XML 59 R44.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Our policy is to consolidate all entities in which we can vote a majority of the outstanding voting stock. In addition, we consolidate entities which meet the definition of a variable interest entity for which we are 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 consider special allocations of cash flows and preferences, if any, to determine amounts allocable to noncontrolling interests. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

In situations where we have significant influence, but not control, of an entity that does not qualify as a variable interest entity, we apply either the equity method of accounting or fair value accounting pursuant to the fair value option election under GAAP. We have also formed nonconsolidated investment vehicles with third-party investors that are typically organized as partnerships or limited liability companies and are carried at fair value. Our subsidiaries may act as general partner or managing member for these investment vehicles and have generally provided the third-party investors with termination or “kick-out” rights.

Revenue Recognition Policies

Beef Processing and Other Operations

Revenues are recognized when the following conditions are met: (1) collectibility is reasonably assured; (2) title to the product has passed or the service has been rendered and earned; (3) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; and (4) there is a fixed or determinable price. National Beef’s revenues are recognized based on the terms of the sale, which for beef processing operations is typically upon delivery to customers. Manufacturing revenues are recognized when title passes.

Investment Banking Activities

Commissions. All customer securities transactions are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition on a settlement date basis with related income reported on a trade date basis. We permit institutional customers to allocate a portion of their gross commissions to pay for research products and other services provided by third parties. The amounts allocated for those purposes are commonly referred to as soft dollar arrangements. These arrangements are accounted for on an accrual basis and, as we are not the primary obligor for these arrangements, netted against commission revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The commissions and related expenses on client transactions executed by Jefferies LLC, a futures commission merchant, are recorded on a half-turn basis. In addition, we earn asset-based fees associated with the management and supervision of assets, account services and administration related to customer accounts.

Principal Transactions. Trading assets and trading liabilities are carried at fair value with gains and losses reflected in Principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a trade date basis. Fees received on loans carried at fair value are also recorded within Principal transactions.

Investment Banking. Underwriting revenues and fees from mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and other investment banking advisory assignments or engagements are recorded when the services related to the underlying transactions are completed under the terms of the assignment or engagement. Expenses associated with such assignments are deferred until reimbursed by the client, the related revenue is recognized or the engagement is otherwise concluded. Expenses are recorded net of client reimbursements and netted against revenues. Unreimbursed expenses with no related revenues are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Interest Revenue and Expense. Interest expense that is deducted from Revenues to arrive at Net revenues is related to Jefferies operations. Contractual interest on Trading assets and Trading liabilities is recognized on an accrual basis as a component of Interest income and Interest expense. Interest flows on derivative trading transactions and dividends are included as part of the fair valuation of these contracts and recognized in Principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations rather than as a component of interest income or expense. Discounts/premiums arising on long-term debt are accreted/amortized to Interest expense using the effective yield method over the remaining lives of the underlying debt obligations. Interest revenue related to Securities borrowed and Securities purchased under agreements to resell activities and interest expense related to Securities loaned and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase activities are recognized on an accrual basis.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments, including money market funds, not held for resale with original maturities of three months or less.

Cash and Securities Segregated and on Deposit for Regulatory Purposes or Deposited With Clearing and Depository Organizations

In accordance with Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Jefferies LLC, as a broker-dealer carrying client accounts, is subject to requirements related to maintaining cash or qualified securities in a segregated reserve account for the exclusive benefit of its clients. In addition, certain financial instruments used for initial and variation margin purposes with clearing and depository organizations are recorded in this caption. Jefferies LLC, as a futures commission merchant, is obligated by rules mandated by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") under the Commodities Exchange Act, to segregate or set aside cash or qualified securities to satisfy such regulations, which regulations have been promulgated to protect customer assets. During October 2015, Jefferies ceased being a full service futures commission merchant. As a result, Jefferies no longer carries customer or proprietary accounts or holds any customer monies or funds. Certain other entities are also obligated by rules mandated by their primary regulators to segregate or set aside cash or equivalent securities to satisfy regulations, promulgated to protect customer assets.

Financial Instruments and Fair Value

Trading assets and Trading liabilities are recorded at fair value, either as required by accounting pronouncements or through the fair value option election. Gains and losses on trading assets and trading liabilities are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations in Principal transactions. Available for sales securities are reflected at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reflected as a separate component of equity, net of taxes. When sold, realized gains and losses on available for sale securities are reflected in the caption Net realized securities gains. The cost of securities sold is based on average cost. Fair value is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (the exit price).

Fair Value Hierarchy

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



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



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



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

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

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

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

Valuation Process for Financial Instruments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Investments in Managed Funds

Investments in managed funds include our investments in funds managed by us and our investments in related party managed funds in which we are entitled to a portion of the management and/or performance fees. Investments in nonconsolidated managed funds are accounted for at fair value with gains or losses included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Asset management fees and investment income from managed funds include revenues we earn from management, administrative and performance fees from funds and accounts managed by us, revenues from management and performance fees we earn from related-party managed funds and investment income from our investments in these funds. We earn fees in connection with management and investment advisory services performed for various funds and managed accounts. These fees are based on assets under management or an agreed upon notional amount and may include performance fees based upon the performance of the funds. Management and administrative fees are generally recognized over the period that the related service is provided. Generally, performance fees are earned when the return on assets under management exceeds certain benchmark returns, “high-water marks” or other performance targets. Performance fees are accrued (or reversed) on a monthly basis based on measuring performance to date versus any relevant benchmark return hurdles stated in the investment management agreement. Performance fees are not subject to adjustment once the measurement period ends (generally annual periods) and the performance fees have been realized.

Loans to and Investments in Associated Companies

Loans to and investments in associated companies include investments in private equity and other operating entities in which we exercise significant influence over operating and capital decisions and loans issued in connection with such investments. Loans to and investments in associated companies are accounted for using the equity method. See Note 11 for additional information regarding certain of these investments.

Under the equity method of accounting, our share of the investee’s underlying net income or loss is recorded as Income (loss) related to associated companies, or as part of Other revenues if such investees are considered to be an extension of our business. Income (loss) for investees for which the fair value option was elected is reported as Principal transactions revenues.

Receivables and Provision for Doubtful Accounts

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, Receivables include receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations of $1,616.3 million and $2,187.5 million, respectively, and receivables from customers of securities operations of $1,191.3 million and $1,250.5 million, respectively.

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 Jefferies provided futures clearing and execution services, which declared bankruptcy.

Securities Borrowed And Securities Loaned

Securities Borrowed and Securities Loaned

Securities borrowed and securities loaned are carried at the amounts of cash collateral advanced and received in connection with the transactions and accounted for as collateralized financing transactions. In connection with both trading and brokerage activities, Jefferies borrows securities to cover short sales and to complete transactions in which customers have failed to deliver securities by the required settlement date, and lend securities to other brokers and dealers for similar purposes. Jefferies has an active securities borrowed and lending matched book business in which it borrows securities from one party and lends them to another party. When Jefferies borrows securities, it generally provides cash to the lender as collateral, which is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as Securities borrowed. Jefferies earns interest revenues on this cash collateral. Similarly, when Jefferies lends securities to another party, that party provides cash to Jefferies as collateral, which is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as Securities loaned. Jefferies pays interest expense on the cash collateral received from the party borrowing the securities. The initial collateral advanced or received approximates or is greater than the fair value of the securities borrowed or loaned. Jefferies monitors the fair value of the securities borrowed and loaned on a daily basis and requests additional collateral or returns excess collateral, as appropriate.

Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities purchased under agreements to resell and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (collectively "repos") are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at their contracted resale or repurchase amount plus accrued interest. Repos are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition on a net-basis-by counterparty, where permitted by GAAP. The fair value of the underlying securities is monitored daily versus the related receivable or payable balances. Should the fair value of the underlying securities decline or increase, additional collateral is requested or excess collateral is returned, as appropriate.

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, if less, the term of the underlying lease.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management’s judgment, that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. When testing for impairment, we group our long-lived assets with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities (or asset group). The determination of whether an asset group is recoverable is based on management’s estimate of undiscounted future cash flows directly attributable to the asset group as compared to its carrying value. If the carrying amount of the asset group is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated fair value.

During the fourth quarter of 2013, after exhausting all opportunities to improve the operating performance of the Brawley beef processing facility, which had been adversely affected by the declining supply of fed cattle available to the plant and fixed cost inefficiencies inherent in a single shift plant, National Beef concluded that this facility would continue to generate losses for the foreseeable future. This resulted in a decision in December 2013 to close the facility in the second quarter of 2014. National Beef evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets at Brawley, which had an aggregate carrying amount of $93.2 million at December 31, 2013, and based on its estimate of future undiscounted cash flows concluded that the carrying value was not recoverable and the facility was impaired. In performing this evaluation, National Beef determined that the Brawley facility was the asset group that represented the lowest level of cash flows that were largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.

The management of National Beef engaged an independent valuation and appraisal firm to assist in estimating the fair value of the long-lived assets at Brawley. National Beef’s estimate of fair value was based on an orderly liquidation technique, which represents the amount that can be realized in a liquidation sale, given a reasonable period of time to find a purchaser, assuming an as-is where-is condition. In preparing its analysis, National Beef considered current market conditions, replacement cost, as well as the age, physical and functional characteristics of the long-lived assets.

As a result, National Beef concluded that the fair value of the long-lived assets at the Brawley facility was $29.9 million at December 31, 2013, and recorded an impairment loss of $63.3 million, which is reflected in Selling, general and other expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013. As with any estimate of fair value, future market, regulatory and general economic conditions as well as the obsolescence, future deterioration of, or inability to locate a purchaser should National Beef decide to sell the facility could have a significant effect on their future value.

In addition to the long-lived asset impairment charge, National Beef incurred additional costs relating to the closing of the facility during 2014 of $6.9 million. These costs include 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 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

In 2015, we recorded impairment charges in Selling, general and other expenses of $27.7 million, primarily related to a $20.3 million impairment at our Juneau Energy oil and gas company and an additional impairment charge related to the Brawley plant of $4.7 million. For the oil and gas impairment test, we compare expected undiscounted future net cash flows to the unamortized capitalized cost of the asset. If the future undiscounted net cash flows are lower than the unamortized capital cost, we reduce the capitalized cost to fair market value. We used a third party reserve report in which the cash flows were calculated using West Texas Intermediate (oil) and Henry Hub (gas) NYMEX futures prices as of December 31, 2015. For one of our oil fields, the undiscounted net cash flows were lower than the unamortized capital cost and as a result, we wrote off the total capital cost. There were no significant impairment charges in 2014.

Excluding the National Beef impairment, we recorded impairment charges in Selling, general and other expenses of $20.0 million in 2013, all related to various real estate development projects. Prior to the impairment charges in 2013, these projects had a book value of $32.3 million; after recognizing the impairment charges the carrying value of the real estate projects was reduced to their estimated fair value of $12.3 million. Estimates of fair value were principally determined using discounted cash flow analyses and/or current and expected market conditions for the specific geographic area. 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.

Substantially all of our operating businesses sell products or services that are impacted by general economic conditions in the U.S. and to a lesser extent internationally. In recent years general economic conditions reduced the demand for products or services sold by our operating subsidiaries and/or resulted in reduced pricing for products or services. A worsening of current economic conditions could cause a decline in estimated future cash flows expected to be generated by our operations and investments. If future undiscounted cash flows are estimated to be less than the carrying amounts of the asset groups used to generate those cash flows in subsequent reporting periods, particularly for those with large investments in intangible assets, property and equipment and other long-lived assets (for example, Jefferies, National Beef, manufacturing, oil and gas exploration and production and certain associated company investments), impairment charges would have to be recorded.

Intangible Assets, Net and Goodwill

Intangible Assets. Intangible assets deemed to have finite lives are generally amortized on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives, where the useful life is the period over which the asset is expected to contribute directly, or indirectly, to our future cash flows. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment on an interim basis when certain events or circumstances exist. If future undiscounted cash flows are estimated to be less than the carrying amounts of the asset groups used to generate those cash flows in subsequent reporting periods, particularly for those with large investments in amortizable intangible assets, impairment charges would have to be recorded.

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 for Jefferies is as of August 1.

Goodwill. At acquisition, we allocate the cost of a business acquisition 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 of the cost of a business acquisition over the fair values of the net assets and liabilities 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 will assess whether goodwill has been impaired. 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, by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. The fair values will be based on widely accepted 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 merger 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. Our annual goodwill impairment testing date related to Jefferies is as of August 1

Inventories and Cost of Sales

National Beef’s inventories consist primarily of beef products, beef by-products and supplies, and are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost principally determined under the first-in-first-out method for beef products and average cost for supplies.

Manufacturing inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost principally determined under the first-in-first-out method. Manufacturing cost of sales principally includes product and manufacturing costs, inbound and outbound shipping costs and handling costs.

Payables, Expense Accruals and other Liabilities

Payables, expense accruals and other liabilities

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, Payables, expense accruals and other liabilities include payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations of $2,757.2 million and $2,280.1 million, respectively, and payables to customers of securities operations of $2,780.5 million and $6,242.0 million, respectively.

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 our 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 weigh 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 included all future years that we estimate we will have available net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) (until 2035). 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.

We also record reserves for unrecognized tax benefits based on our assessment of the probability of successfully sustaining tax filing positions. Interest and penalties, if any, are recorded as components of income tax expense. 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 could be significant to our Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition or results of operations.

Share-based Compensation

Share-based awards are measured based on the fair value of the award as determined in accordance with GAAP and recognized over the required service or vesting period. The fair value of options and warrants are estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected forfeitures are included in determining share-based compensation expense.

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars using the currency exchange rates at the end of the relevant period. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the period. The effects of exchange rate changes on the translation of the balance sheets, net of hedging gains or losses and taxes, if any, are included in other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and classified as Accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity. Gains or losses resulting from Jefferies foreign currency transactions are included in Principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations; gains or losses from foreign currency transactions unrelated to Jefferies were not significant.

Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is computed by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and certain other shares committed to be, but not yet issued. Net earnings available to common shareholders represent net earnings to common shareholders reduced by the allocation of earnings to participating securities. Losses are not allocated to participating securities. Common shares outstanding and certain other shares committed to be, but not yet issued, include restricted stock and restricted stock units ("RSUs") for which no future service is required. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders plus dividends on dilutive mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred shares and interest on convertible notes by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and certain other shares committed to be, but not yet issued, plus all dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period.

Unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and, therefore, are included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share under the two-class method of earnings per share. Restricted stock and RSUs granted as part of share-based compensation contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends and dividend equivalents, respectively, and therefore, prior to the requisite service being rendered for the right to retain the award, restricted stock and RSUs meet the definition of a participating security. As such, we calculate basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method.

Securitization Activities

Jefferies engages in securitization activities related to corporate loans, commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities. Such transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when we have relinquished control over the transferred assets. The gain or loss on sale of such financial assets depends, in part, on the previous carrying amount of the assets involved in the transfer allocated between the assets sold and the retained interests, if any, based upon their respective fair values at the date of sale. We may retain interests in the securitized financial assets as one or more tranches of the securitization. These retained interests are included within Trading assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value. Any changes in the fair value of such retained interests are recognized within Principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

When we transfer assets that do not meet the criteria of a sale, the transfer is accounted for as a secured borrowing and we continue to recognize the assets of a secured borrowing, and recognize the associated financing in Other secured financings in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

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.

Accounting Developments

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

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

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

Consolidation. In February 2015, the FASB issued new guidance that amends current consolidation guidance including changes to both the variable and voting interest models used to evaluate whether an entity should be consolidated. This guidance also eliminates the deferral of certain consolidation standards for entities considered to be investment companies. This guidance will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. We will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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

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

Financial Instruments. In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.