Jefferies Announces Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results

By Business Wire | September 28, 2026, 4:16 PM

Quarterly Record Investment Banking and Equities Net Revenues

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jefferies Financial Group Inc. (NYSE: JEF):

Q3 Financial Highlights

$ in thousands, except per share amounts	Quarter End						Year-to-Date
		3Q26			3Q25			2026			2025
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders	$	260,578		$	223,986		$	639,666		$	439,912
Diluted earnings per voting common share	$	1.08		$	1.01		$	2.79		$	1.98
Return on adjusted tangible shareholders' equity¹		13.5	%		13.6	%		12.9	%		9.3	%
Total net revenues	$	2,221,934		$	2,047,432		$	6,445,515		$	5,274,898
Investment banking net revenues	$	1,331,423		$	1,135,325		$	3,555,536		$	2,602,324
Capital markets net revenues	$	802,178		$	723,382		$	2,380,226		$	2,125,821
Asset management net revenues	$	85,635		$	176,882		$	493,615		$	523,218
Pre-tax earnings	$	351,038		$	331,815		$	878,803		$	617,781
Book value per common share¹⁷	$	46.55		$	50.60		$	46.55		$	50.60
Adjusted tangible book value per fully diluted share³	$	35.21		$	33.38		$	35.21		$	33.38

Quarterly Cash Dividend and Stock Buyback Activity

The Jefferies Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend equal to $0.40 per Jefferies common share, payable on November 25, 2026 to record holders of Jefferies common shares on November 16, 2026.

During the quarter, we repurchased 1.3 million shares of common stock for $70 million, or an average price of $52.34 per share. Year to date, we repurchased 8.3 million shares of common stock for $441 million, or an average price of $53.25 per share. Our Board of Directors has increased our share buyback authorization back to $250 million for future repurchases.

Management Comments

"Our third quarter net revenues were $2.22 billion, net earnings attributable to common shareholders were $261 million, diluted earnings per voting common share were $1.08 and return on adjusted tangible shareholders' equity was 13.5%, reflecting record quarterly results in Investment Banking and Equities, offset by a more subdued market for Fixed Income and a more challenging backdrop for certain funds in our Asset Management business.

"We believe the results of our third quarter demonstrate the strength and momentum of our business and are a strong foundation on which we can continue to build in future periods. We are very optimistic about the trajectory of Jefferies and our ability to achieve meaningfully higher operating margins and earnings as we complete the sale of Tessellis and continue to wind down the remainder of our legacy merchant banking investments. We are keenly focused on improving the consistency and quality of our earnings.

"Our Investment Banking and Equities businesses continued to gain momentum in the third quarter, driving quarterly record net revenues in Advisory, total Investment Banking, Equities and combined Investment Banking and Capital Markets. These results demonstrate the strength and breadth of our business, as well as the benefits of our long-term investments, and reflect the trust our clients put in us and our ability to serve them globally.

“Investment Banking net revenues were $1.33 billion, up 17% from the prior year quarter, with Advisory delivering a record quarter, up 25% versus last year, and Equity Underwriting up 69%. Our results were driven by a strong market opportunity and continued market share gains. We continue to expand our M&A business, led by strong sponsor-led activity during the quarter particularly in the healthcare, industrials and energy sectors. We are very optimistic about the balance of 2026 and our momentum heading into 2027, supported by the breadth and strength of our current backlog and new business activity.

"Capital Markets net revenues were $802 million, up 11% from the prior year quarter. Equities record quarterly net revenues of $626 million, up 29% from the prior year quarter, were driven by global cash and electronic trading, as well as continued growth in prime services. Our prime services business continues to strengthen its global position as a trusted partner to leading, well-diversified hedge funds, which enhances the quality, consistency and durability of our Equities revenues. Our equity options and structured derivatives businesses also continue to expand in partnership with our investment banking business. Fixed Income net revenues were $176 million, down 26% from the prior year quarter, reflecting ongoing slowness in market activity.

"Asset management fees and investment return revenues were $34 million compared to the prior year quarter of $84 million, reflecting weaker performance across several fund strategies. We remain confident in the long-term outlook for the business as we continue to reposition the platform by reducing capital allocated to certain existing funds consistent with the strategy we outlined last fall when we announced our intent to acquire and fund a 50% interest in Hildene.

"We are also continuing to expand our strategic alliance with SMBC. As expected, SMBC has increased its equity ownership in Jefferies to approximately 20% to become our largest shareholder. In Japan, our planned joint venture with SMBC represents a significant opportunity to align SMBC and SMBC Nikko’s domestic market expertise and balance sheet strength with Jefferies’ global Equities platform, global client relationships and trading technology. Expected to begin serving clients in January 2027, the joint venture is intended to scale a leading wholesale equities and equity capital markets business in Japan. We expect this to become a template for other ways to work together globally with our partners at SMBC."

Richard Handler, CEO, and Brian Friedman, President

Financial Summary (Unaudited)

$ in thousands	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
	August 31, 2026			May 31, 2026			August 31, 2025			August 31, 2026			August 31, 2025
Net revenues by source:
Advisory	$	817,823		$	674,118		$	655,578		$	2,019,069		$	1,511,218
Equity underwriting		305,549			370,691			181,205			982,209			432,091
Debt underwriting		177,072			160,186			249,525			519,116			654,250
Other investment banking		30,979			1,825			49,017			35,142			4,765
Total Investment Banking		1,331,423			1,206,820			1,135,325			3,555,536			2,602,324
Equities		626,154			600,751			486,695			1,785,393			1,421,997
Fixed income		176,024			198,541			236,687			594,833			703,824
Total Capital Markets		802,178			799,292			723,382			2,380,226			2,125,821
Total Investment Banking and Capital Markets Net revenues⁵		2,133,601			2,006,112			1,858,707			5,935,762			4,728,145
Asset management fees and revenues⁶		13,285			15,169			15,916			98,364			125,312
Investment return		20,949			31,037			68,026			140,978			112,796
Allocated net interest⁴		(21,438	)		(22,935	)		(18,550	)		(66,611	)		(54,915	)
Other investments, inclusive of net interest		72,839			164,447			111,490			320,884			340,025
Total Asset Management Net revenues		85,635			187,718			176,882			493,615			523,218
Other		2,698			12,621			11,843			16,138			23,535
Total Net revenues by source	$	2,221,934		$	2,206,451		$	2,047,432		$	6,445,515		$	5,274,898

Non-interest expenses:
Compensation and benefits	$	1,192,745		$	1,188,245		$	1,083,510		$	3,466,880		$	2,779,476
Compensation ratio¹³		53.7	%		53.9	%		52.9	%		53.8	%		52.7	%
Non-compensation expenses	$	678,151		$	702,657		$	632,107		$	2,099,832		$	1,877,641
Non-compensation ratio¹³		30.5	%		31.8	%		30.9	%		32.6	%		35.6	%
Total Non-interest expenses	$	1,870,896		$	1,890,902		$	1,715,617		$	5,566,712		$	4,657,117

Net earnings before income taxes	$	351,038		$	315,549		$	331,815		$	878,803		$	617,781
Income tax expense	$	86,976		$	65,571		$	89,311		$	205,417		$	147,033
Income tax rate		24.8	%		20.8	%		26.9	%		23.4	%		23.8	%
Net earnings	$	264,062		$	249,978		$	242,504		$	673,386		$	470,748
Net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests		(2,740	)		(5,440	)		(10,041	)		(24,038	)		(24,692	)
Preferred stock dividends		6,224			29,184			28,559			57,758			55,528
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders	$	260,578		$	226,234		$	223,986		$	639,666		$	439,912

Results Discussion

Three Months Ended August 31, 2026 Versus August 31, 2025

Nine Months Ended August 31, 2026 Versus August 31, 2025

Net earnings attributable to common shareholders of $261 million, or $1.08 per diluted earnings per voting common share.
Return on adjusted tangible shareholders' equity¹ of 13.5%.
Repurchased 1.3 million shares of common stock primarily in the open market for $70 million, or an average price of $52.34 per share.
We had 189.1 million voting common shares outstanding and 250.9 million common shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis² at August 31, 2026. Our book value per common share was $46.55 and adjusted tangible book value per fully diluted share³ was $35.21.
Effective tax rate of 24.8% compared to 26.9% for the prior year quarter.

Net earnings attributable to common shareholders of $640 million, or $2.79 per diluted earnings per voting common share.
Return on adjusted tangible shareholders' equity¹ of 12.9%.
Repurchased 8.3 million shares of common stock for $441 million, or an average price of $53.25 per share, including 6.3 million shares of common stock in the open market for $333 million and 2.0 million shares of common stock for $108 million in connection with net-share settlements related to our equity compensation plans.
Effective tax rate of 23.4% compared to 23.8% for the prior year period.

Investment Banking and Capital Markets

Investment Banking net revenues from combined Advisory and Underwriting totaling $1.30 billion reflect our best quarterly results ever and were 20% higher than the prior year quarter.
- Advisory net revenues of $818 million reflect our best quarter on record and were 25% higher than the prior year quarter, driven by market share gains across multiple sectors.
- Underwriting net revenues of $483 million were 12% higher than the prior year quarter, primarily driven by market share gains and increased activity in Equity underwriting across most sectors. Debt underwriting decreased compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to lower industry volumes.
Capital Markets net revenues of $802 million were 11% higher compared to the prior year quarter.
- Equities net revenues increased 29%, marking our strongest quarter on record, primarily due to higher global trading volumes driving stronger results across most of our businesses, particularly within cash and electronic trading, equity options and corporate derivatives. Additionally, our prime services business continues to expand.
- Fixed Income net revenues decreased 26% from the prior year quarter, due to ongoing lower industry volumes.

Investment Banking net revenues from Advisory and Underwriting totaling $3.52 billion reflect record nine-month year-to-date results and were 36% higher than the prior year period.
- Advisory net revenues of $2.02 billion reflect record nine-month year-to-date results and were 34% higher than the prior year period, driven by market share gains and increased overall market opportunity.
- Underwriting net revenues of $1.50 billion were 38% higher than the prior year period, primarily driven by market share gains and increased activity in Equity underwriting across most sectors. Debt underwriting decreased compared to prior year on slightly lower market opportunity.
Capital Markets net revenues of $2.38 billion reflect record nine-month year-to-date results and were 12% higher compared to the prior year period.
- Equities net revenues increased 26%, marking our highest nine-month year-to-date results on record, primarily due to higher global trading volumes driving stronger results across most of our businesses, particularly within cash and electronic trading, equity options, convertibles, and corporate derivatives. Additionally, our prime services business continues to expand.
- Fixed Income net revenues decreased 15% from the prior year period, as strong performance in our municipal securities, distressed and emerging markets businesses was more than offset by lower results from several other businesses, including our securitized products business, which includes a mark-to-market loss associated with Market Financial Solutions.

Asset Management

Asset Management fees and revenues and investment return of $34 million were lower than the prior year quarter, primarily driven by weaker performance from across several fund strategies, including Point Bonita.
- Asset management fees and revenues decreased from the prior year quarter, as a result of higher management fees from funds and accounts managed by our strategic affiliates offset by lower management fees from funds managed by us.

Asset Management fees and revenues and investment return of $239 million were flat from the prior year period, as improved performance across several fund strategies, particularly those with a long-equity bias, were offset by a decline in performance across several other funds, including Point Bonita.
- Asset management fees and revenues were lower compared to the prior year period, as higher performance fees from funds and accounts managed by our strategic affiliates were offset by lower performance fees largely associated with Point Bonita.

Non-interest Expenses

Compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of Net revenues was 54%, compared to 53% for the prior year quarter.
Non-compensation expenses were higher primarily due to increased brokerage and clearing fees associated with increased equities trading volumes, and increased technology and communication expenses. Non-compensation expenses as a percentage of Net revenues was 31%, compared to 31% for the prior year quarter.

Compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of Net revenues was 54%, compared to 53% for the prior year period.
Non-compensation expenses were higher primarily due to increased brokerage and clearing fees associated with increased equities trading volumes, and increased technology and communication and business development expenses. In addition, other expenses were higher primarily due to the write-down of goodwill associated with the expected sale of Tessellis. Non-compensation expenses as a percentage of Net revenues decreased to 33%, compared to 36% for the prior year period.

Amounts herein pertaining to August 31, 2026 represent a preliminary estimate as of the date of this earnings release and may be revised upon filing our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). More information on our results of operations for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2026 will be provided upon filing our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the SEC, which we expect to file on or about October 9, 2026.

This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on current views and include statements about our future and statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are usually preceded by the words “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” "would," or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements may contain expectations regarding revenues, earnings, operations, and other results, and may include statements of future performance, plans, and objectives. Forward-looking statements may also include statements pertaining to our strategies for future development of our businesses and products. Forward-looking statements represent only our belief regarding future events, many of which by their nature are inherently uncertain. It is possible that the actual results may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results indicated in these forward-looking statements. Information regarding important factors, including Risk Factors that could cause actual results to differ, perhaps materially, from those in our forward-looking statements is contained in reports we file with the SEC. You should read and interpret any forward-looking statement together with reports we file with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent circumstances.

Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy will be profitable or equal the corresponding indicated performance level(s).

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)

$ in thousands, except per share amounts	Three Months Ended August 31,						Nine Months Ended August 31,
		2026			2025			2026			2025
Revenues
Investment banking	$	1,303,833		$	1,088,197		$	3,531,742		$	2,606,976
Principal transactions		468,655			486,893			1,444,819			1,232,630
Commissions and other fees		392,932			325,178			1,161,150			966,711
Asset management fees and revenues		9,869			13,079			87,019			118,563
Interest		922,999			846,894			2,590,080			2,570,090
Other		132,510			147,433			405,450			379,883
Total revenues		3,230,798			2,907,674			9,220,260			7,874,853
Interest expense		1,008,864			860,242			2,774,745			2,599,955
Net revenues		2,221,934			2,047,432			6,445,515			5,274,898
Non-interest expenses
Compensation and benefits		1,192,745			1,083,510			3,466,880			2,779,476
Brokerage and clearing fees		139,475			121,164			420,053			360,345
Underwriting costs		31,858			20,332			90,099			52,703
Technology and communications		173,235			157,171			495,953			442,844
Occupancy and equipment rental		34,713			32,908			103,072			93,818
Business development		83,000			78,999			247,530			231,360
Professional services		88,652			73,329			264,303			223,563
Depreciation and amortization		43,282			53,230			147,475			136,471
Cost of sales		22,922			34,430			84,095			118,959
Other expenses		61,014			60,544			247,252			217,578
Total non-interest expenses		1,870,896			1,715,617			5,566,712			4,657,117
Earnings before income taxes		351,038			331,815			878,803			617,781
Income tax expense		86,976			89,311			205,417			147,033
Net earnings		264,062			242,504			673,386			470,748
Net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests		(2,740	)		(10,041	)		(24,038	)		(24,692	)
Preferred stock dividends		6,224			28,559			57,758			55,528
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders	$	260,578		$	223,986		$	639,666		$	439,912

Financial Data and Metrics (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	August 31, 2026		May 31, 2026		August 31, 2025		August 31, 2026		August 31, 2025
Other Data:
Number of trading days		64		63		63		188		187
Number of trading loss days⁷		7		0		3		8		20
Average VaR (in millions)⁸	$	10.38	$	10.31	$	10.45	$	10.16	$	11.81

In millions, except other data	August 31, 2026		May 31, 2026		August 31, 2025
Financial position:
Total assets	$	81,278	$	79,540	$	69,320
Cash and cash equivalents		16,884		14,315		11,458
Financial instruments owned		27,283		28,038		26,117
Level 3 financial instruments owned⁹		891		839		803
Goodwill and intangible assets, net¹⁴		1,972		1,974		2,052
Total equity		10,728		10,607		10,501
Total shareholders' equity		10,690		10,567		10,439
Tangible shareholders' equity¹⁰		8,718		8,593		8,387
Other data and financial ratios:
Leverage ratio¹¹		7.6		7.5		6.6
Tangible gross leverage ratio¹²		9.1		9.0		8.0
Number of employees at period end		7,065		7,371		7,866
Number of employees excluding Tessellis and Stratos at period end		6,585		6,236		6,206

Components of Numerators and Denominators for Earnings Per Common Share

$ in thousands, except per share amounts	Three Months Ended August 31, 2026					Nine Months Ended August 31, 2026
	Voting			Non-Voting		Voting			Non-Voting
Basic earnings per share:
Numerator
Allocation of distributed earnings (cash dividends paid)	$	80,482		$	16,232	$	251,820		$	19,930
Allocation of undistributed earnings		142,162			21,702		348,886			19,030
Net earnings	$	222,644		$	37,934	$	600,706		$	38,960
Denominator
Weighted average common shares outstanding		191,147			30,293		199,269			11,353
Weighted average shares of restricted stock outstanding with future service required		(2,058	)		—		(2,095	)		—
Weighted average RSUs outstanding with no future service required		9,348			—		10,958			—
Number of shares used in per share computation		198,437			30,293		208,132			11,353
Basic earnings per share¹⁶	$	1.12		$	1.25	$	2.89		$	3.43

Diluted earnings per share:
Numerator
Allocation of total earnings for basic computation		222,644			37,934		600,706			38,960
Reallocation of total earnings as a result of conversion of preferred shares to non-voting shares		—			6,224		—			57,706
Net earnings		222,644			44,158		600,706			96,666
Denominator
Number of shares used in basic computation		198,437			30,293		208,132			11,353
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
Add: Conversion of preferred share to non-voting shares outstanding		—			8,688		—			21,271
Add: Stock options and other share-based awards		5,210			—		4,900			—
Add: Senior executive compensation plan restricted stock unit awards		2,698			—		2,499			—
Number of shares used in per share computation		206,345			38,981		215,531			32,624
Diluted earnings per share¹⁶	$	1.08		$	1.13	$	2.79		$	2.96

$ in thousands, except per share amounts	Three Months Ended August 31, 2025			Nine Months Ended August 31, 2025
Numerator for earnings per common share:
Net earnings	$	242,504		$	470,748
Less: Net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests		(10,041	)		(24,692	)
Allocation of earnings to participating securities		(28,559	)		(55,528	)
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders for basic earnings per share	$	223,986		$	439,912
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders for diluted earnings per share	$	223,986		$	439,912

Denominator for earnings per common share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		206,272			206,191
Weighted average shares of restricted stock outstanding with future service required		(2,224	)		(2,259	)
Weighted average restricted stock units outstanding with no future service required		11,245			11,045
Weighted average basic common shares		215,293			214,977
Stock options and other share-based awards		4,643			4,915
Senior executive compensation plan restricted stock unit awards		2,779			2,647
Weighted average diluted common shares		222,715			222,539

Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	1.04		$	2.05
Diluted	$	1.01		$	1.98

Non-GAAP Reconciliations

The following tables reconcile our non-GAAP financial measures to their respective U.S. GAAP financial measures. Management believes such non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors as they allow them to view our results through the eyes of management, while facilitating a comparison across historical periods. These measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Return on Adjusted Tangible Equity Reconciliation

$ in thousands	Three Months Ended August 31,						Nine Months Ended August 31,
		2026			2025			2026			2025
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders (GAAP)	$	260,578		$	223,986		$	639,666		$	439,912
Intangible amortization and impairment expense, net of tax¹⁵		1,602			9,163			46,754			22,053
Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders (non-GAAP)		262,180			233,149			686,420			461,965
Preferred stock dividends		6,224			28,559			57,758			55,528
Adjusted net earnings to total shareholders (non-GAAP)	$	268,404		$	261,708		$	744,178		$	517,493

Adjusted net earnings to total shareholders (non-GAAP)¹	$	1,073,616		$	1,046,832		$	992,237		$	689,991

	May 31,						November 30,
		2026			2025			2025			2024
Shareholders' equity (GAAP)	$	10,566,996		$	10,305,025		$	10,574,696		$	10,156,772
Less: Goodwill and intangible assets, net		(1,974,240	)		(2,060,019	)		(2,040,147	)		(2,054,310	)
Less: Deferred tax asset, net		(516,550	)		(502,033	)		(459,052	)		(497,590	)
Less: Weighted average impact of dividends and share repurchases		(108,468	)		(66,561	)		(385,750	)		(208,901	)
Adjusted tangible shareholders' equity (non-GAAP)	$	7,967,738		$	7,676,412		$	7,689,747		$	7,395,971

Return on adjusted tangible shareholders' equity (non-GAAP)¹		13.5	%		13.6	%		12.9	%		9.3	%

Contacts

Jonathan Freedman 212.778.8913

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Jefferies Financial Group Inc

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Jefferies Announces Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results

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