lnc3rdqtr2010form10q.htm



SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
__________

FORM 10-Q

[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010

OR

 
[  ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                              to

Commission File Number 1-5721

LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter)


New York
(State or other jurisdiction of
13-2615557
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification Number)
   
315 Park Avenue South, New York, New York
(Address of principal executive offices)
10010-3607
(Zip Code)

(212) 460-1900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

______________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant:  (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES              X                                 NO           _____

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
YES               X                                NO           _____

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.
 
See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer  x
 
Accelerated filer  o
Non-accelerated filer    o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES                                                  NO               X       

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:  Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, at October 28, 2010:  243,317,407.
 
 
 

 



PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements.

LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009
(Dollars in thousands, except par value)
(Unaudited)


   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 323,284     $ 130,475  
Investments
    110,166       84,707  
Trade, notes and other receivables, net
    101,725       163,863  
Prepaids and other current assets
    93,292       92,747  
Current assets of discontinued operations
    55,310       79,682  
Total current assets
    683,777       551,474  
Non-current investments ($424,651 and $210,364 collateralizing repurchase
               
agreements)
    2,585,700       2,128,238  
Notes and other receivables, net
    8,431       7,191  
Intangible assets, net and goodwill
    44,272       51,224  
Other assets
    534,560       518,866  
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net
    601,518       657,898  
Investments in associated companies ($1,931,607 and $1,792,683 measured
               
  using fair value option)
    2,817,684       2,764,885  
Non-current assets of discontinued operations
    31,393       82,588  
                 
Total
  $ 7,307,335     $ 6,762,364  
                 
LIABILITIES
               
Current liabilities:
               
Trade payables and expense accruals
  $ 153,291     $ 144,483  
Other current liabilities
    19,988       31,960  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    410,338       198,582  
Debt due within one year
    134,924       114,010  
Current liabilities of discontinued operations
    101,957       135,946  
Total current liabilities
    820,498       624,981  
Other non-current liabilities
    85,612       102,298  
Long-term debt
    1,608,376       1,657,779  
Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations
    3,350       2,809  
Total liabilities
    2,517,836       2,387,867  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
EQUITY
               
Common shares, par value $1 per share, authorized 600,000,000
               
shares; 243,317,407 and 243,288,154 shares issued and outstanding,
               
after deducting 47,525,707 and 47,524,960 shares held in treasury
    243,317       243,288  
Additional paid-in capital
    1,533,047       1,529,064  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    1,158,674       985,032  
Retained earnings
    1,848,353       1,604,263  
Total Leucadia National Corporation shareholders’ equity
    4,783,391       4,361,647  
Noncontrolling interest
    6,108       12,850  
Total equity
    4,789,499       4,374,497  
                 
Total
  $ 7,307,335     $ 6,762,364  


See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 
2

 


LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


 
   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended September 30,
   
Period Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Revenues and Other Income:
                       
Manufacturing
  $ 61,240     $ 61,274     $ 203,235     $ 169,928  
Oil and gas drilling services
    31,847             81,886        
Gaming entertainment
    31,069       26,953       86,209       79,672  
Investment and other income
    61,773       45,621       192,614       153,061  
Net securities gains (losses)
    (64 )     9,583       170,416       (20,251 )
      185,865       143,431       734,360       382,410  
Expenses:
                               
Manufacturing cost of sales
    53,183       54,424       174,134       146,979  
Direct operating expenses:
                               
   Oil and gas drilling services
    27,240             69,525        
   Gaming entertainment
    22,153       20,571       62,781       59,822  
Interest
    31,353       31,439       94,334       97,195  
Salaries and incentive compensation
    21,681       25,779       50,634       65,398  
Depreciation and amortization
    19,814       14,212       59,145       40,755  
Selling, general and other expenses
    69,126       34,008       154,357       216,800  
      244,550       180,433       664,910       626,949  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income
                               
   taxes and income related to associated companies
    (58,685 )     (37,002 )     69,450       (244,539 )
Income taxes
    3,540       1,341       10,936       5,810  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
                               
   income related to associated companies
    (62,225 )     (38,343 )     58,514       (250,349 )
Income related to associated companies, net of
                               
income tax provision (benefit) of $(3,382), $12,941,
                               
$(8,079) and $25,678
    324,712       379,517       153,984       867,203  
Income from continuing operations
    262,487       341,174       212,498       616,854  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax
                               
provision of $29, $339, $0 and $693
    (12,399 )     28,406       (7,183 )     23,577  
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income
                               
tax provision of $0, $0, $0 and $0
    39,882        –       39,882        –  
Net income
    289,970       369,580       245,197       640,431  
Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
    (2,215 )     619       (1,107 )     784  
                                 
Net income attributable to Leucadia National
                               
  Corporation common shareholders
  $ 287,755     $ 370,199     $ 244,090     $ 641,215  
                                 

(continued)





See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 


LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations (continued)
For the periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)



   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended September 30,
   
Period Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Basic earnings (loss) per common share attributable
                       
   to Leucadia National Corporation common shareholders:
 
 
               
 
 
   Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.08     $ 1.40     $ .88     $ 2.56  
   Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (.05 )     .12       (.03 )     .10  
   Gain on disposal of discontinued operations
     .15        –        .15        –  
Net income
  $ 1.18     $ 1.52     $ 1.00     $ 2.66  
                                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share attributable
                               
   to Leucadia National Corporation common shareholders:
                               
   Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.07     $ 1.38     $ .88     $ 2.52  
   Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (.05 )     .12       (.03 )     .09  
   Gain on disposal of discontinued operations
     .15        –        .15        –  
Net income
  $ 1.17     $ 1.50     $ 1.00     $ 2.61  
                                 
Amounts attributable to Leucadia National Corporation
                               
   common shareholders:
                               
   Income from continuing operations, net of taxes
  $ 263,165     $ 341,793     $ 214,284     $ 617,638  
   Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (12,399 )     28,406       (7,183 )     23,577  
   Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    36,989        –       36,989        –   
Net income
  $ 287,755     $ 370,199     $ 244,090     $ 641,215  

























See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.


 
4

 

LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)


 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Net cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 245,197     $ 640,431  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operations:
               
  Deferred income tax provision (benefit)
    (9,773 )     21,704  
  Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements
    60,837       44,842  
  Other amortization
    19,349       18,740  
  Share-based compensation
    3,402       8,290  
  Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    (9 )     (7 )
  Provision for doubtful accounts
    2,832       1,220  
  Net securities (gains) losses
    (170,416 )     20,251  
  Income related to associated companies
    (145,905 )     (892,881 )
  Distributions from associated companies
    35,730       33,841  
  Net losses related to real estate, property and equipment, and other assets
    10,066       54,143  
  Income related to Fortescue’s Pilbara project, net of proceeds received
    67,764       (50,172 )
  Common shares received in connection with lawsuit resolution
          (15,222 )
  (Gain) loss on buyback of debt
    1,029       (5,978 )
  Loss on debt conversion
          25,251  
  Gain on disposal of discontinued operations
    (39,882 )      
  Losses related to litigation
    14,099        
  Pension plan settlement charge
    12,728        
  Investments classified as trading, net
          (1,132 )
  Net change in:
               
Restricted cash
    (273 )     (249 )
Trade, notes and other receivables
    (9,108 )     14,856  
Prepaids and other assets
    (595 )     8,731  
Trade payables and expense accruals
    (19,901 )     (37,064 )
Other liabilities
    (5,656 )     (1,732 )
Deferred revenue
    (17,161 )     (24,113 )
Income taxes payable
    (7,340 )     14,898  
Other
    (1,114 )     (162 )
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
    45,900       (121,514 )
                 
Net cash flows from investing activities:
               
Acquisition of property, equipment and leasehold improvements
    (20,108 )     (20,000 )
Acquisitions of and capital expenditures for real estate investments
    (8,274 )     (8,205 )
Proceeds from disposals of real estate, property and equipment, and other assets
    5,153       2,968  
Proceeds from disposal of discontinued operations, net of expenses and cash
               
  of operations sold
    70,710        
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (10,918 )      
Proceeds from lawsuits and other settlements
    3,565       9,500  
Advances on notes and other receivables
    (6,473 )     (1,282 )
Collections on notes, loans and other receivables
    16,108       19,772  
Investments in associated companies
    (12,016 )     (61,589 )
Capital distributions from associated companies
    31,986       105,451  
Purchases of investments (other than short-term)
    (860,242 )     (1,770,056 )
Proceeds from maturities of investments
    180,685       263,102  
Proceeds from sales of investments
    566,416       1,592,324  
Other
    (1,495 )     519  
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
    (44,903 )     132,504  



(continued)

See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 
5

 

LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Net cash flows from financing activities:
           
Issuance of debt, net of issuance costs
  $ 212,412     $ 47,591  
Reduction of debt
    (30,735 )     (35,257 )
Premium paid on debt conversion
          (25,251 )
Issuance of common shares
    619       566  
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    9       7  
Other
    (2,255 )     (3,497 )
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
    180,050       (15,841 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    181,047       (4,851 )
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1, including cash classified as
               
current assets of discontinued operations
    154,128       237,503  
Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, including cash classified as
               
current assets of discontinued operations
  $ 335,175     $ 232,652  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid during the year for:
               
Interest
  $ 120,392     $ 126,836  
Income tax payments (refunds), net
  $ 20,066     $ (4,421 )
                 
Non-cash financing activities:
               
Issuance of common shares for debt conversion
  $     $ 120,314  
                 
                 
                 
















See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 
6

 
 
LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
(In thousands, except par value)
(Unaudited)

 
   
Leucadia National Corporation Common Shareholders
             
   
Common
         
Accumulated
                         
   
Shares
   
Additional
   
Other
                         
   
$1 Par
   
Paid-In
   
Comprehensive
   
Retained
         
Noncontrolling
       
   
Value
   
Capital
   
Income (Loss)
   
Earnings
   
Subtotal
   
Interest
   
Total
 
                                           
Balance, January 1, 2009
  $ 238,499     $ 1,413,595     $ (29,280 )   $ 1,053,983     $ 2,676,797     $ 18,594     $ 2,695,391  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on
                                                       
investments, net of taxes of $29,820
                    813,232               813,232               813,232  
Net change in unrealized foreign
                                                       
exchange gain (loss), net of taxes
                                                       
  of $70
                    5,014               5,014               5,014  
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)
                                                       
on derivative instruments, net of taxes
                                                       
of $11
                    782               782               782  
Net change in pension liability and
                                                       
postretirement benefits, net of taxes
                                                       
of $23
                    1,606               1,606               1,606  
Net income
                            641,215       641,215       (784 )     640,431  
Comprehensive income
                                    1,461,849       (784 )     1,461,065  
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
                                            440       440  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
                                            (3,938 )     (3,938 )
Change in interest in consolidated subsidiary
            (1,918 )                     (1,918 )     1,918        
Share-based compensation expense
            8,290                       8,290               8,290  
Issuance of common shares for debt
                                                       
conversion
    5,239       115,075                       120,314               120,314  
Common shares received from lawsuit
                                                       
resolution
    (636 )     (14,686 )                     (15,322 )             (15,322 )
Exercise of options to purchase common
                                                       
shares, including excess tax benefit
    28       545                       573               573  
                                                         
Balance, September 30, 2009
  $ 243,130     $ 1,520,901     $ 791,354     $ 1,695,198     $ 4,250,583     $ 16,230     $ 4,266,813  
                                                         
Balance, January 1, 2010
  $ 243,288     $ 1,529,064     $ 985,032     $ 1,604,263     $ 4,361,647     $ 12,850     $ 4,374,497  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on
                                                       
investments, net of taxes of $20,662
                    164,205               164,205               164,205  
Net change in unrealized foreign
                                                       
exchange gain (loss), net of taxes
                                                       
of $96
                    (7,063 )             (7,063 )             (7,063 )
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)
                                                       
on derivative instruments, net of taxes
                                                       
of $4
                    (1,005 )             (1,005 )             (1,005 )
Net change in pension liability and
                                                       
postretirement benefits, net of taxes
                                                       
of $246
                    17,505               17,505               17,505  
Net income
                            244,090       244,090       1,107       245,197  
Comprehensive income
                                    417,732       1,107       418,839  
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
                                            1,017       1,017  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
                                            (14,042 )     (14,042 )
Change in interest in consolidated subsidiary
                                            5,176       5,176  
Share-based compensation expense
            3,402                       3,402               3,402  
Exercise of options to purchase common
                                                       
shares, including excess tax benefit
    30       598                       628               628  
Purchase of common shares for treasury
    (1 )     (17 )                     (18 )             (18 )
                                                         
Balance, September 30, 2010
  $ 243,317     $ 1,533,047     $ 1,158,674     $ 1,848,353     $ 4,783,391     $ 6,108     $ 4,789,499  

See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 
7

 


LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

1.
Significant Accounting Policies

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, which reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items or items discussed herein) that management believes necessary to fairly state results of interim operations, should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (including the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) included in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009, which are included in the Company’s Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for such year (the “2009 10-K”).  Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of annual results of operations.  The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2009 was extracted from the audited annual financial statements and does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for annual financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2010, the Company adopted new Financial Accounting Standards Board guidance for the accounting for transfers of financial assets, and guidance for the accounting and reporting of variable interest entities.  This adoption did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Certain amounts for prior periods have been reclassified to be consistent with the 2010 presentation, and to reflect as discontinued operations ResortQuest International, LLC (“ResortQuest”), STi Prepaid, LLC (“STi Prepaid”) and the Company’s power production business.  For more information, see Note 15.

2.
Segment Information

The primary measure of segment operating results and profitability used by the Company is income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes.  As a result of the classification of ResortQuest and STi Prepaid as discontinued operations, the Company no longer has a property management and services segment or a telecommunications segment.  The Company’s power production business, which was also classified as a discontinued operation, was previously included in the other operations segment.  Associated Companies are not considered to be a reportable segment, but are reflected in the table below under income (loss) before income taxes.  Certain information concerning the Company’s segments for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is presented in the following table.

 
8

 


   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended September 30,
   
Period Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Revenues and other income (a):
                       
Manufacturing:
                       
Idaho Timber
  $ 37,789     $ 40,136     $ 134,621     $ 107,782  
Conwed Plastics
    23,476       21,127       68,707       62,478  
Oil and Gas Drilling Services
    31,850             81,899        
Gaming Entertainment
    31,080       26,971       86,246       79,745  
Domestic Real Estate
    4,933       5,071       13,120       13,647  
Medical Product Development
    6       53       11       5,125  
Other Operations (b)
    14,262       13,233       52,171       38,889  
Corporate (c)
    42,469       36,840       297,585       74,744  
                                 
Total consolidated revenues and other income
  $ 185,865     $ 143,431     $ 734,360     $ 382,410  
                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
                               
  income taxes:
                               
Manufacturing:
                               
Idaho Timber
  $ (559 )   $ (2,714 )   $ 1,282     $ (8,035 )
Conwed Plastics
    2,043       3,067       7,776       10,217  
Oil and Gas Drilling Services
    (5,374 )           (16,147 )      
Gaming Entertainment
    (7,474 )     1,163       (4,308 )     3,693  
Domestic Real Estate
    (179 )     (1,676 )     (3,823 )     (78,258 )
Medical Product Development
    (9,742 )     (4,983 )     (22,902 )     (13,680 )
Other Operations (b)
    (10,373 )     (2,453 )     (11,446 )     (19,215 )
Income related to Associated Companies
    321,330       392,458       145,905       892,881  
Corporate (c)
    (27,027 )     (29,406 )     119,018       (139,261 )
Total consolidated income from
                               
  continuing operations before income taxes
  $ 262,645     $ 355,456     $ 215,355     $ 648,342  

 
(a)
Revenues and other income for each segment include amounts for services rendered and products sold, as well as segment reported amounts classified as investment and other income and net securities gains (losses) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

 
(b)
Other operations includes pre-tax losses of $4,700,000 and $4,600,000 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $9,400,000 and $17,700,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, for investigation and evaluation of various energy related projects.  There were no material operating revenues associated with these activities; however, other income for the three and nine month 2010 periods includes $300,000 and $9,500,000, respectively, with respect to government grants to reimburse the Company for certain of its prior expenditures, which were fully expensed as incurred.

 
(c)
Corporate includes impairment charges for securities of $200,000 and $2,700,000 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $1,700,000 and $29,600,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  For the nine month 2010 period, security gains include a gain of $66,200,000 from the sale of the Company’s investment in Light and Power Holdings, Ltd. (“LPH”) and a gain of $94,900,000 from the sale of certain of the Company’s common shares of Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (“Fortescue”); see Note 4 for further information.

 
9

 


For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, segment operating results include depreciation and amortization expenses as follows:

   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended September 30,
   
Period Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses:
                       
Manufacturing: (a)
                       
Idaho Timber
  $ 1,334     $ 2,365     $ 4,811     $ 6,484  
Conwed Plastics
    3,240       2,148       7,220       6,389  
Oil and Gas Drilling Services
    6,460             19,220        
Gaming Entertainment
    4,147       4,073       12,568       12,363  
Domestic Real Estate
    1,518       2,358       4,749       7,094  
Medical Product Development
    221       223       653       613  
Other Operations (a)
    1,861       1,993       5,216       6,337  
Corporate
    5,267       5,195       15,713       13,394  
Total consolidated depreciation and
                               
  amortization expenses
  $ 24,048     $ 18,355     $ 70,150     $ 52,674  

(a)  
Includes amounts classified as cost of sales.

For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, interest expense was primarily comprised of Corporate; interest expense for other segments was not material.

3.
Investments in Associated Companies

 
A summary of investments in associated companies at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 is as follows:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Investments in associated companies accounted for
           
  under the equity method of accounting (a):
           
Jefferies High Yield Holdings, LLC (“JHYH”)
  $ 303,558     $ 318,047  
Cobre Las Cruces, S.A. (“CLC”)
    197,246       211,645  
Garcadia (b)
    36,319       35,359  
HomeFed Corporation (“HomeFed”)
    44,305       44,975  
Pershing Square IV, L.P. (“Pershing Square”)
          33,538  
Brooklyn Renaissance Plaza
    30,321       29,875  
Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC (“Berkadia”)
    230,355       240,030  
Other
    43,973       58,733  
  Total accounted for under the equity method of accounting
    886,077       972,202  
                 
Investments in associated companies carried at fair value:
               
Jefferies Group, Inc. (“Jefferies”)
    1,102,402       1,152,931  
AmeriCredit Corp. (“ACF”)
    829,205       639,752  
  Total accounted for at fair value
    1,931,607       1,792,683  
                 
Total investments in associated companies
  $ 2,817,684     $ 2,764,885  

 
10

 


(a)  
Investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting are initially recorded at their original cost and subsequently increased for the Company's share of the investees’ earnings, decreased for the Company's share of the investees’ losses, reduced for dividends received and impairment charges recorded, if any, and increased for any additional investment of capital.

(b)  
For the nine month 2009 period, the Company’s equity in losses of Garcadia includes impairment charges for goodwill and other intangible assets aggregating $32,300,000.

On October 1, 2010, the Company sold all of its ACF common shares to a subsidiary of General Motors Company (“General Motors”), in connection with General Motors’ acquisition of all of the outstanding common stock of ACF.  The Company received aggregate cash consideration of $830,600,000 for its shares of ACF common stock, which were acquired at a cost of $425,800,000.  As of September 30, 2010, the Company had recorded a cumulative net unrealized gain on its investment in ACF in its consolidated statements of operations of $403,400,000.  As a result of the consummation of this transaction, the Company will record in the fourth quarter an additional gain on its investment in ACF of $1,400,000.  Income related to associated companies includes unrealized gains resulting from changes in the fair value of ACF of $211,500,000 and $73,300,000 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $182,200,000 and $268,300,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

As of September 30, 2010, the Company owns approximately 28% of the outstanding voting securities of Jefferies, a company listed on the NYSE (Symbol: JEF).  Jefferies is a full-service global investment bank and institutional securities firm serving companies and their investors.  Income related to associated companies includes unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in the fair value of Jefferies of $78,200,000 and $286,700,000 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $(50,500,000) and $639,900,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

In accordance with GAAP, the Company is allowed to choose, at specified election dates, to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value (the “fair value option”) that would not otherwise be required to be measured at fair value.  If the fair value option is elected for a particular financial instrument or other item, the Company is required to report unrealized gains and losses on those items in earnings.  The Company’s investments in ACF and Jefferies are the only eligible items for which the fair value option was elected, commencing on the date the investments became subject to the equity method of accounting.  If these investments were accounted for under the equity method, the Company would have to record its share of their results of operations employing a quarterly reporting lag because of the investees’ public reporting requirements.  In addition, electing the fair value option eliminates some of the uncertainty involved with impairment considerations, since quoted market prices for these investments provides a readily determinable fair value at each balance sheet date.  The Company’s investment in HomeFed is the only other investment in an associated company that is also a publicly traded company but for which the Company did not elect the fair value option.  HomeFed’s common stock is not listed on any stock exchange, and price information for the common stock is not regularly quoted on any automated quotation system.  It is traded in the over-the-counter market with high and low bid prices published by the National Association of Securities Dealers OTC Bulletin Board Service; however, trading volume is minimal.  For these reasons the Company did not elect the fair value option for HomeFed.

The following tables provide summarized data with respect to significant investments in associated companies for the periods the investments were owned by the Company.  The information is provided for those investments whose current relative significance to the Company could result in the Company including separate audited financial statements for such investments in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (in thousands).  The 2010 information for ACF is for the six month period ended June 30, 2010, which is the latest available information.  The 2010 information for Jefferies is for the eight month period ended August 31, 2010.

 
11

 



   
2010
   
2009
 
             
ACF:
           
Total revenues
  $ 722,800     $ 1,363,500  
Income from continuing operations before extraordinary items
    148,800       66,900  
Net income
    148,800       66,900  
                 
Jefferies:
               
Total revenues
  $ 1,757,000     $ 1,850,700  
Income from continuing operations before extraordinary items
    164,800       186,500  
Net income
    164,800       186,500  

During 2007, the Company and Jefferies formed JHYH and each initially committed to invest $600,000,000.  The Company invested $250,000,000 in cash plus its $100,000,000 investment in Jefferies Partners Opportunity Fund II, LLC during 2007; any request for additional capital contributions from the Company requires the consent of the Company’s designees to the Jefferies board.  The Company does not anticipate making additional capital contributions in the near future.  Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, JHYH makes markets in high yield and special situation securities and provides research coverage on these types of securities.  Jefferies and the Company each have the right to nominate two of a total of four directors to JHYH’s board, and each own 50% of the voting securities.  The organizational documents also permit passive investors to invest up to $800,000,000.  Jefferies also received additional JHYH securities entitling it to 20% of the profits.  The voting and non-voting interests are entitled to a pro rata share of the profits of JHYH, and are mandatorily redeemable in 2013, with an option to extend up to three additional one-year periods.  Under GAAP, JHYH is considered a variable interest entity that is consolidated by Jefferies, since Jefferies is the primary beneficiary.  The Company owns less than 50% of JHYH’s capital, including its indirect interest through its investment in Jefferies.  The Company has not provided any guarantees, nor is it contingently liable for any of JHYH’s liabilities, all of which are non-recourse to the Company.  The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investment in JHYH is limited to the book value of its investment plus any additional capital it decides to invest.

During the third quarter of 2010, the Company redeemed its interest in Pershing Square by transferring its equity into a larger, more diversified investment partnership fund managed by the same manager.  The Company’s percentage ownership interest in this larger investment partnership is much smaller and does not qualify for the equity method of accounting.

4.
Investments

A summary of investments classified as current assets at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

   
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
         
Carrying Value
         
Carrying Value
 
   
Amortized
   
and Estimated
   
Amortized
   
and Estimated
 
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
Investments available for sale
  $ 99,959     $ 100,271     $ 80,788     $ 80,805  
Other investments, including accrued interest income
    9,980       9,895       4,034       3,902  
Total current investments
  $ 109,939     $ 110,166     $ 84,822     $ 84,707  


The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair value of available for sale investments classified as current assets at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

 
12

 



         
Gross
   
Gross
   
Estimated
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
                         
September 30, 2010
                       
Bonds and notes:
                       
U.S. Government and agencies
  $ 96,266     $ 23     $     $ 96,289  
All other corporates
    3,693       289             3,982  
Total fixed maturities
  $ 99,959     $ 312     $  –     $ 100,271  
                                 
December 31, 2009
                               
Bonds and notes:
                               
U.S. Government and agencies
  $ 80,404     $ 26     $ 11     $ 80,419  
All other corporates
    384       2             386  
Total fixed maturities
  $ 80,788     $ 28     $ 11     $ 80,805  

A summary of non-current investments at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

   
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
         
Carrying Value
         
Carrying Value
 
   
Amortized
   
and Estimated
   
Amortized
   
and Estimated
 
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
Investments available for sale
  $ 1,091,674     $ 2,417,991     $ 780,048     $ 1,964,268  
Other investments
    167,882       167,709       163,983       163,970  
Total non-current investments
  $ 1,259,556     $ 2,585,700     $ 944,031     $ 2,128,238  

Non-current available for sale investments include 5,600,000 common shares of Inmet Mining Corporation (“Inmet”), a Canadian-based global mining company traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (Symbol: IMN), which have a cost of $78,000,000 and market values of $311,900,000 and $339,100,000 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  The Inmet shares have registration rights and may be sold without restriction in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The Company’s investment in Fortescue and its subsidiary, FMG Chichester Pty Ltd (“FMG”), consists of 247,986,000 common shares of Fortescue, representing approximately 8% of the outstanding Fortescue common stock at September 30, 2010, and a $100,000,000 note of FMG that matures in August 2019 (the “FMG Note”).  Fortescue is a publicly traded company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (Symbol: FMG), and the shares held by the Company may be sold without restriction on the Australian Stock Exchange or in accordance with applicable securities laws.  The Fortescue shares, which are included in non-current available for sale investments, have a cost of $219,700,000 and $246,300,000 and market values of $1,249,500,000 and $1,108,000,000 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  In February 2010, the Company sold 30,000,000 common shares of Fortescue for net cash proceeds of $121,500,000, which resulted in the recognition of a net securities gain of $94,900,000 in the nine month period ended September 30, 2010.
 
 
 
13

 

Interest on the FMG Note is calculated as 4% of the revenue, net of government royalties, invoiced from the iron ore produced from the project’s Cloud Break and Christmas Creek areas.  The note is unsecured and subordinate to the project’s senior secured debt.  Interest is payable semi-annually within 30 days of June 30th and December 31st of each year; however, cash interest payments on the note have previously been deferred by FMG due to covenants contained in the project’s senior secured debt (for periods prior to January 1, 2010).  Any interest payment that was deferred earned simple interest at an annual rate of 9.5%.  Inasmuch as the senior secured debt has been called for redemption on November 8, 2010, the covenants requiring the deferral of interest should no longer apply.  The Company recorded interest on the note of $36,100,000 and $19,700,000 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $104,400,000 and $50,200,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  In the third quarter of 2010, the Company received $172,100,000 (before withholding taxes) from FMG in payment of the accrued interest due through June 30, 2010.  At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the accrued interest receivable balance was $38,800,000 and $106,500,000, respectively.

For accounting purposes, the Company allocated its initial Fortescue investment to the common shares acquired (based on the market value at acquisition), a 13 year zero-coupon note and a prepaid mining interest.  The Company is accounting for the zero-coupon note component of its investment as a loan-like instrument, with income being recognized as the note is accreted up to its face value of $100,000,000.  At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the zero coupon note had a balance of $35,200,000 and $32,200,000, respectively.  The prepaid mining interest was initially classified with other non-current assets and is being amortized to expense as the 4% of revenue is earned.  Depreciation and amortization expense includes prepaid mining interest amortization of $2,500,000 and $2,400,000 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $7,400,000 and $5,000,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively; the prepaid mining interest balance was $166,800,000 and $174,300,000 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

The aggregate book values of the various components of the FMG Note, net of accrued withholding taxes on interest, totaled $230,300,000 and $302,400,000 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

On August 9, 2010, the Company was advised that Fortescue is asserting that FMG is entitled to issue additional subordinated notes identical to the FMG Note in an unlimited amount.  Fortescue further claims that any interest to be paid on additional subordinated notes can dilute, on a pro rata basis, the Company’s entitlement to the above stated interest of 4% of net revenue.  This claim was made four years after the issuance to the Company of the FMG Note, during which time Fortescue has never asserted this purported right to dilute the Company’s interest in any of Fortescue’s public filings or other communications.   The Company does not believe that FMG has the right to issue additional notes which affect the Company’s interest or that the interpretation by Fortescue of the terms of the FMG Note, as currently claimed by Fortescue, reflects the agreement between the parties.

On September 1, 2010, the Company filed a Writ of Summons against Fortescue, FMG and Fortescue’s Chief Executive Officer in the Supreme Court of Western Australia.  The Writ of Summons seeks, among other things, an injunction restraining the issuance of any additional notes identical to the FMG Note and damages.  If the litigation is ultimately determined adversely to the Company and additional notes are issued, the Company’s future cash flows from the FMG Note and future results of operations would be materially and adversely affected to the extent of the dilution resulting from the issuance of such additional notes.  

During 2010, a Minerals Resource Rent Tax was proposed in Australia that would impact Fortescue if enacted by the Australian legislature; the proposed effective date of the tax is July 1, 2012.  Meetings between Australian government officials and mining companies in Australia are ongoing, and the initial proposal has changed and remains subject to further change.  However, as currently proposed the tax will not have any impact on the calculation of the interest payable on the FMG Note, although when it was first proposed the extra tax burden did have an adverse impact on the value of the Fortescue common shares held by the Company.  Further, based on the Company’s review of available information concerning the proposed tax and its anticipated impact on Fortescue, the Company does not believe the current proposed tax is so onerous as to cause a liquidity problem for FMG resulting in FMG’s inability to service its debt obligations, including the FMG Note.  The Company does not believe that its zero-coupon note or prepaid mining interest are impaired or will become impaired as a result of the proposed tax.

 
14

 
 
At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, other non-current investments include investments in private equity funds where the Company’s voting interest isn’t large enough to apply the equity method of accounting ($87,900,000 and $52,800,000, respectively), a portfolio of non-agency mortgage backed bond securitizations where the underlying assets are various individual mortgage loans ($3,900,000 and $14,000,000, respectively), the FMG zero-coupon note component of the FMG Note discussed above, a stock interest in LPH, the electric utility in Barbados, ($18,800,000 at December 31, 2009), an investment in IFIS Limited (“IFIS”), a private Argentine company, ($11,200,000 in both periods) and various other non-publicly traded interests in equity and debt securities ($29,500,000 and $35,000,000, respectively).  The investments in bond securitizations are acquisitions of impaired loans, generally at a significant discount to face amounts.  The Company estimates the future cash flows for the securitization interests to determine the accretable yield; increases in estimated cash flows are accounted for as a yield adjustment on a prospective basis but decreases in estimated cash flows below amortized cost are recognized as impairments.  Contractual cash flows in excess of estimated cash flows are not part of the accretable yield.  The market for these securities is highly illiquid and they rarely trade.  On a regular basis the Company re-estimates future cash flows and records impairment charges if appropriate.  The remaining other investments are accounted for under the cost method of accounting, reduced for impairment charges when appropriate.

In May 2010, the Company sold its investment in LPH for cash consideration of $85,000,000, which resulted in the recognition of a net securities gain of $66,200,000 in the nine month period ended September 30, 2010.

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair value of non-current investments classified as available for sale at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

         
Gross
   
Gross
   
Estimated
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
                         
September 30, 2010
                       
Bonds and notes:
                       
U.S. Government and agencies
  $ 5,411     $ 6     $     $ 5,417  
U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises
    634,957       10,866       1,694       644,129  
All other corporates
    101,481       646       96       102,031  
Total fixed maturities
    741,849       11,518       1,790       751,577  
                                 
Equity securities:
                               
Common stocks:
                               
Banks, trusts and insurance companies
    16,340       22,263             38,603  
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
    333,485       1,294,691       365       1,627,811  
Total equity securities
    349,825       1,316,954       365       1,666,414  
                                 
    $ 1,091,674     $ 1,328,472     $ 2,155     $ 2,417,991  
                                 
December 31, 2009
                               
Bonds and notes:
                               
U.S. Government and agencies
  $ 25,858     $     $ 67     $ 25,791  
U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises
    352,251       6,391       422       358,220  
All other corporates
    22,969       228       13       23,184  
Total fixed maturities
    401,078       6,619       502       407,195  
                                 
Equity securities:
                               
Common stocks:
                               
Banks, trusts and insurance companies
    16,340       14,925             31,265  
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
    362,630       1,163,255       77       1,525,808  
Total equity securities
    378,970       1,178,180       77       1,557,073  
                                 
    $ 780,048     $ 1,184,799     $ 579     $ 1,964,268  

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of non-current investments classified as available for sale at September 30, 2010, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Expected maturities are likely to differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 
15

 



   
Amortized
   
Estimated
 
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Due after one year through five years
  $ 38,782     $ 39,280  
Due after five years through ten years
           
Due after ten years
     –        –   
      38,782       39,280  
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
    703,067       712,297  
    $ 741,849     $ 751,577  

Net unrealized gains on investments were $1,198,400,000 and $1,034,200,000 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  Reclassification adjustments included in comprehensive income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

       
Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period, net of taxes
     
of $17,516
  $ 261,032  
Less:  reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income,
       
net of taxes of $3,146
    (96,827 )
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of taxes
       
of $20,662
  $ 164,205  

At September 30, 2010, the unrealized losses on investments which have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and for 12 months or longer were not significant.

Securities with book values of $5,700,000 and $8,800,000 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, collateralized certain swap agreements and a letter of credit.

5.
Inventory

A summary of inventory (which is included in the caption prepaids and other current assets) at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Raw materials
  $ 5,562     $ 5,196  
Work in process
    10,499       12,352  
Finished goods
    41,503       41,421  
    $ 57,564     $ 58,969  

6.
Intangible Assets, Net and Goodwill

A summary of intangible assets, net and goodwill at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

 
16

 



   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Intangibles:
           
Customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization of $37,605
           
   and $33,161
  $ 24,890     $ 29,515  
Licenses, net of accumulated amortization of $2,179 and $1,718
    9,819       10,280  
Trademarks and tradename, net of accumulated amortization of $761
               
   and $662
    1,251       1,372  
Patents, net of accumulated amortization of $2,360 and $769
          1,591  
Other, net of accumulated amortization of $2,623 and $2,469
    161       315  
Goodwill
    8,151       8,151  
    $ 44,272     $ 51,224  

Amortization expense on intangible assets was $3,500,000 and $1,900,000 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $6,700,000 and $5,900,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The estimated aggregate future amortization expense for the intangible assets for each of the next five years is as follows (in thousands): 2010 (for the remaining three months) - $1,800; 2011 - $6,400; 2012 - $5,900; 2013 - $5,700; and 2014 - $5,500.

The goodwill in the above table relates to Conwed Plastics.

7.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Activity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is reflected in the consolidated statements of equity but not in the consolidated statements of operations.  A summary of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Net unrealized gains on investments
  $ 1,198,369     $ 1,034,164  
Net unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses)
    (3,039 )     4,024  
Net unrealized gains on derivative instruments
          1,005  
Net minimum pension liability
    (39,132 )     (56,948 )
Net postretirement benefit
    2,476       2,787  
    $ 1,158,674     $ 985,032  

8.
Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company reflects its derivative financial instruments in its balance sheet at fair value.  The Company has from time to time utilized derivative financial instruments to manage the impact of changes in interest rates on certain debt obligations, hedge net investments in foreign subsidiaries and manage foreign currency risk on certain available for sale securities.  Although the Company believes that its derivative financial instruments are practical economic hedges of the Company’s risks, except for the hedge of the net investment in foreign subsidiaries, they have not met the effectiveness criteria under GAAP, and therefore have not been accounted for as hedges.

At September 30, 2010, the Company’s derivative instrument, which is not designated as a hedge, is an interest rate swap contract that is included in other current liabilities at aggregate fair value of $900,000.  The total notional amount of this pay fixed/receive variable interest rate swap was $33,400,000.  Investment and other income includes changes in the fair values of derivatives of $400,000 and $200,000 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $1,000,000 and $1,900,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
 
 
17

 

9.
Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefits

Pension expense charged to operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 related to defined benefit pension plans included the following components (in thousands):

   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended September 30,
   
Period Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Interest cost
  $ 2,872     $ 3,106     $ 9,114     $ 9,320  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,909 )     (1,943 )     (6,225 )     (5,830 )
Actuarial loss
    389       538       1,403       1,614  
Amortization of prior service cost
          1       2       2  
Net pension expense
  $ 1,352     $ 1,702     $ 4,294     $ 5,106  

In the third quarter of 2010, the Company terminated and settled one of its two frozen defined benefit pension plans.  In connection with the termination and settlement of this plan, $9,600,000 was contributed to the plan and the Company recognized a settlement charge of $12,700,000.  The WilTel defined benefit pension plan was not terminated; the Company contributed $4,600,000 to the WilTel plan during the nine month period ended September 30, 2010.

Several subsidiaries provide certain healthcare and other benefits to certain retired employees under plans which are currently unfunded.  The Company pays the cost of postretirement benefits as they are incurred.  Amounts charged to expense were not material in each of the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

10.
Share-Based Compensation

Salaries and incentive compensation expense included $700,000 and $2,800,000 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $3,400,000 and $8,300,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, for share-based compensation expense principally relating to grants previously made under the Company’s senior executive warrant plan and fixed stock option plan.  During the 2010 periods, the warrants previously granted under the Company’s senior executive warrant plan became fully vested, which resulted in a decline in expense as compared to the same periods in 2009.  During 2010, 12,000 options were granted to non-employee directors at an exercise price of $24.12 per share and 100,000 options were granted to an officer of the Company under the Company’s stock option plan at an exercise price of $24.37 per share. The exercise price for all option grants was the market price on the grant date.

11.
Income Taxes

The aggregate amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2010 was $9,300,000 (including $2,900,000 for interest); if recognized, such amounts would lower the Company’s effective tax rate.  Over the next twelve months, the Company believes it is reasonably possible that the aggregate amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions will decrease by approximately $500,000 upon the resolution of certain assessments.  The statute of limitations with respect to the Company’s federal income tax returns has expired for all years through 2006.  The Company’s New York State and New York City income tax returns for the 2006 to 2008 period are currently being audited.

As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company has a full valuation allowance against its net federal deferred tax asset, including its available net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”), which aggregated approximately $6,000,000,000 at December 31, 2009.  As a result, the Company did not record any regular federal income tax expense for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010.  Prior to September 30, 2010, the Company had been recording provisions or benefits for deferred federal minimum taxes payable, due to material unrealized security gains reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income and in income related to associated companies.  If these gains were realized, the Company would be able to use its NOLs to fully offset the regular federal income taxes that would be due, but prior to the election described below the Company would have had to pay federal minimum taxes.  Although the payment of federal minimum taxes generates a minimum tax credit carryover, it is fully reserved for in the net deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  Accordingly, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009, the Company recorded provisions for deferred federal minimum taxes payable of $18,800,000 in accumulated other comprehensive income and $12,800,000 in income related to associated companies.  In addition, income tax expense for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 includes state and foreign income taxes.
 
The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 provided taxpayers a special election for extended net operating loss carryback benefits, and with respect to any net operating loss for which the election was made, eliminated the limitation that applies to using the NOL to reduce federal minimum taxable income.  In September 2010, the Internal Revenue Service provided additional guidance with respect to application of the law, and the Company made the election with respect to its 2008 NOL.  As a result, the Company has NOLs that fully offset approximately $3,000,000,000 of federal minimum taxable income (a potential savings of $60,000,000 of future federal minimum taxes), and no federal regular or minimum income tax would be payable on such income.  The consolidated statement of operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 reflects the reversal of $11,600,000 of deferred federal minimum tax liabilities which had been recorded in prior periods.
 

 
 
18

 
12.
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share amounts were calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  The numerators and denominators used to calculate basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended
   
Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Numerator for earnings (loss) per share:
                       
   Net income attributable to Leucadia National
                       
     Corporation common shareholders for basic
                       
  earnings (loss) per share
  $ 287,755     $ 370,199     $ 244,090     $ 641,215  
Interest on 3¾% Convertible Notes
    846       1,016       2,750       6,180  
   Net income attributable to Leucadia National
                               
     Corporation common shareholders for diluted
                               
  earnings (loss) per share
  $ 288,601     $ 371,215     $ 246,840     $ 647,395  
                                 
Denominator for earnings (loss) per share:
                               
   Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share –
                               
   weighted average shares
    243,317       243,238       243,307       240,913  
Stock options (a)
    6       45       33       2  
   Warrants (b)
                       
   3¾% Convertible Notes
    4,249       4,428       4,249       7,031  
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share
    247,572       247,711       247,589       247,946  

 
(a)
Options to purchase 1,770,000 and 1,756,700 weighted average shares of common stock were outstanding during the three and nine month 2010 periods, respectively, and options to purchase 1,690,000 and 2,261,600 weighted average shares of common stock were outstanding during the three and nine month 2009 periods, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares.

 
(b)
Warrants to purchase 4,000,000 shares of common stock at $28.515 per share were outstanding during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the warrants’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares.

 
(c)
Outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights of a subsidiary are not included above since the subsidiary operates at a net loss and the effect is antidilutive.

13.
Indebtedness

The Board of Directors has authorized the Company, from time to time, to purchase its outstanding debt securities through cash purchases in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.  Such repurchases, if any, depend upon prevailing market conditions, the Company’s liquidity requirements and other factors; such purchases may be commenced or suspended at any time without notice.  During the third quarter of 2010, the Company repurchased $6,200,000 principal amount of its 7% Senior Notes due 2013, $5,500,000 principal amount of its 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2013, $3,000,000 principal amount of its 8 1/8% Senior Notes due 2015 and $2,000,000 principal amount of its 8.65% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2027, and recognized aggregate pre-tax losses of $1,000,000 for the three and nine month 2010 periods, which are reflected in selling, general and other expenses.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions.  At September 30, 2010, these fixed rate repurchase agreements have a weighted average interest rate of approximately 0.3%, mature at various dates through November 2010 and are collateralized by non-current investments with a carrying value of $424,700,000.  The non-current investments are adjustable rate mortgage pass-through certificates issued by U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises (FHLMC or FNMA).  This portfolio has a weighted average life of 4 years and a duration of 0.57 at September 30, 2010.
 
 
 
19

 

14.
Fair Value

Aggregate information concerning assets and liabilities at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis is presented below (in thousands):


 
 
 
September 30, 2010
 
         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
Total
Fair Value
Measurements
   
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets or Liabilities
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
 Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Investments classified as current assets:
                 
  Investments available for sale:
             
 
 
Bonds and notes:
                 
   U.S. Government and agencies
  $ 96,289     $ 96,289     $  
   All other corporates
    3,982       3,734       248  
Non-current investments:
                       
  Investments available for sale:
                       
Bonds and notes:
                       
    U.S. Government and agencies
    5,417       822       4,595  
    U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises
    644,129             644,129  
    All other corporates
    102,031       94,625       7,406  
Equity securities:
                       
   Common stocks:
                       
       Banks, trusts and insurance companies
    38,603       38,603        
       Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
    1,627,811       1,627,811        
Investments in associated companies
    1,931,607       1,931,607        
Total
  $ 4,449,869     $ 3,793,491     $ 656,378  
                         
Other current liabilities
  $ (2,482 )   $ (1,535 )   $ (947 )




 
20

 



   
December 31, 2009
 
         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
Total
Fair Value
Measurements
   
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets or Liabilities
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
 Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Investments classified as current assets:
                 
  Investments available for sale:
                 
Bonds and notes:
                 
   U.S. Government and agencies
  $ 80,419     $ 80,419     $  
   All other corporates
    386       386        
Non-current investments:
                       
  Investments available for sale:
                       
Bonds and notes:
                       
    U.S. Government and agencies
    25,791       25,791        
    U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises
    358,220             358,220  
    All other corporates
    23,184       22,998       186  
Equity securities:
                       
   Common stocks:
                       
       Banks, trusts and insurance companies
    31,265       31,265        
       Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
    1,525,808       1,525,808        
Investments in associated companies
    1,792,683       1,792,683       –   
Total
  $ 3,837,756     $ 3,479,350     $ 358,406  
                         
Other current liabilities
  $ (1,428 )   $ (1,114 )   $ (314 )
Other non-current liabilities
    (1,935 )      –        (1,935 )
Total
  $ (3,363 )   $ (1,114 )   $ (2,249 )

At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company did not have material fair value measurements using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

The estimated fair values for securities measured using Level 1 inputs are determined using publicly quoted market prices in active markets.  The Company has a segregated portfolio of mortgage pass-through certificates issued by U.S. Government agencies (GNMA) and by U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises (FHLMC or FNMA) which are carried on the balance sheet at their estimated fair value.  Although the markets that these types of securities trade in are generally active, market prices are not always available for the identical security.  The fair value of these investments are based on observable market data including benchmark yields, reported trades, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids and offers.  The estimates of fair value of the portfolios of mortgage pass-through certificates and corporate bonds are considered to be based on Level 2 inputs.

Aggregate information concerning assets and liabilities at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis is presented below (in thousands):

 
21

 



   
September 30, 2010
 
         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
Total Fair Value Measurements
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
                         
Other non-current investments (a)
  $ 100     $     $     $ 100  

   
December 31, 2009
 
         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
 
Total Fair Value Measurements
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
                         
Long-lived assets held and used (b)
  $ 2,900     $     $     $ 2,900  
Other non-current investments (a)
    2,300                   2,300  
Long-lived assets held for sale (c)
    2,200             2,200        

(a)  
At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, represents investments aggregating $100,000 and $2,300,000, respectively, in non-agency mortgage-backed bond securitizations.  The investments in non-agency mortgage-backed bond securitizations are acquisitions of impaired loans, generally at a significant discount to face amounts.  The market for these securities is highly illiquid and they rarely trade.  The fair values were primarily determined using an income valuation model to calculate the present value of expected future cash flows, which incorporated assumptions regarding potential future rates of delinquency, prepayments, defaults, collateral losses and interest rates.

Included in net securities gains (losses) in the consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 are impairment charges aggregating $200,000 and $1,700,000, respectively, all of which were for non-agency mortgage-backed bond securitizations.  Included in net securities gains (losses) in the consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009 are impairment charges aggregating $2,700,000 and $29,600,000, respectively (which included $2,600,000 and $13,000,000, respectively, for non-agency mortgage-backed bond securitizations and $100,000 and $2,200,000, respectively, for non-public equity securities and a private equity fund).

(b)  
As more fully discussed in the 2009 10-K, Idaho Timber decided to close one of its plants.  Idaho Timber evaluated for impairment the plant’s long-lived assets, comprised of buildings, machinery and equipment, and customer relationships intangibles.  As of December 31, 2009, the carrying values of long-lived assets held and used and intangible assets were written down to fair values of $700,000 and $0, respectively.  The fair values were determined using the present value of expected future cash flows.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company also wrote down a real estate property that under GAAP is considered to be held and used, but which the Company had recently decided to sell.  The Company wrote down this real estate property to fair value of $2,200,000, primarily using market information for similar assets.

(c)  
Consists of real estate properties for which the fair values were primarily based on appraisals or prices for similar assets.

The following table presents fair value information about certain financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the balance sheet.  Fair values are determined as described below.  These techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.  The fair value amounts presented do not purport to represent and should not be considered representative of the underlying “market” or franchise value of the Company.  The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of each class of the financial instruments described below are as follows:

(a)
Investments:  The fair values of marketable equity securities and fixed maturity securities (which include securities sold not owned) are substantially based on quoted market prices.

Other non-current investments which do not trade publicly include private equity fund investments where the Company’s voting interest isn’t large enough to apply the equity method of accounting, a portfolio of non-agency mortgage-backed bond securitizations where the underlying assets are various individual mortgage loans, the zero-coupon component of the FMG Note, the stock interest in LPH (at December 31, 2009), the stock interest in IFIS and various other non-publicly traded interests in equity and debt securities.  For the investments in private equity funds, IFIS and the FMG zero-coupon note, the Company has concluded that the carrying amount approximates the fair value of these investments based primarily on reviews of issuer financial statements or statements of net asset value.  For the bond securitization portfolio, future cash flows are re-estimated on a regular basis for each security to determine if impairment charges are required; accordingly the Company has concluded that the carrying amount of these securities approximates their fair values.  The fair values of the Company’s other non-publicly traded interests in equity and debt securities that are accounted for under the cost method were considered to be at least equal to the carrying amount.  For these non-publicly traded interests in equity and debt securities, the Company reviews cash flows and/or other information obtained from investee companies on a regular basis to determine if impairment charges are required.
 
 
 
22

 

(b)
Cash and cash equivalents:  For cash equivalents, the carrying amount approximates fair value.

(c)
Notes receivable:  The fair values of variable rate notes receivable are estimated to be the carrying amount.

(d)
Long-term and other indebtedness:  The fair values of non-variable rate debt are estimated using quoted market prices and estimated rates that would be available to the Company for debt with similar terms.  The fair value of variable rate debt is estimated to be the carrying amount.  The fair value of certain debt that was previously reported as being in default is the value of its collateral.

(e)
Swap agreements:  The fair values of the interest rate swap and currency rate swap agreements are based on rates currently available for similar agreements.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
   
Amount
   
Value
   
Amount
   
Value
 
                         
Financial Assets:
                       
Investments:
                       
Current
  $ 110,166     $ 110,166     $ 84,707     $ 84,707  
Non-current
    2,585,700       2,585,700       2,128,238       2,128,238  
Cash and cash equivalents
    323,284       323,284       130,475       130,475  
Notes receivable:
                               
Current
    1,425       1,425       437       437  
Non-current
    2,751       2,751       2,618       2,618  
                                 
Financial Liabilities:
                               
Debt:
                               
Current
    545,262       511,815       312,592       281,481  
Non-current
    1,608,376       1,689,414       1,657,779       1,652,616  
Securities sold not owned
    1,535       1,535       1,114       1,114  
                                 
Swap agreements:
                               
Interest rate swaps
    (947 )     (947 )     (1,935 )     (1,935 )
Foreign currency swaps
                (314 )     (314 )

15.    Discontinued Operations

In August 2010, the Company sold its operating retail shopping center in Long Island, New York for cash consideration of $17,100,000 and recorded a pre-tax and after tax gain on sale of discontinued operations of $4,600,000.  The Company has not classified this business’ historical results of operations or its assets and liabilities as discontinued operations because such amounts were not significant.

In September 2010, the Company sold ResortQuest for net cash consideration of $53,600,000 and recorded a pre-tax and after tax gain on sale of discontinued operations of $35,300,000.  As a result, the Company’s property management and services segment has been classified as a discontinued operation.

In October 2010, the Company sold STi Prepaid for aggregate cash consideration of $20,000,000, which will be paid over a 26 month period, and has classified the telecommunications segment as a discontinued operation.  The Company expects to report a pre-tax gain on sale of discontinued operations equal to the Company’s negative net investment in STi Prepaid ($19,300,000 at September 30, 2010) and the estimated fair value of the payments to be received from the buyer.

In September 2010, the Company classified its power production business that burns waste biomass to produce electricity as a held for sale discontinued operation and recorded a charge of $25,300,000 to reduce the carrying amount of the business to its fair value.  The power production business was previously classified in the other operations segment, and the impairment charge reduced the carrying amount of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net and intangible assets to zero.  The Company expects to sell the business within the next twelve months.

When the power production facility was originally acquired for $4,600,000 it was not operating and the original intent was to invest additional funds to rehabilitate the facility and bring it up to nameplate capacity.  Despite rehabilitation funding in excess of amounts originally planned, ongoing equipment problems have resulted in a failure to bring the facility up to capacity and higher operating costs.  The cost of the waste biomass required to produce electricity has also increased, and at current operating levels the business would require additional funding over the next year.  A competing facility is expected to begin operating next year, and the Company decided to sell the business rather than continue to fund operating losses in the hope that production improvements and/or waste material price decreases would make the facility profitable.

A summary of the results of discontinued operations for ResortQuest, STi Prepaid and the power production business is as follows for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):


 
23

 



   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended September 30,
   
Period Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenues and other income:
                       
Telecommunications
  $ 94,268     $ 98,533     $ 276,253     $ 331,520  
Property management and service fees
    33,963       36,900       84,356       98,342  
Investment and other income
    2,717       1,937       8,763       3,195  
      130,948       137,370       369,372       433,057  
Expenses:
                               
Cost of sales - telecommunications
    77,326       82,900       235,943       282,574  
Direct operating expenses - property
                               
  management and services
    21,724       25,736       62,595       76,539  
Interest
    4       33       11       48  
Salaries and incentive compensation
    3,818       4,423       11,453       12,509  
Depreciation and amortization
    2,403       2,103       7,085       6,294  
Selling, general and other expenses
    38,043       17,235       68,973       54,628  
      143,318       132,430       386,060       432,592  
Income (loss) from discontinued
                               
  operations before income taxes
    (12,370 )     4,940       (16,688 )     465  
Income tax provision
    29       339        –        693  
Income (loss) from discontinued
                               
  operations after income taxes
  $ (12,399 )   $ 4,601     $ (16,688 )   $ (228 )

During the nine month 2010 period and the third quarter of 2009, the Company received and recognized as income from discontinued operations $9,500,000 and $8,600,000, respectively, of distributions from its subsidiary, Empire Insurance Company (“Empire”), which has been undergoing a voluntary liquidation since 2001.  The Company had classified Empire as a discontinued operation in 2001 and fully wrote-off its remaining book value based on its expected future cash flows at that time.  Although Empire no longer writes any insurance business, its orderly liquidation over the years has resulted in reductions to its estimated claim reserves that enabled Empire to pay the distribution, with the approval of the New York Insurance Department.  Since future distributions from Empire, if any, are subject to New York insurance law or the approval of the New York Insurance Department, income will only be recognized when received.

During the third quarter of 2009, the Company received 636,300 of its common shares in connection with the resolution of a lawsuit related to its former subsidiary, WilTel Communications Group, Inc. (“WilTel”), and recorded income from discontinued operations of $15,200,000 based on the market value of the common shares.  These shares were originally issued in connection with the acquisition of WilTel in 2003, and had been held in a fund for certain claims made against WilTel prior to the Company’s ownership.  The resolution of the lawsuit found that the claimants were not entitled to the shares and they were returned to the Company.

16.    Other

As more fully discussed in the 2009 10-K, the former holders of certain of the Premier Entertainment Biloxi LLC, (“Premier”) notes argued that they were entitled to liquidated damages under the indenture governing these notes, and as such were entitled to more than the principal amount of the notes plus accrued interest that was paid to them at Premier’s emergence from bankruptcy.  The Company had funded an escrow account to cover the Premier noteholders’ claim for additional damages in the amount of $13,700,000.  On September 3, 2010, the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Mississippi awarded the Premier noteholders $9,600,000, plus interest at the federal judgment rate in effect on August 10, 2007 from that date until the date of payment, but in no event would the Premier noteholders be entitled to damages in an amount exceeding the amount held in the escrow account.  Any funds remaining in the escrow account after payment of the award are to be returned to the Company.  The Company has filed a notice of appeal of the Bankruptcy Court’s decision; no amounts are expected to be paid from the escrow account while the appeal is pending.  As a result of the Bankruptcy Court’s decision, the Company recorded a loss in selling, general and other expenses in the third quarter of 2010 for the award and interest of $11,100,000.

As more fully discussed in the 2009 10-K, one of the Company’s real estate subsidiaries (“MB1”) is the owner and developer of a mixed use real estate project located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  The acquisition and construction costs were funded by capital contributed by the Company and nonrecourse indebtedness with a balance of $100,500,000 at September 30, 2010, that is collateralized by the real estate.

During the second quarter of 2009, MB1 was unable to make scheduled payments under its interest rate swap agreement and received several default notices under its bank loan.  These events constituted a change in circumstances that caused the Company to evaluate whether the carrying amount of MB1’s real estate asset was recoverable.  Based on its evaluation, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $67,800,000 during the second quarter of 2009 (classified as selling, general and other expenses).  Although MB1’s bank loan matured in October 2009, it was not repaid since MB1 did not have sufficient funds and the Company is under no obligation and had no intention to provide the funds to MB1 to pay off the loan.

During the second quarter of 2010, MB1 entered into an agreement with its lenders under which, among other things, MB1 agreed not to interfere with or oppose foreclosure proceedings and the lenders agreed to release MB1 and various guarantors of the loan.  A receiver has been put in place at the property and the foreclosure proceedings are underway.  Upon foreclosure, the Company will record a gain equal to the excess of the loan balance over the then book value of the real estate.  At September 30, 2010, the carrying value of MB1’s real estate was $67,100,000; if foreclosure proceedings were completed the gain recognized would have been $33,400,000 as of September 30, 2010.
 
 

 
 
24

 
 17.
 Subsequent Events

Effective October 2010, Berkadia’s secured credit facility with a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (“Berkshire Hathaway”) was amended to increase the size of the credit facility from $1 billion to $1.5 billion, with the Company agreeing to provide the increased funds under the facility.  The additional availability will be used by Berkadia to fund its mortgage originations and servicing activities.  Berkadia originates commercial mortgage loans solely for agencies of the U.S. Government using their underwriting guidelines, and loans are sold to the agencies within a specified period of time after origination.  The increase in the size of the credit facility will enable Berkadia to hold new loan originations for a longer period prior to sale, generating interest income in excess of the interest due under the facility.

So long as there is no default under the credit facility, principal repayments will first be applied to the Company’s portion of the outstanding loan and then to Berkshire Hathaway’s portion.  In addition, the Company has the right to direct Berkadia to expedite its sale of loans under its various programs thereby reducing or eliminating the need for the additional funding.  Pursuant to the Company's amended guaranty to Berkshire Hathaway, any losses incurred under the facility will continue to be shared equally by the Company and Berkshire Hathaway.


 
 
25

 
 

 
 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Interim Operations.

The following should be read in conjunction with the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the 2009 10-K.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s investment portfolio, equity and results of operations can be significantly impacted by the changes in market values of certain securities, particularly during times of increased volatility in security prices.  Changes in the market values of publicly traded available for sale securities are reflected in other comprehensive income (loss) and equity.  However, changes in the market prices of investments for which the Company has elected the fair value option, declines in the fair values of equity securities that the Company deems to be other than temporary and declines in the fair values of debt securities related to credit losses are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and equity.

The Company’s largest publicly traded available for sale equity securities with changes in market values reflected in other comprehensive income (loss) are Fortescue and Inmet.  During the nine month period ended September 30, 2010, the market value of the Company’s investment in the common shares of Fortescue increased from $988,400,000 at December 31, 2009 (excluding shares sold in 2010) to $1,249,500,000 at September 30, 2010, and the market value of the Company’s investment in Inmet decreased from $339,100,000 at December 31, 2009 to $311,900,000 at September 30, 2010.  The change in the market values of the Company’s investments in ACF and Jefferies, for which the fair value option was elected, was reflected in operations as a component of income related to associated companies.  During the nine month period ended September 30, 2010, the Company recognized unrealized gains (losses) related to its investments in ACF and Jefferies of $182,200,000 and $(50,500,000), respectively.  For the nine month 2010 period, the Company also recorded impairment losses for declines in value of securities deemed to be other than temporary in its consolidated statement of operations of $1,700,000, reflected as a component of net securities gains (losses).

In addition to cash and cash equivalents, the Company also considers investments classified as current assets and investments classified as non-current assets on the face of its consolidated balance sheet as being generally available to meet its liquidity needs.  Securities classified as current and non-current investments are not as liquid as cash and cash equivalents, but they are generally easily convertible into cash within a relatively short period of time.  As of September 30, 2010, the sum of these amounts aggregated $3,019,200,000.  However, since $664,600,000 of this amount is pledged as collateral pursuant to various agreements, represents investments in non-public securities or is held by subsidiaries that are party to agreements that restrict the Company’s ability to use the funds for other purposes, the Company does not consider those amounts to be available to meet the Parent’s liquidity needs.  The $2,354,600,000 that is available is comprised of cash and short-term bonds and notes of the U.S. Government and its agencies, U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises and other publicly traded debt and equity securities (including the Fortescue common shares of $1,249,500,000 and the Inmet common shares of $311,900,000).  This amount does not include the cash received from the sale of ACF common shares on October 1, 2010.  The Parent’s available liquidity, and the investment income realized from the Parent’s cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities is used to meet the Parent company’s short-term recurring cash requirements, which are principally the payment of interest on its debt, corporate overhead expenses and maturing repurchase agreements. 

In February 2010, the Company sold 30,000,000 common shares of Fortescue for net cash proceeds of $121,500,000, which resulted in the recognition of a net securities gain of $94,900,000 in the first quarter of 2010.

In May 2010, the Company sold its investment in LPH for cash consideration of $85,000,000, which resulted in the recognition of a net securities gain of $66,200,000 in the second quarter of 2010.

During the second quarter of 2010, the Company received and recognized as income from discontinued operations a $9,500,000 distribution from Empire, which has been undergoing a voluntary liquidation since 2001.
 

 
26

 


 
In July 2010, the Company received $154,900,000 from FMG (net of $17,200,000 in withholding taxes) in payment of the accrued interest due on the FMG Note through June 30, 2010.  The payment includes interest accrued since the inception of mining operations that previously had been deferred due to the restricted payments covenant contained in FMG’s senior secured debt agreements (for periods prior to January 1, 2010), including interest on the deferred interest.  FMG was able to make this payment because its consolidated coverage ratio (as defined in FMG’s senior secured debt agreements) exceeded the minimum required for the previous four fiscal quarters ending June 30, 2010.  Inasmuch as the senior secured debt has been called for redemption on November 8, 2010, the covenants requiring the deferral of interest should no longer apply. Future interest payments under the FMG Note will be dependent upon the physical volume of iron ore sold and the selling price; as a result, it is not possible to predict whether interest earned in the most recent quarter will continue at the same level in future quarters.
 
On August 9, 2010, the Company was advised that Fortescue is asserting that FMG is entitled to issue additional subordinated notes identical to the FMG Note in an unlimited amount.  Fortescue further claims that any interest to be paid on additional subordinated notes can dilute, on a pro rata basis, the Company’s entitlement to the above stated interest of 4% of net revenue.  The Company does not believe that FMG has the right to issue additional notes which affect the Company’s interest or that the interpretation by Fortescue of the terms of the FMG Note, as currently claimed by Fortescue, reflects the agreement between the parties.

On September 1, 2010, the Company filed a Writ of Summons against Fortescue, FMG and Fortescue’s Chief Executive Officer in the Supreme Court of Western Australia.  The Writ of Summons seeks, among other things, an injunction restraining the issuance of any additional notes identical to the FMG Note and damages.  If the litigation is ultimately determined adversely to the Company and additional notes are issued, the Company’s future cash flows from the FMG Note and future results of operations would be materially and adversely affected to the extent of the dilution resulting from the issuance of such additional notes.  
 
In August 2010, the Company sold its operating retail shopping center in Long Island, New York for cash consideration of $17,100,000 and recorded a pre-tax and after tax gain on sale of discontinued operations of $4,600,000.

In September 2010, the Company sold ResortQuest for $53,600,000 and recognized a pre-tax and after tax gain on sale of discontinued operations of $35,300,000.

On October 1, 2010, the Company sold all of its ACF common shares to a subsidiary of General Motors in connection with General Motors’ acquisition of all of the outstanding common stock of ACF.  The Company received aggregate cash consideration of $830,600,000 for its shares of ACF common stock, which were acquired at a cost of $425,800,000.
 
In October 2010, the Company sold STi Prepaid for aggregate cash consideration of $20,000,000, which will be paid over a 26 month period.

The Board of Directors has authorized the Company, from time to time, to purchase its outstanding debt securities through cash purchases in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.  Such repurchases, if any, depend upon prevailing market conditions, the Company’s liquidity requirements and other factors; such purchases may be commenced or suspended at any time without notice.  During the third quarter of 2010, the Company repurchased an aggregate $16,700,000 principal amount of its outstanding debt securities.  In October 2010, the Company repurchased an additional aggregate $34,000,000 principal amount of its outstanding debt securities.

Effective October 2010, Berkadia’s secured credit facility with a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway was amended to increase the size of the credit facility from $1 billion to $1.5 billion, with the Company agreeing to provide the increased funds under the facility.  The additional availability will be used by Berkadia to fund its mortgage originations and servicing activities.  Berkadia originates commercial mortgage loans solely for agencies of the U.S. Government using their underwriting guidelines, and loans are sold to the agencies within a specified period of time after origination.  The increase in the size of the credit facility will enable Berkadia to hold new loan originations for a longer period prior to sale, generating interest income in excess of the interest due under the facility.

So long as there is no default under the credit facility, principal repayments will first be applied to the Company’s portion of the outstanding loan and then to Berkshire Hathaway’s portion.  In addition, the Company has the right to direct Berkadia to expedite its sale of loans under its various programs thereby reducing or eliminating the need for the additional funding.  Pursuant to the Company's amended guaranty to Berkshire Hathaway, any losses incurred under the facility will continue to be shared equally by the Company and Berkshire Hathaway.
 
 
 
 
27

 
 

 


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Net cash of $45,900,000 was provided by operating activities in the nine month 2010 period as compared to $121,500,000 of cash used for operating activities in the nine month 2009 period.  The change in operating cash flows reflects proceeds received from FMG ($154,900,000, net of withholding taxes), greater income tax payments, lower interest payments and increased distributions of earnings from associated companies.  STi Prepaid's telecommunications operations generated funds from operating activities of $500,000 during the 2010 period and $900,000 during the 2009 period.  ResortQuest generated funds from operating activities of $6,300,000 during the 2010 period and used funds of $600,000 during the 2009 period.  Keen, which became a consolidated subsidiary in November 2009, generated funds of $1,900,000 during the nine month period ended September 30, 2010; Premier generated funds of $18,100,000 and $15,800,000 during the 2010 and 2009 periods, respectively; and the Company’s manufacturing segments generated funds from operating activities of $21,100,000 and $22,100,000 during the 2010 and 2009 periods, respectively.  Funds used by Sangart, a development stage company, increased to $16,000,000 during 2010 from $14,000,000 during the 2009 period.  In 2010, distributions from associated companies principally include earnings distributed by Berkadia ($21,000,000) and Jefferies ($10,900,000).  In 2009, distributions from associated companies principally include earnings distributed by HFH ShortPLUS Fund L.P. (“Shortplus”) ($14,500,000), Keen ($7,800,000) and Garcadia ($9,000,000).
 
Net cash of $44,900,000 was used for investing activities in the nine month 2010 period as compared to $132,500,000 of cash provided by investing activities in the nine month 2009 period.  Investments in associated companies include CLC ($2,700,000) and ACF ($7,200,000) in 2010 and CLC ($42,000,000), ACF ($8,200,000) and Berkadia ($5,000,000) in 2009.  Capital distributions from associated companies include Berkadia ($2,100,000), JHYH ($17,100,000), Wintergreen Partners Fund, L.P. (“Wintergreen”) ($4,400,000), and Garcadia ($6,700,000) in 2010 and Keen ($28,300,000), Wintergreen ($39,000,000), Shortplus ($24,800,000) and Starboard Value Opportunity Partners, LP ($11,500,000) in 2009.
 
Net cash of $180,100,000 was provided by financing activities in the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $15,800,000 of cash used for financing activities in the nine month period ended September 30, 2009.  Issuance of debt for 2010 and 2009 primarily reflects the increase in repurchase agreements of $211,800,000 and $45,100,000, respectively, and for 2009, $2,500,000 for MB1’s debt obligation.  Reduction of debt for 2010 includes $17,600,000 for the buyback of $6,200,000 principal amount of the 7% Senior Notes, $5,500,000 principal amount of the 7 3/4% Senior Notes, $3,000,000 principal amount of the 8 1/8% Senior Notes and $2,000,000 principal amount of the 8.65% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures, and $10,200,000 for repayment of debt of a subsidiary.  Reduction of debt for 2009 includes $29,600,000 for the buyback of $35,600,000 principal amount of the 7% Senior Notes.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The Company’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon its consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP.  The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.  On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates all of these estimates and assumptions.  The following areas have been identified as critical accounting estimates because they have the potential to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements, and because they are based on assumptions which are used in the accounting records to reflect, at a specific point in time, events whose ultimate outcome won’t be known until a later date.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 
28

 


Income Taxes - At September 30, 2010, the Company’s valuation allowance for its net deferred tax asset fully reserved for all of the potential future tax savings from federal net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) and for a substantial portion of its state NOLs.  In accordance with GAAP, the Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax asset to the net amount that is more likely than not to be realized.  The amount of any valuation allowance recorded does not in any way adversely affect the Company’s ability to use its NOLs to offset taxable income in the future.  If in the future the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the Company will be able to realize its net deferred tax asset in excess of its net recorded amount, an adjustment to increase the net deferred tax asset would increase income in such period.  If in the future the Company were to determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its net recorded deferred tax asset, an adjustment to decrease the net deferred tax asset would be charged to income in such period.  The Company is required to consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, and to weight the evidence when determining whether a valuation allowance is required.  Generally, greater weight is required to be placed on objectively verifiable evidence when making this assessment, in particular on recent historical operating results.

During the second half of 2008 the Company recorded significant unrealized losses on many of its largest investments, recognized other than temporary impairments for a number of other investments and reported reduced profitability from substantially all of its operating businesses.  Additionally, the 2008 losses recognized by the Company resulted in a cumulative loss in total comprehensive income (loss) during the three year period ending December 31, 2008.  In assessing the realizability of the net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2008, the Company concluded that its recent operating loss and the then current economic conditions worldwide be given more weight than its projections of future taxable income during the period that it has NOLs available (until 2030), and be given more weight than the Company’s long track record of generating taxable income.  As a result, the Company concluded that a valuation allowance was required against substantially all of the net deferred tax asset.

The Company will continue to evaluate the realizability of its net deferred tax asset in future periods.  However, before the Company would reverse any portion of its valuation allowance in excess of taxes recorded on reported income, it will need positive evidence that it has historical positive cumulative taxable income over a period of time which is likely to continue in future periods.  At that time, any decrease to the valuation allowance would be based upon the Company’s projections of future taxable income, which are inherently uncertain.  Recently, the Company has recognized significant realized and unrealized gains on certain of its large investments, and if that trend continues, the Company may recognize an additional net deferred tax asset in future periods.

The Company also records reserves for contingent tax liabilities based on the Company’s assessment of the probability of successfully sustaining its tax filing positions.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets – The Company evaluates its 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, the Company groups its 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.

Current economic conditions have adversely affected most of the Company’s operations and investments.  A worsening of current economic conditions or a prolonged recession could cause a decline in estimated future cash flows expected to be generated by the Company’s 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 property and equipment (for example, manufacturing, gaming entertainment, land based oil and gas drilling operations, real estate and certain associated company investments), impairment charges would have to be recorded.

 
29

 


As more fully discussed in the 2009 10-K, one of the Company’s real estate subsidiaries, MB1 is the owner and developer of a mixed use real estate project located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  The acquisition and construction costs were funded by capital contributed by the Company and nonrecourse indebtedness with a balance of $100,500,000 at September 30, 2010, that is collateralized by the real estate.

During the second quarter of 2009, MB1 was unable to make scheduled payments under its interest rate swap agreement and received several default notices under its bank loan.  These events constituted a change in circumstances that caused the Company to evaluate whether the carrying amount of MB1’s real estate asset was recoverable.  Based on its evaluation, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $67,800,000 during the second quarter of 2009 (classified as selling, general and other expenses).  Although MB1’s bank loan matured in October 2009, it was not repaid since MB1 did not have sufficient funds and the Company is under no obligation and had no intention to provide the funds to MB1 to pay off the loan.

During the second quarter of 2010, MB1 entered into an agreement with its lenders under which, among other things, MB1 agreed not to interfere with or oppose foreclosure proceedings and the lenders agreed to release MB1 and various guarantors of the loan.  A receiver has been put in place at the property and the foreclosure proceedings are underway.  Upon foreclosure, the Company will record a gain equal to the excess of the loan balance over the then book value of the real estate.  At September 30, 2010, the carrying value of MB1’s real estate was $67,100,000; if foreclosure proceedings were completed the gain recognized would have been $33,400,000 at September 30, 2010.

Impairment of Securities –  Declines in the fair values of equity securities considered to be other than temporary and declines in the fair values of debt securities related to credit losses are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.  The Company evaluates its investments for impairment on a quarterly basis.

The Company’s determination of whether a security is other than temporarily impaired incorporates both quantitative and qualitative information; GAAP requires the exercise of judgment in making this assessment, rather than the application of fixed mathematical criteria.  The various factors that the Company considers in making its determination are specific to each investment.  For publicly traded debt and equity securities, the Company considers a number of factors including, but not limited to, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, the reason for the decline in fair value, changes in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date, the ability and intent to hold investments to maturity, and other factors specific to the individual investment.  For investments in private equity funds and non-public securities, the Company bases its determination upon financial statements, net asset values and/or other information obtained from fund managers or investee companies.

The Company has a portfolio of non-agency mortgage backed bond securitizations, which were acquired at significant discounts to face amounts and are accounted for as acquisitions of impaired loans.  The Company estimates the future cash flows for these securities to determine the accretable yield; increases in estimated cash flows are accounted for as a yield adjustment on a prospective basis but decreases in estimated cash flows below amortized cost due to credit losses are recognized as impairments in the consolidated statements of operations.  Contractual cash flows in excess of estimated cash flows are not part of the accretable yield.  The market for these securities is highly illiquid and they rarely trade.  On a regular basis, the Company re-estimates the future cash flows of these securities and records impairment charges if appropriate.  The fair values for these securities are primarily determined using an income valuation model to calculate the present value of expected future cash flows, which incorporates assumptions regarding potential future rates of delinquency, prepayments, defaults, collateral losses and interest rates.

The Company recorded the following impairment charges for securities in the consolidated statement of operations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):

   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended
   
Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Publicly traded securities
  $     $     $     $ 14,400  
Non-public securities and private equity funds
          100             2,200  
Non-agency mortgage-backed bond securitizations
    200       2,600       1,700       13,000  
  Totals
  $ 200     $ 2,700     $ 1,700     $ 29,600  

 
30

 


Impairment of Equity Method Investments – The Company evaluates equity method investments for impairment when operating losses or other factors may indicate a decrease in value which is other than temporary.  For investments in investment partnerships that are accounted for under the equity method, the Company obtains from the investment partnership financial statements, net asset values and other information on a quarterly basis and annual audited financial statements.  On a quarterly basis, the Company also makes inquiries and discusses with investment managers whether there were significant procedural, valuation, composition and other changes at the investee.  Since these investment partnerships record their underlying investments at fair value, after application of the equity method the carrying value of the Company’s investment is equal to its share of the investees’ underlying net assets at their fair values.  Absent any unusual circumstances or restrictions concerning these investments, which would be separately evaluated, it is unlikely that any additional impairment charge would be required.

For equity method investments in operating businesses, the Company considers 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 the Company believes conditions or events indicate that one of these investments might be materially impaired, the Company will obtain from such investee updated cash flow projections and impairment analyses of the investee assets.  The Company will 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.

As more fully discussed in the 2009 10-K, during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company’s equity in losses of Garcadia included impairment charges for goodwill and other intangible assets aggregating $32,300,000.  Garcadia’s automobile dealerships had been adversely impacted by general economic conditions, and the bankruptcy filings by two of the three largest U.S. automobile manufacturers was a change in circumstances that caused Garcadia to evaluate the recoverability of its goodwill and other intangible assets.  Garcadia prepared discounted cash flow projections for each of its dealerships and concluded that the carrying amount of its goodwill and other intangible assets was impaired.

Business Combinations – At acquisition, the Company allocates 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 to determine these values, and may include the use of appraisals, consider market quotes for similar transactions, employ discounted cash flow techniques or consider other information the Company believes relevant.  The finalization of the purchase price allocation will typically take a number of months to complete, and if final values are materially different from initially recorded amounts adjustments are recorded.  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.  Recorded goodwill of a reporting unit is required to be tested for impairment on an annual basis, and between annual testing dates if events or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its net book value.  At September 30, 2010, the book value of goodwill was $8,200,000.  If the fair values of the net assets and liabilities acquired are greater than the purchase price, the excess is treated as a bargain purchase and recognized in income.

Subsequent to the finalization of the purchase price allocation, any adjustments to the recorded values of acquired assets and liabilities would be reflected in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.  Once final, the Company is not permitted to revise the allocation of the original purchase price, even if subsequent events or circumstances prove the Company’s original judgments and estimates to be incorrect.  In addition, long-lived assets recorded in a business combination like property and equipment, amortizable intangibles and goodwill may be deemed to be impaired in the future resulting in the recognition of an impairment loss.  The assumptions and judgments made by the Company when recording business combinations will have an impact on reported results of operations for many years into the future.

Use of Fair Value Estimates – Under GAAP, fair value is defined as the price 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.  Further, a fair value hierarchy prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques into three broad levels.  The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), the next priority to inputs that don’t qualify as Level 1 inputs but are nonetheless observable, either directly or indirectly, for the particular asset or liability (Level 2), and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).

 
31

 


Over 90% of the Company’s investment portfolio is classified as available for sale securities, which are carried at estimated fair value in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  The estimated fair values are principally based on publicly quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs), which can rise or fall in reaction to a wide variety of factors or events, and as such are subject to market-related risks and uncertainties.  The Company has a segregated portfolio of mortgage pass-through certificates issued by U.S. Government agencies (GNMA) and by U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises (FHLMC or FNMA) which are carried on the balance sheet at their estimated fair value of $648,700,000 at September 30, 2010.  Although the markets that these types of securities trade in are generally active, market prices are not always available for the identical security.  The fair value of these investments are based on observable market data including benchmark yields, reported trades, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids and offers.  These estimates of fair value are considered to be Level 2 inputs, and the amounts realized from the disposition of these investments has not been materially different from their estimated fair values.

The fair values of the Company’s portfolio of non-agency mortgage backed bond securitizations, which are primarily determined using an income valuation model to calculate the present value of expected future cash flows, are considered to be Level 3 inputs.

Contingencies The Company accrues for contingent losses when the contingent loss is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.  Estimates of the likelihood that a loss will be incurred and of contingent loss amounts normally require significant judgment by management, can be highly subjective and are subject to material 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 the power of the Company to control.  The Company does not believe that any of its current litigation will have a material adverse effect on its 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 material to results of operations for that period.  As of September 30, 2010, the Company’s accrual for contingent losses was not material.

Results of Operations

The 2010 Periods Compared to the 2009 Periods

General

Substantially all of the Company’s operating businesses sell products or services that are impacted by general economic conditions in the U.S. and to a lesser extent internationally.  Poor general economic conditions have reduced the demand for products or services sold by the Company’s operating subsidiaries and/or resulted in reduced pricing for products or services.  Troubled industry sectors, like the residential real estate market, have had an adverse impact on some of the Company’s operating segments, including real estate, manufacturing and gaming entertainment.  The discussions below and in the 2009 10-K concerning revenue and profitability by segment consider current economic conditions and the impact such conditions have had and may continue to have on each segment; however, should general economic conditions worsen and/or if the country experiences a prolonged recession, the Company believes that all of its businesses would be adversely impacted.
 
 
 
 
 
32
 
 
 

 

A summary of results of operations for the Company for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands):


 
   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended September 30,
   
Period Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
                       
  before income taxes and income
                       
  related to associated companies:
                       
Manufacturing:
                       
Idaho Timber
  $ (559 )   $ (2,714 )   $ 1,282     $ (8,035 )
Conwed Plastics
    2,043       3,067       7,776       10,217  
Oil and Gas Drilling Services
    (5,374 )           (16,147 )      
Gaming Entertainment
    (7,474 )     1,163       (4,308 )     3,693  
Domestic Real Estate
    (179 )     (1,676 )     (3,823 )     (78,258 )
   Medical Product Development
    (9,742 )     (4,983 )     (22,902 )     (13,680 )
Other Operations
    (10,373 )     (2,453 )     (11,446 )     (19,215 )
Corporate
    (27,027 )     (29,406 )     119,018       (139,261 )
   Total consolidated income (loss) from continuing
                               
operations before income taxes and income
                               
 related to associated companies
    (58,685 )     (37,002 )     69,450       (244,539 )
                                 
Income related to associated companies
                               
  before income taxes
    321,330       392,458       145,905       892,881  
Total consolidated income from
                               
  continuing operations before income taxes
    262,645       355,456       215,355       648,342  
                                 
Income taxes:
                               
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
                               
  income related to associated companies
    3,540       1,341       10,936       5,810  
Associated companies
    (3,382 )     12,941       (8,079 )     25,678  
Total income taxes
    158       14,282       2,857       31,488  
                                 
Income  from continuing operations
  $ 262,487     $ 341,174     $ 212,498     $ 616,854  
 
Manufacturing – Idaho Timber

A summary of results of operations for Idaho Timber for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended
   
Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Revenues and other income
  $ 37,789     $ 40,136     $ 134,621     $ 107,782  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Cost of sales
    35,416       39,741       124,020       105,103  
Salaries and incentive compensation
    1,300       1,407       4,309       4,285  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,034       1,076       3,105       3,242  
Selling, general and other expenses
    598       626       1,905       3,187  
      38,348        42,850       133,339       115,817  
 
                               
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (559 )   $ (2,714 )   $ 1,282     $ (8,035 )

 
33

 


Revenues for the three month 2010 period decreased as compared to the same period in 2009 reflecting a 13% reduction in shipment volume; average selling prices increased approximately 7%.  Revenues for the nine month 2010 period increased as compared to the same period in 2009; shipment volume and average selling prices increased approximately 5% and 20%, respectively.  Idaho Timber believes that the abundance of existing homes available for sale in the market and the recent downturn in housing starts due, in part, to the expiration of the federal government’s home buyers’ tax credits program have negatively impacted Idaho Timber’s revenues during the third quarter and will continue to do so during the remainder of 2010.  Idaho Timber believes that the increase in revenues for the nine month 2010 period as compared to the same period in 2009 primarily reflects customers replenishing dimension lumber inventory levels during the first half of the year that had been reduced during the recession, an increase in housing starts, a more balanced supply of lumber in the marketplace relative to demand and an increase in demand for certain of Idaho Timber’s products.

Raw material costs, the largest component of cost of sales (approximately 81% of cost of sales), reflect the changes in shipment volume and increased costs for the 2010 periods as compared to the same periods in 2009.  Raw material cost per thousand board feet increased approximately 4% and 18%, respectively, in the three and nine month 2010 periods as compared to the same periods in 2009, which was caused by reduced supply due to increased lumber exports and greater demand.  The difference between Idaho Timber’s selling price and raw material cost per thousand board feet (spread) increased by 23% and 25%, respectively, for the three and nine month 2010 periods as compared to the same periods in 2009.  Cost of sales for the three and nine month 2009 periods also include charges of $1,400,000 to reduce the carrying value of certain timber deed contracts.

Selling, general and other expenses for the nine month 2009 period reflect impairment losses on long-lived assets related to one of Idaho Timber’s plants of $1,000,000.

Manufacturing Conwed Plastics
 
A summary of results of operations for Conwed Plastics for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended
   
Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Revenues and other income
  $ 23,476     $ 21,127     $ 68,707     $ 62,478  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Cost of sales
    17,767       14,683       50,114       41,876  
Salaries and incentive compensation
    1,824       1,711       5,182       5,174  
Depreciation and amortization
    68       74       243       219  
Selling, general and other expenses
    1,774       1,592       5,392       4,992  
      21,433       18,060       60,931       52,261  
 
                               
Income before income taxes
  $ 2,043     $ 3,067     $ 7,776     $ 10,217  

Revenues increased in the three and nine month 2010 periods as compared to the same periods in 2009 in many of Conwed Plastics’ markets, including certain markets related to the housing industry.  While Conwed Plastics has seen some signs of improved economic conditions and benefited from certain new product launches and new uses of its products, its results continue to be negatively impacted by competitive pressures and customers closely managing their inventory.

The primary raw material in Conwed Plastics’ products is a polypropylene resin, which is a byproduct of the oil refining process, whose price tends to fluctuate with the price of oil.  Prices for polypropylene resin increased substantially in the three and nine month 2010 periods as compared to the same periods in 2009, which adversely affected gross margin.  The volatility of oil and natural gas prices along with current general economic conditions worldwide make it difficult to predict future raw material costs.  Gross margin for the 2010 periods also reflects greater amortization expense for intangible assets.

 
34

 


Oil and Gas Drilling Services

A summary of results of operations for Keen for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 is as follows (in thousands).  As discussed in the 2009 10-K, prior to the date of acquisition (November 2009) Keen was accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

   
For the Three
   
For the Nine
 
   
Month Period Ended
   
Month Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
             
Revenues and other income
  $ 31,850     $ 81,899  
                 
Expenses:
               
Direct operating expenses
    27,240       69,525  
Interest
    299       970  
Salaries and incentive compensation
    1,273       2,576  
Depreciation and amortization
    6,460       19,220  
Selling, general and other expenses
    1,952       5,755  
      37,224       98,046  
 
               
Loss before income taxes
  $ (5,374 )   $ (16,147 )

Since Keen’s drilling rigs are principally used to drill for natural gas, its revenue volume and profitability have historically been significantly affected by the actual and anticipated price of natural gas and levels of natural gas in storage.  The natural gas exploration and production industry is cyclical and the level of exploration and production activity has been very volatile.  During periods of lower levels of drilling activity, price competition for drilling services tends to increase which may result in reduced revenues and profitability; conversely, during periods of increased drilling activity drilling rigs are in demand often resulting in higher prices and contractual commitments from customers to obtain exclusive use of a particular rig for a longer term.  Although Keen’s rig utilization and dayrates modestly increased during the third quarter of 2010 as compared to the first and second quarters of this year, its revenues and profitability continued to be adversely impacted by low natural gas prices and high levels of natural gas in storage.  Keen believes that the negative impact of lower natural gas prices has been partially offset by an increasing proportion of its customers using its rigs to drill for oil rather than natural gas as the decline in oil prices has not been as severe as the decline in natural gas prices.  Keen’s results for the three and nine month 2010 periods also reflect higher costs related to operating and maintaining additional rigs, including increased headcount, wage increases and costs incurred to maintain, repair and make certain of its rigs operational following periods when they were not in use.

While Keen’s profitability may improve if the price of oil increases, creating additional demand for its rigs, it will not significantly improve without increased natural gas demand that will drive substantially higher and sustained natural gas prices.  Increased industrial demand for natural gas, which is tied to achieving economic recovery, is required to significantly improve demand.

Gaming Entertainment

A summary of results of operations for Premier for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

 
35

 



   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended
   
Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Revenues and other income
  $ 31,080     $ 26,971     $ 86,246     $ 79,745  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Direct operating expenses
    22,153       20,571       62,781       59,822  
Interest
    42       114       244       384  
Salaries and incentive compensation
    504       502       1,479       1,510  
Depreciation and amortization
    4,147       4,073       12,568       12,363  
Selling, general and other expenses
    11,708       548       13,482       1,973  
      38,554       25,808       90,554       76,052  
 
                               
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (7,474 )   $ 1,163     $ (4,308 )   $ 3,693  

Premier’s gaming revenues for the three and nine month 2010 periods increased approximately 18% and 9%, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2009, while the local gaming market was largely unchanged for the same periods.  During the third quarter of 2010, Premier implemented new and enhanced customer loyalty programs, which it believes was the major cause of the growth in its gaming revenues.  Premier also believes that claim payments related to the Gulf Coast oil spill and Gulf Coast promotional initiatives funded by third parties may have positively impacted the local gaming market in the third quarter.

The increase in direct operating expenses in the 2010 periods primarily reflects greater gaming taxes and marketing and promotional costs.  As more fully discussed in the 2009 10-K, the former holders of certain of the Premier notes argued that they were entitled to liquidated damages under the indenture governing these notes, and as such were entitled to more than the principal amount of the notes plus accrued interest that was paid to them at Premier’s emergence from bankruptcy.  The Company had funded an escrow account to cover the Premier noteholders’ claim for additional damages in the amount of $13,700,000.  On September 3, 2010, the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Mississippi awarded the Premier noteholders $9,600,000, plus interest at the federal judgment rate in effect on August 10, 2007 from that date until the date of payment, but in no event would the Premier noteholders be entitled to damages in an amount exceeding the amount held in the escrow account.  Any funds remaining in the escrow account after payment of the award are to be returned to the Company.  The Company has filed a notice of appeal of the Bankruptcy Court’s decision; no amounts are expected to be paid from the escrow account while the appeal is pending.  As a result of the Bankruptcy Court’s decision, the Company recorded an expense in selling, general and other expenses during the third quarter of 2010 of $11,100,000, representing the award plus estimated interest.

Domestic Real Estate

A summary of results of operations for the domestic real estate segment for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

 
36

 



   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended
   
Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Revenues and other income
  $ 4,933     $ 5,071     $ 13,120     $ 13,647  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Interest
    509       510       1,526       1,802  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,518       2,358       4,749       7,094  
Other operating expenses
    3,085       3,879       10,668       83,009  
      5,112       6,747       16,943       91,905  
                                 
Loss before income taxes
  $ (179 )   $ (1,676 )   $ (3,823 )   $ (78,258 )

Pre-tax results for the domestic real estate segment are largely dependent upon the performance of the segment’s operating properties, the current status of the Company’s real estate development projects and non-recurring gains or losses recognized when real estate assets are sold.  As a result, pre-tax results for this segment for any particular period are not predictable and do not follow any consistent pattern.

As discussed above, during the second quarter of 2009, the Company determined that the carrying amount of the Company’s mixed use real estate project located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was not fully recoverable and recorded an impairment charge of $67,800,000, which is included in other operating expenses for the nine month 2009 period.  Real estate revenues and other income for the three and nine month 2010 periods include a $1,200,000 gain for an insurance settlement, and for the nine month 2009 period $1,000,000 of income related to the accounting for the mark-to-market value of an interest rate derivative (which was terminated during the second quarter of 2009) relating to the Myrtle Beach project’s debt obligation.  Other operating expenses for the nine month 2009 period also includes $1,400,000 representing the net book value of land and buildings that was contributed to a local municipality and $1,800,000 for the periodic net settlement amount for the interest rate derivative.

Residential property sales volume, prices and new building starts have declined significantly in many U.S. markets, including markets in which the Company has real estate operations in various stages of development.  The slowdown in residential sales has been exacerbated by the turmoil in the mortgage lending and credit markets during the past few years, which has resulted in stricter lending standards and reduced liquidity for prospective home buyers.  The Company has deferred its development plans for certain of its real estate development projects, and is not actively soliciting bids for its fully developed projects.  The Company intends to wait for market conditions to improve before marketing certain of its projects for sale.

Medical Product Development

A summary of results of operations for Sangart for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

 
37

 



   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended
   
Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Revenues and other income
  $ 6     $  53     $ 11     $ 5,125  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Salaries and incentive compensation
    2,515       1,907       6,691       6,922  
Depreciation and amortization
    221       223       653       613  
Selling, general and other expenses
    7,012       2,906       15,569       11,270  
      9,748       5,036       22,913       18,805  
 
                               
Loss before income taxes
  $ (9,742 )   $ (4,983 )   $ (22,902 )   $ (13,680 )

Revenues and other income for the nine month 2009 period includes $5,000,000 for insurance proceeds received upon the death of Sangart’s former chief executive officer.  Selling, general and other expenses for the three and nine month 2010 periods reflects $3,200,000 and $4,600,000, respectively, of charges related to share-based awards previously granted to a former officer.  Sangart’s losses also reflect research and development costs (which are included in selling, general and other expenses) of $1,500,000 and $1,300,000 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $4,400,000 and $3,400,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Research and development costs increased in 2010 primarily due to the completion of the Phase II proof of concept clinical trial and preparation for a larger Phase II clinical study of MP4OX in trauma patients.  Selling, general and other expenses for the nine month 2010 period also reflect $900,000 of lower professional fees and $700,000 of decreased costs for severance, and for the three and nine month 2010 periods $200,000 and $500,000, respectively, of greater royalty expense.  Salaries and incentive compensation expense increased in the third quarter of 2010 principally due to higher headcount and greater estimated incentive bonus expense.

Sangart is a development stage company that does not have any revenues from product sales.  In June 2010, Sangart completed patient enrollment in a Phase II proof of concept clinical trial of MP4OX in trauma patients.  During the third quarter, the study results were completed and found that the Phase II proof of concept study was successful.  Sangart plans to conduct a larger Phase II clinical study and then a Phase III clinical study in trauma patients.  Such studies will take several years to complete at substantial cost, and until they are successfully completed, if ever, Sangart will not be able to request marketing approval and generate revenues from sales in the trauma market.  Also as more fully discussed in the 2009 10-K, Sangart is exploring the application of the MP4 technology in additional therapeutic areas.  The Company is unable to predict when, if ever, it will report operating profits for this segment.  The source of Sangart’s funding needs for the next few years has not been determined, and the Company has not made a commitment to provide funds after 2010.

Other Operations

A summary of results of operations for other operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

 
38

 



   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended
   
Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Revenues and other income
  $ 14,262     $ 13,233     $ 52,171     $ 38,889  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Interest
    2       7       11       25  
Salaries and incentive compensation
    2,228       2,076       6,401       6,452  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,100       1,213       2,893       3,830  
Selling, general and other expenses
    21,305       12,390       54,312       47,797  
      24,635       15,686       63,617       58,104  
 
                               
Loss before income taxes
  $ (10,373 )   $ (2,453 )   $ (11,446 )   $ (19,215 )

Other income for the three and nine month 2010 periods includes $300,000 and $9,500,000, respectively, with respect to government grants to reimburse the Company for certain of its prior expenditures related to energy projects, which were fully expensed as incurred.  The change in revenues and other income for the three and nine month 2010 periods also reflects $400,000 and $2,500,000, respectively, of increased revenues at the winery operations.  Selling, general and other expenses include $4,900,000 and $4,000,000 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $18,400,000 and $16,100,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, related to the investigation and evaluation of energy projects (principally professional fees and other costs).  Selling, general and other expenses for the 2010 periods also reflect $4,300,000 for other operations’ portion of a settlement charge in connection with the termination and settlement of the Company’s frozen defined benefit pension plan, and a $3,000,000 charge for a settlement with certain insurance companies.  Selling, general and other expenses also include charges of $1,600,000 and $4,700,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, at the winery operations to reduce the carrying amount of wine inventory.  The change in selling, general and other expenses for the nine month 2010 period as compared to the same period in 2009 also reflects $1,600,000 of greater costs at the winery operations and $1,300,000 of lower costs related to purchased delinquent credit card receivables.

Corporate

A summary of results of operations for corporate for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended
   
Period Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Revenues and other income (including net
                       
securities gains (losses))
  $ 42,469     $ 36,840     $ 297,585     $ 74,744  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Interest
    30,501       30,808       91,583       94,984  
Salaries and incentive compensation
    11,727       17,812       22,922       39,920  
Depreciation and amortization
    5,267       5,195       15,713       13,394  
Selling, general and other expenses
    22,001       12,431       48,349       65,707  
      69,496       66,246       178,567       214,005  
 
                               
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (27,027 )   $ (29,406 )   $ 119,018     $ (139,261 )

 
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Net securities gains (losses) for Corporate aggregated $9,600,000 for the three month 2009 period and were not material for the three month 2010 period, and $170,400,000 and $(20,300,000) for the nine month 2010 and 2009 periods, respectively.  Net securities gains (losses) for the nine month 2010 period include a gain of $66,200,000 from the sale of the Company’s investment in LPH for cash consideration of $85,000,000 and a gain of $94,900,000 from the sale of 30,000,000 common shares of Fortescue for net cash proceeds of $121,500,000.  Net securities gains (losses) are net of impairment charges, which were not material for the three month 2010 period, and $2,700,000 during the three month 2009 period, and $1,700,000 and $29,600,000 during the nine month 2010 and 2009 periods, respectively.  The Company’s decision to sell securities and realize security gains or losses is generally based on its evaluation of an individual security’s value at the time, the prospect for changes in its value in the future and/or the Company’s liquidity needs.  The decision could also be influenced by the status of the Company’s tax attributes.  The timing of realized security gains or losses is not predictable and does not follow any pattern from year to year.

Investment income declined $600,000 and $6,800,000 in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same periods in 2009, principally due to lower interest rates on a lower amount of fixed income securities.  Other income, which increased $15,800,000 and $38,900,000 in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same periods in 2009, includes $36,100,000 and $19,700,000 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $104,400,000 and $50,200,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, related to Fortescue’s Pilbara iron ore and infrastructure project in Western Australia.  The Company is entitled to receive 4% of the revenue, net of government royalties, invoiced from certain areas of Fortescue’s project.  Amounts are payable semi-annually within thirty days of June 30th and December 31st of each year.  Depreciation and amortization expenses include prepaid mining interest amortization of $2,500,000 and $2,400,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $7,400,000 and $5,000,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, which is being amortized over time in proportion to the amount of ore produced.  Other income for the nine month 2010 and 2009 periods also includes gains for legal settlements of $2,100,000 and $10,500,000, respectively, and for the nine month 2009 period gains of $6,000,000 on the repurchase of an aggregate $35,600,000 principal amount of the Company’s 7% Senior Notes.  In addition, investment and other income reflects income of $400,000 and $200,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $1,000,000 and $1,000,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, related to the accounting for mark-to-market values of Corporate derivatives.

The decrease in interest expense for the nine month 2010 period as compared to the same period in 2009 primarily reflects decreased interest expense related to the 3¾% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes, $123,500,000 of which were converted principally in the second quarter of 2009; and decreased interest expense related to the 7% Senior Notes, which were repurchased principally during the first quarter of 2009.

Salaries and incentive compensation expense decreased in the three and nine month 2010 periods as compared to the same periods in 2009 principally due to lower accrued incentive bonus expense related to the Company’s Senior Executive Annual Incentive Bonus Plan and lower share-based compensation expense.  Bonus accruals under this plan are based on a percentage of pre-tax profits as defined in the plan.  The Company recorded share-based compensation expense relating to grants made under the Company’s senior executive warrant plan and the fixed stock option plan of $600,000 and $2,700,000 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $3,300,000 and $8,100,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Share-based compensation expense declined for the three and nine month 2010 periods as compared to the same periods in 2009 due to the warrants previously granted under the Company’s senior executive warrant plan becoming fully vested.

Selling, general and other expenses for the three and nine month 2010 periods includes $8,400,000 for Corporate’s portion of the defined benefit pension plan settlement charge, and $1,000,000 of aggregate losses related to the repurchase of certain of the Company’s debt securities during the third quarter of 2010.  The change in selling, general and other expenses during the nine month 2010 period as compared to the same period in 2009 also reflects $25,300,000 of expenses incurred relating to the induced conversion of the Company’s 3¾% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes during 2009, $3,000,000 of decreased amortization of debt issuance costs principally related to the debt conversions and the repurchased indebtedness in 2009, and $1,500,000 of higher corporate aircraft expense.  Selling, general and other expenses for the three and nine month 2010 periods also reflect $1,100,000 and $1,200,000, respectively, of higher legal fees as compared to the same periods in 2009.

 
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As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company has a full valuation allowance against its net federal deferred tax asset, including its available NOLs, which aggregated approximately $6,000,000,000 at December 31, 2009.  As a result, the Company did not record any regular federal income tax expense for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010.  Prior to September 30, 2010, the Company had been recording provisions or benefits for deferred federal minimum taxes payable, due to material unrealized security gains reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income and in income related to associated companies.  If these gains were realized, the Company would be able to use its NOLs to fully offset the regular federal income taxes that would be due, but prior to the election described below the Company would have had to pay federal minimum taxes.  Although the payment of federal minimum taxes generates a minimum tax credit carryover, it is fully reserved for in the net deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  Accordingly, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009, the Company recorded provisions for deferred federal minimum taxes payable of $18,800,000 in accumulated other comprehensive income and $12,800,000 in income related to associated companies.  In addition, income tax expense for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 includes state and foreign income taxes.
 
The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 provided taxpayers a special election for extended net operating loss carryback benefits, and with respect to any net operating loss for which the election was made, eliminated the limitation that applies to using the NOL to reduce alternative minimum taxable income.  In September 2010, the Internal Revenue Service provided additional guidance with respect to application of the law, and the Company made the election with respect to its 2008 NOL.  As a result, the Company has NOLs that fully offset approximately $3,000,000,000 of federal minimum taxable income (a potential savings of $60,000,000 of future federal minimum taxes), and no federal regular or minimum income tax would be payable on such income.  The consolidated statement of operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 reflects the reversal of $11,600,000 of deferred federal minimum tax liabilities which had been recorded in prior periods.

Associated Companies

Income (losses) related to associated companies for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 includes the following (in thousands):


   
For the Three Month
   
For the Nine Month
 
   
Period Ended September 30,
   
Period Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
ACF
  $ 211,539     $ 73,320     $ 182,216     $ 268,297  
Jefferies
    81,866       286,654       (39,597 )     639,869  
Berkadia
    3,043             13,336        
JHYH
    72       23,596       2,588       30,620  
Pershing Square
    2,110       6,873       3,033       (4,638 )
HomeFed Corporation
    222       678       (670 )     388  
Garcadia
    4,030       2,738       11,364       (26,201 )
Keen Energy
          (3,753 )           (6,457 )
CLC
    23,804       5,697       (13,064 )     7,758  
Wintergreen
                      1,078  
Shortplus
                      (397 )
Other
    (5,356 )     (3,345 )     (13,301 )     (17,436 )
  Income related to associated companies
                               
    before income taxes
    321,330       392,458       145,905       892,881  
Income tax (expense) benefit
    3,382       (12,941 )     8,079       (25,678 )
  Income related to associated companies,
                               
     net of taxes
  $ 324,712     $ 379,517     $ 153,984     $ 867,203  

As discussed above, the Company accounts for its investments in ACF and Jefferies at fair value, resulting in the recognition of unrealized gains (losses) for the difference between the market value and the cost of the investments.  The Company’s investment in ACF was sold on October 1, 2010.

 
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During the third quarter of 2010, the Company fully redeemed its interest in Pershing Square by transferring its equity into a larger, more diversified investment partnership fund managed by the same manager.  The Company’s percentage ownership interest in this larger investment partnership is much smaller and does not qualify for the equity method of accounting.

As discussed above, for the nine month period ending September 30, 2009, the Company’s equity in losses of Garcadia includes impairment charges for goodwill and other intangible assets aggregating $32,300,000.

As discussed in the 2009 10-K, Keen became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in November 2009.

Discontinued Operations

Domestic Real Estate

As discussed above, in August 2010, the Company sold its operating retail shopping center in Long Island, New York for cash consideration of $17,100,000 and recorded a pre-tax and after tax gain on sale of discontinued operations of $4,600,000.  Historical operating results for this business were not material.

Property Management and Services

As discussed above, in September 2010, the Company sold ResortQuest, recognized a gain on disposal of $35,300,000, and classified its historical operating results as a discontinued operation during the third quarter.  Pre-tax income of ResortQuest was $8,400,000 and $6,900,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $10,900,000 and $6,400,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Telecommunications

As discussed above, in October 2010, the Company sold STi Prepaid.  Pre-tax income (loss) of STi Prepaid was $5,300,000 and $(100,000) for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $1,900,000 and $1,200,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Other Operations

As discussed above, in September 2010, the Company classified its power production business that burns waste biomass to produce electricity as held for sale and recorded a charge of $25,300,000 to reduce the carrying amount of the business to its fair value.  The power production business was previously included in other operations.  The Company expects to sell the business within the next twelve months.  Pre-tax losses of this business, including the impairment charge, were $26,100,000 and $29,500,000 for the three and nine month 2010 periods, respectively, and $1,800,000 and $7,200,000 for the three and nine month 2009 periods, respectively.

Other

During the nine month 2010 period and the third quarter of 2009, the Company received and recognized as income from discontinued operations $9,500,000 and $8,600,000, respectively, of distributions from its subsidiary, Empire, which has been undergoing a voluntary liquidation since 2001.  The Company had classified Empire as a discontinued operation in 2001 and fully wrote-off its remaining book value based on its expected future cash flows at that time.  Although Empire no longer writes any insurance business, its orderly liquidation over the years has resulted in reductions to its estimated claim reserves that enabled Empire to pay the distribution, with the approval of the New York Insurance Department.  Since future distributions from Empire, if any, are subject to New York insurance law or the approval of the New York Insurance Department, income will only be recognized when received.

During the third quarter of 2009, the Company received 636,300 of its common shares in connection with the resolution of a lawsuit related to its former subsidiary, WilTel, and recorded income from discontinued operations of $15,200,000 based on the market value of the common shares.  These shares were originally issued in connection with the acquisition of WilTel in 2003, and had been held in a fund for certain claims made against WilTel prior to the Company’s ownership.  The resolution of the lawsuit found that the claimants were not entitled to the shares and they were returned to the Company.

 
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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 the Company’s actual results include but are not limited to the following: potential acquisitions and dispositions of our operations and investments could change our risk profile; dependence on certain key personnel; economic downturns and the current recession; changes in the market prices of publicly traded securities and entities that invest in publicly traded securities, particularly during times of increased volatility in securities prices; changes in the U.S. housing and commercial real estate markets; risks associated with the increased volatility in raw material prices and the availability of key raw materials; declines in the prices of base metals (primarily iron ore and copper); natural gas supplies and prices and the supply of drilling rigs in the marketplace; compliance with government laws and regulations; changes in mortgage interest rate levels or the lack of available consumer credit; lack of liquidity and turmoil in the capital markets; obtaining significant funding and regulatory approvals to develop large scale energy projects and for medical product development and clinical trial activities; substantial investments in companies whose operating results are greatly affected by the economy and financial markets; changes in existing government and government-sponsored mortgage programs and the loss of or changes in Berkadia’s relationships with the related bodies; a decrease in consumer spending or general increases in the cost of living; intensified competition in the operation of our businesses; our ability to generate sufficient taxable income to fully realize our net deferred tax asset; weather related conditions and significant natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, earthquakes and hailstorms; our ability to insure certain risks economically; dividend payments on our common shares; changes in government tax policies in foreign and domestic jurisdictions; new financial legislation that could affect the market value of certain of the Company’s investments; the impact of the oil spill in the Gulf Coast.  For additional information see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in the 2009 10-K, Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 and Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors contained herein.

Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are applicable only as of the date hereof.  The Company undertakes 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.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Information required under this Item is contained in Item 7A in the 2009 10-K, and is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
 
(a)
The Company's management evaluated, with the participation of the Company's principal executive and principal financial officers, the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of September 30, 2010.  Based on their evaluation, the Company's principal executive and principal financial officers concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2010.
 

 
43

 


 
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
 
(a)  
There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the Company's fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2010, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

The 2009 10-K and the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 include a detailed discussion of the risk factors applicable to us.  Other than as set forth below, there are no material changes from the risk factors as previously disclosed.

If we are unsuccessful in our litigation against FMG, future cash flows from the FMG Note and future results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.  If it is ultimately determined that FMG can issue additional notes, the value of the FMG Note will decrease to the extent of the dilution resulting from the issuance of such additional notes.

Item 6.
Exhibits.

 
10.1
Form of Shareholder Support and Voting Agreement dated as of July 21, 2010, among General Motors Holdings LLC, Goalie Texas Holdco Inc., Leucadia National Corporation, Phlcorp, Inc., Baldwin Enterprises, Inc., BEI Arch Holdings, LLC and BEI-Longhorn, LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed July 22, 2010).
 
 
31.1
Certification of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
Certification of President pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.3
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
Certification of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
32.2
Certification of President pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
32.3
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101
Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Leucadia National Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders Equity and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 


 
44

 





SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 

 

  LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION  
     (Registrant)  
       
       
Date:  November 5, 2010
By:
/s/   Barbara L. Lowenthal  
    Name:  Barbara L. Lowenthal  
    Title:  Vice President and Comptroller  
               (Chief Accounting Officer)  







 
45

 





Exhibit Index


 
10.1
Form of Shareholder Support and Voting Agreement dated as of July 21, 2010, among General Motors Holdings LLC, Goalie Texas Holdco Inc., Leucadia National Corporation, Phlcorp, Inc., Baldwin Enterprises, Inc., BEI Arch Holdings, LLC and BEI-Longhorn, LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed July 22, 2010).
 
 
31.1
Certification of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
Certification of President pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.3
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
Certification of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
32.2
Certification of President pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

                            32.3  
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101
Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Leucadia National Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders Equity and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

 
46