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Compensation Plans
12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2015
Compensation Related Costs [Abstract]  
Compensation Plans
Compensation Plans
Prior to the Leucadia Transaction, we sponsored the following share-based compensation plans: incentive compensation plan, employee stock purchase plan and the deferred compensation plan. Subsequently, sponsorship of share-based compensation plans was transferred to Leucadia, with outstanding share-based awards relating to Leucadia common shares and future awards to relate to Leucadia common shares. The fair value of share-based awards is estimated on the date of grant based on the market price of the underlying common stock less the impact of selling restrictions subsequent to vesting, if any, and is amortized as compensation expense over the related requisite service periods. We are allocated costs associated with awards granted to our employees under such plans.
In addition, we sponsor non-share-based compensation plans. Non-share-based compensation plans sponsored by us include a profit sharing plan and other forms of restricted cash awards.
The components of total compensation cost associated with certain of our compensation plans are as follows (in millions):
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
Year 
 Ended 
 November 30, 
 2015
 
Year 
 Ended 
 November 30, 
 2014
 
Nine Months 
 Ended 
 November 30, 
 2013
 
 
Three Months 
 Ended 
 February 28, 
 2013
Components of compensation cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Restricted cash awards
$
249.2

 
$
193.7

 
$
164.4

 
 
48.2

  Restricted stock and RSUs (1)
57.9

 
84.5

 
64.4

 
 
22.3

  Profit sharing plan
6.1

 
6.1

 
3.2

 
 
2.6

Total compensation cost
$
313.2

 
$
284.3

 
$
232.0

 
 
$
73.1


(1)
Total compensation cost associated with restricted stock and RSUs includes the amortization of sign-on, retention and senior executive awards, less forfeitures and clawbacks. Additionally, we recognize compensation cost related to the discount provided to employees in electing to defer compensation under the Deferred Compensation Plan. This compensation cost was approximately $399,000 for the year ended November 30, 2015, $268,000 for the year ended November 30, 2014, $111,000 and $72,000 for the nine months ended November 30, 2013 and three months ended February 28, 2013, respectively.

Remaining unamortized amounts related to certain compensation plans at November 30, 2015 is as follows (in millions):
 
Remaining Unamortized Amounts
 
 
Weighted Average Vesting Period
(in Years)
Non-vested share-based awards
$
32.1

 
 
2
Restricted cash awards
258.3

 
 
3
      Total
$
290.4

 
 
 


In December 2015, we approved approximately $318.7 million of restricted cash awards related to the 2015 performance year that contain a future service requirement. Absent estimated or actual forfeitures or cancellations or accelerations, the annual compensation cost for these awards will be recognized as follows (in millions):
 
Year 
 Ended 
 November 30, 
 2015
 
Year 
 Ended 
 November 30, 
 2016
 
Year 
 Ended 
 November 30, 
 2017
 
Thereafter
 
Total
Restricted cash awards
$
61.6

 
$
61.6

 
$
61.6

 
$
133.9

 
$
318.7


The following are descriptions of the compensation plans.

Incentive Compensation Plan. The Incentive Compensation Plan (“Incentive Plan”) allows for awards in the form of incentive stock options (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code), nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, performance awards, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents or other share-based awards. Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) give a participant the right to receive fully vested common shares at the end of a specified deferral period, allowing a participant to hold an interest tied to common stock on a tax deferred basis. Prior to settlement, RSUs carry no voting or dividend rights associated with the stock ownership, but dividend equivalents are accrued to the extent there are dividends declared on the underlying common shares as cash amounts or as deemed reinvestments in additional RSUs. In connection with the Leucadia Transaction, the Incentive Plan was amended to provide for awards to be issued relating to shares of Leucadia, our parent company at March 1, 2013. Share-based awards outstanding at March 1, 2013 were converted into awards for shares of Leucadia at the Exchange Ratio, with all such awards subject to the same terms and conditions that previously existed (except for the elimination of fractional shares).
Restricted stock and RSUs may be granted to new employees as “sign-on” awards, to existing employees as “retention” awards and to certain executive officers as awards for multiple years. Sign-on and retention awards are generally subject to annual ratable vesting over a four-year service period and are amortized as compensation expense on a straight line basis over the related four years. Restricted stock and RSUs are granted to certain senior executives with both performance and service conditions, and are amortized over the service period if we determine that it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. Awards granted to senior executives related to the 2015 and 2014 fiscal year did not meet performance targets, and as a result, compensation expense has been adjusted to reflect the reduced number of shares that will vest.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan. There is also an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) which we consider noncompensatory effective January 1, 2007. The ESPP permits all regular full-time employees and employees who work part time over 20 hours per week to purchase, at a discount, Leucadia common shares. Annual employee contributions are limited to $21,250, are voluntary and made through payroll deduction. The stock purchase price is equal to 95% of the closing price of common stock on the last day of the applicable session (monthly).
Deferred Compensation Plan. There is also a Deferred Compensation Plan, which was established in 2001. Eligible employees are able to defer compensation on a pre-tax basis, with deferred amounts deemed invested at a discount in Leucadia common shares and, prior to the Leucadia Transaction, in Jefferies Group, Inc. common stock, or by allocating among any combination of other investment funds available under the Deferred Compensation Plan. In connection with the transaction with Leucadia on March 1, 2013, the Deferred Compensation Plan was amended and deferrals denominated as Deferred Compensation Plan shares became settleable by delivery of Leucadia common shares. We often invest directly, as a principal, in investments corresponding to the other investment funds, relating to our obligations to perform under the Deferred Compensation Plan. The compensation deferred by our employees is expensed in the period earned. The change in fair value of our investments in assets corresponding to the specified other investment funds are recognized in Principal transaction revenues and changes in the corresponding deferral compensation liability are reflected as Compensation and benefits expense in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Profit Sharing Plan. We have a profit sharing plan, covering substantially all employees, which includes a salary reduction feature designed to qualify under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Restricted Cash Awards. We provide compensation to new and existing employees in the form of loans and/or other cash awards which are subject to ratable vesting terms with service requirements. We amortize these awards to compensation expense over the relevant service period, which is generally considered to start at the beginning of the annual compensation year.