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Loans to and Investments In Associated Companies
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2018
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Loans to and Investments in Associated Companies
Loans to and Investments in Associated Companies

A summary of Loans to and investments in associated companies accounted for under the equity method of accounting during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows (in thousands):

 
Loans to and investments in associated companies as of January 1,
 
Income (losses) related to associated companies
 
Income (losses) related to Jefferies Group's associated companies (1)
 
Contributions to (distributions from) associated companies, net
 
Other, including foreign exchange and unrealized gains (losses)
 
Loans to and investments in associated companies as of June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jefferies Finance
$
655,467

 
$

 
$
30,566

 
$
31,461

 
$

 
$
717,494

National Beef (2)

 
24,401

 

 
(13,099
)
 
592,239

 
603,541

Berkadia
210,594

 
51,742

 

 
(17,853
)
 
(720
)
 
243,763

FXCM (3)
158,856

 
(15,040
)
 

 

 
(34
)
 
143,782

Garcadia companies (4)
179,143

 
20,955

 

 
(22,915
)
 
(177,183
)
 

Linkem
192,136

 
(12,764
)
 

 
542

 
(2,321
)
 
177,593

HomeFed
341,874

 
4,445

 

 

 

 
346,319

Golden Queen (5)
105,005

 
(3,296
)
 

 
8,441

 

 
110,150

Other
223,754

 
(4,990
)
 
(5,732
)
 
(33,853
)
 
1,123

 
180,302

Total
$
2,066,829

 
$
65,453

 
$
24,834

 
$
(47,276
)
 
$
413,104

 
$
2,522,944

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jefferies Finance
$
490,464

 
$

 
$
50,176

 
$

 
$

 
$
540,640

Jefferies LoanCore
154,731

 

 
6,374

 
56,950

 

 
218,055

Berkadia
184,443

 
33,140

 

 
(4,567
)
 
32

 
213,048

FXCM (3)
336,258

 
(162,015
)
 

 

 
87

 
174,330

Garcadia companies
185,815

 
25,971

 

 
(29,407
)
 

 
182,379

Linkem
154,000

 
(17,024
)
 

 
31,996

 
22,765

 
191,737

HomeFed
302,231

 
9,684

 

 
31,316

 

 
343,231

Golden Queen
111,302

 
(1,709
)
 

 
(53
)
 

 
109,540

Other
205,854

 
(2,517
)
 
(2,055
)
 
65,181

 

 
266,463

Total
$
2,125,098

 
$
(114,470
)
 
$
54,495

 
$
151,416

 
$
22,884

 
$
2,239,423



(1)
Primarily classified in Investment banking revenues and Other revenues.
(2)
As discussed more fully in Notes 1 and 24, in June 2018, we completed the sale of 48% of National Beef to Marfrig, reducing our ownership in National Beef to 31%. As of the closing of the sale on June 5, 2018, we have deconsolidated our investment in National Beef and account for our remaining interest under the equity method of accounting.
(3)
As further described in Note 3, our investment in FXCM includes both our equity method investment in FXCM and our term loan with FXCM. Our equity method investment is included as Loans to and investments in associated companies and our term loan is included as Trading assets, at fair value in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
(4)
As more fully discussed in Note 1, in April 2018, we entered into an agreement to sell 100% of our equity interests in Garcadia and our associated real estate to our current partners, the Garff family. At June 30, 2018, our investment in Garcadia is classified as Assets held for sale in our Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition.
(5)
At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the balance reflects $27.0 million and $30.5 million, respectively, related to a noncontrolling interest.

Income (losses) related to associated companies includes the following (in thousands):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
National Beef
$
24,401

 
$

 
$
24,401

 
$

Berkadia
25,461

 
16,186

 
51,742

 
33,140

FXCM
(6,816
)
 
(12,115
)
 
(15,040
)
 
(162,015
)
Garcadia companies
9,572

 
12,677

 
20,955

 
25,971

Linkem
(5,309
)
 
(8,876
)
 
(12,764
)
 
(17,024
)
HomeFed
(7,165
)
 
9,348

 
4,445

 
9,684

Golden Queen
673

 
(412
)
 
(3,296
)
 
(1,709
)
Other
(7,464
)
 
(2,704
)
 
(4,990
)
 
(2,517
)
Total
$
33,353

 
$
14,104

 
$
65,453

 
$
(114,470
)

Income (losses) related to Jefferies Group's associated companies (primarily classified in Investment banking revenues and Other revenues) includes the following (in thousands):
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Jefferies Finance
$
20,733

 
$
25,211

 
$
30,566

 
$
50,176

Jefferies LoanCore

 
4,042

 

 
6,374

Other
(1,504
)
 
(1,021
)
 
(5,732
)
 
(2,055
)
Total
$
19,229

 
$
28,232

 
$
24,834

 
$
54,495



Jefferies Finance

Through Jefferies Group, we own 50% of Jefferies Finance LLC ("Jefferies Finance"), our joint venture with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company ("MassMutual"). Jefferies Finance is a commercial finance company whose primary focus is the origination and syndication of senior secured debt to middle market and growth companies in the form of term and revolving loans. Loans are originated primarily through the investment banking efforts of Jefferies Group. Jefferies Finance may also originate other debt products such as second lien term, bridge and mezzanine loans, as well as related equity co-investments. Jefferies Finance also purchases syndicated loans in the secondary market and acts as an investment advisor for various loan funds.

At June 30, 2018, Jefferies Group and MassMutual each had equity commitments to Jefferies Finance of $750.0 million. At June 30, 2018, $687.5 million of Jefferies Group's commitment was funded. The investment commitment is scheduled to expire on March 1, 2019 with automatic one year extensions absent a 60-day termination notice by either party.

Jefferies Finance has executed a Secured Revolving Credit Facility with Jefferies Group and MassMutual, to be funded equally, to support loan underwritings by Jefferies Finance, which bears interest based on the interest rates of the related Jefferies Finance underwritten loans and is secured by the underlying loans funded by the proceeds of the facility. The total Secured Revolving Credit Facility is a committed amount of $500.0 million at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Advances are shared equally between Jefferies Group and MassMutual. The facility is scheduled to mature on March 1, 2019 with automatic one year extensions absent a 60-day termination notice by either party. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, none of Jefferies Group's $250.0 million commitment was funded. Jefferies Group recognized interest income and unfunded commitment fees related to the facility of $0.7 million and $1.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $1.7 million and $2.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Jefferies Group engages in debt capital markets transactions with Jefferies Finance related to the originations and syndications of loans by Jefferies Finance. In connection with such services, Jefferies Group earned fees of $109.6 million and $73.1 million during the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $211.0 million and $139.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which are recognized in Investment banking revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, Jefferies Group paid fees to Jefferies Finance in respect of certain loans originated by Jefferies Finance of $14.9 million and $0.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $33.4 million and $2.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which are recognized within Selling, general and other expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Jefferies Group acts as a placement agent for CLOs managed by Jefferies Finance, for which Jefferies Group recognized fees of $2.4 million and $1.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $2.7 million and $3.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which are included in Investment banking revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, Jefferies Group held securities issued by CLOs managed by Jefferies Finance, which are included in Trading assets. Additionally, Jefferies Group has entered into participation agreements and derivative contracts with Jefferies Finance based upon certain securities issued by the CLO. Gains (losses) related to the derivative contracts were not material.

Under a service agreement, Jefferies Group charged Jefferies Finance $8.9 million and $9.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $35.0 million and $29.5 million for services provided during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. At June 30, 2018, Jefferies Group had a receivable from Jefferies Finance, included in Other assets in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition, of $49.9 million and a payable to Jefferies Finance, included in Payables, expense accruals and other liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition of $14.1 million. At December 31, 2017, Jefferies Group had a receivable from Jefferies Finance, included in Other assets in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition, of $34.6 million and a payable to Jefferies Finance, included in Payables, expense accruals and other liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition, of $14.1 million.

Jefferies Group enters into OTC foreign exchange contracts with Jefferies Finance. In connection with these contracts Jefferies Group had $0.2 million recorded in Receivables and $1.5 million included in Trading assets in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Jefferies LoanCore

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

National Beef

National Beef processes and markets fresh and chilled boxed beef, ground beef, beef by-products, consumer-ready beef and pork, and wet blue leather for domestic and international markets. As discussed in Notes 1 and 24, on June 5, 2018, we completed the sale of 48% of National Beef to Marfrig, reducing our ownership in National Beef to 31%. As of the closing of the sale on June 5, 2018, we have deconsolidated our investment in National Beef and account for our remaining interest under the equity method of accounting.

As part of the deconsolidation of National Beef, we adjusted our retained 31% interest in National Beef to fair value. The fair value of our retained 31% interest in National Beef of $592.3 million was based on the implied equity value of 100% of National Beef from the transaction with Marfrig. The transaction with Marfrig was based on a $1.9 billion equity valuation and a $2.3 billion enterprise valuation for 100% of National Beef. The fair value was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets of National Beef and a number of assets including customer relationships, tradenames, cattle supply contracts and property, plant and equipment had fair values higher than book values. As we recognize our share of National Beef's income going forward, the difference between the estimated fair value and the underlying book value of National Beef's customer relationships, tradenames, cattle supply contracts and property, plant and equipment will be amortized over their respective useful lives (weighted average life of 15 years).

Berkadia

Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC ("Berkadia") is a commercial mortgage banking and servicing joint venture formed in 2009 with Berkshire Hathaway Inc. We and Berkshire Hathaway each contributed $217.2 million of equity capital to the joint venture and each have a 50% equity interest in Berkadia. Through June 30, 2018, cumulative cash distributions received by Jefferies from this investment aggregated $579.9 million. Berkadia originates commercial/multifamily real estate loans that are sold to U.S. government agencies, and originates and brokers commercial/multifamily mortgage loans which are not part of government agency programs. Berkadia is an investment sales advisor focused on the multifamily industry. Berkadia is a servicer of commercial real estate loans in the U.S., performing primary, master and special servicing functions for U.S. government agency programs, commercial mortgage-backed securities transactions, banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions.

Berkadia uses all of the proceeds from the commercial paper sales of an affiliate of Berkadia to fund new mortgage loans, servicer advances, investments and other working capital requirements. Repayment of the commercial paper is supported by a $1.5 billion surety policy issued by a Berkshire Hathaway insurance subsidiary and corporate guaranty, and we have agreed to reimburse Berkshire Hathaway for one-half of any losses incurred thereunder. As of June 30, 2018, the aggregate amount of commercial paper outstanding was $1.47 billion.

FXCM

As discussed more fully in Note 3, at June 30, 2018, Jefferies has a 50% voting interest in FXCM and a senior secured term loan to FXCM due January 2019. On September 1, 2016, we gained the ability to significantly influence FXCM through our seats on the board of directors. As a result, we classify our equity investment in FXCM in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as Loans to and investments in associated companies. Our term loan remains classified within Trading assets, at fair value. We account for our equity interest in FXCM on a one month lag. We are amortizing our basis difference between the estimated fair value and the underlying book value of FXCM customer relationships, technology, trade name, leases and long-term debt over their respective useful lives.

During February 2017, Global Brokerage Holdings and FXCM's U.S. subsidiary, Forex Capital Markets LLC ("FXCM U.S.") settled complaints filed by the National Futures Association and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") against FXCM U.S. and certain of its principals relating to matters that occurred between 2010 and 2014. As part of the settlements, FXCM U.S. withdrew from business and sold FXCM U.S.'s customer accounts. Based on the above actions, we evaluated in the first quarter of 2017 whether our equity method investment was fully recoverable. We engaged an independent valuation firm to assist management in estimating the fair value of FXCM. Our estimate of fair value was based on a discounted cash flow and comparable public company analysis. The result of our analysis indicated that the estimated fair value of our equity interest in FXCM was lower than our carrying value by $130.2 million. We concluded based on the regulatory actions, FXCM's restructuring plan, investor perception and declines in the trading price of Global Brokerage's common shares and convertible debt, that the decline in fair value of our equity interest was other than temporary. As such, we impaired our equity investment in FXCM in the first quarter of 2017 by $130.2 million.

FXCM is considered a VIE and our term loan and equity interest are variable interests. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of FXCM because we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact FXCM's performance. Therefore, we do not consolidate FXCM.
Garcadia
Garcadia is a joint venture between us and Garff Enterprises, Inc. ("Garff") that owns and operates 28 automobile dealerships comprised of domestic and foreign automobile makers. The Garcadia joint venture agreement specifies that we and Garff shall have equal board representation and equal votes on all matters affecting Garcadia, and that all operating cash flows from Garcadia will be allocated 65% to us and 35% to Garff, with the exception of one dealership from which we receive 83% of all operating cash flows and four other dealerships from which we receive 71% of all operating cash flows. Garcadia’s strategy is to acquire automobile dealerships in primary or secondary market locations meeting its specified return criteria. 
In April 2018, we entered into an agreement to sell 100% of our equity interests in Garcadia and our associated real estate to our current partners, the Garff family. At closing, we will receive $435 million in cash and $50 million in senior preferred equity of an entity that will own all of the automobile dealerships associated broadly with the Ken Garff Automotive Group, including all the Garcadia dealerships. At or prior to closing, we will pay approximately $52 million to retire the mortgage debt on the real estate to be sold. This transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018. At June 30, 2018, our investment in Garcadia is reflected as Assets held for sale in our Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition.

Linkem

We own approximately 42% of the common shares of Linkem, a fixed wireless broadband services provider in Italy. In addition, we own approximately 63% of the 5% convertible preferred stock, which is automatically convertible to common shares in 2022. If all of our convertible preferred stock was converted, it would increase our ownership to approximately 54% of Linkem’s common equity at June 30, 2018. We have approximately 48% of the total voting securities of Linkem.
HomeFed

At June 30, 2018, we own 10,852,123 shares of HomeFed’s common stock, representing approximately 70% of HomeFed’s outstanding common shares; however, we have contractually agreed to limit our voting rights such that we will not be able to vote more than 45% of HomeFed’s total voting securities voting on any matter, assuming all HomeFed shares not owned by us are voted. HomeFed develops and owns residential and mixed-use real estate properties. HomeFed is a public company traded on the NASD OTC Bulletin Board (Symbol: HOFD). As a result of a 1998 distribution to all of our shareholders, approximately 5% of HomeFed is beneficially owned by our Chairman at June 30, 2018Three of our executives serve on the board of directors of HomeFed, including our Chairman who serves as HomeFed’s Chairman, and our President. Since we do not control HomeFed, our investment in HomeFed is accounted for under the equity method as an investment in an associated company. 

Golden Queen Mining Company

Since 2014, we invested $93.0 million, net in cash in a limited liability company (Gauss LLC) to partner with the Clay family and Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd., to jointly fund, develop and operate the Soledad Mountain gold and silver mine project.  Previously 100% owned by Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd., the project is a fully-permitted, open pit, heap leach gold and silver project located in Kern County, California, which commenced gold and silver production in March 2016. In exchange for a noncontrolling ownership interest in Gauss LLC, the Clay family contributed $34.5 million, net in cash. Gauss LLC invested both our and the Clay family’s net contributions totaling $127.5 million to the joint venture, Golden Queen, in exchange for a 50% ownership interest. Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. contributed the Soledad Mountain project to the joint venture in exchange for the other 50% interest.

As a result of our consolidating Gauss LLC, our Loans to and investments in associated companies reflects Gauss LLC’s net investment of $127.5 million in the joint venture, which includes both the amount we contributed and the amount contributed by the Clay family. The joint venture, Golden Queen, is considered a VIE as the voting rights of the investors are not proportional to their obligations to absorb the expected losses and their rights to receive the expected residual returns, given the provision of services to the joint venture by Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. Golden Queen Mining Co. Ltd. has entered into an agreement with the joint venture for the provision of executive officers, financial, managerial, administrative and other services, and office space and equipment. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the joint venture and are therefore not consolidating its results.

Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with the joint venture is limited to our investment. The excess of Gauss LLC's investment in Golden Queen's underlying book value is being amortized to expense over the estimated life of mine gold and silver sales.
Other
The following table provides summarized data for certain associated companies (Jefferies Finance, National Beef for the period subsequent to the closing of the transaction with Marfrig on June 5, 2018 and Berkadia) (in thousands):
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues
$
1,154,927

 
$
479,598

Income from continuing operations before extraordinary items
$
296,620

 
$
163,952

Net income
$
296,620

 
$
163,952