10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011

OR

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

For the transition period from              to            

Commission file number 001-13913

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	51-0261715
(State or other jurisdiction	(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)

6300 Lamar Avenue

Overland Park, Kansas 66202

(Address, including zip code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

(913) 236-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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

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 filerx	Accelerated filer  o
Non-accelerated filer  o	Smaller reporting companyo
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o  No x.

Shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date:

Class	Outstanding as of October 20, 2011
Class A common stock, $.01 par value	85,307,747

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.

INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

Quarter Ended September 30, 2011

			Page No.
Part I.	Financial Information
Item 1.		Financial Statements (unaudited)
		Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010	3
		Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010	4
		Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010	5
		Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2011	6
		Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010	7
		Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements	8
Item 2.		Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17
Item 3.		Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	31
Item 4.		Controls and Procedures	31
Part II.	Other Information
Item 1.		Legal Proceedings	32
Item 1A.		Risk Factors	32
Item 2.		Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	32
Item 6.		Exhibits	33
		Signatures	34

2

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

	September 30,
	2011			December 31,
	(unaudited)			2010
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	316,501		195,315
Cash and cash equivalents - restricted	55,662			81,197
Investment securities	123,576			192,611
Receivables:
Funds and separate accounts	29,942			27,234
Customers and other	114,391			84,422
Deferred income taxes	13,349			10,622
Income taxes receivable	7,430			4,336
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,318			9,313
Total current assets	672,169			605,050
Property and equipment, net	72,480			71,248
Deferred sales commissions, net	71,457			64,710
Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets	221,210			221,210
Other non-current assets	13,422			14,713
Total assets	$	1,050,738		976,931
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	54,601		40,836
Payable to investment companies for securities	100,966			117,596
Accrued compensation	38,814			37,555
Payable to third party brokers	47,613			38,908
Other current liabilities	51,386			47,047
Total current liabilities	293,380			281,942
Long-term debt	190,000			189,999
Accrued pension and postretirement costs	17,382			22,492
Deferred income taxes	6,734			4,729
Other non-current liabilities	22,208			20,608
Total liabilities	529,704			519,770
Commitments and contingencies
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; 85,420 shares outstanding (85,751 shares outstanding at December 31, 2010)	997			997
Additional paid-in capital	216,699			201,442
Retained earnings	702,644			618,813
Cost of 14,281 common shares in treasury (13,950 at December 31, 2010)	(371,236		)	(346,064	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(28,070		)	(18,027	)
Total stockholders’ equity	521,034			457,161
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,050,738		976,931

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited, in thousands, except for per share data)

	For the three months					For the nine months
	ended September 30,					ended September 30,
	2011			2010		2011		2010
Revenues:
Investment management fees	$	133,494		111,159		404,123		333,874
Underwriting and distribution fees	131,001			114,071		401,118		341,752
Shareholder service fees	33,254			29,577		99,027		88,014
Total	297,749			254,807		904,268		763,640
Operating expenses:
Underwriting and distribution	151,936			132,857		461,159		400,229
Compensation and related costs (including share-based compensation of $11,662, $10,944, $34,490 and $30,049, respectively)	37,052			36,164		119,619		103,444
General and administrative	22,491			16,022		59,622		48,417
Subadvisory fees	7,291			6,481		23,684		20,441
Depreciation	3,980			3,526		11,426		10,457
Total	222,750			195,050		675,510		582,988
Operating income	74,999			59,757		228,758		180,652
Investment and other income (loss)	(4,365		)	3,933		(910	)	3,239
Interest expense	(2,838		)	(3,128	)	(8,573	)	(9,797	)
Income before provision for income taxes	67,796			60,562		219,275		174,094
Provision for income taxes	27,962			20,029		83,838		63,500
Net income	$	39,834		40,533		135,437		110,594
Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.46		0.47		1.58		1.29
Diluted	$	0.46		0.47		1.58		1.29
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	85,776			85,438		85,951		85,683
Diluted	85,782			85,448		85,964		85,715

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited, in thousands)

	For the three months					For the nine months
	ended September 30,					ended September 30,
	2011			2010		2011		2010
Net income	$	39,834		40,533		135,437		110,594
Other comprehensive income:
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities during the period, net of income taxes of $(3,768), $1,917, $(3,297) and $997, respectively	(6,458		)	3,286		(5,657	)	1,709
Valuation allowance on investment securities’ deferred tax asset during the period	(3,873		)	1,128		(4,129	)	590
Pension and postretirement benefits, net of income taxes of $212, $206, $644 and $617, respectively	393			350		1,171		1,050
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, net of income taxes of $(100), $(143), $(830) and $(464), respectively	(172		)	(247	)	(1,428	)	(799	)
Comprehensive income	$	29,724		45,050		125,394		113,144

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

(Unaudited, in thousands)

										Accumulated
				Additional						Other		Total
	Common Stock			Paid-in		Retained		Treasury		Comprehensive		Stockholders’
	Shares	Amount		Capital		Earnings		Stock		Income (Loss)		Equity
Balance at December 31, 2010	99,701	$	997	201,442		618,813		(346,064	)	(18,027	)	457,161
Net income	—	—		—		135,437		—		—		135,437
Recognition of equity compensation	—	—		34,490		—		—		—		34,490
Issuance of nonvested shares and other	—	—		(28,047	)	—		28,047		—		—
Dividends accrued, $0.60 per share	—	—		—		(51,606	)	—		—		(51,606	)
Exercise of stock options	—	—		941		—		3,881		—		4,822
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	—	—		7,873		—		—		—		7,873
Repurchase of common stock	—	—		—		—		(57,100	)	—		(57,100	)
Unrealized depreciation on available for sale investment securities	—	—		—		—		—		(5,657	)	(5,657	)
Valuation allowance on investment securities’ deferred tax asset	—	—		—		—		—		(4,129	)	(4,129	)
Pension and postretirement benefits	—	—		—		—		—		1,171		1,171
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income	—	—		—		—		—		(1,428	)	(1,428	)
Balance at September 30, 2011	99,701	$	997	216,699		702,644		(371,236	)	(28,070	)	521,034

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

6

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited, in thousands)

	For the nine months
	ended September 30,
	2011			2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	135,437		110,594
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	12,080			10,325
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	40,178			44,528
Share-based compensation	34,490			30,049
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	(7,873		)	(4,280	)
Gain on sale of available for sale investment securities	(2,258		)	(1,093	)
Net purchases and sales or maturities of trading securities	63,543			(11,865	)
(Gain) loss on trading securities	2,740			(2,879	)
Loss on sale and retirement of property and equipment	1,697			88
Capital gains and dividends reinvested	—			(366	)
Deferred income taxes	(1,368		)	(6,353	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Cash and cash equivalents - restricted	25,535			15,905
Receivables from funds and separate accounts	(2,708		)	9,085
Other receivables	(29,969		)	83,759
Other assets	(549		)	(794	)
Deferred sales commissions	(46,925		)	(44,353	)
Accounts payable and payable to investment companies	(2,865		)	(109,322	)
Other liabilities	17,453			5,153
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	238,638		128,181
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available for sale investment securities	(99,297		)	(20,000	)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available for sale investment securities	92,276			12,773
Additions to property and equipment	(14,359		)	(12,408	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	5			5
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(21,375	)	(19,630	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt repayment	—			(10,000	)
Dividends paid	(51,672		)	(48,970	)
Repurchase of common stock	(57,100		)	(61,378	)
Exercise of stock options	4,822			9,675
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	7,873			4,280
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(96,077	)	(106,393	)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	121,186			2,158
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	195,315			244,359
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	316,501		246,517

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

7

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to as the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us”) derive revenues 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”), Ivy Funds (the “Ivy Funds”), Ivy Funds Variable Insurance Portfolios (the “Ivy Funds VIP”), and InvestEd Portfolios (“InvestEd”) (collectively, the Advisors Funds, Ivy Funds, Ivy Funds VIP and InvestEd are referred to as 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, underwriting agreements and shareholder servicing and accounting service 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 trustees and shareholders. Our revenues are largely dependent on the total value and composition of assets under management.  Accordingly, fluctuations in financial markets and composition of assets under management can significantly impact revenues and results of operations.

Basis of Presentation

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures are adequate to enable a reasonable understanding of the information presented.  The information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Part I, Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our audited financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (the “2010 Form 10-K”).  Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified for consistent presentation.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared consistently with the accounting policies described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in our 2010 Form 10-K, which include the following: use of estimates, cash and cash equivalents, disclosures about fair value of financial instruments, investment securities and investments in mutual funds, property and equipment, software developed for internal use, goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, deferred sales commissions, revenue recognition, advertising and promotion, share-based compensation, accounting for income taxes and derivatives and hedging activities.

In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only a normal and recurring nature) necessary to present fairly our financial position at September 30, 2011, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

8

2.Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs” (“ASU 2011-04”).  This ASU was issued concurrently with International Financial Reporting Standard (“IFRS”) 13, “Fair Value Measurements” (“IFRS 13”), to provide largely identical guidance about fair value measurement and disclosure requirements. The new standards do not extend the use of fair value but, rather, provide guidance about how fair value should be applied where it already is required or permitted under IFRS or U.S. GAAP.  For U.S. GAAP, most of the changes are clarifications of existing guidance or wording changes to align with IFRS 13.  This standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and is required to be applied prospectively.  In the period of adoption, a reporting entity will be required to disclose a change, if any, in valuation technique and related inputs that result from applying the ASU and to quantify the total effect, if practicable.  The Company expects that the adoption of ASU 2011-04 in 2012 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2011-05”).  Under this ASU, an entity will have the option to present the components of net income and comprehensive income in either one or two consecutive financial statements. The ASU eliminates the option in U.S. GAAP to present other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in equity.  This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and is required to be applied retrospectively.  The Company is currently in compliance with this standard.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350):  Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU 2011-08”).  This ASU permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test.  If an entity concludes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, it need not perform the two-step impairment test.  ASU 2011-08 is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011.  The Company will comply with this standard upon adoption in 2012.

3.Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and short-term investments.  We consider all highly liquid investments with maturities upon acquisition of 90 days or less 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.

9

4.Investment Securities

Investment securities at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows:

	Amortized		Unrealized	Unrealized
September 30, 2011	cost		gains	losses		Fair value
	(in thousands)
Available for sale securities:
Mortgage-backed securities	$	10	1	—		11
Municipal bonds	2,548		—	(38	)	2,510
Corporate bonds	43,065		24	(232	)	42,857
Mutual funds	51,456		2,081	(7,606	)	45,931
	$	97,079	2,106	(7,876	)	91,309
Trading securities:
Mortgage-backed securities						64
Municipal bonds						500
Corporate bonds						12,924
Common stock						35
Mutual funds						18,744
						32,267
Total investment securities						123,576

	Amortized		Unrealized	Unrealized
December 31, 2010	cost		gains	losses		Fair value
	(in thousands)
Available for sale securities:
U.S. treasury bills	$	56,961	—	—		56,961
Mortgage-backed securities	10		2	—		12
Municipal bonds	2,729		—	(185	)	2,544
Mutual funds	28,633		5,662	(37	)	34,258
	$	88,333	5,664	(222	)	93,775
Trading securities:
Commercial paper						4,997
U.S. treasury bills						60,958
Mortgage-backed securities						73
Municipal bonds						487
Corporate bonds						50
Common stock						201
Mutual funds						32,070
						98,836
Total investment securities						192,611

Purchases of trading securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $23.1 million, while sales and maturities were $86.6 million for the same period.

10

A summary of available for sale debt securities and mutual funds with fair values below carrying values at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 is as follows:

	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer			Total
September 30, 2011	Fair value		Unrealized losses		Fair value	Unrealized losses		Fair value	Unrealized losses
	(in thousands)
Municipal bonds	$	—	—		2,511	(38	)	2,511	(38	)
Corporate bonds	24,378		(232	)	—	—		24,378	(232	)
Mutual funds	35,424		(7,588	)	322	(18	)	35,746	(7,606	)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	59,802	(7,820	)	2,833	(56	)	62,635	(7,876	)

	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer			Total
December 31, 2010	Fair value		Unrealized losses		Fair value	Unrealized losses		Fair value	Unrealized losses
	(in thousands)
Municipal bonds	$	—	—		2,544	(185	)	2,544	(185	)
Mutual funds	810		(10	)	313	(27	)	1,123	(37	)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	810	(10	)	2,857	(212	)	3,667	(222	)

Based upon our assessment of these municipal bonds, corporate bonds and mutual funds, the time frame investments have been in a loss position, our intent to hold mutual funds until they have recovered and our history of holding bonds until maturity, we determined that a write-down was not necessary at September 30, 2011.

Mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and corporate bonds accounted for as available for sale and held as of September 30, 2011 mature as follows:

	Amortized cost		Fair value
	(in thousands)
Within one year	$	14,845	14,684
After one year but within 10 years	29,777		29,718
After 10 years	1,001		976
	$	45,623	45,378

Mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and corporate bonds accounted for as trading and held as of September 30, 2011 mature as follows:

	Fair value
	(in thousands)
After one year but within 10 years	$	13,424
After 10 years	64
	$	13,488

11

We determine the fair value of our investments using broad levels of inputs as defined by related accounting standards as follows:

·Level 1 — Investments are valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities at the reporting date.  Assets classified as Level 1 include mutual funds classified as available for sale and mutual funds and common stock classified as trading.

·Level 2 — Investments are valued using other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices in active markets for similar securities.  Assets classified as Level 2 include mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and corporate bonds.

·Level 3 — Investments are valued using significant unobservable inputs, including the Company’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments.

The following table summarizes investment securities recognized on our balance sheet using fair value measurements based on the differing levels of inputs:

	September 30,		December 31,
	2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Level 1	$	64,710	189,445
Level 2	58,866		3,166
Level 3	—		—
Total	$	123,576	192,611

5.Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets of an acquired business.  Our goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.  Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets (all considered indefinite-lived) are as follows:

	September 30, 2011			December 31, 2010
	(in thousands)
Goodwill	$	202,518		202,518
Accumulated amortization	(36,307		)	(36,307	)
Total goodwill	166,211			166,211
Mutual fund management advisory contracts	38,699			38,699
Mutual fund subadvisory management contracts	16,300			16,300
Total identifiable intangible assets	54,999			54,999
Total	$	221,210		221,210

12

6.Indebtedness

On January 13, 2006, the Company issued $200.0 million in principal amount 5.60% senior notes due 2011 (the “Notes”) resulting in net proceeds of approximately $198.2 million (net of discounts, commissions and estimated expenses).  Interest was payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 at a fixed rate of 5.60% per annum.  During the first quarter of 2010, we repurchased $10.0 million of the Notes.

On August 31, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement to complete a $190.0 million private placement of senior unsecured notes that were issued and sold in two tranches:  $95.0 million bearing interest at 5.0% and maturing January 13, 2018 (the “Series A Notes”) and $95.0 million bearing interest of 5.75% and maturing January 13, 2021 (the “Series B Notes”) (collectively, the “Senior Notes”).  The agreement contained a delayed funding provision that allowed the Company to draw down the proceeds in January 2011 when the Notes matured.  The Company used the proceeds of the issuance and sale of the Senior Notes to repay in full the Notes.  Interest is payable semi-annually in January and July of each year.  The most restrictive provisions of the agreement require the Company to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio not to exceed 3.0 to 1.0 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 periods presented.

Debt is reported at its carrying amount on the consolidated balance sheet.  The fair value of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness is approximately $188.2 million as of September 30, 2011 compared to the carrying value of $190.0 million.  The following is a summary of long-term debt at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

	September 30,		December 31,
	2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Principal amount unsecured 5.0% senior notes due in 2018	$	95,000	—
Principal amount unsecured 5.75% senior notes due in 2021	95,000		—
Principal amount unsecured 5.60% senior notes due in 2011	—		190,000
Discount on unsecured 5.60% senior notes due in 2011	—		(1	)
Total	$	190,000	189,999

7.Income Tax Uncertainties

As of January 1, 2011 and September 30, 2011, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, of $6.6 million ($4.6 million net of federal benefit) and $8.4 million ($6.0 million net of federal benefit), respectively, that if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate.  Unrecognized tax benefits that are not expected to be settled within the next 12 months are included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets; unrecognized tax benefits that are expected to be settled within the next 12 months are included in income taxes payable.

The Company’s accounting policy with respect to interest and penalties related to income tax uncertainties is to classify these amounts as income taxes.  As of January 1, 2011, the total amount of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions recognized in the consolidated balance sheet was $1.9 million ($1.5 million net of federal benefit).  The total amount of penalties and interest, net of federal benefit, related to income tax uncertainties recognized in the statement of income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 was $0.3 million.  The total amount of accrued penalties and interest related to uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2011 of $2.2 million ($1.8 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.  The 2008, 2009 and 2010 federal income tax returns are open tax years that remain subject to potential future audit.  Nearly all state income tax returns for all years after 2007, and in certain states, income tax returns for 2006 and 2007, are subject to potential future audit by tax

13

authorities in the Company’s major state tax jurisdictions.  The 2005, 2006 and 2007 tax years also remain open to a limited extent on federal and certain state income tax returns due to capital loss carryback claims.

The Company is currently being audited in various 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 liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, could decrease by approximately $0.2 million to $1.9 million ($0.2 million to $1.3 million net of federal benefit) upon settlement of these audits.  Such settlements are not anticipated to have a significant impact on the results of operations.

8.Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension

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.

The components of net periodic pension and other postretirement costs related to these plans are as follows:

	Pension Benefits					Other Postretirement Benefits		Pension Benefits				Other Postretirement Benefits
	Three months ended September 30,					Three months ended September 30,		Nine months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
	2011			2010		2011	2010	2011		2010		2011	2010
	(in thousands)							(in thousands)
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	1,775		1,535		139	111	5,326		4,605		418	332
Interest cost	1,799			1,649		100	91	5,397		4,947		301	273
Expected return on plan assets	(2,191		)	(1,875	)	—	—	(6,573	)	(5,624	)	—	—
Actuarial loss amortization	451			404		—	—	1,353		1,212		—	—
Prior service cost amortization	139			139		14	11	417		417		42	34
Transition obligation amortization	1			1		—	—	3		3		—	—
Total	$	1,974		1,853		253	213	5,923		5,560		761	639

During the first quarter of 2011, we made a $10.0 million contribution to the Pension Plan.  We do not expect to make additional contributions to the Pension Plan for the remainder of 2011.

14

9.   Stockholders’ Equity

Earnings per Share

The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows:

	Three months ended			Nine months ended
	September 30,			September 30,
	2011		2010	2011	2010
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income	$	39,834	40,533	135,437	110,594
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	85,776		85,438	85,951	85,683
Dilutive potential shares from stock options	6		10	13	32
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	85,782		85,448	85,964	85,715
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.46	0.47	1.58	1.29
Diluted	$	0.46	0.47	1.58	1.29

Anti-dilutive Securities

Options to purchase 27 thousand shares of our common stock were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three months ended September 30, 2011 because they were anti-dilutive.  There were no anti-dilutive options for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  Options to purchase 401 thousand shares and 327 thousand shares of our common stock were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, because they were anti-dilutive.

Dividends

On July 20, 2011, the Board of Directors approved a dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.20 per share to stockholders of record as of October 3, 2011 to be paid on November 1, 2011.  The total dividend to be paid is approximately $17.1 million.

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 651,878 shares and 37,087 shares repurchased in the open market or privately during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which included 1,355 shares and 27,087 shares repurchased from employees who elected to tender shares to cover their minimum income tax withholdings with respect to vesting of stock awards during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  There were 1,609,551 shares and 1,916,297 shares repurchased in the open market or privately during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which included 341,527 shares and 299,417 shares repurchased from employees who elected to tender shares to cover their minimum income tax withholdings with respect to vesting of stock awards during each of these two periods.

15

10.Share-Based Compensation

A summary of stock option activity and related information for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 is presented in the table below.  All options outstanding expire prior to December 31, 2013.

	Options		Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding, December 31, 2010	298,295		$	29.98
Granted	—		—
Exercised	(156,112	)	30.89
Terminated/Cancelled	(76,347	)	29.21
Outstanding, September 30, 2011	65,836		$	28.70
Exercisable, September 30, 2011	65,836		$	28.70

11. 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.

Michael E. Taylor, Kenneth B. Young, individuals, on behalf of themselves individually and on behalf of others similarly situated v. Waddell & Reed, Inc. and DOES 1 through 10 inclusive; Case No. 09-CV-2909 AJB (WVG); in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California.

In this action filed December 28, 2009, the Company, along with various of its affiliates, were sued in an individual action, class action and Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) nationwide collective action by two former advisors asserting misclassification of financial advisors as independent contractors instead of employees. Only Waddell & Reed, Inc. remains as a defendant in the case.  Plaintiffs assert claims under the FLSA for minimum and overtime wages, claims under California Labor Code Statutes, and a claim for Unfair Business Practices under the California Business & Professions Code.  Plaintiffs seek declaratory and injunctive relief and monetary damages.  Plaintiffs have moved to conditionally certify the purported FLSA collective action, asking the court to allow certain financial advisors the opportunity to opt in to the lawsuit.  The Company has opposed this request. If the court conditionally certifies the FLSA collective action, certain current and former financial advisors will be provided written notice of the lawsuit and offered the opportunity to participate as plaintiffs.  If conditional certification is granted, the scope and cost of the case would increase, particularly where there is a high participation rate by those notified.  The Company intends to continue vigorously contesting plaintiffs’ claims.

In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution and outcome of this matter is uncertain.  At this stage of the litigation, the Company is unable to estimate the expense or exposure, if any, that it may represent.   The ultimate resolution of this matter, or an adverse determination against the Company, could have a material adverse impact on the financial position and results of operations of the Company.  However, this possible impact is unknown and not reasonably determinable; therefore, no liability has been recorded in the consolidated financial statements.

16

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

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “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, which reflect the current views and assumptions of management with respect to future events regarding our business and industry in general.  These forward-looking statements include all statements, other than statements of historical fact, regarding our financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations, including statements with respect to revenues and earnings, the amount and composition of assets under management, distribution sources, expense levels, redemption rates and the financial markets and other conditions.  These statements are generally identified by the use of such words as “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “outlook,” “will,” “potential” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature.  Readers are cautioned that any forward-looking information provided by or on behalf of the Company is not a guarantee of future performance.  Actual results may differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including but not limited to those discussed below.  If one or more events related to these or other risks, contingencies or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those forecasted or expected.  Certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, which include, without limitation:

·The introduction of legislative or regulatory proposals or judicial rulings that change the independent contractor classification of our financial advisors at the federal or state level for employment tax or other employee benefit purposes;

·The adverse ruling or resolution of any litigation, regulatory investigations and proceedings, or securities arbitrations by a federal or state court or regulatory body;

·Non-compliance with applicable laws or regulations and changes in current legal, regulatory, accounting, tax or compliance requirements or governmental policies;

·A decline in the securities markets or in the relative investment performance of our Funds and other investment portfolios and products as compared to competing funds;

·The loss of existing distribution channels or inability to access new distribution channels;

·A reduction in assets under our management on short notice, through increased redemptions in our distribution channels or our Funds, particularly those Funds with a high concentration of assets, or investors terminating their relationship with us or shifting their funds to other types of accounts with different rate structures;

·A decrease in, or the elimination of, any future quarterly dividend paid to stockholders; and

·Our inability to hire and retain senior executive management and other key personnel.

The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with other cautionary statements included in this and other reports and filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the information in Item 1 “Business” and Item 1A “Risk Factors” of Part I and Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of Part II to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and as updated in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the year ending December 31, 2011.  All forward-looking statements speak only as the date on which they are made and we undertake no duty to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

17

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 can have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

We derive our revenues from providing investment management, investment product underwriting and distribution, and shareholder services administration primarily 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. Our 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 those sales vary based on the type and amount sold.  Shareholder service fee revenue includes transfer agency fees, custodian fees from retirement plan accounts, portfolio accounting and administration fees, and is earned based on assets under management or number of accounts.

One of our distinctive qualities is that we are a significant distributor of investment products.  Our retail products are distributed through our Advisors channel sales force of independent financial advisors or through our Wholesale channel, which includes third-parties such as other broker/dealers, registered investment advisors (including the retirement advisors of Legend) and various retirement platforms.  We also market our investment advisory services to institutional investors, either directly or through consultants, in our Institutional channel.

Third Quarter Highlights

During the third quarter, we operated in a period of high volatility in the financial markets.  Over the three month period the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 12% and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 14%.  Our assets under management decreased from $91.7 billion to $77.5 billion, or 16%, during this period.  Our average assets under management of $87.4 billion during the third quarter grew 21% compared to the third quarter of 2010, resulting in an increase in revenues in this year’s third quarter.

Net income decreased 2% compared to the third quarter of 2010, however our operating margin improved to 25.2%, an improvement of 170 basis points compared to last year’s third quarter.  Compared to the second quarter of 2011, net income decreased 20% and our operating margin decreased 30 basis points.

During the quarter, our trading investment portfolio experienced a decline of $3.4 million and we recorded a write-down on a partnership interest of $1.0 million.  Because of these adjustments, our tax valuation allowance was increased by $1.6 million to account for the potential of not realizing past capital loss carryforward claims in the future.  The resulting impact of these investment and tax adjustments on our quarterly earnings for the third quarter totaled $4.4 million.  Our results for the quarter were also impacted by our decision to write-off software capitalization costs of $1.8 million due to the discontinuation of use of certain software licenses.

In our Wholesale channel, our continuing efforts to diversify sales resulted in sales of products other than Asset Strategy accounting for 46% of total sales during the third quarter of 2011, an improvement compared to 40% of total sales for fiscal 2010, but less than the 53% achieved during the second quarter of 2011.

We believe our balance sheet is strong, and we ended the quarter with cash and investments of $440.1 million.  In January 2011, the Company drew down the proceeds from a $190.0 million private placement of Senior Notes and used the proceeds to repay in full its existing senior notes.

18

Assets Under Management

Assets under management decreased to $77.5 billion on September 30, 2011 compared to $91.7 billion on June 30, 2011 due primarily to market depreciation of $15.6 billion, partially offset by net flows of $1.3 billion.

Change in Assets Under Management(1)

	Third Quarter 2011
	Advisors			Wholesale		Institutional		Total
	(in millions)
Beginning Assets	$	34,843		46,558		10,346		91,747
Sales (net of commissions)	867			3,957		1,625		6,449
Redemptions	(1,004		)	(3,515	)	(737	)	(5,256	)
Net Sales	(137		)	442		888		1,193
Net Exchanges	(79		)	79		—		—
Reinvested Dividends & Capital Gains	83			29		18		130
Net Flows	(133		)	550		906		1,323
Market Depreciation	(4,950		)	(8,970	)	(1,694	)	(15,614	)
Ending Assets	$	29,760		38,138		9,558		77,456

	Third Quarter 2010
	Advisors			Wholesale		Institutional		Total
	(in millions)
Beginning Assets	$	28,215		32,523		7,541		68,279
Sales (net of commissions)	839			2,933		905		4,677
Redemptions	(919		)	(2,566	)	(704	)	(4,189	)
Net Sales	(80		)	367		201		488
Net Exchanges	(138		)	27		115		4
Reinvested Dividends & Capital Gains	81			59		26		166
Net Flows	(137		)	453		342		658
Market Appreciation	2,705			3,504		821		7,030
Ending Assets	$	30,783		36,480		8,704		75,967

(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.

19

Assets under management decreased to $77.5 billion on September 30, 2011 compared to $83.7 billion on December 31, 2010 due to market depreciation of $11.2 billion, partially offset by net flows of $5.0 billion.

	Year to Date 2011
	Advisors			Wholesale		Institutional		Total
	(in millions)
Beginning Assets	$	33,181		40,883		9,609		83,673
Sales (net of commissions)	2,942			12,887		2,958		18,787
Redemptions	(3,053		)	(9,242	)	(1,977	)	(14,272	)
Net Sales	(111		)	3,645		981		4,515
Net Exchanges	(196		)	194		—		(2	)
Reinvested Dividends & Capital Gains	266			146		63		475
Net Flows	(41		)	3,985		1,044		4,988
Market Depreciation	(3,380		)	(6,730	)	(1,095	)	(11,205	)
Ending Assets	$	29,760		38,138		9,558		77,456

	Year to Date 2010
	Advisors			Wholesale		Institutional		Total
	(in millions)
Beginning Assets	$	29,474		32,818		7,490		69,782
Sales (net of commissions)	2,680			10,893		2,491		16,064
Redemptions	(2,582		)	(7,976	)	(1,771	)	(12,329	)
Net Sales	98			2,917		720		3,735
Net Exchanges	(230		)	115		115		—
Reinvested Dividends & Capital Gains	242			160		75		477
Net Flows	110			3,192		910		4,212
Market Appreciation	1,199			470		304		1,973
Ending Assets	$	30,783		36,480		8,704		75,967

20

Average assets under management, which are generally more indicative of trends in revenue for providing investment management services than the quarter over quarter change in ending assets under management, are presented below.

Average Assets Under Management

	Third Quarter 2011
	Advisors		Wholesale	Institutional	Total
	(in millions)
Asset Class:
Equity	$	23,908	40,009	9,726	$	73,643
Fixed Income	7,740		3,705	786	12,231
Money Market	1,213		347	—	1,560
Total	$	32,861	44,061	10,512	$	87,434

	Third Quarter 2010
	Advisors		Wholesale	Institutional	Total
	(in millions)
Asset Class:
Equity	$	21,479	31,631	7,359	$	60,469
Fixed Income	6,823		2,546	743	10,112
Money Market	1,267		278	—	1,545
Total	$	29,569	34,455	8,102	$	72,126

	Year to Date 2011
	Advisors		Wholesale	Institutional	Total
	(in millions)
Asset Class:
Equity	$	25,176	40,337	9,587	$	75,100
Fixed Income	7,503		3,423	779	11,705
Money Market	1,201		300	—	1,501
Total	$	33,880	44,060	10,366	$	88,306

	Year to Date 2010
	Advisors		Wholesale	Institutional	Total
	(in millions)
Asset Class:
Equity	$	21,992	31,822	7,136	$	60,950
Fixed Income	6,443		2,216	722	9,381
Money Market	1,272		283	—	1,555
Total	$	29,707	34,321	7,858	$	71,886

21

Results of Operations — Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 as Compared with Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

Net Income

	Three months ended
	September 30,
	2011			2010		Variance
	(in thousands, except per share amounts and percentage data)
Net Income	$	39,834		40,533		-2	%
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.46		0.47		-2	%
Diluted	$	0.46		0.47		-2	%
Operating Margin	25.2		%	23.5	%	7	%

	Nine months ended
	September 30,
	2011			2010		Variance
	(in thousands, except per share amounts and percentage data)
Net Income	$	135,437		110,594		22	%
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	1.58		1.29		22	%
Diluted	$	1.58		1.29		22	%
Operating Margin	25.3		%	23.7	%	7	%

We reported net income of $39.8 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2011 compared to $40.5 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2010.  Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $135.4 million, or $1.58 per diluted share, compared to net income of $110.6 million, or $1.29 per diluted share, for the same period in 2010.

22

Total Revenues

Total revenues increased 17% to $297.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2010 due to a rise in average assets under management of 21% and an increase in gross sales of 38%.  Revenues were $904.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of 18% over revenues for the same period in 2010, attributable to a rise in average assets under management of 23% and an increase in gross sales of 17% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same period in the prior year.

	Three months ended
	September 30,
	2011		2010	Variance
	(in thousands, except percentage data)
Investment management fees	$	133,494	111,159	20	%
Underwriting and distribution fees	131,001		114,071	15	%
Shareholder service fees	33,254		29,577	12	%
Total revenues	$	297,749	254,807	17	%

	Nine months ended
	September 30,
	2011		2010	Variance
	(in thousands, except percentage data)
Investment management fees	$	404,123	333,874	21	%
Underwriting and distribution fees	401,118		341,752	17	%
Shareholder service fees	99,027		88,014	13	%
Total revenues	$	904,268	763,640	18	%

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 $22.3 million, or 20%, from last year’s third quarter and $70.2 million, or 21%, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.

Revenues from investment management services provided to our retail mutual funds, which are distributed through the Advisors, Wholesale and Institutional channels, were $123.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  Revenues increased $20.6 million, or 20%, compared to the third quarter of 2010, while the related retail average assets increased 20% to $76.9 billion.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, revenues from investment management services provided to our retail mutual funds increased $63.6 million, or 21%, to $373.5 million compared to the first nine months of 2010, while the related retail average assets increased 22% to $77.9 billion.  For the nine month comparison period, investment management fee revenues increased less than the related retail average assets due to the effect of recording management fee waivers, mostly for money market funds, as an offset to investment management fees beginning in the second half of 2010.

Institutional account revenues were $10.1 million for the third quarter of 2011, representing an increase of $1.7 million, or 21%, from last year’s third quarter, and were $30.6 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, an increase of 28% compared to the same period in 2010.  For both comparative periods, average assets increased approximately 30%.  Account revenues increased less than the related average assets due to a decline in the average management fee rate, attributable to the lower management fee rates of recent, significant mandates.

Long-term redemption rates (which exclude money market fund redemptions) in the Advisors channel were 10.0% in this year’s third quarter and 9.9% year-to-date, compared to 10.0% in the third quarter of

23

2010 and 9.2% for the first nine months of 2010.  In the Wholesale channel, long-term redemption rates were 31.0% for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, compared to 29.2% in the third quarter of 2010.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Wholesale channel’s long-term redemption rate decreased to 27.6% compared to 30.6% for the same period in 2010.  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.

Long-term redemption rates for our Institutional channel were 27.8% and 34.4% for the third quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively, and decreased to 25.5% for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 compared to 30.1% for the same period in 2010.

Our overall redemption rates of 22.9% and 20.7% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, respectively, remain low compared to the year to date industry average of 27%, based on data from the ICI.

Underwriting and Distribution Fee Revenues and Expenses

The following tables summarize our underwriting and distribution fee revenues and expenses segregated by distribution method within the respective Advisors or Wholesale channel:

	Third Quarter 2011
	Advisors			Wholesale		Total
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	70,088		60,913		131,001
Expenses
Direct	49,748			65,526		115,274
Indirect	24,761			11,901		36,662
	74,509			77,427		151,936
Net Underwriting & Distribution	$	(4,421	)	(16,514	)	(20,935	)

	Third Quarter 2010
	Advisors			Wholesale		Total
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	60,862		53,209		114,071
Expenses
Direct	43,472			56,351		99,823
Indirect	21,142			11,892		33,034
	64,614			68,243		132,857
Net Underwriting & Distribution	$	(3,752	)	(15,034	)	(18,786	)

24

	Year to Date 2011
	Advisors			Wholesale		Total
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	216,661		184,457		401,118
Expenses
Direct	153,042			201,493		354,535
Indirect	71,276			35,348		106,624
	224,318			236,841		461,159
Net Underwriting & Distribution	$	(7,657	)	(52,384	)	(60,041	)

	Year to Date 2010
	Advisors			Wholesale		Total
	(in thousands)
Revenue	$	182,843		158,909		341,752
Expenses
Direct	129,163			171,127		300,290
Indirect	65,734			34,205		99,939
	194,897			205,332		400,229
Net Underwriting & Distribution	$	(12,054	)	(46,423	)	(58,477	)

Underwriting and distribution revenues earned in this year’s third quarter increased $16.9 million, or 15%, compared with the third quarter of 2010.  Revenues from fee-based asset allocation products increased $9.1 million compared to the prior year.  Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution fee revenues increased $8.4 million as a result of an increase in average mutual fund assets under management.  Variable annuity revenues increased $0.6 million compared to 2010, but the increase was offset by a decrease in other front-load product sales revenue period over period.

Underwriting and distribution revenues earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 increased $59.4 million, or 17%, compared with the same period in 2010.  Over half of this increase in revenues was due to higher Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution fee revenues of $30.6 million as a result of an increase in average mutual fund assets under management.  Revenues from fee-based asset allocation products increased $25.8 million compared to the prior year.  Variable annuity revenues increased $6.2 million compared to 2010, but the increase was offset by a decrease in other front-load product sales revenue period over period.

Underwriting and distribution expenses increased by $19.1 million, or 14%, compared to the third quarter of 2010.  A significant portion of this increase was attributed to higher direct expenses in the Wholesale channel of $9.2 million as a result of an increase in average wholesale assets under management and higher sales volume year over year.  We incurred higher dealer compensation paid to third party distributors and increased Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution expenses.  Wholesaler commissions expense increased due to higher sales volumes.  These increases were partially offset by lower amortization expense of deferred sales commissions.  Direct expenses in the Advisors channel increased $6.3 million, or 14%, compared to the third quarter of 2010 due to increased commissions related to the sale of fee-based asset allocation products of $6.6 million and higher Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution commissions of $1.3 million.  Indirect expenses increased $3.6 million compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2010 due to increased employee compensation and benefits expenses, higher marketing costs and higher convention costs.

Underwriting and distribution expenses increased by $60.9 million, or 15%, compared to the first nine months of 2010.  A significant portion of this increase was attributed to higher direct expenses in the Wholesale channel of $30.4 million as a result of an increase in average wholesale assets under management and higher

25

sales volume year over year.  We incurred higher dealer compensation paid to third party distributors and increased Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution expenses.  Wholesaler commissions expense increased due to higher sales volumes.  These increases were partially offset by lower amortization expense of deferred sales commissions.  Direct expenses in the Advisors channel increased $23.9 million, or 18%, compared to the first nine months of 2010 due to increased commissions related to the sale of fee-based asset allocation products of $17.6 million and higher Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution commissions of $7.2 million.  Indirect expenses increased $6.7 million compared to the first nine months of 2010, related to increased employee compensation and benefits expenses, higher marketing costs and higher convention costs.

Shareholder Service Fees Revenue

Shareholder service fees revenue primarily includes transfer agency fees, custodian fees from retirement plan accounts, and portfolio accounting and administration fees.  Portfolio accounting and administration fees are asset-based revenues or account-based revenues, while transfer agency fees and custodian fees from retirement plan accounts are based on the number of accounts.  During the third quarter of 2011, shareholder service fees revenue increased $3.7 million, or 12%, over the third quarter of 2010.  Of this increase, $2.6 million is due to higher asset-based fees quarter over quarter in certain share classes and $1.1 million is attributable to account-based revenues due to a 3% increase in the average number of accounts.  For the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, shareholder service fees revenue increased $11.0 million, or 13%, compared to the same period in 2010.  Of this increase, $10.2 million is attributable to account-based revenues due to a 2% increase in the average number of accounts and $0.8 million is due to higher asset-based fees in certain share classes.

Total Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased $27.7 million, or 14%, in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010, primarily due to increased underwriting and distribution expenses and general and administrative costs.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, operating expenses increased $92.5 million, or 16%, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to increased underwriting and distribution expenses, compensation and related costs and general and administrative costs.  Underwriting and distribution expenses are discussed above.

	Three Months Ended
	September 30,
	2011		2010	Variance
	(in thousands, except percentage data)
Underwriting and distribution	$	151,936	132,857	14	%
Compensation and related costs	37,052		36,164	2	%
General and administrative	22,491		16,022	40	%
Subadvisory fees	7,291		6,481	12	%
Depreciation	3,980		3,526	13	%
Total operating expenses	$	222,750	195,050	14	%

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2011		2010	Variance
	(in thousands, except percentage data)
Underwriting and distribution	$	461,159	400,229	15	%
Compensation and related costs	119,619		103,444	16	%
General and administrative	59,622		48,417	23	%
Subadvisory fees	23,684		20,441	16	%
Depreciation	11,426		10,457	9	%
Total operating expenses	$	675,510	582,988	16	%

26

Compensation and Related Costs

Compensation and related costs increased $0.9 million compared to the third quarter of 2010, due to higher base salaries and payroll taxes of $1.9 million associated with increased headcount and annual salary increases and decreased capitalized software development activities of $1.0 million, partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense of $3.2 million.  Share-based compensation increased $0.7 million compared to the third quarter of 2010 due to higher amortization expense associated with our April 2011 and December 2010 grants of nonvested stock compared to grants that became fully vested in 2011 partially offset by lower non-employee advisor (independent contractor) stock award amortization expense in 2011 compared to 2010.

Compensation and related costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 increased $16.2 million compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to higher base salaries and payroll taxes of $5.4 million attributable to increased headcount and annual salary increases, higher incentive compensation expense of $2.3 million and decreased capitalized software development activities of $1.7 million.  Group insurance costs also increased $700 thousand.  Share-based compensation increased $4.4 million compared to the first nine months of 2010 primarily due to higher amortization expense associated with our April 2011, December 2010 and April 2010 grants of nonvested stock compared to grants that became fully vested in 2011.

General and Administrative Costs

General and administrative expenses increased $6.5 million to $22.5 million for the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010.  Included in the current quarter is a $1.8 million charge related to the write-off of software capitalization costs due to the discontinuation of use of certain software licenses.  The remaining variance is due to increased dealer services costs of $2.0 million, higher computer services and software costs of $1.2 million, increased legal expenses, costs incurred for our national branding campaign that was launched in the first quarter of 2011, and higher fund expenses of $0.5 million.

General and administrative expenses of $59.6 million for the first nine months of 2011 represents an increase of $11.2 million, or 23%, compared to the first nine months of 2010.   Excluding the write-off mentioned above as well as a $1.3 million charge due to a trade order execution error recorded in the first quarter of 2010, expenses increased $10.7 million.  This increase is due to increased dealer services costs of $3.4 million, higher legal fees, costs incurred for our national branding campaign, and increased computer services and software costs of $2.2 million, partially offset by lower fund expenses of $1.2 million.  Fee waivers were previously recorded as part of fund expenses; however, beginning in the second half of 2010, fee waivers are netted against management fee revenues.

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.  Gross management fee revenues for products subadvised by others were $14.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $13.0 million for the third quarter of 2010 due to a 12% increase in average net assets.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, gross management fee revenues for products subadvised by others were $47.0 million compared to $40.6 million for the same period in 2010 due to a 16% increase in average net assets.  Subadvisory expenses followed the same pattern of increase compared to 2010.

Other Income and Expenses

Investment and Other Income, Interest Expense and Taxes

Investment and other loss was $4.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, compared to income of $3.9 million in the same period a year ago.  In our mutual fund trading portfolio, we recorded losses of $3.4 million during the quarter, compared to gains of $4.7 million in the same period last year.  Included in the current quarter was a $1.0 million write-down of the Company’s investment in limited partnerships, compared to a write-down of $1.5 million during the third quarter of 2010.  We also recorded

27

gains of $0.3 million from the sale of available for sale mutual fund holdings during the third quarter of 2011 and 2010.

Investment and other loss was $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to income of $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  In our mutual fund trading portfolio, we recorded losses of $2.6 million during the first nine months of 2011, compared to gains of $2.8 million in the same period last year.  During 2011, we recorded gains of $2.2 million from the sale of available for sale mutual fund holdings compared to gains of $1.1 million in 2010.  The current year included a $1.0 million write-down of the Company’s investment in limited partnerships, while 2010 included a $1.5 million write-down.

Interest expense was $2.8 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $3.1 million for the third quarter of 2010.  We incurred lower costs related to both our long-term debt and our $125.0 million revolving credit facility.   Interest expense was $8.6 million in the first nine months of 2011 compared to $9.8 million for the same period in 2010.  In addition to lower costs related to our long-term debt and our revolving credit facility, the first quarter of 2010 included costs associated with the repurchase of $10.0 million of our senior notes.

Our effective income tax rate was 41.2% for the third quarter of 2011, as compared to 33.1% for the third quarter of 2010.  Due to the sale of a subsidiary in 2009, the Company has deferred tax assets related to capital loss carryforwards that are available to offset current and future capital gains.  In 2009, a valuation allowance was recorded on a portion of these capital losses due to the limited carryforward period permitted by law on losses of this character.  During the third quarter of 2011, the fair value of the Company’s investment portfolios declined, which led to an increase in the valuation allowance through a charge to income tax expense and, as a result, increased our effective tax rate.  During the third quarter of 2010, an increase in the fair value of the Company’s investment portfolios allowed for a release of the valuation allowance through a credit to income tax expense, which decreased our effective tax rate.  The higher effective tax rate in 2011 as compared to 2010 was largely attributable to the increase of the valuation allowance through tax expense in 2011 as compared to the decrease in the valuation allowance through tax expense in 2010.  The third quarter 2011 and 2010 effective income tax rates, removing the effects of the valuation allowance, would have been 39.0% and 37.8%, respectively.  The increase in the adjusted effective income tax rate is due to changes in state legislation in jurisdictions in which the Company operates as well as a charge to income tax expense on tax positions for which the outcome is uncertain in tax years in which the statute of limitations remains open.

Our effective tax rate was 38.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to 36.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  Excluding the increase to the valuation allowance recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the effective tax rate would have been 38.0%.  Excluding the decrease to the valuation allowance recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the effective tax rate would have been 37.5%.  The increase in the adjusted effective income tax rate is due to a favorable outcome in 2010 on a tax position previously considered partially uncertain.

The Company expects its future effective tax rate, exclusive of any increases or reductions to the valuation allowance, state tax incentives, unanticipated state tax legislative changes, and unanticipated fluctuations in earnings to range from 37% to 39%.

28

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our operations provide much of the cash necessary to fund our priorities, as follows:

·Finance internal growth

·Pay dividends

·Repurchase our stock

Finance Internal Growth

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.  We continue to invest in our Advisors channel by providing additional support to our advisors through wholesaling efforts and enhanced technology tools, including compliance-related technology.

Dividends

We paid quarterly dividends on our common stock that resulted in financing cash outflows of $51.7 million for the first nine months of 2011.  The dividends paid on our common stock during the first nine months of 2010 resulted in financing cash outflows of $49.0 million.

Repurchases

We repurchased 1,609,551 shares and 1,916,297 shares of our common stock in the open market or privately during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, resulting in cash outflows of $57.1 million and $61.4 million, respectively.

Operating Cash Flows

Cash from operations is our primary source of funds and increased $110.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the previous year.  The increase is due to higher net income and non-cash share-based compensation expense, as well as significant net sales and maturities of trading securities in 2011 compared to net purchases of trading securities in 2010.

The payable to investment companies for securities account can fluctuate significantly based on trading activity at the end of a reporting period, and from December 31, 2009 to September 30, 2010 there was a significant decrease in Fund shareholder investments received prior to the balance sheet date that were in the process of being invested in the Funds.  On December 31, 2009, the Company changed the trustee of its 401(k) plan.  Approximately $100.0 million of the payable to investment companies for securities balance was due to the transfer of assets between trustees.  As a result, on our consolidated balance sheet there was a decrease in both the payable to investment companies and a decrease in the cash and receivable accounts from December 31, 2009 to September 30, 2010.  On the statement of cash flows, there were corresponding increases and decreases to cash from operations.  There is little impact to the Company’s liquidity and operations for the variations in these accounts.

During the first quarter of 2011, we made a $10.0 million contribution to our non-contributory retirement plan and do not expect to make an additional contribution for the remainder of 2011.

Investing Cash Flows

Investing cash flows consist primarily of the purchase, sales and maturities of available for sale investment securities, as well as capital expenditures.  We expect our 2011 capital expenditures to be in the range of $18.0 to $20.0 million.

29

Financing Cash Flows

As noted previously, dividends and stock repurchases accounted for a majority of our financing cash outflows in the first nine months of 2011 and 2010.

Additionally, during 2010 we repurchased $10.0 million of our $200.0 million aggregate principal amount 5.6% senior notes due January 2011 (the “Notes”).  On August 31, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement to complete a $190.0 million private placement of senior unsecured notes that were issued and sold in two tranches:  $95.0 million bearing interest at 5% and maturing January 13, 2018 (the “Series A Notes”) and $95.0 million bearing interest of 5.75% and maturing January 13, 2021 (the “Series B Notes”) (collectively, the “Senior Notes”).  The agreement contained a delayed funding provision that allowed the Company to draw down the proceeds in January 2011 when the Notes matured.  The Company used the proceeds of the issuance and sale of the Senior Notes to repay in full the Notes.  Interest is payable semi-annually in January and July of each year.

Future 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.  Expected short-term uses of cash include dividend payments, interest payments on outstanding debt, income tax payments, seed money for new products, share repurchases, payment of deferred commissions to our financial advisors and third parties, capital expenditures and home office leasehold improvements, and could include strategic acquisitions.

Expected long-term capital requirements include indebtedness; payment of upfront fund commissions for Class B shares, Class C shares and certain fee-based asset allocation products; operating leases; purchase obligations and income tax payments.  Other possible long-term discretionary uses of cash could include capital expenditures for enhancement of technology infrastructure and home office expansion, strategic acquisitions, payment of dividends, seed money for new products, pension funding and repurchases of our common stock.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management believes certain critical accounting policies affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.  The Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates are disclosed in the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of our 2010 Form 10-K.

30

Supplemental Information

	Third		Third				Year to		Year to
	Quarter		Quarter				Date		Date
	2011		2010		Change		2011		2010		Change
Redemption rates - long term (annualized)
Advisors	10.0	%	10.0	%			9.9	%	9.2	%
Wholesale	31.0	%	29.2	%			27.6	%	30.6	%
Institutional	27.8	%	34.4	%			25.5	%	30.1	%
Total	22.9	%	22.1	%			20.7	%	21.9	%
Gross revenue per advisor (000’s)	37.6		29.1		29.2	%	117.0		84.7		38.1	%
Number of financial advisors	1,758		1,950		-9.8	%
Average number of financial advisors	1,754		1,978		-11.3	%	1,752		2,058		-14.9	%
Number of shareholder accounts (000’s)	4,118		4,015		2.6	%
Number of shareholders	826,563		911,910		-9.4	%

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company has had no significant changes in its Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk from that previously reported in the Company’s 2010 Form 10-K.

Item 4.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 Rule 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 quarterly 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.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 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.  However, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.

31

Part II.  Other Information

Item 1. 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 the 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.  Information required to be reported under this Part II., Item 1. has been previously disclosed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements in Part I. above and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A.Risk Factors

The Company has had no material changes to its Risk Factors from those previously reported in the Company’s 2010 Form 10-K.

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table sets forth certain information about the shares of common stock we repurchased during the third quarter of 2011.

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)	Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program	Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program
July 1 - July 31	40,910	$	36.61	40,910	n/a	(1)
August 1 - August 31	444,468	30.36		444,468	n/a	(1)
September 1 - September 30	166,500	26.71		166,500	n/a	(1)
Total	651,878	$	29.82	651,878

(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 New York Stock Exchange, other national or regional market systems, electronic communication networks or alternative trading systems.  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 third quarter of 2011, all stock repurchases were made pursuant to the repurchase program including 1,355 shares, reflected in the table above, that were purchased in connection with funding employee income tax withholding obligations arising from the vesting of nonvested shares.

32

Item 6.Exhibits

31.1Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer

31.2Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer

32.1Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer

32.2Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer

101Materials from the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL):  (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) related Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in detail.

33

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, this 28th day of October 2011.

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
By:	/s/ Henry J. Herrmann
	Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board and Director
	(Principal Executive Officer)
By:	/s/ Daniel P. Connealy
	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial Officer)
By:	/s/ Brent K. Bloss
	Senior Vice President - Finance and Treasurer
	(Principal Accounting Officer)

34

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

I, Henry J. Herrmann, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  October 27, 2011
	/s/ Henry J. Herrmann
	Henry J. Herrmann
	Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

I, Daniel P. Connealy, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  October 27, 2011
	/s/ Daniel P. Connealy
	Daniel P. Connealy
	Senior Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Henry J. Herrmann, Chief Executive Officer of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (the “Act”), that:

1.The Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 (the “Report”) dated October 28, 2011 and filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:  October 27, 2011
	/s/ Henry J. Herrmann
	Henry J. Herrmann
	Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Daniel P. Connealy, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (the “Act”), that:

1.The Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 (the “Report”) dated October 28, 2011 and filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:  October 27, 2011
	/s/ Daniel P. Connealy
	Daniel P. Connealy
	Senior Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer

XML

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Revenues:
Investment management fees	$ 133,494	$ 111,159	$ 404,123	$ 333,874
Underwriting and distribution fees	131,001	114,071	401,118	341,752
Shareholder service fees	33,254	29,577	99,027	88,014
Total	297,749	254,807	904,268	763,640
Operating expenses:
Underwriting and distribution	151,936	132,857	461,159	400,229
Compensation and related costs (including share-based compensation of $11,662, $10,944, $34,490 and $30,049, respectively)	37,052	36,164	119,619	103,444
General and administrative	22,491	16,022	59,622	48,417
Subadvisory fees	7,291	6,481	23,684	20,441
Depreciation	3,980	3,526	11,426	10,457
Total	222,750	195,050	675,510	582,988
Operating income	74,999	59,757	228,758	180,652
Investment and other income (loss)	(4,365)	3,933	(910)	3,239
Interest expense	(2,838)	(3,128)	(8,573)	(9,797)
Income before provision for income taxes	67,796	60,562	219,275	174,094
Provision for income taxes	27,962	20,029	83,838	63,500
Net income	$ 39,834	$ 40,533	$ 135,437	$ 110,594
Net income per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.46	$ 0.47	$ 1.58	$ 1.29
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.46	$ 0.47	$ 1.58	$ 1.29
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	85,776	85,438	85,951	85,683
Diluted (in shares)	85,782	85,448	85,964	85,715

XML

Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Income
Compensation and related costs, share-based compensation	$ 11,662	$ 10,944	$ 34,490	$ 30,049

XML

Indebtedness (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Indebtedness

Schedule of long-term debt

	September 30,		December 31,
	2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Principal amount unsecured 5.0% senior notes due in 2018	$	95,000	—
Principal amount unsecured 5.75% senior notes due in 2021	95,000		—
Principal amount unsecured 5.60% senior notes due in 2011	—		190,000
Discount on unsecured 5.60% senior notes due in 2011	—		(1	)
Total	$	190,000	189,999

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 316,501	$ 195,315
Cash and cash equivalents - restricted	55,662	81,197
Investment securities	123,576	192,611
Receivables:
Funds and separate accounts	29,942	27,234
Customers and other	114,391	84,422
Deferred income taxes	13,349	10,622
Income taxes receivable	7,430	4,336
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,318	9,313
Total current assets	672,169	605,050
Property and equipment, net	72,480	71,248
Deferred sales commissions, net	71,457	64,710
Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets	221,210	221,210
Other non-current assets	13,422	14,713
Total assets	1,050,738	976,931
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	54,601	40,836
Payable to investment companies for securities	100,966	117,596
Accrued compensation	38,814	37,555
Payable to third party brokers	47,613	38,908
Other current liabilities	51,386	47,047
Total current liabilities	293,380	281,942
Long-term debt	190,000	189,999
Accrued pension and postretirement costs	17,382	22,492
Deferred income taxes	6,734	4,729
Other non-current liabilities	22,208	20,608
Total liabilities	529,704	519,770
Commitments and contingencies
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; 85,420 shares outstanding (85,751 shares outstanding at December 31, 2010)	997	997
Additional paid-in capital	216,699	201,442
Retained earnings	702,644	618,813
Cost of 14,281 common shares in treasury (13,950 at December 31, 2010)	(371,236)	(346,064)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(28,070)	(18,027)
Total stockholders' equity	521,034	457,161
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,050,738	$ 976,931

XML

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Share-Based Compensation

Schedule of stock option activity

	Options		Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding, December 31, 2010	298,295		$	29.98
Granted	—		—
Exercised	(156,112	)	30.89
Terminated/Cancelled	(76,347	)	29.21
Outstanding, September 30, 2011	65,836		$	28.70
Exercisable, September 30, 2011	65,836		$	28.70

XML

Cash and Cash Equivalents

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

3. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and short-term investments.  We consider all highly liquid investments with maturities upon acquisition of 90 days or less 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.

XML

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011 Quarter D
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Maximum term of maturities upon acquisition to classify instruments as cash equivalents (in days)	90

XML

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Oct. 20, 2011
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001052100
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2011
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		85,307,747
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3

XML

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Stockholders' Equity

Components of basic and diluted earnings per share

	Three months ended			Nine months ended
	September 30,			September 30,
	2011		2010	2011	2010
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income	$	39,834	40,533	135,437	110,594
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	85,776		85,438	85,951	85,683
Dilutive potential shares from stock options	6		10	13	32
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	85,782		85,448	85,964	85,715
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.46	0.47	1.58	1.29
Diluted	$	0.46	0.47	1.58	1.29

XML

Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension

Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension

8.Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension

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.

The components of net periodic pension and other postretirement costs related to these plans are as follows:

	Pension Benefits					Other Postretirement Benefits		Pension Benefits				Other Postretirement Benefits
	Three months ended September 30,					Three months ended September 30,		Nine months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
	2011			2010		2011	2010	2011		2010		2011	2010
	(in thousands)							(in thousands)
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	1,775		1,535		139	111	5,326		4,605		418	332
Interest cost	1,799			1,649		100	91	5,397		4,947		301	273
Expected return on plan assets	(2,191		)	(1,875	)	—	—	(6,573	)	(5,624	)	—	—
Actuarial loss amortization	451			404		—	—	1,353		1,212		—	—
Prior service cost amortization	139			139		14	11	417		417		42	34
Transition obligation amortization	1			1		—	—	3		3		—	—
Total	$	1,974		1,853		253	213	5,923		5,560		761	639

During the first quarter of 2011, we made a $10.0 million contribution to the Pension Plan.  We do not expect to make additional contributions to the Pension Plan for the remainder of 2011.

XML

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity
Dividends accrued, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.60

XML

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Components of basic and diluted earnings per share
Net income (in dollars)		$ 39,834,000	$ 40,533,000	$ 135,437,000	$ 110,594,000
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		85,776,000	85,438,000	85,951,000	85,683,000
Dilutive potential shares from stock options		6,000	10,000	13,000	32,000
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted		85,782,000	85,448,000	85,964,000	85,715,000
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)		$ 0.46	$ 0.47	$ 1.58	$ 1.29
Diluted (in dollars per share)		$ 0.46	$ 0.47	$ 1.58	$ 1.29
Anti-dilutive Securities
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the diluted earnings per share		27,000	401,000		327,000
Dividends
Dividend approved on common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20			$ 0.60
Dividend to be paid (in dollars)		$ 17,100,000		$ 17,100,000
Common stock repurchases
Shares repurchased in the open market or privately		651,878	37,087	1,609,551	1,916,297
Shares repurchased from employees to cover their minimum income tax withholdings		1,355	27,087	341,527	299,417

XML

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

5.Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets of an acquired business.  Our goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.  Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets (all considered indefinite-lived) are as follows:

	September 30, 2011			December 31, 2010
	(in thousands)
Goodwill	$	202,518		202,518
Accumulated amortization	(36,307		)	(36,307	)
Total goodwill	166,211			166,211
Mutual fund management advisory contracts	38,699			38,699
Mutual fund subadvisory management contracts	16,300			16,300
Total identifiable intangible assets	54,999			54,999
Total	$	221,210		221,210

XML

Share-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

10.Share-Based Compensation

A summary of stock option activity and related information for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 is presented in the table below.  All options outstanding expire prior to December 31, 2013.

	Options		Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding, December 31, 2010	298,295		$	29.98
Granted	—		—
Exercised	(156,112	)	30.89
Terminated/Cancelled	(76,347	)	29.21
Outstanding, September 30, 2011	65,836		$	28.70
Exercisable, September 30, 2011	65,836		$	28.70

XML

Indebtedness

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Indebtedness

Indebtedness

6.Indebtedness

On January 13, 2006, the Company issued $200.0 million in principal amount 5.60% senior notes due 2011 (the “Notes”) resulting in net proceeds of approximately $198.2 million (net of discounts, commissions and estimated expenses).  Interest was payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 at a fixed rate of 5.60% per annum.  During the first quarter of 2010, we repurchased $10.0 million of the Notes.

On August 31, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement to complete a $190.0 million private placement of senior unsecured notes that were issued and sold in two tranches:  $95.0 million bearing interest at 5.0% and maturing January 13, 2018 (the “Series A Notes”) and $95.0 million bearing interest of 5.75% and maturing January 13, 2021 (the “Series B Notes”) (collectively, the “Senior Notes”).  The agreement contained a delayed funding provision that allowed the Company to draw down the proceeds in January 2011 when the Notes matured.  The Company used the proceeds of the issuance and sale of the Senior Notes to repay in full the Notes.  Interest is payable semi-annually in January and July of each year.  The most restrictive provisions of the agreement require the Company to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio not to exceed 3.0 to 1.0 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 periods presented.

Debt is reported at its carrying amount on the consolidated balance sheet.  The fair value of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness is approximately $188.2 million as of September 30, 2011 compared to the carrying value of $190.0 million.  The following is a summary of long-term debt at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

	September 30,		December 31,
	2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Principal amount unsecured 5.0% senior notes due in 2018	$	95,000	—
Principal amount unsecured 5.75% senior notes due in 2021	95,000		—
Principal amount unsecured 5.60% senior notes due in 2011	—		190,000
Discount on unsecured 5.60% senior notes due in 2011	—		(1	)
Total	$	190,000	189,999

XML

Indebtedness (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended						1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011 Quarter D	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011 Senior Notes Tranch	Sep. 30, 2011 Senior 5.0% unsecured notes due, 2018 ("Series A Notes")	Sep. 30, 2011 Senior 5.75% unsecured notes due, 2021 ("Series B Notes")	Jan. 31, 2006 Senior 5.60% unsecured notes due, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010 Senior 5.60% unsecured notes due, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010 Senior 5.60% unsecured notes due, 2011	Jan. 13, 2006 Senior 5.60% unsecured notes due, 2011
Indebtedness
Fair value of outstanding indebtedness	$ 188,200,000
Indebtedness
Face amount of Long-term debt							200,000,000
Interest rate of debt (as a percent)					5.00%	5.75%				5.60%
Proceeds from issuance of debt							198,200,000
Repurchase of debt		(10,000,000)						10,000,000
Numerator for the consolidated leverage ratio, maximum	3.0
Denominator for the consolidated leverage ratio, maximum	1.0
Number of consecutive quarters for which the maximum consolidated leverage ratio is required to be maintained under financial covenants	4
Numerator for the consolidated interest coverage ratio, minimum	4.0
Denominator for the consolidated interest coverage ratio, minimum	1.0
Number of consecutive quarters for which the minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio is required to be maintained under financial covenants	4
Number of tranches of debt issuance				2
Summary of long-term debt
Discount on long-term debt									(1,000)
Total long-term debt	$ 190,000,000		$ 189,999,000		$ 95,000,000	$ 95,000,000			$ 190,000,000

XML

Investment Securities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Investment Securities

Investment Securities

4.Investment Securities

Investment securities at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows:

	Amortized		Unrealized	Unrealized
September 30, 2011	cost		gains	losses		Fair value
	(in thousands)
Available for sale securities:
Mortgage-backed securities	$	10	1	—		11
Municipal bonds	2,548		—	(38	)	2,510
Corporate bonds	43,065		24	(232	)	42,857
Mutual funds	51,456		2,081	(7,606	)	45,931
	$	97,079	2,106	(7,876	)	91,309
Trading securities:
Mortgage-backed securities						64
Municipal bonds						500
Corporate bonds						12,924
Common stock						35
Mutual funds						18,744
						32,267
Total investment securities						123,576

	Amortized		Unrealized	Unrealized
December 31, 2010	cost		gains	losses		Fair value
	(in thousands)
Available for sale securities:
U.S. treasury bills	$	56,961	—	—		56,961
Mortgage-backed securities	10		2	—		12
Municipal bonds	2,729		—	(185	)	2,544
Mutual funds	28,633		5,662	(37	)	34,258
	$	88,333	5,664	(222	)	93,775
Trading securities:
Commercial paper						4,997
U.S. treasury bills						60,958
Mortgage-backed securities						73
Municipal bonds						487
Corporate bonds						50
Common stock						201
Mutual funds						32,070
						98,836
Total investment securities						192,611

Purchases of trading securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $23.1 million, while sales and maturities were $86.6 million for the same period.

A summary of available for sale debt securities and mutual funds with fair values below carrying values at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 is as follows:

	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer			Total
September 30, 2011	Fair value		Unrealized losses		Fair value	Unrealized losses		Fair value	Unrealized losses
	(in thousands)
Municipal bonds	$	—	—		2,511	(38	)	2,511	(38	)
Corporate bonds	24,378		(232	)	—	—		24,378	(232	)
Mutual funds	35,424		(7,588	)	322	(18	)	35,746	(7,606	)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	59,802	(7,820	)	2,833	(56	)	62,635	(7,876	)

	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer			Total
December 31, 2010	Fair value		Unrealized losses		Fair value	Unrealized losses		Fair value	Unrealized losses
	(in thousands)
Municipal bonds	$	—	—		2,544	(185	)	2,544	(185	)
Mutual funds	810		(10	)	313	(27	)	1,123	(37	)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	810	(10	)	2,857	(212	)	3,667	(222	)

Based upon our assessment of these municipal bonds, corporate bonds and mutual funds, the time frame investments have been in a loss position, our intent to hold mutual funds until they have recovered and our history of holding bonds until maturity, we determined that a write-down was not necessary at September 30, 2011.

Mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and corporate bonds accounted for as available for sale and held as of September 30, 2011 mature as follows:

	Amortized cost		Fair value
	(in thousands)
Within one year	$	14,845	14,684
After one year but within 10 years	29,777		29,718
After 10 years	1,001		976
	$	45,623	45,378

Mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and corporate bonds accounted for as trading and held as of September 30, 2011 mature as follows:

	Fair value
	(in thousands)
After one year but within 10 years	$	13,424
After 10 years	64
	$	13,488

We determine the fair value of our investments using broad levels of inputs as defined by related accounting standards as follows:

· Level 1 — Investments are valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities at the reporting date.  Assets classified as Level 1 include mutual funds classified as available for sale and mutual funds and common stock classified as trading.

· Level 2 — Investments are valued using other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices in active markets for similar securities.  Assets classified as Level 2 include mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and corporate bonds.

· Level 3 — Investments are valued using significant unobservable inputs, including the Company’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments.

The following table summarizes investment securities recognized on our balance sheet using fair value measurements based on the differing levels of inputs:

	September 30,		December 31,
	2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Level 1	$	64,710	189,445
Level 2	58,866		3,166
Level 3	—		—
Total	$	123,576	192,611

XML

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities during the period, income taxes	$ (3,768)	$ 1,917	$ (3,297)	$ 997
Pension and postretirement benefits, income taxes	212	206	644	617
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, income taxes	$ (100)	$ (143)	$ (830)	$ (464)

XML

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 135,437	$ 110,594
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	12,080	10,325
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	40,178	44,528
Share-based compensation	34,490	30,049
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	(7,873)	(4,280)
Gain on sale of available for sale investment securities	(2,258)	(1,093)
Net purchases and sales or maturities of trading securities	63,543	(11,865)
(Gain) loss on trading securities	2,740	(2,879)
Loss on sale and retirement of property and equipment	1,697	88
Capital gains and dividends reinvested		(366)
Deferred income taxes	(1,368)	(6,353)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Cash and cash equivalents - restricted	25,535	15,905
Receivables from funds and separate accounts	(2,708)	9,085
Other receivables	(29,969)	83,759
Other assets	(549)	(794)
Deferred sales commissions	(46,925)	(44,353)
Accounts payable and payable to investment companies	(2,865)	(109,322)
Other liabilities	17,453	5,153
Net cash provided by operating activities	238,638	128,181
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available for sale investment securities	(99,297)	(20,000)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available for sale investment securities	92,276	12,773
Additions to property and equipment	(14,359)	(12,408)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	5	5
Net cash used in investing activities	(21,375)	(19,630)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt repayment		(10,000)
Dividends paid	(51,672)	(48,970)
Repurchase of common stock	(57,100)	(61,378)
Exercise of stock options	4,822	9,675
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	7,873	4,280
Net cash used in financing activities	(96,077)	(106,393)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	121,186	2,158
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	195,315	244,359
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 316,501	$ 246,517

XML

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets
Goodwill	$ 202,518	$ 202,518
Accumulated amortization	(36,307)	(36,307)
Total goodwill	166,211	166,211
Mutual fund management advisory contracts	38,699	38,699
Mutual fund subadvisory management contracts	16,300	16,300
Total identifiable intangible assets	54,999	54,999
Total goodwill and identifiable intangible assets	$ 221,210	$ 221,210

XML

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

1. Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to as the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us”) derive revenues 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”), Ivy Funds (the “Ivy Funds”), Ivy Funds Variable Insurance Portfolios (the “Ivy Funds VIP”), and InvestEd Portfolios (“InvestEd”) (collectively, the Advisors Funds, Ivy Funds, Ivy Funds VIP and InvestEd are referred to as 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, underwriting agreements and shareholder servicing and accounting service 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 trustees and shareholders. Our revenues are largely dependent on the total value and composition of assets under management.  Accordingly, fluctuations in financial markets and composition of assets under management can significantly impact revenues and results of operations.

Basis of Presentation

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures are adequate to enable a reasonable understanding of the information presented.  The information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Part I, Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our audited financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (the “2010 Form 10-K”).  Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified for consistent presentation.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared consistently with the accounting policies described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in our 2010 Form 10-K, which include the following: use of estimates, cash and cash equivalents, disclosures about fair value of financial instruments, investment securities and investments in mutual funds, property and equipment, software developed for internal use, goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, deferred sales commissions, revenue recognition, advertising and promotion, share-based compensation, accounting for income taxes and derivatives and hedging activities.

In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only a normal and recurring nature) necessary to present fairly our financial position at September 30, 2011, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

XML

Investment Securities (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Investment Securities
Available for sale securities, Amortized cost	$ 97,079,000	$ 88,333,000
Available for sale securities, Unrealized gains	2,106,000	5,664,000
Available for sale securities, Unrealized losses	(7,876,000)	(222,000)
Available for sale securities, Fair value	91,309,000	93,775,000
Trading securities, Fair value	32,267,000	98,836,000
Total investment securities	123,576,000	192,611,000
Trading securities
Purchases of trading securities	23,100,000
Sales of trading securities	86,600,000
Commercial paper
Investment Securities
Trading securities, Fair value		4,997,000
U.S. treasury bills
Investment Securities
Available for sale securities, Amortized cost		56,961,000
Available for sale securities, Fair value		56,961,000
Trading securities, Fair value		60,958,000
Mortgage-Backed Securities and Bonds
Investment Securities
Trading securities, Fair value	13,488,000
Mortgage-backed securities
Investment Securities
Available for sale securities, Amortized cost	10,000	10,000
Available for sale securities, Unrealized gains	1,000	2,000
Available for sale securities, Fair value	11,000	12,000
Trading securities, Fair value	64,000	73,000
Municipal bonds
Investment Securities
Available for sale securities, Amortized cost	2,548,000	2,729,000
Available for sale securities, Unrealized losses	(38,000)	(185,000)
Available for sale securities, Fair value	2,510,000	2,544,000
Trading securities, Fair value	500,000	487,000
Corporate bonds
Investment Securities
Available for sale securities, Amortized cost	43,065,000
Available for sale securities, Unrealized gains	24,000
Available for sale securities, Unrealized losses	(232,000)
Available for sale securities, Fair value	42,857,000
Trading securities, Fair value	12,924,000	50,000
Common Stock
Investment Securities
Trading securities, Fair value	35,000	201,000
Mutual funds
Investment Securities
Available for sale securities, Amortized cost	51,456,000	28,633,000
Available for sale securities, Unrealized gains	2,081,000	5,662,000
Available for sale securities, Unrealized losses	(7,606,000)	(37,000)
Available for sale securities, Fair value	45,931,000	34,258,000
Trading securities, Fair value	$ 18,744,000	$ 32,070,000

XML

Income Tax Uncertainties (Details) (USD $) In Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Tax Uncertainties
Unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, that if recognized would impact the effective tax rate	$ 8.4	$ 6.6
Unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, net of federal benefit that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate	6.0	4.6
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	2.2	1.9
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, net of federal benefit	1.8	1.5
Total expense for of interest and penalties, net of federal benefit related to uncertain tax positions	0.3
Estimated decrease in unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12-month period, lower end of range	0.2
Estimated decrease in unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12-month period, upper end of range	1.9
Estimated decrease in unrecognized tax benefits net of federal benefits within the next 12-month period, lower end of range	0.2
Estimated decrease in unrecognized tax benefits net of federal benefits within the next 12-month period, upper end of range	$ 1.3

XML

Investment Securities (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fair value of investments
Total investment securities	$ 123,576	$ 192,611
Fair Value on Recurring Basis | Level 1
Fair value of investments
Total investment securities	64,710	189,445
Fair Value on Recurring Basis | Level 2
Fair value of investments
Total investment securities	58,866	3,166
Fair Value on Recurring Basis | Total fair value
Fair value of investments
Total investment securities	$ 123,576	$ 192,611

XML

Stockholders' Equity

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity

9.   Stockholders’ Equity

Earnings per Share

The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows:

	Three months ended			Nine months ended
	September 30,			September 30,
	2011		2010	2011	2010
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income	$	39,834	40,533	135,437	110,594
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	85,776		85,438	85,951	85,683
Dilutive potential shares from stock options	6		10	13	32
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	85,782		85,448	85,964	85,715
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.46	0.47	1.58	1.29
Diluted	$	0.46	0.47	1.58	1.29

Anti-dilutive Securities

Options to purchase 27 thousand shares of our common stock were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three months ended September 30, 2011 because they were anti-dilutive.  There were no anti-dilutive options for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  Options to purchase 401 thousand shares and 327 thousand shares of our common stock were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, because they were anti-dilutive.

Dividends

On July 20, 2011, the Board of Directors approved a dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.20 per share to stockholders of record as of October 3, 2011 to be paid on November 1, 2011.  The total dividend to be paid is approximately $17.1 million.

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 651,878 shares and 37,087 shares repurchased in the open market or privately during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which included 1,355 shares and 27,087 shares repurchased from employees who elected to tender shares to cover their minimum income tax withholdings with respect to vesting of stock awards during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  There were 1,609,551 shares and 1,916,297 shares repurchased in the open market or privately during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which included 341,527 shares and 299,417 shares repurchased from employees who elected to tender shares to cover their minimum income tax withholdings with respect to vesting of stock awards during each of these two periods.

XML

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

2. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs” (“ASU 2011-04”).  This ASU was issued concurrently with International Financial Reporting Standard (“IFRS”) 13, “Fair Value Measurements” (“IFRS 13”), to provide largely identical guidance about fair value measurement and disclosure requirements. The new standards do not extend the use of fair value but, rather, provide guidance about how fair value should be applied where it already is required or permitted under IFRS or U.S. GAAP.  For U.S. GAAP, most of the changes are clarifications of existing guidance or wording changes to align with IFRS 13.  This standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and is required to be applied prospectively.  In the period of adoption, a reporting entity will be required to disclose a change, if any, in valuation technique and related inputs that result from applying the ASU and to quantify the total effect, if practicable.  The Company expects that the adoption of ASU 2011-04 in 2012 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2011-05”).  Under this ASU, an entity will have the option to present the components of net income and comprehensive income in either one or two consecutive financial statements. The ASU eliminates the option in U.S. GAAP to present other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in equity.  This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and is required to be applied retrospectively.  The Company is currently in compliance with this standard.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350):  Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU 2011-08”).  This ASU permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test.  If an entity concludes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, it need not perform the two-step impairment test.  ASU 2011-08 is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011.  The Company will comply with this standard upon adoption in 2012.

XML

Investment Securities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Investment Securities

Schedule of investment securities

	Amortized		Unrealized	Unrealized
September 30, 2011	cost		gains	losses		Fair value
	(in thousands)
Available for sale securities:
Mortgage-backed securities	$	10	1	—		11
Municipal bonds	2,548		—	(38	)	2,510
Corporate bonds	43,065		24	(232	)	42,857
Mutual funds	51,456		2,081	(7,606	)	45,931
	$	97,079	2,106	(7,876	)	91,309
Trading securities:
Mortgage-backed securities						64
Municipal bonds						500
Corporate bonds						12,924
Common stock						35
Mutual funds						18,744
						32,267
Total investment securities						123,576

	Amortized		Unrealized	Unrealized
December 31, 2010	cost		gains	losses		Fair value
	(in thousands)
Available for sale securities:
U.S. treasury bills	$	56,961	—	—		56,961
Mortgage-backed securities	10		2	—		12
Municipal bonds	2,729		—	(185	)	2,544
Mutual funds	28,633		5,662	(37	)	34,258
	$	88,333	5,664	(222	)	93,775
Trading securities:
Commercial paper						4,997
U.S. treasury bills						60,958
Mortgage-backed securities						73
Municipal bonds						487
Corporate bonds						50
Common stock						201
Mutual funds						32,070
						98,836
Total investment securities						192,611

Summary of investments with fair values below carrying values

	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer			Total
September 30, 2011	Fair value		Unrealized losses		Fair value	Unrealized losses		Fair value	Unrealized losses
	(in thousands)
Municipal bonds	$	—	—		2,511	(38	)	2,511	(38	)
Corporate bonds	24,378		(232	)	—	—		24,378	(232	)
Mutual funds	35,424		(7,588	)	322	(18	)	35,746	(7,606	)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	59,802	(7,820	)	2,833	(56	)	62,635	(7,876	)

	Less than 12 months				12 months or longer			Total
December 31, 2010	Fair value		Unrealized losses		Fair value	Unrealized losses		Fair value	Unrealized losses
	(in thousands)
Municipal bonds	$	—	—		2,544	(185	)	2,544	(185	)
Mutual funds	810		(10	)	313	(27	)	1,123	(37	)
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	810	(10	)	2,857	(212	)	3,667	(222	)

Schedule of available for sale securities by maturity date

	Amortized cost		Fair value
	(in thousands)
Within one year	$	14,845	14,684
After one year but within 10 years	29,777		29,718
After 10 years	1,001		976
	$	45,623	45,378

Schedule of trading securities by maturity date

	Fair value
	(in thousands)
After one year but within 10 years	$	13,424
After 10 years	64
	$	13,488

Schedule of fair value of investment securities

	September 30,		December 31,
	2011		2010
	(in thousands)
Level 1	$	64,710	189,445
Level 2	58,866		3,166
Level 3	—		—
Total	$	123,576	192,611

XML

Investment Securities (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Continuous unrealized loss position, Fair Value
Fair value of available for sale securities with fair values below carrying values for less than 12 months	$ 59,802	$ 810
Fair value of available for sale securities with fair values below carrying values for 12 months or longer	2,833	2,857
Total temporarily impaired securities	62,635	3,667
Continuous unrealized loss position, Gross
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities with fair values below carrying values for less than 12 months	(7,820)	(10)
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities with fair values below carrying values for 12 months or longer	(56)	(212)
Total Unrealized losses on temporarily impaired securities	(7,876)	(222)
Maturities of mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and corporate bonds accounted for as trading
Total fair value of trading securities	32,267	98,836
Mortgage-Backed Securities and Bonds
Amortized Cost
Amortized cost of available for sale debt securities that mature within one year	14,845
Amortized cost of available for sale debt securities that mature after one year but within 10 years	29,777
Amortized cost of available for sale debt securities that mature after 10 years	1,001
Total amortized cost of available for sale debt securities	45,623
Fair value
Fair value of available for sale debt securities that mature within one year	14,684
Fair value of available for sale debt securities that mature after one year but within 10 years	29,718
Fair value of available for sale debt securities that mature after 10 years	976
Total fair value of available for sale debt securities	45,378
Maturities of mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and corporate bonds accounted for as trading
Fair value of trading securities that mature after one year but within 10 years	13,424
Fair value of trading securities that mature after 10 years	64
Total fair value of trading securities	13,488
Municipal bonds
Continuous unrealized loss position, Fair Value
Fair value of available for sale securities with fair values below carrying values for 12 months or longer	2,511	2,544
Total temporarily impaired securities	2,511	2,544
Continuous unrealized loss position, Gross
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities with fair values below carrying values for 12 months or longer	(38)	(185)
Total Unrealized losses on temporarily impaired securities	(38)	(185)
Maturities of mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and corporate bonds accounted for as trading
Total fair value of trading securities	500	487
Corporate bonds
Continuous unrealized loss position, Fair Value
Fair value of available for sale securities with fair values below carrying values for less than 12 months	24,378
Total temporarily impaired securities	24,378
Continuous unrealized loss position, Gross
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities with fair values below carrying values for less than 12 months	(232)
Total Unrealized losses on temporarily impaired securities	(232)
Maturities of mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and corporate bonds accounted for as trading
Total fair value of trading securities	12,924	50
Mutual funds
Continuous unrealized loss position, Fair Value
Fair value of available for sale securities with fair values below carrying values for less than 12 months	35,424	810
Fair value of available for sale securities with fair values below carrying values for 12 months or longer	322	313
Total temporarily impaired securities	35,746	1,123
Continuous unrealized loss position, Gross
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities with fair values below carrying values for less than 12 months	(7,588)	(10)
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities with fair values below carrying values for 12 months or longer	(18)	(27)
Total Unrealized losses on temporarily impaired securities	(7,606)	(37)
Maturities of mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and corporate bonds accounted for as trading
Total fair value of trading securities	$ 18,744	$ 32,070

XML

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Net income	$ 39,834	$ 40,533	$ 135,437	$ 110,594
Other comprehensive income:
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities during the period, net of income taxes of $(3,768), $1,917, $(3,297) and $997, respectively	(6,458)	3,286	(5,657)	1,709
Valuation allowance on investment securities' deferred tax asset during the period	(3,873)	1,128	(4,129)	590
Pension and postretirement benefits, net of income taxes of $212, $206, $644 and $617, respectively	393	350	1,171	1,050
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, net of income taxes of $(100), $(143), $(830) and $(464), respectively	(172)	(247)	(1,428)	(799)
Comprehensive income	$ 29,724	$ 45,050	$ 125,394	$ 113,144

XML

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

Schedule of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets

	September 30, 2011			December 31, 2010
	(in thousands)
Goodwill	$	202,518		202,518
Accumulated amortization	(36,307		)	(36,307	)
Total goodwill	166,211			166,211
Mutual fund management advisory contracts	38,699			38,699
Mutual fund subadvisory management contracts	16,300			16,300
Total identifiable intangible assets	54,999			54,999
Total	$	221,210		221,210

XML

Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension

Components of net periodic pension and other postretirement costs

	Pension Benefits					Other Postretirement Benefits		Pension Benefits				Other Postretirement Benefits
	Three months ended September 30,					Three months ended September 30,		Nine months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
	2011			2010		2011	2010	2011		2010		2011	2010
	(in thousands)							(in thousands)
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	1,775		1,535		139	111	5,326		4,605		418	332
Interest cost	1,799			1,649		100	91	5,397		4,947		301	273
Expected return on plan assets	(2,191		)	(1,875	)	—	—	(6,573	)	(5,624	)	—	—
Actuarial loss amortization	451			404		—	—	1,353		1,212		—	—
Prior service cost amortization	139			139		14	11	417		417		42	34
Transition obligation amortization	1			1		—	—	3		3		—	—
Total	$	1,974		1,853		253	213	5,923		5,560		761	639

XML

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 457,161	$ 997	$ 201,442	$ 618,813	$ (346,064)	$ (18,027)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010		99,701
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	135,437			135,437
Recognition of equity compensation	34,490		34,490
Issuance of nonvested shares and other			(28,047)		28,047
Dividends accrued, $0.60 per share	(51,606)			(51,606)
Exercise of stock options	4,822		941		3,881
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	7,873		7,873
Repurchase of common stock	(57,100)				(57,100)
Unrealized depreciation on available for sale investment securities	(5,657)					(5,657)
Valuation allowance on investment securities' deferred tax asset	(4,129)					(4,129)
Pension and postretirement benefits	1,171					1,171
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income	(1,428)					(1,428)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2011	$ 521,034	$ 997	$ 216,699	$ 702,644	$ (371,236)	$ (28,070)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2011		99,701

XML

Income Tax Uncertainties

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Income Tax Uncertainties

Income Tax Uncertainties

7.Income Tax Uncertainties

As of January 1, 2011 and September 30, 2011, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, of $6.6 million ($4.6 million net of federal benefit) and $8.4 million ($6.0 million net of federal benefit), respectively, that if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate.  Unrecognized tax benefits that are not expected to be settled within the next 12 months are included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets; unrecognized tax benefits that are expected to be settled within the next 12 months are included in income taxes payable.

The Company’s accounting policy with respect to interest and penalties related to income tax uncertainties is to classify these amounts as income taxes.  As of January 1, 2011, the total amount of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions recognized in the consolidated balance sheet was $1.9 million ($1.5 million net of federal benefit).  The total amount of penalties and interest, net of federal benefit, related to income tax uncertainties recognized in the statement of income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 was $0.3 million.  The total amount of accrued penalties and interest related to uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2011 of $2.2 million ($1.8 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.  The 2008, 2009 and 2010 federal income tax returns are open tax years that remain subject to potential future audit.  Nearly all state income tax returns for all years after 2007, and in certain states, income tax returns for 2006 and 2007, are subject to potential future audit by tax authorities in the Company’s major state tax jurisdictions.  The 2005, 2006 and 2007 tax years also remain open to a limited extent on federal and certain state income tax returns due to capital loss carryback claims.

The Company is currently being audited in various 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 liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, could decrease by approximately $0.2 million to $1.9 million ($0.2 million to $1.3 million net of federal benefit) upon settlement of these audits.  Such settlements are not anticipated to have a significant impact on the results of operations.

XML

Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011 Y	Sep. 30, 2010
Pension Benefits
Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits Other than Pension
Final number of years of employees compensation to determine the benefits payable (in years)				10
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$ 1,775,000		$ 1,535,000	$ 5,326,000	$ 4,605,000
Interest cost	1,799,000		1,649,000	5,397,000	4,947,000
Expected return on plan assets	(2,191,000)		(1,875,000)	(6,573,000)	(5,624,000)
Actuarial loss amortization	451,000		404,000	1,353,000	1,212,000
Prior service cost amortization	139,000		139,000	417,000	417,000
Transition obligation amortization	1,000		1,000	3,000	3,000
Total	1,974,000		1,853,000	5,923,000	5,560,000
Employer contribution to the pension plan		10,000,000
Other Postretirement Benefits
Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits Other than Pension
Age of employees after which the plan does not provide benefits (in years)				65
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	139,000		111,000	418,000	332,000
Interest cost	100,000		91,000	301,000	273,000
Prior service cost amortization	14,000		11,000	42,000	34,000
Total	$ 253,000		$ 213,000	$ 761,000	$ 639,000

XML

Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Contingencies

Contingencies

11.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.

Michael E. Taylor, Kenneth B. Young, individuals, on behalf of themselves individually and on behalf of others similarly situated v. Waddell & Reed, Inc. and DOES 1 through 10 inclusive; Case No. 09-CV-2909 AJB (WVG); in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California.

In this action filed December 28, 2009, the Company, along with various of its affiliates, were sued in an individual action, class action and Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) nationwide collective action by two former advisors asserting misclassification of financial advisors as independent contractors instead of employees. Only Waddell & Reed, Inc. remains as a defendant in the case.  Plaintiffs assert claims under the FLSA for minimum and overtime wages, claims under California Labor Code Statutes, and a claim for Unfair Business Practices under the California Business & Professions Code.  Plaintiffs seek declaratory and injunctive relief and monetary damages.  Plaintiffs have moved to conditionally certify the purported FLSA collective action, asking the court to allow certain financial advisors the opportunity to opt in to the lawsuit.  The Company has opposed this request. If the court conditionally certifies the FLSA collective action, certain current and former financial advisors will be provided written notice of the lawsuit and offered the opportunity to participate as plaintiffs.  If conditional certification is granted, the scope and cost of the case would increase, particularly where there is a high participation rate by those notified.  The Company intends to continue vigorously contesting plaintiffs’ claims.

In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution and outcome of this matter is uncertain.  At this stage of the litigation, the Company is unable to estimate the expense or exposure, if any, that it may represent.   The ultimate resolution of this matter, or an adverse determination against the Company, could have a material adverse impact on the financial position and results of operations of the Company.  However, this possible impact is unknown and not reasonably determinable; therefore, no liability has been recorded in the consolidated financial statements.

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Preferred stock-par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Preferred stock-shares authorized	5,000	5,000
Preferred stock-shares issued	0	0
Class A Common stock-par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Class A Common stock-shares authorized	250,000	250,000
Class A Common stock-shares issued	99,701	99,701
Class A Common stock-shares outstanding	85,420	85,751
Common shares in treasury	14,281	13,950

XML

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011
Stock options outstanding
Balance at the beginning of the period (in shares)	298,295
Exercised (in shares)	(156,112)
Terminated/Cancelled (in shares)	(76,347)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	65,836
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	65,836
Stock options, weighted average exercise price
Balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 29.98
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$ 30.89
Terminated/Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$ 29.21
Balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 28.70
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 28.70

XML

Contingencies (Details) (Litigation)	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2009 Claimant
Litigation
Contingencies
Number of former advisors filing a class action suit (in claimants)	2