Jefferies Financial Group - 10-K annual report 2014

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

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

On January 16, 2015, we entered into a credit agreement with FXCM Inc. for a $300 million two-year senior secured term loan with rights to require a sale of FXCM and to a variable proportion of the sale proceeds.  FXCM is an online provider of foreign exchange trading and related services.  The loan has an initial interest rate of 10% per annum, increasing by 1.5% per annum each quarter, not to exceed 20.5% per annum.  In addition, we will receive a percentage of the proceeds in connection with an FXCM sale of assets, dividend or distribution, as follows: 100% until amounts due under the loan are repaid; 50% of the next $350 million; then 90% of an amount equal to two times the balance outstanding on the term loan as of April 16, 2015 (not to be less than $500 million or more than $680 million); and 60% of all amounts thereafter.

During March and September 2014, in two separate closings, we sold to HomeFed Corporation (“HomeFed”) substantially all of our real estate properties and operations, our interest in Brooklyn Renaissance Plaza and cash of about $14.0 million, in exchange for 7.5 million newly issued shares of HomeFed common stock, which are subject to registration rights.  These transactions more than doubled the total assets of HomeFed.  The additional shares increased our economic ownership interest in HomeFed to 65%; however, we agreed to limit our voting rights such that we are not able to vote more than 45% of HomeFed’s total voting securities voting on any matter.  We also entered into a stockholders agreement that limits our ability to increase our interest in HomeFed or dispose of our interest in HomeFed.

In July 2014, we sold Premier Entertainment Biloxi LLC (“Premier”), the owner of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi (“Hard Rock Biloxi”), through which we had conducted our gaming entertainment operations, for cash consideration of $250.0 million.

On March 1, 2013, Jefferies Group LLC (“Jefferies”) became one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries.  Jefferies is a global full-service, integrated securities and investment banking firm.  Jefferies shareholders received 0.81 of a share of our common shares for each share of Jefferies common stock they held.  Prior to the closing, we owned 58,006,024 common shares of Jefferies, representing approximately 28% of the outstanding common shares of Jefferies.  Richard Handler, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jefferies, was appointed the Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Leucadia and Brian P. Friedman, the Chairman of the Executive Committee of Jefferies, was appointed President and a Director of Leucadia.

The following provides more information about each of our financial services businesses and investments and our ownership percentages:

Over 800 investment banking professionals operate in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and are organized into industry, product and geographic coverage groups. Jefferies sector coverage groups include Consumer & Retailing; Financial Institutions; Industrials; Healthcare; Energy; Real Estate, Gaming & Lodging; Media & Telecommunications; Technology; Financial Sponsors; and State & Local Governments. Jefferies product coverage groups include equity capital markets; debt capital markets; financial advisory, which includes both mergers and acquisitions and restructuring and recapitalization; and U.K. corporate broking. Jefferies geographic coverage groups include coverage teams based in major cities in the United States, Canada, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India, China and Singapore.

Competition

U.S. registered FCMs are subject to the CFTC’s minimum financial requirements for futures commission merchants and introducing brokers. Jefferies Group LLC is not a registered FCM or a registered Introducing Broker, and is therefore not subject to the CFTC’s minimum financial requirements; however, Jefferies is registered as a FCM following its merger with Jefferies Bache, LLC in September 2014 and is therefore subject to the minimum financial requirements. Under the minimum financial requirements, an FCM must maintain adjusted net capital equal to or in excess of the greater of (A) $1,000,000 or (B) the FCM’s risk-based capital requirements totaling (1) eight percent of the total risk margin requirement for positions carried by the FCM in customer accounts, plus (2) eight percent of the total risk margin requirement for positions carried by the FCM in noncustomer accounts. An FCM’s ability to make capital and certain other distributions is subject to the rules and regulations of various exchanges, clearing organizations and other regulatory agencies which may have capital requirements that are greater than the CFTC’s. Jefferies, as a dually registered broker-dealer and FCM, is required to maintain net capital in excess of the greater of the SEC or CFTC minimum financial requirements.

During 2013, we formed Leucadia Asset Management (“LAM”), a registered investment advisor, through which we are seeding and developing focused funds managed by distinct management teams.  These include Topwater Capital, a first-loss hedge fund; Global Equity Events Opportunity Fund, based on event driven strategies; Mazama Capital Management, a long-only growth equity fund manager; as well as our investment in Structured Alpha, a fund based on quantitative strategies.  Our asset management strategies also include Folger Hill, a multi-manager hedge fund platform, which is in the process of launching its fund.

As the advisor and/or general partner to various private investment funds or other types of investment vehicles, LAM provides advisory, portfolio management and operational services to accredited investors and/or qualified purchasers.  Once an investment vehicle is formed, it is expected that one of our subsidiaries will be an initial or major investor.  LAM receives compensation in the form of management fees and/or a performance fee based on investment returns generated for the investors.

HomeFed Corporation is a developer and owner of residential and commercial real estate properties in California, Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, Maine and New York.  HomeFed also investigates the acquisition of new real estate projects outside of its core geographical areas.  HomeFed is a public company traded on the NASD OTC Bulletin Board (Symbol: HOFD).  As a result of the 2014 transaction discussed above, we own 65% of HomeFed’s common stock; however, our voting rights are limited such that we are not able to vote more than 45% of HomeFed’s total voting securities voting on any matter.  Resulting from a 1998 distribution to all of our shareholders, about 4.8% of HomeFed is beneficially owned by our Chairman, who also serves as HomeFed’s Chairman.  Our President is a Director of HomeFed.

Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC, and its associated entities, comprise a commercial mortgage banking and servicing joint venture formed in 2009 with Berkshire Hathaway.  We and Berkshire Hathaway each have a 50% equity interest in Berkadia.  Berkadia has 3 primary business activities: mortgage banking, investment sales and servicing.

Berkadia originates commercial/multifamily real estate loans for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and the FHA using their underwriting guidelines, and will typically sell the loan to such entities shortly after it is funded.  Provided Berkadia adheres to their guidelines, these government-related entities must purchase the loan at the face amount plus accrued interest with Berkadia retaining the mortgage servicing rights.  In addition, as a condition to Fannie Mae’s delegation of responsibility for underwriting, originating and servicing of loans, Berkadia assumes a shared loss position throughout the term of each loan sold to Fannie Mae, with a maximum loss percentage of approximately one-third of the original principal balance. During 2014, Berkadia originated $8.9 billion in Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and FHA loans.  Berkadia also originates and brokers commercial/multifamily mortgage loans which are not part of the government agency programs.  During 2014, Berkadia closed $3.6 billion of loans in this capacity for life companies, conduits and other third-parties.

In addition, Berkadia originates loans for its own balance sheet. These loans provide interim financing to borrowers who intend to refinance the loan with longer-term loans from an eligible government agency or other third party (“Bridge loans”).  Bridge loans are typically floating rate loans with 1 to 3 year maturities. During 2014, Berkadia originated $311.9 million of such loans and held $566.8 million on its balance sheet at December 31, 2014.

Berkadia also provides a unified, national sales and investment platform that is currently focused exclusively on the multifamily industry. This business provides services related to the acquisition and disposition of multifamily real estate projects, including brokerage services, asset review, market research, financial analysis and due diligence support.  During 2014, Berkadia closed over $4.0 billion in sales transactions.

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 (“CMBS”), banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions.  Berkadia is an approved servicer of loans for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and the FHA.  As of December 31, 2014, Berkadia serviced approximately 26,000 loans with an unpaid principal balance of $238.4 billion.

As a servicer, Berkadia is frequently responsible for managing, on behalf of its investors and borrowers, the balances that are maintained in custodial accounts for the purposes of collecting and distributing principal and interest, and for managing and disbursing various reserve accounts related to the mortgaged properties among other things.  Berkadia derives certain economic benefits from administering these custodial accounts.  Such balances totaled in excess of $5.6 billion as of December 31, 2014.

Our only capital contribution to Berkadia, in the amount of $217.2 million, was made at the time Berkadia was formed in 2009.  Through December 31, 2014 we have received cumulative cash distributions of $303.8 million.  At December 31, 2014, the net book value of our investment in Berkadia was $208.5 million, and we report Berkadia as an equity investment in our financial statements.  Our strategic priorities include continued value creation by growing origination volume and expanding servicing engagements with third parties.

Berkadia is required under its servicing agreements to maintain certain minimum servicer ratings or qualifications from the rating agencies.  A downgrade below a certain level may give rise to the right of a customer or trustee of a securitized transaction to terminate Berkadia as servicer.  Berkadia currently maintains approvals or ratings from Moody’s Investors Service, Fitch Ratings, Standard & Poor’s, Morningstar Credit Ratings and Dominion Bond Rating Services.  These ratings currently exceed the minimum ratings required by the related servicing agreements.  Ratings issued by the rating agencies can be withdrawn or lowered at any time.  In addition, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac retain broad discretion to terminate Berkadia as a seller/servicer without cause.

National Beef Packing Company, LLC is one of the largest beef processing companies in the U.S., accounting for approximately 13% of the market.  National Beef processes and markets fresh boxed beef, case-ready beef, beef by-products and wet blue leather for domestic and international markets.  Based in Kansas City, Missouri, National Beef had about 8,000 employees at December 31, 2014 and generated total revenues of $7.8 billion in 2014.  We purchased National Beef in 2011 and own 78.9%.

The largest share of National Beef’s revenue, about 89%, is generated from the sale of fresh and chilled boxed beef products.  National Beef also generates revenues through value-added production with its case-ready products.  In addition, National Beef operates a wet blue tanning facility (wet blue tanning refers to the first step in processing raw and brine-cured hides into tanned leather), selling processed hides to tanners that produce finished leather for the automotive, luxury goods, apparel and furniture industries.  Other streams of revenue include sales through its subsidiary,  Kansas City Steak Company, LLC, which sells portioned beef and other products to customers in the food service and retail channels, as well as direct to consumers through internet and direct mail, and service revenues generated by National Carriers, Inc., a wholly owned truck fleet that is one of the largest refrigerated and livestock carrier operations in the U.S. and transports products for National Beef and a variety of other customers.

The net book value of our investment in National Beef was $796.4 million at December 31, 2014.

National Beef markets its products to national and regional retailers, including supermarket chains, independent grocers, club stores, wholesalers and distributors, food service providers and distributors, further processors and the United States military.  In addition, National Beef sells beef by-products to the variety meat, feed processing, fertilizer and pet food industries.  National Beef exports products to more than 25 countries; in 2014 export sales represented approximately 12% of revenues.  The demand for beef is generally strongest in the spring and summer months and generally decreases during the winter months.

National Beef emphasizes the sale of higher-margin, value-added products, which include branded boxed beef, consumer-ready beef, portion control beef and wet blue hides.  National Beef believes its value-added products can command higher prices than commodity products because of National Beef’s ability to consistently meet product specifications, based on quality, trim, weight, size, breed or other factors, tailored to the needs of its customers.  In addition to the value-added brands that National Beef owns, National Beef licenses the use of Certified Angus Beef^®, a registered trademark of Certified Angus Beef LLC, and Certified Hereford Beef^®, a registered trademark of Certified Hereford Beef LLC.

The primary raw material for the beef processing plants is live cattle. The domestic beef industry is characterized by cattle prices that change daily based on seasonal consumption patterns, supply and demand for beef and other proteins, cattle inventory levels, weather and other factors.

National Beef has entered into a cattle supply agreement with U.S. Premium Beef, LLC (“USPB”), the current owner of a 15.1% interest in National Beef, which sold a substantial portion of its ownership interest to us.  USPB has agreed to supply, and National Beef has agreed to purchase through USPB from the members of USPB, 735,385 head of cattle per year (subject to adjustment), based on pricing grids furnished by National Beef to USPB.  National Beef believes the pricing grids are based on terms that could be obtained from an unaffiliated party.  The cattle supply agreement extends through December 31, 2017, with automatic, but optional one year extensions.  During 2014, National Beef purchased approximately 23% of the total cattle it processed from USPB members pursuant to the cattle supply agreement.  National Beef also purchased additional cattle from certain USPB members outside of the cattle supply agreement as well as from hundreds of other cattle suppliers.

 

National Beef owns two beef processing facilities located in Liberal and Dodge City, Kansas, which can each process approximately 6,000 cattle per day.  National Beef’s three consumer-ready facilities are in Hummels Wharf, Pennsylvania, Moultrie, Georgia and Kansas City, Kansas.  National Beef’s wet blue tanning facility is in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Competitive conditions exist both in the purchase of live cattle, as well as in the sale of beef products.  Beef products compete with other protein sources, including pork and poultry, but National Beef’s principal competition comes from other beef processors.  National Beef believes the principal competitive factors in the beef processing industry are price, quality, food safety, customer service, product distribution, technological innovations (such as food safety interventions and packaging technologies) and brand loyalty.  Some of National Beef’s competitors have substantially larger beef operations, greater financial and other resources and wider brand recognition for their products.

 

National Beef’s operations are subject to extensive regulation by the USDA including its Food Safety and Inspection Service (“FSIS”) and its Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (“GIPSA”), the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and other federal, state, local and foreign authorities regarding the processing, packaging, storage, safety, distribution, advertising and labeling of its products.

 

National Beef is subject to the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (“PSA”).  Among other things, this statute generally requires National Beef to make full payment for livestock purchases not later than the close of business the day after the purchase and transfer of possession or determination of the purchase price.  Under the PSA, National Beef must hold in trust for the benefit of unpaid livestock suppliers all livestock purchased until the sellers have received full payment.  At December 31, 2014, National Beef has obtained from an insurance company a surety bond in the amount of $49.4 million to satisfy these requirements.

 

The Dodge City and Liberal facilities are subject to Title V permitting pursuant to the Federal Clean Air Act and the Kansas Air Quality Act.  The St. Joseph facility is subject to a secondary air permit which is in place.  The Dodge City, Liberal, Hummels Wharf and Moultrie facilities are subject to Clean Air Act Risk Management Plan requirements relating to the use of ammonia as a refrigerant.

 

All of National Beef’s plants are indirect dischargers of wastewater to publicly owned treatment works and are subject to requirements under the federal Clean Water Act, state and municipal laws, as well as agreements or permits with municipal or county authorities.  Upon renewal of these agreements and permits, National Beef is from time to time required to make capital expenditures to upgrade or expand wastewater treatment facilities to address new and more stringent discharge requirements imposed at the time of renewal.  Storm water discharges from National Beef’s plants are also regulated by state and local authorities.

 

All of National Beef’s facilities generate solid waste streams including small quantities of hazardous wastes.  National Beef is subject to laws that provide for strict, and in certain circumstances, joint and several liability for remediation of hazardous substances at contaminated sites; however, National Beef has not received any demands that it has any liability at sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“Superfund”) or state counterparts.  All plants are subject to community right to know reporting requirements under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, which requires yearly filings as to the substances used on facility premises.

 

 

Of National Beef’s 8,000 employees, about 5,500 are represented by collective bargaining agreements.  About 2,600 employees at the Liberal plant are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union under a collective bargaining agreement scheduled to expire in December 2017, 2,700 employees at the Dodge City plant are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union under a collective bargaining agreement scheduled to expire in December 2016, and another 178 employees at the St. Joseph plant are represented by the United Cereal Workers ( R.W.D.S.U./U.F.C.W) under a collective bargaining agreement scheduled to expire in June 2019.

Harbinger Group Inc. is a publicly traded diversified holding company, the principal holdings of which are: (i) Spectrum Brands, its 59% owned subsidiary that provides global branded consumer products; (ii) FGL, its 80% owned subsidiary that provides life insurance and annuity products; (iii) Front Street, its subsidiary engaged in the business of providing long-term reinsurance, including reinsurance to the specialty insurance sector of fixed, deferred and payout annuities; (iv) HGI Asset Management Holdings, LLC, which, through its subsidiaries, provides financing and engages in asset management across a range of industries; and (v) Compass, its wholly-owned subsidiary that is engaged in the business of owning, operating, acquiring, exploiting and developing conventional oil and natural gas assets.  Harbinger is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HRG.”

As of December 31, 2014, we own about 46.6 million common shares of Harbinger, representing about 23% of its outstanding common shares, which we reflect in our financial results at fair value.  In addition, we have two directors on Harbinger’s board, one of whom serves as its Chairman.  We have agreed not to increase our interest in Harbinger above 27.5% through March 17, 2016.  At December 31, 2014, the net book value of our holdings in Harbinger is $659.9 million and our cost was $475.6 million.

During May 2014, we formed Vitesse Energy, LLC, a non-operating owner of oil and gas properties in the core of the Bakken field.  We own 96% of Vitesse, which acquires producing and undeveloped leasehold properties in North Dakota and Montana, and converts the undeveloped leasehold into cash flow producing assets.  Vitesse has acquired 22,500 net acres of Bakken leasehold and has an interest in 866 producing wells (22 net wells) and 350 gross wells (9 net wells) that are currently drilling or permitted for drilling.

At December 31, 2014, we have made cumulative cash investments of $239.0 million and our net book value is $246.5 million.  Our strategic priorities for Vitesse are to add to our desired core acreage, increase cash flow from new well development over the next 10 years, and selectively sell assets when appropriate.

During February 2014, we made our first investment in Juneau Energy, LLC.  Juneau leases and develops oil and gas properties in Texas and Oklahoma.   We own 98% of Juneau, which engages in the exploration, development and production of oil and gas from onshore, unconventional resource areas.  Juneau has about 56,900 net acres of East Texas leasehold.  At December 31, 2014, we have made cumulative cash contributions of $184.2 million and our net book value is $175.8 million.  Our strategic priorities include using our in-house geological and engineering expertise to generate a compelling return, even at lower prices, and to develop a diversified portfolio of quality assets that can grow production and cash flow in the future.

Linkem S.p.A is a fixed wireless broadband service provider in Italy.  In 2008, Linkem acquired wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.5GHz band and launched Italy’s first commercial 4G wireless service.  Unlike the U.S. and most of Western Europe, Italy does not have a national cable television system; as a result, Italy’s broadband penetration rate is among the lowest in Europe, and the vast majority of residential broadband service is DSL, which relies on legacy copper telephone lines.  Linkem offers residential broadband services at speeds equal to or faster than DSL, but priced at a discount.

Our initial investment in Linkem was made in July 2011.  Since that time, we have funded most of Linkem’s growth and become its largest shareholder.  We own about 42% of Linkem’s common shares and hold a 5% convertible note with a principal amount of €72.7 million due in 2018 (interest can be paid in cash or in kind).  On an if-converted basis, we would own 55% of the common shares of Linkem.

Linkem owns or has exclusive rights to spectrum holdings of 84MHz covering approximately 80% of the population and at least 42MHz covering all of Italy.  Linkem has signed agreements with several large telecommunication companies for the use of their infrastructure, providing Linkem access to over 30,000 wireless towers throughout Italy.  At December 31, 2014, Linkem’s network includes base stations deployed on over 1,035 wireless towers that can reach over 35% of the population.  Linkem has over 240,000 subscribers for its services.   Linkem plans to increase its network coverage across Italy over the coming years as it adds subscribers; expansion and customer acquisition costs are expected to result in operating losses over the next few years. 

Linkem has begun to migrate its technology from WiMAX to LTE, which will provide subscribers with faster download speeds and improved service.  Linkem completed its LTE trials and commenced commercial deployment in the first week of December 2014.  In 2015, Linkem plans to deploy 400 new LTE base stations with significantly more LTE antennas overlayed on existing base stations.

At December 31, 2014, we have made cumulative cash investments of $238.1 million and our net book value is $159.1 million. 

Conwed Plastics manufactures and markets lightweight plastic netting used for building and construction, erosion and sediment control, packaging, agricultural purposes, carpet padding, filtration, consumer products and other purposes.  These products are primarily used for containment purposes, reinforcement of other products, packaging for produce and meats, various types of filtration and erosion prevention.

In March 2014, Conwed acquired 80% of Filtrexx, previously a significant customer.  Filtrexx uses Conwed netting products to provide erosion control solutions with primary applications in oil and gas development, civil infrastructure, and commercial and residential construction.  In August 2014, Conwed acquired 100% of Weaver Express, the leading installer of the products manufactured by Filtrexx.

As of December 31, 2014, we have owned Conwed for thirty years and received cash distributions of $149.6 million in excess of our investments.  At December 31, 2014, the net book value of our investment in Conwed was $109.2 million.  Our strategic priorities include further development of the business created by the Filtrexx and Weaver acquisitions and expansion of the products, markets and applications for Conwed’s core technology.

Our plastic products are marketed both domestically and internationally, with approximately 17% of 2014 revenues generated by customers from Europe, Latin America, Japan and Australia.  Manufacturing facilities are located in Minnesota, Georgia, Illinois, Virginia and Genk, Belgium (totaling approximately 689,000 square feet).  The average cost of the principal raw material used in its products, polypropylene, has increased by approximately 75% since 2009, a continuing trend that started in 2002.  The price of polypropylene has historically fluctuated with the price of oil and natural gas but growing economies in China and India have resulted in increased demand for raw materials and raised prices globally.

Idaho Timber is a nationally recognized company in the forest products industry, providing an extensive range of quality wood products to markets across North America and the Pacific Rim.  Idaho Timber manufactures and distributes various wood products, including:  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.  In addition to its headquarters in Meridian, Idaho, Idaho Timber has plants in Idaho, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina and Texas.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, Idaho Timber had revenues of $251.6 million and pre-tax income of $17.8 million.  The net book value of our investment was $71.7 million at December 31, 2014.

Garcadia is a joint venture between us and Garff Enterprises, Inc. that owns and operates 26 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 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 cash flows and five other dealerships from which we receive 71% of all cash flows.  Garcadia’s strategy is to acquire automobile dealerships in primary or secondary market locations meeting its specified return criteria.  During 2014 we received cash distributions from our dealerships of $41.4 million.

In addition, we own the land for certain dealerships and lease it to the dealerships.  During 2014 we received rent payments related to these leases of $8.5 million.   At December 31, 2014, the net book value of our investment in Garcadia was $167.9 million and was $15.5 million for our land leased to the dealerships.

The Golden Queen Mining Company LLC (“Golden Queen”) is a joint venture between Golden Queen Mining Co., Ltd. (“GQM”) and Gauss LLC, a newly formed limited liability company.  Golden Queen is developing the Soledad Mountain Project, a fully-permitted, open pit, heap leach gold and silver project located in Kern County, California.  The Project will use conventional open pit mining methods, cyanide heap leach and Merrill-Crowe processes to recover gold and silver from crushed, agglomerated ore.  Construction has started on the site and commissioning is planned for late 2015.  GQM is a Canadian company that has been developing and exploring its mineral properties at Soledad Mountain since 1985.  GQM is publicly traded on both the Toronto Stock Exchange (“GQM”) and on the OTCQX International (“GQMNF”).

In September 2014, we invested $70.9 million, net in cash in Gauss LLC to partner with GQM and the Clay family, GQM’s largest shareholder, to jointly fund, develop and operate the Project.  In exchange for a noncontrolling ownership interest in Gauss LLC, the Clay family contributed $34.1 million, net in cash. Gauss LLC invested both our and the Clay family’s net contributions totaling $105 million to the joint venture, Golden Queen, in exchange for a 50% ownership interest. GQM contributed the Soledad Mountain project to the joint venture in exchange for the other 50% interest.

We have committed to invest during the nine months after our initial investment up to an additional approximately $27 million to fully develop the project.  Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with the joint venture is limited to our investment and this additional commitment.  The net book value of our investment was $69.9 million at December 31, 2014.

Our operating segments consist of the consolidated businesses discussed above, which offer different products and services and are managed separately.  Our reportable segments, based on both qualitative and quantitative requirements, are Jefferies, National Beef, and Corporate and other.  Our all other businesses and investments consists of our Other Financial Services Businesses and our Other Merchant Banking Businesses.  Other Financial Services Businesses consists of asset management and our specialty finance companies; our commercial mortgage banking investment and our investment in HomeFed are reflected as Income from Associated Companies.  Other Merchant Banking Businesses consists of manufacturing, oil and gas exploration and production, real estate, our investment in a diversified holding company, and, for periods prior to their spin-off to shareholders in February 2013, our wineries; our investment in fixed wireless services in Italy, automobile dealerships, and a gold and silver mining operation are reflected as Income from Associated Companies.  Our financial information regarding our reportable segments is contained in Note 31, in our consolidated financial statements.

Shareholders may also obtain a printed copy of any of these documents or reports free of charge by sending a request to Leucadia National Corporation, Investor Relations, 520 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022 or by calling 212-460-1900.

Our business is subject to a number of risks.  You should carefully consider the following risk factors, together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this report, before you decide whether to purchase our common shares.  The risks set out below are not the only risks we face.  If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.  In such case, the trading price of our common shares could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Future acquisitions and dispositions of our operations and investments are possible, changing the components of our assets and liabilities, and if unsuccessful could reduce the value of our common shares.  Any future acquisitions or dispositions may result in significant changes in the composition of our assets and liabilities.  Consequently, our financial condition, results of operations and the trading price of our common shares may be affected by factors different from those affecting our financial condition, results of operations and trading price at the present time.

We face numerous risks and uncertainties as we expand our business.  We expect the growth of our business to come primarily from internal expansion and through acquisitions and strategic partnering.  As we expand our business, there can be no assurance that financial controls, the level and knowledge of personnel, operational abilities, legal and compliance controls and other corporate support systems will be adequate to manage our business and growth.  The ineffectiveness of any of these controls or systems could adversely affect our business and prospects.  In addition, if we acquire new businesses and introduce new products, we face numerous risks and uncertainties integrating their controls and systems, including financial controls, accounting and data processing systems, management controls and other operations.  A failure to integrate these systems and controls, and even an inefficient integration of these systems and controls, could adversely affect our business and prospects.

Certain business initiatives, including expansions of existing businesses, may bring Jefferies into contact directly or indirectly, with individuals and entities that are not within its traditional client and counterparty base and may expose Jefferies to new asset classes and new markets.  These business activities expose Jefferies to new and enhanced risks, greater regulatory scrutiny of these activities, increased credit-related, sovereign and operational risks, and reputational concerns regarding the manner in which these assets are being operated or held.

Recent legislation and new and pending regulation may significantly affect Jefferies business.  In recent years, there has been significant legislation and increased regulation affecting the financial services industry.  These legislative and regulatory initiatives affect not only Jefferies, but also its competitors and certain of its clients.  These changes could have an effect on Jefferies revenue and profitability, limit Jefferies ability to pursue certain business opportunities, impact the value of assets that it holds, require Jefferies to change certain business practices, impose additional costs on Jefferies and otherwise adversely affect its business.  Accordingly, we cannot provide assurance that legislation and regulation will not eventually have an adverse effect on Jefferies business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act and the rules and regulations adopted and to be adopted by the SEC and CFTC introduce a comprehensive regulatory regime for swaps and security-based swaps and parties that deal in such swaps and security-based swaps.  Jefferies has registered three of its subsidiaries as swap dealers with the CFTC and the NFA and may register one or more subsidiaries as security-based swap dealers with the SEC.  The new laws and regulations will subject certain swaps and security-based swaps to clearing and exchange trading requirements and will subject swap dealers and security-based swap dealers to significant new burdens, including (i) capital and margin requirements, (ii) reporting, recordkeeping and internal business conduct requirements, (iii) external business conduct requirements in dealings with swap counterparties (which are particularly onerous when the counterparty is a special entity such as a federal, state, or municipal entity, an ERISA plan, a government employee benefit plan or an endowment), and (iv) large trader position reporting and certain position limit requirements.  The final rules under Title VII, including those rules that have already been adopted, for both cleared and uncleared swap transactions will impose increased capital and margin requirements on Jefferies registered entities and require additional operational and compliance costs and resources that will likely affect Jefferies business.

 

Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act (Volcker Rule) limits certain proprietary trading by banking entities such as banks, bank holding companies and similar institutions.  Although Jefferies is not a banking entity and is not otherwise subject to these rules, some of Jefferies clients and many of Jefferies counterparties are banks or entities affiliated with banks and are subject to these restrictions.  These sections of the Dodd-Frank Act and the regulations that are adopted to implement them could negatively affect the swaps and securities markets by reducing their depth and liquidity and thereby affect pricing in these markets.  Other negative effects could result from an expansive extraterritorial application of the Dodd-Frank Act in general or the Volcker Rule in particular and/or insufficient international coordination with respect to adoption of rules for derivatives and other financial reforms in other jurisdictions.  We will not know the exact impact that these changes in the markets will have on Jefferies business until after the final rules are implemented.

The Dodd-Frank Act, in addressing systemic risks to the financial system, charges the Federal Reserve with drafting enhanced regulatory requirements for systemically important bank holding companies and certain other nonbank financial companies designated as systemically important by the Financial Stability Oversight Council.  The enhanced requirements proposed by the Federal Reserve include capital requirements, liquidity requirements, limits on credit exposure concentrations and risk management requirements.  We do not believe that Jefferies will be deemed to be a systemically important nonbank financial company under the new legislation and therefore will not be directly impacted.  However, there will be an indirect impact to Jefferies to the extent that the new regulations apply to its competitors, counterparties and certain of its clients.

Extensive international regulation of Jefferies business limits its activities, and, if Jefferies violates these regulations, it may be subject to significant penalties.  The financial services industry is subject to extensive laws, rules and regulations in every country in which Jefferies operates.  Firms that engage in securities and derivatives trading, commodity futures brokerage, wealth and asset management and investment banking must comply with the laws, rules and regulations imposed by national and state governments and regulatory and self-regulatory bodies with jurisdiction over such activities.  Such laws, rules and regulations cover all aspects of the financial services business, including, but not limited to, sales and trading methods, trade practices, use and safekeeping of customers’ funds and securities, capital structure, anti-money laundering and anti-bribery and corruption efforts, recordkeeping and the conduct of directors, officers and employees.

Each of Jefferies regulators supervises its business activities to monitor compliance with such laws, rules and regulations in the relevant jurisdiction.  In addition, if there are instances in which Jefferies regulators question its compliance with laws, rules, and regulations, they may investigate the facts and circumstances to determine whether Jefferies has complied.  At any moment in time, Jefferies may be subject to one or more such investigation or similar reviews.  At this time, all such investigations and similar reviews are insignificant in scope and immaterial to Jefferies.  However, there can be no assurance that, in the future, the operations of Jefferies businesses will not violate such laws, rules, or regulations and that related investigations and similar reviews could result in adverse regulatory requirements, regulatory enforcement actions and/or fines.

The European Market Infrastructure Regulation (“EMIR”) was enacted in August 2012 and, in common with the Dodd-Frank Act in the U.S., is intended, among other things, to reduce counterparty risk by requiring standardized over-the-counter derivatives be cleared through a central counterparty and reported to registered trade repositories. EMIR is being introduced in phases in the U.K., with implementation of additional requirements expected through 2019.  Likewise, the amendments to the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive and the Market Abuse Regulation and new Market Abuse Directive (“MAD 2”) both in response to recommendations from the European Commission following the financial crisis are likely to impact Jefferies business when they come into force during 2016.  The European Commission’s changes to the Capital Requirements Directive (“CRD”) comprising CRD IV and the Capital Requirements Regulation (“CRR”) became effective January 1, 2014.

Additional legislation, changes in rules, changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules, or the entering into businesses that subject Jefferies to new rules and regulations may directly affect its business, results of operations and financial condition.  Jefferies continues to monitor the impact of new European regulation on its businesses.

Changing conditions in financial markets and the economy could impact Jefferies through decreased revenues, losses or other adverse consequences.  As a global securities and investment banking firm, global or regional changes in the financial markets or economic conditions could adversely affect Jefferies business in many ways, including the following:

 

Unfounded allegations about Jefferies could result in extreme price volatility and price declines in its debt securities and loss of revenue, clients, and employees.  Jefferies reputation and business activity can be affected by statements and actions of third parties, even false or misleading statements by them.  While Jefferies has been able to dispel such rumors in the past, its debt-securities prices suffered not only extreme volatility but also record high yields.  In addition, Jefferies operations in the past have been impacted as some clients either ceased doing business or temporarily slowed down the level of business they do, thereby decreasing Jefferies revenue stream.  Although Jefferies was able to reverse the negative impact of such unfounded allegations and false rumors, there is no assurance that Jefferies will be able to do so successfully in the future and the potential failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on Jefferies business, financial condition and liquidity.

A credit rating agency downgrade could significantly impact our and Jefferies businesses.  We and Jefferies have credit ratings issued by various credit rating agencies.  Maintaining our credit ratings is important to our and Jefferies business and financial condition.  We advised certain credit rating agencies that we would target specific concentration, leverage and liquidity principles, expressed in the form of certain ratios and percentages.  Our failure to meet these ratios and percentages may trigger a ratings downgrade.  We and Jefferies intend to access capital markets and issue debt securities from time to time, and a ratings downgrade may decrease demand for such offered security.  A decrease in demand would not only make a successful financing more difficult, but also increase our respective capital costs.  Similarly, our and Jefferies access to other forms of credit may be limited and our respective borrowing costs may increase if our or Jefferies credit ratings are downgraded.  A downgrade could also negatively impact our and Jefferies outstanding debt prices and our stock price.  In addition, in connection with certain over-the-counter derivative contract arrangements and certain other trading arrangements, a ratings downgrade could cause us or Jefferies to provide additional collateral to counterparties, exchanges and clearing organizations which would negatively impact our and Jefferies liquidity and financial condition.  There can be no assurance that our or Jefferies credit ratings will not be downgraded.

Jefferies principal trading and investments expose us to risk of loss.  A considerable portion of Jefferies revenues is derived from trading in which Jefferies acts as principal.  Jefferies may incur trading losses relating to the purchase, sale or short sale of fixed income, high yield, international, convertible, and equity securities and futures and commodities for its own account.  In any period, Jefferies may experience losses on its inventory positions as a result of price fluctuations, lack of trading volume, and illiquidity.  From time to time, Jefferies may engage in a large block trade in a single security or maintain large position concentrations in a single security, securities of a single issuer, securities of issuers engaged in a specific industry, or securities from issuers located in a particular country or region.  In general, because Jefferies inventory is marked to market on a daily basis, any adverse price movement in these securities could result in a reduction of Jefferies revenues and profits.  In addition, Jefferies may engage in hedging transactions that if not successful, could result in losses.

Increased competition may adversely affect Jefferies revenues, profitability and staffing.  All aspects of Jefferies business are intensely competitive.  Jefferies competes directly with a number of bank holding companies and commercial banks, other brokers and dealers, investment banking firms and other financial institutions.  In addition to competition from firms currently in the securities business, there has been increasing competition from others offering financial services, including automated trading and other services based on technological innovations.  Jefferies believes that the principal factors affecting competition involve market focus, reputation, the abilities of professional personnel, the ability to execute the transaction, relative price of the service and products being offered, bundling of products and services and the quality of service.  Increased competition or an adverse change in Jefferies competitive position could lead to a reduction of business and therefore a reduction of revenues and profits.

Competition also extends to the hiring and retention of highly skilled employees.  A competitor may be successful in hiring away employees, which may result in Jefferies losing business formerly serviced by such employees.  Competition can also raise Jefferies costs of hiring and retaining the employees Jefferies needs to effectively operate its business.

Operational risks may disrupt Jefferies business, result in regulatory action against Jefferies or limit Jefferies growth.  Jefferies businesses are highly dependent on its ability to process, on a daily basis, a large number of transactions across numerous and diverse markets in many currencies, and the transactions Jefferies processes have become increasingly complex.  If any of Jefferies financial, accounting or other data processing systems do not operate properly or are disabled or if there are other shortcomings or failures in Jefferies internal processes, people or systems, Jefferies could suffer an impairment to our liquidity, financial loss, a disruption of our businesses, liability to clients, regulatory intervention or reputational damage.  These systems may fail to operate properly or become disabled as a result of events that are wholly or partially beyond Jefferies control, including a disruption of electrical or communications services or Jefferies inability to occupy one or more of our buildings.  The inability of Jefferies systems to accommodate an increasing volume of transactions could also constrain its ability to expand its businesses.

Jefferies also faces the risk of operational failure or termination of any of the clearing agents, exchanges, clearing houses or other financial intermediaries Jefferies uses to facilitate its securities transactions.  Any such failure or termination could adversely affect Jefferies ability to effect transactions and manage its exposure to risk.

In addition, despite the contingency plans Jefferies has in place, Jefferies ability to conduct business may be adversely impacted by a disruption in the infrastructure that supports its businesses and the communities in which they are located.  This may include a disruption involving electrical, communications, transportation or other services used by Jefferies or third parties with which Jefferies conducts business.

Jefferies operations rely on the secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other information in its computer systems and networks.  Although Jefferies takes protective measures and endeavors to modify them as circumstances warrant, its computer systems, software and networks may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses or other malicious code, and other events that could have a security impact.  Additionally, if a client’s computer system, network or other technology is compromised by unauthorized access, Jefferies may face losses or other adverse consequences by unknowingly entering into unauthorized transactions.  If one or more of such events occur, this potentially could jeopardize Jefferies or its clients’ or counterparties’ confidential and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, Jefferies computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in Jefferies, its clients’, its counterparties’ or third parties’ operations, including the transmission and execution of unauthorized transactions.  Jefferies may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify its protective measures or to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures, and Jefferies may be subject to litigation and financial losses that are either not insured against or not fully covered through any insurance maintained by it.

Jefferies international operations subject it to numerous risks which could adversely impact Jefferies business in many ways.  Jefferies business and operations are expanding internationally.  Wherever Jefferies operates, it is subject to legal, regulatory, political, economic and other inherent risks.  The laws and regulations applicable to the securities and investment banking industries differ in each country.  Jefferies inability to remain in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in a particular country could have a significant and negative effect on its business and prospects in that country as well as in other countries.  A political, economic or financial disruption in a country or region could adversely impact Jefferies business and increase volatility in financial markets generally.

Legal liability may harm Jefferies business.  Many aspects of Jefferies business involve substantial risks of liability, and in the normal course of business, Jefferies has been named as a defendant or codefendant in lawsuits involving primarily claims for damages.  The risks associated with potential legal liabilities often may be difficult to assess or quantify and their existence and magnitude often remain unknown for substantial periods of time.  The expansion of Jefferies business, including increases in the number and size of investment banking transactions and Jefferies expansion into new areas impose greater risks of liability.  In addition, unauthorized or illegal acts of Jefferies employees could result in substantial liability.  Substantial legal liability could have a material adverse financial effect or cause Jefferies significant reputational harm, which in turn could seriously harm Jefferies business and its prospects.

Jefferies business is subject to significant credit risk.  In the normal course of Jefferies businesses, Jefferies is involved in the execution, settlement and financing of various customer and principal securities and derivative transactions.  These activities are transacted on a cash, margin or delivery-versus-payment basis and are subject to the risk of counterparty or customer nonperformance.  Although transactions are generally collateralized by the underlying security or other securities, Jefferies still faces the risks associated with changes in the market value of the collateral through settlement date or during the time when margin is extended and the risk of counterparty nonperformance to the extent collateral has not been secured or the counterparty defaults before collateral or margin can be adjusted.  Jefferies may also incur credit risk in its derivative transactions to the extent such transactions result in uncollateralized credit exposure to counterparties.

Jefferies seeks to control the risk associated with these transactions by establishing and monitoring credit limits and by monitoring collateral and transaction levels daily.  Jefferies may require counterparties to deposit additional collateral or return collateral pledged.  In the case of aged securities failed to receive, Jefferies may, under industry regulations, purchase the underlying securities in the market and seek reimbursement for any losses from the counterparty.  However, there can be no assurances that Jefferies risk controls will be successful.

Derivative transactions may expose Jefferies to unexpected risk and potential losses.  Jefferies is party to a number of derivative transactions that require it to deliver to the counterparty the underlying security, loan or other obligation in order to receive payment.  In a number of cases, Jefferies does not hold the underlying security, loan or other obligation and may have difficulty obtaining, or be unable to obtain, the underlying security, loan or other obligation through the physical settlement of other transactions.  As a result, Jefferies is subject to the risk that it may not be able to obtain the security, loan or other obligation within the required contractual time frame for delivery.  This could cause Jefferies to forfeit the payments due to it under these contracts or result in settlement delays with the attendant credit and operational risk as well as increased costs to the firm.

The prices and availability of key raw materials affects the profitability of our beef processing and manufacturing operations.  The supply and market price of cattle purchased by National Beef are dependent upon a variety of factors over which National Beef has no control, including fluctuations in the size of herds maintained by producers, the relative cost of feed and energy, weather and livestock diseases.  A decline in the supply of fed cattle available for National Beef’s Brawley facility was a key factor in the 2013 decision to close the plant.  The cost of raw materials used by our manufacturing businesses has increased as a result of a variety of factors, including increased foreign demand. Although our manufacturing subsidiaries are not currently experiencing any shortage of raw materials, if the subsidiaries experience shortages, revenues and profitability could decline.

Outbreaks of disease affecting livestock can adversely affect the supply of cattle and the demand for National Beef’s products.  National Beef is subject to risks relating to animal health and disease control.  An outbreak of disease affecting livestock (such as foot-and-mouth disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (“BSE”), commonly referred to as mad cow disease) could result in restrictions on sales of products, restrictions on purchases of livestock from suppliers or widespread destruction of cattle.  The discovery of BSE in the past caused certain countries to restrict or prohibit the importation of beef products.  Outbreaks of diseases, or the perception by the public that an outbreak has occurred, or other concerns regarding diseases, can lead to inadequate supply, cancellation of orders by customers and create adverse publicity, any of which can have a significant negative impact on consumer demand and, as a result, on our consolidated financial position, cash flows and results of operations.

 

If National Beef’s products or products made by others using its products become contaminated or are alleged to be contaminated, National Beef may be subject to product liability claims that could adversely affect its business. National Beef may be subject to significant liability in excess of insurance policy limits if its products or products made by others using its products causes injury, illness or death.  In addition, National Beef could recall or be required to recall products that are, or are alleged to be, contaminated, spoiled or inappropriately labeled.  Organisms producing food borne illnesses (such as E. coli) could be present in National Beef’s products and result in illness or death if they are not eliminated through further processing or cooking.  Contamination of National Beef’s or its competitors’ products may create adverse publicity or cause consumers to lose confidence in the safety and quality of beef products.  Allegations of product contamination may also be harmful even if they are untrue or result from third-party tampering.  Any of these events may increase costs or decrease demand for beef products, any of which could have a significant adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

National Beef generally does not enter into long-term contracts with customers; as a result the volumes and prices at which beef products are sold are subject to market forces.  National Beef’s customers generally place orders for products on an as-needed basis and, as a result, their order levels have varied from period to period in the past and may vary significantly in the future.  The loss of one or more significant customers such as Walmart, a significant decline in the volume of orders from customers or a significant decrease in beef product prices for a sustained period of time could negatively impact cash flows and results of operations.

Failure to replace Walmart’s consumer-ready business would have a significant adverse effect on National Beef’s sales and profitability.  Sales to Walmart represented approximately 10% of National Beef’s total net sales during 2012.  Walmart discontinued using National Beef as a provider of its consumer-ready products in 2013.  National Beef continues to pursue replacement business for its consumer-ready facilities; however, it may not be able to fully replace the operating cash flow generated by the Walmart business in the near future, if at all.  During 2014, the three consumer-ready facilities operated at reduced levels, and continue to do so.

National Beef’s international operations expose it to political and economic risks in foreign countries, as well as to risks related to currency fluctuations.  Approximately 12% of National Beef’s annual sales are export sales, primarily to Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Hong Kong, China (for hides), Taiwan, Italy and Egypt, and on average these sales have a higher margin than domestic sales of similar products.  A reduction in international sales could adversely affect revenues and margins.  Risks associated with international activities include inflation or deflation and changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including changes in currency exchange rates of other countries that may export beef products in competition with National Beef; the closing of borders by foreign countries to product imports due to disease or other perceived health or food safety issues; exchange controls; changes in tariffs; changes in political or economic conditions; trade restrictions and changes in regulatory requirements.  The occurrence of any of these events could increase costs, lower demand for products or limit operations, which could have a significant adverse effect on cash flows, results of operations and future prospects. 

National Beef incurs substantial costs to comply with environmental regulations and could incur additional costs as a result of new regulations or compliance failures that result in civil or criminal penalties, liability for damages and negative publicity.  National Beef’s operations are subject to extensive and increasingly stringent environmental regulations administered by the EPA and state, local and other authorities with regards to water usage, wastewater and storm water discharge, air emissions and odor, and waste management and disposal.  Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could have serious consequences, including criminal, civil and administrative penalties and negative publicity.  In addition, National Beef incurs and will continue to incur significant capital and operating expenditures to comply with existing and new or more stringent regulations and requirements.  All of National Beef’s processing facilities procure wastewater treatment services from municipal or other regional governmental agencies that are in turn subject to environmental laws and permit limits regarding their water discharges.  As permit limits are becoming more stringent, upgrades and capital improvements to these municipal treatment facilities are likely.  In locations where National Beef is a significant volume discharger, it could be asked to contribute toward the costs of such upgrades or to pay significantly increased water or sewer charges to recoup such upgrade costs.  National Beef may also be required to undertake upgrades and make capital improvements to its own wastewater pretreatment facilities, the cost of which could be significant.  Compliance with environmental regulations has had and will continue to have a significant impact on National Beef’s cash flows and profitability.  In addition, under most environmental laws, most notably the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) and analogous state laws, National Beef could be held liable for the cost to investigate or remediate any contamination at properties it owns or operates, or as to which it arranges for the disposal or treatment of hazardous substances, as such liability is imposed without regard to fault.

 

 

National Beef is subject to extensive governmental regulation and noncompliance with or changes in applicable requirements could adversely affect its business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.  National Beef’s operations are subject to extensive regulation and oversight by the USDA, including its FSIS and GIPSA agencies, the FDA, and other federal, state, local and foreign authorities regarding the processing, packaging, storage, safety, distribution, advertising and labeling of its products.  Recently, food safety practices and procedures in the meat processing industry have been subject to more intense scrutiny and oversight by the USDA.  National Beef is also subject to a variety of immigration, labor and worker safety laws and regulations, including those relating to the hiring and retention of employees.  Failure to comply with existing or new laws and regulations could result in administrative penalties and injunctive relief, civil remedies, fines, interruption of operations, recalls of products or seizures of properties, potential criminal sanctions and personal injury or other damage claims.  These remedies, changes in the applicable laws and regulations or discovery of currently unknown conditions could increase costs, limit business operations and reduce profitability.

 

National Beef’s performance depends on favorable labor relations with its employees, in particular employees represented by collective bargaining agreements.  A substantial number of National Beef’s employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. A labor-related work stoppage by unionized employees, or employees who become unionized in the future, could limit National Beef’s ability to process and ship products or could increase costs.  Any significant increase in labor costs, deterioration of employee relations, slowdowns or work stoppages at any of National Beef’s locations, whether due to union activities, employee turnover or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

Uncertainties inherent in Harbinger’s business and operations could impact the realizability of the full value of our investment.  As a diversified holding company, Harbinger is subject to risks and uncertainties across the industries in which it invests.  It is also subject to risks associated with its holding company structure, which include potential difficulties or limitations in receiving distributions from its subsidiaries, and the risk that acquisitions, dispositions or integrations of subsidiaries may not be successful.  We hold about 23% of the common shares of Harbinger and we record our investment at fair value.  As we do not control Harbinger, its management may make decisions that are not in our best interest.  Harbinger could decide to issue additional common shares, which would dilute our current ownership.  Additionally, changes in the market price of Harbinger shares may lead to volatility in our results of operations.  For additional risk factors concerning Harbinger, see its SEC filings at www.sec.gov.

The performance of our oil and gas exploration and production investments, Juneau and Vitesse, is impacted by uncertainties specific to the oil and gas industry which we cannot control.  This industry is speculative by its very nature and involves a high degree of risk.  The value of these investments may be impacted by changes in oil prices, which are affected by local, regional and global events or conditions that affect demand and which have a history of price volatility.  These investments are also exposed to changes in regulations affecting the industry, which could increase our cost of compliance or reduce or delay business opportunities.  In addition, there are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating future production and associated future income streams.  As a result, actual results could differ from those currently anticipated and our ability to profitably grow these investments could be adversely affected.

Declines in the U.S. housing market have reduced revenues of our manufacturing businesses and may continue to do so.  Our manufacturing operations, particularly Idaho Timber, have generated significant revenues when the U.S. housing market was strong.  The weak U.S. housing market during the last few years has resulted in fewer new housing starts, which has adversely impacted revenues of our manufacturing businesses, particularly Idaho Timber; revenues are not expected to return to prior levels until the U.S. housing market recovers.

We may not be able to insure certain risks economically.  We cannot be certain that we will be able to insure all risks that we desire to insure economically or that all of our insurers or reinsurers will be financially viable if we make a claim.  If an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits should occur, or if we are required to pay a deductible for an insured loss, results of operations could be adversely affected.  Damages from storms could result in the closing of our facilities to make repairs, resulting in lost business and adversely affecting results of operations.

If Berkadia does not maintain certain specified ratings from the credit rating agencies it could lose its mortgage servicing rights.  Berkadia is required to maintain specified servicer ratings from the credit rating agencies, and failure to do so would give its customers the right to terminate their mortgage servicing agreements.  If mortgage servicing agreements were terminated as a result of a servicer ratings downgrade, we could lose our entire equity investment.

When Berkadia originates loans for Fannie Mae, it is often required to share in the losses on such loans, which could be in excess of reserved amounts.  Berkadia carries a reserve on its balance sheet for contingent losses on loans originated for Fannie Mae that have loss sharing requirements.  If actual losses exceed amounts reserved, Berkadia’s profitability and cash flows will be reduced.

The loss of or changes in Berkadia’s relationships with U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises and federal agencies would have an adverse effect on Berkadia’s business.  Berkadia’s failure to comply with U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprise or agency requirements may result in its termination as an approved seller/servicer, mortgagee or issuer.  The loss of any such status could have a significant adverse impact on Berkadia’s results of operations, could result in a loss of similar approvals from other U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises or federal agencies and could have other adverse consequences to the business.  Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac retain broad discretion to terminate Berkadia as a seller/servicer without cause upon notice.

Changes in existing government‑sponsored and federal mortgage programs could negatively affect Berkadia’s business.  Berkadia’s ability to generate income through mortgage sales to institutional investors depends in part on programs sponsored by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the FHA, which purchase such loans from Berkadia and/or facilitate the issuance of mortgage-backed securities in the secondary market.  The federal government has announced that the continuation of these programs is under review, and that any or all of the government agency programs could be substantially modified or eliminated in the future.  Any discontinuation of, or significant reduction or change in, the operation of those programs would have an adverse effect on Berkadia’s loan origination and servicing business and results of operations.

Berkadia’s special servicing and fee-for-service businesses may be terminated on short notice.  Special servicing for each CMBS transaction is usually controlled by the subordinated bond holder class of the securitization.  The owners of the subordinated bonds may change from time to time, and subordinated bond holders may replace Berkadia with a different special servicer.  Fee-for-service customers are permitted to terminate Berkadia on short notice, usually 30 days.  If Berkadia loses special servicing rights or is terminated by fee-for-service customers, it would negatively impact Berkadia’s results of operations and cash flows.

CMBS loan and Bridge loan programs will expose Berkadia to credit and interest rate risk that it is not subject to with its government agency lending programs.  Unlike its government agency lending programs, Berkadia cannot be assured it will be able to sell CMBS and Bridge loans at par value to a third-party without any exposure to credit or interest rate risk.  If for any reason Berkadia is unable to sell a CMBS loan into the securitization market or if a borrower is unable to refinance a Bridge loan, Berkadia will retain all risks associated with such loan for as long as it owns the loan.  Berkadia may be forced to foreclose on defaulted loans and suffer a loss, or to sell loans to a third party at a discount, either of which would reduce Berkadia’s profitability and cash flows.

If Berkadia suffered significant losses and was unable to repay its commercial paper borrowings, we would be exposed to loss pursuant to a reimbursement obligation to Berkshire Hathaway.  Berkadia obtains funds generated by commercial paper sales of an affiliate of Berkadia.  All of the proceeds from the commercial paper sales are used by Berkadia to fund new mortgage loans, servicer advances, investments and other working capital requirements.  Repayment of the commercial paper is supported by a $2.5 billion surety policy issued by a Berkshire Hathaway insurance subsidiary and corporate guaranty, and we have agreed to reimburse Berkshire Hathaway for one-half of any losses incurred thereunder.  If Berkadia suffers significant losses and is unable to repay its commercial paper borrowings, we would suffer losses to the extent of its reimbursement obligation to Berkshire Hathaway.  As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate amount of commercial paper outstanding was $2.47 billion.

Berkadia’s business is significantly affected by general economic conditions, particularly in the commercial real estate industry, and could be harmed in the event of a continued economic slowdown, prolonged recession or other market downturn or disruption.  Berkadia’s business and earnings are sensitive to changes in government policies and regulations, changes in interest rates, inflation, deflation, oversupply of real estate properties, fluctuations in the real estate and debt capital markets and developments in national and local economies.  Unfavorable economic conditions could have an adverse effect on Berkadia’s business, including decreasing the demand for new loans and the servicing of loans originated by third parties.

Garcadia’s business is dependent, in part, upon revenue from new and used car sales at its dealerships, and declines in revenues due to industry or other factors could result in reduced profitability, reduced cash flows and/or impairment charges.  Garcadia has recorded impairment charges in the past, principally for goodwill and other intangible assets, and if the automobile industry experiences a downturn in the future additional impairment charges are likely, reducing our profitability.

From time to time we may invest in illiquid securities that are subject to standstill agreements or are otherwise restricted.  From time to time we may invest in securities that are subject to restrictions which prohibit us from selling the subject securities for a period of time.  Although we are not a party to any such agreement currently should we enter into these agreements in the future and need to generate liquidity quickly, such agreements would limit our ability to dispose of the underlying investment while the agreement is effective.

We could experience significant increases in operating costs and reduced profitability due to competition for skilled management and staff employees in our operating businesses.  We compete with many other entities for skilled management and staff employees, including entities that operate in different market sectors than us.  Costs to recruit and retain adequate personnel could adversely affect results of operations.

Extreme weather, loss of electrical power or other forces beyond our control could negatively impact our business.  Natural disasters, fire, terrorism, pandemic or extreme weather, including droughts, floods, excessive cold or heat, hurricanes or other storms, could interfere with our operating businesses due to power outages, fuel shortages, water shortages, damage to facilities or disruption of transportation channels, among other things.  Any of these factors, as well as disruptions to information systems, could have an adverse effect on financial results.

We rely on the security of our information technology systems and those of our third party providers to protect our proprietary information and information of our customers. Some of our businesses involve the storage and transmission of customers’ personal information, consumer preferences and credit card information.  While we believe that we have implemented protective measures to effectively secure information and prevent security breaches, our information technology systems may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer hacking, computer viruses or other unauthorized attempts by third parties to access the proprietary information of our customers.  Information technology breaches and failures could disrupt our ability to function in the normal course of business resulting in lost revenue, the disclosure or modification of sensitive or confidential information and the incurrence of remediation and notification costs, resulting in legal and financial exposure.  Moreover, loss of confidential customer identification information could harm our reputation and subject us to liability under laws that protect confidential personal data, resulting in increased costs or loss of revenues.

From time to time we are subject to litigation, for which we may be unable to accurately assess our level of exposure and which if adversely determined, may have a significant adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.  We and our subsidiaries are or may become parties to legal proceedings that are considered to be either ordinary, routine litigation incidental to our business or not significant to our consolidated financial position or liquidity.  Although our current assessment is that, other than as disclosed in this report, there is no pending litigation that could have a significant adverse impact, if our assessment proves to be in error, then the outcome of litigation could have a significant impact on our financial statements.

We may not be able to generate sufficient taxable income to fully realize our deferred tax asset, which would also have to be reduced if U.S. federal income tax rates are lowered.  At December 31, 2014, we have recognized net deferred tax assets of $1.7 billion.  If we are unable to generate sufficient taxable income, we will not be able to fully realize the recorded amount of the net deferred tax asset.  If we are unable to generate sufficient taxable income prior to the expiration of our federal income tax net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”), the NOLs would expire unused.  Our projections of future taxable income required to fully realize the recorded amount of the net deferred tax asset reflect numerous assumptions about our operating businesses and investments, and are subject to change as conditions change specific to our business units, investments or general economic conditions.  Changes that are adverse to us could result in the need to increase the deferred tax asset valuation allowance resulting in a charge to results of operations and a decrease to total stockholders’ equity.  In addition, if U.S. federal income tax rates are lowered, we would be required to reduce our net deferred tax asset with a corresponding reduction to earnings during the period.

If our tax filing positions were to be challenged by federal, state and local or foreign tax jurisdictions, we may not be wholly successful in defending our tax filing positions.  We record reserves for unrecognized tax benefits based on our assessment of the probability of successfully sustaining tax filing positions.  Management exercises significant judgment when assessing the probability of successfully sustaining tax filing positions, and in determining whether a contingent tax liability should be recorded and if so estimating the amount.  If our tax filing positions are successfully challenged, payments could be required that are in excess of reserved amounts or we may be required to reduce the carrying amount of our net deferred tax asset, either of which result could be significant to our Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition or results of operations.

We have indicated our intention to pay dividends at the annual rate of $0.25 per common share, on a quarterly basis.  The payment of dividends in the future is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon general business conditions, legal and contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and other factors that the Board of Directors may deem to be relevant.

Our common shares are subject to transfer restrictions.  We and certain of our subsidiaries have significant NOLs and other tax attributes, the amount and availability of which are subject to certain qualifications, limitations and uncertainties.  In order to reduce the possibility that certain changes in ownership could result in limitations on the use of the tax attributes, our certificate of incorporation contains provisions that generally restrict the ability of a person or entity from acquiring ownership (including through attribution under the tax law) of 5% or more of our common shares and the ability of persons or entities now owning 5% or more of our common shares from acquiring additional common shares.  The restriction will remain until the earliest of (a) December 31, 2024, (b) the repeal of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (or any comparable successor provision) and (c) the beginning of a taxable year to which these tax benefits may no longer be carried forward.  The restriction may be waived by our Board of Directors on a case by case basis.  Shareholders are advised to carefully monitor their ownership of our common shares and consult their own legal advisors and/or us to determine whether their ownership of our common shares approaches the proscribed level.

Not applicable.

Our and Jefferies global executive offices and principal administrative offices are located at 520 Madison Avenue, New York, New York under an operating lease arrangement.  Jefferies maintains additional offices in over 30 cities throughout the world including, in the United States, Charlotte, Chicago, Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Stamford, and Jersey City, and internationally, London, Frankfurt, Milan, Paris, Zurich, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo and Mumbai.  In addition, Jefferies maintains backup data center facilities with redundant technologies for each of its three main data center hubs in Jersey City, London and Hong Kong.  Jefferies leases all of its office space, or contract via service arrangement, which management believes is adequate for its business.

National Beef’s processing facilities, which are the principal properties used in its business, are described in Item 1 of this report.  National Beef also leases corporate office space in Kansas City, Missouri (27,400 square feet) for its headquarters facility.

Conwed Plastics manufacturing facilities and Idaho Timber’s plants and sawmills, which are the principal properties used in their businesses, are described in Item 1 of this report.

We lease numerous other manufacturing, warehousing, office and headquarters facilities.  The facilities vary in size and have leases expiring at various times, subject, in certain instances, to renewal options.  See Note 26 to our consolidated financial statements.

The information set forth in response to this Item 3 is incorporated by reference from the “Contingencies” section in Note 26 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Not applicable.

As of February 12, 2015, there were approximately 1,856 record holders of the common shares.

We paid cash dividends of $.0625 per share each quarter during 2014 and 2013 and $0.25 per common share annually in 2012.  We have indicated our intention to pay dividends currently at the annual rate of $0.25 per common share on a quarterly basis.  The payment of dividends in the future is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon general business conditions, legal and contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and other factors that the Board of Directors may deem to be relevant.

Certain of our subsidiaries have significant NOLs and other tax attributes, the amount and availability of which are subject to certain qualifications, limitations and uncertainties.  In order to reduce the possibility that certain changes in ownership could result in limitations on the use of our tax attributes, our certificate of incorporation contains provisions which generally restrict the ability of a person or entity from acquiring ownership (including through attribution under the tax law) of five percent or more of the common shares and the ability of persons or entities now owning five percent or more of the common shares from acquiring additional common shares.  The restrictions will remain in effect until the earliest of (a) December 31, 2024, (b) the repeal of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (or any comparable successor provision) or (c) the beginning of a taxable year to which these tax benefits may no longer be carried forward.

The following table presents information on our purchases of our common shares during the three months ended December 31, 2014:

There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the period covered by this report.

Set forth below is a graph comparing the cumulative total stockholder return on our common shares against the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index, the Standard & Poor’s 1500 Industrial Conglomerates Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Financials Index for the period commencing December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2014.  Index data was furnished by Standard & Poor’s Capital IQ.  The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2009 in each of our common stock, the S&P 500 Index, the S&P 1500 Industrial Conglomerates Index and the S&P 500 Financials Index and that all dividends were reinvested.

The purpose of this section is to discuss and analyze our consolidated financial condition, liquidity and capital resources and results of operations.  This analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnote disclosures contained in this report and the following “Cautionary Statement for Forward-Looking Information.”

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

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

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any results projected, forecasted, estimated or budgeted or may materially and adversely affect our actual results include, but are not limited to, those set forth in Item 1A. Risk Factors and elsewhere in this report and in our other public filings with the SEC.

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

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

A summary of results of continuing operations for the three years ended December 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):

Jefferies was acquired on March 1, 2013 and is reflected in our consolidated financial statements utilizing a one month lag; Jefferies fiscal year ends on November 30^th and its fiscal quarters end one month prior to our reporting periods.  A summary of results of operations for Jefferies included in the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the period from the Jefferies acquisition through December 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):

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.

As more fully described in our discussion of Critical Accounting Estimates, Goodwill, Jefferies recognized goodwill impairment losses of $54.0 million in its stand-alone financial statements for 2014 based on an evaluation performed on the basis of its reporting units.  In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we have not recognized these losses on a consolidated basis.

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

The following provides a summary of net revenues by source included in the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the period from the Jefferies acquisition through December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

Net revenues for 2014 reflect record investment banking revenues, partially offset by lower revenue due to challenging trading environments in Jefferies fixed income business, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2014.  Jefferies core equities business performed relatively well during 2014.  Jefferies 2014 results include a loss of $14.7 million from its investment in KCG Holdings, Inc. (“KCG”) and a gain of $19.9 million from its investment in Harbinger Group Inc. (“Harbinger”).

Net revenues for the period from the Jefferies acquisition through December 31, 2013 reflect solid performance in Jefferies equity sales and trading business and continued strength in its investment banking platform.  Jefferies fixed income businesses experienced difficult trading conditions for a portion of the period as a result of a change in expectations for interest rates surrounding the Federal Reserve’s plans for tapering its asset purchase program; though fixed income performance significantly improved during the fourth quarter of 2013.  Results include gains of $89.3 million in aggregate within Equities Principal transaction revenues from Jefferies investments in Knight Capital and Harbinger.

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

Equities revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014 include a loss of $14.7 million from Jefferies investment in KCG and a gain of $19.9 million from its investment in Harbinger, and for the period from the acquisition of Jefferies to December 31, 2013 include a gain of $19.5 million from its investment in KCG and a gain of $69.8 million from its investment in Harbinger.  Additionally, during the first quarter of 2014, Jefferies recognized a gain of $12.2 million in connection with its investment in CoreCommodity Management LLC.  For the year ended December 31, 2014 and the period from the acquisition of Jefferies to December 31, 2013, included within Interest expense allocated to Jefferies equities business is positive income of $45.1 million and $33.7 million, respectively, related to the amortization of premiums arising from the adjustment of Jefferies long-term debt to fair value as part of acquisition accounting.

For 2014, U.S. stock prices continued an overall upward trend with company earnings and economic data largely meeting expectations and the outlook for monetary policy remaining favorable.  While the markets in the fourth quarter were relatively unsettled, the S&P 500 Index was up 14.5% for the fiscal year and exchange trading volumes increased generally, which contributed to increased commission revenue.  Similarly, European exchange volumes grew significantly throughout the 2014 year.  Additionally, the performance from Jefferies electronic trading platform and prime brokerage business has continued to increase.

Equities revenue from the Jefferies Finance joint venture during the nine months ended December 31, 2014 were comparable to those from the joint venture during the same period in 2013.  Equities revenue from Jefferies LoanCore joint venture decreased during 2014 as compared to the 2013 period due to fewer securitizations.

U.S. equity market conditions during the 2013 period were characterized by continually increasing stock prices as the U.S. government maintained its monetary stimulus program.  In the equity markets, the NASDAQ Composite Index, the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 28%, 19% and 14%, respectively, with the S&P Index registering a series of record closing highs.  However, economic data in the U.S. continued to indicate a slow recovery and geopolitical concerns regarding the Middle East and a U.S. federal government shutdown added volatility in the U.S. and international markets.  Despite the rally in the equity markets in 2013, overall market volumes were subdued moderating customer flow in Jefferies U.S. cash equity business, although Jefferies benefited from certain block trading opportunities during the period.  In Europe, during the 2013 period, liquidity returned to the market as the European Central Bank convinced investors that it would not allow the Eurozone to breakup aiding results to both our cash and option desks, although the results were still impacted by relatively low trading volumes given the region’s fragile economy.  Additionally, Asian equity commissions were stronger, particularly in Japan with new monetary policies increasing trading volumes on the Nikkei Exchange.

Jefferies Securities Finance desk also contributed solidly to Equities revenue for the 2013 period and the performance of certain strategic investment strategies were strong.  Revenue from Jefferies sales and trading of convertible securities is reflective of increased market share as we have expanded our team in this business.  Net earnings from Jefferies Finance and LoanCore joint ventures reflect a solid level of securitization deals and loan closings during the 2013 period.

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

Included within Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the 2013 period is positive income of $55.5 million and $40.1 million, respectively, from the allocation to Jefferies fixed income business of a portion of the amortization of premiums arising from adjusting Jefferies long-term debt to fair value as part of acquisition accounting.

The fixed income markets during 2014 were impacted at various points by uncertainty with respect to U.S. economic data and concerns about the global economy, as well as reactions to legal matters regarding Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and anticipated monetary policy, which created market uncertainty.  Client trading demand was lower across most of the fixed income platform with the exception of increased customer flow in Jefferies international rates business, which benefited from tightening yields in Europe.  Credit spreads continued to tighten as the U.S. Federal Reserve continued to taper its bond buyback program at a measured pace.  In the fourth quarter of 2014, the volatility in the equity markets and the lowering of oil prices, put downward pressure on high yield bonds, especially those in the energy and transport sectors, as well as on the distressed trading markets.  Jefferies experienced a decline in the results of its efforts in distressed trading for the year, which was primarily due to mark to market inventory losses as a result of the broad sell-off in distressed and post-reorganization securities although investor interest in high yield asset classes was strong during the year as investors continued to migrate to certain asset classes in search of higher yields.  Futures sales and trading revenues for 2014 were negatively impacted by challenging market conditions for foreign currency trading and U.S. futures trading given political and economic instability in various global environments.

During the fourth quarter, as a result of the growth and margin challenges recently faced in its Jefferies Bache business, which conducts Jefferies futures and foreign exchange trading activities, Jefferies decided to pursue strategic alternatives for the business.  Jefferies is currently evaluating various options, which may include a sale to or combination with another similar business that improves the combined businesses’ competitive standing and margin.  Global net revenues from this business activity for 2014, which are included within Jefferies Fixed income results, were $175.3 million.  This is comprised of commissions, principal transaction revenues and net interest revenues.

Jefferies second quarter of fiscal 2013 was characterized by improving U.S. macroeconomic conditions, and, through the first half of May 2013, the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policies resulted in historically low yields for fixed income securities motivating investors to take on more risk in search for yield.  In May 2013, however, the Treasury market experienced a steep sell-off and credit spreads widened across the U.S. fixed income markets in reaction to an anticipated decrease in Federal Reserve treasury issuances and mortgage debt security purchases in future periods.  These market conditions negatively impacted Jefferies U.S. rates, corporates and U.S. mortgages revenues through August as the volatility made it difficult to realize net revenue from Jefferies customer flow.  In the latter part of the 2013 year, the fixed income markets stabilized with lower volatility and tightening spreads increasing overall customer flows across the various fixed income product classes.

While revenues rebounded towards the end of Jefferies fiscal year for its mortgage-backed securities business, the mid-year sell-off in U.S. Treasuries and the widening of credit spreads for mortgage products negatively impacted the overall results for 2013 by reducing trading volumes and increasing market volatility.  Corporate bond revenues were also negatively impacted by the widening of credit spreads in the third quarter though there was significant improvement during the fourth quarter of 2013 with more robust trading volumes and narrowing credit spreads.  Municipal securities underperformed as an asset class for a large part of the period as investors discounted greater risk than they had previously although investors began to return to the municipal market at the end of the period increasing Jefferies trading volumes.  Components of Jefferies futures business experienced varying degrees of fluctuations in customer trading volume but trading volume was relatively constant when considered overall and across the full period.

While Jefferies U.S. rates, corporates and U.S. mortgages desks underperformed, its leveraged credit business produced solid results as investors sought investment yields in this fixed income class and issuers of bank debt were active with the supply level creating a positive effect on liquidity in the secondary market.  Further, the low interest rate environment in the U.S. caused investors to seek higher yields in emerging market debt.  In addition, suppressed long-term interest rates in the U.S. encouraged investment in international mortgage-backed securities resulting in increased trading volumes, improved market liquidity and ultimately increased revenues on Jefferies international mortgage desk, despite experiencing reduced market liquidity and consequently lower levels of secondary market activity during the summer months of 2013.

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

Low borrowing costs and generally strong capital market conditions throughout most of 2014 were important factors in driving the growth in Jefferies debt and equity capital markets businesses.  These factors, together with generally strong corporate balance sheets and record equity valuations, were important in driving the growth in its merger and acquisition advisory business.

During 2014, from equity and debt capital raising activities, Jefferies generated $339.7 million and $627.5 million in revenues, respectively.  During 2014, Jefferies completed 1,109 public and private debt financings that raised $250 billion and Jefferies completed 184 public equity financings and 9 convertible offerings that raised $66 billion (159 of which it acted as sole or joint bookrunner).  Financial advisory revenues totaled $562.1 million, including revenues from 132 merger and acquisition transactions and 12 restructuring and recapitalization transactions with an aggregate transaction value of $176 billion.

During the 2013 period, despite uneven U.S. economic growth and uncertainty surrounding the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision on quantitative easing, capital market conditions continued to improve due to the availability of low-priced credit and a general rise in the stock market during 2013.  Mergers and acquisition activity gained momentum through the later part of the 2013 period.

During the 2013 period, from equity and debt capital raising activities, Jefferies generated $228.4 million and $410.4 million in revenues, respectively. Since the acquisition, Jefferies completed 412 public and private debt financings that raised $162.3 billion in aggregate, as companies took advantage of low borrowing costs and Jefferies completed 130 public equity financings that raised $32.9 billion (111 of which Jefferies acted as sole or joint bookrunner).  Jefferies financial advisory revenues totaled $369.2 million during this period, including revenues from 108 merger and acquisition transactions where Jefferies served as financial advisor.

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

Included within Compensation and benefits expense are share-based amortization expense for senior executive awards granted in January 2010 and September 2012, non-annual share-based and cash-based awards to other employees and certain year end awards that contain future service requirements for vesting.  Such awards are being amortized over their respective future service periods and amounted to compensation expense of $283.3 million and $232.0 million for 2014 and for the period from the Jefferies acquisition through December 31, 2013, respectively.  In addition, compensation and benefits expense includes $14.4 million and $11.0 million for 2014 and for the 2013 period, respectively, of additional amortization expense related to the write-up of the cost of outstanding share-based awards which had future service requirements at the acquisition date.  Compensation and benefits as a percentage of Net revenues was 56.8% and 56.9% for 2014 and for the 2013 period, respectively.

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

Non-compensation expenses for 2014 include approximately $7.6 million in impairment losses related to customer relationship intangible assets within its Jefferies Bache business, which constitutes Jefferies global futures sales and trading operations, and its International Asset Management business, which is included within Selling, general and other expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  During the fourth quarter of 2014, Jefferies recognized a bad debt provision, which primarily relates to a receivable of $52.3 million from a client to which it provided futures clearing and execution services, which declared bankruptcy.

Floor brokerage and clearing expenses for 2014 are reflective of the trading volumes in Jefferies equities trading businesses. Technology and communications expense includes costs associated with development of the various trading systems and projects associated with corporate support infrastructure, including communication enhancements to our global headquarters and incremental amortization expense associated with fair value adjustments to capitalized software recognized as part of acquisition accounting.  Occupancy and equipment rental expense reflects incremental office re-configuration expenditures at our global headquarters.  Business development costs reflect Jefferies continued efforts to continue to build market share, including its loan origination business conducted through its Jefferies Finance joint venture.  Jefferies continues to incur legal and consulting fees as part of implementing various regulatory requirements.

Non-compensation expenses for the 2013 period include approximately $21.1 million in incremental amortization expense associated with fair value adjustments to identifiable tangible and intangible assets recognized as part of acquisition accounting, $6.3 million in additional lease expense related to recognizing existing leases at their current market value and $11.6 million in merger-related investment banking filing fees.  Additionally, during 2013 an $8.7 million charge was recognized due to vacating certain office space in London.  Other expenses for 2013 include $38.4 million in litigation expenses, which includes litigation costs related to the final judgment on Jefferies last outstanding auction rate securities legal matter and to agreements reached in principle with the relevant authorities pertaining to an investigation of purchases and sales of mortgage-backed securities.

Floor brokerage and clearing expenses for the 2013 period are reflective of the trading volumes in Jefferies fixed income and equities trading businesses, including a meaningful volume of trading by its foreign exchange business.  Technology and communications expense includes costs associated with development of the various trading systems and various projects associated with corporate support infrastructure, including technology initiatives to support Dodd-Frank reporting requirements.  Jefferies continued to incur legal and consulting fees as part of implementing various regulatory requirements.

A summary of results of operations for National Beef for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):

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

The USDA reports market values for cattle, beef, offal and other products produced by ranchers, farmers and beef processors.  Generally, National Beef expects its profitability to improve as the ratio of the USDA comprehensive boxed beef cutout (a weekly reported measure of the total value of all USDA inspected primal cuts, grind and trim produced from fed cattle) to the USDA 5-area weekly average slaughter cattle price increases and for profitability to decline as the ratio decreases.  The ratio during 2012 was the lowest ratio for the corresponding periods during the past ten years and was largely unchanged during 2013 and 2014.  The ratio will likely remain below historic norms until herd expansion and/or plant closures result in an improved equilibrium between industry slaughter capacity and the available supply of fed cattle.

Revenues in 2014 increased about 5% in comparison to 2013, due primarily to higher selling prices despite lower sales volume, as fewer cattle were processed.  Revenues were largely unchanged during 2013 as compared to 2012.  Cost of sales increased markedly during 2014 as compared to 2013 as industry slaughter declined approximately 5% from 2013 and cattle prices increased approximately 22% on average.  Smaller cost increases in 2013 compared to 2012 were for similar reasons.  The combined effects of both lower volumes and tighter margins due to the relative higher price of cattle compared to the selling price of beef impacted margins leading to reduced profitability year-over-year. Selling, general and other expenses in 2013 included a $63.3 million impairment charge in connection with National Beef’s decision to close its Brawley, California beef processing plant.  In addition, in connection with closing the Brawley facility, National Beef recognized in 2014 $6.9 million of costs including employee separation and retention, systems decommissioning and various other expenses.  Of these amounts, $4.6 million related to employee separation, which is included in compensation and benefits, and the various other costs are included in selling, general and other expenses.  National Beef does not expect to incur significant additional costs related to the closure of the Brawley facility in future periods.

In addition to the unfavorable impacts of higher cattle prices and lower volumes, National Beef was also impacted by Walmart’s decision to discontinue using National Beef as a provider of its consumer-ready products in 2013.  National Beef has three consumer-ready processing facilities, one of which was completely dedicated to Walmart’s business and another substantially so dedicated.  National Beef continues to pursue replacement business for its consumer-ready facilities; however, it may not be able to fully replace the operating cash flow generated by the Walmart business in the near future, if at all.  During 2013 and 2014, the consumer-ready facilities operated at reduced levels, and continue to do so.  Results at the tannery were negatively impacted by record high costs for raw hides as an input, dislocation in its end-markets largely due to uneven demand from China and operating inefficiencies as the enhanced facility ramped-up production.

Income related to associated companies is comprised by our share of various investee’s underlying net income or loss, none of which is significant during the three year period.

Our other financial services businesses include the consolidated results of certain Leucadia asset management fund managers, the returns on our investments in these funds, unrealized gains related to certain securities classified as trading assets, and our share of the income of Berkadia, HomeFed, and prior to the Jefferies acquisition, Jefferies High Yield Holdings, LLC (“JHYH”).

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, revenues were $68.2 million, $186.1 million and $301.4 million, respectively.  Leucadia asset management generated the largest share of these revenues in 2014, totaling $52.5 million.  Leucadia asset management’s revenues were not significant in 2013.  Revenues and pre-tax results for 2013 and 2012 include principal transactions related to unrealized gains of $182.7 million and $301.3 million, respectively, from the change in value in securities classified as trading assets for which the fair value option was elected.  These amounts related to our investment in Jefferies prior to the Jefferies acquisition in March 2013.

For 2014, pre-tax income for Leucadia asset management was $39.2 million.  Pre-tax income of $139.1 million, $275.4 million and $374.6 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, also reflects income related to associated companies of $104.3 million in 2014, $95.4 million in 2013 and $73.9 million in 2012.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, income related to Berkadia was $101.2 million, $84.7 million and $38.0 million, respectively; for 2013, our share of Berkadia’s income includes an out of period adjustment of $16.4 million to record income related to prior periods.  For 2013 and 2012, income related to JHYH was $7.2 million and $33.9 million, respectively.  Our share of HomeFed’s income was not significant during the three year period.

Our other merchant banking operations reflect the results of a variety of other businesses including manufacturing and our recently formed oil and gas exploration and production businesses.  During September of 2014, we decided to cease further development of the Lake Charles clean energy project.  Project development costs to date, which were expensed as incurred, are reflected in discontinued operations.  Other operations also include our winery operations conducted by Crimson until it was distributed to shareholders in February 2013, and our real estate operations, substantially all of which were sold to HomeFed during March 2014 in exchange for HomeFed common shares.  Amounts for Crimson for the year ended December 31, 2012 include revenues of $48.2 million and pre-tax profits of $5.4 million; amounts for 2013 were not significant.

Net revenues for 2014 and 2012 include principal transactions related to unrealized gains of $99.3 million and $30.0 million, respectively, from the change in value in securities classified as trading assets for which the fair value option election was elected.  The unrealized gain for 2014 relates to our investment in Harbinger.  Net revenues also reflect net realized securities gains of $227.6 million in 2013 related to the sale of our common shares of Inmet Mining Corporation and $543.7 million in 2012 related to the sale of our common shares of Fortescue.  Net revenues for 2012 also reflect a gain on the redemption of the FMG Note of $526.2 million and $116.8 million related to interest income on the FMG Note.  In addition, net revenues for 2014 include a $22.7 million gain on the sale of an equity interest for cash proceeds of $33.0 million.

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, selling, general and other expenses for manufacturing were $8.5 million, $5.8 million and $5.9 million, respectively.  Selling, general and other expenses for real estate were $8.8 million, $34.1 million and $17.4 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively; included in these amounts were impairment charges for various real estate projects of $20.0 million and $4.2 million for 2013 and 2012, respectively.  For the year ended December 31, 2013, impairment charges related to real estate include an out of period adjustment of $15.4 million to record charges related to prior periods.  There were no significant impairment charges in 2014.  Selling, general and other expenses for 2014 and 2012 include charges of $3.2 million and $20.0 million, respectively, for estimated potential losses related to a legal proceeding, which is discussed in Note 26, in our consolidated financial statements.  The change in selling, general and other expenses during 2013 as compared to 2012 also reflects greater legal fees and costs related to certain litigation and lower costs for the winery operations.

Parent company interest totaled $98.1 million for 2014, $72.2 million for 2013, and $80.2 million for 2012.  The change in interest expense during 2014 as compared to 2013 primarily reflects the issuance of $750.0 million principal amount of 5.50% Senior Notes due 2023 and $250.0 million principal amount of 6.625% Senior Notes due 2043 in October 2013 and the maturity of certain of our debt securities during 2013 and 2014.  The decrease in interest expense in 2013 as compared to 2012 primarily reflects the maturity of certain of our debt securities during 2013 and repurchases of certain of our debt securities during the prior year.  Interest expense for 2013 also reflects the aggregate issuance of the $1 billion principal amount of Senior Notes in October 2013.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, our provision for income taxes was $166.0 million, representing an effective tax rate of about 44%.  Our 2014 provision was impacted by $24.5 million, or higher by 6%, related to the charge recorded to settle the litigation concerning the Jefferies acquisition, which is nondeductible.  Our 2014 provision includes an offsetting benefit of $22.2 million, or 6%, for the reduction of the valuation allowance with respect to certain net operating loss carryovers, which we now believe are more likely than not to be utilized before they expire.  Excluding these items, our tax rate was higher primarily due to state income taxes, which were lower in 2013 as a result of favorable audit resolutions.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, our provision for income taxes was $136.5 million, and our effective tax rate was about 25%.  Our 2013 provision was impacted by $12.3 million, or increased by 2%, related to a charge to reserve for a portion of our net deferred tax asset for state income taxes, resulting from the change in our expected state tax filings as a result of the Jefferies acquisition.  Our 2013 provision includes offsetting benefits of $97.9 million, which reduced our effective tax rate by 18%, related to the Jefferies acquisition.  In periods prior to 2013, we recorded income tax expense and a related deferred tax liability for the unrealized gain on our Jefferies investment, which at that time we recorded at fair value.  Upon acquisition of Jefferies, we reversed that deferred tax liability, benefitting our provision for income taxes by $34.0 million.  In addition, we did not record income tax expense with respect to the income from our Jefferies investment and the related deferred tax liability during the portion of the first quarter of 2013 prior to our acquisition of Jefferies, which benefitted our provision for income taxes by $64.0 million.

Our loss from discontinued operations, net of tax and our gain (loss) on disposal from discontinued operations, net of tax include the impact of a number of changes in the mix of our businesses and investments.  During the three years ended December 31, 2014, discontinued operations include: our decision in September 2014 not to proceed with further development of the Lake Charles clean energy project that would have used gasification technology to convert low-grade fuel fossils into clean-energy products; our July 2014 sale of Premier, through which we had conducted our gaming entertainment operations; our sale of Empire in December 2013; our conclusion in October 2013 that we would no longer continue to fund Sangart’s research and development operations, through which we had conducted our medical product development operations; our sale of Keen Energy Services, LLC in December 2012; and other transactions whose impact are not significant to our consolidated results.

Our loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax totaled $17.9 million in 2014, $60.0 million in 2013 and $33.8 million in 2012.  Our 2014 loss consisted primarily of $25.4 million in losses related to our Lake Charles clean energy project, offset by income of about $6.1 million from Premier.  Our 2013 loss includes primarily $47.8 million in losses related to Lake Charles and $23.7 million in losses from Sangart, offset by income of $11.9 million from Premier.  Our 2012 loss reflects losses of $15.4 million from Lake Charles and $29.2 million from Sangart, offset by income of $8.4 million from Premier.

Our gain on disposal from discontinued operations, net of tax totaled $1.7 million in 2014 and $13.1 million in 2013; our loss on disposal from discontinued operations, net of tax totaled $4.1 million in 2012.  Our 2014 gain was not significant to our consolidated results.  Our 2013 gain includes $8.7 million related to the sale of Empire and the impact of a number of other insignificant transactions.  Included in our 2012 loss, with offsetting gains, is $11.7 million related to the sale of Keen Energy.

For further information, see Note 30 to our consolidated financial statements.

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

In addition to cash and cash equivalents, we have certain other investments that are easily convertible into cash within a relatively short period of time.  These are classified as trading assets, available for sale securities, and investments in managed funds.  Together these total $2.1 billion, with the largest portion comprised of cash and short-term bonds and notes of the U.S. Government and its agencies, and other publicly traded debt and equity securities.  Our available liquidity, and the investment income realized from cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities is used to meet our short-term recurring cash requirements, which are principally the payment of interest on our debt and corporate overhead expenses.

The parent company’s only long-term cash requirement is to make principal payments on its long-term debt ($1,458.6 million principal outstanding as of December 31, 2014), of which $458.6 million is due in 2015, $750.0 million in 2023 and $250.0 million in 2043.  The $97.6 million of 3.75% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 were converted primarily in April 2014 into 4,606,109 common shares prior to maturity and are no longer outstanding.  Historically, we have used our available liquidity to make acquisitions of new businesses and other investments, but, except as disclosed in this report, the timing of any future investments and the cost cannot be predicted.

From time to time in the past, we have accessed public and private credit markets and raised capital in underwritten bond financings.  The funds raised have been used by us for general corporate purposes, including for our existing businesses and new investment opportunities.  Our senior debt obligations are rated Ba1 by Moody’s Investors Services and BBB- by Standard and Poor’s and Fitch Ratings.  These ratings reflect S&P’s downgrade by one notch (from BBB) during December 2014, in connection with the application of its new ratings criteria.  Ratings issued by bond rating agencies are subject to change at any time.

As of December 31, 2014, we own approximately 46.6 million common shares of Harbinger, representing approximately 23% of its outstanding common shares, which are accounted for under the fair value option.  The shares were acquired at an aggregate cost of $475.6 million ($317.5 million during 2014), are classified as Trading Assets and carried at fair value of $659.9 million at December 31, 2014.  In addition, we currently have two directors on Harbinger’s board, one of which serves as its Chairman.  We have agreed not to increase our interest in Harbinger above 27.5% through March 17, 2016.

During 2014, we invested $345.1 million in the Leucadia asset management platform, the majority of which is available for sale immediately and considered to be part of our available liquidity.  Substantially all of the invested funds represent seed capital for new investment vehicles managed by us or third parties that employ distinct and diverse investment strategies. Leucadia asset management has raised and intends to continue to raise additional capital from third party investors as it seeks to build its asset management business.

During 2014, we also invested a total of $184.2 million in initial and add-on investments in Juneau Energy, and a total of $239.0 million in Vitesse Energy.  Juneau leases and develops oil and gas properties in Texas and Oklahoma. Vitesse selectively acquires non-operating oil and gas interests in the heart of the Bakken Shale oil field.

In September 2014, we invested $70.9 million, net in a joint venture (Golden Queen Mining Company, LLC) with Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. and the Clay family to jointly fund, develop and operate the Soledad Mountain project. The project is a fully-permitted, open pit, heap leach gold and silver project located in Kern County, California. Construction has started on site and commissioning is planned for late 2015. At December 31, 2014, we have an approximate 34% interest in the joint venture. We have committed to invest during the nine months after our initial investment up to an additional approximately $27 million to fully develop the project.

In July 2014, we sold Premier, through which we had conducted our gaming operations, for aggregate cash consideration of $250.0 million, subject to working capital adjustment. We recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of discontinued operations of $12.1 million in the third quarter of 2014.

In January 2015, we entered into a credit agreement with FXCM Inc., for a $300 million two-year senior secured term loan with rights to require a sale of FXCM and to a variable proportion of the sale proceeds.  For further information, see Recent Transactions in Part I, Item 1 of this Report.

At December 31, 2014, we had outstanding 367,498,615 common shares and 13,657,000 share based awards that do not require the holder to pay any exercise price (potentially an aggregate of 381,155,615 outstanding common shares if all awards become outstanding common shares).  In November 2012, the Board of Directors increased the number of our common shares that we are authorized to purchase to 25,000,000.  Such purchases may be made from time to time in the open market, through block trades or otherwise.  Depending on market conditions and other factors, such purchases may be commenced or suspended at any time without notice.  During December 2014, we repurchased 704,806 common shares for $15.2 million.  As of December 31, 2014 we are authorized to repurchase 24,295,194 common shares.

We and certain of our subsidiaries have federal income tax net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) of approximately $3.4 billion at December 31, 2014 and other tax attributes.  The amount and availability of the NOLs and other tax attributes are subject to certain qualifications, limitations and uncertainties.  In order to reduce the possibility that certain changes in ownership could impose limitations on the use of the NOLs, our certificate of incorporation contains provisions which generally restrict the ability of a person or entity from acquiring ownership (including through attribution under the tax law) of five percent or more of the common shares and the ability of persons or entities now owning five percent or more of the common shares from acquiring additional common shares.  The restrictions will remain in effect until the earliest of (a) December 31, 2024, (b) the repeal of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (or any comparable successor provision) or (c) the beginning of a taxable year to which certain tax benefits may no longer be carried forward.  For more information about the NOLs and other tax attributes, see Note 22 to our consolidated financial statements.

In connection with presentations made to credit rating agencies with respect to the Jefferies acquisition, we advised the agencies that we would target specific concentration, leverage and liquidity principles in the future, expressed in the form of certain ratios and percentages, although there is no legal requirement to do so.  These thresholds and calculations of the actual ratios and percentages are detailed below at December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

In addition, management has indicated that our largest single investment will be not more than 20% of equity excluding Jefferies (currently National Beef), and that the next largest investment will be no more than 10% of equity excluding Jefferies, in each case measured at the time such investment was made.  The ratio of parent company debt to stressed equity excluding the net deferred tax asset exceeded the maximum due to the Senior Notes sold in October 2013.  However, as these notes were issued, in part, to provide funds for maturing notes, it is considered to be a temporary situation that will not impact our credit ratings.

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 activity.  The liquid nature of these assets provides flexibility in financing and managing Jefferies business.

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

Jefferies LLC (Jefferies U.S. futures commission merchant) and Jefferies Bache Limited (Jefferies U.K. commodities and financial futures broker-dealer), receive cash or securities as margin to secure customer futures trades.  Jefferies LLC (a U.S. broker-dealer), under SEC Rule 15c3-3 and under CFTC Regulation 1.25, is required to maintain customer cash or qualified securities in a segregated reserve account for the exclusive benefit of our clients.  Jefferies is required to conduct customer segregation calculations to ensure the appropriate amounts of funds are segregated and that no customer funds are used to finance firm activity.  Similar requirements exist under the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority’s Client Money Rules with respect to Jefferies European-based activities conducted through Jefferies Bache Limited and Jefferies International Limited (a U.K. broker-dealer).  Customer funds received are required to be separately segregated and held by us as statutory trustee for our customers.  If Jefferies rehypothecates customer securities, that activity is conducted only to finance customer activity.  Additionally, Jefferies does not lend customer cash to counterparties to conduct securities financing activity (i.e., Jefferies does not lend customer cash to reverse in securities).  Further, Jefferies has no customer loan activity in Jefferies International Limited and does not have any European prime brokerage operations.  In Jefferies Bache Limited, any funds received from a customer are placed on deposit and not used as part of operations.  Jefferies does not transfer U.S. customer assets to its U.K. entities.

Substantially all trading assets and trading liabilities are valued on a daily basis and balance sheet limits for the various businesses are monitored and employed.  The overall securities inventory is continually monitored, including the inventory turnover rate, which confirms the liquidity of overall assets.  As a Primary Dealer in the U.S. and with a similar role in several European jurisdictions, Jefferies carries inventory and makes an active market for its clients in securities issued by the various governments.  These inventory positions are substantially comprised of the most liquid securities in the asset class, with a significant portion in holdings of securities of G-7 countries.  For further detail on Jefferies outstanding sovereign exposure to Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, refer to Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk below.

Of Jefferies total trading assets, approximately 74% are readily and consistently financeable at haircuts of 10% or less.  In addition, as a matter of Jefferies policy, a portion of these assets has internal capital assessed, which is in addition to the funding haircuts provided in the securities finance markets.  Additionally, trading assets consisting of bank loans, investments and non-agency mortgage-backed securities 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 maximum levels.  At December 31, 2014, our Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition includes Jefferies Level 3 trading assets that are 3% of total trading assets.

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

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):

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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):

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 74% of inventory at haircuts of 10% or less, which reflects the liquidity of the inventory.  Jefferies continually assesses the liquidity of its inventory based on the level at which Jefferies could obtain financing in the marketplace for a given asset.  Assets are considered to be liquid if financing can be obtained in the repurchase market or the securities lending market at collateral haircut levels of 10% or less.  The following summarizes Jefferies trading assets by asset class that are considered to be of a liquid nature and the amount of such assets that have not been pledged as collateral as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (in thousands):

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.

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 80% of Jefferies repurchase financing activities use collateral that is considered eligible collateral by central clearing corporations.  Central clearing corporations are situated between participating members who borrow cash and lend securities (or vice versa); accordingly repo participants contract with the central clearing corporation and not one another individually.  Therefore, counterparty credit risk is borne by the central clearing corporation which mitigates the risk through initial margin demands and variation margin calls from repo participants.  The comparatively large proportion of Jefferies total repo activity that is eligible for central clearing reflects the high quality and liquid composition of its trading inventory.  The tenor of repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements generally exceeds the expected holding period of the financed assets.  A significant portion of Jefferies financing of European Sovereign inventory is executed using central clearinghouse financing arrangements rather than via bi-lateral repo agreements.  For those asset classes not eligible for central clearinghouse financing, bi-lateral financings are sought on an extended term basis.

In addition to the above financing arrangements, Jefferies issues notes backed by eligible collateral under a master repurchase agreement.  The outstanding amount of the notes issued under the program was $575.0 million in aggregate, which is presented within Other secured financings in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at December 31, 2014.  Of the $575.0 million aggregate notes, $60.0 million matures in February 2015, $85.0 million matures in March 2015, $200.0 million in July 2016 and $80.0 million in August 2016, all bearing interest at a spread over one month LIBOR.

Weighted average maturity of repurchase agreements for non-clearing corporation eligible funded inventory is approximately three months.  Jefferies ability to finance inventory via central clearinghouses and bi-lateral arrangements is augmented by Jefferies ability to draw bank loans on an uncommitted basis under various banking arrangements.  As of December 31, 2014, short-term borrowings, which include bank loans, as well as borrowings under revolving credit facilities which must be repaid within one year or less, totaled $12.0 million.  Interest under the bank lines is generally at a spread over the federal funds rate.  Letters of credit are used in the normal course of business mostly to satisfy various collateral requirements in favor of exchanges in lieu of depositing cash or securities.  Average daily short-term borrowings for Jefferies for 2014 and for the 2013 period were $81.7 million and $43.3 million, respectively.

Jefferies long-term debt reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at December 31, 2014 is $6.3 billion, which excludes $170.0 million of outstanding borrowings under a long-term revolving Credit Facility.  Jefferies long-term debt has a weighted average maturity of 8 years, excluding the Jefferies Credit Facility.  Jefferies next scheduled maturity is the $500.0 million principal amount of 3.875% Senior Notes that mature in November 2015.

The Jefferies Credit Facility is a committed senior secured revolving credit facility with a group of commercial banks in Dollars, Euros and Sterling, for an aggregate committed amount of $950.0 million, with availability subject to one or more borrowing bases and of which $250.0 million can be borrowed by Jefferies Bache Limited without a borrowing base requirement.  In June 2014, Jefferies amended and restated the facility to extend the term for three years and reduced the committed amount to $750.0 million.  The borrowers under the facility are Jefferies Bache Financial Services, Inc., Jefferies Bache, LLC and Jefferies Bache Limited, with a guarantee from Jefferies Group LLC.  On September 1, 2014, Jefferies Bache, LLC merged with and into Jefferies LLC.  Jefferies LLC is the surviving entity, and therefore, a borrower under the Credit Facility.  Interest is based on, in the case of U.S. dollar borrowings, either the Federal funds rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate, or in the case of non-U.S. dollar borrowings, is based on the London Interbank Offered Rate.  The facility is guaranteed by Jefferies Group LLC and contains financial covenants that, among other things, imposes restrictions on future indebtedness of its subsidiaries, requires Jefferies Group LLC to maintain specified levels of tangible net worth and liquidity amounts, and requires certain of its subsidiaries to maintain specified levels of regulated capital.  Jefferies is currently in compliance with the facility and expects to remain in compliance given its current liquidity and anticipated additional funding requirements given its business plan and profitability expectations.

In May 2014, Jefferies issued under its $2.0 billion Euro Medium Term Note Program senior unsecured notes with a principal amount of €500.0 million, due 2020, which bear interest at 2.375% per annum.  Proceeds amounted to €498.7 million.

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

In connection with certain over-the-counter derivative contract arrangements and certain other trading arrangements, Jefferies may be required to provide additional collateral to counterparties, exchanges and clearing organizations in the event of a credit rating downgrade.  The amount of additional collateral that could be called by counterparties, exchanges and clearing organizations under the terms of such agreements in the event of a downgrade of Jefferies long-term credit rating below investment grade was $93.3 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.

Jefferies operates broker-dealers registered with the SEC and member firms of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA").  Jefferies LLC and Jefferies Execution are subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission Uniform Net Capital Rule ("Rule 15c3-1"), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital and which may limit distributions from the broker-dealers.  On September 1, 2014, Jefferies Bache, LLC (a Futures Commission Merchant (“FCM”)) merged with and into Jefferies LLC.  Jefferies LLC, as the surviving entity, registered as an FCM and is subject to Rule 1.17 of the Commodities 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.  FINRA is the designated self-regulatory organization for the U.S. broker-dealers and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange is the designee for Jefferies LLC as an FCM.

Jefferies LLC and Jefferies Execution’s net capital and excess net capital were as follows (in thousands):

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

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

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

Net cash of $987.2 million was used for operating activities in 2014 and net cash of $702.3 million and $645.4 million was provided by operating activities in 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Jefferies used funds of $276.6 million during 2014 and generated funds of $750.1 million during 2013.  National Beef used funds of $55.0 million during 2014 and generated funds of $85.4 million and $141.4 million during 2013 and 2012, respectively; manufacturing generated funds of $27.1 million, $30.0 million and $27.4 million during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively; and discontinued operations used funds of $40.7 million, $77.4 million and $17.2 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  During 2014, cash of $317.5 million was used to acquire our investment in Harbinger and make additional investments of $345.1 million in the Leucadia asset management platform, both of which are classified as a use of cash for operating activities.  During 2012, operating cash of $452.2 million was generated from our trading portfolio (primarily from the sale of our investment in Mueller Industries, Inc.).  Operating cash for 2012 also reflects interest payments of $202.2 million received from Chichester Metals Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (the note (the “FMG Note”) was redeemed in the fourth quarter of 2012) and premiums paid to redeem debt ($17.1 million). The change in operating cash flows also reflects greater interest payments in 2014 and 2013 as compared to 2012 and lower income tax payments in 2014 and 2012 as compared to 2013.  During 2014, distributions from associated companies principally were received from Berkadia ($72.9 million), Garcadia ($46.0 million) and Jefferies associated companies ($54.0 million).  During 2013, distributions from associated companies principally were received from Berkadia ($69.0 million), Garcadia ($26.0 million) and Jefferies associated companies ($37.7 million).  During 2012, distributions from associated companies principally were received from Berkadia ($37.6 million), JHYH ($5.2 million) and Garcadia ($18.4 million).  Net losses related to real estate, property and equipment, and other assets in 2013 include National Beef’s impairment loss of $63.3 million with respect to its Brawley facility.  Net gains related to real estate, property and equipment, and other assets in 2012 include $526.2 million from the redemption of the FMG Note.

Net cash of $449.1 million and $3,323.6 million was provided by investing activities in 2014 and 2013, respectively, as compared to net cash used for investing activities of $16.6 million in 2012.  Cash acquired upon acquisition of Jefferies was $3,018.0 million in 2013.  Acquisitions of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, and other assets include amounts primarily related to Jefferies ($113.0 million and $53.9 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively); National Beef ($48.2 million, $44.4 million and $45.6 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively); other merchant banking businesses, primarily oil and gas exploration and production businesses in 2014, ($406.6 million, $11.0 million and $10.6 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively); and discontinued operations ($9.4 million, $25.8 million and $13.1 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively).  Proceeds from disposal of discontinued operations, net of expenses and cash of operations sold in 2014 relates to the sale of Premier and, in 2012, primarily relates to the sale of Keen Energy Services and our small Caribbean-based telecommunications provider. During 2012, cash used for investing activities reflects the proceeds received from the redemption of the FMG Note.  Loans to and investments in associated companies includes Golden Queen ($105.0 million, including $34.1 million contributed from the noncontrolling interest), Garcadia ($48.3 million), Linkem ($18.4 million) and Jefferies associated companies ($2,786.4 million) for 2014;  Garcadia ($38.4 million), Linkem ($107.4 million) and Jefferies associated companies ($2,241.2 million) for 2013; and Linkem ($23.7 million) in 2012.  Capital distributions and loan repayment from associated companies includes Jefferies associated companies ($2,750.6 million) and Garcadia ($3.8 million) in 2014; Jefferies associated companies ($2,360.7 million) and Garcadia ($14.2 million) in 2013; and Berkadia ($35.0 million) and Garcadia ($12.0 million) in 2012.

Net cash of $917.8 million was provided by financing activities in 2014 and $270.5 million and $651.7 million was used for financing activities in 2013 and 2012, respectively.  During 2014, issuance of debt primarily reflects increases in Jefferies debt ($681.2 million), borrowings by National Beef under its bank credit facility ($135.1 million), borrowings by the other financial services businesses ($125.5 million) and borrowings by the other merchant banking businesses ($60.8 million). Issuance of long-term debt during 2013 primarily reflects $750.0 million principal amount of our 5.50% Senior Notes due 2023, $250.0 million principal amount of our 6.625% Senior Notes due 2043, borrowings by National Beef under its bank credit facility ($106.8 million) and increases in Jefferies debt ($1,034.7 million).

Reduction of debt for 2014 includes $32.8 million related to National Beef’s debt, $280.0 million related to Jefferies debt and $117.8 million of debt related to other financial services businesses’ debt.  Reduction of debt for 2013 includes $94.5 million and $307.4 million, respectively, on the maturity of our 7.75% Senior Notes and 7% Senior Notes, $120.6 million related to National Beef’s debt, $980.0 million related to Jefferies debt and the decrease in repurchase agreements (exclusive of Jefferies) of $391.7 million.  Reduction of debt for 2012 includes redemptions of debt of the parent company ($516.2 million principal amount), a decrease in repurchase agreements and repayments under National Beef’s term loans and bank credit facility.  Distributions to noncontrolling interests in 2013 principally represent the redemption of third-party investors in JHYH.  Contributions from noncontrolling interests include $34.1 million related to Golden Queen in 2014 and $37.5 million related to Leucadia asset management in 2013.  Purchases of common shares for treasury relate to shares received from participants in our stock compensation plans and, in 2014, the buyback of our common shares in the open market ($15.2 million).

As shown below, at December 31, 2014, our contractual cash obligations totaled $13,150.6 million.

Amounts related to our U.S. pension obligations ($112.1 million) are not included in the above table as the timing of payments is uncertain; however, we do not expect to make any contributions to these plans in 2015.  For further information, see Note 21 in our consolidated financial statements.  In addition, the above amounts do not include liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits as the timing of payments, if any, is uncertain.  Such amounts aggregated $185.9 million at December 31, 2014; for more information, see Note 22 in our consolidated financial statements.

Our U.S. pension obligations relate to frozen defined benefit pension plans, principally the defined benefit plan of WilTel Communications Group, LLC, our former telecommunications subsidiary.  When we sold WilTel in 2005, its defined benefit pension plan was not transferred in connection with the sale.  At December 31, 2014, we had recorded a liability of $107.9 million in our Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition for WilTel’s unfunded defined benefit pension plan obligation.  This amount represents the difference between the present value of amounts owed to former employees of WilTel (referred to as the projected benefit obligation) and the market value of plan assets set aside in segregated trust accounts.  Since the benefits in this plan have been frozen, future changes to the unfunded benefit obligation are expected to principally result from benefit payments, changes in the market value of plan assets, differences between actuarial assumptions and actual experience and interest rates.

Calculations of pension expense and projected benefit obligations are prepared by actuaries based on assumptions provided by management.  These assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis, including assumptions about discount rates, interest credit rates and expected long-term rates of return on plan assets.  The timing of expected future benefit payments was used in conjunction with the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve to develop a discount rate for the WilTel plan that is representative of the high quality corporate bond market.  Holding all other assumptions constant, a 0.25% change in the discount rate would affect pension expense in 2015 by $0.5 million and the benefit obligation by $11.7 million, of which $10.2 million relates to the WilTel plan.

The deferred losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic pension cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations ($126.2 million at December 31, 2014).  These deferred amounts primarily result from differences between the actual and assumed return on plan assets and changes in actuarial assumptions, including changes in discount rates and changes in interest credit rates.  They are amortized to expense if they exceed 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market value of plan assets as of the beginning of the year.  The estimated net loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into pension expense in 2015 is $7.8 million.

The assumed long-term rates of return on plan assets are based on the investment objectives of the plans, which are more fully discussed in Note 21 in our consolidated financial statements.

As shown below, at December 31, 2014, our commitments and guarantees, substantially all of which related to Jefferies, totaled $70,645.5 million.

We have agreed to reimburse Berkshire Hathaway for up to one-half of any losses incurred under a $2.5 billion surety policy securing outstanding commercial paper issued by an affiliate of Berkadia.  As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate amount of commercial paper outstanding was $2.47 billion.  This commitment is not included in the table above as the timing of payments, if any, is uncertain.

In the normal course of business Jefferies engages in other off-balance sheet arrangements, including derivative contracts.  Neither derivatives’ notional amounts nor underlying instrument values are reflected as assets or liabilities in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  Rather, the fair value of derivative contracts are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as Trading assets – Derivative contracts or Trading Liabilities – Derivative contracts as applicable.  Derivative contracts are reflected net of cash paid or received pursuant to credit support agreements and are reported on a net by counterparty basis when a legal right of offset exists under an enforceable master netting agreement.  For additional information about our accounting policies and our derivative activities see Notes 2, 5 and 6 in our consolidated financial statements.

Jefferies is routinely involved with variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in connection with mortgage-backed securities securitization activities.  VIEs are entities in which equity investors lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. VIEs are consolidated by the primary beneficiary.  The primary beneficiary is the party who has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and who has 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.  We do not generally consolidate the various VIEs related to Jefferies mortgage-backed securities securitization activities because we are not the primary beneficiary.

At December 31, 2014, Jefferies did not have any commitments to purchase assets from its securitization vehicles.  Jefferies held $540.0 million of mortgage-backed securities issued by VIEs for which it was initially involved as transferor and placement agent, which are accounted for at fair value and recorded within Trading assets on our Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at December 31, 2014.  For additional information regarding VIEs, see Notes 8 and 10 in our consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes – We record a valuation allowance to reduce our net deferred tax asset to the net amount that is more likely than not to be realized.  If in the future we determine that it is more likely than not that we will be able to realize our net deferred tax asset in excess of our net recorded amount, an adjustment to increase the net deferred tax asset would increase income in such period.  If in the future we were to determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of its recorded net deferred tax asset, an adjustment to decrease the net deferred tax asset would be charged to income in such period.  We are required to consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, and to weight the evidence when determining whether a valuation allowance is required and the amount of such valuation allowance.  Generally, greater weight is required to be placed on objectively verifiable evidence when making this assessment, in particular on recent historical operating results.

Our estimate of future taxable income considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, about our operating businesses and investments, includes an aggregation of individual projections for each significant operating business and investment, estimated apportionment factors for state and local taxing jurisdictions and includes all future years that we estimate we will have available NOLs (until 2029).  We believe that our estimate of future taxable income is reasonable but inherently uncertain, and if our current or future operations and investments generate taxable income different than the projected amounts, further adjustments to the valuation allowance are possible.  The current balance of the deferred tax valuation allowance principally reserves for NOLs of certain subsidiaries that are not available to offset income generated by other members of the consolidated tax return group.

During 2013, Walmart discontinued using National Beef as a supplier of consumer-ready beef products.  National Beef has three consumer-ready processing facilities, one of which was completely dedicated to Walmart’s business and another substantially so dedicated.  National Beef continues to pursue replacement business for its consumer-ready facilities; however, it may not be able to fully replace the operating cash flow generated by the Walmart business in the near future, if at all.  During 2014, the three consumer-ready facilities operated at reduced levels, and continue to do so.  Failure to fully replace the operating cash flow could lead to additional impairment charges.

Impairment of Equity Method Investments – We evaluate equity method investments for impairment when operating losses or other factors may indicate a decrease in value which is other than temporary.  We consider a variety of factors including economic conditions nationally and in their geographic areas of operation, adverse changes in the industry in which they operate, declines in business prospects, deterioration in earnings, increasing costs of operations and other relevant factors specific to the investee.  Whenever we believe conditions or events indicate that one of these investments might be significantly impaired, we obtain from such investee updated cash flow projections and impairment analyses of the investee assets.  We use this information and, together with discussions with the investee’s management, evaluate if the book value of its investment exceeds its fair value, and if so and the situation is deemed other than temporary, record an impairment charge.

Goodwill –We allocate the acquisition cost of consolidated businesses to the specific tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their fair values.  Significant judgments and estimates are often made by management to determine these values, and may include the use of appraisals, consideration of market quotes for similar transactions, use of discounted cash flow techniques or consideration of other information we believe to be relevant.  Any excess acquisition cost over the fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill, which is not amortized to expense.  Substantially all of our goodwill was recognized in connection with the Jefferies acquisition.

At least annually, and more frequently if warranted, we assess whether goodwill has been impaired at the reporting unit level.  If the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill at the reporting unit level is not impaired.  If the estimated fair value is less than carrying value, further analysis is necessary to determine the amount of impairment, if any.  The fair values are based on valuation techniques that we believe market participants would use, although the valuation process requires significant judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions.  The methodologies we utilize in estimating fair value include market capitalization, price-to-book multiples of comparable exchange traded companies, multiples of mergers and acquisitions of similar businesses and/or projected cash flows.  The estimates and assumptions used in determining fair value could have a significant effect on whether or not an impairment charge is recorded and the magnitude of such a charge.  Adverse market or economic events could result in impairment charges in future periods.

An independent valuation specialist was engaged to assist with the valuation process relating to Jefferies for its annual goodwill impairment test as of August 1.  The results of this test did not indicate any impairment.  During the fourth quarter of 2014, Jefferies decided to pursue alternative strategies for its Futures business, including possible divesture, given the recent operating performance and margin challenges of the business.  In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2014, Jefferies decided to liquidate its International Asset Management business.  In connection with these two events, Jefferies recognized goodwill impairment losses of $54.0 million.  As U.S. GAAP requires that our assessment be performed at our reporting unit level, and the estimated fair value of Jefferies exceeded its carrying value, we are not recognizing any impairment losses related to Jefferies.  The $54.0 million impairment loss recorded by Jefferies is a difference between its stand-alone financial statements and the Jefferies results included in our consolidated financial statements.

An independent valuation specialist was also engaged to assist with the valuation process relating to National Beef.  As the estimated fair value of National Beef was less than its carrying value, further analysis was performed, which indicated that the implied fair value of the goodwill exceeded the carrying amount of the goodwill.  Accordingly, National Beef’s goodwill was not impaired.

An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is not amortized but assessed for impairment annually, or more frequently, when certain events or circumstances exist indicating an assessment for impairment is necessary.  Impairment exists when the carrying amount exceeds its fair value.  Fair value will be determined using valuation techniques consistent with what a market participant would use.  All of our indefinite-lived intangible assets were recognized in connection with the Jefferies acquisition, and our annual impairment testing date is as of August 1.

Compensation and Benefits – A portion of Jefferies compensation and benefits represents discretionary bonuses, which are finalized at year end.  In addition to the level of net revenues, Jefferies overall compensation expense in any given year is influenced by prevailing labor markets, revenue mix, profitability, individual and business performance metrics, and use of share-based compensation programs.  We believe the most appropriate way to allocate Jefferies estimated annual total compensation among interim periods is in proportion to projected net revenues earned.  Consequently, during the year we accrue Jefferies compensation and benefits based on annual targeted compensation ratios, taking into account the mix of its revenues and the timing of expense recognition.

Contingencies – In the normal course of business, we have been named, from time to time, as a defendant in legal and regulatory proceedings.  We 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 recognize a liability for a contingency when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.  If the reasonable estimate of a probable loss is a range, we accrue the most likely amount of such loss, and if such amount is not determinable, then we accrue the minimum in the range as the loss accrual.  The determination of the outcome and loss estimates requires significant judgment on the part of management, can be highly subjective and is subject to significant change with the passage of time as more information becomes available.  Estimating the ultimate impact of litigation matters is inherently uncertain, in particular because the ultimate outcome will rest on events and decisions of others that may not be within our power to control.  We do not believe that any of our current litigation will have a significant adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity; however, if amounts paid at the resolution of litigation are in excess of recorded reserve amounts, the excess could be significant in relation to results of operations for that period.  For further information, see Note 26 in our consolidated financial statements.

The following includes “forward-looking statements” that involve risk and uncertainties.  Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  The discussion of risk is presented separately for Jefferies and the balance of our company.  Exclusive of Jefferies, our market risk arises principally from interest rate risk related to our financial instruments owned and equity price risk.  As more fully discussed elsewhere in this Report, we own approximately 46.6 million common shares of Harbinger, representing approximately 23% of Harbinger’s outstanding common shares, which are accounted for under the fair value option and included within Trading Assets at fair value of $659.9 million at December 31, 2014. Assuming a decline of 10% in market prices, the value of our investment in Harbinger could decrease by approximately $66 million.

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.

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

As with all measures of VaR, the estimate has inherent limitations due to the assumption that historical changes in market conditions are representative of the future.  Furthermore, the VaR model measures the risk of a current static position over a one-day horizon and might not capture the market risk of positions that cannot be liquidated or offset with hedges in a one-day period.  Published VaR results reflect past trading positions while future risk depends on future positions.

While Jefferies believes the assumptions and inputs in its risk model are reasonable, Jefferies could incur losses greater than the reported VaR because the historical market prices and rates changes may not be an accurate measure of future market events and conditions.  Consequently, this VaR estimate is only one of a number of tools Jefferies uses in its daily risk management activities.  When comparing the VaR numbers to those of other firms, it is important to remember that different methodologies and assumptions could produce significantly different results.

The following table illustrates each separate component of VaR for each component of market risk by interest rate, equity, currency and commodity products, as well as for Jefferies overall trading positions using the past 365 days of historical data.  The aggregated VaR presented here is less than the sum of the individual components (i.e., interest rate risk, foreign exchange rate risk, equity risk and commodity price risk) due to the benefit of diversification among the four risk categories.  Diversification benefit equals the difference between aggregated VaR and the sum of VaRs for the four risk categories and arises because the market risk categories are not perfectly correlated.  Since we consolidate Jefferies on a one month lag, all amounts reported are for Jefferies annual fiscal periods.

The primary method used to test the efficacy of the VaR model is to compare actual daily net revenue for those positions included in the VaR calculation with the daily VaR estimate.  This evaluation is performed at various levels of the trading portfolio, from the holding company level down to specific business lines.  For the VaR model, trading related revenue is defined as principal transaction revenue, trading related commissions, revenue from securitization activities and net interest income.  For a 95% confidence one day VaR model (i.e., no intra-day trading), assuming current changes in market value are consistent with the historical changes used in the calculation, net trading losses would not be expected to exceed the VaR estimates more than twelve times on an annual basis (i.e., once in every 20 days).  During the year ended November 30, 2014, results of the evaluation at the aggregate level demonstrated three days when the net trading loss exceeded the 95% one day VaR.

Certain individual positions within financial instruments are not included in the VaR model because VaR is not the most appropriate measure of risk.  Accordingly, Jefferies Risk Management has additional procedures in place to assure that the level of potential loss that would arise from market movements are within acceptable levels.  Such procedures include performing stress tests, monitoring concentration risk and tracking price target/stop loss levels.  The table below presents the potential reduction in net income associated with a 10% stress of or the sensitivity to a 10% stress of the fair value of the positions that are not included in the VaR model at November 30, 2014 (in thousands):

 

There were 44 days with trading losses out of a total of 251 days in the year ended November 30, 2014, including 17 in the three months ended November 30, 2014. Excluding trading losses associated with the daily marking to market of the position in KCG in the year ended November 30, 2014, there were 26 days with trading losses, of which 16 occurred in the fourth quarter of 2014.

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.

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:

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

Current counterparty credit exposures are summarized in the table below and provided by credit quality, region and industry. Credit exposures presented take netting and collateral into consideration by counterparty and master agreement.  Collateral taken into consideration includes both collateral received as cash as well as collateral received in the form of securities or other arrangements.  Current exposure is the loss that would be incurred on a particular set of positions in the event of default by the counterparty, assuming no recovery.  Current exposure equals the fair value of the positions less collateral.  Issuer risk is the credit risk arising from inventory positions (for example, corporate debt securities and secondary bank loans).  Issuer risk is included in Jefferies country risk exposure tables below.  The amounts in the tables below are for amounts included in our Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in millions).