Waddell & Reed Financial
Annual Report 2007

Plain-text annual report

W a d d e l l & R e e d F i n a n c i a l , I n c . B U I L D I N G M O M E N T U M 2 0 0 7 A n n u a l R e p o r t BUIL DING MOM EN TUM 20 07 A n nu a l Repor t Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 6300 Lamar Avenue Overland Park KS 66202 800.532.2757 www.waddell.com 4296_CovSprd.indd 1 4296_CovSprd.indd 1 2/21/08 11:14:54 PM 2/21/08 11:14:54 PM BUSI N ESS PROF I L E Founded in 1937, Waddell & Reed is one of the country’s most endur- ing asset management and financial planning firms. Over the last 70 years, we have provided proven, professional investment man- agement and financial planning services to individual and institu- tional investors. Today, we operate our business through three distinct distribution channels: the Advisors channel, the Wholesale channel and the Institutional channel. At December 31, 2007, assets under management totaled $65 billion and we served 3.3 million mutual fund shareholder accounts. On August 1, 2007, the executive team rang the Closing Bell SM at the NYSE Euronext to commemorate our 70th year in business. Executive team standing from left to right, Michael D. Strohm, Michael L. Avery, Thomas E. Veit (Sr. VP Global Corporate Client Group of NYSE Euronext), Henry J. Herrmann, Daniel P. Connealy, Daniel C. Schulte, Thomas W. Butch. 4296_CovSprd.indd 2 4296_CovSprd.indd 2 2/27/08 5:04:09 PM 2/27/08 5:04:09 PM Financial Highlights (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Operating Revenues Operating Income Net Income Operating Margin Diluted Earnings Per Share Dividend Declared Per Share 2007 2006(1) 2005(2) 2004 2003(3) $ 837,554 194,632 125,497 $ 718,655 165,795 106,773 $ 622,080 150,948 90,947 $ 569,687 163,359 102,165 $506,258 147,810 93,036 23.2% $1.52 $0.68 23.1% $1.28 $0.60 24.3% $1.11 $0.60 28.7% $1.25 $0.60 29.2% $1.13 $0.57 1 This is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes special after-tax charges of $60.7 million, or $0.73 per diluted share. Net income including these special charges was $46.1 million, or $0.55 per diluted share. 2 This is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes special after-tax charges of $30.8 million, or $0.38 per diluted share. Net income including these special charges was $60.1 million, or $0.73 per diluted share. 3 This is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes special after-tax charges of $38.8 million, or $0.47 per diluted share. Net income including these special charges was $54.3 million, or $0.66 per diluted share. See accompanying Form 10-K. EPS Growth Stock Price $2.00 1.50 1.00 0.50 0 19% 8% ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’06-’07 ’03-’07 Compound Annual Growth Rate $40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 32% 11% ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’06-’07 ’03-’07 Compound Annual Growth Rate 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 Channel Highlights (Dollars in millions) Assets Under Management Advisors Channel Wholesale Channel Institutional Channel Total (Dollars in millions) Gross Sales Advisors Channel Wholesale Channel Institutional Channel Total $ 34,562 21,537 8,769 $ 29,905 10,819 7,677 $ 27,187 6,729 7,947 $ 25,297 4,702 8,659 $ 24,337 3,805 8,431 $ 64,868 $ 48,401 $ 41,863 $ 38,658 $ 36,573 $ 3,551 9,470 1,883 $ 3,216 4,541 968 $ 2,406 2,347 654 $ 2,219 1,376 1,276 $ 2,344 932 2,389 $ 14,904 $ 8,725 $ 5,407 $ 4,871 $ 5,665 Sales (by distribution channel) Advisors Channel Wholesale Channel 24% 64% Institutional Channel 12% Assets Under Management (by distribution channel) Advisors Channel Wholesale Channel 53% 33% Institutional Channel 14% 1 4296_Body.indd 1 4296_Body.indd 1 2/21/08 11:00:45 PM 2/21/08 11:00:45 PM To our stockholders, During 2007, our 70th year, Waddell & Reed delivered exceptional operating results. We achieved highly competitive investment performance, enjoyed acceler- ating sales growth across all channels and boosted total assets under management by more than 34 per- cent to $65 billion. Just 10 years ago, we became a publicly traded com- pany with total assets under management of $23 bil- lion. Since then, our assets have grown by more than 175 percent as we’ve experienced continued strong investment performance; we’ve expanded our business model with an additional channel of distribution and we’ve continued to enhance our product, service and support structures and technology platforms. The year 2007 brought validation to our ongoing efforts. Highlights from the past 12 months include: (cid:129) Stockholder value grew, with shares of our common stock gaining 32 percent from year-end 2006; (cid:129) We raised our quarterly dividend 131/3 percent; (cid:129) The company achieved record earnings per diluted share of $1.52; (cid:129) We attained record sales in our Advisors and Whole- sale channels; (cid:129) We achieved superior investment performance, ranking us near or at the top of our peer group; and (cid:129) Waddell & Reed Advisors Funds earned the top ranking by Barron’s for 2007, while the Ivy Funds ranked number eight for the year. Advisors channel: Driving for success Within our Advisors channel, sales increased for the third consecutive year. We ended 2007 with a sales force of 2,293 advisors, a 2 percent increase from a year earlier. Enhancements in training and support, underway since 2005, as well as products introduced this past year—particularly a packaged asset alloca- tion product that was well embraced by our advisors and clients—helped propel Advisors channel sales to $3.6 billion, a 10 percent increase over 2006. Our dis- tinct, personal and long-term approach to financial planning supports a highly profitable business model that serves investors’ needs for advice and guidance. To mark Waddell & Reed’s 70th anniversary, show- case our financial planning expertise and support our troops overseas, we sent a branded 18-wheel “big rig” tractor trailer to advisors’ offices and public venues in more than 70 cities around the country. We succeeded in raising more than $400,000, enough to help send 16,100 USO care packages to our soldiers, generating a substantial volume of positive feedback from clients, business partners and the media. Advisor Productivity (Dollars in thousands) r o s i v d A r e p s e l a S $2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 $80 70 60 50 40 G r o s s P r o d u c t i o n 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 0-2 Years 2+ Years All Reps Gross Production (RHS) 2 4296_Body.indd 2 4296_Body.indd 2 2/21/08 11:01:06 PM 2/21/08 11:01:06 PM A DV ISORS CH A N N EL Over the past three years, we have made sig- nificant strides toward revitalizing our Advisors channel. Marked by the appointment of a new lead- ership team, meaningful progress has been made toward our goals of increasing sales and produc- tivity. In 2007, gross sales volume increased 10% while sales per advisor increased 20%. Advisor productivity continues to improve: Sales per Advisor of $1.2 million Our sales force consists of nearly 2,300 financial advisors who focus their efforts on financial planning targeted principally at middle income and mass affluent clients, primarily utilizing investment products managed by the Company. 3 4296_Body.indd 3 4296_Body.indd 3 2/21/08 11:01:12 PM 2/21/08 11:01:12 PM W HOL ESA L E CH A N N EL Wholesale assets under management doubled in 2007, reaching $21.5 billion, making this our fastest growing channel. Sales volume exceeded most optimistic expectations; gross sales increased 109% while net sales increased 154%. Importantly, we experienced strong growth in a number of funds. Extraordinary asset growth: Organic growth of 63% Our Wholesale efforts include distribution through broker/dealers, registered investment advisors and retirement platforms. Our wholesaling team is expected to number more than 40 by the end of 2008. 4 4296_Body.indd 4 4296_Body.indd 4 2/26/08 3:00:15 PM 2/26/08 3:00:15 PM Wholesale Channel Sales & Flows (Dollars in billions) Wholesale Channel Assets Growth (Dollars in billions) $10 8 6 4 2 0 $25 20 15 10 5 0 75% 60 45 30 15 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Gross Sales Net Flows Assets Under Management Organic Growth In 2008, we intend to build on our momentum in the Advisors channel by enhancing our technology and brokerage capabilities in order to enhance our top advisors’ ability to attract, retain and service clients, as well as create even more effective long-term planning solutions. These capabilities also will help strengthen our recruiting efforts, while serving as a retention tool with current advisors. These and other technology investments of recent years helped advisors better understand their clients’ financial positions, ultimately bringing the potential to better fulfill all aspects of wealth and risk management. Our Advisors channel remains a reliable source of sales and profitability, with attractive margins and durable client relationships. We are encouraged by our consistent growth in gross sales and continue to focus on creating positive net sales. Wholesale channel: A milestone year Unprecedented success in this channel in 2007 was most prominently demonstrated by the fact that net inflows amounted to more than $6.8 billion, representing an annual organic growth rate—net flows divided by beginning assets under management—of 63 percent, while the mix of asset flows was more heavily weighted in favor of more profitable, internally managed funds. These include a number of funds with meaningful and steady sales at levels much higher than in years past. Gross sales in this channel—nearly $9.5 billion— helped place the Ivy Funds among the fastest-growing mutual fund families in the country. And, according to Financial Research Corporation (FRC), net inflows into the Ivy Funds over the year were among the high- est in the industry. Our Wholesale channel has gained momentum con- sistently since its 2003 inception, and has provided the platform for leveraging our investment capabilities. We seek to accelerate our momentum in 2008 through further expansion of our wholesaling force—to more than 40—and a broader emphasis on regional firms and independent advisors as additional means of distribution. Investment Style Balanced & Flexible Narrowly Diversified Large Capitalization Growth Equities Large Capitalization Core Equities International Equities Small Capitalization Growth Equities Taxable Investment Grade Fixed Income Multi-Capitalization Core Equities Mid-Capitalization Growth Equities Value Equities High Yield Fixed Income Tax Exempt Fixed Income Money Market 22% 20% 14% 11% 8% 6% 4% 3% 3% 3% 2% 2% 2% 5 4296_Body.indd 5 4296_Body.indd 5 2/21/08 11:01:33 PM 2/21/08 11:01:33 PM Lipper Rankings Percentage ranked in 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years Equity Assets Top Quartile Top Half All Assets 66% 88% 66% 90% 73% 85% Top Quartile Top Half 66% 88% 62% 88% 67% 80% Institutional channel: Retooling our sales efforts Our Institutional channel experienced outflows in 2007 as industry demand shifted from actively managed large-cap growth assets toward alternative strategies, such as hedge funds, real estate and pri- vate equity. Nonetheless, we succeeded in increasing gross sales in this channel in 2007, in large part due to our sub- advisory relationship with Pictet & Cie of Switzerland, which we established in the summer of 2006. This rela tionship, which employs our large-cap investment style, has been rewarding, especially in the second half of 2007, with assets under management growing from $250 million in August to $1.3 billion by year end. Market sentiment appears to indicate that the large- cap growth investment style will continue to gain favor, and we are optimistic about the Institutional channel’s 2008 prospects. We seek to add additional investment offerings to this channel, including flexible portfolio and international styles, which we believe will further our growth prospects over time. Overall competitive strengths As we continue into our eighth decade, asset manage- ment remains the heart of our business, and our funds’ performance continues to rank among the most com- petitive in the industry. Notably, both the Waddell & Reed Advisors Funds and Ivy Funds featured promi- nently in the list of “Best Mutual Fund Families of 2007,” as ranked and published by Barron’s. According to the publication, Waddell & Reed Advisors Funds were the top ranked fund family, and Ivy Funds ranked number eight over the year, based on asset-weighted returns in five categories. equity assets ranked in the top quartile of their Lipper peer group. Over the most recent three-year period ended December 31, 2007, 60 percent of our equity funds and 66 percent of our equity assets ranked in the top quartile of their Lipper peer group. And, over five years, 46 percent of our equity funds and 73 per- cent of our equity assets ranked in the top quartile of their Lipper peer group. We believe that these results further illustrate the skill of our investment team and the breadth of our product line, both of which provide the foundation for the success of our distribution entities. Our outlook As we look ahead, we are confident in our ability to further our success, but we face the future with humil- ity, discipline and a commitment to hard work. We think the U.S. equity market is likely to remain vola- tile over the near term. However, we are encouraged by our investment and sales successes and, over the long term, we believe that they will translate into con- tinued growth in sales, assets and earnings. In our view, 2007 validated Waddell & Reed’s unique business model and our ability to create value for both our corporate stockholders and mutual fund investors. It underscored the opportunities available for an orga- nization with a long-term commitment to manage assets with an unwavering sense of stewardship, a proven investment methodology and broad, unique distribution. Sincerely, For the 12-month period ended December 31, 2007, 60 percent of our equity funds and 66 percent of our Henry J. Herrmann Chief Executive Officer Alan W. Kosloff Chairman of the Board 4296_Body.indd 6 4296_Body.indd 6 2/21/08 11:01:46 PM 2/21/08 11:01:46 PM 6 INST ITUT IONA L CH A NNEL The resurgence of demand for Large Cap Growth products bodes well for our Institutional channel. Our subadvisory agreement with Pictet & Cie is generating meaningful traction, with 2007 gross sales nearly double those of 2006. Assets under management reach all-time high of $8.8 billion Through our Institutional channel we manage assets for defined benefit pension plans, other investment companies (as a subadvisor), defined contribution plans, endowments and high net worth clients. 7 4296_Body.indd 7 4296_Body.indd 7 2/21/08 11:03:22 PM 2/21/08 11:03:22 PM Directors Alan W. Kosloff Chairman of the Board Chairman, Kosloff & Partners, LLC Director (since 2003)1,2,3 Dennis E. Logue Chairman, Ledyard National Bank Director (since 2002)1,3 Officers Henry J. Herrmann Chief Executive Officer 44 Years of Industry Experience 36 Years with Waddell & Reed Michael L. Avery Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer 29 Years of Industry Experience 26 Years with Waddell & Reed Thomas W. Butch Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer 26 Years of Industry Experience 8 Years with Waddell & Reed Daniel P. Connealy Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 38 Years of Industry Experience 4 Years with Waddell & Reed Henry J. Herrmann Chief Executive Officer of the Company Director (since 1998) James M. Raines President, James M. Raines and Co. Director (since 1998)1,3 Ronald C. Reimer Advisor, Truman Medical Center Director (since 2001)1,2,3 William L. Rogers Chairman, The Halifax Group Director (since 1998)2,3 Jerry W. Walton Chief Financial Officer, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. Director (since 2000)2,3 1 Audit Committee 2 Compensation Committee 3 Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Brent K. Bloss Senior Vice President—Finance, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer 8 Years of Industry Experience 6 Years with Waddell & Reed Wendy J. Hills Vice President, Secretary and Associate General Counsel 10 Years of Industry Experience 10 Years with Waddell & Reed Mark A. Schieber Senior Vice President and Controller 27 Years of Industry Experience 27 Years with Waddell & Reed Daniel C. Schulte Senior Vice President and General Counsel 10 Years of Industry Experience 10 Years with Waddell & Reed Michael D. Strohm Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer 35 Years of Industry Experience 35 Years with Waddell & Reed John E. Sundeen, Jr. Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer—Investments 24 Years of Industry Experience 24 Years with Waddell & Reed Robert J. Williams, Jr. Senior Vice President— Public Affairs 34 Years of Industry Experience 11 Years with Waddell & Reed 8 4296_Body.indd 8 4296_Body.indd 8 2/21/08 11:03:42 PM 2/21/08 11:03:42 PM Corporate Information Annual Meeting of Stockholders April 9, 2008, 10:00 a.m. Intercontinental Hotel 401 Ward Parkway Kansas City, MO Corporate Headquarters Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 6300 Lamar Avenue Overland Park, KS 66202 Stock Exchange Listings Class A Common Stock New York Stock Exchange Symbol: WDR Transfer Agent and Registrar Computershare Trust Company, N.A. P.O. Box 43069 Providence, RI 02940-3070 Toll Free Number: 877.498.8861 Hearing Impaired: 800.952.9245 www.computershare.com Independent Auditors KPMG LLP 1000 Walnut, Suite 1000 Kansas City, MO 64106 Stockholder Inquiries For general information regarding your Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. stock, call 800.532.2757 or visit our Web site at www.waddell.com. For stock transfers, call 877.498.8861 Mutual Fund Information For information regarding our mutual funds, please call 888.WADDELL or visit www.waddell.com or www.ivyfunds.com. Dividend Reinvestment Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. maintains a dividend reinvestment plan for all holders of its common stock. Under the plan, stockholders may reinvest all or part of their dividends in additional shares of com- mon stock. Participation is entirely voluntary. More information on the plan can be obtained from our Transfer Agent. Stockholder and Analyst Resources We believe that in today’s digital world, the Internet allows us to disseminate our corporate information much more quickly and efficiently. In addition to the standard information typically found on corporate Web sites, such as general, corporate and stock infor- mation, access to archived press releases and SEC filings, and answers to frequently asked questions, we supply our stockholders and analysts with timely supplemental data including quarterly corporate presentations, access to live and archived Web casts, data tables and more. If you elect to request informa- tion alerts, we will send you an e-mail when new information is posted to our corporate Web site. NYSE Section 303A Annual Written Affirmation The Company filed its Section 303A Annual Written Affirmation, including the Section 303A. 12(a) CEO Certification, with the NYSE on May 4, 2007. Section 302 Certifications The Company filed with the SEC the certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Questions about corporate information can be directed to the attention of: Nicole McIntosh Director of Investor Relations 913.236.1880 investorrelations@waddell.com 4296_Body.indd 9 4296_Body.indd 9 2/26/08 3:00:33 PM 2/26/08 3:00:33 PM 9 Total Return Performance Comparison of Cumulative Total Return e u l a V x e d n I $350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. SNL Asset Manager Index S&P 500 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 The above graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company’s Class A common stock from December 31, 2002 through December 31, 2007, with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index and the SNL Investment Adviser Index. The SNL Investment Adviser Index is a composite of thirty-three publicly traded asset management companies (including, among others, the companies in the peer group reviewed by the Compensation Committee for executive compensation purposes) prepared by SNL Financial, Charlottesville, Virginia. The graph assumes the investment of $100 in the Company’s Class A com- mon stock and in each of the two indices on December 31, 2002, with all dividends being reinvested. The closing price of the Company’s Class A common stock on December 31, 2002 (the last trading day of the year) was $19.67 per share. The stock price performance on the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance. Index 12/31/02 12/31/03 12/31/04 12/31/05 12/31/06 12/31/07 Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. SNL Asset Manager Index S&P 500 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $122.22 $139.44 $128.68 $127.73 $181.92 $142.69 $115.54 $231.37 $149.70 $154.87 $268.32 $173.34 $209.49 $305.43 $182.86 Cumulative Total Return assumes an initial investment of $100 on December 31, 2002, with the reinvestment of all dividends through December 31, 2007. 4296_Body.indd 10 4296_Body.indd 10 2/21/08 11:04:18 PM 2/21/08 11:04:18 PM 10 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (cid:1) Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (cid:1) Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 OR Commission file number 001-13913 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 51-0261715 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 6300 Lamar Avenue Overland Park, Kansas 66202 913-236-2000 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number of Registrant’s principal executive offices) SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT Title of each class Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value Name of each exchange on which registered New York Stock Exchange SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: None (Title of class) Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES (cid:1) NO (cid:1) Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES (cid:1) NO (cid:1). 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 (cid:1) No (cid:1). Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendments to this Form 10-K. ) ( Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Large accelerated Filer Non-accelerated Filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) (cid:1) (cid:1) Accelerated Filer Smaller Reporting Company (cid:1) (cid:1) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes (cid:1) No (cid:1). The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock equity held by non-affiliates (i.e. persons other than officers, directors and stockholders holding greater than 5% of the registrant’s common stock) based on the closing sale price on June 30, 2007 was $1.739 billion. Shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of February 22, 2008 Class A common stock, $.01 par value: 86,222,611 In Part III of this Form 10-K, portions of the definitive proxy statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Stockholders to be held April 9, 2008. Index of Exhibits (Pages 85 through 89) Total Number of Pages Included Are 89 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 Part I Item 1. Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 1A. Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 2. Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 3. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 4. Part II Item 5. Item 6. Item 7. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Item 9. Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 9A. Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 9B. Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part III Item 10. Item 11. Item 12. Item 13. Item 14. Part IV Item 15. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . Principal Accounting Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SIGNATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INDEX TO EXHIBITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 14 20 20 20 20 21 23 25 44 46 46 46 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 49 50 85 2 ITEM 1. Business General PART I Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘Company,’’ ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘our’’ or ‘‘us’’) is a corporation, incorporated in the state of Delaware in 1981, that conducts business through its subsidiaries. Founded in 1937, we are one of the oldest mutual fund complexes in the United States, having introduced our largest family of mutual funds, the Waddell & Reed Advisors Group of Mutual Funds (the ‘‘Advisors Funds’’) in 1940. We launched our Ivy Funds in 2003 in an effort to expand our distribution to third-party outlets. As of December 31, 2007, we had $64.9 billion in assets under management and approximately 3.3 million mutual fund shareholder accounts owned by individuals, plans or omnibus accounts at third parties. We derive our revenues primarily from providing investment management, investment product underwriting and distribution, and shareholder services administration to mutual funds and institutional and separately managed accounts. Investment management fees are based on the amount of average assets under management and are affected by sales levels, financial market conditions, redemptions and the composition of assets. Underwriting and distribution revenues consist of commissions derived from sales of investment and insurance products, Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution fees, distribution fees on certain variable products, fees earned on fee-based asset allocation products, and related advisory services. The products sold have various commission structures and the revenues received from product sales vary based on the type and amount sold. We operate our business through three distinct distribution channels. Our retail products are distributed through our sales force of registered financial advisors (the ‘‘Advisors channel’’) or through third-parties such as other broker/dealers, registered investment advisors (including the retirement advisors of the Legend group of subsidiaries (‘‘Legend’’)) and various retirement platforms, (collectively, the ‘‘Wholesale channel’’). We also market our investment advisory services to institutional investors, either directly or through consultants (the ‘‘Institutional channel’’). In the Advisors channel, our sales force consists of 2,293 financial advisors who focus their efforts primarily on the sale of investment products advised by the Company. We compete primarily with smaller broker/dealers and independent financial advisors, as well as a span of other financial providers. Assets under management acquired through this channel were $34.6 billion at December 31, 2007. Our Wholesale channel efforts include retail fund distribution through broker/dealers (the largest method of distributing mutual funds for the industry), registered investment advisors (fee-based financial advisors who generally sell mutual funds through financial supermarkets) and retirement platforms (401(k) platforms using multiple managers). A team of 34 national wholesalers lead the efforts in this channel. Assets under management acquired through this channel were $21.5 billion at the end of 2007. Through our Institutional channel we manage assets for defined benefit pension plans, other investment companies (as a subadvisor), defined contribution plans, endowments and high net worth clients. Assets under management acquired through the Institutional channel were $8.8 billion at December 31, 2007. Organization We operate our investment advisory business through our subsidiary companies, primarily Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company (‘‘WRIMCO’’), a registered investment adviser and Ivy Investment Management Company (‘‘IICO’’), the registered investment adviser for Ivy Funds, Inc. and the Ivy Funds portfolios (collectively, the ‘‘Ivy Funds’’). Other investment advisory subsidiaries include Legend Advisory Corporation (the registered investment adviser for Legend) and Austin, Calvert & Flavin, Inc. (‘‘ACF’’). 3 Our underwriting and distribution business operates through three broker/dealers: Waddell & Reed, Inc. (‘‘W&R’’), Ivy Funds Distributor, Inc. (‘‘IFDI’’) and Legend Equities Corporation (‘‘LEC’’). W&R is a registered broker/dealer and investment adviser that acts primarily as the national distributor and underwriter for shares of Advisors Funds and the distributor of variable annuities and other insurance products issued by Nationwide Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (‘‘Nationwide’’), Minnesota Life Insurance Company (‘‘Minnesota Life’’), a subsidiary of Securian Financial Group, Inc. (‘‘Securian’’), and others. In addition, W&R is the fifth largest distributor of our Ivy Funds. IFDI, a registered broker/dealer, is the distributor and underwriter for the Ivy Funds. LEC is the registered broker/dealer for Legend, a mutual fund distribution and retirement planning subsidiary based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Through its network of 462 financial advisors, Legend serves primarily employees of school districts and other not-for-profit organizations. Waddell & Reed Services Company (‘‘WRSCO’’) provides transfer agency and accounting services to the Advisors Funds, the Ivy Funds, W&R Target Funds, Inc. (the ‘‘Target Funds’’) and Waddell & Reed InvestEd Portfolios, Inc., our college savings plan (‘‘InvestEd’’). W&R, WRIMCO, WRSCO, ACF, Legend, IICO and IFDI are hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘‘Company,’’ ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us’’ or ‘‘our’’ unless the context requires otherwise. Investment Management Operations Our investment advisory business provides one of our largest sources of revenues and profits. We earn investment management fee revenues by providing investment advisory and management services pursuant to an investment management agreement with each fund within the Advisors Funds family, the Ivy Funds families, the Target Funds family, and InvestEd, (collectively, the ‘‘Funds’’). While the specific terms of the agreements vary, the basic terms are similar. The agreements provide that we render overall investment management services to each of the Funds, subject to the oversight of each Fund’s board of directors/ trustees and in accordance with each Fund’s fundamental investment objectives and policies. The agreements permit us to enter into separate agreements for shareholder services or accounting services with each respective Fund. Each Fund’s board of directors/trustees, including a majority of the directors/trustees who are not ‘‘interested persons’’ of the Fund or the Company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the ‘‘ICA’’) (‘‘disinterested members’’) and the Fund’s shareholders must approve the investment management agreement between the respective Fund and the Company. These agreements may continue in effect from year to year if specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Fund’s board, including a majority of the disinterested members, or (ii) the vote of a majority of both the shareholders of the Fund and the disinterested members of each Fund’s board, each vote being cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. Each agreement automatically terminates in the event of its assignment, as defined by the ICA or the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, (the ‘‘Advisers Act’’), and may be terminated without penalty by any Fund by giving us 60 days’ written notice if the termination has been approved by a majority of the Fund’s directors/trustees or the Fund’s shareholders. We may terminate an investment management agreement without penalty on 120 days’ written notice. In addition to performing investment management services for the Funds, we act as an investment adviser for institutional and other private investors and we provide subadvisory services to other investment companies. Our fee for these services is generally based on a percentage of assets under management. Such services are provided pursuant to various written agreements. Our investment management effort has a strong foundation based upon its people and resources. We have 67 investment professionals including a team of 30 portfolio managers who average 19 years of industry experience and 13 years of tenure with the Company. They have substantial resources available to them, including the efforts of internal equity and fixed income analysts who conduct primary fundamental research and attend numerous on and off-site meetings annually with management of the companies in which they invest. In addition, we use research provided by brokerage firms and independent outside 4 consultants. Portfolio managers participate in a collaborative process that blends their individual accountability with the ideas of their peers which, when backed by an intensive research capability, supports our efforts to deliver consistent, long-term performance. Our investment management team also includes a premier group of subadvisors who bring similar investment philosophies and additional expertise in specific asset classes. We have significant experience in virtually all major asset classes, several specialized asset classes and a range of investment styles. Our ending assets under management are summarized below by broad asset class, many of which incorporate multiple investment styles. Ending Assets Under Management by Broad Asset Class Investment Style: Balanced & Flexible Narrowly Diversified Large Capitalization Growth Equities Large Capitalization Core Equities International Equities Small Capitalization Growth Equities Taxable Investment Grade Fixed Income Multi-Capitalization Core Equities Value Equities Middle Capitalization Growth Equities High Yield Fixed Income Money Market Tax Exempt Fixed Income Other December 31, 2007 Ending Assets Percentage of Total (in millions) $ 14,317 13,236 8,965 7,019 4,902 4,070 2,836 2,039 2,024 1,655 1,378 1,306 1,038 83 22% 20% 14% 11% 8% 6% 4% 3% 3% 3% 2% 2% 2% 0% Total $ 64,868 100% Our investment strategy generally emphasizes investments in companies that the portfolio managers believe can produce above average growth in earnings. Our portfolio managers also strive for consistent long-term performance while seeking to provide downside protection in turbulent markets. Our investment philosophy lends itself well to the financial planning approach used by our Advisors channel while our consistent long-term investment performance record supports the distribution efforts in both our Wholesale and Institutional channels. Investment Management Products Our mutual fund families offer a wide variety of investment options. We are the exclusive underwriter and distributor of 72 registered open-end mutual fund portfolios, including 21 portfolios in the Advisors Funds family, 28 portfolios in the Ivy Funds families, 20 portfolios in the Target Funds family and three portfolios in InvestEd. The Advisors Funds, variable products offering the Target Funds, and InvestEd are offered primarily through our financial advisors and Legend advisors; in some circumstances, certain of these funds are also offered through the Wholesale channel. The Ivy Funds are offered through both our Advisors channel and Wholesale channel. The Funds’ assets under management are included in either our Advisors channel or our Wholesale channel depending on who marketed the client account or is the broker of record. 5 Other Products Pursuant to general agency arrangements with Nationwide and Minnesota Life, we distribute certain of their variable annuity products, which offer the Target Funds as an investment vehicle. We also offer our customers retirement and life insurance products underwritten by Nationwide and Minnesota Life. Through our insurance agency subsidiaries, our financial advisors also sell life insurance and disability products underwritten by various carriers through a general agency arrangement with BISYS Insurance Services, Inc. In addition, we offer asset allocation investment advisory products, including Managed Allocation Portfolio (‘‘MAP’’) and Strategic Portfolio Allocation (‘‘SPA’’), which are comprised of our Funds. MAP is comprised of two mutual fund asset allocation programs, MAP and MAP Plus, that offer clients a selection of traditional asset allocation models, as well as features such as systematic rebalancing and client participation in determining (to a limited extent) asset allocation across asset classes. MAP and MAP Plus are fee-based mutual fund asset allocation programs, structured to provide advisors and clients with advisory services, a pricing option competitive with other firms’ fee-based products, and flexibility to allow advisors to assist clients in selecting underlying funds based upon their individual needs. MAP Plus was introduced in the second quarter of 2007 along with a reintroduction of MAP, to include additional financial planning modules as a bundled offering. As of December 31, 2007 our clients have over $1 billion invested in the MAP and MAP Plus products. These assets are included in our mutual fund assets under management disclosed elsewhere. Using a variety of funds ranging from money market and fixed income funds to domestic and international equity funds, SPA is a predictive, dynamic asset allocation system that reallocates asset classes within model portfolios. Clients investing assets in SPA can choose from five available model portfolios with objectives ranging from conservative to aggressive, based on their investment objectives, goals, risk tolerance and other factors. A primary difference between MAP and SPA is that advisors assist clients in selecting the underlying mutual funds within MAP models in accordance with pre-established ranges, whereas for SPA, the Company’s Investment Policy Committee determines the model compositions. Underwriting and Distribution We earn underwriting and distribution fee revenues primarily by distributing the Funds pursuant to an underwriting agreement with each Fund (except the Target Funds as explained below) and, to a lesser extent, by distributing mutual funds offered by other companies not affiliated with us. Pursuant to each agreement, we offer and sell the Funds’ shares on a continuous basis (open-end funds) and pay certain costs associated with underwriting and distributing the Funds, including the costs of developing and producing sales literature and printing of prospectuses, which may be either partially or fully reimbursed by the Funds. The Funds are sold in various classes that are structured in ways that conform to industry standards (i.e., ‘‘front-end load,’’ ‘‘back-end load,’’ ‘‘level-load’’ and institutional). When a client purchases Class A shares (front-end load), the client pays an initial sales charge of up to 5.75% of the amount invested. The sales charge for Class A shares typically declines as the investment amount increases. In addition, investors may combine their purchases of all fund shares to qualify for a reduced sales charge. Class A shares purchased at net asset value are assessed a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (‘‘CDSC’’) if the shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. When a client purchases Class B shares (back-end load), we do not charge an initial sales charge, but we do charge a CDSC upon early redemption of shares, up to 5% of the lesser of the current market net asset value or the purchase cost of the redeemed shares in the first year and declining to zero for shares held for more than six years. Class B shares convert to Class A shares after eight years. When a client purchases Class C shares (level-load), we do not charge an initial sales charge, but we do charge investors who redeem their Class C 6 shares in the first year a CDSC of 1% of the current market net asset value or the purchase cost of the shares redeemed, whichever is less. Under a Rule 12b-1 service plan, the Funds may charge a maximum fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets under management as compensation or reimbursement for expenses paid to broker/dealers and other sales professionals in connection with providing ongoing services to the Funds’ shareholders and/or maintaining the Funds’ shareholder accounts. The Funds’ Class B and Class C shares may charge a maximum of 0.75% of the average daily net assets under management under a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan as either compensation or reimbursement to broker/dealers and other sales professionals for their services in connection with distributing shares of that class. The Rule 12b-1 plans are subject to annual approval by the Funds’ board of directors/trustees, including a majority of the disinterested members, by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. All Funds may terminate the service plan at any time with approval of fund directors or portfolio shareholders (a majority of either) without penalty. We distribute variable products offering the Target Funds as investment vehicles pursuant to general agency arrangements with Nationwide and Minnesota Life and receive commissions, marketing allowances and other compensation as stipulated by such agreements. In connection with these arrangements, the Target Funds are offered and sold on a continuous basis. In addition to distributing variable products, we distribute a number of other insurance products through our insurance agency subsidiaries, including individual term life, group term life, whole life, accident and health, long-term care, Medicare supplement and disability insurance. We receive commissions and compensation from various underwriters for distributing these products. We are not an underwriter for any insurance policies. Distribution Channels We distribute our investment products through the Advisors, Wholesale and Institutional channels. Advisors Channel Our advisors sell investment products primarily to middle-income and mass affluent individuals, families and businesses across the country in geographic markets of all sizes. We assist clients on a wide range of financial issues with a significant focus on helping them plan, generally, for long-term investments such as retirement and education and offer one-on-one consultations that emphasize long-term relationships through continued service. As a result of this approach, this channel has developed a loyal customer base with clients maintaining their accounts significantly longer than the industry average. The redemption rate in the Advisors channel for the year ended December 31, 2007 was 9.1%, compared to the industry average of 22.3%, as derived from statistics provided by the Investment Company Institute (‘‘ICI’’). Our sales force consisted of 2,293 financial advisors, including 169 district managers and 176 district supervisors as of December 31, 2007. Eight regional vice presidents and 101 managing principals oversee this sales force, which operates out of 170 offices located throughout the United States. This sales force also occupies 333 individual advisor offices. We believe, based on industry data, that our financial advisors are currently one of the largest sales forces in the United States selling primarily mutual funds, and that W&R, our broker/dealer subsidiary, ranks among the largest independent broker/dealers. As of December 31, 2007, our Advisors channel had approximately 720,000 mutual fund customers with an average investment of $68,000 and approximately 80,000 variable account customers with an average investment of $63,000. The following table illustrates commissionable investment product sales by our financial advisors (including InvestEd) for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. Sales are shown gross of 7 commissions and exclude sales by Legend advisors, sales of money market funds, non-proprietary funds, insurance products, and mutual funds sold at net asset value for which we receive no commission. 2007 2006 2005 Front-end load sales Variable annuity products $ Front-load product total Deferred-load sales Fee-based allocation products 1,406 464 1,870 134 628 Total advisor sales $ 2,632 (in millions) 1,700 331 2,031 186 59 2,276 1,370 297 1,667 203 31 1,901 As of December 31, 2007, 40% of our financial advisors have been with us for more than five years and 24% for more than ten years. Our New Advisor Career Transition program(s), designed to meet the needs of the different audiences from which we recruit, such as college graduates, career changers and industry experienced professionals, provide our new advisors with a unique transition experience until they can develop the skills and client base necessary to earn a stable income from commissions alone. These programs have played an important role in advisor retention and have contributed to an increase in the average productivity of our new associates. In addition, the introduction of a Sales Incentive Dashboard to this channel in 2007 has made it easier for field leaders and advisors to keep track of their sales results daily with web based sales data. We also undertook technology initiatives in 2007 that will allow us to provide our clients consolidated statements and more robust brokerage capabilities. We believe this effort will support the retention of existing advisors and our recruiting efforts, including those aimed at experienced advisors. Sales per advisor (investment product sales divided by the average number of advisors) were $1.2 million, $994 thousand and $776 thousand, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Growth in this metric is important to our company since investment product sales are invested in our Funds’ assets. Gross production per advisor is an additional method of measuring advisor productivity that is more closely aligned with industry standard methods, which use gross commissions per sales representative to measure productivity. For purposes of this measure, gross production consists of front-end load sales and distribution fee revenues, as it would be received from an underwriter, from sales of both our Funds and other mutual funds. It also includes fee revenues from our asset allocation products and financial plans, and commission revenues earned on insurance products. This measure excludes underwriting fee revenues, Rule 12b-1 service fee revenues, variable annuity distribution fee revenues and all revenues related to Class Y shares, all of which do not relate to the distribution activities of our financial advisors. Gross production per advisor was $64.7 thousand, $61.8 thousand and $53.5 thousand for the years 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Wholesale Channel Our Wholesale channel consists of sales garnered through various third-party distribution outlets and Legend advisors. In an effort to accelerate sales growth, we have focused on expanding our Wholesale distribution efforts over the past four years. Our launch into this channel included acquiring Mackenzie Investment Management Inc. (‘‘MIMI’’) in 2002 and entering into a strategic alliance agreement with Securian in 2003. MIMI was a Florida-based investment management subsidiary of Toronto-based Mackenzie Financial Corporation (‘‘MFC’’) and adviser of the Ivy Funds sold in the United States. As part of our strategic alliance with Securian, we agreed to become the investment adviser for substantially all equity assets managed by Advantus Capital Management, Inc. (‘‘Advantus’’), a subsidiary of Securian and an affiliate of Minnesota Life, and to acquire the assets of Securian’s Advantus Funds. 8 As a result of an increased demand for our funds in our Wholesale channel due to strong investment and sales performance and assets gained through acquisitions, our assets under management from the Wholesale channel have increased from $3.8 billion at December 31, 2003 to $21.5 billion at December 31, 2007, including $9.0 billion in assets that are subadvised by other managers. The following table summarizes certain components of the changes in the Wholesale channel’s assets under management for the last three fiscal years. Sales (net of commissions) Redemptions Net Sales Market Appreciation Ending Assets Under Management 2007 2006 2005 9,470 (2,795) 6,675 3,894 21,537 (in millions) 4,541 (1,915) 2,626 1,263 10,819 2,347 (1,149) 1,198 738 6,729 During 2007, we achieved significant growth in mutual fund sales through wholesale distribution and built on our presence in the wholesale market. We continued to expand our team of national wholesalers, reaching a total of 34 by year-end. Throughout 2007, the Ivy Funds family increased its presence in a number of broker/dealer platforms. These third parties have a client relationship with, and maintain an account for, the investors. Typically, investors purchase our investment products at the suggestion of third parties, thereby expanding our opportunities to gain new investors. Our efforts focus principally on distributing the Ivy Funds through three segments: broker/dealers (the largest method of distributing mutual funds for the industry and for us), retirement platforms (401(k) platforms using multiple managers) and registered investment advisors (fee-based financial advisors who generally sell institutional class mutual funds through financial supermarkets). Legend advisors distribute our Funds, along with mutual funds managed by other investment companies, through Legend’s retirement advisor sales force. At December 31, 2007, Legend had 462 registered retirement advisors in 95 offices, which are primarily individual advisor offices, located mainly in the eastern part of the United States. These retirement advisors are not included in the discussion of our financial advisors, nor in disclosures of the number of advisors we have licensed. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, Legend advisors sold $74.2 million, $74.0 million and $67.7 million of our mutual funds, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, Legend also sold $363.5 million, $382.5 million and $379.7 million, respectively, of unaffiliated mutual funds. Sales per Legend advisor were $890 thousand in 2007 and Legend had $5.1 billion of client assets under administration as of December 31, 2007. Institutional Channel WRIMCO and ACF market their investment advisory services to institutions directly or through consultants that assist with the manager selection process. Most of our institutional business is in defined benefit pension plans and subadvised mutual funds. A significant amount of assets are also managed for defined contribution pension plans, foundations, endowments, Taft-Hartley plans, high-net worth individuals and insurance company general accounts. During the past two years, our institutional asset flows were negatively impacted by underperformance at ACF, although we maintain a solid reputation in the institutional asset management business, built on a good performance record and on our investment style, which over time has brought steady and consistent results. Over the past five years, we have expanded our distribution efforts in this channel by entering into additional subadvisory agreements with certain strategic partners. As part of the December 16, 2002 acquisition of MIMI’s business, we entered into new subadvisory and marketing agreements extending 9 MFC’s subadvisory agreements with IICO and providing us with additional investment management opportunities in Canada. Pursuant to these subadvisory agreements, we receive investment management fees covering multiple funds. The subadvisory agreement with MFC expires in 2008 and is renewable on an annual basis. Through our strategic alliance agreement with Securian, we agreed to become investment adviser for substantially all equity assets managed by Advantus. In addition, the Company manages as separate accounts certain actively managed equities in the Minnesota Life and Securian Holding Company general accounts. We also have a subadvisory relationship with Pictet & Cie of Switzerland, initially established in mid-2006, that employs our large-cap investment style. Assets under management for Pictet & Cie grew to $1.3 billion by December 31, 2007. Service Agreements We earn service fee revenues by providing various services to the Funds and their shareholders pursuant to shareholder servicing and accounting service agreements with each Fund. Pursuant to the shareholder servicing agreements, we perform shareholder servicing functions for which the Funds pay us a monthly fee, including: maintaining shareholder accounts; issuing, transferring and redeeming shares; distributing dividends and paying redemptions; furnishing information related to the Funds; and handling shareholder inquiries. Pursuant to the accounting service agreements, we provide the Funds with bookkeeping and accounting services and assistance for which the Funds pay us a monthly fee, including: maintaining the Funds’ records; pricing Fund shares; and preparing prospectuses for existing shareholders, proxy statements and certain other shareholder reports. These agreements may be adopted or amended with the approval of the disinterested members of each Fund’s board of directors/trustees and have annually renewable terms of one year. Regulation The securities industry is subject to extensive regulation and virtually all aspects of our business are subject to various federal and state laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are primarily intended to protect investment advisory clients and shareholders of registered investment companies. Under such laws and regulations, agencies and organizations that regulate investment advisers, broker/dealers, and transfer agents like us have broad administrative powers, including the power to limit, restrict or prohibit an investment adviser, broker/dealer or transfer agent from carrying on its business in the event that it fails to comply with applicable laws and regulations. In such event, the possible sanctions that may be imposed include, but are not limited to, the suspension of individual employees or agents, limitations on engaging in certain lines of business for specified periods of time, censures, fines and the revocation of investment adviser and other registrations. The Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘SEC’’) is the federal agency responsible for the administration of federal securities laws. Certain of our subsidiaries are registered with the SEC as investment advisers under the Advisers Act, which imposes numerous obligations on registered investment advisers including, among other things, fiduciary duties, record-keeping and reporting requirements, operational requirements and disclosure obligations, as well as general anti-fraud prohibitions. Investment advisers are subject to periodic examination by the SEC, and the SEC is authorized to institute proceedings and impose sanctions for violations of the Advisers Act, ranging from censure to termination of an investment adviser’s registration. 10 Our Funds are registered as investment companies with the SEC under the ICA, and various filings are made with states under applicable state rules and regulations. The ICA regulates the relationship between a mutual fund and its investment adviser and prohibits or severely restricts principal transactions and joint transactions. Various regulations cover certain investment strategies that may be used by the Funds for hedging and/or speculative purposes. To the extent the Funds purchase futures contracts, options on futures contracts and foreign currency contracts, they are subject to the commodities and futures regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. We derive a large portion of our revenues from investment management agreements. Under the Advisers Act, our investment management agreements terminate automatically if assigned without the client’s consent. Under the ICA, investment advisory agreements with registered investment companies such as the Funds terminate automatically upon assignment. The term ‘‘assignment’’ is broadly defined and includes direct assignments, as well as assignments that may be deemed to occur, under certain circumstances, upon the transfer, directly or indirectly, of a controlling interest in the Company. The Company is also subject to federal and state laws affecting corporate governance, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (‘‘S-OX’’), as well as rules adopted by the SEC. As a New York Stock Exchange (the ‘‘NYSE’’) listed company, we are also subject to the rules of the NYSE, including the corporate governance listing standards approved by the SEC. Three of our subsidiaries, W&R, LEC and IFDI, are also registered as broker/dealers with the SEC and the states. Much of the regulation of broker/dealers has been delegated by the SEC to self-regulatory organizations, principally the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (‘‘FINRA’’), which is the primary regulator of our broker/dealer activities. These self-regulatory organizations adopt rules (subject to approval by the SEC) that govern the industry and conduct periodic examinations of our operations over which they have jurisdiction. Securities firms are also subject to regulation by state securities administrators in those states in which they conduct business. Broker/dealers are subject to regulations that cover all aspects of the securities business, including sales practices, market making and trading among broker/dealers, the use and safekeeping of clients’ funds and securities, capital structure, record-keeping, and the conduct of directors, officers and employees. Violation of applicable regulations can result in the revocation of broker/dealer licenses, the imposition of censures or fines, and the suspension or expulsion of a firm, its officers or employees. W&R, LEC and IFDI are also each subject to certain net capital requirements pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the ‘‘Exchange Act’’). Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 of the Exchange Act (the ‘‘Net Capital Rule’’) specifies the minimum level of net capital a registered broker/ dealer must maintain and also requires that part of its assets be kept in a relatively liquid form. The Net Capital Rule is designed to ensure the financial soundness and liquidity of broker/dealers. Any failure to maintain the required minimum net capital may subject us to suspension or revocation of our registration or other limitations on our activity by the SEC, and suspension or expulsion by FINRA or other regulatory bodies, and ultimately could require the broker/dealer’s liquidation. The maintenance of minimum net capital requirements may also limit our ability to pay dividends. As of December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, net capital for W&R, LEC and IFDI exceeded all minimum requirements. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970, W&R and LEC are members of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (the ‘‘SIPC’’). IFDI is not a member of the SIPC. The SIPC provides protection against lost, stolen or missing securities (but not loss in value due to a rise or fall in market prices) for clients in the event of the failure of a broker/dealer. Accounts are protected up to $500,000 per client with a limit of $100,000 for cash balances. However, since the Funds, and not our broker/dealer subsidiaries, maintain customer accounts, SIPC protection would not cover mutual fund shareholders. On October 26, 2001, President Bush signed the USA PATRIOT Act, aimed at giving the government new powers in the war on terrorism. Title III of this new legislation, the International Money Laundering 11 Abatement and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act of 2001, imposes significant new anti-money laundering requirements on all financial institutions, including domestic banks and domestic operations of foreign banks, broker/dealers, futures commission merchants and investment companies. In 2004, we implemented compliance with Section 404 of S-OX. Our related report on internal controls over financial reporting for 2007 is included in Part I, Item 9A. Our businesses may be materially affected not only by regulations applicable to us as an investment adviser, broker/dealer or transfer agent, but also by law and regulations of general application. For example, the volume of our principal investment advisory business in a given time period could be affected by, among other things, existing and proposed tax legislation and other governmental regulations and policies (including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board), and changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules that affect the business and financial communities. Competition The financial services industry is a highly competitive global industry. According to the ICI, at the end of 2007 there were more than 8,700 open-end investment companies of varying sizes, investment policies and objectives whose shares are being offered to the public in the United States alone. Factors affecting our business include brand recognition, business reputation, investment performance, quality of service and the continuity of both client relationships and assets under management. A majority of mutual fund sales go to funds that are highly rated by a small number of well-known ranking services that focus on investment performance. Competition is based on distribution methods, the type and quality of shareholder services, the success of marketing efforts and the ability to develop investment products for certain market segments to meet the changing needs of investors, and to achieve competitive investment management performance. We compete with hundreds of other mutual fund management, distribution and service companies that distribute their fund shares through a variety of methods, including affiliated and unaffiliated sales forces, broker/dealers and direct sales to the public of shares offered at a low or no sales charge. Many larger mutual fund complexes have significant advertising budgets and established relationships with brokerage houses with large distribution networks, which enable these fund complexes to reach broad client bases. Many investment management firms offer services and products similar to ours, as well as other independent financial advisors. We also compete with brokerage and investment banking firms, insurance companies, commercial banks and other financial institutions and businesses offering other financial products in all aspects of their businesses. Although no single company or group of companies consistently dominates the mutual fund management and services industry, many are larger than us, have greater resources and offer a wider array of financial services and products. We believe that competition in the mutual fund industry will increase as a result of increased flexibility afforded to banks and other financial institutions to sponsor mutual funds and distribute mutual fund shares. Additionally, barriers to entry into the investment management business are relatively few, and thus, we face a potentially growing number of competitors, especially during periods of strong financial and economic markets. The distribution of mutual funds and other investment products has undergone significant developments in recent years, which has intensified the competitive environment in which we operate. These developments include the introduction of new products, increasingly complex distribution systems with multiple classes of shares, the development of Internet websites providing investors with the ability to invest on-line, the introduction of sophisticated technological platforms used by financial advisors to sell and service mutual funds for their clients, the introduction of separately managed accounts—previously available only to institutional investors—to individuals, and growth in the number of mutual funds offered. We believe our business model targets customers seeking personal assistance from financial advisors or planners where the primary competition is companies distributing products through a financial advisor or broker/dealer sales force. Our financial advisors compete primarily with large and small broker/dealers, independent financial advisors and insurance representatives. The market for financial planning and advice 12 is extremely fragmented, consisting primarily of relatively small companies with fewer than 100 investment professionals. Competition is based on sales techniques, personal relationships and skills, and the quality of financial planning products and services offered. We also face competition in attracting and retaining qualified financial advisors and employees. The ability to continue to compete effectively in our business depends in part on our ability to compete effectively in the labor market. In order to maximize this ability, we offer competitive compensation, a wide range of benefits and have several stock-based compensation incentive programs. Intellectual Property We regard our names as material to our business, and have registered certain service marks associated with our business with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Employees and Financial Advisors At December 31, 2007, we had 1,702 full-time employees, consisting of 937 home office employees, 145 employees of subsidiary companies in Florida and Texas, 101 managing principals, eight regional vice presidents, six associate managers, 160 field office support personnel, and 345 district managers and district supervisors; district managers and supervisors are counted as both employees and financial advisors. At December 31, 2007, our sales force was comprised of 2,293 financial advisors, including 1,948 financial advisors who are independent contractors and 345 district managers and district supervisors who are considered employees. In addition, Legend, which is a part of our Wholesale channel, had 462 retirement advisors considered to be independent contractors. Available Information We file reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC, copies of which can be obtained from the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Reports we file electronically with the SEC via the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (‘‘EDGAR’’) may be accessed through the Internet. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, at www.sec.gov. The Company makes available free of charge our proxy statements, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports under the ‘‘Corporate’’ section of our internet website at www.waddell.com as soon as it is reasonably practical after such filing has been made with the SEC. Also available under the ‘‘Corporate’’ section is information on corporate governance. Stockholders have the ability to view our Corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the ‘‘Code of Ethics’’), which applies to directors, officers and all employees of the Company; our Corporate Governance Guidelines; and the charters of key committees (including the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees). Printed copies of these documents are available to any stockholder upon request by calling the investor relations department at 1-800-532-2757. Any future amendments to or waivers of the Code of Ethics will be posted to our website, as required. 13 ITEM 1A. Risk Factors An Increasing Percentage Of Our Assets Under Management Are Distributed Through Our Wholesale Channel, Which Reflects Higher Redemption Rates Than Our Traditional Advisors Channel. In recent years, we have focused on expanding distribution efforts relating to our Wholesale channel. The percentage of our assets under management in the Wholesale channel has increased from 10.4% at December 31, 2003 to 33.2% at December 31, 2007, and the percentage of our total sales represented by the Wholesale channel has increased from 16.5% for the year ended December 31, 2003 to 63.5% for the year ended December 31, 2007. The success of sales in our Wholesale channel depends upon our maintaining strong relationships with institutional accounts, certain strategic partners and our third party distributors. Many of those distribution sources also offer investors competing funds that are internally or externally managed, which could limit the distribution of our products. The loss of any of these distribution channels and the inability to continue to access new distribution channels could decrease our assets under management and adversely affect our results of operations and growth. We cannot assure you that these channels and their client bases will continue to be accessible to us. The loss or diminution of the level of business we do with those providers could have a material adverse effect on our business, especially with the high concentration of assets in certain funds in this channel. In addition, the Wholesale channel had redemption rates of 18.5% and 21.0% for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, compared to redemption rates of 9.1% and 9.2% for our Advisors channel in the same periods, reflecting the higher rate of transferability of investment assets in the Wholesale channel. There May Be An Adverse Effect On Our Revenues And Earnings If Our Investors Remove The Assets We Manage On Short Notice. Mutual fund investors may redeem their investments in our mutual funds at any time without any prior notice. Additionally, our investment management agreements with institutions and other non-mutual fund accounts are generally terminable upon relatively short notice. Investors can terminate their relationship with us, reduce their aggregate amount of assets under management, or shift their funds to other types of accounts with different rate structures for any number of reasons, including investment performance, changes in prevailing interest rates and financial market performance. The ability of our investors to accomplish this on short notice has increased materially due to the growth of assets in our Wholesale channel, and with the high concentration of assets in certain funds in this channel. The decrease in revenues that could result from any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business and earnings. There May Be Adverse Effects On Our Business And Earnings Upon The Termination Of, Or Failure To Renew, Certain Agreements. A majority of our revenues are derived from investment management agreements with the Funds that, as required by law, are terminable on 60 days’ notice. Each investment management agreement must be approved and renewed annually by the disinterested members of each Fund’s board of directors/trustees or its shareholders, as required by law. Additionally, our investment management agreements provide for automatic termination in the event of assignment, which includes a change of control, without the consent of our clients and, in the case of the Funds, approval of the Funds’ board of directors/trustees and shareholders to continue the agreements. The Company also has co-exclusive arrangements with Nationwide and Minnesota Life/Securian to distribute their variable annuities containing the Target Funds managed by the Company, which are currently set to expire in the fall of 2008, and our subadvisory agreement with MFC, which is renewable annually, expires in December 2008. There can be no assurances that our clients will consent to any assignment of our investment management agreements, or that those and other contracts will not be terminated or will be renewed on favorable terms, if at all, at their expiration and new agreements may not be available. Failure to renew the Minnesota Life/Securian arrangement could have an adverse impact on the strategic alliance agreement with Securian whereby we manage equity assets for their asset management affiliates. See ‘‘Business – Distribution Channels – Wholesale Channel, Institutional Channel.’’ The decrease in revenues that could result from any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business and earnings. 14 Our Revenues, Earnings And Prospects Could Be Adversely Affected If The Securities Markets Decline. Our results of operations are affected by certain economic factors, including the level of the securities markets. The existence of adverse market conditions (which is particularly material to us due to our high concentration of assets under management in the United States domestic stock market) and lack of investor confidence could result in investors withdrawing from the markets or decreasing their rate of investment, either of which could adversely affect our revenues, earnings and growth prospects. Because our revenues are, to a large extent, investment management fees that are based on the value of assets under management, a decline in the value of these assets adversely affects our revenues and earnings. Our growth is dependent to a significant degree upon our ability to attract and retain mutual fund assets, and, in an adverse economic environment, this may prove difficult. Our growth rate has varied from year to year and there can be no assurance that the average growth rates sustained in the recent past will continue. In addition, a decline in the market value of these assets could cause our clients to withdraw funds in favor of investments they perceive as offering greater opportunity or lower risk, which could also negatively impact our revenues and earnings. The combination of adverse markets reducing sales and investment management fees could compound on each other and materially affect earnings. There May Be Adverse Effects On Our Revenues And Earnings If Our Funds’ Performance Declines. Success in the investment management and mutual fund businesses is dependent on the investment performance of client accounts relative to market conditions and the performance of competing funds. Good relative performance stimulates sales of the Funds’ shares and tends to keep redemptions low. Sales of the Funds’ shares in turn generate higher management fees and distribution revenues. Good relative performance also attracts institutional and separate accounts. Conversely, poor relative performance results in decreased sales, increased redemptions of the Funds’ shares and the loss of institutional and separate accounts, resulting in decreases in revenues. Failure of our Funds to perform well could, therefore, have a material adverse effect on our revenues and earnings. There Is No Assurance That New Information Systems Will be Implemented Successfully. A number of the Company’s key information technology systems were developed solely to handle the Company’s particular information technology infrastructure. The Company is in the process of evaluating and implementing new information technology and systems that it believes could facilitate and improve our core businesses and our productivity. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in implementing the new information technology and systems or that their implementation will be completed in a timely or cost effective manner. Failure to implement or maintain adequate information technology infrastructure could impede our ability to support business growth. Systems Failure May Disrupt Our Business And Result In Financial Loss And Liability To Our Clients. Our business is highly dependent on financial, accounting and other data processing systems and other communications and information systems, including our mutual fund transfer agency system maintained by a third-party service provider. We process a large number of transactions on a daily basis and rely upon the proper functioning of computer systems of third parties. If any of these systems do not function properly, we could suffer financial loss, business disruption, liability to clients, regulatory intervention or damage to our reputation. If our systems are unable to accommodate an increasing volume of transactions, our ability to expand could be affected. Although we have back-up systems in place, we cannot be sure that any interruption, whether caused by a fire, other natural disaster, power or systems failure or telecommunications failure, acts of terrorism or war or otherwise will not occur, or that back-up procedures and capabilities in the event of any failure or interruption will be adequate. Regulatory Risk Is Substantial In Our Business And Non-Compliance With Regulations, Or Changes In Regulations, Could Have A Significant Impact On The Conduct Of Our Business And Our Prospects, Revenues And Earnings. Our investment management and broker/dealer businesses are heavily regulated, primarily at the federal level. Non-compliance with applicable laws or regulations could result in sanctions being levied against us, including fines and censures, suspension or expulsion from a certain jurisdiction or market, or the revocation of licenses. Non-compliance with applicable laws or regulations could also adversely affect 15 our reputation, prospects, revenues and earnings. In addition, changes in current legal, regulatory, accounting, tax or compliance requirements or in governmental policies could adversely affect our operations, revenues and earnings by, among other things, increasing expenses and reducing investor interest in certain products we offer. Additionally, our profitability could be affected by rules and regulations that impact the business and financial communities generally, including changes to the laws governing state and federal taxation. In recent years, allegations of late trading, market timing and selective disclosure of portfolio information in the mutual fund industry have prompted various legislative and regulatory proposals, some of which have been adopted by the SEC, the United States Congress, the legislatures in states in which we conduct operations and the various regulatory agencies that supervise our operations. In particular, new rules and regulations adopted by the SEC and FINRA place greater regulatory compliance and administrative burdens on us and could have a substantial impact on the regulation, operation and distribution of mutual funds, and could adversely affect our ability to distribute and retain the assets we manage and our revenues and net income. For example, recently adopted rules require investment advisers and mutual funds to adopt, implement, review and administer written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation of the federal securities laws. Similarly, public disclosure requirements applicable to mutual funds have become more stringent. We may require additional staff to satisfy these obligations, which would increase our operating expenses. Our Business Is Subject To Substantial Risk From Litigation, Regulatory Investigations And Potential Securities Laws Liability. Many aspects of our business involve substantial risks of litigation, regulatory investigations and/or arbitration, and from time to time, we are involved in various legal proceedings in the course of operating our business. The Company is exposed to liability under federal and state securities laws, other federal and state laws and court decisions, as well as rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, FINRA and other regulatory bodies. We, our subsidiaries, and/or certain of our past and present officers, have been named as parties in legal actions, regulatory investigations and proceedings, and securities arbitrations in the past and have been subject to claims alleging violation of such laws, rules and regulations, which have resulted in the payment of fines and settlements. An adverse resolution of any lawsuit, legal or regulatory proceeding or claim against us could result in substantial costs or reputational harm to the Company, and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations, which, in turn, may negatively affect the market price of our Class A common stock (our ‘‘common stock’’) and our ability to pay dividends. In addition to these financial costs and risks, the defense of litigation or arbitration may divert resources and management’s attention from operations. Our Financial Advisors Are Classified As Independent Contractors, And Changes To Their Classification Costs May Increase Our Operating Expenses. From time to time, various legislative or regulatory proposals are introduced at the federal or state levels to change the status of independent contractors’ classification to employees for either employment tax purposes (withholding, social security, Medicare and unemployment taxes) or other benefits available to employees. Currently, most individuals are classified as employees or independent contractors for employment tax purposes based on 20 ‘‘common law’’ factors, rather than any definition found in the Internal Revenue Code or Internal Revenue Service regulations. We classify the majority of our financial advisors as independent contractors for all purposes, including employment tax and employee benefit purposes. There can be no assurance that legislative, judicial or regulatory (including tax) authorities will not introduce proposals or assert interpretations of existing rules and regulations that would change the independent contractor/employee classification of those financial advisors currently doing business with us. The costs associated with potential changes, if any, with respect to these independent contractor classifications could have a material adverse effect on the Company, including our results of operations and financial condition, if we were unable to reflect them in our compensation arrangements with the financial advisors. Regulations Restricting The Use Of ‘‘Soft Dollars’’ Could Result In An Increase In Our Expenses. On behalf of our mutual fund and investment advisory clients, we make decisions to buy and sell securities for each 16 portfolio, select broker/dealers to execute trades, and negotiate brokerage commission rates. In connection with these transactions, we may receive ‘‘soft dollar credits’’ from broker/dealers that we can use to defray certain of our expenses. If regulations are adopted eliminating the ability of asset managers to use ‘‘soft dollars,’’ our operating expenses could increase. Fee Pressures Could Reduce Our Revenues And Profitability. There is a trend toward lower fees in some segments of the investment management business. In addition, the SEC has adopted rules that are designed to improve mutual fund corporate governance, which could result in further downward pressure on investment advisory fees in the mutual fund industry. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our current fee structure. Fee reductions on existing or future new business could have an adverse impact on our revenues and profitability. Our Ability To Hire And Retain Senior Executive Management And Other Key Personnel Is Significant To Our Success And Growth. Our continued success depends to a substantial degree on our ability to attract and retain qualified senior executive management and other key personnel to conduct our broker/dealer, fund management and investment advisory businesses. The market for qualified fund managers, investment analysts and financial advisors is extremely competitive. Additionally, we are dependent on our financial advisors and select wholesale distributors to sell our mutual funds and other investment products. Our growth prospects will be directly affected by the quality, quantity and productivity of financial advisors we are able to successfully recruit and retain. There can be no assurances that we will be successful in our efforts to recruit and retain the required personnel. We Could Experience Adverse Effects On Our Revenues, Profits And Market Share Due To Strong Competition From Numerous And Sometimes Larger Companies. We compete with stock brokerage firms, mutual fund companies, investment banking firms, insurance companies, banks, Internet investment sites, and other financial institutions and individual registered investment advisers. Many of these companies not only offer mutual fund investments and services, but also offer an ever-increasing number of other financial products and services. Many of our competitors have more products and product lines, services and brand recognition and may also have substantially greater assets under management. Many larger mutual fund complexes have developed relationships with brokerage houses with large distribution networks, which may enable those fund complexes to reach broader client bases. In recent years, there has been a trend of consolidation in the mutual fund industry resulting in stronger competitors with greater financial resources than us. There has also been a trend toward online Internet financial services. If existing or potential customers decide to invest with our competitors instead of with us, our market share, revenues and income could decline. We Have Substantial Intangibles On Our Balance Sheet, And Any Impairment Of Our Intangibles Could Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations And Financial Position. At December 31, 2007, our total assets were approximately $893.8 million, of which approximately $228.4 million, or 26%, consisted of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets. We complete an ongoing review of goodwill and intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently whenever events or a change in circumstances warrant. Important factors in determining whether an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets might exist include significant continued underperformance compared to peers, the likelihood of termination or non-renewal of a mutual fund advisory or subadvisory contract or substantial changes in revenues earned from such contracts, significant changes in our business and products, material and ongoing negative industry or economic trends, or other factors specific to each asset or subsidiary being tested. Because of the significance of goodwill and other intangibles to our consolidated balance sheets, the annual impairment analysis is critical. Any changes in key assumptions about our business and our prospects, or changes in market conditions or other externalities, could result in an impairment charge. Any such charge could have a material effect on our results of operations and financial position. 17 The Terms Of Our Credit Facility Impose Restrictions On Our Operations That May Adversely Impact Our Prospects And The Operations Of Our Business. There are no assurances that we will be able to raise additional capital if needed, which could negatively impact our liquidity, prospects and operations. We have entered into a three-year revolving credit facility with various lenders providing for total loans of $200.0 million. Under this facility, the lenders may, at their option upon our request, expand the facility to $300.0 million. We also utilize money market loans, which function similarly to commercial paper. At February 22, 2008, there was no balance outstanding under either the revolving credit facility or the money market loan program. The terms and conditions of our revolving credit facility and the money market loans impose restrictions that affect, among other things, our ability to incur additional debt, make capital expenditures and acquisitions, merge, sell assets, pay dividends and create or incur liens. Our ability to comply with the financial covenants set forth in our credit facility could be affected by events beyond our control, and there can be no assurance that we will achieve operating results that will comply with such terms and conditions, a breach of which could result in a default under our credit facility. In the event of a default, the banks could elect to declare the outstanding principal amount of our credit facility, all interest thereon, and all other amounts payable under our credit facility to be immediately due and payable. Our ability to meet our cash needs and satisfy our debt obligations will depend upon our future operating performance, asset values, the perception of our creditworthiness and, indirectly, the market value of our stock. These factors will be affected by prevailing economic, financial and business conditions and other circumstances, some of which are beyond our control. We anticipate that any borrowings from our existing credit facility, money market loans and/or cash provided by operating activities will provide sufficient funds to finance our business plans, meet our operating expenses and service our debt obligations as they become due. However, in the event that we require additional capital, there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise such capital when needed or on satisfactory terms, if at all, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to renew or refinance our credit facility upon its maturity or on favorable terms. If we are unable to raise capital or obtain financing, we may be forced to incur unanticipated costs or revise our business plan. Potential Misuse Of Funds And Information In The Possession Of Our Employees And/Or Advisors Could Result In Liability To Our Clients, Subject Us To Regulatory Sanctions Or Otherwise Adversely Affect Our Revenues and Profitability. Our business is based on the trust and confidence of our clients, for whom our financial advisors handle a significant amount of funds, as well as financial and personal information. Although we have implemented a system of controls to minimize the risk of fraudulent taking or misuse of funds and information, there can be no assurance that our controls will be adequate or that a taking or misuse by our employees or financial advisors can be prevented. We could be liable in the event of a taking or misuse by our employees or financial advisors and we could also be subject to regulatory sanctions. Although we believe that we have adequately insured against these risks, there can be no assurance that our insurance will be maintained or that it will be adequate to meet any liability. Any damage to the trust and confidence placed in us by our clients may cause assets under management to decline, which could adversely affect our revenues, financial condition, results of operations and business prospects. There Are No Assurances That We Will Pay Future Dividends Which Could Adversely Affect Our Stock Price. The Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Board of Directors (the ‘‘Board of Directors’’) currently intends to continue to declare quarterly dividends on our common stock; however, the declaration and payment of dividends is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors. Any determination as to the payment of dividends, as well as the level of such dividends, will depend on, among other things, general economic and business conditions, our strategic plans, our financial results and condition, and contractual, legal, and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends by us or our subsidiaries. We are a holding company and, as such, our ability to pay dividends is subject to the ability of our subsidiaries to provide us with cash. There can be no assurance that the current quarterly dividend level will be maintained or that we will pay any dividends in any future period(s). Any change in the level of our dividends or the suspension of the payment thereof could adversely affect our stock price. 18 Our Stockholders Rights Plan Could Deter Takeover Attempts Which Some Of Our Stockholders May Believe To Be In Their Best Interest. Under certain conditions, the rights under our stockholders rights plan entitle the holders of such rights to receive shares of our common stock having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the right. The rights are attached to each share of our outstanding common stock and generally are exercisable only if a person or group acquires 15% or more of the voting power represented by our common stock. Our stockholders rights plan could impede the completion of a merger, tender offer, or other takeover attempt even though some or a majority of our stockholders might believe that a merger, tender offer or takeover is in their best interests, and even if such a transaction could result in our stockholders receiving a premium for their shares of our stock over the then current market price of our stock. Provisions Of Our Organizational Documents Could Deter Takeover Attempts Which Some Of Our Stockholders May Believe To Be In Their Best Interest. Under our Certificate of Incorporation, our Board of Directors has the authority, without action by our stockholders, to fix certain terms and issue shares of our Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share. Actions of our Board of Directors pursuant to this authority may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of the Company. Other provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation and in our Bylaws impose procedural and other requirements that could be deemed to have anti-takeover effects, including replacing incumbent directors. Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes, each of which is to serve for a staggered three-year term after the initial classification and election, and incumbent directors may not be removed without cause, all of which may make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of our Board of Directors. In addition, as a Delaware corporation we are subject to section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. With certain exceptions, section 203 imposes restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between us and any holder of 15% or more of our voting stock. Our Holding Company Structure Results In Structural Subordination And May Affect Our Ability To Fund Our Operations And Make Payments On Our Debt. We are a holding company and, accordingly, substantially all of our operations are conducted through our subsidiaries. As a result, our cash flow and our ability to service our debt, including $200 million of our senior notes, are dependent upon the earnings of our subsidiaries and the distribution of earnings, loans or other payments by our subsidiaries to us. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to pay any amounts due on our debt or provide us with funds for our payment obligations, whether by dividends, distributions, loans or other payments. In addition, any payment of dividends, distributions, loans or advances to us by our subsidiaries could be subject to statutory or contractual restrictions. Payments to us by our subsidiaries will also be contingent upon our subsidiaries’ earnings and business considerations. Our right to receive any assets of any of our subsidiaries upon their liquidation or reorganization, and therefore the right of the holders of our debt to participate in those assets, would be effectively subordinated to the claims of those subsidiaries’ creditors, including trade creditors. In addition, even if we were a creditor of any of our subsidiaries, our rights as a creditor would be effectively subordinate to any security interest in the assets of our subsidiaries and any indebtedness of our subsidiaries senior to that held by us. 19 ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments None. ITEM 2. Properties Our home offices lease approximately 360,000 square feet for Waddell & Reed, Legend, and ACF located in Overland Park, Kansas, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and San Antonio, Texas, respectively. This figure does not include office space of 41,000 square feet formerly leased by MIMI in Boca Raton, Florida, which has been sublet. In addition, we lease office space for financial advisors and sales management in various locations throughout the United States totaling approximately 610,000 square feet. In the opinion of management, the office space leased by the Company is adequate for existing operating needs. ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings The Company is involved from time to time in various legal proceedings, regulatory investigations and claims incident to the normal conduct of business, which may include proceedings that are specific to us and others generally applicable to business practices within the industries in which we operate. A substantial legal liability or a significant regulatory action against us could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and on the results of operations in a particular quarter or year. ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report, no matter was submitted to a vote of the Company’s security holders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise. 20 PART II ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Our Class A common stock (‘‘common stock’’) is traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol ‘‘WDR.’’ The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sale prices of our common stock, as reported by the NYSE, as well as the cash dividends declared for these time periods: Market Price 2007 2006 Quarter High Low Dividends Per Share High Low Dividends Per Share 1 2 3 4 $ $ $ 27.58 27.69 29.35 37.65 21.91 22.74 21.52 26.71 $ 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 $ $ 23.60 24.80 25.05 27.80 20.57 19.65 19.23 23.97 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 Year-end closing prices of our common stock for 2007 and 2006, respectively were $36.09 and $27.36. The closing price of our common stock on February 22, 2008 was $32.24. According to the records of our transfer agent, we had 4,054 holders of record of common stock as of February 22, 2008. We believe that a substantially larger number of beneficial stockholders hold such shares in depository or nominee form. Dividends The declaration of dividends is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors. We intend, from time to time, to pay cash dividends on our common stock as our Board of Directors deems appropriate, after consideration of our operating results, financial condition, cash and capital requirements, compliance with covenants in our revolving credit facility and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. Our current credit facility does not limit our ability to pay cash dividends. To the extent assets are used to meet minimum net capital requirements under the Net Capital Rule, they are not available for distribution to stockholders as dividends. See Part I, Item 1. ‘‘Business—Regulation.’’ The Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly dividend on our common stock from $.17 per share to $.19 per share beginning with our first quarter 2008 dividend, payable on May 1, 2008. We anticipate that quarterly dividends will continue to be paid. The Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly dividend on our common stock from $.15 per share to $.17 per share beginning with our first quarter 2007 dividend, paid on May 1, 2007. Common Stock Repurchases Our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of our common stock in the open market and/or private purchases. The acquired shares may be used for corporate purposes, including shares issued to employees in our stock-based compensation programs. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we repurchased (i) 2,350,054 shares in the open market and privately at an aggregate cost, including commissions, of $59.5 million, (ii) 7,121 mature shares from stock incentive plan participants to cover the strike price of options exercised in connection with a Stock Option Restoration Program (the ‘‘SORP’’), (iii) 1,010 newly issued shares from SORP participants to cover their statutory minimum tax withholdings on option exercises, and (iv) 234,162 shares from related parties to cover their tax withholdings from the vesting of nonvested shares. The aggregate cost of shares obtained from related parties during 2007 was $5.5 million. The purchase price paid by us for private repurchases of our common stock from related parties is the closing market price on the purchase date. 21 The following table sets forth certain information about the shares of common stock we repurchased during the fourth quarter of 2007. Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased Maximum Number (or as Part of Publicly Announced Program Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under The Program 626 155,454 - $ 28.31 33.00 - 156,080 $ 32.98 626 155,454 - 156,080 n/a (1) n/a (1) n/a (1) Period October 1 - October 31 November 1 - November 30 December 1 - December 31 Total (1) On August 31, 1998, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a program to repurchase shares of our common stock on the open market. Under the repurchase program, we are authorized to repurchase, in any seven-day period, the greater of (i) 3% of our outstanding common stock or (ii) $50 million of our common stock. We may repurchase our common stock through the NYSE, other national or regional market systems, electronic communication networks or alternative trading systems such as POSIT, during regular or after-hours trading sessions. POSIT is an alternative trading system that uses passive pricing to anonymously match buy and sell orders. To date, we have not used electronic communication networks or alternative trading systems to repurchase any of our common stock and do not intend to use such networks or systems in the foreseeable future. Our stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date or an aggregate maximum number or dollar value of shares that may be repurchased. Our Board of Directors reviewed and ratified the stock repurchase program in July 2004. During the fourth quarter of 2007, all stock repurchases were made pursuant to the repurchase program, including 626 shares that were purchased in connection with funding employee income tax withholding obligations arising from the vesting of nonvested shares. 22 ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data The following table sets forth our selected consolidated financial and other data at the dates and for the periods indicated. Selected financial data should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, ‘‘Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations’’ and our Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. For the Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 (1) 2005 (2) 2004 2003 (3) (in thousands, except per share data and number of financial advisors) Revenues from: Investment management fees Underwriting and distribution fees Shareholder service fees $ Total revenues Net income per common share—basic per common share—diluted Dividends declared per common share $ 372,345 371,085 94,124 837,554 125,497 1.55 1.52 0.68 311,525 317,458 89,672 718,655 46,112 0.57 0.55 0.60 267,681 272,590 81,809 622,080 60,121 0.74 0.73 0.60 240,282 252,883 76,522 569,687 102,165 1.27 1.25 0.60 203,918 231,662 70,678 506,258 54,265 0.67 0.66 0.57 Advisor and productivity data (excluding Legend): Investment product sales (4) Number of financial advisors (end of period) Average number of financial advisors Investment product sales per advisor $ $ 2,632,411 2,276,405 1,901,356 1,811,960 1,796,244 2,293 2,190 1,189 2,255 2,290 994 2,409 2,453 776 2,623 2,556 709 2,929 3,049 589 Wholesale channel data: Sales (net of commissions) Number of wholesalers $ 9,469,932 34 4,541,812 26 2,346,749 23 1,375,222 19 932,600 15 Institutional channel sales $ 1,882,908 968,106 654,333 1,276,614 2,388,881 Assets under management $ 64,868 48,401 (in millions) 41,863 38,658 36,573 As of December 31, 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 Balance sheet data: Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets Total assets Short-term debt Long-term debt Total liabilities Stockholders’ equity 228.4 893.8 - 200.0 512.1 381.7 228.4 662.7 - 199.9 418.0 244.7 250.3 632.3 1.7 198.2 384.9 247.4 250.3 619.9 35.0 202.9 401.0 218.9 250.1 565.8 25.0 209.7 390.4 175.4 23 (1) (2) (3) Includes a pre-tax charge of $55.0 million ($39.4 million net of tax) to recognize our settlement with the SEC, New York Attorney General and Kansas Securities Commissioner related to market-timing allegations; a charge of $20.0 million (not deductible for income tax purposes) to recognize the impairment of goodwill associated with ACF; charges associated with the resolution of the Williams excessive fee litigation; expenses related to prior regulatory settlements; and a pre-tax charge of $1.9 million ($1.3 million net of tax) related to employee separation costs at ACF in response to a decline in investment performance and related loss of assets under management, all recorded in 2006. Includes pre-tax charges totaling $47.4 million ($30.8 million net of tax) recorded during 2005 related to settlements of outstanding legal matters with Torchmark for actions in Alabama, California and Kansas, a settlement with the National Association of Securities Dealers (‘‘NASD’’) and a consortium of states relating to variable annuity sales practices; separation of employment payments to our former chief executive officer; a NASD arbitration settlement with a former financial advisor; and other employee separation payments related to the restructuring of the Advisors channel. Includes a pre-tax charge of $32.0 million ($21.5 million net of tax) in 2003 for estimated damages and legal costs in connection with the UILIC litigation; an NASD sales practice exam; ongoing disputes with former sales personnel in our Advisors channel; and a pre-tax charge of $27.1 million ($17.2 million net of tax) related to a stock option tender offer during 2003. (4) Investment product sales are commissionable sales by our financial advisors, shown gross of commissions, and do not include mutual funds sold at net asset value or sales of other wholesale mutual funds or insurance products. 24 ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations This Item includes statements that are ‘‘forward-looking statements’’ within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding our expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this Form 10-K regarding our financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K are based on information available to us on the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update such forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct or that we will take any actions that may presently be planned. Certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are disclosed in the ‘‘Risk Factors’’ section of this Form 10-K, which include, without limitation, the adverse effect from a decline in securities markets or a decline in our products’ performance, failure to renew investment management agreements, adverse results of litigation and/or arbitration, acts of terrorism and/or war, competition, changes in government regulation, and availability and terms of capital. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by such factors. The following should be read in conjunction with the ‘‘Selected Financial Data’’ and our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. Executive Overview We are one of the oldest mutual fund and asset management firms in the country, with expertise in a broad range of investment styles and across a variety of market environments. Our earnings and cash flows are heavily dependent on financial market conditions. Significant increases or decreases in the various securities markets, particularly United States equity markets, can have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Revenue Sources We derive our revenues primarily from providing investment management, investment product underwriting and distribution, and shareholder services administration to mutual funds and institutional and separately managed accounts. Investment management fees, a substantial source of our revenues, are based on the amount of average assets under management and are affected by sales levels, financial market conditions, redemptions and the composition of assets. Underwriting and distribution revenues, another substantial source of revenues, consist of commissions derived from sales of investment and insurance products, distribution fees on certain variable products, and fees earned on fee-based asset allocation products, as well as advisory services. The products sold have various commission structures and the revenues received from product sales vary based on the type and amount sold. Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees earned for servicing and/or distributing certain mutual fund shares are based upon assets under management and fluctuate based on sales, redemptions and financial market conditions. Other service fees include transfer agency fees, custodian fees for retirement plan accounts and portfolio accounting. Our Distribution Channels One of our distinctive qualities is that we are a significant distributor of investment products. Our retail products are distributed through our sales force of independent financial advisors (the ‘‘Advisors channel’’) or through third-parties such as other broker/dealers, registered investment advisors (including the retirement advisors of Legend) and various retirement platforms, (the ‘‘Wholesale channel’’). We also market our investment advisory services to institutional investors, either directly or through consultants (the ‘‘Institutional channel’’). 25 In the Advisors channel, our sales force consists of 2,293 independent financial advisors providing personal financial planning services to our clients across the United States, focusing on investment strategies for retirement, education funding, insurance, estate planning and other specific needs. In our Wholesale channel, we distribute retail mutual funds through broker/dealers, registered investment advisors, including Legend, our Florida-based retirement planning subsidiary and various retirement platforms. A team of 34 national wholesalers lead the efforts in this channel. Through our Institutional channel we manage assets for defined benefit pension plans, other investment companies (as a subadvisor), defined contribution plans, endowments and high net worth clients. 2007 in Review (cid:127) Assets under management were up 34% to $64.9 billion, driven by a combination of organic growth and market action. (cid:127) We reached record sales levels in the fourth quarter in all three channels. (cid:127) (cid:127) 60% of our equity funds and 66% of our equity assets ranked in the top quartile of their respective peer groups for the one-year period ended December 31. Ivy Funds gross sales ranked among the top 20 at each of the five largest wirehouses in the United States and top 10 at two of those five wirehouses. (cid:127) Advisors channel productivity continues to improve. (cid:127) We introduced modified fee-based asset allocation products (MAP and MAP Plus) in April 2007 with invested assets reaching $1 billion as of year-end. (cid:127) Common stock value was up 32% over the prior year. (cid:127) We increased our quarterly dividend on our common stock from $.15 per share to $.17 per share beginning with our first quarter dividend. 26 Assets Under Management Assets under management of $64.9 billion on December 31, 2007 were 34% higher than the $48.4 billion reported a year earlier primarily due to market appreciation of $10.0 billion and net sales of $6.2 billion. The Wholesale channel was the net sales driver in 2007. Change in Assets Under Management(1) Advisors Channel Wholesale Channel Institutional Channel Total (in millions) December 31, 2007 Beginning Assets Sales (net of commissions) Redemptions Net Sales Net Exchanges Reinvested Dividends and Capital Gains Net Flows Market Appreciation Ending Assets December 31, 2006 Beginning Assets Sales (net of commissions) Redemptions Net Sales Net Exchanges Reinvested Dividends and Capital Gains Net Flows Market Appreciation Ending Assets December 31, 2005 Beginning Assets Sales (net of commissions) Redemptions Net Sales Net Exchanges Reinvested Dividends and Capital Gains Net Flows Market Appreciation Ending Assets 29,905 3,551 (3,829) (278) (180) 245 (213) 4,870 10,819 9,470 (2,795) 6,675 173 (24) 6,824 3,894 34,562 21,537 27,187 3,216 (3,325) (109) (194) 232 (71) 2,789 6,729 4,541 (1,915) 2,626 185 16 2,827 1,263 29,905 10,819 $ $ $ $ $ 25,297 2,406 (3,060) (654) (88) 161 (581) 2,471 $ 27,187 4,702 2,347 (1,149) 1,198 78 13 1,289 738 6,729 7,677 1,883 (2,128) (245) - 105 (140) 1,232 8,769 7,947 968 (1,748) (780) - 111 (669) 399 7,677 8,659 654 (2,121) (1,467) - 114 (1,353) 641 7,947 48,401 14,904 (8,752) 6,152 (7) 326 6,471 9,996 64,868 41,863 8,725 (6,988) 1,737 (9) 359 2,087 4,451 48,401 38,658 5,407 (6,330) (923) (10) 288 (645) 3,850 41,863 (1) Includes all activity of the Funds and institutional and separate accounts, including money market funds and transactions at net asset value, accounts for which we receive no commissions. 27 Average assets under management, which are generally more indicative of trends in revenue for providing investment management services than the year over year change in ending assets under management, increased by 22% as compared to 2006. Average Assets Under Management 2007 2006 2005 Average Percentage of Total Average Percentage of Total Average Percentage of Total (in millions) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 27,048 4,154 1,046 32,248 14,395 380 64 14,839 7,199 614 - 7,813 48,642 5,148 1,110 54,900 84% 13% 3% 100% 97% 3% 0% 100% 92% 8% - 100% 89% 9% 2% 100% 23,821 3,901 798 28,520 8,499 344 70 8,913 7,120 624 - 7,744 39,440 4,869 868 45,177 84% 14% 2% 100% 95% 4% 1% 100% 92% 8% - 100% 87% 11% 2% 100% 21,051 3,947 684 25,682 5,181 325 58 5,564 7,589 619 - 8,208 33,821 4,891 742 39,454 82% 15% 3% 100% 93% 6% 1% 100% 92% 8% - 100% 86% 12% 2% 100% Distribution Channel: Advisors Channel Equity Fixed income Money market Total Wholesale Channel Equity Fixed income Money market Total Institutional Channel Equity Fixed income Money market Total Total by Asset Class: Equity Fixed income Money market Total 28 The following table summarizes our five largest mutual funds as of December 31, 2007 by ending assets under management and investment management fees for the last three years. The assets under management and management fees of our five largest mutual funds are presented as a percentage of our total assets under management and total management fees. Five Largest Mutual Funds by Ending Assets Under Management and Investment Management Fees 2007 2006 2005 Ending Percentage of Total Ending Percentage of Total Ending Percentage of Total By Assets Under Management: Ivy Global Natural Resources Ivy Asset Strategy Advisors Core Investment Advisors Asset Strategy Advisors Science & Technology Total By Management Fees: Ivy Global Natural Resources (1) Advisors Core Investment Ivy Asset Strategy Advisors Science & Technology Advisors Asset Strategy Total $ 8,464 8,419 4,240 3,118 2,851 $ 27,092 $ 50,944 25,861 24,802 22,310 15,696 $ 139,613 (in millions) 4,519 2,008 4,155 1,899 2,521 9% 4% 9% 4% 5% 2,469 312 4,054 1,110 2,502 15,102 31% 10,447 (in thousands) 31,454 25,635 7,094 20,676 10,654 95,513 10% 8% 2% 7% 3% 30% 14,612 25,646 1,082 19,291 5,663 66,294 15% 14% 7% 5% 5% 46% 14% 7% 7% 6% 4% 38% 6% 1% 10% 3% 6% 26% 5% 10% 0% 7% 2% 24% (1) For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, we paid subadvisory fees of $25.6 million, $15.8 million and $7.4 million, respectively, to MFC for subadvisory services. The subadvisory agreement with MFC expires in 2008 and is renewable on an annual basis. 29 Results of Operations Net Income For the Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 Variance 2007 vs. 2006 2006 vs. 2005 (in thousands, except percentage data) Net Income Earnings per share: Basic Diluted Operating Margin $ $ $ 125,497 46,112 60,121 1.55 1.52 23% 0.57 0.55 12% 0.74 0.73 17% 172% 172% 176% 11% (cid:3)23% (cid:3)23% (cid:3)25% (cid:3)5% We reported net income of $125.5 million, or $1.52 per diluted share, in 2007 compared to $46.1 million, or $0.55 per diluted share in 2006 and $60.1 million, or $.73 per diluted share in 2005. Operating results for 2006 include a charge of $55.0 million related to our settlement with the SEC, the New York Attorney General and the Kansas Securities Commission regarding market timing allegations, $12.0 million of which represented non-deductible penalties. During 2006 we also recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $20.0 million related to our subsidiary ACF based on the negative impact of the continued decline in ACF’s assets under management and diminished involvement of ACF’s investment staff in mutual fund advisory responsibilities, which adversely impacted its earnings potential. Fiscal 2006 also included a restructuring charge of $1.9 million at ACF for employee separation costs, in response to a decline in investment performance and related loss of assets under management. In 2005, we recorded a $35.0 million charge for the settlement of outstanding legal matters with Torchmark for various actions and the NASD and a consortium of states relating to variable annuity sales practices, as well as a $6.1 million charge for additional expenses related to a settlement of an NASD arbitration case with a former advisor and $3.2 million in costs related to the resignation of our former chief executive officer. Total Revenues Total revenues increased 17% and 16% for the fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively, attributable to growth in average assets under management of 22% and 15% for the two years. For the Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 Variance 2007 vs. 2006 2006 vs. 2005 (in thousands, except percentage data) Investment management fees Underwriting and distribution fees Shareholder service fees Total revenues $ $ 372,345 371,085 94,124 837,554 311,525 317,458 89,672 718,655 267,681 272,590 81,809 622,080 20% 17% 5% 17% 16% 16% 10% 16% Investment Management Fee Revenues Investment management fee revenues are earned for providing investment advisory services to the Funds and to institutional and separate accounts. Investment management fee revenues increased $60.8 million, or 20%, in 2007 and $43.8 million, or 16%, in 2006. 30 Revenues from investment management services provided to our retail mutual funds, which are distributed through the Advisors and the Wholesale channels, were $332.8 million in 2007 and increased $62.6 million, or 23%, compared to 2006, while the related retail average assets increased 26%. Investment management fee revenues increased less than the related retail average assets due to significant sales growth in our Asset Strategy funds, which have lower than average management fee rates. Investment management fee revenues in both 2007 and 2006 were also impacted by the decrease in management fee rates on certain funds in compliance with the New York Attorney General settlement that took place in the fourth quarter of 2006 and has reduced management fees by approximately $5.0 million on an annual basis. Revenues from investment management services provided to our retail mutual funds were $270.2 million, and increased $46.2 million, or 21%, in 2006 compared to 2005, while the related retail average assets increased 20%. Retail sales in 2007 and 2006 were $13.0 billion and $7.8 billion, respectively, representing a 68% and 63% increase over sales in 2006 and 2005, respectively, with the majority of the growth in retail sales occurring in our Wholesale channel. Institutional and separate account revenues were $39.5 million, $41.3 million and $43.7 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The decrease in account revenues in 2007 was attributable to a decline in ACF’s average assets by 27% and a management fee rate decrease on certain institutional accounts. The decrease in account revenues in 2006 was primarily attributable to ACF, based on a decline in their average assets by 42%. Long-term redemption rates (which exclude money market fund redemptions) in the Advisors channel improved to 9.1% in 2007 compared to 9.2% and 9.6% in 2006 and 2005, respectively. In the Wholesale channel, long-term redemption rates were 18.5% in 2007, a decrease from 21.0% in 2006 and 20.3% in 2005. We expect the Advisors channel long-term redemption rate to remain lower than that of the Wholesale channel due to the personal and customized nature in which our financial advisors provide service to our clients. The long-term redemption rate for our Institutional channel was 27.2% in 2007 compared to 22.6% in 2006 and 25.8% in 2005. The higher institutional redemption rate in 2007 compared to 2006, which is based on total redemptions for the period of $2.1 billion, reflected redemptions across multiple investment disciplines, including large cap growth, small cap growth, core equity and international growth. The elevated redemption rate in 2005 is due to the loss of one block of client assets moving to an alternative investment as well as performance driven outflows at ACF. ACF’s redemptions were $174.6 million in 2007 compared to $545.4 million in 2006 and $558.9 million in 2005. 31 Revenue Expenses: Direct Indirect Total Expenses Revenue Expenses: Direct Indirect Total Expenses Underwriting and Distribution Revenues and Expenses The following table illustrates our underwriting and distribution fee revenues and expenses segregated by distribution channel for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005: Total 2007 2006 2005 2006 2005 (in thousands, expect percentage data) 2007 vs. 2006 vs. $ 371,085 317,458 272,590 17% 16% 300,929 121,345 422,274 244,454 112,084 356,538 202,162 101,175 23% 8% 21% 11% 303,337 18% (30,747) (cid:3)31% (cid:3)27% 18% Net Underwriting & Distribution $ (51,189) (39,080) Advisors Channel 2007 2006 2005 2006 2005 2007 vs. 2006 vs. Revenue Expenses: Direct Indirect Total Expenses $ 238,210 225,313 206,582 163,513 84,777 248,290 154,580 82,337 236,917 141,102 76,001 217,103 Net Underwriting & Distribution $ (10,080) (11,604) (10,521) 6% 6% 3% 9% 10% 8% 5% 9% 13% (cid:3)10% Wholesale Channel 2007 2006 2005 2006 2005 $ 132,875 92,145 66,008 44% 40% 2007 vs. 2006 vs. 137,416 36,568 173,984 89,874 29,747 119,621 61,060 25,174 53% 23% 47% 18% 86,234 39% (20,226) (cid:3)50% (cid:3)36% 45% Net Underwriting & Distribution $ (41,109) (27,476) The Advisors channel is the largest source of underwriting and distribution revenue, given that a significant amount of Wholesale mutual fund sales are load-waived, with the exception of investment product sales by Legend advisors. The majority of underwriting and distribution fee revenues are derived from sales commissions charged on front-end load products sold by our financial advisors, including mutual fund Class A shares (those sponsored by the Company and those underwritten by other non-proprietary mutual fund companies), variable annuities and financial planning fees. To a lesser extent, underwriting and distribution revenues are received from Rule 12b-1 asset-based distribution and service fees earned on both load and load-waived and deferred-load products sold by our financial advisors and third party intermediaries, asset-based fees earned on our asset allocation products, and commissions earned on the sale of other insurance products. 32 We divide the costs of underwriting and distribution into two components—direct costs and indirect costs. Direct selling costs fluctuate with sales volume, such as advisor commissions and commission overrides paid to field management, advisor incentive compensation, commissions paid to third parties and to our own wholesalers, and related overrides in our Wholesale channel. To a lesser extent, direct selling costs fluctuate with assets under management, such as Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees paid to the same parties. Indirect selling costs are fixed costs that do not necessarily fluctuate with sales levels. Indirect costs include expenses incurred by our home office and field offices such as wholesaler salaries, marketing costs, promotion and distribution of our products through the Advisors and Wholesale channels, support and management of our financial advisors such as field office overhead, sales programs, technology infrastructure, and costs of managing and supporting our Wholesale efforts through technology infrastructure and personnel. While the Institutional channel does have marketing expenses, those expenses are accounted for in our compensation and related costs and general and administrative expense lines instead of underwriting and distribution because of the channel’s integration with our investment management division and its relatively small size. We recover certain of our underwriting and distribution costs through Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees, which are paid by the Funds. Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees are received predominantly from the Advisors Funds Class A shares under a sales and servicing reimbursement plan agreement. This agreement allows reimbursement to us from the Advisors Funds Class A shares of certain Rule 12b-1 eligible expenses, not to exceed a maximum of 25 basis points of average daily net assets under management. We also have compensatory or reimbursement Rule 12b-1 service and/or distribution plans for the Ivy Funds, Target Funds, InvestEd and Advisor Funds. All Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fee revenue received from the Funds is recorded on a gross basis. We anticipate operating margin pressure in 2008 based on strong sales growth in our Wholesale channel, which has a higher cost to gather assets and requires cash outlays for wholesaler commissions and commissions to third parties on deferred load product sales. The growth we have experienced in our Wholesale channel also requires that we add additional resources and infrastructure to manage this growth. During the fourth quarter of 2007, we had a 70% annualized organic growth rate in this channel. Underwriting and distribution revenues increased by $53.6 million, or 17%, when compared with the prior year. A majority of the increase in revenues was due to higher Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution fees of $45.7 million as a result of an increase in average mutual fund assets under management. Additionally, revenues from fee-based asset allocation products increased $3.6 million, primarily attributable to modified fee-based asset allocation products introduced in April 2007. The introduction of these products was a contributing factor to a decline in front-load product sales and a resulting decrease of $2.5 million related to revenue on front-load product sales sold in the Advisors channel. Higher advisory fees, Rule 12b-1 service fee revenues and point of sale commissions earned by Legend added another $6.8 million in revenue compared to the prior year as their assets under administration increased. Underwriting and distribution revenues increased by $44.9 million, or 16%, in 2006 compared to 2005. A majority of the increase in revenues was due to higher Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution fees of $31.1 million as a result of an increase in average mutual fund assets under management. Underwriting revenue on front-load product sales sold in the Advisors channel contributed an additional $10.0 million in revenues due to higher sales during 2006. Higher advisory fees, Rule 12b-1 service fee revenues and point of sale commissions earned by Legend added another $6.9 million in revenue compared to the prior year as their assets under administration increased. Underwriting and distribution expenses increased by $65.7 million, or 18%, in 2007, when compared with the prior year. A majority of this increase was attributed to higher direct expenses in the Wholesale channel of $47.5 million as a result of higher sales volume and an increase in average Wholesale assets under management. Specifically, we incurred higher Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution expenses, increased dealer compensation paid to third party distributors, higher wholesaler commissions and higher amortization expense of deferred sales commissions. Direct expenses in the Advisors channel 33 increased $8.9 million due to higher Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution commissions of $23.3 million, offset by $12.6 million of deferred sales commissions capitalized in 2007 in association with our fee-based asset allocation products and a $1.8 million decrease in financial planning fee expenses. The increase in indirect expenses in the Advisors channel of $2.4 million was due to increased sales support and field office expenses, partially offset by decreases in convention and recruiting expenses. The indirect expenses increase of $6.8 million in the Wholesale channel was driven by higher costs associated with developing our non-proprietary distribution outlets. These costs include a $5.2 million increase for higher marketing costs for promotion and distribution of our products through the Wholesale channel based on higher sales volume and a $1.6 million increase in base salaries and payroll taxes primarily as a result of adding more wholesalers during 2007. Underwriting and distribution expenses increased by $53.2 million, or 18%, in 2006 compared to 2005. A majority of this increase was attributed to higher direct expenses in the Wholesale channel of $28.8 million as a result of higher sales volume and an increase in average Wholesale assets under management. Specifically, higher Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution expenses, additional dealer compensation paid to third party distributors, and higher commissions were paid to our wholesalers. Direct expenses in the Advisors channel increased $13.5 million due to an increase in point-of-sale commissions paid on front-load product sales and higher Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution commissions paid. The increase in indirect expenses in the Advisors channel of $6.3 million was due to increased information technology, sales support and convention expenses. The indirect expenses increase of $4.6 million in the Wholesale channel was driven by higher costs associated with developing our non-proprietary distribution outlets. These costs include a $3.6 million increase for higher marketing costs for promotion and distribution of our products through the Wholesale channel based on higher sales volume and higher meeting and travel expenses and a $1.0 million increase in base salaries and payroll taxes primarily as a result of adding more wholesalers during 2006. Shareholder Service Fee Revenues Shareholder service fee revenues primarily include transfer agency fees, custodian fees from retirement plan accounts, and portfolio accounting and administration fees. During 2007 and 2006, shareholder service fee revenue increased by 5% and 10%, respectively, compared to 10% increases each year in the average number of accounts. The average number of shareholder accounts grew to 3.06 million in 2007 compared to 2.79 million in 2006 and 2.53 million in 2005. Effective September 1, 2006, our servicing contract with the Funds was renegotiated, resulting in reduced fees received by us for servicing wholesale accounts. Historically our account growth has mirrored our growth in revenue; however, with this reduced fee structure for wholesale accounts, our future revenue growth will not necessarily be tied to overall account growth. A portion of the fee reduction for wholesale accounts was offset by negotiating a networking fee reimbursement with the Funds for amounts paid to third party broker/dealers. 34 Total Operating Expenses Operating expenses increased $13.2 million, or 2%, in 2007 compared to 2006 primarily due to increased underwriting and distribution expenses and subadvisory fees, offset by litigation-related charges recorded in 2006 in general and administrative and an impairment charge related to goodwill, also recorded in 2006. Operating expenses increased $111.2 million, or 21%, in 2006 compared to 2005 due to increased underwriting and distribution expenses, subadvisory fees, litigation-related charges recorded in general and administrative in both years and an impairment charge related to goodwill recorded in 2006. Underwriting and distribution expenses are discussed above. For the Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 Variance 2007 vs. 2006 2006 vs. 2005 Underwriting and distribution Compensation and related costs General and administrative Subadvisory fees Depreciation Goodwill impairment Total operating expenses Compensation and Related Costs $ $ 422,274 115,905 48,487 43,844 12,412 - 642,922 (in thousands, except percentage data) 18% 5% (cid:3)52% 43% 6% NM 2% 356,538 110,101 100,604 30,758 11,725 20,000 629,726 303,337 99,673 87,029 18,218 10,275 - 518,532 18% 10% 16% 69% 14% NM 21% Compensation and related costs in 2007 increased $5.8 million, or 5%, compared to 2006. During 2006, we incurred charges of $1.9 million (which included $1.5 million of share-based compensation expense) at ACF in response to a decline in investment performance and related loss of assets under management. Excluding this charge, compensation and related costs increased by $7.7 million. Base salaries and payroll taxes contributed $3.8 million to the increase, primarily due to an increase in headcount of 4.3% and annual merit increases during the current year. Share-based compensation accounted for $3.3 million of the increase primarily due to higher amortization expense associated with our December 2006 and April 2007 grants of nonvested stock compared to grants which became fully vested in December 2006 and throughout 2007. Incentive compensation also increased $2.0 million during 2007 due to investment performance incentives earned by our investment management division and increased executive management bonuses. These expense increases were offset by increased capitalized software development activities of $1.0 million, primarily due to technology initiatives associated with expansion of our brokerage capabilities. Compensation and related costs in 2006 increased $10.4 million, or 10%, compared to 2005. During 2005, we recorded $2.7 million in charges associated with the resignation of our former CEO. Excluding this charge and the ACF charge recorded in 2006 mentioned previously, compensation and related costs increased by $11.2 million. Share-based compensation accounted for $4.8 million of this increase primarily due to higher amortization expense associated with our April 2006 grant of nonvested stock. Fiscal 2006 was the first year in which the expense from four years of grants (all with a four-year vesting period) is reflected in compensation and related costs. Additionally, base salaries and payroll taxes contributed $3.6 million to the increase, primarily due to an increase in headcount of 3.4% and annual merit increases during 2006. Incentive compensation increased $3.7 million during 2006, principally due to a change in the compensation structure for our CEO and investment performance incentives earned by our investment management division. General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expenses are operating costs other than those related to compensation and to distribution efforts, including, but not limited to, computer services and software costs, telecommunications, facilities costs of our home offices, costs of professional services including legal and accounting, and insurance. 35 General and administrative expenses decreased $52.1 million in 2007 compared to 2006. Fiscal year 2006 included a $55.0 million charge for the settlement with the SEC and state regulators. Excluding this charge, general and administrative expenses increased $2.9 million compared to 2006. Higher costs for computer services and fund expenses were primarily responsible for current year increase. General and administrative expenses increased $13.6 million in 2006 compared to 2005. Both years included charges for legal settlements: $55.0 million in 2006 for the settlement with the SEC and state regulators; $35.0 million in 2005 for the settlement of outstanding legal matters with Torchmark for various actions and the NASD and a consortium of states relating to variable annuity sales practices; $6.1 million in 2005 in additional expenses related to a settlement of an NASD arbitration case with a former advisor; and $3.2 million in costs related to the resignation of our former chief executive officer. Excluding charges for litigation, regulatory and other matters, general and administrative expenses increased $2.9 million compared to 2005. Higher costs for computer services contributed to the increase. Goodwill Impairment In 2006, we recorded an impairment charge of $20.0 million related to ACF. Factors that led to this conclusion included, but were not limited to, the negative impact of the continued decline in ACF’s assets under management and diminished involvement of ACF’s investment staff in mutual fund advisory responsibilities during the second quarter of 2006. Continued asset redemptions placed significant risk on ACF’s ability to achieve and maintain profitability, and therefore had adversely impacted its earnings potential. Subadvisory Fees Subadvisory fees represent fees paid to other asset managers for providing advisory services for certain mutual fund portfolios. These expenses reduce our operating margin since we pay out approximately half of our management fee revenue received from subadvised products. Our sales in the Wholesale channel broadened in both 2006 and 2007 to include a larger percentage of sales of our own managed products. The growth trend in sales of our own managed products should help to improve our future operating margin. Subadvisory expenses for the years ended 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $43.8 million, $30.8 million and $18.2 million, respectively. Significant sales growth in our Wholesale channel over the past three years, particularly sales of our subadvised specialty mutual fund products, has driven increased expenses. As this expense is a function of sales, redemptions and market action for subadvised assets, a continuation of the growth trend for these assets would likely result in future increases to subadvisory expenses. Subadvised average assets under management were $10.4 billion, $7.1 billion and $4.0 billion for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Other Income and Expenses Investment and Other Income Investment and other income for 2007 increased by $4.0 million over 2006. The increase was primarily attributable to $2.1 million related to increased interest on cash balances, a $1.0 million write-down of other investments in 2006 and higher earnings of $0.5 million from mutual funds in the trading portfolio. Investment and other income for 2006 increased by $5.8 million over 2005, primarily reflecting increased interest on short-term commercial paper investments of $3.3 million due to a combination of higher average balances and interest rates. We also recorded gains from the sale of available-for-sale securities of $3.3 million in 2006. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in mutual fund trading portfolio returns of $1.2 million recorded during 2006. Interest Expense Interest expense decreased $0.3 million in 2007 compared to the prior year due to the refinancing of $200 million in senior notes in January of 2006, which had a lower interest rate than the old notes. 36 Interest expense decreased $2.1 million in 2006 compared to 2005, partially due to interest incurred on short-term borrowings in 2005 of $0.9 million. There were no short-term borrowings in 2006. In 2006, we refinanced $200 million in senior notes at a rate of 5.6%, compared to an average interest rate of 6.25% (including the benefit of our interest rate swap) in 2005, resulting in decreased 2006 interest expense of $1.2 million. Income Taxes Our effective income tax rate was 37.0%, 48.3% and 37.3% in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The effective tax rate in 2007 decreased compared to 2006 primarily as a result of the non-deductible goodwill impairment charge and non-deductible fines recorded during 2006. Our 2006 effective tax rate, removing the effect of these non-deductible charges and state tax incentives recorded in 2006, would have been 36.4%. The effective tax rate in 2007 has increased slightly from the 2006 rate excluding non-deductible charges and state tax incentives due to changes in state legislation in jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The effective tax rate in 2005 also reflected the effect of non-deductible fines recorded during 2005. Liquidity and Capital Resources The following table summarizes certain key financial data relating to our liquidity and capital resources: For the Year Ended December 31, Variance 2007 2006 2005 (in thousands, except percentage data) 2007 vs. 2006 Balance Sheet Data: Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents - restricted Investment Securities Short-term debt Long-term debt Cash Flow Data: Operating cash flows Investing cash flows Financing cash flows $ 263,914 99,886 50,913 - 199,955 163,887 32,629 48,129 - 199,942 136,694 26,081 51,701 1,746 198,230 61% 206% 6% NA 0% 128,111 (5,146) (22,938) 93,011 (2,332) (63,486) 100,787 66,140 (91,487) 38% (cid:3)121% 64% Our operations provide much of the cash necessary to fund our priorities, as follows: (cid:127) (cid:127) Finance internal growth Pay dividends (cid:127) Repurchase our stock Finance Internal Growth 2006 vs. 2005 20% 25% (cid:3)7% NA 1% (cid:3)8% (cid:3)104% 31% We use cash to fund growth in our distribution channels. Our Wholesale channel, which has a higher cost to gather assets, requires cash outlays for wholesaler commissions and commissions to third parties on deferred load product sales. The growth we have experienced in our Wholesale channel also requires that we add additional resources and infrastructure to manage this growth. We also continue to invest in our Advisors channel by providing additional support to our advisors through training, wholesaling efforts and enhanced technology tools. Pay Dividends The Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly dividend on our common stock from $.15 per share to $.17 per share beginning with our first quarter 2007 dividend, paid on May 1, 2007. 37 Dividends on our common stock resulted in financing cash outflows of over $55.0 million in 2007 and approximately $50.0 million in both 2006 and 2005. The Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly dividend on our common stock from $.17 per share to $.19 per share beginning with our first quarter 2008 dividend, payable on May 1, 2008. Repurchase Our Stock In 2007, we purchased 2.4 million of our shares, compared to 1.1 million shares and 0.3 million shares in 2006 and 2005, respectively. In the future, we will plan to repurchase shares, at a minimum, to replace those issued for employee share plans (approximately one million shares each year). During 2008, we also expect to repurchase approximately 290,000 shares from employees who elect to tender shares to cover their minimum tax withholdings. Operating Cash Flows Cash from operations is our primary source of funds and increased in the current year. Increased revenues combined with higher non-cash share-based compensation expense, and timing of litigation and regulatory settlement payments in 2006 and 2005, partially offset the impact of considerably lower net earnings in 2006 and 2005 compared to 2007. We anticipate that our 2008 contribution to our Pension Plan will be made from cash generated from operations and will be in the range of $5.0 to $10.0 million. Investing Cash Flows Investing activities consist primarily of the purchase and sale of available-for-sale investment securities, as well as capital expenditures. The increase in cash provided by investing activities in fiscal 2005 reflects the return of a $57.4 million cash appeal bond due to a legal settlement with Torchmark and proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale mutual funds and debt securities. We expect our 2008 capital expenditures to increase by $10.0 - 12.0 million due to upgrades of our home office facilities and other equipment. Financing Cash Flows As noted previously, dividends and stock repurchases accounted for a majority of our financing cash outflows in 2007. An increase in our stock price during 2007 resulted in substantial stock option exercises, and cash provided by stock option exercises increased to $84.6 million in the current year. On January 13, 2006, we issued $200 million in principal amount 5.60% senior notes due 2011 resulting in net proceeds of approximately $198.2 million (net of discounts, commissions and estimated expenses). We used these proceeds, together with cash on hand, to repay the entire $200 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 7.50% senior notes due January 18, 2006. The notes represent senior unsecured obligations and are rated ‘‘Baa2’’ by Moody’s and ‘‘BBB’’ by Standard & Poor’s. Interest is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 at a rate of 5.60% per annum. The Company, at its option, may call these notes at any time pursuant to a make whole redemption provision, which would compensate holders for any changes in interest rate levels of the notes upon early extinguishment. The Company currently has no intention to call these notes. In 2005, we entered into a three year revolving credit facility (the ‘‘Credit Facility’’) with various lenders, which provides for initial borrowings of up to $200 million. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at various rates including adjusted LIBOR or an alternate base rate plus, in each case, an incremental margin based on the Company’s credit rating. The Credit Facility also provides for a facility fee on the daily aggregate amount of commitment under the revolving facility (whether or not utilized). The facility fee is also based on the Company’s credit rating level. The Credit Facility contains financial covenants with respect to leverage and interest coverage, both of which we were in compliance with throughout fiscal 2007. At December 31, 2007, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. 38 Uses of cash in 2005 included payments on short-term borrowings of $35.0 million. Short Term Liquidity and Capital Requirements Management believes its available cash, marketable securities and expected cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund its short-term operating and capital requirements during 2008. Expected short-term uses of cash include expected dividend payments, interest payments on outstanding debt, income tax payments, share repurchases, payment of deferred commissions to our financial advisors and third parties, capital expenditures, pension funding and home office leasehold improvements and could include strategic acquisitions. We pay our financial advisors and third parties upfront commissions on the sale of Class B shares, Class C shares and certain fee-based asset allocation products. Funding of such commissions during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 totaled $49.6 million, $19.9 million and $11.8 million, respectively. The primary drivers of the increase in 2007 were Class C shares and asset allocation products, for which $26.9 million and $14.4 million of commissions were funded in 2007, respectively. Management expects future cash requirements for sales commissions to exceed the level experienced in previous years due to increased sales in our fee-based asset allocation products and steady sales growth in the sale of Class B and Class C shares. Long Term Liquidity and Capital Requirements Expected long-term capital requirements include indebtedness, operating leases and purchase obligations, and potential recognition of tax liabilities, summarized in the following table as of December 31, 2007. Purchase obligations include amounts that will be due for the purchase of goods and services to be used in our operations under long-term commitments or contracts. The majority of our purchase obligations are reimbursable to us by the Funds. Long-term debt obligations, including interest Non-cancelable operating lease commitments Purchase obligations Unrecognized tax benefits Total 2008 2009- 2010 2011- 2012 Thereafter/ Indeterminate (in thousands) $ 239,155 65,288 160,634 6,195 $ 471,272 11,200 15,041 33,126 1,996 61,363 22,400 22,840 51,099 - 205,555 13,195 50,345 - 96,339 269,095 - 14,212 26,064 4,199 44,475 Other possible long-term discretionary uses of cash could include capital expenditures for enhancement of technology infrastructure and home office improvements, strategic acquisitions, payment of dividends, income tax payments, seed money for new products, payment of upfront fund commissions for Class B shares, Class C shares and certain fee-based asset allocation products, and repurchases of our common stock. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements Other than operating leases, which are included in the table above, the Company does not have any off-balance sheet financing. The Company has not created, and is not party to, any special-purpose or off-balance sheet entities for the purpose of raising capital, incurring debt or operating its business. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Management believes the following critical accounting policies, among others, affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. 39 Accounting for Goodwill and Intangible Assets As of December 31, 2007, our total goodwill and intangible assets were $228.4 million, or 26%, of our total assets. Two significant considerations arise with respect to these assets that require management estimates and judgment: (i) the valuation in connection with the initial purchase price allocation, and (ii) the ongoing evaluation of impairment. In connection with all of our acquisitions, an evaluation is completed to determine reasonable purchase price allocations. The purchase price allocation process requires management estimates and judgments as to expectations for the various products, distribution channels, and business strategies. For example, certain growth rates and operating margins were assumed for different products and distribution channels. If actual growth rates or operating margins, among other assumptions, differ from the estimates and judgments used in the purchase price allocation, the amounts recorded in the financial statements for identifiable intangible assets and goodwill could be subject to charges for impairment in the future. We complete an ongoing review of the recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets using a fair-value based approach on an annual basis or more frequently whenever events occur or circumstances change which would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Intangible assets with indefinite lives, primarily acquired mutual fund advisory contracts, are also tested for impairment annually by comparing their fair value to the carrying amount of the asset. We consider mutual fund advisory contracts indefinite lived intangible assets as they are expected to be renewed without significant cost or modification of terms. Factors that are considered important in determining whether an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets might exist include significant continued underperformance compared to peers, the likelihood of termination or non-renewal of a mutual fund advisory or subadvisory contract or substantial changes in revenues earned from such contracts, significant changes in our business and products, material and ongoing negative industry or economic trends, or other factors specific to each asset or subsidiary being evaluated. Because of the significance of goodwill and other intangibles to our consolidated balance sheets, the annual impairment analysis is critical. Any changes in key assumptions about our business and our prospects, or changes in market conditions or other externalities, could result in an impairment charge. Accounting for Income Taxes In the ordinary course of business, many transactions occur for which the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. In addition, respective tax authorities periodically audit our income tax returns. These audits examine our significant tax filing positions, including the timing and amounts of deductions and the allocation of income among tax jurisdictions. We adjust our income tax provision in the period in which we determine the actual outcomes will likely be different from our estimates. The recognition or derecognition of income tax expense related to uncertain tax positions is determined under the guidance as prescribed by Financial Accounting Standards Board (‘‘FASB’’) Interpretation No. 48, ‘‘Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.’’ During 2007 the Company settled two open tax years that were undergoing audit by a state jurisdiction in which the Company operates. In 2006 the Company settled five open tax years, 2000 through 2004, that were undergoing audit by the United States Internal Revenue Service. These audits were settled in all material respects with no significant adjustments. The Company is currently undergoing audits in various other state jurisdictions which have not yet been settled. We recognize an asset or liability for the deferred tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, including the determination of any valuation allowance that might be required for deferred tax assets. These temporary differences will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years when the reported amounts of assets are recovered or liabilities are settled. As of December 31, 2007, two of the Company’s subsidiaries have state net operating loss carryforwards in certain states in which those companies file on a separate company basis. These entities have recognized a deferred tax asset for such carryforwards. As of 40 December 31, 2006 and 2005, only one of the Company’s subsidiaries has state net operating loss carryforwards and has recognized a deferred tax asset for such loss carryforwards. The carryforwards, if not utilized, will expire between 2009 and 2027. Management believes it is not more likely than not that the subsidiaries will generate sufficient future taxable income in these states to realize the benefit of these state net operating loss carryforwards and, accordingly, a valuation allowance in the full amount of the deferred tax asset has been established at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. We have not recorded a valuation allowance on any other deferred tax assets as of the current reporting period based on our belief that operating income will, more likely than not, be sufficient to realize the benefit of these assets over time. In the event that actual results differ from estimates or if our historical trend of positive operating income changes, we may be required to record a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, which could have a significant effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. Finally, income taxes are recorded at the rates in effect in the various tax jurisdictions in which we operate. Tax law and rate changes are reflected in the income tax provision in the period in which such changes are enacted. Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits Accounting for our pension and postretirement benefit plans requires us to estimate the cost of benefits to be provided well into the future and the current value of our benefit obligations. Three critical assumptions affecting these estimates are the discount rate, the expected return on assets, and the expected health care cost trend rate. The discount rate assumption is based on the Mercer Bond Model which calculates the yield on a theoretical portfolio of high-grade corporate bonds with cash flows that generally match our expected benefit payments. The expected return on plan assets and health care cost trend rates are based upon an evaluation of our historical trends and experience, taking into account current and expected future market conditions. Other assumptions include rates of future compensation increases, participant withdrawals and mortality rates, and participant retirement ages. These estimates and assumptions impact the amount of net pension expense or income recognized each year and the measurement of our reported benefit obligation under the plans. To reflect market interest rates, in 2007 we increased the discount rate for our pension and postretirement plans to 6.75% from the 6.0% used in 2006 and the 5.75% used in 2005. We continue to assume long-term asset returns of 7.75% on the assets in our pension plan, the same as our assumption in 2006 and 2005. Plan assets are invested in styles including large cap growth, asset strategy, core plus fixed income and science and technology. Our portfolio mix at year-end was 44% asset strategy, 35% large cap growth, 10% core plus fixed income, 9% science and technology and 2% cash. Our targeted allocation percentages are 40% asset strategy, 35% large cap growth, 13% core plus fixed income, 10% science and technology and 2% cash. 41 The effect of hypothetical changes to selected assumptions on the Company’s retirement benefit plans would be as follows: Assumptions Change December 31, December 31, 2007 2008 Increase (Decrease) PBO/APBO (1) Increase (Decrease) Expense (2) (in thousands) Pension Discount rate Expected return on assets OPEB Discount rate Health care cost trend rate +/(cid:3)50 bps $ (4,475)/4,857 +/(cid:3)50 bps N/A $ (187)/199 (547)/547 +/(cid:3)50 bps +/(cid:3)100 bps (186)/201 393/(342) (28)/31 72/(61) (1) Projected benefit obligation (‘‘PBO’’) for pension plans and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (‘‘APBO’’) for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension plans. (2) Pre-tax impact on expense. Deferred Sales Commissions We pay upfront sales commissions to our financial advisors and third party intermediary broker/ dealers in connection with the sale of certain classes of mutual fund shares sold without a front-end sales charge. These costs are capitalized and amortized over the period during which the shareholder is subject to a CDSC, not to exceed five years. We recover these costs through Rule 12b-1 and other distribution plan fees, which are paid by the applicable share classes of the Advisors Funds, Ivy Funds and InvestEd portfolios, along with CDSC’s paid by shareholders who redeem their shares prior to completion of the required holding periods. Should we lose our ability to recover such sales commissions through distribution plan payments and CDSCs, the value of these assets would immediately decline, as would future cash flows. We periodically review the recoverability of deferred sales commission assets as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of deferred sales commission assets may not be recoverable and adjust the deferred assets accordingly. Valuation of Investments We record substantially all investments in our financial statements at fair value. Where available, we use prices from independent sources such as listed market prices or broker/dealer price quotations. We evaluate our investments for other than temporary declines in value on a periodic basis. This may exist when the fair value of an investment security has been below the current value for an extended period of time. As most of our investments are carried at fair value, if an other than temporary decline in value is determined to exist, the unrealized investment loss recorded net of tax in accumulated other comprehensive income is realized as a charge to net income, in the period in which the other than temporary decline in value is determined. While we believe that we have accurately estimated the amount of the other than temporary decline in the value of our portfolio, different assumptions could result in changes to the recorded amounts in our financial statements. Loss Contingencies The likelihood that a loss contingency exists is evaluated using the criteria of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (‘‘SFAS’’) No. 5, ‘‘Accounting for Contingencies’’ through consultation with legal counsel. A loss contingency is recorded if the contingency is considered probable and reasonably estimable as of the date of the financial statements. 42 Accounting Pronouncements In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, ‘‘Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an Amendment of ARB No. 51.’’ SFAS No. 160 amends ARB No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries and for the deconsolidation of subsidiaries. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. The provisions of SFAS No. 160 are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years, and the standard is to be applied prospectively. The Company does not have a non-controlling interest in any of its consolidated reporting entities and therefore this standard does not currently apply. It is not expected that the adoption of this standard on January 1, 2009 will significantly affect our results of operations or financial condition. In December 2007, the FASB amended SFAS No. 141, ‘‘Business Combinations’’ which establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. These provisions are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Adoption of this standard on January 1, 2009 will affect our results of operations and financial condition only if the Company acquires the assets of another entity subsequent to adoption date. In June 2007, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force (‘‘EITF’’) in EITF Issue No. 06-11, ‘‘Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards.’’ Under the provisions of EITF 06-11, a realized income tax benefit from dividends and dividend equivalents that are charged to retained earnings and are paid to employees for equity classified nonvested equity shares, nonvested equity share units and outstanding equity share options should be recognized as an increase to additional paid-in capital. The amount recognized in additional paid-in capital for the realized income tax benefit from dividends on those awards should be included in the pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards. EITF 06-11 is required to be applied prospectively to the income tax benefits that result from dividends on equity-classified employee share-based payment awards that are declared in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. It is not expected that the adoption of this standard on January 1, 2008 will significantly affect our results of operations or financial condition. In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, ‘‘The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of SFAS No. 115,’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 159’’), which provides companies with an option to report select financial assets and liabilities at fair value. This statement also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. It is not expected that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008 will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, ‘‘Fair Value Measurements’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 157’’). This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure of fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and accordingly, does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. It is not expected that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008 will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition. In June 2006, the EITF reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 06-4, ‘‘Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements’’ (‘‘EITF 06-4’’) which requires the application of the provisions of SFAS No. 106, ‘‘Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 106’’) to split-dollar life insurance 43 arrangements. SFAS No. 106 requires the recognition of a liability for the discounted future benefit obligation that an entity would have to pay upon the death of an underlying insured employee. EITF 06-4 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. We have an insurance policy subject to the provisions of this new pronouncement; however, we have evaluated the policy and determined there will be no impact upon the adoption of EITF 06-4 on our results of operations or financial condition. Seasonality and Inflation We do not believe our operations are subject to significant seasonal fluctuations; however, we have historically experienced increased sales activity in the first and fourth quarters of the year due to funding of retirement accounts by our clients. The Company has not suffered material adverse affects from inflation in the past. However, a substantial increase in the inflation rate in the future may adversely affect customers’ purchasing decisions, may increase the costs of borrowing, or may have an impact on the Company’s margins and overall cost structure. ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk We use various financial instruments with certain inherent market risks, primarily related to interest rates and securities prices. The principal risks of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices to which we are exposed relate to interest rates on debt and marketable securities. Generally, these instruments have not been entered into for trading purposes. Management actively monitors these risk exposures; however, fluctuations could impact our results of operations and financial position. As a matter of policy, we only execute derivative transactions to manage exposures arising in the normal course of business and not for speculative or trading purposes. The following information, together with information included in other parts of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which are incorporated herein by reference, describe the key aspects of certain financial instruments that have market risk to us. Interest Rate Sensitivity Our interest sensitive liabilities include our long-term fixed rate senior notes and obligations for any balances outstanding under our credit facility or other short-term borrowings. Increases in market interest rates would generally cause a decrease in the fair value of the senior notes and an increase in interest expense associated with short-term borrowings and borrowings under the credit facility. Decreases in market interest rates would generally cause an increase in the fair value of the senior notes and a decrease in interest expense associated with short-term borrowings and borrowings under the credit facility. We had no short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2007. On January 13, 2006, we issued $200 million in principal amount of 5.60% fixed rate senior notes due 2011. Proceeds from the new senior notes were used to pay down our $200 million in 7.50% senior notes which matured on January 18, 2006. During 2005, the Company entered into two forward starting interest rate swap agreements that had five year fixed swap rates of 4.57% and 4.84%, respectively, on notional amounts of $100 million for each swap. The swaps were put in place to hedge against changes in forecasted interest payments attributable to changes in the LIBOR swap rate between the time we entered into the swap agreement and the time we anticipated refinancing the notes in January 2006. We assessed the effectiveness of the swaps as hedges at their inception and at December 31, 2005, and we consider these swaps to be completely effective cash flow hedges under SFAS No. 133, ‘‘Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.’’ As of December 31, 2007, net unrealized gains attributed to the forward swap cash flow hedges were approximately $0.7 million and were included as a component of other comprehensive income. On January 10, 2006, the Company terminated these forward interest rate swap agreements upon the completion of its new offering in January 2006 of $200 million in principal amount 5.60% senior notes due January 2011. In connection with the termination of the swap agreements, the Company received a net cash settlement of $1.1 million. The Company’s gain on this transaction will be deferred in accumulated 44 other comprehensive income and will be amortized into earnings as a decrease to interest expense over the five year term of the new notes. Available for Sale Investments Sensitivity We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types and maturities. Our portfolio is diversified and consists primarily of investment grade debt securities and equity mutual funds. A substantial portion of investments are classified as available-for-sale investments. At any time, a sharp increase in interest rates or a sharp decline in the United States stock market could have a significant negative impact on the fair value of our investment portfolio. If a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary by management, the cost basis of the individual security or mutual fund is written down to fair value. Conversely, declines in interest rates or a sizeable rise in the United States stock market could have a significant positive impact on our investment portfolio. However, unrealized gains are not recognized on available-for-sale securities until they are sold. We do not currently hedge these exposures. Securities Price Sensitivity Our revenues are dependent on the underlying assets under management in the Funds to which investment advisory services are provided. The Funds include portfolios of investments comprised of various combinations of equity, fixed income and other types of securities. Fluctuations in the value of these securities are common and are generated by numerous factors, including, without limitation, market volatility, the overall economy, inflation, changes in investor strategies, availability of alternative investment vehicles, government regulations and others. Accordingly, declines in any one or a combination of these factors, or other factors not separately identified, may reduce the value of investment securities and, in turn, the underlying assets under management on which our revenues are earned. These declines have an impact in our investment sales, thereby compounding the impact on our earnings. 45 ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Reference is made to the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to in the Index on page 50 setting forth our consolidated financial statements, together with the report of KPMG LLP dated February 28, 2008 on page 51. ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure None. ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures (a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to provide reasonable assurance that information, which is required to be timely disclosed, is accumulated and communicated to management in a timely fashion. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the ‘‘Exchange Act’’)) as of the end of the period covered by this report, have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. (b) Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in ‘‘Internal Control-Integrated Framework’’ issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Based on our evaluation under the framework in ‘‘Internal Control-Integrated Framework,’’ management concluded that, as of December 31, 2007, our internal control over financial reporting was effective. KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, as stated in their attestation report which follows. 46 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Shareholders Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.: We have audited Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, and our report dated February 28, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. /s/ KPMG LLP Kansas City, Missouri February 28, 2008 47 (c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B. Other Information. None. ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance PART III Information required by this Item 10. is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. ITEM 11. Executive Compensation Information required by this Item 11. is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters Information required by this Item 12. is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence Information required by this Item 13. is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services Information required by this Item 14. is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. ITEM 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules (a)(1) Financial Statements. PART IV Reference is made to the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 47 for a list of all financial statements filed as part of this Report. (a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules. None. (b) Exhibits. Reference is made to the Index to Exhibits beginning on page 83 for a list of all exhibits filed as part of this Report. 48 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Company has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Overland Park, State of Kansas, on February 29, 2008. SIGNATURES WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. By: /s/ HENRY J. HERRMANN Henry J. Herrmann Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Name Title Date /s/ HENRY J. HERRMANN Chief Executive Officer and Director February 29, 2008 Henry J. Herrmann (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ DANIEL P. CONNEALY Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer February 29, 2008 Daniel P. Connealy (Principal Financial Officer) /s/ BRENT K. BLOSS Senior Vice President – Finance and February 29, 2008 Brent K. Bloss Treasurer (Principal Accounting Officer) /s/ ALAN W. KOSLOFF Chairman of the Board and Director February 29, 2008 Alan W. Kosloff /s/ DENNIS E. LOGUE Director February 29, 2008 Dennis E. Logue /s/ JAMES M. RAINES Director February 29, 2008 James M. Raines /s/ RONALD C. REIMER Director February 29, 2008 Ronald C. Reimer /s/ WILLIAM L. ROGERS Director February 29, 2008 William L. Rogers /s/ JERRY W. WALTON Director February 29, 2008 Jerry W. Walton 49 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. Index to Consolidated Financial Statements Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2007 and 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007 . . Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 50 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Shareholders Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. As discussed in note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for pension plan and postretirement obligations in 2006. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 28, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. /s/ KPMG LLP Kansas City, Missouri February 28, 2008 51 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 2007 and 2006 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents – restricted Investment securities Receivables: Funds and separate accounts Customers and other Deferred income taxes Prepaid expenses and other current assets Total current assets Property and equipment, net Deferred sales commissions, net Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets Pension benefits Other assets Total assets Liabilities: Accounts payable Payable to investment companies for securities Accrued compensation Income taxes payable Other current liabilities Total current liabilities Long-term debt Accrued pension and post-retirement costs Deferred income taxes Other Total liabilities Commitments and Contingencies (Note 18) Stockholders’ equity: Preferred stock–$1.00 par value: 5,000 shares authorized; none issued Class A Common stock – $0.01 par value: 250,000 shares authorized; 99,701 shares issued; 86,630 shares outstanding (84,660 at December 31, 2006) Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Cost of 13,071 shares in treasury (15,041 in 2006) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Total stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 2007 2006 (in thousands) 263,914 99,886 50,913 43,602 80,909 2,559 6,165 547,948 47,984 45,290 228,432 14,929 9,167 893,750 22,233 159,151 38,310 271 52,637 272,602 199,955 7,230 15,682 16,663 512,132 163,887 32,629 48,129 38,806 59,863 2,923 5,766 352,003 50,875 20,462 228,432 – 10,942 662,714 16,256 75,607 33,153 14,804 44,710 184,530 199,942 12,663 12,082 8,797 418,014 – – 997 209,210 456,499 (291,719) 6,631 381,618 893,750 997 189,299 388,422 (327,966) (6,052) 244,700 662,714 $ $ $ $ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 52 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 Revenues: Investment management fees Underwriting and distribution fees Shareholder service fees Total Operating expenses: Underwriting and distribution Compensation and related costs (including share-based compensation of $23,704, $21,862 and $17,786, respectively) General and administrative Subadvisory fees Depreciation Goodwill impairment Total Operating income Investment and other income Interest expense Income before provision for income taxes Provision for income taxes Net income Net income per share: Basic Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding Dividends declared per common share —basic —diluted 2007 2006 2005 (in thousands, except per share data) 372,345 371,085 94,124 837,554 311,525 317,458 89,672 718,655 267,681 272,590 81,809 622,080 422,274 356,538 303,337 115,905 48,487 43,844 12,412 – 642,922 194,632 16,452 (11,924) 199,160 73,663 125,497 1.55 1.52 80,781 82,824 0.68 110,101 100,604 30,758 11,725 20,000 629,726 88,929 12,498 (12,227) 89,200 43,088 46,112 0.57 0.55 81,353 83,212 0.60 99,673 87,029 18,218 10,275 – 518,532 103,548 6,680 (14,278) 95,950 35,829 60,121 0.74 0.73 80,908 82,045 0.60 $ $ $ $ $ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 53 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands) Additional Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings Treasury Stock Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Stockholders’ Equity 383,155 60,121 (365,892) — (4,296) — Balance at December 31, 2004 Net income Recognition of equity compensation Issuance of nonvested shares and other Dividends accrued, $.60 per share Exercise of stock options Excess tax benefits from share- based payment arrangements Other stock transactions Repurchase of common stock Unrealized gain on available for sale investment securities Reclassification for amounts included in net income Change in fair value of derivatives Minimum pension liability adjustment Balance at December 31, 2005 Net income Recognition of equity compensation Issuance of nonvested shares and other Dividends accrued, $.60 per share Exercise of stock options Excess tax benefits from share- based payment arrangements Other stock transactions Repurchase of common stock Unrealized gain on available for sale investment securities Reclassification for amounts included in net income Change in fair value of derivatives Reversal of minimum pension liability Additional pension and postretirement plan liability Balance at December 31, 2006 Net income Recognition of equity compensation Issuance of nonvested shares and other Dividends accrued, $.68 per share Exercise of stock options Excess tax benefits from share- based payment arrangements Other stock transactions Repurchase of common stock Unrealized gain on available for sale investment securities Reclassification for amounts included in net income Pension and postretirement benefits Common Stock Shares Amount 99,701 — $ 997 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 99,701 — 997 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 99,701 — 997 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 204,913 — 17,926 (27,655) — (1,542) 1,673 — — — — — — 195,315 — 21,854 (26,934) — (5,295) 4,359 — — — — — — — 189,299 — 23,704 (24,517) — 7,805 12,919 — — — — — — — (50,233) — — — — — — — — — 27,655 — 3,602 — (2,468) (5,997) — — — — 393,043 46,112 (343,100) — 8 — (50,741) — — — — — — — — — 26,934 — 21,483 — (5,640) (27,643) — — — — — 388,422 125,497 (327,966) — — — (57,420) — — — — — — — 24,517 — 76,757 — (5,539) (59,488) — — — Balance at December 31, 2007 99,701 $ 997 209,210 456,499 (291,719) See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 54 — — — — — — — 1,344 (648) 1,010 3,709 1,119 — — — — — — — — 1,569 (2,199) (283) 5,146 (11,404) (6,052) — — — — — — — — 2,345 (2,428) 12,766 6,631 218,877 60,121 17,926 — (50,233) 2,060 1,673 (2,468) (5,997) 1,344 (648) 1,010 3,709 247,374 46,112 21,862 — (50,741) 16,188 4,359 (5,640) (27,643) 1,569 (2,199) (283) 5,146 (11,404) 244,700 125,497 23,704 — (57,420) 84,562 12,919 (5,539) (59,488) 2,345 (2,428) 12,766 381,618 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 Net income Other comprehensive income: Available-for-sale investments: Net unrealized appreciation of investments during the period, net of income taxes of $1,354, $719 and $789, respectively Derivatives: Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives during the period, net of income taxes of $0, $(188) and $593, respectively Pension and postretirement benefits: Pension and postretirement benefits, net of income taxes of $7,178, $3,022 and $2,179, respectively Reclassification adjustments for amounts included in net income, net of income taxes of $(1,396), $(1,226) and $(381), respectively Comprehensive income 2007 2006 2005 $ 125,497 (in thousands) 46,112 60,121 2,345 1,569 1,344 – (283) 1,010 12,766 5,146 3,709 (2,428) $ 138,180 (2,199) 50,345 (648) 65,536 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 55 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization Share-based compensation Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements Gain on sale of available-for-sale investment securities Net purchases and sales of trading securities Unrealized gain on trading securities Goodwill impairment Loss on sale and retirement of property and equipment Capital gains and dividends reinvested Deferred income taxes Changes in assets and liabilities: Cash and cash equivalents – restricted Receivables from funds and separate accounts Other receivables Other assets Accounts payable and payable to investment companies Other liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investment securities Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale investment securities Additions to property and equipment Cash paid for acquisitions Appeal bond deposits Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long term debt and interest rate swap termination Repayment of long term debt Net short term repayments Dividends paid Repurchase of common stock Exercise of stock options Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements Other stock transactions Net cash used in financing activities Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Cash paid for: Income taxes (net) Interest 2007 2006 2005 (in thousands) $ 125,497 46,112 60,121 12,395 23,704 (12,919) (3,598) (926) (1,001) — 405 (2,135) (3,171) (67,257) (4,796) (21,046) (23,453) 89,523 16,889 128,111 (5,650) 10,429 — (9,925) — — (5,146) — — — (55,392) (59,488) 84,562 12,919 (5,539) (22,938) 100,027 163,887 263,914 74,439 11,200 $ $ $ 11,937 21,862 (4,359) (3,260) (749) (283) 20,000 592 (1,317) (1,423) (6,548) (5,401) (16,632) (4,741) 31,091 6,130 93,011 (7,350) 14,812 435 (10,229) — — (2,332) 199,863 (200,000) — (50,613) (27,643) 16,188 4,359 (5,640) (63,486) 27,193 136,694 163,887 29,922 6,845 11,497 17,786 — (1,029) 1,791 (586) — 175 (784) (2,866) (3,435) (8,654) (5,225) 2,878 4,186 24,932 100,787 (600) 9,096 9,275 (8,984) (15) 57,368 66,140 — — (35,000) (50,082) (5,997) 2,060 — (2,468) (91,487) 75,440 61,254 136,694 33,234 12,752 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 56 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 1. Description of Business Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘Company,’’ ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘our’’ and ‘‘us’’) derive revenues primarily from investment management, investment product underwriting and distribution, and shareholder services administration provided to the Waddell & Reed Advisors Group of Mutual Funds (the ‘‘Advisors Funds’’), W&R Target Funds, Inc. (the ‘‘Target Funds’’), Ivy Funds, Inc. and the Ivy Funds portfolios (collectively, the ‘‘Ivy Funds’’), and Waddell & Reed InvestEd Portfolios, Inc. (collectively, the ‘‘Funds’’), and institutional and separately managed accounts. The Funds and the institutional and separately managed accounts operate under various rules and regulations set forth by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘SEC’’). Services to the Funds are provided under investment management agreements that set forth the fees to be charged for these services. The majority of these agreements are subject to annual review and approval by each Fund’s board of directors/ trustees and shareholders. Our revenues are largely dependent on the total value and composition of assets under management, which include mainly domestic equity securities, but also include debt securities and international equities. Accordingly, fluctuations in financial markets and composition of assets under management can significantly impact revenues and results of operations. 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (‘‘GAAP’’) and include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Amounts in the accompanying financial statements and notes are rounded to the nearest thousand unless otherwise stated. Certain amounts in the prior years’ financial statements have been reclassified for consistent presentation. Use of Estimates GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, and related disclosures of commitments and contingencies. Estimates are used for, but are not limited to, depreciation and amortization, taxes, valuation of assets, pension and postretirement obligations, and contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and short-term investments. We consider all highly liquid investments with original or remaining maturities of 90 days or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents – restricted represents cash held for the benefit of customers segregated in compliance with federal and other regulations. Substantially all cash balances are in excess of federal deposit insurance limits. Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, receivables, payables and long-term debt approximates carrying value. Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. Otherwise, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments. 57 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 Investment Securities and Investments in Affiliated Mutual Funds Our investments are comprised of United States, state and government obligations, corporate debt securities and investments in affiliated mutual funds. Investments are classified as available-for-sale or trading. Unrealized holding gains and losses on securities available-for-sale, net of related tax effects, are excluded from earnings until realized and are reported as a separate component of comprehensive income. For trading securities, unrealized holding gains and losses, net of related tax effects, are included in earnings. Realized gains and losses are computed using the specific identification method for investment securities, other than mutual funds. For mutual funds, realized gains and losses are computed using the average cost method. Our available-for-sale investments are reviewed and adjusted for other than temporary declines in value. When a decline in fair value of an available for sale investment is determined to be other than temporary, the unrealized loss recorded net of tax in other comprehensive income is realized as a charge to net income and a new cost basis is established for financial reporting purposes. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are carried at cost. The costs of improvements that extend the life of a fixed asset are capitalized, while the costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization are calculated and recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset (or lease term if shorter), generally three to ten years for furniture, fixtures, data processing equipment and computer software; three to 20 years for equipment and machinery; and up to 15 years for leasehold improvements. Software Developed for Internal Use Certain internal costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use are capitalized in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Statement of Position No. 98-1, ‘‘Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.’’ The costs of designing and implementing software are expensed as incurred. Internal costs capitalized are included in ‘‘Property and equipment, net’’ on the consolidated balance sheets, and were $9.3 million and $8.5 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Amortization begins when the software project is complete and ready for its intended use and continues over the estimated useful life, generally five to ten years. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the Company’s investment in the net assets of acquired companies over the fair value of the underlying identifiable net assets at the dates of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested at least annually for impairment. Identifiable intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized. Indefinite life intangible assets represent advisory and subadvisory management contracts for managed assets obtained in acquisitions. We consider these contracts to be indefinite lived intangible assets as they are expected to be renewed without significant cost or modification of terms. We complete an ongoing review of the recoverability of identifiable intangible assets on an annual basis or more frequently whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce their fair value. Factors that are considered important in determining whether an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets might exist include significant continued underperformance compared to peers, the likelihood of 58 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 termination or non-renewal of a mutual fund advisory or subadvisory contract or substantial changes in revenues earned from such contracts, significant changes in our business and products, material and ongoing negative industry or economic trends, or other factors specific to each asset or subsidiary being evaluated. Because of the significance of goodwill and other intangible assets to our consolidated balance sheet, any changes in key assumptions about our business or prospects, or changes in market conditions or other externalities, could result in an impairment charge and such a charge could have a material effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Based on our annual review of goodwill in the second quarter of 2006, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (‘‘SFAS’’) No. 142, ‘‘Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 142’’) we recorded an impairment charge of $20.0 million related to our subsidiary, Austin Calvert & Flavin, Inc. (‘‘ACF’’). The impairment charge is described in Note 6. It was determined that no impairment existed during our annual reviews of goodwill during 2007 or of identifiable intangible assets during 2007 or 2006. Deferred Sales Commissions We defer certain costs, principally sales commissions and related compensation, which are paid to financial advisors and broker/dealers in connection with the sale of certain mutual fund shares sold without a front-end load sales charge. The costs incurred at the time of the sale of shares for certain asset allocation products are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis, not to exceed three years. The costs incurred at the time of the sale of Class B shares are also deferred and then amortized on a straight-line basis over five years which approximates the expected life of the shareholders’ investments. The costs incurred at the time of the sale of Class C shares are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over 12 months. We recover these deferred costs through Rule 12b-1 and other distribution fees, which are paid on the Class B and Class C shares of the Advisors Funds and Ivy Funds, along with contingent deferred sales charges (‘‘CDSCs’’) paid by shareholders who redeem their shares prior to completion of the required holding period (three years for shares of certain asset allocation products, six years for a Class B share and 12 months for a Class C share). Should we lose our ability to recover such sales commissions through distribution fees or CDSCs, the value of these assets would immediately decline, as would future cash flows. We periodically review the recoverability of the deferred sales commission assets as events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable and adjust them accordingly. Revenue Recognition We recognize investment management fees as earned over the period in which services are rendered. We charge the Funds daily based upon average daily net assets under management in accordance with investment management agreements between the Funds and the Company. In general, the majority of investment management fees earned from institutional and separate accounts are charged either monthly or quarterly based upon an average of net assets under management in accordance with such investment management agreements. Shareholder service fees are recognized monthly and are calculated based on the number of accounts or assets under management as applicable. Other administrative service fee revenues are recognized when contractual obligations are fulfilled or as services are provided. Underwriting and distribution commission revenues resulting from the sale of investment products are recognized on the trade date. 59 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 We also recognize distribution revenues monthly for certain types of investment products, primarily variable annuity products which are generally calculated based upon average daily net assets under management. Advertising and Promotion We expense all advertising and promotion costs as incurred. Advertising expense was $4.8 million, $2.9 million and $3.5 million, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Share-Based Compensation Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company used the intrinsic value method as described in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, ‘‘Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees’’ (‘‘APB 25’’) to measure employee stock-based compensation as permitted by SFAS No. 123, ‘‘Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 123’’). Under this method, compensation expense related to stock options was measured as the difference between the exercise price and the fair value of the shares on the grant date, if any, and was recognized over the vesting period, which approximated the anticipated service period. Had compensation cost for the Company’s stock-based compensation plans been determined using the fair value method as described in SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income and earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2005 would have been reduced to the following pro forma amounts (amounts in thousands, expect per share data): Net income, as reported Add: Total stock option expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects Deduct: Total stock option expense determined under fair-value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects Pro forma net income Basic earnings per share As reported Pro forma Diluted earnings per share As reported Pro forma $ 60,121 $ $ 1,137 (1,558) 59,700 0.74 0.74 0.73 0.73 The weighted-average fair value of each stock option included in the preceding pro forma information was estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and was amortized over the vesting period of the underlying options. Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R, ‘‘Share-Based Payment, (revised 2004)’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 123R’’). The revised standard eliminated the intrinsic value method of accounting required under APB 25. The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective transition method of adoption, which did not require restatement of prior periods. Under that transition method, compensation expense recognized in 2006 and 2007 for all share-based awards granted after December 31, 2005 is based on the grant date fair value of the awards, net of estimated forfeitures. In its computation of stock-based compensation expense under APB 25, the Company recognized actual forfeitures when they occurred. Under SFAS No. 123R, the Company is required to estimate forfeitures at the grant date. The Company recognized a cumulative effect of change in accounting 60 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 principle of $503 thousand ($321 thousand increase to net income after tax) upon adoption, in order to adjust for expected forfeitures on all nonvested stock awards outstanding on January 1, 2006. This cumulative effect of change in accounting principle is classified in compensation and related costs in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2006. Accounting for Income Taxes Income tax expense is based on pre-tax financial accounting income, including adjustments made for the recognition or derecognition related to uncertain tax positions. The recognition or derecognition of income tax expense related to uncertain tax positions is determined under the guidance as prescribed by Financial Accounting Standards Board (‘‘FASB’’) Interpretation No. 48, ‘‘Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109’’ (‘‘FIN 48’’). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Derivatives and Hedging Activities Derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. The Company periodically uses interest rate swaps to manage risks associated with interest rate volatility. All derivative instruments have been designated as hedges, in accordance with GAAP. If the underlying hedged transaction ceases to exist, all changes in fair value of the related derivatives that have not been settled are recognized in current earnings or amortized over the term of the hedged transaction. Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are marked to market with changes recognized in current earnings. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes and is not a party to leveraged derivatives. 3. Accounting Pronouncements In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, ‘‘Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an Amendment of ARB No. 51’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 160’’), which amends ARB No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries and for the deconsolidation of subsidiaries. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. The provisions of SFAS No. 160 are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years and the standard is to be applied prospectively. The Company does not have a non-controlling interest in any of its consolidated reporting entities and therefore this standard does not currently apply. It is not expected that the adoption of this standard on January 1, 2009 will significantly affect our results of operations or financial condition. In December 2007, the FASB amended SFAS No. 141, ‘‘Business Combinations’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 141’’). SFAS No. 141, as amended, establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. The provisions of SFAS No. 141, as amended, are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Adoption of this standard on January 1, 2009 will affect our results of operations and financial condition only if the Company acquires the assets of another entity subsequent to adoption date. 61 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 In June 2007, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force (‘‘EITF’’) in EITF Issue No. 06-11, ‘‘Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards’’ (‘‘EITF No. 06-11’’). Under the provisions of EITF 06-11, a realized income tax benefit from dividends and dividend equivalents that are charged to retained earnings and are paid to employees for equity classified nonvested equity shares, nonvested equity share units and outstanding equity share options should be recognized as an increase to additional paid-in capital. The amount recognized in additional paid-in capital for the realized income tax benefit from dividends on those awards should be included in the pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards. EITF 06-11 is required to be applied prospectively to the income tax benefits that result from dividends on equity-classified employee share-based payment awards that are declared in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. It is not expected that the adoption of this standard on January 1, 2008 will significantly affect our results of operations or financial condition. In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, ‘‘The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of SFAS No. 115’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 159’’), which provides companies with an option to report select financial assets and liabilities at fair value. This statement also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. It is not expected that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008 will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, ‘‘Fair Value Measurements’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 157’’). This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure of fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and accordingly, does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. It is not expected that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008 will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition. In June 2006, the EITF reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 06-4, ‘‘Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements’’ (‘‘EITF 06-4’’), which requires the application of the provisions of SFAS No. 106, ‘‘Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 106’’) to split-dollar life insurance arrangements. SFAS No. 106 requires the recognition of a liability for the discounted future benefit obligation that an entity would have to pay upon the death of an underlying insured employee. EITF 06-4 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. We have an insurance policy subject to the provisions of this new pronouncement; however we have evaluated the policy and determined there will be no impact upon the adoption of EITF 06-4 on our results of operations or financial condition. 62 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 4. Investment Securities Investment securities at December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows: 2007 Available-for-sale securities: Mortgage-backed securities Municipal bonds Affiliated mutual funds Trading securities: Mortgage-backed securities Municipal bonds Corporate bonds Common stock Affiliated mutual funds Amortized cost Unrealized gains Unrealized (losses) Fair value (in thousands) $ 11 6,991 22,912 29,914 118 502 156 74 12,618 13,468 1 128 7,596 7,725 – – – – – – – (73) (121) (194) – – – – – – 12 7,046 30,387 37,445 118 502 156 74 12,618 13,468 Total investment securities $ 43,382 7,725 (194) 50,913 2006 Available-for-sale securities: Mortgage-backed securities Municipal bonds Affiliated mutual funds Trading securities: Mortgage-backed securities Municipal bonds Corporate bonds Common stock Affiliated mutual funds Amortized cost Unrealized gains Unrealized (losses) Fair value (in thousands) $ 12 6,985 22,486 29,483 124 510 340 46 10,196 11,216 1 199 7,346 7,546 – – – – – – – – (116) (116) – – – – – – 13 7,184 29,716 36,913 124 510 340 46 10,196 11,216 Total investment securities $ 40,699 7,546 (116) 48,129 63 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 A summary of debt securities and affiliated mutual funds with market values below carrying values at December 31, 2007 is as follows: Less than 12 months Unrealized Fair (losses) value 12 months or longer Fair value Unrealized (losses) Total Fair value Unrealized (losses) (in thousands) Municipal bonds Affiliated mutual funds Total temporarily impaired securities $ 2,983 1,301 $ 4,284 (73) (121) (194) – – – – – – 2,983 1,301 4,284 (73) (121) (194) We assess the carrying value of investments in debt and equity securities each quarter to determine whether an other than temporary decline in fair value exists. We consider factors affecting the issuer and the industry the issuer operates in, general market trends including interest rates, and our ability and intent to hold an investment until it has recovered. Consideration is given to the length of time an investment’s market value has been below carrying value and prospects for recovery to carrying value. Based upon our assessment of these municipal bonds and affiliated mutual funds, our intent to hold the affiliated mutual funds until they have recovered and our history of holding bonds until maturity, we determined that a write-down was not appropriate at this time. Mortgage-backed securities and municipal bonds accounted for as available-for sale and held as of December 31, 2007 mature as follows: After ten years Amortized cost Fair value (in thousands) 7,002 7,002 $ $ 7,058 7,058 Mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and corporate bonds accounted for as trading and held as of December 31, 2007 mature as follows: After ten years Amortized cost Fair value (in thousands) $ $ 776 776 776 776 Investment securities with fair value of $10.9 million, $15.5 million and $68.7 million were sold during 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. A net gain of $3.6 million was recognized during 2007 from the sale of $10.4 million in available-for-sale securities. During 2006, a net gain of $3.3 million was recognized from the sale of $14.8 million in available-for-sale securities. During 2005, $59.6 million of trading securities were sold, of which approximately $57.4 million were proceeds from the sale of certificates of deposit 64 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 previously held as an appeal bond related to a legal matter. A net gain of $1.0 million was recognized during 2005 from the sale of $9.1 million in available-for-sale securities. The aggregate carrying amount of our equity method investments, classified in other assets, was $3.6 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006. At December 31, 2007, our investment consists of a limited partnership interest in venture capital funds. During 2005, we sold our interest in another venture capital fund for approximately $2.0 million and recognized a gain on the sale of $0.6 million. 5. Acquisitions Securian Strategic Alliance Agreement In 2003, the Company entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement with Securian Financial Group, Inc. (‘‘Securian’’), through which we agreed to become investment adviser of substantially all managed equity assets of Advantus Capital Management, Inc. (‘‘Advantus’’). Advantus is a subsidiary of Securian and is an affiliate of Minnesota Life Insurance Company. In 2003, we paid $31.8 million (inclusive of acquisition costs) to purchase the rights to manage nine actively managed equity funds of the Advantus Series Funds, a mutual fund family used within variable insurance products and 11 actively managed retail funds of the Advantus Funds. As a result of this purchase, we recorded $31.8 million of indefinite life intangible assets. The purchase agreements contained provisions whereby the initial purchase price may be reduced based upon a calculation using certain levels of assets under management determinations made no later than 30 days after each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the closing date of each transaction. Assets at each anniversary date were at levels that did not require a reduction to the purchase price. 6. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets of an acquired business. Gross goodwill was $212.0 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006 and accumulated amortization of goodwill was $38.6 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006. Our goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is reviewed annually and when events or circumstances occur which indicate that goodwill might be impaired. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the Company’s reporting unit level. To determine fair value, our review process uses the income and market approaches. In performing the analysis, we use the best information available under the circumstances, including reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its implied fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. Based on our annual review of goodwill in the second quarter of 2006, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, we recorded an impairment charge of $20.0 million related to our subsidiary, ACF. Factors that led to this conclusion included, but were not limited to, the negative impact of the decline in ACF’s assets under management and diminished involvement of ACF’s investment staff in mutual fund advisory responsibilities. Asset redemptions significantly impacted ACF’s ability to achieve and maintain profitability, and therefore adversely impacted its earnings potential. ACF’s remaining unamortized goodwill balance at December 31, 2007 was $7.2 million. 65 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 The goodwill impairment charge was not deductible for income tax purposes and as a result, no tax benefit has been recognized for the goodwill impairment charge. The carrying value of identifiable intangible assets (all considered indefinite lived) at December 31, 2007 and 2006 are summarized as follows: Unamortized intangible assets: Mutual fund management advisory contracts Mutual fund subadvisory management contracts Total 7. Property and Equipment 2007 2006 (in thousands) $ $ 38,699 16,300 54,999 38,699 16,300 54,999 A summary of property and equipment at December 31, 2007 and 2006 is as follows: Leasehold improvements Furniture and fixtures Equipment and machinery Data processing equipment and computer software Property and equipment, at cost Accumulated depreciation Property and equipment, net Estimated useful lives 1 - 15 years 3 - 10 years 3 - 20 years 3 - 10 years 2007 2006 $ (in thousands) 7,337 23,726 21,675 58,853 5,481 22,795 21,431 53,923 111,591 (63,607) $ 47,984 103,630 (52,755) 50,875 Depreciation expense was $12.4 million, $11.7 million and $10.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. 8. Indebtedness On August 15, 2000, the Company filed a $400.0 million shelf registration, whereby proceeds received could be used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of short-term debt outstanding. On January 18, 2001, the Company issued $200.0 million in principal amount 7.50% senior notes due in January 2006 (the ‘‘7.50% Notes’’), resulting in net proceeds of approximately $197.6 million (net of discounts, commissions and expenses). Interest was payable semi-annually on January 18 and July 18 at a fixed rate of 7.50% per annum. On March 12, 2002, the 7.50% Notes were effectively converted to variable rate debt by entering into an interest rate swap agreement whereby we agreed with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the fixed-rate and various floating-rate interest amounts, calculated using a notional amount of $200.0 million. The difference in the floating-rate interest paid and the 7.50% fixed-rate interest received was recorded as an adjustment to interest expense during the period that the 66 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 related debt was outstanding. The change in the fair value of the interest rate swap was recorded on the consolidated balance sheet by adjusting the carrying amounts of the 7.50% Notes by an offsetting amount for the swap. Under SFAS No. 133, ‘‘Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 133’’), we accounted for the interest rate swap as a fair value hedge of the Notes. This interest rate swap was considered 100% effective in hedging the changes in the fair value of the 7.50% Notes arising from changes in interest rates, and accordingly, there was no impact on earnings resulting from any ineffectiveness associated with this transaction. No fair value adjustment was necessary for the swap at December 31, 2005 as the term of the swap expired on January 18, 2006. During 2005, the Company entered into two forward starting interest rate swap agreements that had five year fixed swap rates of 4.57% and 4.84%, respectively, on notional amounts of $100 million for each swap. The swaps were put in place to hedge against changes in forecasted interest payments attributable to changes in the LIBOR swap rate between the time the Company entered into the swap agreement and the time we anticipated refinancing the 7.50% Notes in January 2006. The Company assessed the effectiveness of the swaps as hedges at their inception and at December 31, 2005, and we considered those swaps to be completely effective cash flow hedges under SFAS No. 133. As of December 31, 2005, net unrealized gains attributed to the forward swap cash flow hedges were approximately $1.6 million and were included as a component of other comprehensive income. On January 13, 2006, the Company issued $200 million in principal amount 5.60% senior notes due 2011 (the ‘‘New Notes’’) resulting in net proceeds of approximately $198.2 million (net of discounts, commissions and estimated expenses). The Company used these proceeds, together with cash on hand, to repay the entire $200 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of its 7.50% Notes. The New Notes represent senior unsecured obligations and are rated ‘‘Baa2’’ by Moody’s and ‘‘BBB’’ by Standard & Poor’s. Interest is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 at a fixed rate of 5.60% per annum. The Company may, at its option, call the New Notes at any time pursuant to a make whole redemption provision, which would compensate holders for any changes in interest rate levels of the notes upon early extinguishment. The Company currently has no intention to call the New Notes. On January 10, 2006, the Company terminated the two 2005 forward interest rate swap agreements upon the closing of the New Notes. In connection with the termination of the swap agreements, the Company received a net cash settlement of $1.1 million. The Company’s gain on these transactions was deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income and is being amortized into earnings as a reduction to interest expense over the five year term of the New Notes. As of December 31, 2007, the remaining unamortized amount was approximately $0.7 million. The Company entered into a three-year revolving credit facility (the ‘‘Credit Facility’’) with various lenders, effective October 7, 2005, which initially provides for borrowings of up to $200 million and replaced the Company’s previous 364-day revolving credit facility. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at various rates including adjusted LIBOR or an alternate base rate plus, in each case, an incremental margin based on the Company’s credit rating. The Credit Facility also provides for a facility fee on the daily aggregate amount of commitment under the revolving facility (whether or not utilized). The facility fee is also based on the Company’s credit rating level. The most restrictive provisions of the credit agreement require the Company to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio not to exceed 3.0 to 1.0 67 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 for four consecutive quarters and a consolidated interest coverage ratio of not less than 4.0 to 1.0 for four consecutive quarters. The Company was in compliance with these covenants and similar covenants in prior facilities for all years presented. The following is a summary of long-term debt at December 31, 2007 and 2006: Principal amount unsecured 5.60% senior notes due in 2011 Discount on unsecured 5.60% senior notes due in 2011 Total long-term debt 9. Income Taxes 2007 2006 (in thousands) $ $ 200,000 (45) 199,955 200,000 (58) 199,942 The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 consists of the following: Currently payable: Federal State Deferred taxes 2007 2006 2005 (in thousands) $ 72,760 5,092 77,852 (4,189) 39,770 3,823 43,593 (505) 43,088 35,362 3,333 38,695 (2,866) 35,829 Provision for income taxes $ 73,663 68 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 The following table reconciles the statutory federal income tax rate with our effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005: Statutory federal income tax rate State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits Favorable resolution of outstanding income tax matters State tax incentives Nondeductible fines Nondeductible goodwill impairment expense Other items 2007 2006 2005 35.0% 2.1 — (0.1) — — — 35.0% 1.7 — (1.2) 4.7 7.8 0.3 35.0% 1.4 (2.4) — 0.8 — 2.5 Effective income tax rate 37.0% 48.3% 37.3% The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets at December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows: Deferred tax liabilities: Unrealized pension benefits Deferred sales commissions Property and equipment Benefit plans Identifiable intangible assets Unrealized gains on derivatives Unrealized gains on available for sale investment securities Purchase of fund assets Prepaid expenses Other Total gross deferred liabilities Deferred tax assets: Acquisition lease liability Additional pension and postretirement liability Accrued expenses Unrealized losses on investment securities Nonvested stock Unused state tax credits State net operating loss carryover Other Total gross deferred assets Valuation allowance Net deferred tax liability 69 2007 2006 (in thousands) $ (785) (6,754) (8,794) (3,037) (8,374) (248) (2,753) (3,423) (1,413) (242) (35,823) 1,029 — 6,753 676 11,240 174 3,527 2,828 26,227 (3,527) $ (13,123) — (5,711) (10,319) (2,867) (8,306) (324) (2,660) (2,629) (1,349) (249) (34,414) 1,026 6,392 7,276 705 9,593 263 2,908 — 28,163 (2,908) (9,159) WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have net operating loss carryforwards in certain states in which these companies file on a separate company basis. The deferred tax asset, net of federal tax effect, relating to the carryforwards as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 is approximately $3.5 million and $2.9 million, respectively. The carryforwards, if not utilized, will expire between 2008 and 2027. Management believes it is not more likely than not that these subsidiaries will generate sufficient future taxable income in these states to realize the benefit of the net operating loss carryforwards and, accordingly, a valuation allowance in the amount of $3.5 million and $2.9 million has been established at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company generated state tax credits in 2006 and 2007 of $263 thousand and $174 thousand that will expire between 2016 and 2029, respectively, if not utilized. The Company anticipates these credits will be fully utilized prior to their expiration dates. In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48 to clarify certain aspects of accounting for uncertain tax positions. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold that a tax provision is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The Company adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. As of January 1, 2007, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, of $5.1 million ($3.5 million net of federal benefit) that, if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2007, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, of $6.2 million ($4.2 million net of federal benefit) that, if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. The unrecognized tax benefits that are not expected to be settled within the next 12 months are included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet; unrecognized tax benefits that are expected to be settled within the next 12 months are included in income taxes payable. The Company had no cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48, and therefore, no adjustment was recorded to retained earnings upon such adoption. The following table summarizes the Company’s reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended December 31, 2007: Balance at January 1, 2007 Increases during the year: Gross increases - tax positions in prior periods Gross increases - current-period tax positions Decreases during the year: Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations Balance at December 31, 2007 Unrecognized Tax Benefits (in thousands) $ 3,242 1,069 1,782 (1,476) (122) $ 4,495 The Company’s historical accounting policy with respect to interest and penalties related to tax uncertainties has been to classify these amounts as income taxes, and the Company continued this classification upon the adoption of FIN 48. As of January 1, 2007, the total amount of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions recognized in the consolidated balance sheet was $1.9 million ($1.3 million net of federal benefit). The total amount of penalties and interest, net of federal benefit, 70 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 related to tax uncertainties recognized in the statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $423 thousand. The total amount of accrued penalties and interest related to uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2007 of $1.7 million ($1.3 million net of federal benefit) is included in the total unrecognized tax benefits described above. In the ordinary course of business, many transactions occur for which the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. In addition, respective tax authorities periodically audit our income tax returns. These audits examine our significant tax filing positions, including the timing and amounts of deductions and the allocation of income among tax jurisdictions. During 2006, the Company settled five open tax years, 2000 through 2004, that were undergoing audit by the United States Internal Revenue Service. The 2005 and 2006 federal income tax returns are the only open tax years that remain subject to potential future audit. In late 2007, the Company settled two open tax years that were undergoing audit by a state jurisdiction in which the Company operates. State income tax returns for all years after 2002 are subject to potential future audit by tax authorities in the Company’s major state tax jurisdictions. The Company is currently being audited in three other state jurisdictions. It is reasonably possible that the Company will settle the audits in these jurisdictions within the next 12-month period. It is estimated that the Company’s FIN 48 liability could decrease by approximately $1.8 million to $2.5 million ($1.2 million to $1.6 million net of federal benefit) upon settlement of these audits. Such settlements are not anticipated to have a significant impact on reported income. 10. Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions We provide a non-contributory retirement plan that covers substantially all employees and certain vested employees of our former parent company (the ‘‘Pension Plan’’). Benefits payable under the Pension Plan are based on employees’ years of service and compensation during the final ten years of employment. We also sponsor an unfunded defined benefit postretirement medical plan that covers substantially all employees, including Waddell & Reed and Legend advisors. The medical plan is contributory with retiree contributions adjusted annually. The medical plan does not provide for post age 65 benefits with the exception of a small group of employees that were grandfathered when such plan was established. 71 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 A reconciliation of the funded status of these plans and the assumptions related to the obligations at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2007 2006 2005 2007 2006 2005 (in thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Net benefit obligation at beginning of year Service cost Interest cost Plan amendments Benefits and expenses paid Actuarial gain Retiree contributions $ 88,320 5,718 5,490 — (3,690) (945) — 86,530 5,446 4,830 — (3,496) (4,990) — 82,829 5,598 4,824 — (6,604) (117) — Net benefit obligation at end of year $ 94,893 88,320 86,530 4,174 292 244 — (313) (570) 148 3,975 3,715 299 209 165 (244) (107) 137 4,174 5,441 422 306 — (144) (2,418) 108 3,715 The accumulated benefit obligation for the Pension Plan was $81.3 million and $77.1 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Actual return on plan assets Employer contributions Retiree contributions Benefits paid Fair value of plan assets at end of year Funded status at end of year Unrecognized transition obligation Unrecognized prior service cost Unrecognized net actuarial loss Net asset (liability) recognized at end of year Pension Benefits (1) Other Postretirement Benefits (1) 2007 2006 2005 2007 2006 2005 (in thousands) $ $ $ 82,889 23,622 7,000 — (3,689) 109,822 14,929 NA NA NA 74,445 4,940 7,000 — (3,496) 68,629 5,420 7,000 — (6,604) 82,889 74,445 (5,431) NA NA NA (12,085) 67 4,585 19,333 — — 165 148 (313) — (3,975) NA NA NA — — 107 137 (244) — (4,174) NA NA NA — — 36 108 (144) — (3,715) — 258 (889) NA NA 11,900 NA NA (4,346) (1) NA refers to not applicable under SFAS No. 158, ‘‘Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Retirement Plans — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132-R’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 158’’), adopted in 2006. 72 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position prior to SFAS No. 158: Accrued benefit cost Intangible asset Accumulated other comprehensive income Net asset (liability) recognized at end of year Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position under SFAS No. 158: Noncurrent assets Current liabilities Noncurrent liabilities Net amount recognized at end of year Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive income: Transition obligation Prior service cost Accumulated gain (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income Cumulative employer contributions in excess of net periodic benefit cost Net amount recognized at end of year Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at December 31: Discount rate Rate of compensation increase Pension Benefits (1) Other Postretirement Benefits (1) 2007 2006 2005 2007 2006 2005 (in thousands) NA NA NA NA 14,929 – – 14,929 (57) (3,714) 4,792 1,021 13,908 14,929 $ $ $ $ NA NA NA NA (920) 4,652 8,168 11,900 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA (4,346) – – (4,346) – – (5,431) (5,431) (62) (4,149) (14,143) (18,354) 12,923 (5,431) NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA – (192) (3,783) – (209) (3,965) (3,975) (4,174) – (362) 1,489 1,127 – (400) 958 558 (5,102) (4,732) (3,975) (4,174) NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 6.75% 3.86% 6.00% 3.86% 5.75% 3.86% 6.75% 6.00% 5.75% Not applicable (1) NA refers to not applicable under SFAS No. 158, adopted in 2006. The discount rate assumptions used to determine the postretirement obligations at December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the postretirement expenses in 2007 were based on the Mercer Bond Model. This model was designed by Mercer Human Resource Consulting to provide a means for plan sponsors to value the liabilities of their postretirement benefit plans. The Mercer Bond Model calculates the yield on a theoretical portfolio of high-grade corporate bonds (rated ‘‘Aa’’ or better) with cash flows that generally match our expected benefit payments. To the extent scheduled bond proceeds exceed the estimated benefit payments in a given period, the yield calculation assumes those excess proceeds are reinvested at the one-year forward rates implied by the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve. We adopted SFAS No. 158 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. SFAS No. 158 requires employers to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit post-retirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position, measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation. Further, this statement requires employers to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. 73 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 Our Pension Plan asset allocation at December 31, 2007 and 2006 and our target allocation for 2008 are as follows: Plan assets by investment style Asset Strategy Large Cap Growth Core Plus Fixed Income Science and Technology Cash Reserves Total Plan assets by category Equity securities Debt securities Cash Total Target Allocation at January 1, 2008 Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 2007 40% 35% 13% 10% 2% 100% 44% 35% 10% 9% 2% 100% Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 2007 Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 2006 75% 15% 10% 100% 62% 26% 12% 100% The primary investment objective is to maximize growth of the Pension Plan assets to meet the projected obligations to the beneficiaries over a long period of time, and to do so in a manner that is consistent with the Company’s earnings strength and risk tolerance. Asset allocation is the most important decision in managing the assets and it is reviewed regularly. The asset allocation policy considers the Company’s financial strength and long-term asset class risk/return expectations since the obligations are long-term in nature. The target allocations for pension assets are as summarized in the table above. The assets are well diversified and are managed by our in-house investment professionals. Large Cap Growth consists of a diversified portfolio of common stocks issued by higher-quality growth-oriented large to medium sized domestic and, to a lesser extent, foreign companies. Asset Strategy invests in most any domestic or foreign market that is believed to offer the greatest probability of return or, alternatively, that provides the highest degree of safety in uncertain times. Although this style may allocate its assets among stocks, bonds and short-term investments, the allocation is typically weighted toward stocks. Core Plus Fixed Income invests primarily in investment-grade debt securities issued in the United States. Science and Technology concentrates its investments primarily in equity securities of domestic and foreign companies that benefit by the application of science and technological discoveries. 74 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 The 7.75% expected long-term rate of return on Pension Plan assets reflects management’s expectations of long-term average rates of return on funds invested to provide for benefits included in the projected benefit obligations. The expected return is based on the outlook for inflation, fixed income returns and equity returns, while also considering historical returns, asset allocation and investment strategy. The components of net periodic pension and other postretirement costs and the assumptions related to those costs consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2007 2006 2005 2007 2006 2005 (in thousands) Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost Interest cost Expected return on plan assets Actuarial (gain) loss amortization Prior service cost amortization Transition obligation amortization $ 5,718 5,490 (6,442) 5,446 4,830 (5,694) 808 436 5 954 436 5 Net periodic benefit cost $ 6,015 5,977 5,598 4,824 (5,208) 1,434 436 5 7,089 292 244 — (39) 38 — 535 299 209 — (38) 23 — 493 422 306 — 88 23 — 839 Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31: Discount rate Expected return on plan assets Rate of compensation increase 6.00% 7.75% 3.86% 5.75% 7.75% 3.86% 5.75% 7.75% 3.86% 6.00% 5.75% Not applicable Not applicable 5.75% We expect the following benefit payments to be paid which reflect future service, as appropriate: 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 through 2017 Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits (in thousands) 192 223 277 308 331 1,876 3,207 5,075 5,318 5,219 7,029 8,231 50,795 81,667 $ $ 75 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 Our policy with respect to funding the Pension Plan is to fund at least the minimum required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and not more than the maximum amount deductible for tax purposes. All contributions made to the Pension Plan for 2007 and 2006 were voluntary. We anticipate that the 2008 contribution will be made from cash generated from operations and will be in the range of $5.0 to $10.0 million. All Company contributions to other postretirement medical benefits are voluntary, as the postretirement medical plan is not funded, and is not subject to any minimum regulatory funding requirements. The contributions for each year represent claims paid for medical expenses, and we anticipate making the 2008 expected contribution with cash generated from operations. Contributions by participants to the postretirement plan were $148 thousand and $137 thousand for the years ending December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. For measurement purposes, the initial health care cost trend rate was 10% for 2008, 2007 and 2006. The health care cost trend rate reflects anticipated increases in health care costs. The initial assumed growth rate of 10% in the first year is assumed to gradually decline over the next five years to a rate of 5% in the fifth year. The effect of a 1% annual increase in assumed cost trend rates would increase the December 31, 2007 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by approximately $393 thousand, and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 2007 by approximately $72 thousand. The effect of a 1% annual decrease in assumed cost trend rates would decrease the December 31, 2007 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by approximately $342 thousand, and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 2007 by approximately $61 thousand. We also sponsor the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated (the ‘‘SERP’’), a non-qualified deferred compensation plan covering eligible employees. The SERP provides certain benefits for Company officers that the Pension Plan is prevented from providing because of compensation and benefit limits in the Internal Revenue Code. The SERP was adopted to supplement the annual pension paid to certain senior executive officers. Each calendar year, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the ‘‘Compensation Committee’’) credits participants’ SERP accounts with (i) an amount equal to 4% of the executive’s base salary, less the amount of the maximum employer matching contribution available under our 401(k) plan, and (ii) a non-formula award, if any, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion. There were no discretionary awards made to participants during 2007. Additionally, each calendar year, participants’ accounts are credited (or charged) with an amount equal to the performance of certain hypothetical or investment vehicles since the last preceding year. Upon a participant’s separation, or at such other time based on a pre-existing election by a participant, benefits accumulated under the SERP are payable in installments or in a lump sum. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the aggregate liability to participants was $3.4 million and $3.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2007, the accrued pension and postretirement liability recorded on the balance sheet was comprised of an accrued liability for SERP benefits of $3.4 million and a liability for postretirement benefits in the amount of $3.8 million. The current portion of postretirement liability of $0.2 million is included in other current liabilities on the balance sheet. At December 31, 2006, the accrued pension and postretirement liability recorded on the balance sheet was comprised of accrued pension costs of 76 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 $5.4 million, an accrued liability for SERP benefits of $3.3 million, and a liability for postretirement benefits in the amount of $4.0 million. The current portion of postretirement liability of $0.2 million is included in other current liabilities on the balance sheet. 11. Employee Savings Plan We sponsor a defined contribution plan that qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code to provide retirement benefits to substantially all of our employees following the completion of an eligibility period. As allowed under Section 401(k), the plan provides tax-deferred salary deductions for eligible employees. Our matching contributions to the plan for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $3.7 million, $3.4 million and $3.1 million, respectively. 12. Stockholders’ Equity Earnings per Share For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 earnings per share were computed as follows: Net income Weighted average shares outstanding — basic Dilutive potential shares from stock options and certain nonvested stock awards Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted Earnings per share: Basic Diluted Anti-dilutive Securities 2007 2006 2005 (in thousands, except per share amounts) $ $ $ 125,497 80,781 2,043 82,824 1.55 1.52 46,112 81,353 1,859 83,212 0.57 0.55 60,121 80,908 1,137 82,045 0.74 0.73 Options to purchase 659 thousand shares, 2.79 million shares and 2.81 million shares of Class A common stock (‘‘common stock’’) were excluded from the dilutive earnings per share calculation for years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively because they were anti-dilutive. Also excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation were approximately 265 thousand shares, 236 thousand shares and 40 thousand shares of anti-dilutive nonvested stock for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Dividends We declared dividends on our common stock of $.68 per share, $.60 per share and $.60 per share for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, other current liabilities included $14.7 million and $12.7 million, respectively, for dividends payable to stockholders. The Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly dividend on our common stock from $.17 per share to $.19 per share beginning with our first quarter 2008 dividend, payable on May 1, 2008. 77 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 Common Stock Repurchases The Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of our common stock in the open market and/or private purchases. The acquired shares may be used for corporate purposes, including shares issued to employees in our stock-based compensation programs. There were 2,350,054 shares, 1,139,116 shares and 292,600 shares repurchased in the open market or privately during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. 13. Share-Based Compensation The Company has three stock-based compensation plans: the Company 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the ‘‘SI Plan’’), the Company 1998 Executive Stock Award Plan, as amended and restated (the ‘‘ESA Plan’’) and the Company 1998 Non-Employee Director Stock Award Plan, as amended and restated (the ‘‘NED Plan’’) (collectively, the ‘‘Stock Plans’’). The SI Plan allows us to grant equity compensation awards, including, among other awards, non-qualified stock options and nonvested stock as part of our overall compensation program to attract and retain key personnel and encourage a greater personal financial investment in the Company. The Stock Plans also allow us to grant non-qualified stock options and/or nonvested stock to promote the long-term growth of the Company. A maximum of 30,000,000 shares of common stock are authorized for issuance under the SI Plan. A maximum of 3,750,000 and 1,200,000 shares of common stock are authorized for issuance under the ESA Plan and NED Plan, respectively. In total, 14,155,951 shares of common stock are available for issuance as of December 31, 2007 under these plans. In addition, we make incentive payments under the Company 2003 Executive Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the ‘‘EIP’’) in the form of cash, stock options, nonvested stock or a combination thereof. Incentive awards paid under the EIP in the form of stock options or nonvested stock are issued out of shares reserved for issuance under the SI and ESA Plans. Generally, shares of common stock covered by terminated, surrendered or cancelled options, by forfeited nonvested stock, or by the forfeiture of other awards that do not result in issuance of shares of common stock are again available for awards under the plan from which they were terminated, surrendered, cancelled or forfeited. Under our Stock Plans, the exercise price of a stock option is equal to the closing market price of Company common stock on the date of grant. The maximum term of non-qualified options granted under the SI Plan is ten years and two days and the options generally vest in 331⁄3% increments on the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date. The maximum term of non-qualified options granted under the ESA Plan and NED Plan is 11 years and the options generally vest 10% each year, beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. Our Stock Plans include a Stock Option Restoration Program feature (the ‘‘SORP’’) that allows, on the first trading day of August, a holder to pay the exercise price on vested in-the-money options by surrendering common stock of the Company that has been owned for at least six months. This feature also permits a holder exercising an option to be granted new options in an amount equal to the number of common shares used to satisfy both the exercise price and withholding taxes due upon exercise. New options are granted with an expiration date equal to that of the original option and vest six months after the grant date. The SORP results in a net issuance of shares of common stock and fewer stock options outstanding. We receive a current income tax benefit for stock option exercises. Nonvested stock awards are valued on the date of grant, have no purchase price and generally vest over four years in 331⁄3% increments on the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date. 78 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 Restricted shares issued in the stock option tender offer were fully vested upon issuance, but remained subject to transfer restrictions that lapsed in 331⁄3% increments annually beginning March 14, 2005. The Company also issues nonvested stock awards to our financial advisors (our sales force) who are considered independent contractors. These awards have the same terms as awards issued to employees; however, changes in the Company’s share price result in variable compensation expense over the vesting period. Under the Stock Plans, nonvested shares are forfeited upon the termination of employment with the Company or service on the Board, dependent upon the circumstances of termination. Except for restrictions placed on the transferability of nonvested stock, holders of nonvested stock have full stockholders’ rights during the term of restriction, including voting rights and the rights to receive cash dividends. On April 25, 2005, the Compensation Committee of the Board approved the accelerated vesting of all then outstanding unvested options previously awarded to employees, financial advisors, officers and directors. This resulted in the accelerated vesting of 624,267 options. Of these options, 447,497 were ‘‘in-the-money’’ options having an exercise price less than the then current market price of the Company’s common stock and a weighted average exercise price of $13.90 per share. In order to prevent unintended personal benefits to directors and executive officers, the Board of Directors imposed restrictions on any shares received through the exercise of accelerated options held by those individuals. These restrictions prevent the sale of any stock obtained through exercise of an accelerated option prior to its original vesting date, other than the disposition of stock as payment for the exercise price of options and associated income taxes, if any. The Board approved the accelerated vesting of these options based on the belief that it was in the best interest of the stockholders to reduce future compensation expense that the Company would otherwise be required to report in its statement of operations upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006. We anticipate that holders of ‘‘in-the-money’’ accelerated options will remain employed with the Company throughout the original vesting term of such options, and therefore, no expense will be recorded for these options unless option holders are able to exercise an option that would have expired unexercisable pursuant to its original terms. Subsequent to the Compensation Committee’s decision to accelerate the vesting of outstanding options, the separation of employment of the Company’s former chief executive officer triggered the remeasurement of compensation cost. This remeasurement resulted in additional compensation cost of $1.4 million during 2005. 79 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 (a) Stock Options A summary of stock option activity and related information for the year ended December 31, 2007 follows: Weighted average exercise price 23.22 — 24.53 24.88 17.78 19.46 21.58 21.57 Options 6,118,559 — (3,447,723) 8,131 (9,959) (23,342) 2,645,666 2,637,535 $ $ $ Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) 2.32 2.10 2.10 Outstanding at December 31, 2006 Granted Exercised Granted in restoration Exercised in restoration Terminated/Canceled Outstanding at December 31, 2007 Exercisable at December 31, 2007 The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options and exercisable options as of December 31, 2007 was $38.4 million and $38.3 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value (on date of exercise) of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $31.9 million, $8.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The related income tax benefit recognized was $11.5 million, $3.1 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. SORP options with vesting periods of six months were the only options granted during 2007, 2006 and 2005. Compensation expense related to options issued under the SORP of $19 thousand and $157 thousand was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. There was no compensation expense recorded in 2005. The weighted average fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $2.76, $2.94 and $3.01, respectively. 80 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 The grant date fair value of options granted in 2007, 2006 and 2005 have been calculated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with assumptions as follows: Dividend yield Risk-free interest rate Expected volatility Expected life (in years) (b) Nonvested Stock 2007 2006 2005 2.70% 4.57% 24.50% 1.21 2.80% 4.92% 22.50% 2.09 3.10% 4.03% 27.10% 2.24 A summary of nonvested share activity and related fair value for the year ended December 31, 2007 follows: Nonvested at December 31, 2006 Granted Vested Forfeited Nonvested at December 31, 2007 Nonvested Stock Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value $ 3,209,573 1,145,459 (887,403) (40,708) 3,426,921 $ 22.46 26.52 21.66 22.63 24.02 For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, compensation expense related to nonvested stock totaled $23.7 million, $21.7 million and $17.8 million, respectively. The related income tax benefit recognized was $8.6 million, $7.9 million and $6.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. As of December 31, 2007, the remaining unamortized expense of $51.6 million is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years. The total fair value of shares vested (at vest date) during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $21.0 million, $16.9 million and $6.5 million, respectively. The Company permits employees the right to tender a portion of their vested shares to the Company to satisfy the minimum tax withholding obligations of the Company with respect to vesting of the shares. During 2008, we expect to repurchase approximately 290,000 shares from employees who elect to tender shares to cover their minimum tax withholdings. For nonvested stock awards granted prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company will continue to recognize compensation expense over the contractual vesting period. Had compensation expense for nonvested stock awards issued prior to January 1, 2006 been determined based on the date a participant first becomes eligible for retirement, the Company’s net income would have been decreased by $45 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2007, increased by $280 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2006 and decreased by $206 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2005. 14. Uniform Net Capital Rule Requirements Three of our subsidiaries, Waddell & Reed, Inc. (‘‘W&R’’), Legend Equities Corporation (‘‘LEC’’), and Ivy Funds Distributor, Inc. (‘‘IFDI’’) are registered broker/dealers and members of the Financial 81 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 Industry Regulatory Authority. Broker/dealers are subject to the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital and requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, both as defined, shall not exceed 15.0 to 1.0. The primary difference between net capital and stockholders’ equity is the non-allowable assets that are excluded from net capital. Net capital and aggregated indebtedness information for our broker/dealer subsidiaries is presented in the following table as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands): Net capital Required capital Excess of required capital Ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital W&R 41,187 13,117 2007 LEC IFDI W&R 2,136 173 12,328 1,333 45,748 7,756 28,070 1,963 10,995 37,992 $ $ 2006 LEC 893 243 650 IFDI 8,159 674 7,485 4.78 to 1.0 1.22 to 1.0 1.62 to 1.0 2.54 to 1.0 4.07 to 1.0 1.24 to 1.0 15. Rental Expense and Lease Commitments We lease our home office buildings and certain sales and other office space under long-term operating leases. Rent expense was $18.6 million, $18.3 million and $18.0 million, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows (in thousands): 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Thereafter $ $ 15,041 12,639 10,201 7,692 5,503 14,212 65,288 New leases are expected to be executed as existing leases expire. Thus, future minimum lease commitments are not expected to be less than those in 2007. 16. Related Party Transactions We earn investment management fees from the Funds for which we also act as an investment adviser, pursuant to an investment management agreement with each Fund. In addition, we have agreements with the Funds pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, pursuant to which distribution and service fees are collected from the Funds for distribution of mutual fund shares for costs such as advertising and commissions paid to broker/dealers and for providing ongoing services to shareholders of the Funds and/or maintaining shareholder accounts. We also earn service fee revenues by providing various services to the Funds and their shareholders pursuant to a shareholder servicing agreement with each Fund (except the Target Funds) and an accounting service agreement with each Fund. Certain of our officers and directors are also officers, directors and/or trustees for the various Funds for 82 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 which we act as an investment adviser. These agreements are approved or renewed on an annual basis by each Fund’s board of directors/trustees, including a majority of the disinterested members. Funds and separate accounts receivable includes amounts due from the Funds for aforementioned services. 17. Litigation and Regulatory Settlements SEC/New York Attorney General/Kansas Securities Commission During 2006, we recorded a charge of $55.0 million related to settlement with the SEC, the New York Attorney General and the Kansas Securities Commission regarding market timing allegations, $12 million of which represented non-deductible penalties. The charge is included in general and administrative expenses. Williams Excessive Fee Litigation On May 30, 2006, the investment advisor and underwriter subsidiaries of the Company for the Ivy Funds were dismissed from the case with prejudice. On September 25, 2006, the remainder of this case was dismissed with prejudice. The negotiations and discussions leading up to, and the terms of, the dismissal are confidential. Torchmark Corporation and National Association of Securities Dealers Enforcement Action During 2005, we recorded a charge of $38.2 million related to settlements of outstanding litigation, including matters with the Enforcement Department of the National Association of Securities Dealers and Torchmark Corporation (‘‘Torchmark’’). The charge is included in general and administrative expenses. During 2006, the Arbitration Panel adjudicating the Torchmark matter ruled against the Company and determined that the Company owed Torchmark $7.4 million. A reserve previously established largely covered this exposure and the remaining amount was immaterial to the Company’s 2006 earnings. Sawtelle Arbitration During 2005, the Company settled this matter in its entirety for $7.9 million and recorded a pre-tax charge of $6.1 million in 2005 related thereto. 18. Contingencies The Company is involved from time to time in various legal proceedings, regulatory investigations and claims incident to the normal conduct of business, which may include proceedings that are specific to us and others generally applicable to business practices within the industries in which we operate. A substantial legal liability or a significant regulatory action against us could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and on the results of operations in a particular quarter or year. 83 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 19. Selected Quarterly Information (Unaudited) 2007 Total revenues Net income Earnings per share: Basic Diluted 2006 Total revenues Net income (loss) Earnings (loss) per share: Basic Diluted First Second Third Fourth Quarter $ 189,499 28,727 $ $ 0.36 0.35 (in thousands) 201,286 29,706 210,652 31,967 0.37 0.36 0.40 0.39 Quarter 236,117 35,097 0.43 0.42 First Second Third Fourth (in thousands) $ 173,070 24,592 (1) 181,311 (33,022) (2) 178,582 24,591 (3) $ $ 0.30 (1) 0.30 (1) (0.40) (2) (0.40) (2) 0.30 (3) 0.30 (3) 185,692 29,951 0.37 0.36 (1) Includes a pre-tax charge of $1.9 million ($1.3 million net of tax) related to employee separation costs at ACF in response to a decline in investment performance and related loss of assets under management. (2) Includes a pre-tax charge of $55.0 million ($39.4 million net of tax) to recognize our settlement with the SEC, New York Attorney General and Kansas Securities Commissioner related to market-timing allegations and a charge of $20.0 million (not deductible for income tax purposes) to recognize the impairment of goodwill associated with ACF. (3) Includes charges associated with the resolution of the Williams litigation and expenses related to prior regulatory settlements. 84 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. Index to Exhibits Exhibit No. Exhibit Description 3.1 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, File No. 333-43687, for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference. Amended and Restated Bylaws of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 333-43687, filed December 14, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. Specimen of Class A Common Stock Certificate, par value $0.01 per share. Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, File No. 333-43687, on February 27, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference. Rights Agreement, dated as of April 28, 1999, by and between Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as successor to First Chicago Trust Company of New York, which includes the Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of the Company, as filed on May 13, 1999 with the Secretary of State of Delaware, as Exhibit A and the form of Rights Certificate as Exhibit B. Filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, File No. 001-13913, for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference. First Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2001, by and between Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as successor to First Chicago Trust Company of New York. Filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 001-13913, for the year ended December 31, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference. Indenture, dated as of January 18, 2001, by and between Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association. Filed as Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-13913, on February 5, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference. First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 18, 2001 by and between Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, including the form of the 7.50% notes due January 2006 as Exhibit A. Filed as Exhibits 4.1(b) and 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 333-43687, on February 5, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference. Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 13, 2006, between Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and JP Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, and the form of the Global Note for the Company’s 5.60% Notes due 2011 as Exhibit A. Filed as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 333-43687, on January 13, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference. 85 Exhibit No. 4.7 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. Index to Exhibits Exhibit Description Form of Indenture to be used in connection with the issuance of the Subordinated Debt Securities. Filed as Exhibit 4.7 to the Company’s Form S-3/A, File No. 333-43682, on September 7, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference. General Agent Contract, dated as of October 20, 2000, by and among Nationwide Life Insurance Company, Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company and Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its affiliated insurance companies. Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 001-13913, for the year ended December 31, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference. Fund Participation Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2000, by and among Nationwide Life Insurance Company and/or Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company, Waddell & Reed Services Company and Waddell & Reed, Inc. Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 001-13913, for the year ended December 31, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference. Fund Participation Agreement, dated as of September 19, 2003, by and among Minnesota Life Insurance Company, Waddell & Reed, Inc. and the Target Funds. Variable Products Distribution Agreement, dated as of December 12, 2003, by and among Minnesota Life Insurance Company, Securian Financial Services, Inc. and Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its affiliated insurance companies. Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 333-43687, for the year ended December 31, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference. 10.5 Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, File No. 333-43687, for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.* 10.6 Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Executive Stock Award Plan, as amended and restated. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, File No. 333-43687, for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.* 10.7 Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Non-Employee Director Stock Award Plan, as amended and restated. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, File No. 333-43687, for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.* 10.8 Credit Agreement, dated as of October 7, 2005 by and among Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., the Lenders, JPMorgan Chase Bank and Bank of America, N.A. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 333-43687, on October 11, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference. 86 Exhibit No. 10.9 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. Index to Exhibits Exhibit Description Fixed Rate Promissory Note for Multiple Loans dated as of August 15, 2000, by and between Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and Chase Manhattan Bank. Filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 001-13913, for the year ended December 31, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference. 10.10 Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated. Filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 333-43687, for the year ended December 31, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.* 10.11 Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 2003 Executive Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. Filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 333-43687, for the year ended December 31, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.* 10.12 10.13 10.14 10.15 10.16 10.17 10.18 10.19 10.20 Form of Accounting Services Agreement, amended and restated as of July 1, 2003, by and between the Funds and Waddell & Reed Services Company. Form of Investment Management Agreement, amended and restated as of November 9, 2005, by and between each of the Advisors Funds and Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company. Investment Management Agreement, amended and restated as of November 16, 2005, by and between the Ivy Funds and Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company, assigned to Ivy Investment Management Company. Investment Management Agreement, amended as of November 9, 2005, by and between the Target Funds and Waddell & Reed, Inc., assigned to Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company. Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement, amended as of August 22, 2001, by and between each of the Advisors Funds or the Ivy Funds and Waddell & Reed Services Company. Form of Underwriting Agreement by and between each of the Advisors Funds and Waddell & Reed, Inc. Filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 001-13913, for the year ended December 31, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference. Form of Amendment to Underwriting Agreement, dated July 24, 2002, by and between each of the Advisors Funds and Waddell & Reed, Inc. Form of Distribution Agreement, amended and restated as of September 3, 2003, by and between the Ivy Funds and Waddell & Reed, Inc., assigned to Ivy Funds Distributor, Inc. Form of Distribution and Service Plan, amended and restated as of November 29, 2006, by and between each of the Advisors Funds or Ivy Funds and Waddell & Reed, Inc. or Ivy Funds Distributor, Inc., respectively. 87 Exhibit No. 10.21 10.22 10.23 10.24 10.25 10.26 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. Index to Exhibits Exhibit Description Service Plan, revised as of May 16, 2001, by and between the Target Funds and Waddell & Reed, Inc. Administrative Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2001, by and among W&R Insurance Agency, Inc., Waddell & Reed, Inc., BISYS Insurance Services, Inc. and Underwriters Equity Corp. Filed as Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 333-43687, for the year ended December 31, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference. Consulting Agreement, dated January 1, 2002, by and between Robert L. Hechler and Waddell & Reed, Inc. Filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 333-43687, for the year ended December 31, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference. First Amendment to Consulting Agreement, dated December 25, 2005, by and between Robert L. Hechler and Waddell & Reed, Inc. Filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 333-43687, for the year ended December 31, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference. Consulting Agreement, dated May 25, 2005, by and between Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and Keith A. Tucker. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 333-43687, on May 26, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference. Form of Change in Control Employment Agreement, dated December 14, 2001, by and between Henry J. Herrmann and Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Filed as Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 333-43687, for the year ended December 31, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference.* 10.27 Summary of Compensation Arrangements with Executive Officers of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.* 10.28 Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation.* 10.29 10.30 10.31 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for awards to Employees pursuant to the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, File No. 333-43687, for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.* Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for awards to Non-Employee Directors pursuant to the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, File No. 333-43687, for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.* Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for awards pursuant to the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Executive Stock Award Plan, as amended and restated. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, File No. 333-43687, for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.* 88 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. Index to Exhibits Exhibit Description Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for awards pursuant to the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Non-Employee Director Stock Award Plan, as amended and restated. Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, File No. 333-43687, for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.* Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Grant Agreement for awards pursuant to the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.* First Amendment to the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Non-Qualified Stock Option Grant Agreement, dated November 7, 2007, by and between Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and Henry J. Herrmann.* 2008 Performance Goals established pursuant to the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 2003 Executive Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 333-43687, on February 25, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.* Offer of Settlement. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 333-43687, on July 24, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference. Assurance of Discontinuance. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 333-43687, on July 24, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference. Stipulation for Consent Order. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 333-43687, on July 24, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference. Statement regarding computation of per share earnings. Subsidiaries of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Consent of KPMG LLP. Exhibit No. 10.32 10.33 10.34 10.35 10.36 10.37 10.38 11 21 23 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer. 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer. 32.1 Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer. 32.2 Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer. * Indicates management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement. 89 (This page has been left blank intentionally.) (This page has been left blank intentionally.) (This page has been left blank intentionally.) BUSI N ESS PROF I L E Founded in 1937, Waddell & Reed is one of the country’s most endur- ing asset management and financial planning firms. Over the last 70 years, we have provided proven, professional investment man- agement and financial planning services to individual and institu- tional investors. Today, we operate our business through three distinct distribution channels: the Advisors channel, the Wholesale channel and the Institutional channel. At December 31, 2007, assets under management totaled $65 billion and we served 3.3 million mutual fund shareholder accounts. On August 1, 2007, the executive team rang the Closing BellSM at the NYSE Euronext to commemorate our 70th year in business. Executive team standing from left to right, Michael D. Strohm, Michael L. Avery, Thomas E. Veit (Sr. VP Global Corporate Client Group of NYSE Euronext), Henry J. Herrmann, Daniel P. Connealy, Daniel. C. Schulte, Thomas W. Butch. 4296_CovSprd.indd 2 4296_CovSprd.indd 2 2/22/08 12:53:44 PM 2/22/08 12:53:44 PM W a d d e l l & R e e d F i n a n c i a l , I n c . B U I L D I N G M O M E N T U M 2 0 0 7 A n n u a l R e p o r t BUIL DING MOM EN TUM 20 07 A n nu a l Repor t Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 6300 Lamar Avenue Overland Park KS 66202 800.532.2757 www.waddell.com 4296_CovSprd.indd 1 4296_CovSprd.indd 1 2/21/08 11:14:54 PM 2/21/08 11:14:54 PM 

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