)

Unfunded

Commitments

Redemption

Frequency

(if currently eligible)

March 31, 2018

Equity Long/Short Hedge Funds (2)

$

375,352


$

-


(2)

Fixed Income and High Yield Hedge Funds (3)

405


-


-

Fund of Funds (4)

186


-


-

Equity Funds (5)

32,839


18,176


-

Multi-asset Funds (6)

259,434


-


-

Total

$

668,216


$

18,176


December 31, 2017



Equity Long/Short Hedge Funds (2)

$

407,895


$

-


(2)

Fixed Income and High Yield Hedge Funds (3)

417


-


-

Fund of Funds (4)

189


-


-

Equity Funds (5)

26,798


19,084


-

Multi-asset Funds (6)

154,805


-


-

Total

$

590,104


$

19,084


(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, primarily in equity securities in domestic and international markets in both the public and private sectors. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , 78% and 73% , respectively, of these investments are redeemable with 10 business days or less prior written notice, and 13% and 15% , respectively, of these investments are redeemable with 30 to 60 days prior written notice.

(3)

This category 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. 

(4)

This category includes investments in fund of funds that invest in various private equity funds. The investments in this category are managed by us and have no redemption provisions. These investments are gradually being liquidated or we have requested redemption, however, we are unable to estimate when these funds will be received.


18



(5)

The 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 be liquidated in one to six years. 

(6)

This category includes investments in hedge funds that invest, long and short, primarily in multi-asset securities in domestic and international markets in both the public and private sectors. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , investments representing approximately 17% and 12% , respectively, of the fair value of investments in this category are redeemable with 30 days prior written notice.


Investment in FXCM


FXCM Group, LLC ("FXCM") is a provider of online foreign exchange trading services.  In January 2015, we entered into a credit agreement with FXCM, and provided FXCM a $300 million senior secured term loan due January 2017 (the term of which was subsequently extended to January 2019), with rights to a variable proportion of certain future distributions in connection with an FXCM sale of assets or certain other events, and to require a sale of FXCM beginning in January 2018. The loan had an initial interest rate of 10% per annum, increasing by 1.5% per annum each quarter, not to exceed 20.5% per annum. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , interest accrued at 20.5% per annum. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , we received $8.2 million of principal and interest from FXCM and $70.4 million of principal remained outstanding under the term loan as of March 31, 2018 . Through March 31, 2018 , we have received cumulatively $339.8 million of principal, interest and fees from our initial $279.0 million investment in FXCM.


Our investment in the FXCM term loan is reported within Trading assets, at fair value in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, and unrealized and realized changes in value, including the component related to interest income on the loan, is included within Principal transactions revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We recorded gains related to the term loan in Principal transactions revenues of $8.6 million and $10.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.


On September 1, 2016, we, Global Brokerage Inc. ("Global Brokerage") and Global Brokerage Holdings, LLC ("Global Brokerage Holdings") entered into an agreement that amended the terms of our loan and associated rights. On November 10, 2017, the terms of our loan and associated rights were amended further. Among other changes, the amendments extended the maturity of the term loan to January 2019; and exchanged our rights for a 50% voting interest in FXCM, and up to 75% of all distributions. Through these amendments, we also gained the right to appoint three of six board members for FXCM. We have the right, as does Global Brokerage Holdings, the owner of the remaining 50% of FXCM voting interest that is not held by Leucadia, to require a sale of FXCM beginning in January 2018. Distributions to Leucadia under the amended agreements are now: 100% until amounts due under the loan are repaid; 50% of the next $350 million ; then 90% of the next $600 million ; and 60% of all amounts thereafter.


Through the amendments, we gained the ability to significantly influence FXCM through our seats on the board of directors. As a result, we classify our equity investment in FXCM in our March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as Loans to and investments in associated companies. We account for our equity interest on a one month lag. As the amendments only extended the maturity of the term loan, we continue to use the fair value option and classify our term loan within Trading assets, at fair value.


FXCM is considered a variable interest entity ("VIE") and our term loan and equity ownership are variable interests. 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 do not consolidate FXCM and we account for our equity interest as an investment in an associated company.


Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with FXCM is limited to the carrying value of the term loan ( $73.2 million ) and the investment in associated company ( $150.9 million ), which totaled $224.1 million at March 31, 2018 .


We estimate the fair value of our term loan by using a valuation model with inputs including management's assumptions concerning the amount and timing of expected cash flows, the loan's implied credit rating and effective yield. Because of these inputs and the degree of judgment involved, we have categorized our term loan within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.


Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

As described further in Note 9, in the first quarter of 2017 we engaged an independent valuation firm to assist management in estimating the fair value of our equity investment in FXCM. Our first quarter estimate of fair value was based on a discounted cash flow and comparable public company analysis and is categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The discounted


19



cash flow valuation model used inputs including management's projections of future FXCM cash flows and a discount rate of approximately 15% . The comparable public company model used market data for comparable companies including a price to EBITDA multiple of 5.4 and a price to revenue multiple of 1.5 . The estimated fair value of our equity investment in FXCM was $186.7 million , which was $130.2 million lower than the carrying value at the end of the first quarter 2017. As a result, an impairment charge of $130.2 million was recorded in Income (loss) related to associated companies in the first quarter of 2017.


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. 


Short-term Borrowings/Long-term Debt


Short-term borrowings that are accounted for at fair value include equity-linked notes, which are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, as the fair value is based on the price of the underlying equity security. Long-term debt includes variable rate, fixed-to-floating rate, CMS (constant maturity swap) and Bermudan structured notes. These are valued using various valuation models that incorporate Jefferies own credit spread, market price quotations from external pricing sources referencing the appropriate interest rate curves, volatilities and other inputs and are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. In addition, pricing transparency has been evidenced based on transaction data from recently issued notes.


Level 3 Rollforwards

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 March 31, 2018 (in thousands):

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

Balance, December 31, 2017

Total gains/ losses

(realized and unrealized) (1)

Purchases

Sales

Settlements

Issuances

Net transfers

into (out of)

Level 3

Balance at March 31, 2018

Changes in

unrealized gains/losses relating to instruments still held at

March 31, 2018 (1)

Assets:

Trading assets:

Corporate equity securities

$

22,270


$

11,764


$

2,733


$

(1,381

)

$

(1,687

)

$

-


$

2,054


$

35,753


$

10,754


Corporate debt securities

26,036


(9

)

928


(346

)

(2,049

)

-


1,543


26,103


(1,086

)

CDOs and CLOs

42,184


(3,782

)

43,796


(34,168

)

(3,838

)

-


(5,579

)

38,613


(3,006

)

Residential mortgage-backed securities

26,077


(3,212

)

-


-


(3

)

-


(1,100

)

21,762


(2,366

)

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

12,419


(231

)

1,260


(508

)

(1,285

)

-


3,448


15,103


(622

)

Other asset-backed securities

61,129


(1,385

)

57,095


(53,459

)

(3,776

)

-


(8,316

)

51,288


127


Loans and other receivables

47,304


1,598


15,635


(803

)

(9,730

)

-


8,039


62,043


(190

)

Investments at fair value

329,944


2,289


240


(16,624

)

-


-


2,310


318,159


1,695


FXCM term loan

72,800


8,597


-


-


(8,197

)

-


-


73,200


4,939


Liabilities:










Trading liabilities:










Corporate equity securities

$

48


$

13


$

-


$

-


$

-


$

-


$

-


$

61


$

(13

)

Corporate debt securities

522


-


-


-


-


-


-


522


-


Commercial mortgage-backed securities

105


(70

)

-


-


-


-


-


35


(35

)

Loans

3,486


6


(25

)

3,442


-


-


3,414


10,323


(6

)

Net derivatives (2)

6,746


(1,166

)

(6

)

-


1,012


296


-


6,882


(5,609

)


(1)

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are reported in Principal transactions revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(2)

Net derivatives represent Trading assets - Derivatives and Trading liabilities - Derivatives.





20



Analysis of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2018


During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , transfers of assets of $31.9 million from Level 2 to Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are primarily attributed to:

CDOs and CLOs of $9.1 million and loans and other receivables of $8.6 million due to reduced pricing transparency.


During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , transfers of assets of $29.5 million from Level 3 to Level 2 are primarily attributed to:

CDOs and CLOs of $14.7 million and other asset-backed securities of $8.3 million due to greater pricing transparency supporting classification into Level 2.


Net gains on Level 3 assets were $15.6 million and net gains on Level 3 liabilities were $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 . Net gains on Level 3 assets were primarily due to an increased valuation of our FXCM term loan and increased market values across corporate equity securities and certain loans and other receivables, partially offset by decreased market values across CDOs and CLOs, residential mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities. Net gains on Level 3 liabilities were primarily due to increased valuations of certain net 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 March 31, 2017 (in thousands):

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

Balance, December 31, 2016

Total gains/ losses

(realized and unrealized) (1)

Purchases

Sales

Settlements

Issuances

Net transfers

into (out of)

Level 3

Balance, March 31, 2017

Changes in

unrealized gains/ losses relating to instruments still held at

March 31, 2017 (1)

Assets:

Trading assets:

Corporate equity securities

$

21,739


$

532


$

847


$

(145

)

$

(186

)

$

-


$

(2,207

)

$

20,580


$

362


Corporate debt securities

25,005


(1,793

)

3,002


(3,157

)

(1,207

)

-


11,617


33,467


(1,662

)

CDOs and CLOs

54,354


(7,594

)

8,663


(22,633

)

(45

)

-


12,609


45,354


(8,525

)

Municipal securities

27,257


(636

)

-


(67

)

-


-


-


26,554


(641

)

Residential mortgage-backed securities

38,772


(253

)

263


(12,411

)

(210

)

-


13,098


39,259


(440

)

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

20,580


(1,420

)

-


(412

)

-


-


1,905


20,653


(1,421

)

Other asset-backed securities

40,911


(1,788

)

3,553


(299

)

(3,335

)

-


(1,340

)

37,702


(1,717

)

Loans and other receivables

81,872


4,950


9,489


(9,778

)

(7,764

)

-


(25,597

)

53,172


836


Investments at fair value

314,359


3,856


-


(10,119

)

(266

)

-


-


307,830


5,879


FXCM term loan

164,500


10,878


-


-


(42,578

)

-


-


132,800


3,372


Liabilities:










Trading liabilities:










Corporate equity securities

$

313


$

11


$

-


$

-


$

-


$

-


$

-


$

324


$

(11

)

Corporate debt securities

523


-


-


-


-


-


-


523


-


Net derivatives (2)

3,441


(4,384

)

-


-


3,373


186


3,797


6,413


1,347


Loans

378


189


(323

)

-


-


-


792


1,036


(189

)

Other secured financings

418


(8

)

-


-


-


-


(323

)

87


11



(1)

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are reported in Principal transactions revenues 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 March 31, 2017


During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , transfers of assets of $49.9 million from Level 2 to Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are primarily attributed to:

CDOs and CLOs of $18.1 million , residential mortgage-backed securities of $13.7 million and corporate debt securities of $11.6 million due to a lack of observable market transactions.




21



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , transfers of assets of $39.8 million from Level 3 to Level 2 are primarily attributed to:

Loans and other receivables of $28.2 million due to a greater pricing transparency supporting classification into Level 2.


Net gains on Level 3 assets were $6.7 million and net gains on Level 3 liabilities were $4.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . Net gains on Level 3 assets were primarily due to increased valuations of our FXCM term loan and increased valuations in loans and other receivables, partially offset by decreased valuations of CDOs and CLOs, certain investments at fair value, corporate debt securities, other asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities. Net gains on Level 3 liabilities were primarily due to increased valuations of certain net derivatives.


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 range of inputs is 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 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 periods 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.



22



March 31, 2018

Financial Instruments Owned

Fair Value
(in thousands)

Valuation
 Technique

Significant
Unobservable Input(s)

Input/Range

Weighted
Average

Corporate equity securities

$

30,335


Non-exchange traded securities


Market approach

Price

$3 to $750

$183.0


Underlying stock price

$11

-


Comparable pricing

Comparable asset price

$10

-


Corporate debt securities

$

26,103


Convertible bond model

Discount rate/yield

9%

-


Volatility

40%

-


Market approach

Estimated recovery percentage

2% to 32%

25

%

Price

$10

-


Comparable pricing

Comparable asset price

$47

-


CDOs and CLOs

$

35,274


Discounted cash flows

Constant prepayment rate

20%

-



Constant default rate

2%

-



Loss severity

25% to 30%

26

%


Discount rate/yield

6% to 31%

17

%

Scenario analysis

Estimated recovery percentage

7% to 43%

26

%

Residential mortgage-backed securities

$

21,762


Discounted cash flows

Cumulative loss rate

3% to 19%

9

%


Duration (years)

2 to 4

3



Discount rate/yield

3% to 9%

7

%

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

$

15,103


Discounted cash flows

Cumulative loss rate

7% to 65%

33

%


Duration (years)

0 to 2

1


Discount rate/yield

3% to 24%

17

%

Scenario analysis

Estimated recovery percentage

26% to 32%

28

%

Price

$49 to $52

$50.0

Other asset-backed securities

$

51,288


Discounted cash flows

Cumulative loss rate

0% to 27%

22

%


Duration (years)

1 to 6

2



Discount rate/yield

5% to 11%

8

%

Scenario analysis

Estimated recovery percentage

11%

-


Loans and other receivables

$

54,004


Market approach

Estimated recovery percentage

23% to 79%

36

%

Price

$97

-


Transaction level

$100

-



Scenario analysis

Estimated recovery percentage

62% to 107%

90

%

Derivatives

$

4,712



Total return swaps

    Market approach

Price

$102

-


Investments at fair value

$

113,017



Private equity securities

Market approach

Price

$0 to $250

$104.0

Discount rate

20%

-


Investment in FXCM

$

73,200



Term loan

Discounted cash flows

Term based on the pay off (years)

0 months to .8 years

0.2 years


Trading Liabilities

Fair Value
(in thousands)

Valuation
 Technique

Significant
Unobservable Input(s)

Input/Range

Weighted
Average

Derivatives

$

11,594



Equity options

Option model/default rate

    Default probability

0%

-


Unfunded commitments

    Market approach

Price

$97

-


Total return swaps

    Market approach

Price

$102

-


Variable funding note swaps


Discounted cash flows

Constant prepayment rate

20%

-



Constant default rate

2%

-



Loss severity

25%

-



Discount rate/yield

31%

-



23



December 31, 2017

Financial Instruments Owned

Fair Value

(in thousands)

Valuation

 Technique

Significant

Unobservable Input(s)

Input/Range

Weighted

Average

Corporate equity securities

$

18,109


Non-exchange traded securities

Market approach

Price

$3 to $75

$33.0

Underlying stock price

$6

-


Comparable pricing

Comparable asset price

$7

-


Corporate debt securities

$

26,036


Convertible bond model

Discount rate/yield

8%

-


Volatility

40%

-


Market approach

Estimated recovery percentage

17%

-


Price

$10

-


CDOs and CLOs

$

38,845


Discounted cash flows

Constant prepayment rate

20%

-



Constant default rate

2%

-



Loss severity

25% to 30%

26

%


Discount rate/yield

3% to 26%

12

%

Scenario analysis

Estimated recovery percentage

8% to 45%

26

%

Residential mortgage-backed securities

$

26,077


Discounted cash flows

Cumulative loss rate

3% to 19%

10

%


Duration (years)

2 years to 4 years

3



Discount rate/yield

6% to 10%

8

%

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

$

12,419


Discounted cash flows

Discount rate/yield

2% to 26%

12

%


Cumulative loss rate

8% to 65%

44

%

Duration (years)

1 year to 3 years

2


Scenario analysis

Estimated recovery percentage

26% to 32%

28

%

Price

$52 to $56

$54.0

Other asset-backed securities

$

61,129


Discounted cash flows

Cumulative loss rate

0% to 33%

23

%


Duration (years)

1 year to 6 years

2



Discount rate/yield

5% to 39%

9

%

Market approach

Price

$100

-


Scenario analysis

Estimated recovery percentage

14%

-


Loans and other receivables

$

46,121


Market approach

Estimated recovery percentage

76%

-



Price

$54 to $100

$95.0


Scenario analysis

Estimated recovery percentage

13% to 107%

78

%

Derivatives

$

9,295



Total return swaps


    Market approach

Price

$101 to $106

$103.0

Interest rate swaps

    Market approach

Credit spread

800 bps

-


Investments at fair value

$

110,010



Private equity securities



Market approach

Transaction level

$3 to $250

$172.0

Price

$7

-


Discount rate

20%

-


Investment in FXCM

$

72,800



Term loan



Discounted cash flows

Term based on the pay off (years)

0 months to 1 year

0.2 years


Trading Liabilities

Fair Value

(in thousands)

Valuation

Technique

Significant

Unobservable Input(s)

Input/Range

Weighted

Average

Derivatives

$

16,041



Equity options


Option model/default rate

    Default probability

0%

-


Unfunded commitments

Market approach

Price

$99

-


Total return swaps

Market approach

Price

$101 to $106

$103.0

Variable funding note swaps

Discounted cash flows

Constant prepayment rate

20%

-




Constant default rate

2%

-


Loss severity

25%

-


Discount rate/yield

26%

-




24



The fair values of certain Level 3 assets and liabilities that were determined based on third-party pricing information, unadjusted past transaction prices, reported NAV or a percentage of the reported enterprise fair value are excluded from the above tables. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , asset exclusions consisted of $221.9 million and $228.6 million , respectively, primarily comprised of investments at fair value, private equity securities, CDOs and CLOs, non-exchange traded securities and loans and other receivables. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , liability exclusions consisted of $10.9 million and $4.2 million , respectively, of loans, commercial mortgage-backed securities and corporate debt and equity securities.

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:

Non-exchange traded securities and corporate debt securities using comparable pricing valuation techniques. A significant increase (decrease) in the comparable asset 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 lower (higher) fair value measurement. A significant increase (decrease) in volatility would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.

Non-exchange traded securities, corporate debt securities, loans and other receivables, unfunded commitments, interest rate swaps, total return swaps, other asset-backed securities and private equity securities using a market approach valuation technique. A significant increase (decrease) in the transaction level of a private equity security or loan and other receivable would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. A significant increase (decrease) in the underlying stock price of the non-exchange traded securities would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. A significant increase (decrease) in the credit spread of certain derivatives would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. A significant increase (decrease) in the price of the private equity securities, non-exchange traded securities, corporate debt securities, unfunded commitments, total return swaps, other asset-backed securities or loans and other receivables would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. A significant increase (decrease) in the estimated recovery rates of the cash flow outcomes underlying the corporate debt securities or loans and other receivables would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.

Loans and other receivables, CDOs and CLOs, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities 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. A significant increase (decrease) in the price of the commercial mortgage-backed securities would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.

CDOs and CLOs, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, other asset-backed securities and variable funding note swaps using a discounted cash flow valuation technique. A significant increase (decrease) in isolation in the constant default rate, loss severity or cumulative loss rate would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. The impact of changes in the constant prepayment rate and duration would have differing impacts depending on the capital structure and type of security. A significant increase (decrease) in the discount rate/security yield would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.

Derivative equity options using an option/default rate model. A significant increase (decrease) in default probability would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.

FXCM term loan using a discounted cash flow valuation technique. A significant increase (decrease) in term based on the time to pay off the loan would result in a higher (lower) 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 and consumer loan commitments, purchases and fundings in connection with mortgage- and other asset-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 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 in Loans to and investments in associated companies in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and are accounted for on an amortized cost basis. Jefferies has also elected the fair value option for certain of its structured notes which are managed by Jefferies capital markets business and are included in Long-term debt and Short-term borrowings in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Jefferies has elected the fair


25



value option for certain financial instruments held by its subsidiaries as the investments are risk managed by Jefferies 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 Jefferies gains (losses) due to changes in instrument specific credit risk on loans, other receivables and debt instruments and gains (losses) due to other changes in fair value on long-term debt measured at fair value under the fair value option (in thousands):


For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Financial Instruments Owned:

Loans and other receivables

$

2,628


$

(5,127

)

Financial Instruments Sold:



Loans

$

250


$

(27

)

Loan commitments

$

(129

)

$

871


Long-term Debt:



Changes in instrument specific credit risk (1)

$

(16,202

)

$

(16,040

)

Other changes in fair value (2)

$

41,154


$

3,417



(1)

Changes in instrument specific credit risk related to structured notes are included in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax.

(2)

Other changes in fair value are included in Principal transactions revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


The following is a summary of the amount by which contractual principal exceeds fair value for loans and other receivables, long-term debt and short-term borrowings measured at fair value under the fair value option (in thousands):

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Financial Instruments Owned:

Loans and other receivables (1)

$

933,508


$

752,076


Loans and other receivables on nonaccrual status and/or 90 days or greater past due (1) (2)

$

222,548


$

159,462


Long-term debt and short-term borrowings

$

62,094


$

32,839



(1)

Interest income is recognized separately from other changes in fair value and is included in Interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(2)

Amounts include all loans and other receivables 90 days or greater past due by which contractual principal exceeds fair value of $33.8 million and $38.7 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively.


The aggregate fair value of Jefferies loans and other receivables on nonaccrual status and/or 90 days or greater past due was $253.0 million and $55.1 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, which includes loans and other receivables 90 days or greater past due of $77.6 million and $37.4 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively.


Jefferies had elected the fair value option for its investment in KCG Holdings, Inc. ("KCG"). The change in the fair value of this investment was $(4.6) million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . Jefferies investment in KCG was sold in July 2017.


As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we owned approximately 46.6 million common shares of HRG Group, Inc. ("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 $768.4 million and $789.9 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , 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 $(21.4) million and $175.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. As reported in its Form 10-Q, for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, HRG's


26



revenues were $646.5 million and $602.3 million , respectively; net income (loss) from continuing operations was $78.1 million and $(42.0) million , respectively; net income was $578.9 million and $260.8 million , respectively; and net income attributable to HRG was $507.4 million and $212.2 million , respectively. We currently have two directors on HRG's board, including our Chairman who serves as HRG's Chairman and CEO. On February 26, 2018, HRG and Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. ("Spectrum Brands") announced that they had entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Spectrum Brands will combine with HRG. As a result, HRG's shareholders will effectively hold HRG's interests in Spectrum Brands directly following the combination. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2018.

We believe accounting for these investments at fair value better reflects 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, which is a publicly traded company, is accounted for under the equity method of accounting rather than the fair value option method. 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 NASD OTC Bulletin Board Service; however, trading volume is minimal. For these reasons, we did not elect the fair value option for HomeFed.

Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value


Certain of our financial instruments are not carried at fair value but are recorded at amounts that approximate fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature and generally negligible credit risk. These financial assets include Cash and cash equivalents and Cash and securities segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing and depository organizations and would generally be presented in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Cash and securities segregated and on deposit for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing and depository organizations includes U.S. Treasury securities with a fair value of $34.9 million and $99.7 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. See Note 22 for additional information related to financial instruments not measured at fair value.

Note 4.  Derivative Financial Instruments


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 legally enforceable right to offset exists under a master netting agreement. Predominantly, Jefferies and our Leucadia Asset Management businesses 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. In addition, Jefferies applies hedge accounting to an interest rate swap that has been designated as a fair value hedge of the changes in fair value due to the benchmark interest rate for certain fixed rate senior long-term debt. See Notes 3 and 20 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 Derivatives Association, Inc. ("ISDA") master netting agreements or similar agreements with counterparties. See Note 10 for additional information regarding the offsetting of derivative contracts.


27



The following table presents 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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . The fair value of assets/liabilities represents our receivable/payable for derivative financial instruments, gross of counterparty netting and cash collateral received and pledged. The following tables also provide information regarding (1) the extent to which, under enforceable master netting arrangements, such balances are presented net in our 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 financial position (in thousands, except contract amounts):

Assets

Liabilities

Fair Value

Number of

Contracts

Fair Value

Number of

Contracts

March 31, 2018

Derivatives designated as accounting hedges - interest rate contracts

$

-


-


$

28,269


1


Derivatives not designated as accounting hedges:

Interest rate contracts

$

799,940


38,814


$

948,742


12,655


Foreign exchange contracts

307,337


5,695


299,953


4,470


Equity contracts

1,432,656


2,494,701


2,222,854


2,040,074


Commodity contracts

5,207


5,801


14,066


6,881


Credit contracts

26,525


146


24,185


105


Total

2,571,665



3,509,800



Counterparty/cash-collateral netting (1)

(2,414,276

)


(2,655,358

)


Total derivatives not designated as accounting hedges

$

157,389



$

854,442



Total per Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition (2)

$

157,389


$

882,711


December 31, 2017

Derivatives designated as accounting hedges - interest rate contracts

$

-


-


$

2,420


1


Derivatives not designated as accounting hedges:

Interest rate contracts

$

1,717,058


38,941


$

1,708,776


12,828


Foreign exchange contracts

366,541


6,463


349,512


4,612


Equity contracts

1,373,016


2,728,750


1,638,258


2,118,526


Commodity contracts

3,093


7,249


5,141


6,047


Credit contracts

38,261


130


41,801


191


Total

3,497,969



3,743,488



Counterparty/cash-collateral netting (1)(3)

(3,318,481

)


(3,490,514

)


Total derivatives not designated as accounting hedges

$

179,488



$

252,974



Total per Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition (2)(3)

$

179,488


$

255,394



(1)

Amounts netted include both netting by counterparty and for cash collateral paid or received.

(2)

We have not received or pledged additional collateral under master netting agreements and/or other credit support agreements that is eligible to be offset beyond what has been offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

(3)

Pursuant to a rule change by the London Clearing House in the first fiscal quarter of 2018, variation margin exchanged each day with this clearing organization on certain interest rate derivatives is characterized as settlement payments as opposed to cash posted as collateral. The impact of this rule change would have been a reduction in gross interest rate derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 of approximately $800 million , and a corresponding decrease in counterparty and cash collateral netting, with no impact to our Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition .


The following table provides information related to gains (losses) recognized in Interest expense of Jefferies in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a fair value hedge (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Interest rate swaps

$

(21,221

)

$

(4,609

)

Long-term debt

22,715


5,405


Total

$

1,494


$

796



28




The following table presents unrealized and realized gains (losses) on derivative contracts which are primarily recognized in Principal transactions revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, which are utilized in connection with our client activities and our economic risk management activities (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Interest rate contracts

$

26,962


$

9,678


Foreign exchange contracts

3,128


2,503


Equity contracts

(205,146

)

(178,622

)

Commodity contracts

(6,156

)

7,248


Credit contracts

(991

)

10,192


Total

$

(182,203

)

$

(149,001

)


The net gains (losses) on derivative contracts in the table above are one of a number of activities comprising Jefferies business activities and are before consideration of economic hedging transactions, which generally offset the net gains (losses) included above. Jefferies substantially mitigates its exposure to market risk on its cash instruments through derivative contracts, which generally provide offsetting revenues, and Jefferies manages the risk associated with these contracts in the context of its overall risk management framework.


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 March 31, 2018 (in thousands):

OTC Derivative Assets (1) (2) (3)

0-12 Months

1-5 Years

Greater Than

5 Years

Cross-

Maturity

Netting (4)

Total

Equity swaps and options

$

1,156


$

6,907


$

3,436


$

(3,177

)

$

8,322


Credit default swaps

-


12,996


-


-


12,996


Total return swaps

28,882


5,843


-


(1,595

)

33,130


Foreign currency forwards, swaps and options

56,730


561


-


(551

)

56,740


Fixed income forwards

39


-


-


-


39


Interest rate swaps, options and forwards

31,049


98,340


84,770


(86,162

)

127,997


Total

$

117,856


$

124,647


$

88,206


$

(91,485

)

239,224


Cross product counterparty netting





(20,558

)

Total OTC derivative assets included in Trading assets





$

218,666



(1)

At March 31, 2018 , we held exchange traded derivative assets, other derivative assets and other credit agreements with a fair value of $66.3 million , which are not included in this table.

(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 March 31, 2018 , cash collateral received was $127.6 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.


29



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

$

5,632


$

1,121


$

-


$

-


$

6,753


Equity swaps and options

15,297


170,529


7,234


(3,177

)

189,883


Credit default swaps

31


8,994


-


-


9,025


Total return swaps

46,255


115,708


-


(1,595

)

160,368


Foreign currency forwards, swaps and options

49,723


374


-


(551

)

49,546


Fixed income forwards

4,669


-


-


-


4,669


Interest rate swaps, options and forwards

37,996


127,317


227,911


(86,162

)

307,062


Total

$

159,603


$

424,043


$

235,145


$

(91,485

)

727,306


Cross product counterparty netting





(20,558

)

Total OTC derivative liabilities included in Trading liabilities





$

706,748


(1)

At March 31, 2018 , we held exchange traded derivative liabilities, other derivative liabilities and other credit agreements with a fair value of $544.6 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 March 31, 2018 , cash collateral pledged was $368.7 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 March 31, 2018 , 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

$

163,170


BBB- to BBB+

12,292


BB+ or lower

30,322


Unrated

12,882


Total

$

218,666


(1)

Jefferies utilizes internal credit ratings determined by the Jefferies Risk Management department. Credit ratings determined by Risk Management use methodologies that produce ratings generally consistent with those produced by external rating agencies.

Credit Related Derivative Contracts

The external credit ratings of the underlyings or referenced assets for our written credit related derivative contracts (in millions):

External Credit Rating

Investment Grade

Non-investment grade

Total Notional

March 31, 2018

Credit protection sold:

Index credit default swaps

$

105.0


$

71.5


$

176.5


Single name credit default swaps

$

42.7


$

30.6


$

73.3


December 31, 2017

Credit protection sold:

Index credit default swaps

$

3.0


$

126.0


$

129.0


Single name credit default swaps

$

129.1


$

89.1


$

218.2






30



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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is $77.6 million and $95.1 million , respectively, for which Jefferies has posted collateral of $72.1 million and $80.8 million , respectively, in the normal course of business. If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered on March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , Jefferies would have been required to post an additional $5.5 million and $14.3 million , respectively, of collateral to its counterparties.


Other 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. National Beef accounts for the futures contracts at fair value. Firm commitments for sales are treated as normal sales and therefore not marked to market. Certain firm commitments to purchase cattle, are marked to market when a price has been agreed upon, otherwise they are treated as normal purchases and, therefore, not marked to market. The gains and losses associated with the change in fair value of the futures contracts and offsetting gains and losses associated with changes in the market value of certain of the firm purchase commitments are recorded in Beef processing services revenue and Cost of sales in the period of change.


Vitesse Energy Finance uses swaps and call and put options in order to reduce exposure to future oil price fluctuations. Vitesse Energy Finance 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 Other revenues.


Note 5.  Collateralized Transactions

Jefferies enters into secured borrowing and lending arrangements to obtain collateral necessary to effect settlement, finance 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 in Financial instruments owned and noted parenthetically as Securities pledged in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.


31



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

March 31, 2018

Cash

$

-


$

213,035


$

213,035


Corporate equity securities

1,934,024


309,860


2,243,884


Corporate debt securities

363,344


2,027,899


2,391,243


Mortgage- and asset-backed securities

-


2,961,222


2,961,222


U.S. government and federal agency securities

75,105


8,269,477


8,344,582


Municipal securities

-


547,817


547,817


Sovereign obligations

-


2,124,652


2,124,652


Loans and other receivables

-


301,165


301,165


Total

$

2,372,473


$

16,755,127


$

19,127,600


December 31, 2017

Corporate equity securities

$

2,353,798


$

214,413


$

2,568,211


Corporate debt securities

470,908


2,336,702


2,807,610


Mortgage- and asset-backed securities

-


2,562,268


2,562,268


U.S. government and federal agency securities

19,205


11,792,534


11,811,739


Municipal securities

-


444,861


444,861


Sovereign obligations

-


2,023,530


2,023,530


Loans and other receivables

-


454,941


454,941


Total

$

2,843,911


$

19,829,249


$

22,673,160


Contractual Maturity

Overnight and Continuous

Up to 30 Days

30 to 90 Days

Greater than 90 Days

Total

March 31, 2018

Securities lending arrangements

$

1,115,462


$

-


$

869,585


$

387,426


$

2,372,473


Repurchase agreements

8,192,755


2,606,412


4,815,819


1,140,141


16,755,127


Total

$

9,308,217


$

2,606,412


$

5,685,404


$

1,527,567


$

19,127,600


December 31, 2017

Securities lending arrangements

$

1,676,940


$

-


$

741,971


$

425,000


$

2,843,911


Repurchase agreements

10,780,474


4,058,228


3,211,464


1,779,083


19,829,249


Total

$

12,457,414


$

4,058,228


$

3,953,435


$

2,204,083


$

22,673,160



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 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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the approximate fair value of securities received as collateral by Jefferies that may be sold or repledged was $23.7 billion and $27.1 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 the securitization of assets issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies. These SPEs generally meet the criteria of VIEs; however, the SPEs are generally not consolidated as Jefferies is not considered the primary beneficiary for these SPEs. 


32



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 Principal transactions revenues 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 CLOs), which are included in Trading assets and are generally initially categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Jefferies applies fair value accounting to the securities. 

The following table presents activity related to Jefferies securitizations that were accounted for as sales in which it had continuing involvement (in millions):

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Transferred assets

$

2,757.8


$

953.5


Proceeds on new securitizations

$

2,758.9


$

962.6


Cash flows received on retained interests

$

9.2


$

8.7



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 securitization at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 .


The following table summarizes Jefferies retained interests in SPEs where it transferred assets and has continuing involvement and received sale accounting treatment (in millions):

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Securitization Type

Total

Assets

Retained

Interests

Total

Assets

Retained

Interests

U.S. government agency residential mortgage-backed securities

$

9,083.2


$

570.9


$

6,383.5


$

28.2


U.S. government agency commercial mortgage-backed securities

$

1,724.0


$

85.6


$

2,075.7


$

81.4


CLOs

$

4,361.1


$

17.8


$

3,957.8


$

20.3


Consumer and other loans

$

281.1


$

46.5


$

247.6


$

47.8


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 transactions 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 in 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. To the extent Jefferies purchased securities through these market-making activities and Jefferies is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, these securities are included in agency and non-agency mortgage- and asset-backed securitizations in the nonconsolidated VIEs section presented in Note 8.


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 carrying values of the assets and the liabilities resulting from transfers of financial assets treated as secured financings were $4.0 million and $3.9 million , respectively, at March 31, 2018 . Jefferies did not have any such assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 . The related liabilities do not have recourse to our general credit.

Foursight Capital also utilizes SPEs to securitize automobile loans receivable. These SPEs are VIEs and our subsidiary is the primary beneficiary; the related assets and the secured borrowings are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. These secured borrowings do not have recourse to our subsidiary's general credit. See Note 8 for further information on securitization activities and VIEs.


33



Note 7.  Available for Sale Securities and Other Investments


The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair value of investments classified as available for sale are as follows (in thousands):

Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Estimated
Fair
Value

March 31, 2018

Bonds and notes:

U.S. government securities

$

491,437


$

12


$

53


$

491,396


Residential mortgage-backed securities

141,109


315


1,066


140,358


Commercial mortgage-backed securities

21,083


19


142


20,960


Other asset-backed securities

38,158


14


141


38,031


Total fixed maturities

691,787


360


1,402


690,745


Total Available for sale securities

$

691,787


$

360


$

1,402


$

690,745






December 31, 2017





Bonds and notes:





U.S. government securities

$

552,847


$

-


$

42


$

552,805


Residential mortgage-backed securities

34,381


272


92


34,561


Commercial mortgage-backed securities

5,857


17


4


5,870


Other asset-backed securities

34,837


46


44


34,839


Total fixed maturities

627,922


335


182


628,075


Equity securities:





Common stocks:





Banks, trusts and insurance companies

35,071


17,500


-


52,571


Industrial, miscellaneous and all other

17,504


18,411


-


35,915


Total equity securities

52,575


35,911


-


88,486


Total Available for sale securities

$

680,497


$

36,246


$

182


$

716,561



As of January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the FASB's new guidance that affects the accounting for equity investments and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. At March 31, 2018 , equity investments are primarily classified as Trading assets, at fair value and the change in fair value of equity securities is now recognized through the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 2 for additional information.


At March 31, 2018 , the Company had other investments (classified as Other assets and Loans to and investments in associated companies) in which fair values are not readily determinable, aggregating $242.9 million . There were no unrealized gains, losses or impairments recognized on these investments during the three months ended March 31, 2018 .


The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments classified as available for sale at March 31, 2018 , 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

$

491,437


$

491,396


491,437


491,396


Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

200,350


199,349


$

691,787


$

690,745




34



At March 31, 2018 , the unrealized losses on investments which have been in a continuous unrealized loss position 12 months or longer were not significant.


Note 8.  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 (1) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (2) 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, equity interests in associated companies, commitments, guarantees and certain fees. Our involvement with VIEs arises primarily from the following activities, 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;

Warehouse funding arrangements for client-sponsored consumer loan vehicles and CLOs through participation certificates, forward sales agreements and revolving loan and note commitments; and

Loans to, investments in and fees from various investment 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 significant activities is shared, we assess whether we are the party with the power over the most significant activities. If we are the party with the power over the most significant activities, we meet the "power" criteria of the primary beneficiary. If we do not have the power over the most 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.


35



Consolidated VIEs


The following table presents information about the assets and liabilities of our consolidated securitization vehicles VIEs, which are presented in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition in the respective asset and liability categories (in millions). The assets and liabilities in the table below are presented prior to consolidation and thus a portion of these assets and liabilities are eliminated in consolidation.

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Cash

$

4.0


$

11.7


Financial instruments owned

1.1


37.6


Securities purchased under agreement to resell (1)

704.9


729.3


Receivables

517.3


318.1


Other

73.2


15.5


Total assets

$

1,300.5


$

1,112.2


Other secured financings (2)

$

1,259.0


$

1,073.5


Other (3)

44.8


38.3


Total liabilities

$

1,303.8


$

1,111.8



(1)

Securities purchased under agreements to resell represent an amount due under a collateralized transaction on a related consolidated entity, which is eliminated in consolidation.

(2)

Approximately $8.0 million and $44.1 million of the secured financings represent an amount held by Jefferies in inventory and eliminated in consolidation at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively.

(3)

Includes $41.5 million and $32.0 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, of intercompany payables that are eliminated in consolidation.


Securitization Vehicles.   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 and retained interests in securities issued. The assets of these VIEs consist of 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.


Jefferies is also the primary beneficiary of a securitization vehicle associated with their financing of small business loans. In the creation of the securitization vehicle, Jefferies was involved in the decisions made during the establishment and design of the entity and holds variable interests consisting of the securities retained that could potentially be significant. The assets of the VIE consist of small business loans, which are available for the benefit of the vehicles' beneficial interest holders. The creditors of the VIE do not have recourse to Jefferies general credit and the assets of the VIE are not available to satisfy any other debt.


At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , Foursight Capital is the primary beneficiary of SPEs it utilized to securitize automobile loans receivable. Foursight Capital acts as the servicer for which it receives a fee, and owns an 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 Foursight Capital's general credit and the assets of the VIEs are not available to satisfy any other debt. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , a pool of automobile loan receivables aggregating $245.2 million was securitized by Foursight Capital in connection with a secured borrowing offering. The majority of the proceeds from issuance of the secured borrowing were used to pay down Foursight Capital's two credit facilities.



36



Nonconsolidated VIEs


The following tables present information about our variable interests in nonconsolidated VIEs (in millions):

Financial Statement

Carrying Amount

Maximum

Exposure to Loss

VIE Assets

Assets

Liabilities

March 31, 2018

CLOs

$

215.5


$

4.9


$

1,256.1


$

5,555.3


Consumer loan vehicles

315.8


-


728.0


2,879.6


Related party private equity vehicles

30.9


-


52.4


97.1


Other private investment vehicles

134.5


-


143.4


5,179.9


Total

$

696.7


$

4.9


$

2,179.9


$

13,711.9


December 31, 2017





CLOs

$

168.1


$

8.9


$

1,030.4


$

5,364.3


Consumer loan vehicles

254.8


-


759.8


2,322.7


Related party private equity vehicles

23.7


-


45.4


75.0


Other private investment vehicles

133.0


-


142.0


4,624.9


Total

$

579.6


$

8.9


$

1,977.6


$

12,386.9



Our 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 and equity commitments and guarantees. Our 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 sponsors and provides advisory services to the sponsors. Jefferies may also sell corporate loans to the CLOs. Jefferies variable interests in connection with CLOs where it has been involved in providing underwriting and/or advisory services consist of the following:

Forward sale agreements whereby Jefferies commits 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; and

Investments in variable funding notes issued by CLOs.


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 composed 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.


Related Party Private Equity Vehicles. Jefferies committed to invest equity in private equity funds (the "JCP Funds") managed by Jefferies Capital Partners, LLC (the "JCP Manager"). Additionally, Jefferies committed to invest equity in the general partners of the JCP Funds (the "JCP General Partners") and the JCP Manager. Jefferies variable interests in the JCP Funds, JCP General Partners and JCP Manager (collectively, the "JCP Entities") consist of equity interests that, in total, provide Jefferies with limited and general partner investment returns of the JCP Funds, a portion of the carried interest earned by the JCP General Partners and a portion of the management fees earned by the JCP Manager. Jefferies total equity commitment in the JCP Entities was $148.1 million , of which $126.5 million and $126.3 million had been funded as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. The carrying value of Jefferies equity investments in the JCP Entities was $30.9 million and $23.7 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Jefferies exposure to loss is limited to the total of its carrying value and unfunded equity commitment. The assets of the JCP Entities primarily consist of private equity and equity related investments.



37



Other Private Investment Vehicles.   The carrying amount of our equity investment was $134.5 million and $133.0 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Our unfunded equity commitment related to these investments totaled $8.9 million and $9.1 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Our exposure to loss is limited to the total of our carrying value and unfunded equity commitment. These private investment vehicles have assets primarily consisting of private and public equity investments, debt instruments and various oil and gas assets.


Mortgage- and Other Asset-Backed Securitization Vehicles.  In connection with Jefferies secondary trading and market-making activities, Jefferies buys and sells agency and non-agency mortgage-backed securities and other 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, CDOs 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 (FNMA ("Fannie Mae"), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac") or GNMA ("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, Jefferies has 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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , Jefferies held $2,745.4 million and $1,829.6 million of agency mortgage-backed securities, respectively, and $238.1 million and $253.2 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. These mortgage- and other asset-backed securitization vehicles discussed 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 ("Golden Queen"). In addition, we have a variable interest in a nonconsolidated VIE consisting of our senior secured term loan receivable and equity interest in FXCM.  See Notes 3 and 9 for further discussion.



38



Note 9.  Loans to and Investments in Associated Companies


A summary of Loans to and investments in associated companies accounted for under the equity method of accounting during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows (in thousands):


Loans to and investments in associated companies as of January 1,

Income (losses) related to associated companies

Income (losses) related to Jefferies associated companies (1)

Contributions to (distributions from) associated companies, net

Other, including foreign exchange and unrealized gains (losses)

Loans to and investments in associated companies as of March 31,

2018

Jefferies Finance

$

655,467


$

-


$

9,833


$

139,386


$

-


$

804,686


Berkadia

210,594


26,281


-


(17,212

)

(453

)

219,210


FXCM (2)

158,856


(8,224

)

-


-


239


150,871


Garcadia Companies

179,143


11,383


-


(9,727

)

-


180,799


Linkem

192,136


(7,455

)

-


542


8,024


193,247


HomeFed

341,874


11,610


-


-


-


353,484


Golden Queen (3)

105,005


(3,969

)

-


8,444


-


109,480


Other

223,754


2,474


(4,228

)

(2,383

)

1,676


221,293


Total

$

2,066,829


$

32,100


$

5,605


$

119,050


$

9,486


$

2,233,070


2017

Jefferies Finance

$

490,464


$

-


$

24,965


$

-


$

-


$

515,429


Jefferies LoanCore

154,731


-


2,332


(7,760

)

-


149,303


Berkadia

184,443


16,954


-


(1,924

)

102


199,575


FXCM (2)

336,258


(149,900

)

-


-


349


186,707


Garcadia Companies

185,815


13,294


-


(12,588

)

-


186,521


Linkem

154,000


(8,148

)

-


31,996


3,520


181,368


HomeFed

302,231


336


-


31,316


-


333,883


Golden Queen

111,302


(1,297

)

-


-


-


110,005


Other

205,854


187


(1,034

)

54,680


1


259,688


Total

$

2,125,098


$

(128,574

)

$

26,263


$

95,720


$

3,972


$

2,122,479



(1)

Primarily classified in Investment banking revenues and Other revenues.

(2)

As further described in Note 3, our investment in FXCM includes both our equity method investment in FXCM and our term loan with FXCM. Our equity method investment is included as Loans to and investments in associated companies and our term loan is included as Trading assets, at fair value in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

(3)

At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the balance reflects $26.9 million and $30.5 million , respectively, related to a noncontrolling interest.



39



Income (losses) related to associated companies includes the following (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Berkadia

$

26,281


$

16,954


FXCM

(8,224

)

(149,900

)

Garcadia companies

11,383


13,294


Linkem

(7,455

)

(8,148

)

HomeFed

11,610


336


Golden Queen

(3,969

)

(1,297

)

Other

2,474


187


Total

$

32,100


$

(128,574

)


Income (losses) related to Jefferies associated companies (primarily classified in Investment banking revenues and Other revenues) includes the following (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Jefferies Finance

$

9,833


$

24,965


Jefferies LoanCore

-


2,332


Other

(4,228

)

(1,034

)

Total

$

5,605


$

26,263



Jefferies Finance


Through Jefferies, we own 50% of Jefferies Finance LLC ("Jefferies Finance"), our joint venture with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company ("MassMutual"). 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 and acts as an investment advisor for various loan funds.


At March 31, 2018 , Jefferies and MassMutual each had equity commitments to Jefferies Finance of $750.0 million . At March 31, 2018 , $657.4 million of Jefferies commitment was funded. The investment commitment is scheduled to expire on March 1, 2019 with automatic one year extensions absent a 60 -day termination notice by either party.


Jefferies Finance has executed a Secured Revolving Credit Facility with Jefferies and MassMutual, to be funded equally, to support loan underwritings by Jefferies Finance, which 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. The total Secured Revolving Credit Facility is a committed amount of $500.0 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . Advances are shared equally between Jefferies and MassMutual. The facility is scheduled to mature on March 1, 2019 with automatic one year extensions absent a 60 -day termination notice by either party. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , $121.2 million and $0.0 million , respectively, of Jefferies $250.0 million commitment was funded. Jefferies recognized interest income and unfunded commitment fees related to the facility of $1.0 million and $1.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.


Jefferies engages in debt capital markets transactions with Jefferies Finance related to the originations and syndications of loans by Jefferies Finance. In connection with such services, Jefferies earned fees of $101.4 million and $66.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , 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 $18.5 million and $2.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, which are recognized within Selling, general and other expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


Jefferies acts as a placement agent for CLOs managed by Jefferies Finance, for which Jefferies recognized fees of $0.3 million and $2.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, which are included in Investment banking revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , Jefferies held securities issued


40



by CLOs managed by Jefferies Finance, which are included in Trading assets. Additionally, Jefferies has entered into participation agreements and derivative contracts with Jefferies Finance based upon certain securities issued by the CLO. Gains (losses) related to the derivative contracts were not material.


Under a service agreement, Jefferies charged Jefferies Finance $26.1 million and $20.2 million for services provided during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. At March 31, 2018 , Jefferies had a receivable from Jefferies Finance, included in Other assets in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition, of $43.1 million and a payable to Jefferies Finance, included in Payables, expense accruals and other liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition of $14.1 million . At December 31, 2017 , Jefferies had a receivable from Jefferies Finance, included in Other assets in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition, of $34.6 million and a payable to Jefferies Finance, included in Payables, expense accruals and other liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition, of $14.1 million .


Jefferies enters into OTC foreign exchange contracts with Jefferies Finance as to which we had $0.4 million included in Trading liabilities and $1.5 million included in Trading assets in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively.


Jefferies LoanCore


Jefferies LoanCore, a commercial real estate finance company and a joint venture with the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and LoanCore, LLC, originates and purchases commercial real estate loans throughout the U.S. and Europe. On October 31, 2017, Jefferies sold all of its membership interests (which constituted a 48.5% voting interest) in Jefferies LoanCore for approximately $173.1 million , the estimated book value as of October 31, 2017. In addition, Jefferies may be entitled to additional cash consideration over the next five years in the event Jefferies LoanCore's yearly return on equity exceeds certain thresholds.


Berkadia


Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC ("Berkadia") is a commercial mortgage banking and servicing joint venture formed in 2009 with Berkshire Hathaway Inc. 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 March 31, 2018 , cumulative cash distributions received by Leucadia from this investment aggregated $579.2 million . Berkadia originates commercial/multifamily real estate loans that are sold to U.S. government agencies, and originates and brokers commercial/multifamily mortgage loans which are not part of government agency programs. Berkadia is an investment sales advisor focused on the multifamily industry. 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 $1.5 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 March 31, 2018 , the aggregate amount of commercial paper outstanding was $1.47 billion .


FXCM


As discussed more fully in Note 3, at March 31, 2018 , Leucadia has a 50% voting interest in FXCM and a senior secured term loan to FXCM due January 2019. On September 1, 2016, we gained the ability to significantly influence FXCM through our seats on the board of directors. As a result, we classify our equity investment in FXCM in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as Loans to and investments in associated companies. Our term loan remains classified within Trading assets, at fair value. We account for our equity interest in FXCM on a one month lag. We are amortizing our basis difference between the estimated fair value and the underlying book value of FXCM customer relationships, technology, trade name, leases and long-term debt over their respective useful lives.


During February 2017, Global Brokerage Holdings and FXCM's U.S. subsidiary, Forex Capital Markets LLC ("FXCM U.S.") settled complaints filed by the National Futures Association and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") against FXCM U.S. and certain of its principals relating to matters that occurred between 2010 and 2014. As part of the settlements, FXCM U.S. withdrew from business and sold FXCM U.S.'s customer accounts. Based on the above actions, we evaluated in the first quarter of 2017 whether our equity method investment was fully recoverable. We engaged an independent valuation firm to assist management in estimating the fair value of FXCM. Our estimate of fair value was based on a discounted cash flow and comparable


41



public company analysis. The result of our analysis indicated that the estimated fair value of our equity interest in FXCM was lower than our carrying value by $130.2 million . We concluded based on the regulatory actions, FXCM's restructuring plan, investor perception and declines in the trading price of Global Brokerage's common shares and convertible debt, that the decline in fair value of our equity interest was other than temporary. As such, we impaired our equity investment in FXCM in the first quarter of 2017 by $130.2 million .


FXCM is considered a VIE and our term loan and equity interest are variable interests. 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 do not consolidate FXCM.

Garcadia

Garcadia is a joint venture between us and Garff Enterprises, Inc. ("Garff") that owns and operates 28 automobile dealerships comprised of domestic and foreign automobile makers. The Garcadia joint venture agreement specifies that we and Garff shall have equal board representation and equal votes on all matters affecting Garcadia, and that all operating cash flows from Garcadia will be allocated 65% to us and 35% to Garff, with the exception of one dealership from which we receive 83% of all operating cash flows and four other dealerships from which we receive 71% of all operating cash flows. Garcadia's strategy is to acquire automobile dealerships in primary or secondary market locations meeting its specified return criteria. 

In April 2018, Leucadia entered into a letter agreement to sell 100% of its equity interests in Garcadia and its associated real estate to our current partners, the Garff family. At closing, we will receive $435 million in cash and $50 million in senior preferred equity of an entity that will own all of the automobile dealerships associated broadly with the Ken Garff Automotive Group, including all the Garcadia dealerships. At or prior to closing, we will pay approximately $53 million to retire the mortgage debt on the real estate to be sold. In addition, we agreed to pay at closing an amount equal to $5.75 million to the Garff family representing the satisfaction of a pre-existing obligation. The estimated pre-tax gain that will be recognized as a result of this transaction is approximately $220 million . This transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018.


Linkem


We own approximately 42% of the common shares of Linkem, a fixed wireless broadband services provider in Italy. In addition, we own 5% convertible preferred stock, which is automatically convertible to common shares in 2020. If all of our convertible preferred stock was converted, it would increase our ownership to approximately 54% of Linkem's common equity at March 31, 2018 . We have approximately 48% of the total voting securities of Linkem.


HomeFed


At March 31, 2018 , we own 10,852,123 shares of HomeFed's common stock, representing approximately 70% of HomeFed's outstanding common shares; however, we have contractually 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 develops and owns residential and mixed-use real estate properties. 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 March 31, 2018 .  Three of our executives serve on the board of directors of HomeFed, including our Chairman who serves as HomeFed's Chairman, and our President. Since we do not control HomeFed, our investment in HomeFed is accounted for under the equity method as an investment in an associated company. 


Golden Queen Mining Company


Since 2014, we invested $93.0 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, which commenced gold and silver production in March 2016. 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 $127.5 million to the joint venture, Golden Queen, 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 $127.5 million in the joint venture, which includes both the amount we contributed and the amount contributed by


42



the Clay family. The joint venture, Golden Queen, 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. The excess of Gauss LLC's investment in Golden Queen's underlying book value is being amortized to expense over the estimated life of mine gold and silver sales.

Other

The following table provides summarized data for certain associated companies (Jefferies Finance and Berkadia) (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Revenues

$

266,339


$

230,269


Income from continuing operations before extraordinary items

$

99,811


$

78,512


Net income

$

99,811


$

78,512



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; master securities lending agreements (securities lending transactions); and master repurchase agreements (repurchase transactions). 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. 

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. In cases where Jefferies has not determined an agreement to be enforceable, the related amounts are not offset. 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 contracts or transactions.


43



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 Statements of Financial Condition

Net Amounts in Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

Additional Amounts Available for Setoff (1)

Available Collateral (2)

Net Amount (3)

Assets at March 31, 2018

Derivative contracts

$

2,571,665


$

(2,414,276

)

$

157,389


$

-


$

-


$

157,389


Securities borrowing arrangements

$

7,300,171


$

-


$

7,300,171


$

(662,827

)

$

(1,151,335

)

$

5,486,009


Reverse repurchase agreements

$

11,488,733


$

(8,504,788

)

$

2,983,945


$

(289,950

)

$

(2,673,232

)

$

20,763


Liabilities at March 31, 2018







Derivative contracts

$

3,538,069


$

(2,655,358

)

$

882,711


$

-


$

-


$

882,711


Securities lending arrangements

$

2,372,473


$

-


$

2,372,473


$

(662,827

)

$

(1,558,384

)

$

151,262


Repurchase agreements

$

16,755,127


$

(8,504,788

)

$

8,250,339


$

(289,950

)

$

(7,041,254

)

$

919,135


Assets at December 31, 2017







Derivative contracts

$

3,497,969


$

(3,318,481

)

$

179,488


$

-


$

-


$

179,488


Securities borrowing arrangements

$

7,721,803


$

-


$

7,721,803


$

(966,712

)

$

(1,032,629

)

$

5,722,462


Reverse repurchase agreements

$

14,858,297


$

(11,168,738

)

$

3,689,559


$

(463,973

)

$

(3,207,147

)

$

18,439


Liabilities at December 31, 2017







Derivative contracts

$

3,745,908


$

(3,490,514

)

$

255,394


$

-


$

-


$

255,394


Securities lending arrangements

$

2,843,911


$

-


$

2,843,911


$

(966,712

)

$

(1,795,408

)

$

81,791


Repurchase agreements

$

19,829,249


$

(11,168,738

)

$

8,660,511


$

(463,973

)

$

(7,067,512

)

$

1,129,026



(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 a counterparty in the event of a counterparty's default, but which are not netted in the balance sheet because other netting 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 March 31, 2018 , amounts include $5,418.7 million of securities borrowing arrangements, for which we have received securities collateral of $5,221.3 million , and $888.2 million of repurchase agreements, for which we have pledged securities collateral of $907.3 million , which are subject to master netting agreements but we have not determined the agreements to be legally enforceable.  At December 31, 2017 , amounts include $5,678.6 million of securities borrowing arrangements, for which we have received securities collateral of $5,516.7 million , and $1,084.4 million of repurchase agreements, for which we have pledged securities collateral of $1,115.9 million , which are subject to master netting agreements but we have not determined the agreements to be legally enforceable.



44



Note 11.  Intangible Assets, Net and Goodwill


A summary of Intangible assets, net and goodwill is as follows (in thousands):

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Indefinite-lived intangibles:

Exchange and clearing organization membership interests and registrations

$

8,619


$

8,551


Amortizable intangibles:



Customer and other relationships, net of accumulated amortization of $237,946 and $230,074

340,156


347,767


Trademarks and tradename, net of accumulated amortization of $99,861 and $95,627

290,009


293,851


Supply contracts, net of accumulated amortization of $59,833 and $57,440

83,767


86,160


Other, net of accumulated amortization of $4,127 and $3,885

4,459


4,701


Total intangible assets, net

727,010


741,030


Goodwill:



National Beef

14,991


14,991


Jefferies

1,705,097


1,703,300


Other operations

3,859


3,859


Total goodwill

1,723,947


1,722,150


Total intangible assets, net and goodwill

$

2,450,957


$

2,463,180



Amortization expense on intangible assets was $14.6 million and $13.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. 


The estimated aggregate future amortization expense for the intangible assets for each of the next five years is as follows (in thousands): 

Remainder of current year

$

43,839


2019

$

58,454


2020

$

58,454


2021

$

58,067


2022

$

57,984



As further discussed in Note 1, in April 2018, we agreed to sell 48% of National Beef to Marfrig. Intangible assets, net and goodwill for National Beef totaled $543.2 million at March 31, 2018. Once the transaction with Marfrig closes, we will deconsolidate our investment in National Beef, including the Intangible assets, net and goodwill.


Note 12.  Short-Term Borrowings


Jefferies short-term borrowings, which mature in one year or less, are as follows (in thousands):

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Bank loans (1)

$

357,012


$

304,651


Floating rate puttable notes

111,034


108,240


Equity-linked notes

-


23,324


Total short-term borrowings

$

468,046


$

436,215



(1) Bank loans include loans entered into, pursuant to a Master Loan Agreement, between the Bank of New York and Jefferies.


At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding was 2.28%  and 2.51% per annum, respectively.


45




Equity-linked notes with a principal amount of $23.3 million matured during the first quarter of 2018. See Note 3 for further information.


The Bank of New York Mellon agrees to make revolving intraday credit advances ("Intraday Credit Facility") for an aggregate committed amount of $150.0 million . The Intraday Credit Facility contains financial covenants, which includes a minimum regulatory net capital requirement for Jefferies. Interest is based on the higher of the Federal funds effective rate plus 0.5% or the prime rate. At March 31, 2018 , Jefferies was in compliance with debt covenants under the Intraday Credit Facility.


Note 13.  Long-Term Debt


The principal amount (net of unamortized discounts, premiums and debt issuance costs), stated interest rate and maturity date of outstanding debt are as follows (dollars in thousands):

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Parent Company Debt:

Senior Notes:

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

$

742,629


$

742,348


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

246,686


246,673


Total long-term debt – Parent Company

989,315


989,021


Subsidiary Debt (non-recourse to Parent Company):



Jefferies:



5.125% Senior Notes, due April 13, 2018, $668,300 and $678,300 principal (1)

669,586


682,338


8.50% Senior Notes, due July 15, 2019, $680,800 principal

721,677


728,872


2.375% Euro Medium Term Notes, due May 20, 2020, $610,075 and $594,725 principal

608,789


593,334


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

804,138


808,157


2.25% Euro Medium Term Notes, due July 13, 2022, $4,881 and $4,758 principal

4,521


4,389


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

615,021


615,703


4.85% Senior Notes, due January 15, 2027, $750,000 principal (2)

713,762


736,357


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

375,274


375,794


3.875% Convertible Senior Debentures, due November 1, 2029, $0 and $324,779 principal

-


324,779


4.15% Senior Notes, due January 23, 2030, $1,000,000 and $0 principal

987,157


-


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

511,947


512,040


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

420,901


420,990


Structured Notes (3)

742,777


614,091


National Beef Reducing Revolver Loan

180,000


120,000


National Beef Revolving Credit Facility

40,329


76,809


Foursight Capital Credit Facilities

11,750


170,455


Other

102,780


112,654


Total long-term debt – subsidiaries

7,510,409


6,896,762


Long-term debt

$

8,499,724


$

7,885,783



(1)

On April 13, 2018, these 5.125% Senior Notes were redeemed by Jefferies with cash on hand.

(2) Amount includes decreases of $22.7 million and $5.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, associated with an interest rate swap based on its designation as a fair value hedge. See Note 4 for further information.

(3) Includes $735.5 million and $607.0 million at fair value at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. These structured notes contain various interest rate payment terms and are accounted for at fair value, with changes in fair value


46



resulting from a change in the instrument specific credit risk presented in Accumulated other comprehensive income and changes in fair value resulting from non-credit components recognized in Principal transactions revenues.


Subsidiary Debt :


In November 2017, all of Jefferies 3.875% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2029 were called for optional redemption, with a redemption date of January 5, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the convertible debentures redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. All of these remaining convertible debentures were redeemed in January 2018.


In January 2018, Jefferies issued 4.15% senior notes with a principal amount of $1.0 billion , due 2030. Additionally, structured notes with a total principal amount of approximately $154.4 million , net of retirements were issued during the three months ended March 31, 2018 .


In June 2017, National Beef entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Debt Agreement"). The Debt Agreement matures in June 2022 and included a $275.0 million reducing revolver loan and a $275.0 million revolving credit facility. In March 2018, the Debt Agreement was amended to increase the reducing revolver loan to $375.0 million . The reducing revolver loan commitment decreases by $18.8 million on each annual anniversary of the Debt Agreement, beginning in June 2019. The Debt Agreement is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the assets of National Beef and its subsidiaries and includes customary covenants including a single financial covenant that requires National Beef to maintain a minimum tangible net worth; at March 31, 2018 , National Beef was in compliance with the covenants.


At March 31, 2018 , National Beef's credit facility consisted of a reducing revolver loan with an outstanding balance of $180.0 million and $45.5 million drawn on the revolving credit facility. The reducing revolver 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 .75% to 3.00% depending upon certain financial ratios and the rate selected. At March 31, 2018 , the interest rate on the outstanding reducing revolver loan was 3.60%  and the interest rate on the outstanding revolving credit facility was 3.80% . 


Borrowings under the reducing revolver loan and the revolving credit facility are available for National Beef's working capital requirements, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. Unused capacity under the revolving credit facility can also be used to issue letters of credit; letters of credit aggregating $13.9 million were outstanding at March 31, 2018 . Amounts available under the revolving credit facility are subject to a borrowing base calculation primarily comprised of receivable and inventory balances; amounts available under the reducing revolver facility are constrained only by the annual reduction in the commitment amount. At March 31, 2018 , after deducting outstanding amounts and issued letters of credit, $173.7 million of the unused revolving credit facility and $195.0 million of the reducing revolver commitment was available to National Beef.


At March 31, 2018 , Foursight Capital's credit facilities consisted of two warehouse credit commitments aggregating $225.0 million , which mature in March 2020 and July 2020. The March 2020 credit facility bears interest based on the three-month LIBOR plus a credit spread fixed through its maturity and the July 2020 credit facility bears interest based on the one-month LIBOR plus a credit spread fixed through its maturity. As a condition of the March 2020 credit facility, Foursight Capital is obligated to maintain cash reserves in an amount equal to the quoted price of an interest rate cap sufficient to meet the hedging requirements of the credit commitment. The credit facilities are secured by first priority liens on auto loan receivables owed to Foursight Capital of approximately $14.5 million at March 31, 2018 .


Note 14.  Mezzanine Equity


Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests


Redeemable noncontrolling interests primarily relate to National Beef and are held by its minority owners, 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). The holders will have the right to make an election that requires us to purchase up to 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. As discussed further in Note 1, in April 2018, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell 48% of National Beef to Marfrig. Upon closing of the transaction with Marfrig, the current minority owners will no longer have put rights to us.



47



Redeemable noncontrolling interests in National Beef are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value. The following table rolls forward National Beef's redeemable noncontrolling interests activity during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

As of January 1,

$

412,128


$

321,962


Income allocated to redeemable noncontrolling interests

14,450


12,049


Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests

(9,519

)

(7,117

)

Increase (decrease) in fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests

(17,067

)

1,038


Balance, March 31,

$

399,992



$

327,932



At March 31, 2018 , the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests is based upon the total equity value associated with the announced sale of National Beef as described more fully in Note 1.

At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , redeemable noncontrolling interests also include other redeemable noncontrolling interests of $14.8 million and $14.5 million , respectively, primarily related to our oil and gas exploration and development businesses.


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 holders of the Preferred Shares are also entitled to an additional quarterly payment in the event we declare and pay a dividend on our common stock in an amount greater than $0.0625 per common share per quarter. The additional quarterly payment would be paid to the holders of Preferred Shares on an as converted basis and on a per share basis would equal the quarterly dividend declared and paid to a holder of a share of common stock in excess of $0.0625 per share. In the third quarter of 2017, we increased our quarterly dividend from $0.0625 to $0.10 per common share. This increased the preferred stock dividend from $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2017 to $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2018. 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.


Note 15.  Stock-Based Compensation Plans


Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Restricted stock and restricted stock units ("RSUs") may be granted to new employees as "sign-on" awards, to existing employees as "retention" awards and to certain executive officers as awards for multiple years. Sign-on and retention awards are generally subject to annual ratable vesting over a four -year service period and are amortized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the related four years. Restricted stock and RSUs are granted to certain senior executives with market, performance and service conditions. Market conditions are incorporated into the grant-date fair value of senior executive awards using a Monte Carlo valuation model. Compensation expense for awards with market conditions is recognized over the service period and is not reversed if the market condition is not met. Awards with performance conditions are amortized over the service period if it is determined that it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved.


Senior Executive Compensation Plan. The Compensation Committee of the Leucadia Board of Directors approved an executive compensation plan effective January 1, 2018 that extends Leucadia's prior compensation plans for our CEO and our President (together, our "Senior Executives") for compensation years 2018, 2019 and 2020. For each Senior Executive, the Compensation Committee has targeted long-term compensation of $25.0 million per year under the plan with a target of $16.0 million in long-term equity in the form of RSUs and a target of $9.0 million in long-term cash, subject to performance targets over the three -year measurement period for each compensation year. To receive targeted long-term equity, our Senior Executives will have to achieve 8% growth on an annual and multi-year compounded basis in Leucadia's Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") and to receive targeted long-term cash, our Senior Executives will have to achieve 8% growth on an annual and multi-year compounded basis in Leucadia's Return on Tangible Deployable Equity ("ROTDE"). If TSR and ROTDE are less than 5% , our Senior Executives will receive no long-term compensation. If TSR and ROTDE growth rates are greater than 8% , our Senior Executives are eligible to receive up to 50% additional incentive compensation on a pro rata basis up to 12% growth rates. TSR is based on annualized rate of return reflecting price appreciation plus reinvestment of dividends and distributions to shareholders. ROTDE is net income adjusted for


48



amortization of intangible assets divided by tangible book value at the beginning of year adjusted for intangible assets and deferred tax assets.


Stock-Based Compensation Expense. Compensation and benefits expense included $12.4 million and $10.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , 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 $2.9 million and $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. As of March 31, 2018 , total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation plans was $156.5 million ; this cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.6 years.


At March 31, 2018 , there were 1,844,000 shares of restricted stock outstanding with future service required, 9,352,000 RSUs outstanding with future service required (including target RSUs issuable under the senior executive compensation plan), 10,341,000 RSUs outstanding with no future service required and 854,000 shares issuable under other plans. Excluding shares issuable pursuant to outstanding stock options, the maximum potential increase to common shares outstanding resulting from these outstanding awards is 20,547,000 .


Note 16.  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 is as follows (in thousands):

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Net unrealized gains on available for sale securities

$

543,290


$

572,085


Net unrealized foreign exchange losses

(83,497

)

(101,400

)

Net unrealized losses on instrument specific credit risk

(46,001

)

(34,432

)

Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges

110


(1,138

)

Net minimum pension liability

(56,585

)

(62,391

)

$

357,317



$

372,724



For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , 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

2018

2017

Net unrealized losses on available for sale securities, net of income tax benefit of $(5) and $(11)

$

(15

)

$

(18

)

Other revenues

Net unrealized foreign exchange losses, net of income tax provision of $0 and $1,097

-


(5,290

)

Other income and other expenses

Amortization of defined benefit pension plan actuarial losses, net of income tax benefit of $(151) and $(204)

(462

)

(433

)

 Selling, general and other expenses, which includes pension expense.

Other pension, net of income tax benefit of $0 and $(1,231)

(5,344

)

1,231


Compensation and benefits expense and Income tax provision (benefit)

Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax

$

(5,821

)


$

(4,510

)


In connection with the acquisition of Jefferies Bache from Prudential on July 1, 2011, Jefferies acquired a defined benefit pension plan located in Germany (the "German Pension Plan") for the benefit of eligible employees of Jefferies Bache in that territory. On

December 28, 2017, a Liquidation Insurance Contract was entered into between Jefferies Bache Limited and Generali Lebensversicherung AG ("Generali") to transfer the defined benefit pension obligations and insurance contracts to Generali, for

approximately €6.5 million , which was paid in January 2018 and released Jefferies from any and all obligations under the German Pension Plan. This transaction was completed in the first quarter of 2018. In connection with the transfer of the German Pension


49



Plan, $5.3 million was reclassified to Compensation and benefits expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations from Accumulated other comprehensive income during the three months ended March 31, 2018 .


Note 17. Revenues from Contracts with Customers

The following table presents our total revenues separated for our revenues from contracts with customers and our other sources of revenues (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

Revenues from contracts with customers:

Beef processing services

$

1,779,631


Commissions and other fees

147,902


Investment banking

439,991


Other

140,523


Total revenue from contracts with customers

2,508,047


Other sources of revenue:

Beef processing services

2,289


Principal transactions

145,663


Interest income

275,290


Other

15,180


Total revenue from other sources

438,422


Total revenues

$

2,946,469


Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when, or as, we satisfy our performance obligations by transferring the promised goods or services to the customers. A good or service is transferred to a customer when, or as, the customer obtains control of that good or service. A performance obligation may be satisfied over time or at a point in time. Revenue from a performance obligation satisfied over time is recognized by measuring our progress in satisfying the performance obligation in a manner that depicts the transfer of the goods or services to the customer. Revenue from a performance obligation satisfied at a point in time is recognized at the point in time that we determine the customer obtains control over the promised good or service. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those promised goods or services (the "transaction price"). In determining the transaction price, we consider multiple factors, including the effects of variable consideration. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainties with respect to the amount are resolved. In determining when to include variable consideration in the transaction price, we consider the range of possible outcomes, the predictive value of our past experiences, the time period of when uncertainties expect to be resolved and the amount of consideration that is susceptible to factors outside of our influence, such as market volatility or the judgment and actions of third parties.

The following provides detailed information on the recognition of our revenues from contracts with customers:

Beef Processing Services. National Beef earns over 95% of its revenues through the sale of beef, pork and beef by-products. Agreements with customers for these sales typically specify the type and quantity of products to be delivered, the unit price of each product, the estimated delivery date, and credit and payment terms. Payment is generally due in seven days from delivery. The transaction price is generally fixed at the time of sale and revenue is recognized when the customer takes control of the product.

Commissions and Other fees. Jefferies earns commission revenue by executing, settling and clearing transactions for clients primarily in equity, equity-related and futures products. Trade execution and clearing services, when provided together, represent a single performance obligation as the services are not separately identifiable in the context of the contract. Commission revenues associated with combined trade execution and clearing services, as well as trade execution services on a standalone basis, are recognized at a point in time on trade-date. Commissions revenues are generally paid on settlement date and Jefferies records a receivable between trade-date and payment on settlement date. Jefferies permits institutional customers to allocate a portion of their gross commissions to pay for research products and other services provided by third parties. The amounts allocated for those purposes are commonly referred to as soft dollar arrangements. Jefferies acts as an agent in the soft dollar arrangements as the customer controls the use of the soft dollars and directs Jefferies payments to third party service providers on its behalf. Accordingly, amounts allocated to soft dollar arrangements are netted against commission revenues in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.


50



Jefferies earns account advisory and distribution fees in connection with wealth management services. Account advisory fees are recognized over time using the time-elapsed method as Jefferies determined that the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of investment advisory services as they are provided. Account advisory fees may be paid in advance of a specified service period or in arrears at the end of the specified service period (e.g., quarterly). Account advisory fees paid in advance are initially deferred within Payables, expense accruals and other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Distribution fees are variable and recognized when uncertainties with respect to the amounts are resolved.

Investment Banking Fees. Jefferies provides its clients with a full range of capital markets and financial advisory services. Capital markets services include underwriting and placement agent services in both the equity and debt capital markets, including private equity placements, initial public offerings, follow-on offerings and equity-linked convertible securities transactions and structuring, underwriting and distributing public and private debt, including investment grade debt, high yield bonds, leveraged loans, municipal bonds and mortgage- and asset-backed securities. Underwriting and placement agent revenues are recognized at a point in time on trade-date, as the client obtains the control and benefit of the capital markets offering at that point. Costs associated with capital markets transactions are deferred until the related revenue is recognized or the engagement is otherwise concluded, and are recorded on a gross basis within Selling, general and other expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as Jefferies is acting as a principal in the arrangement. Any expenses reimbursed by its clients are recognized as Investment banking revenues.

Revenues from financial advisory services primarily consist of fees generated in connection with merger, acquisition and restructuring transactions. Advisory fees from mergers and acquisitions engagements are recognized at a point in time when the related transaction is completed, as the performance obligation is to successfully broker a specific transaction. Fees received prior to the completion of the transaction are deferred within Payables, expense accruals and other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Advisory fees from restructuring engagements are recognized over time using a time elapsed measure of progress as Jefferies clients simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of those services as they are provided. A significant portion of the fees Jefferies receives for its advisory services are considered variable as they are contingent upon a future event (e.g., completion of a transaction or third party emergence from bankruptcy) and are excluded from the transaction price until the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved, which is expected to occur upon achievement of the specified milestone. Payment for advisory services are generally due promptly upon completion of a specified milestone or, for retainer fees, periodically over the course of the engagement. Jefferies recognizes a receivable between the date of completion of the milestone and payment by the customer. Expenses associated with investment banking advisory engagements are deferred only to the extent they are explicitly reimbursable by the client and the related revenue is recognized at a point in time. All other investment banking advisory related expenses, including expenses incurred related to restructuring assignments, are expensed as incurred. All investment banking advisory expenses are recognized within their respective expense category in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and any expenses reimbursed by Jefferies clients are recognized as Investment banking revenues.

Asset Management Fees. Jefferies and LAM earn management and performance fees, recorded in Other revenues, in connection with investment advisory services provided to various funds and accounts, which are satisfied over time and measured using a time elapsed measure of progress as the customer receives the benefits of the services evenly throughout the term of the contract. Management and performance fees are considered variable as they are subject to fluctuation (e.g., changes in assets under management, market performance) and/ or are contingent on a future event during the measurement period (e.g., meeting a specified benchmark) and are recognized only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty is resolved. Management fees are generally based on month-end assets under management or an agreed upon notional amount and are included in the transaction price at the end of each month when the assets under management or notional amount is known. Performance fees are received when the return on assets under management for a specified performance period exceed certain benchmark returns, "high-water marks" or other performance targets. The performance period related to performance fees is annual, semi-annual or quarterly. Accordingly, performance fee revenue will generally be recognized only at the end of the performance period to the extent that the benchmark return has been met.


51



Disaggregation of Revenue

The following presents our revenues from contracts with customers disaggregated by major business activity and primary geographic regions for the three months ended March 31, 2018 (in thousands):


Reportable Segments

Jefferies

National Beef

Corporate and Other

All Other

Total

Major Business Activity:

Jefferies:

Equities (1)

$

151,630


$

-


$

-


$

-


$

151,630


Fixed Income (1)

2,958


-


-


-


2,958


Investment Banking

439,991


-


-


-


439,991


Asset Management

4,930


-


-


-


4,930


Beef processing services

-


1,779,631


-


-


1,779,631


Manufacturing revenues

-


-


-


98,365


98,365


Oil and gas revenues

-


-


-


20,330


20,330


Other revenues

-


-


8,233


1,979


10,212


Total revenues from contracts with customers

$

599,509


$

1,779,631


$

8,233


$

120,674


$

2,508,047


Primary Geographic Region:

Americas

$

520,854


$

1,554,061


$

7,903


$

120,674


$

2,203,492


Europe, Middle East and Africa

61,328


17,596


255


-


79,179


Asia

17,327


207,974


75


-


225,376


Total revenues from contracts with customers

$

599,509


$

1,779,631


$

8,233


$

120,674


$

2,508,047



(1)

Revenues from contracts with customers associated with the equities and fixed income businesses primarily represent commissions and other fee revenue.

Information on Remaining Performance Obligations and Revenue Recognized from Past Performance

We do not disclose information about remaining performance obligations pertaining to contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less. The transaction price allocated to remaining unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied performance obligations with an original expected duration exceeding one year was not material at March 31, 2018 . Investment banking advisory fees that are contingent upon completion of a specific milestone and fees associated with certain distribution services are also excluded as the fees are considered variable and not included in the transaction price at March 31, 2018 .

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , Jefferies recognized $11.7 million of revenue related to performance obligations satisfied (or partially satisfied) in previous periods, mainly due to resolving uncertainties in consideration that was constrained in prior periods. In addition, Jefferies recognized $4.6 million of revenues primarily associated with distribution services during the three months ended March 31, 2018 , a portion of which relates to prior periods.

Contract Balances

The timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of payment by customers. We record a receivable when revenue is recognized prior to payment and it has an unconditional right to payment. Alternatively, when payment precedes the provision of the related services, we record deferred revenue until the performance obligations are satisfied. Jefferies deferred revenue primarily relates to retainer and milestone fees received in investment banking advisory engagements where the performance obligation has not yet been satisfied.

We had receivables related to revenues from contracts with customers of $410.0 million and $469.3 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. We had no significant impairments related to these receivables during the three months ended March 31, 2018 .

Our deferred revenue, which primarily relates to Jefferies, was $17.6 million and $15.5 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , we recognized $4.9 million of deferred revenue from the December 31, 2017 balance.


52



Contract Costs

Jefferies capitalizes costs to fulfill contracts associated with investment banking advisory engagements where the revenue is recognized at a point in time and the costs are determined to be recoverable. Capitalized costs to fulfill a contract are recognized at the point in time that the related revenue is recognized.

At March 31, 2018 , Jefferies capitalized costs to fulfill a contract were $3.6 million , which are recorded in Receivables in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 , Jefferies recognized $2.4 million of expenses related to costs capitalized to fulfill a contract. There were no significant impairment charges recognized in relation to these capitalized costs during the three months ended March 31, 2018 . At March 31, 2018 , capitalized costs related to our other subsidiaries were not material.


Note 18.  Income Taxes


The aggregate amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions at March 31, 2018 was $227.0 million (including $58.0 million for interest), of which $173.4 million related to Jefferies. The aggregate amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2017 was $226.4 million (including $57.4 million for interest), of which $177.8 million related to Jefferies. If recognized, such amounts would lower our effective tax rate. Accrued interest is included in Payables, expense accruals and other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. No material penalties were accrued for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017.


The statute of limitations with respect to our federal income tax returns has expired for all years through 2012. Our 2013 federal tax return is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Our New York State and New York City income tax returns are currently being audited for the 2012 to 2014 period and 2011 to 2012 period, respectively. 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 2012. We do not expect that resolution of these examinations will have a significant effect on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, but could have a significant impact on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period in which resolution occurs. 


Our provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was reduced by a $43.9 million benefit resulting from a reversal of our valuation allowance with respect to certain federal and state net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") which we now believe are more likely than not to be utilized before they expire. Our provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was reduced by a $31.9 million benefit resulting from the repatriation of Jefferies earnings from certain of its foreign subsidiaries, along with their associated foreign tax credits.


On December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118"), which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740, Income Taxes. SAB 118 provides a three-step process to be applied at each reporting period to account for and qualitatively disclose: (1) the effects of the change in tax law for which accounting is complete; (2) provisional amounts (or adjustments to provisional amounts) for the effects of the tax law where accounting is not complete, but that a reasonable estimate has been determined; and (3) where a reasonable estimate cannot yet be made and therefore taxes are reflected in accordance with the law prior to the enactment of the Tax Act.


Due to the complex nature of the Tax Act, we have not completed our accounting for the income tax effects of certain elements of the Tax Act. If we were able to make reasonable estimates of the effects of certain elements for which our analysis is not yet complete, we recorded a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If we were not yet able to make reasonable estimates of the impact of certain elements, we have not recorded any adjustments related to those elements and have continued accounting for them in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of the tax laws in effect before the Tax Act. The ultimate impact of the Tax Act may differ from this estimate, possibly materially, due to changes in interpretations and assumptions, and guidance that may be issued and actions we may take in response to the Tax Act. We note that the Tax Act is complex and we continue to assess the impact that various provisions will have on our business. Since the Tax Act was passed late in the fourth quarter of 2017, and ongoing guidance and accounting interpretation are expected over the next several quarters, we consider the accounting for the deferred tax asset remeasurements, the transition tax, and other items to be incomplete due to the forthcoming guidance and our ongoing analysis of final year-end data and tax positions. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , we revised our prior estimate and recorded a $2.6 million reduction in our tax expense related to the Tax Act.



53



Note 19.  Common Share and 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 (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Numerator for earnings per share:

Net income attributable to Leucadia National Corporation common shareholders

$

124,525


$

281,408


Allocation of earnings to participating securities (1)

(499

)

(1,138

)

Net income attributable to Leucadia National Corporation common shareholders for basic earnings per share

124,026


280,270


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

(1

)

8


Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred share dividends

1,172


1,016


Net income attributable to Leucadia National Corporation common shareholders for diluted earnings per share

$

125,197


$

281,294


Denominator for earnings per share:



Weighted average common shares outstanding

356,576


359,634


Weighted average shares of restricted stock outstanding with future service required

(1,285

)

(1,432

)

Weighted average RSUs outstanding with no future service required

11,136


11,065


Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average shares

366,427


369,267


Stock options

30


16


Senior executive compensation plan awards

2,842


2,276


Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred shares

4,162


4,162


Denominator for diluted earnings per share

373,461


375,721



(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 1,317,000 and 1,500,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Dividends declared on participating securities were not material during three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 . Undistributed earnings are allocated to participating securities based upon their right to share in earnings if all earnings for the period had been distributed.


For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , 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. All of these convertible debentures were redeemed in January 2018.


The Board of Directors from time to time has authorized the repurchase of our common shares. In April 2018, the Board of Directors approved an increase to our share repurchase program to 25,000,000 common shares from the 12,500,000 million remaining under its prior authorization.


54



Note 20.  Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees


Commitments


The following table summarizes commitments associated with certain business activities (in millions):

Expected Maturity Date

2018

2019

2020

and

2021

2022

and

2023

2024

and

Later

Maximum

Payout

Equity commitments (1)

$

33.3


$

0.2


$

18.8


$

-


$

104.5


$

156.8


Loan commitments (1)

158.0


-


47.5


7.4


-


212.9


Mortgage-related and other purchase commitments

-


177.7


-


-


-


177.7


Underwriting commitments

55.0


-


-


-


-


55.0


Forward starting reverse repos (2)

3,432.2


-


-


-


-


3,432.2


Forward starting repos (2)

2,523.5


-


-


-


-


2,523.5


Other unfunded commitments (1)

157.3


117.3


11.3


107.0


5.5


398.4


$

6,359.3



$

295.2



$

77.6



$

114.4



$

110.0



$

6,956.5



(1)

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

(2)

At March 31, 2018 , all of the forward starting securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold under agreements to repurchase (collectively "repos") settled within three business days.


Equity Commitments.   Equity commitments include commitments to invest in Jefferies joint venture, Jefferies Finance, and commitments to invest in private equity funds and in Jefferies Capital Partners, LLC, the manager of the private equity funds, which consist of a team led by Brian P. Friedman, our President and a Director. At March 31, 2018 , Jefferies outstanding commitments relating to Jefferies Capital Partners, LLC and its private equity funds were $21.8 million .


See Note 9 for additional information regarding Jefferies investment in Jefferies Finance.


Additionally, as of March 31, 2018 , we had other outstanding equity commitments to invest up to $42.4 million in various other investments. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, we committed to invest up to $500.0 million as part of the further development of our alternative asset management platforms.


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. At March 31, 2018 , Jefferies had $66.8 million of outstanding loan commitments to clients.


Loan commitments outstanding at March 31, 2018 , also include Jefferies portion of the outstanding secured revolving credit facility provided to Jefferies Finance to support loan underwritings by Jefferies Finance. At March 31, 2018 , $121.2 million of Jefferies $250.0 million commitment was funded.


In August 2014, we and Solomon Kumin established Folger Hill; we committed to provide Folger Hill with a three -year, $20.0 million revolving credit facility to fund its start-up and initial operating expenses. During the third quarter of 2017, the facility was amended to extend the maturity date until December 31, 2018 and to provide for an optional termination right for the Company with ten days prior written notice. As of March 31, 2018 , $10.2 million has been provided to Folger Hill under the revolving credit facility. As discussed further in Note 1, in April 2018, we agreed to combine the fundamental equities businesses of Folger Hill and Schonfeld under the Schonfeld brand. Upon closing, this revolving credit facility will be terminated.


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 Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. Jefferies frequently securitizes the mortgage participation certificates and mortgage-backed


55



securities. The fair value of mortgage-related and other purchase commitments recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at March 31, 2018 was $1.1 million .


Underwriting Commitments . In connection with investment banking activities, Jefferies may from time to time provide underwriting commitments to its clients in connection with capital raising transactions.

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


We and our subsidiaries are parties to 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 as of March 31, 2018 (in millions):

Expected Maturity Date

Guarantee Type

2018

2019

2020

and

2021

2022

and

2023

2024

and

Later

Notional/

Maximum

Payout

Derivative contracts – non-credit related

$

19,737.1


$

3,134.8


$

1,429.2


$

215.0


$

478.2


$

24,994.3


Written derivative contracts – credit related

-


42.7


7.5


23.1


-


73.3


Total derivative contracts

$

19,737.1



$

3,177.5



$

1,436.7



$

238.1



$

478.2



$

25,067.6



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 $391.4 million at March 31, 2018 .


Berkadia.   We have agreed to reimburse Berkshire Hathaway for up to one-half of any losses incurred under a $1.5 billion surety policy securing outstanding commercial paper issued by an affiliate of Berkadia. At March 31, 2018 , the aggregate amount of commercial paper outstanding was $1.47 billion .

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


56



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 October 2018 and the aggregate amount of lease obligation as of March 31, 2018 was approximately $6.4 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 March 31, 2018 , Jefferies provided guarantees to certain counterparties in the form of standby letters of credit in the amount of $52.0 million . 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 $15.0 million at March 31, 2018 . Primarily all letters of credit expire within one year.


Note 21.  Net Capital Requirements


Jefferies operates as a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and member firms of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). Jefferies LLC is subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission Uniform Net Capital Rule ("Rule 15c3-1"), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital and has elected to calculate minimum capital requirements using the alternative method permitted by Rule 15c3-1 in calculating net capital. Jefferies LLC, as a dually-registered U.S. broker-dealer and futures commission merchant ("FCM"), is also subject to Rule 1.17 of the 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's net capital and excess net capital at March 31, 2018 were $1,463.4 million and $1,373.4 million , respectively.


FINRA is the designated examining authority for Jefferies U.S. broker-dealer and the National Futures Association is the designated self-regulatory organization for Jefferies LLC 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 which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom.

The regulatory capital requirements referred to above may restrict our ability to withdraw capital from Jefferies regulated subsidiaries. Some of our other consolidated subsidiaries also have credit agreements which may restrict the payment of cash dividends, or the ability to make loans or advances to the parent company.


57



Note 22.  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):

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Carrying

Amount

Fair

Value

Carrying

Amount

Fair

Value

Receivables:

Notes and loans receivable (1)

$

615,567


$

598,218


$

579,071


$

565,285


Financial Liabilities:





Short-term borrowings (2)

$

468,046


$

468,046


$

412,891


$

412,891


Long-term debt (3)

$

7,764,268


$

8,012,424


$

7,278,827


$

7,678,210



(1)

Notes and loans receivable:  The fair values are estimated principally based on a discounted future cash flows model using market interest rates for similar instruments. If measured at fair value in the financial statements, these financial instruments would be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(2)

Short-term borrowings:  The fair values of short-term borrowings are estimated to be the carrying amount due to their short maturities. If measured at fair value in the financial statements, these financial instruments would be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(3)

Long-term debt: The fair values are estimated using quoted prices, pricing information obtained from external data providers and, for certain variable rate debt, is estimated to be the carrying amount. If measured at fair value in the financial statements, these financial instruments would be classified as Level 2 and Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.


Note 23.  Related Party Transactions


Jefferies Capital Partners Related Funds. Jefferies has equity investments in the JCP Manager and in private equity 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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are Jefferies equity investments in Private Equity Related Funds of $30.9 million and $23.7 million , respectively. Net gains (losses) aggregating $7.0 million and $(1.3) million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, were recorded in Other revenues related to the Private Equity Related Funds. For further information regarding our commitments and funded amounts to the Private Equity Related Funds, see Notes 8 and 20 .


Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, LLC. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , Jefferies has commitments to purchase $898.8 million and $864.1 million , respectively, in agency commercial mortgage-backed securities from Berkadia.


FXCM . Jefferies entered into OTC foreign exchange contracts with FXCM. In connection with these contracts, Jefferies had $20.6 million and $17.0 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, included in Payables, expense accruals and other liabilities and $0.5 million at March 31, 2018 in Trading liabilities at fair value in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.


Officers, Directors and Employees.   We have $45.2 million and $45.6 million of loans outstanding to certain officers and employees (none of whom are an executive officer or director of the Company) at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , 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.


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 30% and 26% of its cattle requirements under this agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , 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 three months ended March 31, 2018 , sales


58



to this affiliate were $6.9 million and purchases were $3.0 million . During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , sales to this affiliate were $7.1 million and purchases were $2.8 million . At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , amounts due from and payable to these related parties were not significant. 


HomeFed.   During 2014, we sold to HomeFed substantially all of our then-owned real estate properties and operations as well as 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 March 31, 2018 .  Three of our executives serve on the board of directors of HomeFed, including our Chairman who serves as HomeFed's Chairman, and our President.


See Note 9 for information on transactions with Jefferies Finance.


Note 24.  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, consumer-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. Corporate and other revenues primarily include adjustments to fair value of trading securities, interest income and revenues associated with other investments. 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, Foursight Capital, and our investments in Berkadia, HomeFed and FXCM. Our other merchant banking businesses and investments primarily includes Vitesse Energy Finance, JETX Energy, Idaho Timber and our investments in HRG, Garcadia, Linkem and Golden Queen.


59



Certain information concerning our segments 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 March 31,

2018

2017

(In thousands)

Net Revenues:

Reportable Segments:

Jefferies

$

820,919


$

797,386


National Beef

1,785,358


1,561,456


Corporate and other

8,444


7,690


Total net revenues related to reportable segments

2,614,721


2,366,532


All other (1)

66,072


501,450


Total consolidated net revenues

$

2,680,793


$

2,867,982


Income (loss) before income taxes:



Reportable Segments:



Jefferies

$

125,730


$

132,270


National Beef

68,891


57,103


Corporate and other

(23,688

)

(14,504

)

Income before income taxes related to reportable segments

170,933


174,869


All other (1)

(49,533

)

237,958


Parent Company interest

(14,746

)

(14,730

)

Total consolidated income before income taxes

$

106,654


$

398,097


Depreciation and amortization expenses:



Reportable Segments:



Jefferies

$

16,366


$

15,601


National Beef

25,519


22,399


Corporate and other

1,298


867


Total depreciation and amortization expenses related to reportable segments

43,183


38,867


All other

10,496


10,643


Total consolidated depreciation and amortization expenses

$

53,679


$

49,510


(1)

All other revenue and Income from continuing operations before income taxes include realized and unrealized gains (losses) relating to our investment in FXCM of $8.6 million and $0.4 million , respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 , and $10.9 million and $(139.0) million , respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 .


Interest expense classified as a component of Net revenues relates to Jefferies. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , interest expense classified as a component of Expenses was primarily comprised of National Beef ( $2.1 million and $1.8 million , respectively), parent company interest ( $14.7 million and $14.7 million , respectively) and all other ( $6.8 million and $10.8 million , respectively). 


Conwed Plastics ("Conwed") was our consolidated subsidiary that manufactured and marketed lightweight plastic netting. In January 2017, we sold 100% of Conwed to Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc., (NYSE: SWM) for $295 million in cash plus potential earn-out payments in 2019, 2020 and 2021 totaling up to $40 million in cash to the extent the results of Conwed's subsidiary, Filtrexx International, exceed certain performance thresholds. We recognized a $179.9 million pre-tax gain on the sale of Conwed in Other revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2017 . The gain on the sale of Conwed is included within Other merchant banking and All other above.


60



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, 2017 (the " 2017 10-K").


Results of Operations

We are a diversified financial services company engaged in investment banking and capital markets, merchant banking, and the early stages of building an alternative asset management platform. We have recently agreed to a number of strategic transactions which will impact our future results of operations as these transactions close. These transactions include the sale of 48% of National Beef, reducing our ownership to 31% and deconsolidating it from our results of operations. Upon closing, National Beef will be accounted for as an equity method investment within the Leucadia Merchant Banking portfolio. We also agreed to sell 100% of our equity interest in Garcadia. In addition, Vitesse Energy Finance recently acquired a package of non-operated Bakken assets for $190 million in April 2018, of which approximately $145 million was funded as equity.


Income from continuing operations before income taxes was $106.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 . Excluding the gain on the sale of Conwed of $179.9 million during 2017, this compares to $218.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . A number of factors impacted performance during these quarters. Jefferies pre-tax income was relatively consistent from year to year, with solid performance across Equities, Fixed Income and Investment Banking during both periods. Our Other financial services pre-tax loss decreased, or improved, by $79.5 million. The first quarter of 2017 included a $130.2 million impairment loss related to FXCM, which did not recur in 2018. In the first quarter of 2018, strong performance by Berkadia and HomeFed was more than offset by a net loss at Leucadia Asset Management. National Beef's pre-tax income grew by $11.8 million, with stronger than expected margins during a quarter that is typically a lighter seasonal quarter for beef processing. The pre-tax income of our Other merchant banking businesses, excluding the $179.9 million from the gain on the sale of Conwed recorded in the first quarter of 2017, was lower than the previous year by $187.1 million, primarily related to a decrease in the fair value of HRG during the first quarter of 2018 of $21.4 million, in comparison to an increase of $175.2 million in the first quarter of 2017.


A summary of results for the three months ended March 31, 2018 is as follows (in thousands):

Financial Services

Leucadia Merchant Banking Portfolio

Jefferies

Other Financial Services

National Beef

Other Merchant Banking

Corporate and Other

Parent Company Interest

Total

Net revenues

$

820,919


$

(27,930

)

$

1,785,358


$

94,002


$

8,444


$

-


$

2,680,793


Expenses:



Cost of sales

-


-


1,670,776


81,935


-


-


1,752,711


Compensation and benefits

454,760


11,245


10,207


4,625


19,029


-


499,866


Floor brokerage and clearing fees

42,176


-


-


-


-


-


42,176


Interest expense

-


5,770


2,109


982


-


14,746


23,607


Depreciation and amortization

16,366


1,834


25,519


8,662


1,298


-


53,679


Selling, general and other expenses

181,887


22,776


7,856


7,780


13,901


-


234,200


Total expenses

695,189


41,625


1,716,467


103,984


34,228


14,746


2,606,239


Income (loss) before income taxes and income (loss) related to associated companies

125,730


(69,555

)

68,891


(9,982

)

(25,784

)

(14,746

)

74,554


Income (loss) related to associated companies

-


30,045


-


(41

)

2,096


-


32,100


Income (loss) before income taxes

$

125,730


$

(39,510

)

$

68,891


$

(10,023

)

$

(23,688

)

$

(14,746

)

$

106,654





61



A summary of results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 is as follows (in thousands):

Financial Services

Leucadia Merchant Banking Portfolio

Jefferies

Other Financial Services

National Beef

Other Merchant Banking

Corporate and Other

Parent Company Interest

Total

Net revenues

$

797,386


$

56,223


$

1,561,456


$

445,227


$

7,690


$

-


$

2,867,982


Expenses:

Cost of sales

-


-


1,463,838


69,256


-


-


1,533,094


Compensation and benefits

460,672


15,184


9,312


4,965


13,194


-


503,327


Floor brokerage and clearing fees

45,858


-


-


-


-


-


45,858


Interest expense

-


9,971


1,814


869


-


14,730


27,384


Depreciation and amortization

15,601


2,905


22,399


7,738


867


-


49,510


Selling, general and other expenses

142,985


14,196


6,990


9,254


8,713


-


182,138


Total expenses

665,116


42,256


1,504,353


92,082


22,774


14,730


2,341,311


Income (loss) before income taxes and income (loss) related to associated companies

132,270


13,967


57,103


353,145


(15,084

)

(14,730

)

526,671


Income (loss) related to associated companies

-


(133,003

)

-


3,849


580


-


(128,574

)

Income (loss) before income taxes

$

132,270


$

(119,036

)

$

57,103


$

356,994


$

(14,504

)

$

(14,730

)

$

398,097


Jefferies


Jefferies is reflected in our consolidated financial statements and disclosures utilizing a one month lag; Jefferies fiscal year ends on November 30 and its fiscal quarters end one month prior to our reporting periods. A summary of results of operations for Jefferies is as follows (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Net revenues

$

820,919


$

797,386


Expenses:



Compensation and benefits

454,760


460,672


Floor brokerage and clearing fees

42,176


45,858


Depreciation and amortization

16,366


15,601


Selling, general and other expenses

181,887


142,985


Total expenses

695,189


665,116


Income before income taxes

$

125,730


$

132,270



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 revenues or 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.


Revenues by Source


Net revenues presented for Jefferies equities and fixed income businesses include allocations of interest income and interest expense as it 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.



62



In connection with the adoption of the new revenue standard in the first quarter of 2018, Jefferies has made changes to the presentation of its "Revenues by Source" to better align the manner in which we describe and present the results of Jefferies performance with the manner in which it manages its business activities and serves its clients. We believe that the reorganization of Jefferies revenue reporting will enable us to describe the business mix more clearly and provide greater transparency in the communication of Jefferies results. Additionally, the results of the investment banking business now include a new subcategory "Other investment banking", which contains Jefferies share of net earnings from its corporate lending joint venture, Jefferies Finance LLC ("Jefferies Finance"), as well as any gains and losses from any securities or loans received or acquired in connection with its investment banking efforts. Previously reported results are presented on a comparable basis in the tables below.


The following is a description of the changes that have been made:

Equities revenues now represent the activities of Jefferies core equities sales and trading, securities finance, prime brokerage and wealth management businesses. Revenues from other activities previously presented within the Equities business have been disaggregated as follows:

Jefferies share of net earnings from its Jefferies Finance joint venture, as well as any revenues from securities and loans received or acquired in connection with its investment banking efforts, are now presented as part of Jefferies investment banking business.

Jefferies share of net earnings from its historic Jefferies LoanCore LLC joint venture is presented as part of its fixed income business through its sale in October 2017.

Revenues related to Jefferies principal investments in certain private equity funds and hedge funds managed by third parties or related parties, investments in strategic ventures (including KCG through its sale in July 2017), certain other securities owned, and investments held as part of obligations under employee benefit plans, including deferred compensation arrangements, are now presented as part of its other business.

Revenue related to Jefferies capital invested in asset management funds that are managed by Jefferies is now presented within Jefferies asset management business.

Revenues from Jefferies legacy Futures business and revenues associated with structured notes issued by Jefferies are now presented as part of its other business. Additionally, revenues derived from securities or loans received or acquired in connection with Jefferies investment banking efforts are now presented as part of investment banking revenues.

Revenues from principal investments in certain private equity and asset management funds managed by related parties, are now presented as part of our other business.


The changes to the manner in which we describe and disclose the performance of Jefferies business activities has no effect on its

historical consolidated results of operation. The composition of Jefferies net revenues has varied over time as financial markets and the scope of our operations have changed. The composition of net revenues can also vary from period to period due to fluctuations in economic and market conditions, and its own performance.


The following provides a summary of net revenues by source (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Equities

$

155,699


$

156,465


Fixed income

212,922


221,964


Total sales and trading

368,621


378,429




Equity

79,840


61,566


Debt

168,994


162,628


Capital markets

248,834


224,194


Advisory

191,157


183,827


Other investment banking

(6,285

)

4,063


Total investment banking

433,706


412,084


Other

9,766


(6,078

)

Total capital markets

812,093


784,435


Asset Management

8,826


12,951


Total net revenues

$

820,919


$

797,386




63



Equities Net Revenues


Equities are comprised of net revenues from:

services provided to Jefferies clients from which it earns commissions or spread revenue by executing, settling and clearing transactions for clients;

financing, securities lending and other prime brokerage services offered to clients; and

wealth management services, which includes providing clients access to all of its institutional execution capabilities.


Equities net revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2018 decreased slightly as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017 , with losses in certain block positions offset by improvement across Jefferies core global equities sales and trading business. The increase in its core global equities sales and trading business was primarily driven by higher revenues in its equity derivatives, electronic trading, convertibles and Asian cash equities businesses, primarily due to higher equity volatility and an increase in trading volumes.


The increase in Jefferies core global equities sales and trading business was partially offset by a decrease in its U.S. and European cash equities businesses, primarily due to lower customer activity and a reduction in trading volumes. European revenues were also lower as a result of the impact of unbundling due to the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation and a revision of the Market in Financial Instruments Directive (collectively referred to as "MiFID II") regulation.


The prime finance business, which includes prime brokerage and securities finance, saw a meaningful increase in the quarter, driven by increased prime brokerage revenues and client engagement.


Fixed Income Net Revenues


Fixed income is comprised of net revenues from:

executing transactions for clients and making markets in investment grade, high-yield, emerging markets, municipal and sovereign securities and bank loans;

foreign exchange execution on behalf of clients; and

interest rate derivatives and credit derivatives (used primarily for hedging activities).


Fixed income net revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2018 decreased $9.0 million as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017 . Jefferies fixed income net revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2018 were slightly below those of the prior year quarter due to a less robust trading environment in the current year quarter, as results in the prior year quarter benefited from higher volumes following the 2016 U.S. Presidential election.


Revenues in Jefferies U.S. securitized markets group during the three months ended March 31, 2018 were significantly improved, primarily due to higher trading volumes as a result of favorable trading conditions as a result of interest rate volatility and increased securitization activity. Additionally, revenues in its leveraged credit business were strong given improved market share in its high yield, leveraged loan and distressed products businesses. Jefferies investment grade corporates business results declined on decreased trading activity as a result of lower primary issuance and lower secondary trading activity. Similarly, lower revenues in Jefferies emerging markets business are primarily attributed to reduced client activity as spread yields were not as favorable relative to other spread products.


Global rates revenues declined as the affects from volatility from the U.S. Presidential Election and European election cycles were not replicated in the current year quarter. Additionally, revenues in Jefferies municipal securities business declined slightly as primary issuance declined meaningfully post changes in the tax legislation which dampened secondary trading activity.


Net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2017 included revenues from our share of Jefferies LoanCore due to revenues from loan closings and syndications. Jefferies LoanCore was sold on October 31, 2017.


Investment Banking Revenues


Investment banking is comprised of revenues from:

capital markets services, which include underwriting and placement services related to corporate debt, municipal bonds, mortgage- and asset-backed securities and equity and equity-linked securities and loan syndication;

advisory services with respect to mergers and acquisitions and restructurings and recapitalizations;

Jefferies share of net earnings from its corporate lending joint venture Jefferies Finance; and

securities and loans received or acquired in connection with Jefferies investment banking activities.



64



Total investment banking revenues were $433.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 , 5% higher than the three months ended March 31, 2017 . This increase primarily reflects higher capital markets and advisory revenues, including the increase of $32.5 million in investment banking net revenues as a result of the new revenue standard and strong equity issuance activity in the life science sector and continued strength in our mergers and acquisitions business.


Capital markets revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 increased 11% from the prior year quarter. Advisory revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 increased 4% compared to the prior year quarter. Other investment banking revenues were a net loss of $6.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared with revenues of $4.1 million in the prior year quarter.


From equity and debt capital raising activities, Jefferies generated $79.8 million and $169.0 million in revenues, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 . During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , Jefferies completed 245 public and private debt financings that raised $68.0 billion in aggregate and Jefferies completed 37 public and private equity and convertible offerings that raised $6.8 billion (36 of which Jefferies acted as sole or joint bookrunner). Financial advisory revenues totaled $191.2 million, including revenues from 35 merger and acquisition transactions and six restructuring and recapitalization transactions with an aggregate transaction value of $62.7 billion.


Investment banking revenues were $412.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . From equity and debt capital raising activities, Jefferies generated $61.6 million and $162.6 million in revenues, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , Jefferies completed 198 public and private debt financings that raised $52.0 billion in aggregate and Jefferies completed 40 public equity and private equity and convertible offerings that raised $20.5 billion (37 of which Jefferies acted as sole or joint bookrunner). Financial advisory revenues totaled $183.8 million, including revenues from 38 merger and acquisition transactions and four restructuring and recapitalization transactions with an aggregate transaction value of $40.2 billion.


Investment banking revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2018 include net revenues of $21.2 million from Jefferies share of the net income of Jefferies Finance, essentially flat with net revenues of $21.0 million in the prior year quarter.


Other Net Revenues


Other net revenues are comprised of revenues from:

• principal investments in private equity and hedge funds managed by third parties or related parties;

• strategic investments other than Jefferies Finance (such as KCG through its sale in July 2017);

• investments held as part of employee benefit plans, including deferred compensation plans;

• structured note activities on behalf of the firm; and

• Jefferies legacy Futures business.


Other net revenues totaled $9.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 , as compared with a net loss of $6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . Results in the current quarter include higher gains on investments in certain private equity funds and hedge funds managed by third parties or related parties. The prior year quarter included net losses of $4.6 million from our investment in KCG, which was sold in July 2017.


Asset Management Net Revenues


Asset management revenues include the following:

• management and performance fees from funds and accounts managed by Jefferies; and

• investment income from capital invested in and managed by Jefferies asset management business.


Asset management fees revenues were $8.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 , as compared with $13.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . The key components of asset management revenues are the level of assets under management and the performance return, whether on an absolute basis or relative to a benchmark or hurdle. These components can be affected by financial markets, profits and losses in the applicable investment portfolios and client capital activity. Further, asset management fees vary with the nature of investment management services. The terms under which clients may terminate Jefferies investment management authority, and the requisite notice period for such termination, varies depending on the nature of the investment vehicle and the liquidity of the portfolio assets.



65



Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits expense consists of salaries, benefits, cash bonuses, commissions, annual cash compensation awards, and the amortization of certain share-based and cash compensation awards to employees. Cash and historical share-based awards and a portion of cash 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 portion of awards granted at year end as part of annual compensation is recorded in the year of the award.

Included in Compensation and benefits expense is share-based amortization expense for senior executive awards granted in February 2016, January 2017 and January 2018, cash-based amortization expense for senior executive awards granted in January 2018, non-annual share-based and cash-based awards to other employees and certain year end awards that contain future service requirements for vesting, all of which are being amortized over their respective future service periods. In addition, the senior executive awards contain market and performance conditions. Compensation expense related to the amortization of share-based and cash-based awards amounted to $74.8 million and $67.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Compensation and benefits as a percentage of Net revenues was 55% and 58% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.


Non-Compensation Expenses

Non-compensation expenses include floor brokerage and clearing fees, underwriting costs, 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 in Selling, general and other expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The increase in non-compensation expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017 was essentially due to an increase in business development expenses and underwriting costs, as a result of applying the new revenue standard to results of operations for the first quarter of 2018.


Other Financial Services


A summary of results for other financial services is as follows (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Net revenues

$

(27,930

)

$

56,223


Expenses:



Compensation and benefits

11,245


15,184


Interest expense

5,770


9,971


Depreciation and amortization

1,834


2,905


Selling, general and other expenses

22,776


14,196


Total expenses

41,625


42,256


Income (loss) before income taxes and income (loss) related to associated companies

(69,555

)

13,967


Income (loss) related to associated companies

30,045


(133,003

)

Loss before income taxes

$

(39,510

)

$

(119,036

)


Our other financial services include our share of the income of Berkadia, the consolidated results of certain Leucadia Asset Management fund managers, the returns on our investments in these funds, the consolidated results of Foursight Capital and Chrome Capital (vehicle finance), our share of the income of HomeFed and the results of our investment in FXCM. Interest and gains related to the note receivable component of our FXCM investment are included in net revenues, while income (loss) related to our equity method investment in FXCM is included in Income (loss) related to associated companies.


Our loss before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2018 decreased by $79.5 million in comparison to the same period last year, primarily related to a $130.2 million impairment loss related to our equity investment in FXCM, which did not


66



recur in 2018. In addition, in the first quarter of 2018, strong performance by Berkadia and HomeFed was more than offset by a net loss at Leucadia Asset Management.


Net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018, declined $84.2 million from the three months ended March 31, 2017. The year-over-year decrease in revenues primarily reflects net losses on investments related to Leucadia Asset Management investments. Pre-tax income (losses) related to our Leucadia Asset Management investments totaled $(77.6) million and $7.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The current quarter loss is due mainly to two strategies impacted by exceptional volatility during the quarter.


Income (loss) related to associated companies, excluding the $130.2 million impairment loss recorded in 2017, increased by $32.8 million, reflecting both strong originations at Berkadia and a $17.3 million gain at HomeFed from the sale of one of its assets. Income (loss) related to associated companies includes $26.3 million and $17.0 million attributable to Berkadia, $11.6 million and $0.3 million attributable to HomeFed, and $(8.2) million and $(19.7) million attributable to our equity method investment in FXCM, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


National Beef


A summary of results of operations for National Beef is as follows (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Net revenues

$

1,785,358


$

1,561,456


Expenses:



Cost of sales

1,670,776


1,463,838


Compensation and benefits

10,207


9,312


Interest expense

2,109


1,814


Depreciation and amortization

25,519


22,399


Selling, general and other expenses

7,856


6,990


Total expenses

1,716,467


1,504,353


Income before income taxes

$

68,891


$

57,103



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, coupled with its overall volume. National Beef operates in a large and liquid commodity market and 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, with relatively higher margins in the spring and summer months and during times of ample cattle availability. National Beef's fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the last Saturday in December and its quarters range from twelve to fourteen weeks ending on the last Saturday of March, June, September or December.


Revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2018 increased 14% in comparison to the same period in 2017, primarily due to an increase in the number of cattle processed and higher average selling prices. Cost of sales increased by 14% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017, due to an increase in the number of cattle processed and higher average cost per head. Revenue and expense comparisons were also impacted by the first quarter of 2018 being a thirteen-week period for National Beef, as compared to a twelve-week period in the first quarter of 2017. The combined effects of increased margin per head and an increase in volume processed led to higher profitability in the 2018 period, as compared to the 2017 period.


In April 2018, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell 48% of National Beef to Marfrig Global Foods S.A. ("Marfrig") for approximately $900 million in cash, reducing our ownership in National Beef to 31%. The estimated pre-tax gain that will be recognized as a result of this transaction is approximately $800 million to $850 million. We expect to receive an additional estimated $150 million in distributions prior to the closing, representing recent profits plus a true-up to the debt amount set in the enterprise valuation associated with the sale. Marfrig has also agreed to acquire a further 3% of National Beef from other equity owners and will own 51% of National Beef. Leucadia will continue to designate two board members and have a series of other rights in respect of our continuing equity interest, with a lockup period of five years and thereafter fair market value liquidity protections. The transaction is subject to limited conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018. Once the transaction closes, we will deconsolidate our investment in National Beef and account for our remaining interest under the equity method of accounting.



67



Other Merchant Banking


A summary of results for Other merchant banking is as follows (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Net revenues

$

94,002


$

445,227


Expenses:



Cost of sales

81,935


69,256


Compensation and benefits

4,625


4,965


Interest expense

982


869


Depreciation and amortization

8,662


7,738


Selling, general and other expenses

7,780


9,254


Total expenses

103,984


92,082


Income (loss) before income taxes and income (loss) related to associated companies

(9,982

)

353,145


Income (loss) related to associated companies

(41

)

3,849


Income (loss) before income taxes

$

(10,023

)

$

356,994



Our Other merchant banking operations includes our ownership of HRG shares, which is accounted for at fair value and impacts our results through mark-to-market adjustments reflected in net revenues, and the consolidated results of Vitesse Energy Finance and JETX Energy (oil and gas) and Idaho Timber (manufacturing). It also includes our equity investments in Garcadia (automobile dealerships), Linkem (fixed wireless broadband services in Italy) and Golden Queen (a gold and silver mining project). 


Our income (loss) before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2018, excluding the gain on the sale of Conwed of $179.9 million during 2017, decreased by $187.1 million in comparison to the same period in 2017, primarily related to a decrease in the fair value of HRG.


Net revenues, excluding the gain on the sale of Conwed of $179.9 million during 2017, decreased $171.3 million in comparison to the same period during 2017. The decrease is due to the mark-to-market reduction of $21.4 million in the value of our HRG position during the first quarter of 2018, in comparison to a mark-to-market increase of $175.2 million during the same period last year. We classify HRG as a trading asset for which the fair value option was elected and we reflect mark-to-market adjustments through Principal transactions revenues.


For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , net revenues for manufacturing were $98.4 million and $260.1 million (including the gain on the sale of Conwed of $179.9 million), respectively. In January 2017, we sold 100% of Conwed to Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc., (NYSE: SWM) for $295 million in cash plus potential earn-out payments in 2019, 2020 and 2021 totaling up to $40 million in cash to the extent the results of Conwed's subsidiary, Filtrexx International, exceed certain performance thresholds. Excluding the gain on the sale of Conwed, net revenues for manufacturing increased $18.1 million due primarily to an increase in revenues at Idaho Timber.


Net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 for our oil and gas businesses were $17.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively. As discussed further in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements, Vitesse Energy Finance uses swaps and call and put options in order to reduce exposure to future oil price fluctuations. Net unrealized gains (losses) of $(3.7) million and $3.3 million were recorded related to these derivatives during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. JETX revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were impacted by $1.6 million and $(15.4) million, respectively, of unrealized gains (losses) on a trading asset which is held at fair value.


For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , total expenses for manufacturing were $85.9 million and $73.9 million, respectively. The increase in total expense for manufacturing primarily relates to an increase of $12.7 million in cost of sales as a result of the increase in revenues. Total expenses for our oil and gas businesses were $16.9 million and $13.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.


68



Income (loss) related to associated companies primarily relates to our investments in Garcadia and Linkem. Income related to Garcadia was $11.4 million and $13.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Losses related to Linkem were $7.5 million and $8.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.


Pre-tax loss for three months ended March 31, 2018 includes a $21.4 million unrealized loss related to our investment in HRG offset partially by $12.5 million of pre-tax income from manufacturing and $0.2 million from the oil and gas businesses. Pre-tax income for three months ended March 31, 2017 includes $186.2 million from manufacturing, including the gain on the sale of Conwed of $179.9 million, $3.8 million of income related to associated companies and $175.2 million related to our investment in HRG, offset partially by pre-tax losses from the oil and gas production and development businesses of $10.6 million.


In April 2018, Leucadia entered into a letter agreement to sell 100% of its equity interests in Garcadia and its associated real estate to our current partners, the Garff family. At closing, we will receive $435 million in cash and $50 million in senior preferred equity of an entity that will own all of the automobile dealerships associated broadly with the Ken Garff Automotive Group, including all the Garcadia dealerships. At or prior to closing, we will pay approximately $53 million to retire the mortgage debt on the real estate to be sold. In addition, we agreed to pay at closing an amount equal to $5.75 million to the Garff family representing the satisfaction of a pre-existing obligation. The estimated pre-tax gain that will be recognized as a result of this transaction is approximately $220 million. This transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018.


In April 2018, Vitesse Energy Finance acquired a package of non-operated Bakken assets from an institutional seller for $190 million in cash, of which approximately $145 million was funded as equity by Leucadia and the balance was drawn under Vitesse Energy Finance's credit line. The assets purchased include interests in mineral rights associated with future oil and gas development, as well as interests in existing cash flows from producing wells through revenue sharing arrangements.


Corporate and Other Results


A summary of results of operations for corporate and other is as follows (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018

2017

Net revenues

$

8,444


$

7,690


Expenses:



Compensation and benefits

19,029


13,194


Depreciation and amortization

1,298


867


Selling, general and other expenses

13,901


8,713


 Total expenses

34,228


22,774


Loss before income taxes and income related to associated companies

(25,784

)

(15,084

)

Income related to associated companies

2,096


580


Loss before income taxes

$

(23,688

)

$

(14,504

)


Net revenues of corporate and other primarily include adjustments to fair value of trading securities, interest income and revenues associated with other investments.


Corporate expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, totaled $24.0 million and $22.8 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , corporate compensation and benefits includes incentive bonus expense of $4.4 million and $4.1 million, respectively. Share-based compensation expense was $6.0 million and $4.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.


Compensation and benefits and selling, general and other expenses also increased in three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 as a result of the growth of our other investments.


Parent Company Interest


Parent company interest expense totaled $14.7 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 .


69



Income Taxes


For the three months ended March 31, 2018 , our benefit for income taxes was $32.5 million, representing an effective tax rate of (30.5)%. Our provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was reduced by a $43.9 million benefit resulting from a reversal of our valuation allowance with respect to certain federal and state net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") which we now believe are more likely than not to be utilized before they expire. This benefit reduced our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 by approximately 41.2%.


For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , our provision for income taxes was $104.2 million, representing an effective tax rate of 26.2%. Our provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was reduced by a $31.9 million benefit resulting from the repatriation of Jefferies earnings from certain of its foreign subsidiaries, along with their associated foreign tax credits. This benefit reduced our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 by approximately 8.0%.


Selected Balance Sheet Data


In addition to preparing our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("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 information is useful to investors as it allows them to view our businesses and investments through the eyes of management while facilitating a comparison across historical periods. We define tangible capital as Total Leucadia National Corporation shareholders' equity less Intangible assets, net and goodwill.



70



The tables below reconcile tangible capital to our GAAP balance sheet (in thousands):

March 31, 2018

Financial Services

Leucadia Merchant Banking Portfolio

Jefferies

Other Financial Services

National Beef

Other Merchant Banking

Corporate and other

Inter-company Eliminations

Total

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

5,016,863


$

12,108


$

13,065


$

33,271


$

69,318


$

-


$

5,144,625


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

802,693


-


-


-


-


-


802,693


Financial instruments owned

15,318,223


840,931


3,264


786,042


1,088,933


-


18,037,393


Loans to and investments in associated companies

829,157


726,732


-


483,526


193,655


-


2,233,070


Securities borrowed

7,300,171


-


-


-


-


-


7,300,171


Securities purchased under agreements to resell

2,983,945


-


-


-


-


-


2,983,945


Receivables

5,735,454


695,196


195,780


52,776


31,425


-


6,710,631


Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

301,771


957


403,847


18,906


29,187


-


754,668


Intangible assets, net and goodwill

1,898,433


1,465


543,228


-


7,831


-


2,450,957


Deferred tax asset, net

275,946


-


-


-


501,192


-


777,138


Other assets

753,728


131,051


284,991


558,313


225,403


(147,283

)

1,806,203


    Total Assets

41,216,384


2,408,440


1,444,175


1,932,834


2,146,944


(147,283

)

49,001,494


Liabilities

Long-term debt (1)

7,175,550


23,481


222,714


88,664


989,315


-


8,499,724


Other liabilities

28,485,499


919,698


233,113


34,784


148,016


(147,283

)

29,673,827


  Total liabilities

35,661,049


943,179


455,827


123,448


1,137,331


(147,283

)

38,173,551


Redeemable noncontrolling interests

-


-


399,992


14,091


732


-


414,815


Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred shares

-


-


-


-


125,000


-


125,000


Noncontrolling interests

736


1,054


-


26,864


394


-


29,048


Total Leucadia National Corporation Shareholders' Equity

$

5,554,599


$

1,464,207


$

588,356


$

1,768,431


$

883,487


$

-


$

10,259,080


Reconciliation to Tangible Capital

Total Leucadia National Corporation shareholders' equity

$

5,554,599


$

1,464,207


$

588,356


$

1,768,431


$

883,487


$

-


10,259,080


Less: Intangible assets, net and goodwill

(1,898,433

)

(1,465

)

(543,228

)

-


(7,831

)

-


(2,450,957

)

Tangible Capital

$

3,656,166


$

1,462,742


$

45,128


$

1,768,431


$

875,656


$

-


$

7,808,123



(1)

Long-term debt within Other financial services businesses and investments of $23.5 million at March 31, 2018 includes $11.8 million for Foursight Capital and $11.7 million for Chrome Capital. Long-term debt within Other merchant banking of $88.7 million at March 31, 2018 includes $52.9 million for real estate associated with the Garcadia investment and $35.8 million for Vitesse Energy Finance.


71



December 31, 2017

Financial Services

Leucadia Merchant Banking Portfolio

Jefferies

Other Financial Services

National Beef

Other Merchant Banking

Corporate and other

Inter-company Eliminations

Total

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

5,164,492


$

13,681


$

18,516


$

29,609


$

49,182


$

-


$

5,275,480


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

578,014


-


-


-


-


-


578,014


Financial instruments owned

14,193,352


779,306


2,880


805,926


1,017,773


-


16,799,237


Loans to and investments in associated companies

682,790


715,892


-


476,284


191,863


-


2,066,829


Securities borrowed

7,721,803


-


-


-


-


-


7,721,803


Securities purchased under agreements to resell

3,689,559


-


-


-


-


-


3,689,559


Receivables

4,459,827


677,211


201,675


47,979


32,323


-


5,419,015


Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

297,750


2,681


401,148


18,771


30,053


-


750,403


Intangible assets, net and goodwill

1,899,093


1,561


554,541


-


7,985


-


2,463,180


Deferred tax asset, net

212,954


-


-


-


530,857


-


743,811


Other assets

676,098


79,993


281,779


547,728


146,500


(70,321

)

1,661,777


    Total Assets

39,575,732


2,270,325


1,460,539


1,926,297


2,006,536


(70,321

)

47,169,108


Liabilities

Long-term debt (1)

6,416,844


187,478


199,221


93,219


989,021


-


7,885,783


Other liabilities

27,514,235


656,996


332,111


34,710


125,022


(70,321

)

28,592,753


  Total liabilities

33,931,079


844,474


531,332


127,929


1,114,043


(70,321

)

36,478,536


Redeemable noncontrolling interests

-


-


412,128


13,653


812


-


426,593


Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred shares

-


-


-


-


125,000


-


125,000


Noncontrolling interests

737


1,382


-


30,525


378


-


33,022


Total Leucadia National Corporation Shareholders' Equity

$

5,643,916


$

1,424,469


$

517,079


$

1,754,190


$

766,303


$

-


$

10,105,957


Reconciliation to Tangible Capital

Total Leucadia National Corporation shareholders' equity

$

5,643,916


$

1,424,469


$

517,079


$

1,754,190


$

766,303


$

-


10,105,957


Less: Intangible assets, net and goodwill

(1,899,093

)

(1,561

)

(554,541

)

-


(7,985

)

-


(2,463,180

)

Tangible Capital

$

3,744,823


$

1,422,908


$

(37,462

)

$

1,754,190


$

758,318


$

-


$

7,642,777



(1) Long-term debt within Other financial services businesses and investments of $187.5 million at December 31, 2017 includes $170.5 million for Foursight Capital and $17.0 million for Chrome Capital. Long-term debt within Other merchant banking of $93.2 million at December 31, 2017 includes $53.4 million for real estate associated with the Garcadia investment and $39.8 million for Vitesse Energy Finance.



72



The table below presents our tangible capital by significant business and investment (in thousands):

Tangible Capital as of

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Financial Services:

    Jefferies

$

3,656,166


$

3,744,823


    Other Financial Services:

      Leucadia Asset Management

563,072


571,264


      Berkadia

219,210


210,594


      HomeFed

353,484


310,264


      FXCM

224,071


231,656


      Foursight Capital and Chrome Capital

102,905


99,130


    Total Other Financial Services

1,462,742


1,422,908


Leucadia Merchant Banking Portfolio:

    National Beef

45,128


(37,462

)

    Other Merchant Banking:

      HRG

768,434


789,870


      Garcadia

201,075


199,541


      Vitesse Energy Finance

331,061


315,829


      JETX

101,298


100,792


      Linkem

193,247


192,136


      Idaho Timber

90,700


81,542


      Golden Queen

82,616


74,480


Total Other Merchant Banking

1,768,431


1,754,190


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

875,656


758,318


Total Tangible Capital (1)

$

7,808,123


$

7,642,777


(1) Tangible Capital, a non-GAAP measure, is defined as Leucadia National Corporation shareholders' equity less Intangible assets, net and goodwill. See reconciliation of Tangible Capital to Leucadia National Corporation shareholders' equity in the tables above.


Below is a brief description of the captions in the table above:


Our Financial Services include:

• Jefferies is our consolidated wholly-owned global full-service, integrated securities and investment banking firm.


Other Financial Services include:

Leucadia Asset Management supports and develops focused alternative asset management businesses led by distinct management teams.

Berkadia, our 50-50 equity method joint venture with Berkshire Hathaway Inc., is a U.S. commercial real estate finance company providing capital solutions, investment sales advisory and mortgage servicing for multifamily and commercial properties.

We own an approximate 70% equity method interest in HomeFed, which owns and develops residential and mixed-use real estate properties. HomeFed is a public company traded on the NASD OTC Bulletin Board.

Our investment in FXCM currently consists of a senior secured term loan due January 2019 ( $70.4 million outstanding at March 31, 2018 ) and a 50% voting interest in FXCM and up to 75% of all distributions. FXCM is a provider of online foreign exchange trading, contract for difference trading, spread betting and related services.

Foursight Capital purchases automobile installment contracts originated by franchised and independent dealerships in conjunction with the sale of new and used automobiles and services these loans throughout the life cycle. Chrome Capital owns and manages a portfolio of leases on used Harley-Davidson motorcycles and is in the process of winding down. We consolidate both of these subsidiaries.



73



Our Leucadia Merchant Banking portfolio includes:

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


Other Merchant Banking includes:

We own approximately 23% of HRG, a public company traded on the NYSE, and we reflect this investment at fair value based on quoted market prices. HRG primarily owns approximately 59% of Spectrum Brands, a publicly traded global consumer products company.

Garcadia is an equity method joint venture that owns and operates 28 automobile dealerships in California, Texas, Iowa and Michigan. We own approximately 75% of Garcadia.

Vitesse Energy Finance is our 97% owned consolidated subsidiary that acquires and invests in non-operated working and royalty oil and gas interests in the Bakken Shale oil field in North Dakota and Montana, as well as the Denver-Julesburg Basin in Wyoming.

JETX is our 98% owned consolidated subsidiary that engages in the development and production of oil and gas from onshore, unconventional resource areas. JETX currently has non-operated working interests and acreage in east Texas.

We own approximately 42% of the common shares of Linkem, as well as convertible preferred shares which, if converted, would increase our ownership to approximately 54% of Linkem's common equity at March 31, 2018 . Linkem provides residential broadband services using 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.

Idaho Timber is our consolidated subsidiary engaged in the manufacture and distribution of various wood products, including the following principal activities: 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 ("Golden Queen") owns the Soledad Mountain project, an open pit, heap leach gold and silver mining project in Kern County, California, which commenced gold and silver production in March 2016. 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 for the development and operation of the project. Our effective ownership of Golden Queen is approximately 38% and is accounted for under the equity method.


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






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Liquidity and Capital Resources


Parent Company Liquidity


We are a diversified financial services company whose parent company assets principally consist of the stock or membership interests of our subsidiary businesses, cash and cash equivalents and other noncontrolling 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 and investments in order to maximize shareholder value. Accordingly, further acquisitions, divestitures, investments and changes in capital structure are possible. Our principal sources of funds are distributions from subsidiaries, proceeds from divestitures of existing businesses and investments, repayment of subsidiary advances, available cash resources, liquid investments, funds distributed from subsidiaries as tax sharing payments, public and private capital market transactions, and management and other fees.


During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , we received $240.7 million of distributions from our existing subsidiary businesses, including $200.0 million from Jefferies.

Our cash resources and investments that are easily convertible into cash within a relatively short period of time total $1,423.1 million at March 31, 2018 , and are primarily comprised of cash, short-term bonds and notes of the U.S. Government and its agencies, and other publicly traded debt and equity securities. These are classified on our balance sheet as cash and cash equivalents, trading assets, available for sale securities and receivables.


Our short-term recurring cash requirements, which are principally the payment of interest on our debt, dividends and corporate cash overhead expenses, approximate $272 million on an annual basis. Dividends paid during the first quarter of 2018 of $36.0 million include quarterly dividends of $0.10 per share. The payment of dividends is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors and depends 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. Our recurring cash requirements typically do not include significant amounts for tax payments, as we have NOLs and other tax attributes which offset federal tax liabilities.

The parent company's primary long-term cash requirement is to make principal payments on its long-term debt ($1.0 billion principal outstanding as of March 31, 2018 ), of which $750.0 million is due in 2023 and $250.0 million in 2043. We continue to use our available liquidity to make acquisitions of new businesses and other investments, additional contributions to existing businesses, and from time to time, repurchases of our outstanding common shares. The timing of these events is influenced by many factors and therefore cannot be predicted.


In April 2018, we announced a number of strategic transactions that will impact the liquidity and capital resources of the parent company. These transactions, including the agreed sale of 48% of National Beef, the agreed sale of 100% of our equity interest in Garcadia and the completed acquisition by Vitesse Energy Finance of $190 million of additional Bakken oil and gas assets, will generate, upon closing, net cash proceeds of approximately $1.3 billion. Any taxable income generated by these transactions will be fully offset by our federal NOLs. We expect the National Beef and Garcadia transactions to close in the next four months.


In November of 2012, the Board of Directors had authorized the purchase of up to 25,000,000 common shares, which may be made from time to time in the open market, through block trades or otherwise. As of March 31, 2018 , 12,500,000 common shares remained authorized for repurchase. In April 2018, the Board of Directors approved an increase to our share repurchase program to 25,000,000 common shares from the 12,500,000 million remaining under its prior authorization. Subsequent to March 31, 2018 through May 1, 2018, we purchased a total of 12.7 million of our common shares for $ 308.5 million at an average price of $24.33 per share.


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 March 31, 2018 , we had outstanding 357,215,901 common shares and 20,547,000 share-based awards that do not require the holder to pay any exercise price (potentially an aggregate of 377,762,901 outstanding common shares if all awards become outstanding common shares). The 20,547,000 share-based awards include the target number of shares under the senior executive award plan, which is more fully discussed in Note 15.



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Credit Ratings


From time to time in the past, we have accessed public and private credit markets and raised capital in underwritten bond financings. In addition, the ratings of Leucadia are a factor considered by rating agencies that rate the debt of our subsidiary companies, including Jefferies, whose access to external financing is important to its day to day operations. Ratings issued by bond rating agencies, subject to change at any time, are as follows:

Rating

Outlook

Moody's Investors Service

Ba1

Positive

Standard and Poor's

BBB-

Stable

Fitch Ratings

BBB

Stable


We 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 were no investments made during the quarter that approached 10% of equity excluding Jefferies.


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.

Liquidity reserve  (in thousands):

March 31, 2018

Minimum reserve under liquidity target

$

544,600


Actual liquidity

$

1,423,117



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.

Leverage target (dollars in thousands):

March 31, 2018

  Total Leucadia National Corporation shareholders' equity

$

10,259,080


  Less, investment in Jefferies

(5,554,599

)

  Equity excluding Jefferies

4,704,481


  Less, our two largest investments:


  National Beef

(588,356

)

  HRG, at cost

(475,600

)

  Equity in a stressed scenario

3,640,525


  Less, net deferred tax asset excluding Jefferies amount

(501,192

)

  Equity in a stressed scenario less net deferred tax asset

$

3,139,333


  Parent company debt (see Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements)

$

989,315


  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

0.32


x


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


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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 $405.3 million and $342.3 million was used for operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. 

Jefferies used funds of $286.5 million and $140.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Included in these amounts are distributions received from associated companies $2.2 million during 2017 .

Within Other Financial Services, cash of $91.9 million and $124.6 million, respectively, was used during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 to make additional investments in the Leucadia Asset Management platform. We received distributions from Berkadia, an associated company, of $17.0 million during 2018 and $1.9 million during 2017 . Cash used for operating activities also includes net cash used of $40.6 million during 2018 and $24.2 million during 2017 relating to automobile installment contracts, which is reflected in the net change in other receivables.

National Beef used funds of $11.8 million and $10.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Within our Leucadia Merchant Banking portfolio, manufacturing generated funds of $6.0 million and $4.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. We received distributions from Garcadia, an associated company, of $8.8 million during 2018 and $9.5 million during 2017 .

Within our Corporate and Other Businesses and Investments, cash of $13.6 million and $20.6 million was used to make additional investments in our trading portfolio during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Net cash of $256.8 million was used for investing activities and $125.4 million was provided by investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. 

Acquisitions of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, and other assets related to Jefferies include $17.0 million during 2018 and $22.4 million during 2017 . Jefferies made loans to and investments in associated companies of $1,778.4 million during 2018 and $1,134.7 million during 2017 . Jefferies received capital distributions and loan repayments from its associated companies of $1,639.3 million during 2018 and $1,140.2 million during 2017 . 

Within Other Financial Services, acquisitions of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, and other assets were $0.3 million during 2018 and $0.7 million during 2017 . Advances on notes, loans and other receivables during 2017 primarily relate to real estate projects in 54 Madison. Collections on notes, loans and other receivables during 2018 include $8.2 million related to FXCM. Collections on notes, loans and other receivables during 2017 include $39.5 million related to real estate projects in 54 Madison and $42.6 million related to FXCM. Loans to and investments in associated companies during 2017 include $31.3 million in HomeFed and $25.8 million in 54 Madison, of which $14.4 million, of that was contributed by noncontrolling interests.


Acquisitions of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, and other assets related to National Beef include $17.2 million during 2018 and $11.8 million during 2017 .


Within our Leucadia Merchant Banking portfolio, acquisitions of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, and other assets primarily reflect activity in our oil and gas businesses. They totaled $24.7 million during 2018 and $12.1 million during 2017 . Proceeds from sale of subsidiary during 2017 relates to the sale of Conwed. Loans to and investments in associated companies include $11.0 million to Golden Queen during 2018 and $32.0 million to Linkem during 2017 . We received capital distributions from Golden Queen of $2.6 million during 2018 and from Garcadia of $3.1 million during 2017 .

Net cash of $874.5 million and $525.7 million was provided by financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. 

Issuance of debt includes $1,413.7 million during 2018 and $792.4 million during 2017 related to Jefferies. Repayment of debt includes $583.3 million during 2018 related to Jefferies. Other changes in short-term borrowings, net all related to Jefferies. Net change in bank overdrafts of $2.4 million in 2018 and $4.2 million in 2017 related to Jefferies. Net change in other secured financings includes payments of $19.8 million during 2018 and $161.5 million during 2017 related to Jefferies.


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Within Other Financial Services, issuance of debt includes $64.1 million during 2018 and $77.4 million during 2017 . Their repayment of debt includes $228.4 million during 2018 and $46.0 million during 2017 . Net change in other secured financings includes proceeds of $244.8 million during 2018 and payments of $28.0 million during 2017 related to Foursight Capital. Contributions from noncontrolling interests include $18.6 million during 2017 related to 54 Madison.


Issuance of debt for National Beef includes $63.4 million during 2018 and $7.6 million during 2017 of borrowings under its bank credit facility. National Beef reflects repayment of debt of $40.1 million in 2018 and $8.8 million during 2017 .


Purchases of common shares for treasury relate to shares received from participants in our stock compensation plans in 2018 and 2017 .


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 balance sheet limits are adjusted, as necessary. 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.

Jefferies actively monitors and evaluates its financial condition and the composition of its assets and liabilities. The overall securities inventory is continually monitored by Jefferies, including the inventory turnover rate, which confirms the liquidity of overall assets. Substantially all of Jefferies trading assets and trading liabilities are valued on a daily basis and Jefferies monitors and employs balance sheet limits for its various businesses. In connection with the government and agency fixed income business and Jefferies role as a primary dealer in these markets, a sizable portion of its securities inventory is comprised of U.S. government and agency securities and other G-7 government securities. For further detail on Jefferies outstanding sovereign exposure, refer to Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk below.


At March 31, 2018 , our Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition includes Jefferies Level 3 trading assets that are approximately 2% of total trading assets.


Securities financing assets and liabilities include financing for financial instruments trading activity, matched book transactions and mortgage finance transactions. Matched book transactions accommodate customers, as well as obtain securities for the settlement and financing of inventory positions. 



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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):

Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2018

Year Ended

December 31, 2017

Securities purchased under agreements to resell:

Period end

$

2,984


$

3,690


Month end average

5,185


6,195


Maximum month end

6,937


7,814


Securities sold under agreements to repurchase:



Period end

$

8,250


$

8,661


Month end average

12,974


11,273


Maximum month end

15,579


13,679



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 over the periods presented are influenced in any given period by its clients' balances and its clients' 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 its 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:

Repayment of all unsecured debt maturing within one year and no incremental unsecured debt issuance;

Maturity rolloff of outstanding letters of credit with no further issuance and replacement with cash collateral;

Higher margin requirements than currently exist on assets on securities financing activity, including repurchase agreements;

Liquidity outflows related to possible credit downgrade;

Lower availability of secured funding;

Client cash withdrawals;

The anticipated funding of outstanding investment and loan commitments; and

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:

Illiquid assets such as equipment, goodwill, net intangible assets, exchange memberships, deferred tax assets and certain investments;

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


79



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. Jefferies total long-term capital of $12.0 billion at March 31, 2018 exceeded its cash capital requirements.

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 a 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. At March 31, 2018 , Jefferies had sufficient excess liquidity to meet all contingent cash outflows detailed in the Maximum Liquidity Outflow. Jefferies regularly refines its model to reflect changes in market or economic conditions and the firm's business mix.

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):

March 31, 2018

Average Balance

 First Quarter 2018 (1)

December 31, 2017

Cash and cash equivalents:

Cash in banks

$

2,423,581


$

2,231,462


$

2,244,207


Money market investments

2,593,282


1,593,953


2,920,285


Total cash and cash equivalents

5,016,863



3,825,415



5,164,492


Other sources of liquidity:




Debt securities owned and securities purchased under agreements to resell (2)

930,077


953,742


1,031,252


Other (3)

387,835


608,557


513,293


Total other sources

1,317,912



1,562,299



1,544,545


Total cash and cash equivalents and other liquidity sources

$

6,334,775



$

5,387,714



$

6,709,037



(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 U.S.; 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.

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 approximately 74.1% of Jefferies inventory at haircuts


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of 10% or less, which reflects the liquidity of the inventory. In addition, as a matter of Jefferies policy, all of these assets have internal capital assessed, which is in addition to the funding haircuts provided in the securities finance markets. Additionally, certain of Jefferies trading assets primarily consisting of bank loans, consumer loans and investments are predominantly funded by Jefferies long-term capital. 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 more stringent levels. Jefferies continually assesses the liquidity of its inventory based on the level at which Jefferies could obtain financing in the market place 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):

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Liquid Financial

 Instruments

Unencumbered

Liquid Financial

 Instruments (2)

Liquid Financial

 Instruments

Unencumbered

Liquid Financial

 Instruments (2)

Corporate equity securities

$

2,172,862


$

255,054


$

1,718,617


$

272,380


Corporate debt securities

2,501,075


113,148


2,475,291


57,290


U.S. Government, agency and municipal securities

1,537,947


150,459


1,954,697


185,481


Other sovereign obligations

2,231,243


870,304


2,050,942


996,421


Agency mortgage-backed securities (1)

2,801,278


-


1,742,977


-


Loans and other receivables

105,016


-


243,664


-


$

11,349,421



$

1,388,965



$

10,186,188



$

1,511,572



(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 70% of Jefferies cash and non-cash 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 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. For those asset classes not eligible for central clearinghouse financing, bi-lateral financings are sought on an extended term basis and the tenor of Jefferies repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements generally exceeds the expected holding period of the assets Jefferies is financing. The weighted average maturity of cash and non-cash repurchase agreements for non-clearing corporation eligible funded inventory is approximately three months at March 31, 2018 .

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 its various banking arrangements. As of March 31, 2018 , short-term borrowings,


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which must be repaid within one year or less and include bank loans and overdrafts, borrowings under revolving credit facilities and structured notes totaled $468.0 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 outstanding for Jefferies were $488.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 .

Jefferies short-term borrowings include an Intraday Credit Facility, whereby the Bank of New York Mellon agrees to make revolving intraday credit advances for an aggregate committed amount of $150.0 million. The Intraday Credit Facility contains financial covenants, which includes a minimum regulatory net capital requirement for its U.S. broker-dealer. Interest is based on the higher of the Federal funds effective rate plus 0.5% or the prime rate. At March 31, 2018 , Jefferies was in compliance with all debt covenants under the Intraday Credit Facility.


In addition to the above financing arrangements, Jefferies issues notes backed by eligible collateral under a master repurchase agreement, which provides an additional financing source for its inventory ("repurchase agreement financing program"). The outstanding amount of the notes issued under the program was $698.4 million in aggregate, which is presented within Other secured financings in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at March 31, 2018 . All of the notes bear interest at a spread over one month LIBOR. Of the $698.4 million aggregate notes, $163.0 million matures in May 2018, but is currently redeemable at the option of the noteholders; $101.3 million matures in July 2018, but is currently redeemable at Jefferies option or the option of the noteholders; $75.0 million matures in July 2018; $121.1 million matures in August 2018, but is currently redeemable at Jefferies option or the option of the noteholders; $158.0 million matures in November 2018, but is currently redeemable at Jefferies option; and $80.0 million matures in April 2019, but is currently redeemable at Jefferies option. 


Long-Term Debt


Jefferies long-term debt reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at March 31, 2018 is $7.2 billion. Jefferies long-term debt has a weighted average maturity of approximately 8.4 years. Jefferies next scheduled maturity is the $668.3 million principal amount of 5.125% Senior Notes that mature in April 2018.


Jefferies long-term debt ratings are as follows:

Rating

Outlook

Moody's Investors Service

Baa3

Stable

Standard and Poor's

BBB-

Stable

Fitch Ratings

BBB

Stable

Jefferies access to external financing to finance its day to day operations, 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 OTC 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. At March 31, 2018 , 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 $54.0 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.


Net Capital


Jefferies operates a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and member firms of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). Jefferies LLC is subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission Uniform Net Capital Rule ("Rule 15c3-1"),


82



which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital and has elected to calculate minimum capital requirements using the alternative method permitted by Rule 15c3-1 in calculating net capital. Jefferies, as a dually-registered U.S. broker-dealer and 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's net capital and excess net capital as of March 31, 2018 were $1,463.4 million and $1,373.4 million, respectively. FINRA is the designated examining authority for Jefferies U.S. broker-dealer and the National Futures Association is the designated self-regulatory organization 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 which is subject to the regulatory supervision and requirements of the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. 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 Financial Services, Inc., which registered as a swap dealer 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. Some of our other consolidated subsidiaries also have credit agreements which may restrict the payment of cash dividends, or the ability to make loans or advances to the parent company.


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 material effect upon our consolidated financial statements.

Cautionary Statement for Forward-Looking Information


This report contains or incorporates by reference "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include statements about our future and statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are usually preceded by the words "believe," "intend," "may," "will," or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements may contain expectations regarding revenues, earnings, operations and other results, and may include statements of future performance, plans and objectives. Forward-looking statements include expectations relating to the National Beef, Garcadia and Vitesse Energy Finance transactions disclosed in this report. Forward-looking statements also include statements pertaining to our strategies for future development of our businesses and products. Forward-looking statements represent only our belief regarding future events, many of which by their nature are inherently uncertain. It is possible that the actual results may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results indicated in these forward-looking statements. Information regarding important factors that could cause actual results to differ, perhaps materially, from those in our forward-looking statements is contained in this report and other documents we file. You should read and interpret any forward-looking statement together with these documents, including the following:


The description of our business and risk factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2018;

The discussion and analysis of financial condition and result of operations contained in this report under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" herein;

The notes to the consolidated financial statements in this report; and

Cautionary statements we make in our public documents, reports and announcements.


Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which that statement is made. We will not update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement is made, except as required by applicable law.



83



Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk .


The following includes "forward-looking statements" that involve risk and uncertainties. See "Cautionary Statement for Forward-Looking Information" above. 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 2017 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 $768.4 million at March 31, 2018 . Assuming a decline of 10% in market prices, the value of our investment in HRG could decrease by approximately $76.8 million. Excluding Jefferies and HRG, Trading assets at fair value include corporate equity securities with an aggregate fair value of $781.4 million at March 31, 2018 . Assuming a decline of 10% in market prices, the value of these investments could decrease by approximately $78.1 million.

Jefferies

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 its trading portfolios by applying historical market changes to the current portfolio. Using the results of this simulation, VaR measures the potential loss in value of its financial instruments due to adverse market movements 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.


84



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.

Daily VaR (1)

Value-at-Risk in Trading Portfolios

(In millions)


 Risk Categories

VaR at

March 31, 2018

Daily VaR for the

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2018

VaR at

December 31, 2017

Daily VaR for the

Three Months Ended

 December 31, 2017

Average

High

Low

Average

High

Low

Interest Rates

$

4.36


$

4.97


$

6.82


$

3.24


$

3.38


$

3.41


$

4.60


$

2.63


Equity Prices

4.70


4.23


6.23


3.08


2.90


3.42


4.60


2.52


Currency Rates

0.07


0.14


0.24


0.02


0.18


0.21


0.49


0.09


Commodity Prices

0.36


0.41


0.95


0.26


0.35


0.45


0.63


0.27


Diversification Effect (2)

(3.27

)

(3.45

)

N/A


N/A


(1.86

)

(2.20

)

N/A


N/A


Firmwide

$

6.22


$

6.30


$

7.58


$

4.76


$

4.95


$

5.29


$

6.82


$

4.52



(1)

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.

Average daily VaR increased to $6.30 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $5.29 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017. The increase was primarily driven by liquid asset classes and market volatility in February 2018, in particular causing an increase in equity and interest rate risk. This increase was partially offset by an increase in the diversification benefit.


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 transactions 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 March 31, 2018 , results of the evaluation at the aggregate level demonstrated one day when the net trading loss exceeded the 95% one day VaR.


Certain 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 March 31, 2018 (in thousands):

10% Sensitivity

Private investments

$

15,927


Corporate debt securities in default

$

14,381


Trade claims

$

3,120



VaR also excludes the impact of changes in Jefferies own credit spreads on its structured notes for which the fair value option was elected. The estimated credit spread risk sensitivity for each one basis point widening in Jefferies own credit spreads on financial liabilities for which the fair value option was elected was an increase in value of approximately $1.0 million at March 31, 2018 , which is included in Accumulated other comprehensive income.


There were seven days with trading losses out of a total of 60 trading days in the three months ended March 31, 2018 .


85




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, which includes the following:


Loans and lending, arising in connection with Jefferies capital markets activities and forward settling traded loans;

Securities and margin finance, which represents securities financing transactions (reverse repurchase agreements, repurchase agreements and securities lending agreements);

OTC derivatives, which are reported net by counterparty when a legal right of setoff exists under an enforceable master netting agreement, and includes forward settling trades; and

Cash and cash equivalents, which include both interest-bearing and non-interest bearing deposits at banks.


Current counterparty credit exposures are summarized in the tables 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


86



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. Of Jefferies counterparty credit exposure at March 31, 2018 , excluding cash and cash equivalents, the percentage of investment grade counterparties remained flat at 92% when compared with December 31, 2017 , with a majority concentrated in North America.


When comparing Jefferies credit exposure at March 31, 2018 with credit exposure at December 31, 2017 , excluding cash and cash equivalents, current exposure decreased to approximately $1,195 million from $1,353 million. Counterparty credit exposure decreased over the period by 36% from OTC derivatives, primarily driven by investment grade North American banks and broker dealers. Counterparty credit exposure from securities and margin finance decreased by 4% and exposure from loans and lending decreased by 6%.


The amounts in the tables below are for amounts included in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (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

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

AAA Range  

$

-


$

-


$

1.5


$

6.4


$

-


$

-


$

1.5


$

6.4


$

2,598.9


$

2,924.2


$

2,600.4


$

2,930.6


AA Range  

47.7


47.7


42.8


61.3


1.3


3.8


91.8


112.8


142.2


158.6


234.0


271.4


A Range  

1.9


1.2


571.7


603.0


141.0


260.6


714.6


864.8


1,995.1


1,751.9


2,709.7


2,616.7


BBB Range  

1.3


0.5


246.9


232.5


46.4


28.5


294.6


261.5


77.0


152.3


371.6


413.8


BB or Lower  

9.5


12.5


11.2


8.1


8.3


16.7


29.0


37.3


101.0


100.6


130.0


137.9


Unrated  

63.8


70.1


-


-


-


-


63.8


70.1


102.7


76.9


166.5


147.0


Total  

$

124.2


$

132.0


$

874.1


$

911.3


$

197.0


$

309.6


$

1,195.3


$

1,352.9


$

5,016.9


$

5,164.5


$

6,212.2


$

6,517.4


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

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Asia/Latin America/Other  

$

-


$

3.0


$

43.6


$

45.8


$

-


$

0.3


$

43.6


$

49.1


$

277.6


$

280.7


$

321.2


$

329.8


Europe  

0.7


1.0


377.7


403.5


63.8


54.0


442.2


458.5


413.1


540.0


855.3


998.5


North  America

123.5


128.0


452.8


462.0


133.2


255.3


709.5


845.3


4,326.2


4,343.8


5,035.7


5,189.1


Total  

$

124.2


$

132.0


$

874.1


$

911.3


$

197.0


$

309.6


$

1,195.3


$

1,352.9


$

5,016.9


$

5,164.5


$

6,212.2


$

6,517.4


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

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Asset Managers

$

-


$

-


$

7.6


$

15.9


$

2.6


$

7.1


$

10.2


$

23.0


$

2,618.3


$

2,920.3


$

2,628.5


$

2,943.3


Banks, Broker-dealers

2.2


1.7


612.1


620.8


185.8


282.6


800.1


905.1


2,398.6


2,244.2


3,198.7


3,149.3


Corporates

79.2


87.5


-


-


2.3


14.7


81.5


102.2


-


-


81.5


102.2


Other  

42.8


42.8


254.4


274.6


6.3


5.2


303.5


322.6


-


-


303.5


322.6


Total  

$

124.2



$

132.0



$

874.1



$

911.3



$

197.0



$

309.6



$

1,195.3



$

1,352.9



$

5,016.9



$

5,164.5


$

6,212.2


$

6,517.4



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



87



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 the country of 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 Jefferies has a net long issuer and counterparty exposure (in millions):

March 31, 2018

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

$

723.5


$

(621.4

)

$

(24.4

)

$

0.5


$

103.3


$

47.5


$

34.5


$

229.0


$

263.5


Netherlands

347.1


(134.0

)

0.5


-


21.6


4.1


-


239.3


239.3


Spain

328.8


(244.1

)

(4.3

)

-


10.0


-


103.5


90.4


193.9


Japan

66.0


(47.9

)

(5.7

)

-


21.1


-


137.3


33.5


170.8


Belgium

209.8


(191.6

)

(0.1

)

-


0.2


-


124.0


18.3


142.3


Canada

196.8


(118.0

)

(93.2

)

0.2


3.5


111.8


7.7


101.1


108.8


Australia

42.0


(12.4

)

0.4


23.1


14.7


-


5.2


67.8


73.0


Brazil

140.1


(75.7

)

0.9


-


-


-


0.3


65.3


65.6


Hong Kong

30.9


(32.3

)

-


-


0.7


-


65.3


(0.7

)

64.6


Singapore

37.7


(4.0

)

-


-


-


-


22.6


33.7


56.3


Total

$

2,122.7



$

(1,481.4

)


$

(125.9

)


$

23.8



$

175.1



$

163.4



$

500.4



$

877.7



$

1,378.1



December 31, 2017

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

$

493.3


$

(396.2

)

$

98.2


$

-


$

78.9


$

2.1


$

181.9


$

276.3


$

458.2


United Kingdom

634.6


(394.4

)

(72.1

)

0.7


97.8


26.9


45.0


293.5


338.5


Spain

217.9


(181.3

)

7.5


-


-


-


151.6


44.1


195.7


Japan

100.1


(81.3

)

4.1


-


25.8


-


136.3


48.7


185.0


Canada

205.3


(164.7

)

(128.5

)

-


17.3


222.8


7.4


152.2


159.6


Netherlands

315.9


(210.9

)

0.9


-


44.1


2.2


-


152.2


152.2


Switzerland

31.0


(16.9

)

(1.1

)

-


54.3


3.3


4.5


70.6


75.1


Hong Kong

23.0


(25.1

)

-


-


1.0


-


58.7


(1.1

)

57.6


Australia

50.5


(14.0

)

0.3


-


15.0


0.3


4.7


52.1


56.8


Singapore

36.0


(4.2

)

-


-


-


-


24.7


31.8


56.5


Total

$

2,107.6



$

(1,489.0

)


$

(90.7

)


$

0.7



$

334.2



$

257.6



$

614.8



$

1,120.4



$

1,735.2



Jefferies' net issuer and counterparty risk exposure to Puerto Rico of $18.0 million, as reflected in our Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at March 31, 2018 , is in connection with its municipal securities market-making activities. The government of Puerto Rico is seeking to restructure much of its $73.8 billion in debt on a voluntary basis. At March 31, 2018 , Jefferies had no other material exposure to countries where either sovereign or non-sovereign sectors potentially pose potential default risk as the result of liquidity concerns.


88



Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of disclosure 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 March 31, 2018 . 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 March 31, 2018 .

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the Company's fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2018 , that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.



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 20, 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 March 31, 2018 :

(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 (2)

January 1, 2018 to January 31, 2018

87,811


$

27.22


-


12,500,000


February 1, 2018 to February 28, 2018

12,373


$

25.05


-


12,500,000


March 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018

-


$

-


-


12,500,000


Total

100,184



-



(1)

Includes an aggregate 100,184 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. In April 2018, the Board of Directors approved an increase to our share repurchase program to 25,000,000 common shares from the 12,500,000 million remaining under its prior authorization.



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Item 6.

Exhibits.


See Exhibit Index.



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.

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Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Leucadia National Corporation for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, 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.



































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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: May 2, 2018

By:

/s/          John M. Dalton

Name:   John M. Dalton

Title:     Vice President and Controller

  (Chief Accounting Officer)


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