Jefferies Financial Group Inc. engages in the investment banking and capital markets, and asset management businesses in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The company operates in Investment Banking and Capital Markets, Asset Management, Merchant Banking, and Corporate segments. It provides investment banking, advisory services with respect to mergers or acquisitions, restructurings or recapitalizations and private capital advisory transactions; equity and debt underwriting; and corporate lending. In addition, the company offers financing, securities lending, and other prime brokerage services; equities research and finance; and wealth management services. Further, it provides clients with sales and trading of investment grade corporate bonds, U.S. and European government and agency securities, municipal bonds, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, leveraged loans, consumer loans, high yield and distressed securities, emerging markets debt, interest rate, and credit derivative products, as well as foreign exchange trade execution and securitization; and manages, invests in, and provides services to a diverse group of alternative asset management platforms across a spectrum of investment strategies and asset classes. The company was formerly known as Leucadia National Corporation and changed its name to Jefferies Financial Group Inc. in May 2018. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
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Here are 1-3 brief analogies to describe Jefferies Financial (JEF):
- A full-service investment bank, like a slightly smaller Goldman Sachs or Morgan Stanley.
- Imagine the investment banking and capital markets divisions of a large bank like JPMorgan Chase or Bank of America, but as its own independent company.
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- Investment Banking Services: Provides comprehensive advisory for mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, and capital raising through equity and debt underwriting.
- Equities Capital Markets: Offers institutional clients sales, trading, and research services across global equity securities.
- Fixed Income Capital Markets: Delivers institutional clients sales, trading, and research services for a diverse range of fixed income products.
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Jefferies Financial (JEF) - Major Customers
Jefferies Financial (JEF) is a diversified financial services company whose primary businesses are investment banking and capital markets. As such, it primarily sells its services to other companies and institutional clients, rather than to individuals directly (though some services cater to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices, these are often treated as institutional clients).
Due to the transactional and confidential nature of investment banking and capital markets services, specific "major customers" are not publicly disclosed in the way they might be for a product-based company with a concentrated sales model. Jefferies serves a vast and diverse client base globally across numerous engagements.
However, Jefferies' customer base can be broadly categorized into the following types of entities:
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Corporations: Public and private companies across a wide range of industries (e.g., healthcare, technology, industrials, energy, consumer, financial services). These clients engage Jefferies for services such as mergers & acquisitions (M&A) advisory, equity and debt capital raising (e.g., initial public offerings (IPOs), secondary offerings, bond issuances), and restructuring advice.
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Institutional Investors: This category includes asset managers, pension funds, mutual funds, hedge funds, sovereign wealth funds, and insurance companies. These clients utilize Jefferies for sales and trading services across various asset classes (equities, fixed income, foreign exchange, commodities), prime brokerage, and research.
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Financial Sponsors: This group encompasses private equity firms, venture capital firms, and other alternative investment funds. They typically engage Jefferies for M&A advisory, financing solutions for their portfolio companies, and capital raising for their own funds.
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Richard B. Handler, Chief Executive Officer
Richard B. Handler is the longest-tenured CEO on Wall Street, having been appointed CEO of Jefferies in 2001 and Chairman in 2002. He joined Jefferies in April 1990 as a salesman and trader. Prior to his time at Jefferies, he worked as an investment banker at First Boston and as a junk bond trader for Michael Milken at Drexel Burnham Lambert. In 2013, Jefferies merged with Leucadia, and Handler became CEO of both companies. He also played a key role in the rescue of Knight Capital Group in 2012. Beyond Jefferies, he serves as Chairman and CEO of the Handler Family Foundation and is involved with the advisory council of the Stanford University School of Business and the Board of Trustees for the University of Rochester.
Matthew S. Larson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Matthew S. Larson serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Jefferies Financial Group. He is also a Director.
Brian P. Friedman, President
Brian P. Friedman is the President and a Director of Jefferies Financial Group.
Joseph S. Steinberg, Chairman of the Board
Joseph S. Steinberg holds the position of Chairman of the Board at Jefferies Financial Group.
Michael J. Sharp, Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Michael J. Sharp is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Jefferies Financial Group.
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The key risks to Jefferies Financial Group (JEF) include significant exposure to a recent bankruptcy, the inherent cyclicality of its core business, and challenges indicated by certain financial health metrics.
- Exposure to First Brands Group Bankruptcy and Associated Investigations: Jefferies Financial Group faces substantial financial exposure, approximately $715 million in receivables, due to the bankruptcy of First Brands Group, LLC, an auto parts supplier. This situation has led to increased scrutiny from investors and regulatory bodies, including investigations by law firms and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) into potential violations of federal securities laws and disclosure practices. The ongoing volatility in Jefferies' stock and potential for litigation and reputational damage stem directly from this exposure.
- Cyclical Nature of Investment Banking and Capital Markets: As a full-service investment banking and capital markets firm, Jefferies' business is highly sensitive to the broader economic environment and market conditions. Fluctuations in areas such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, equity underwriting, and fixed income trading can directly impact the company's revenue and earnings. While there can be periods of strong performance, a downturn in market activity can significantly hinder profitability.
- Financial Health Indicators and Leverage: Jefferies exhibits a high debt-to-equity ratio of 2.27, suggesting a notable level of leverage. The company's Altman Z-Score of 1.12 places it within the "distress zone," indicating potential financial vulnerability. Additionally, the company's stock has shown high volatility, and its beta suggests a higher risk profile compared to the overall market.
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Jefferies Financial (symbol: JEF) operates in several key financial markets, with the following addressable market sizes for their main products and services:
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Investment Banking: The global investment banking market was valued at approximately $103.23 billion in 2024, with projections suggesting growth to $183.28 billion by 2032. Another estimate places the market at $184.92 billion in 2024, expected to reach $472.46 billion by 2035.
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Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Advisory: As a component of investment banking, the global M&A advisory market was valued at $27.87 billion in 2024, with an expected increase to $34.8 billion by 2033.
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Capital Markets: This broad category includes several services provided by Jefferies Financial.
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Equities/Equity Capital Markets: The global equity market capitalization reached $126.7 trillion in 2024. The global equity capital market (issuance) itself was $226.1 billion in 2025 and is forecast to grow to $421.7 billion by 2033.
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Fixed Income/Debt Capital Markets: The global fixed income markets outstanding amounted to $145.1 trillion in 2024. Global debt issuances were approximately $8.3 trillion during the first nine months of 2024. The global debt capital market (issuance) is projected to be $618.2 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach $1,014.7 billion by 2033.
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Equity Research: The global equity research market was valued at around $9.5 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow to $15.6 billion by 2030.
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Asset Management: The global asset management market size was estimated at $458.02 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow significantly to $3,677.39 billion by 2030.
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Wealth Management: The global wealth management market reached a value of approximately $1.8 trillion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $2.5 trillion by 2028 and $3.5 trillion by 2033.
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Jefferies Financial (JEF) is expected to drive future revenue growth over the next 2-3 years through several key initiatives and market dynamics:
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Sustained Investment Banking Market Share Gains Amid Improving Market Conditions: Jefferies has consistently demonstrated its ability to gain market share in its investment banking segment, particularly in advisory and underwriting services. A favorable market environment, marked by a positive mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape and robust debt and capital markets, is anticipated to further propel revenue growth in these areas.
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Expansion of Global Capital Markets Capabilities: The firm's capital markets division, encompassing both equities and fixed income, has shown strong performance. Jefferies aims for continued expansion in its global market share, broader client coverage, and enhanced electronic trading capabilities, all contributing to sustained revenue growth.
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Growth in Alternative Asset Management: The alternative asset management segment is expected to contribute to future revenue expansion, driven by increasing management and performance fees. This segment is a core component of Jefferies' business model.
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Strategic Investments in Technology and Infrastructure: Ongoing strategic investments aimed at enhancing technology and infrastructure are poised to drive growth. These investments are intended to improve operational efficiency, broaden service offerings, and ultimately boost client engagement and revenue generation.
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1. Share Repurchases
- Jefferies suspended its share buyback program in 2025 as its valuation entered high-risk territory after an exceptional 2024.
- In the first and second quarters of fiscal year 2025, Jefferies repurchased 0.7 million shares for $58 million and 696,207 common shares for $56.3 million, primarily in connection with net-share settlements related to equity compensation plans.
- As of 2022, Jefferies returned an aggregate of $5.0 billion in total capital to shareholders over the prior five years, including the repurchase of 152.8 million shares at an average of $23.57 per share.
2. Share Issuance
- Jefferies completed a $434 million equity raise in 2020.
- The company's shares outstanding have shown a decline over the past few fiscal years, with a 4% shrinkage in share count over the last two years.
3. Outbound Investments
- In 2022, Jefferies completed the spin-off of Vitesse Energy to its shareholders, which represented an estimated more than $500 million of shareholders' equity.
- In its December 2023 press release, the firm announced it is establishing full-service investment banking and capital markets capabilities in Canada.
- In September 2025, Jefferies significantly expanded its global strategic alliance with SMBC Group.
4. Capital Expenditures
- For the latest twelve months ending May 31, 2025, Jefferies Financial's capital expenditures were $199 million.
- Jefferies Financial's capital expenditures for fiscal years ending November 2020 to 2024 averaged $163.7 million, peaking in November 2024 at $250.6 million.
- Capital expenditures primarily represent spending on long-term assets such as office buildings, machines, and vehicles.
