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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM 10-K

þý    Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011
2014

OR

o    Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission file number 001-13913

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware51-0261715

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

6300 Lamar Avenue
Overland Park, Kansas 66202
913-236-2000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number of Registrant's principal executive offices)



SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT

Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value New York Stock Exchange



SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:

None
(Title of class)

        Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    YESþý    NOo

        Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    YESo    NOþý.

        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.
Yesþý
    Noo.

        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).
Yesþý
    Noo.

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendments to this Form 10-K.    (    )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 Filer þý Accelerated Filer o
Non-accelerated Filer o Smaller Reporting Company o
(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).    Yeso    Noþý.

        The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock equity held by non-affiliates (i.e. persons other than officers, directors and stockholders holding greater than 5% of the registrant's common stock) based on the closing sale price on June 30, 20112014 was $2.624$5.13 billion.

        Shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock as of February 16, 201213, 2015 Class A common stock, $.01 par value: 85,586,79683,564,556

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        In Part III of this Form 10-K, portions of the definitive proxy statement for the 20122015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held April 18, 2012.15, 2015.


Index of Exhibits (Pages 8489 through 89)93)
Total Number of Pages Included Are 8993


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WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011
2014

Part I
  
 Page

Part I

Item 1.

 

Business

 3

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 1011

Item 1B.

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

 1618

Item 2.

 

Properties

 1618

Item 3.

 

Legal Proceedings

 1718

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 1718

Part II

 


 
 

Item 5.

 

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 1819

Item 6.

 

Selected Financial Data

 2122

Item 7.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 2223

Item 7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 4244

Item 8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 4345

Item 9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 4345

Item 9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

 4345

Item 9B.

 

Other Information

 4648

Part III

 


 
 

Item 10.

 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 4648

Item 11.

 

Executive Compensation

 4648

Item 12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 4648

Item 13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 4649

Item 14.

 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

 4649

Part IV

 


 
 

Item 15.

 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 4649


SIGNATURES



 

4750

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 4851

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 8489

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PART I

ITEM 1.    Business

General

        Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as the "Company," "we," "our" or "us") is a corporation, incorporated in the state of Delaware in 1981, that conducts business through its subsidiaries. Founded in 1937, we are one of the oldest mutual fund complexes in the United States, having introduced the Waddell & Reed Advisors Groupgroup of Mutual Fundsmutual funds (the "Advisors Funds") in 1940. Over time we added additional mutual fund families: Ivy Funds (the "Ivy Funds"), Ivy Funds Variable Insurance Portfolios ("Ivy Funds VIP") and, InvestEd Portfolios, our 529 college savings plan ("InvestEd") (collectively, the Advisors Funds, Ivy Funds, Ivy Funds VIP and InvestEd are referred to as the "Funds") and the Selector Management Fund SICAV and its Ivy Global Investors sub-funds, an undertaking for the collective investment in transferable securities (the "Selector Management Funds" or "UCITS"). As of December 31, 2011,2014, we had $83.2$123.7 billion in assets under management.

        We derive our revenues from providing investment management, investment advisory, investment product underwriting and distribution, and shareholder services administration to mutual fundsthe Funds and the Selector Management 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.services, commissions derived from sales of investment and insurance products and distribution fees on certain variable products. The products sold have various commission structures and the revenues received from those sales vary based on the type and dollar amount sold. Shareholder service feesfee revenue includes transfer agency fees, custodian fees from retirement plan accounts, and portfolio accounting and administration fees, and is earned based on assets under management or number of client accounts.

        We operate our business through three distincta balanced distribution channels.network. Our retail products are distributed through third parties such as other broker/dealers, registered investment advisors and various retirement platforms, (collectively, the "Wholesale channel") or through our sales force of independent financial advisors (the "Advisors channel") or through third-parties such as other broker/dealers, registered investment advisors (including the retirement advisors of the Legend group of subsidiaries ("Legend")) and various retirement platforms, (collectively, the "Wholesale channel"). We also market our investment advisory services to institutional investors, either directly or through consultants (the "Institutional channel").

        In the Advisors channel, our sales force focuses its efforts primarily on financial planning, serving primarily middle class and mass affluent clients. We compete with smaller broker/dealers and independent financial advisors, as well as a span of other financial service providers. Assets under management in this channel were $31.7 billion at December 31, 2011.

Our Wholesale channel efforts include retail fund distribution through broker/dealers (the largestprimary method of distributing mutual funds for the industry), registered investment advisors (fee-based financial advisors who generally sell mutual funds through financial supermarkets) and retirement and insurance platforms. Assets under management in this channel were $41.0$60.3 billion at the end of 2011.2014.

        In the Advisors channel, our sales force focuses its efforts primarily on financial planning, serving mostly middle class and mass affluent clients. We compete with smaller broker/dealers and independent financial advisors, as well as a span of other financial service providers. Assets under management in this channel were $45.5 billion at December 31, 2014.

        Through our Institutional channel, we manage assets in a varietyserve as subadvisor for domestic and foreign distributors of investment stylesproducts for a varietypension funds, Taft-Hartley plans and endowments. Additionally, we serve as investment advisor and distributor of types of institutions. The largest client type is funds that hire us to act as subadvisor; they are typically distributors who lack scale or the track record to manage internally, or choose to market multi-manager styles.Selector Management Funds. Assets under management in the Institutional channel were $10.5$17.8 billion at December 31, 2011.2014.

Organization

        We operate our investment advisory business through our subsidiary companies, primarily Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company ("WRIMCO"), a registered investment adviser for the Advisor


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Funds, the Ivy Funds VIP and InvestEd, and Ivy Investment Management Company ("IICO"), the registered investment adviser for the Ivy Funds and Legend Advisory Corporation, the registered investment adviser for Legend.Selector Management Funds.

        Our underwriting and distribution business operates through threetwo broker/dealers: Waddell & Reed, Inc. ("W&R"), and Ivy Funds Distributor, Inc. ("IFDI") and Legend Equities Corporation ("LEC").


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W&R is a registered broker/dealer and investment adviser that acts primarily as the national distributor and underwriter for shares of the Advisors Funds, Ivy Funds VIP, InvestEd and other mutual funds, and as a distributor of variable annuities and other insurance products issued by our business partners. In addition, W&R is the eighthseventh largest distributor of ourthe Ivy Funds. IFDI a registered broker/dealer, is the distributor and underwriter for the Ivy Funds. LEC isFunds and serves as the registered broker/dealer forglobal distributor of the Selector Management Funds.

        In 2012, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell its Legend agroup of subsidiaries ("Legend") and the sale closed effective January 1, 2013. Legend was our mutual fund distribution and retirement planning subsidiary based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Through its network of financial advisors, Legend primarily servesserved employees of school districts and other not-for-profit organizations. Legend Advisory Corporation, the registered investment adviser for Legend, and Legend Equities Corporation, a registered broker/dealer ("LEC"), were among the subsidiaries sold.

        Waddell & Reed Services Company ("WRSCO") provides transfer agency and accounting services to the Advisors Funds, Ivy Funds, Ivy Funds VIP and InvestEd.Funds. W&R, WRIMCO, WRSCO, Legend, IICO and IFDI are hereafter collectively referred to as the "Company," "we," "us" or "our" unless the context requires otherwise.

Investment Management Operations

        Our investment advisory business provides one of our largest sources of revenues and profits.revenues. We earn investment management fee revenues by providing investment advisory and management services pursuant to investment management agreements with each fund within the Advisors Funds family,and the Ivy Funds family, the Ivy Funds VIP family, and InvestEd (collectively, the "Funds").Selector Management Funds. While the specific terms of the agreements vary, the basic terms are similar. The agreements provide that we render overall investment management services to each of the Funds, subject to the oversight of each Fund's board of trustees and in accordance with each Fund's investment objectives and policies. The agreements permit us to enter into separate agreements for shareholder services or accounting services with each respective Fund.

        Each Fund's board of trustees, including a majority of the trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Fund or the Company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "ICA") ("disinterested members") and the Fund's shareholders must approve the investment management agreement between the respective Fund and the Company. These agreements may continue in effect from year to year if specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Fund's board, including a majority of the disinterested members, or (ii) the vote of a majority of both the shareholders of the Fund and the disinterested members of each Fund's board, each vote being cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. Each agreement automatically terminates in the event of its assignment, as defined by the ICA or the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "Advisers Act"), and may be terminated without penalty by any Fund by giving us 60 days' written notice if the termination has been approved by a majority of the Fund's trustees or the Fund's shareholders. We may terminate an investment management agreement without penalty on 120 days' written notice.

        In addition to performing investment management services for the Funds, we act as an investment adviser for institutional and other private investors and we provide subadvisory services to other investment companies. Our fee for theseSuch services isare provided pursuant to various written agreements and our fees are generally based on a percentage of assets under management. Such services are provided pursuant to various written agreements.


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        Our investment management team meets every morningbegins each business day in a collaborative settingdiscussion that fosters idea sharing, yet reinforces individual accountability. Through all market cycles, we remain dedicated to the following investment principles:


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        These three principles shape our investment philosophy and money management approach. Over seven decades,For nearly 80 years, our investment organization has delivered consistently competitive investment performance. Through bull and bear markets, our investment professionals have not strayed from what works —works—fundamental research and a time-tested investment process and fundamental research.process. We believe investors turn to us because they appreciate that our investment approach continues to identify and create opportunities for wealth creation.

        Our investment management team comprises 7787 professionals, including 3033 portfolio managers who average 2122 years of industry experience and 1516 years of tenure with our firm. We have significant experience in virtually all major asset classes, several specialized asset classes and a range of investment styles. At December 31, 2011,2014, over 80% of the Company's $83.2$123.7 billion in assets under management were invested in equities, of which 73%80% was domestic and 27%20% was international. In recent years, we have supported growth of international investments by adding investment professionals native to countries that we consider emerging markets. They, along with other members of the investment team, focus on understanding foreign markets and capturing investment opportunities. Our investment management team also includes subadvisors who bring similar investment philosophies and additional expertise in specific asset classes.

Investment Management Products

        Our mutual fund families offer a wide variety of investment options. We are the exclusive underwriter and distributor of 8086 registered open-end mutual fund portfolios which include offerings in the Advisors Funds,Funds. Additionally, we have one closed-end offering through the Ivy Funds Ivyand offer the Selector Management Funds VIP and InvestEd.through our Institutional channel. The Advisors Funds, variable products offering the Ivy Funds VIP, and InvestEd are offered primarily through our financial advisors and Legend advisors;in the Advisors channel; in some circumstances, certain of thesethose funds are also offered through the Wholesale channel. The Ivy Funds are offered through both our AdvisorsWholesale channel and WholesaleAdvisors channel. The Funds' assets under management are included in either our AdvisorsWholesale channel or our WholesaleAdvisors channel depending on which channel marketed the client account or is the broker of record.

        During 2014, we completed the merger of two open-end mutual funds and added two open-end mutual funds to our product line. Ivy Funds merged the Ivy Asset Strategy Opportunities Fund into the Ivy Emerging Markets Equity Fund, creating a fund that offers investors a single fund for emerging-market equity investments in any region of the world. We launched the Ivy Emerging Markets Local Currency Debt Fund, subadvised by Pictet Asset Management. This fund provides investors the opportunity to capture fixed income opportunities from a select group of emerging market economies. The fund invests primarily in sovereign debt securities issued in the local currencies of emerging market countries. We also launched the Ivy Mid Cap Income Opportunities Fund. This fund's objective is to provide total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of income-producing common stocks that the management team believes demonstrates favorable


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prospects for total return. The fund intends to focus primarily on mid-capitalization companies believed to have the ability to sustain and potentially increase dividends while providing capital appreciation over the long-term.

        We also completed a fund adoption transaction agreement in 2014 with Emerging Managers Group, L.P. through which IICO assumed responsibility as investment adviser and IFDI serves as global distributor of the Selector Management Funds. The Selector Management Funds included in the fund adoption transaction are the Ivy Global Investors Asset Strategy Fund and the Ivy Global Investors High Income Fund. Subsequent to the fund adoption transaction we launched the following sub-funds: Ivy Global Investors Mid Cap Growth Fund, Ivy Global Investors Large Cap Growth Fund and Ivy Global Investors Science & Technology Fund. This transaction allows us to serve the non-U.S. resident customer market through national broker/dealer firms in the United States and establish greater international distribution of our investment management capabilities.

        In 2014, we launched the R6 share class for the majority of the Ivy Funds to meet the needs of our retirement and benefit plan clients. The share class does not charge any sales load or Rule 12b-1 expenses.

Other Products

        We offer our Advisors channel customers fee-based asset allocation investment advisory products, including Managed Allocation Portfolio ("MAP"), MAPPlus and Strategic Portfolio Allocation ("SPA"), which utilize the Funds. As of December 31, 2014, clients had $17.3 billion invested in our fee-based asset allocation investment advisory products, of which $15.7 billion is invested in our mutual funds and included in our mutual fund assets under management.

        In our Advisors channel, we distribute various business partners' variable annuity products, which offer the Ivy Funds VIP as an investment vehicle. We also offer our Advisors channel customers retirement and life insurance products underwritten by our business partners. Through our insurance agency subsidiaries, Waddell & Reedsubsidiary, our financial advisors also sell life insurance and disability products underwritten by various carriers.

        In addition, we offer our Advisors channel customers fee-based asset allocation investment advisory products, including Managed Allocation Portfolio ("MAP"), MAPPlus and Strategic Portfolio Allocation ("SPA"), which utilize our Funds. As of December 31, 2011, clients have $6.0 billion invested in our MAP, MAPPlus and SPA products. These assets are included in our mutual fund assets under management.

Distribution Channels

        We distribute our investment products through the Wholesale, Advisors Wholesale and Institutional channels. During 2014, our Asset Strategy funds continued to play a lead role in the Company's results, comprising 25% of the Company's gross sales and 29% of the assets under management as of December 31, 2014. While we recognize the past success of these funds, we are also aware of the concentration risks to our revenue streams created by the size of these funds, despite the flexible mandate. Over the past several years, our distribution channels have successfully marketed additional products to their clients, which contributed to total sales for the Asset Strategy funds decreasing from 46% in 2010 to 25% in 2014. Over the same time period, fixed income sales have grown from 13% to 26%. We plan to continue to stress diversification of sales in 2015.

Wholesale Channel

        Our Wholesale channel generates sales through various third party distribution outlets. Our assets under management in the Wholesale channel were $60.3 billion at December 31, 2014, including $0.6 billion in assets subadvised by other managers.

        Our team of 59 external wholesalers lead our wholesaling efforts, which focus principally on distributing the Ivy Funds through three segments: broker/dealers (the largest method of distributing mutual funds for the industry and for us), retirement platforms (401(k) platforms using multiple managers) and registered investment advisors (fee-based financial advisors who generally sell mutual funds through financial supermarkets). Additionally, our National Accounts team, comprised of 18 employees, work with the home offices of our distribution partners managing current and new relationships.


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Advisors Channel

        Assets under management in the Advisors channel were $31.7$45.5 billion at December 31, 2011. Historically,2014. Throughout our history, our advisors have sold investment products primarily to middle income and mass affluent individuals, families and businesses across the country in geographic markets of all sizes. We assist clients on a wide range of financial issues with a significant focus on helping them plan, generally, for long-term investments such as retirement and education, and offer one-on-one consultations that emphasize long-term relationships through continued service. As a result of this approach, this channel has developed a loyal customer base with clients maintaining their accounts significantly longer than the industry average. Over the past several years, we have expanded our Choice brokerage platform technology and offerings, that should allowwhich enable us to competitively recruit experienced advisors.


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        As of December 31, 2011,2014, our sales force consisted of 1,8161,766 financial advisors who operate out of 163 offices located throughout the United States and 256 individual advisor offices.States. We believe, based on industry data, that our financial advisors are currently one of the largest sales forces in the United States selling primarily mutual funds, and that W&R, our broker/dealer subsidiary, ranks among the largest independent broker/dealers. As of December 31, 2011, ourWe continue to experience growth in sales force production. Advisors channel had approximately 502 thousand mutual fund customers.

        Over the past several years, we have instituted more stringent production requirements for our sales force, which has resulted in a steady decline in our number of advisors. However, gross sales have not declined over this period and this channel produced 5% more in 2011 with 13% fewer advisors, on average, compared to 2010. We utilize gross revenue per advisor to measure advisor productivity. For purposes of this measure, gross revenue consists of front-end load salesunderwriting and distribution fee revenues as would be received from an underwriter, from salesper the average number of both our Funds and other mutual funds. It also includes fee revenues from our asset allocation products and financial plans, and commission revenues earned on insurance products. Gross revenue per advisor was $156advisors were $254 thousand, $119$215 thousand and $93$180 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2011, 20102014, 2013 and 2009,2012, respectively.

Wholesale Channel

        Our Wholesale channel generates sales through various third-party distribution outlets and Legend advisors. Our assets under management in the Wholesale channel were $41.0 billion at December 31, 2011, including $4.1 billion in assets at December 31, 2011 that are subadvised by other managers.

        Our wholesaling efforts focus principally on distributing the Ivy Funds through three segments: broker/dealers (the largest method of distributing mutual funds for the industry and for us), retirement platforms (401(k) platforms using multiple managers) and registered investment advisors (fee-based financial advisors who generally sell mutual funds through financial supermarkets). We continued to expand our team of external wholesalers in 2011, reaching a total of 51 wholesalers by year-end. In 2010, we restructured our wholesaler territories into smaller, more manageable areas that enabled our wholesalers to focus on additional distribution partners in their territories.

        During 2011, our Ivy Asset Strategy fund continued to play a lead role in the Wholesale channel's results, comprising 47% of the channel's sales and 30% of total assets under management as As of December 31, 2011. While we recognize the past success of this2014, our Advisors channel had approximately 465 thousand mutual fund we are also aware of the concentration risks to our revenue streams created by the size of this fund, despite its flexible mandate. Our compensation program for wholesalers encourages the sales of other products with track records of strong performance. Over the past two years, we saw wholesalers successfully market additional products to their financial advisor clients, which resulted in Wholesale channel sales for the Ivy Asset Strategy fund decreasing from 60% in 2010 to 47% in 2011. We plan to continue to stress diversification of sales as we enter 2012.customers.

Institutional Channel

        Through this channel, we manage assets in a variety of investment styles for a variety of institutions. The largest client type is fundsother asset managers that hire us to act as subadvisor; they are typically domestic and foreign distributors of investment products who lack scale or the track record to manage internally, or choose to market multi-manager styles. Our diverse client list also includes corporations, foundations, endowments, Taft-Hartley plans and public funds, including defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans. Over time, the Institutional channel has been successful in developing subadvisory relationships. Asrelationships, and as of December 31, 2011, this type of2014, subadvisory business comprised more than 60%70% of the Institutional channel's assets, which management views as a positive development as it believes this type of business has better growth potential thanassets. Our diverse client list also includes the defined benefit business.Selector Management Funds, pension funds, Taft-Hartley plans and endowments. Assets under management in the Institutional channel were $10.5$17.8 billion at December 31, 2011.


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Service Agreements

        We earn service fee revenues by providing various services to the Funds and their shareholders. Pursuant to the shareholder servicing agreements, we perform shareholder servicing functions for which the Funds pay us a monthly fee, including: maintaining shareholder accounts; issuing, transferring and redeeming shares; distributing dividends and paying redemptions; furnishing information related to the Funds; and handling shareholder inquiries. Pursuant to the accounting service agreements, we provide the Funds with bookkeeping and accounting services and assistance for which the Funds pay us a monthly fee, including: maintaining the Funds' records; pricing Fund shares; and preparing prospectuses for existing shareholders, proxy statements and certain other shareholder reports.

        Agreements with the Funds may be adopted or amended with the approval of the disinterested members of each Fund's board of trustees and have annually renewable terms of one year.

Competition

        The financial services industry is a highly competitive global industry. According to the Investment Company Institute, or ICI, at the end of 20112014 there were more than 8,6009,200 open-end investment companies and more than 500 closed-end investment companies of varying sizes, investment policies and objectives whose shares are being offered to the public in the United States alone. Factors affecting our business include brand recognition, business reputation, investment performance, quality of service and the continuity of both client relationships and assets under management. A majority of mutual fund sales go to funds that are highly rated by a small number of well-known ranking services that focus on investment


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performance. Competition is based on distribution methods, the type and quality of shareholder services, the success of marketing efforts, and the ability to develop investment products for certain market segments to meet the changing needs of investors, and to achievethe achievement of competitive investment management performance.

        We compete with hundreds of other mutual fund management, distribution and service companies that distribute their fund shares through a variety of methods, including affiliated and unaffiliated sales forces, broker/dealers and direct sales to the public of shares offered at a low or no sales charge. Many larger mutual fund complexes have significant advertising budgets and established relationships with brokerage houses with large distribution networks, which enable these fund complexes to reach broad client bases. Many investment management firms offer services and products similar to ours, as well as other independent financial advisors. We also compete with brokerage and investment banking firms, insurance companies, commercial banks and other financial institutions and businesses offering other financial products in all aspects of their businesses. Although no single company or group of companies consistently dominates the mutual fund management and services industry, many are larger than us, have greater resources and offer a wider array of financial services and products. We believe that competition in the mutual fund industry will increase as a result of increased flexibility afforded to banks and other financial institutions to sponsor mutual funds and distribute mutual fund shares. Additionally, barriersBarriers to entry into the investment management business are relatively few, and thus, we face a potentially growing number of competitors, especially during periods of strong financial and economic markets.

        The distribution of mutual funds and other investment products has undergone significant developments in recent years, which has intensified the competitive environment in which we operate. These developments include the introduction of new products, increasingly complex distribution systems with multiple classes of shares, the development of Internetinternet websites providing investors with the ability to invest on-line, the introduction of sophisticated technological platforms used by financial advisors to sell and service mutual funds for their clients, the introduction of separately managed accounts — accounts—previously available only to institutional investors — investors—to individuals, and growth in the number of mutual funds offered.

        We believe we effectively compete across multiple dimensions of the asset management and broker/dealer businesses. First, our proprietary broker/dealer consists of a sales force of independent contractors affiliated with our company who primarily utilize our financial products. We believe our business model


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targets customers seeking personal assistance from financial advisors or planners where the primary competition is companies distributing products through financial advisors. Our financial advisors compete primarily with large and small broker/dealers, independent financial advisors, registered investment advisors and insurance representatives. The market for financial planning and advice is extremely broad and fragmented. Second, we market our products, primarily the Ivy Funds family, to unaffiliated broker/dealers and advisors and compete against other asset managers offering mutual fund products. This second distribution method allows us to move beyond proprietary distribution and increases our potential pool of clients. Competition is based on sales techniques, personal relationships and skills, and the quality of financial planning products and services offered. We compete against asset managers whichthat are both larger and smaller than our firm, but we believe that the breadth and depth of our products position us to compete in this environment. Second, our proprietary broker/dealer consists of a sales force of independent contractors affiliated with our Company who have access to our proprietary financial products. We believe our business model targets customers seeking personal assistance from financial advisors or planners where the primary competition is companies distributing products through financial advisors. The market for financial advice is extremely broad and fragmented. Our financial advisors compete primarily with large and small broker/dealers, independent financial advisors, registered investment advisors, financial institutions and insurance representatives. Finally, we compete in the institutional marketplace, working with consultants who select asset managers for various opportunities, as well as working directly with plan sponsors, foundations, endowments, sovereign funds and other asset managers who hire subadvisors. In this marketplace, we compete with a broad range of asset managers.

        We also face competition in attracting and retaining qualified financial advisors and employees. TheTo maximize our ability to continue to compete effectively in our business, depends in part on our ability to compete effectively in the labor market. In order to maximize this ability, we offer competitive compensation, a wide range of benefits and have several stock-based compensation incentive programs.compensation.

Regulation

        The securities industry is subject to extensive regulation and virtually all aspects of our business are subject to various federal and state laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are primarily intended to protect investment advisory clients and shareholders of registered investment companies. Under such laws and regulations, agencies and organizations that regulate investment advisers, broker/dealers, and


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transfer agents like us have broad administrative powers, including the power to limit, restrict or prohibit an investment adviser, broker/dealer or transfer agent from carrying on its business in the event that it fails to comply with applicable laws and regulations. In such event, the possible sanctions that may be imposed include, but are not limited to, the suspension of individual employees or agents, limitations on engaging in certain lines of business for specified periods of time, censures, fines and the revocation of investment adviser and other registrations.

        The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") is the federal agency responsible for the administration of federal securities laws. Certain of our subsidiaries are registered with the SEC as investment advisers under the Advisers Act, which imposes numerous obligations on registered investment advisers including, among other things, fiduciary duties, record-keeping and reporting requirements, operational requirements and disclosure obligations, as well as general anti-fraud prohibitions. Investment advisers are subject to periodic examination by the SEC, and the SEC is authorized to institute proceedings and impose sanctions for violations of the Advisers Act, ranging from censure to termination of an investment adviser's registration.

        Our Funds are registered as investment companies with the SEC under the ICA, and various filings are made with states under applicable state rules and regulations. The ICA regulates the relationship between a mutual fund and its investment adviser and prohibits or severely restricts principal transactions and joint transactions. Various regulations cover certain investment strategies that may be used by the Funds for hedging and/or speculative purposes. To the extent the Funds purchase futures contracts, options on futures contracts, swaps and foreign currency contracts, they are subject to the commodities and futures regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

        We derive a large portion of our revenues from investment management agreements. Under the Advisers Act, our investment management agreements terminate automatically if assigned without the client's consent. Under the ICA, investment advisory agreements with registered investment companies, such as the Funds, terminate automatically upon assignment. The term "assignment" is broadly defined


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and includes direct assignments, as well as assignments that may be deemed to occur, under certain circumstances, upon the transfer, directly or indirectly, of a controlling interest in the Company.

        The Company is also subject to federal and state laws affecting corporate governance, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, ("S-OX"), as well as rules adopted by the SEC. In 2004, we implemented compliance with Section 404 of S-OX. Our related report on internal controls over financial reporting for 20112014 is included in Part I, Item 9A.

        As a publicly traded company, we are also subject to the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), the exchange on which our stock is listed, including the corporate governance listing standards approved by the SEC.

        ThreeTwo of our subsidiaries, W&R LEC and IFDI, are registered as broker/dealers with the SEC and the states. A third broker/dealer subsidiary, LEC, was sold effective January 1, 2013. Much of the broker/dealer regulation has been delegated by the SEC to self-regulatory organizations, principally the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"), which is the primary regulator of our broker/dealer activities. These self-regulatory organizations adopt rules (subject to approval by the SEC) that govern the industry and conduct periodic examinations of our operations over which they have jurisdiction. Securities firms are also subject to regulation by state securities administrators in those states in which they conduct business. Broker/dealers are subject to regulations that cover all aspects of the securities business, including sales practices, market making and trading among broker/dealers, the use and safekeeping of clients' funds and securities, capital structure, record-keeping, and the conduct of directors, officers and employees. Violation of applicable regulations can result in the revocation of broker/dealer licenses, the imposition of censures or fines, and the suspension or expulsion of a firm, its officers or employees.


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        W&R LEC and IFDI are each subject to certain net capital requirements pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 of the Exchange Act (the "Net Capital Rule") specifies the minimum level of net capital a registered broker/dealer must maintain and also requires that part of its assets be kept in a relatively liquid form. The Net Capital Rule is designed to ensure the financial soundness and liquidity of broker/dealers. Any failure to maintain the required minimum net capital may subject us to suspension or revocation of our registration or other limitations on our activity by the SEC, and suspension or expulsion by FINRA or other regulatory bodies, and ultimately could require the broker/dealer's liquidation. The maintenance of minimum net capital requirements may also limit our ability to pay dividends. As of December 31, 2011, 20102014 and 2009,2013, net capital for W&R LEC and IFDI exceeded all minimum requirements.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970, W&R and LEC are membersis a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (the "SIPC"). IFDI is exempt from the membership requirements and is not a member of the SIPC. The SIPC provides protection against lost, stolen or missing securities (but not loss in value due to a rise or fall in market prices) for clients in the event of the failure of a broker/dealer. Accounts are protected up to $500,000 per client with a limit of $100,000 for cash balances. However, since the Funds, and not our broker/dealer subsidiaries, maintain customer accounts, SIPC protection would not cover mutual fund shareholders whose accounts are maintained directly with the Funds.Funds, but would apply to brokerage accounts held on our brokerage platform.

        Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act, the International Money Laundering Abatement and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act of 2001, imposes significant anti-money laundering requirements on all financial institutions, including domestic banks and domestic operations of foreign banks, broker/dealers, futures commission merchants and investment companies.

        Our operations outside the United States are subject to the laws and regulations of various non-U.S. jurisdictions and non-U.S. regulatory agencies and bodies, including the regulation of the Selector Management Funds by Luxembourg's Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier as UCITS. As we broaden our distribution globally, we will become subject to increased international regulations, some of which are comparable to the regulations to which our United States operations are subject. Similar to the United States, non-U.S. regulatory agencies have broad authority in the event of non-compliance with laws and regulations.

        Our businesses may be materially affected not only by regulations applicable to us as an investment adviser, broker/dealer or transfer agent, but also by law and regulations of general application. For example, the volume of our principal investment advisory business in a given time period could be affected by, among other things, existing and proposed tax legislation and other governmental regulations and policies (including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board), and changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules that affect the business and financial communities.


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Intellectual Property

        We regard our names as material to our business, and have registered certain service marks associated with our business with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Employees

        At December 31, 20112014 we had 1,6161,648 full-time employees, consisting of 1,2351,314 home office and Legend employees and 381334 employees responsible for advisor field supervision and administration.

Available Information

        We file reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC, copies of which can be obtained from the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street NE, Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-732-0330.

        Reports we file electronically with the SEC via the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system ("EDGAR") may be accessed through the Internet. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, atwww.sec.gov. The Company makesmake available free of charge our proxy statements, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q,10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports under the "Reports & SEC Filings" menu on the "Investor Relations" section of our internet website atwww.waddell.com as soon as it is reasonably practical after such filing has been made with the SEC.


        Also available on the "Corporate Governance" page in the "Our Firm" dropdown menu is information on corporate governance. Stockholders can view our Corporate CodeTable of Business Conduct and Ethics (the "Code of Ethics"), which applies to directors, officers and all employees of the Company, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, and the charters of key committees (including the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees). Printed copies of these documents are available to any stockholder upon request by calling the investor relations department at 1-800-532-2757. Any future amendments to or waivers of the Code of Ethics will be posted to our website, as required.Contents

ITEM 1A.    Risk Factors

        Our Financial Advisors Are Classified As Independent Contractors, And Changes To Their Classification May Increase Our Operating Expenses.    From time to time, various legislativeYou should carefully consider the following risk factors as well as the other risks and uncertainties contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or regulatory proposals are introduced atin our other SEC filings. The occurrence of one or more of these risks or uncertainties could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows. In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless the federal orcontext expressly requires a different reading, when we state levels to change the status of independent contractors' classification to employees for either employment tax purposes (withholding, social security, Medicare and unemployment taxes) or other benefits available to employees. Currently, most individuals are classified as employees or independent contractors for employment tax purposes based on 20 "common law" factors, rather than any definition found in the Internal Revenue Code or Treasury regulations. We classify the majority of our financial advisors as independent contractors for all purposes, including employment tax and employee benefit purposes. There can be no assurance that legislative, judicial or regulatory (including tax) authorities will not introduce proposals or assert interpretations of existing rules and regulations that would change the independent contractor/employee classification of those financial advisors currently doing business with us. The costs associated with potential changes, if any, with respect to these independent contractor classificationsa factor could "adversely affect us," have a material"material adverse effect on the Company, including our results of operations and financial condition. See Part I, Item 3. "Legal Proceedings."

        Our Business Is Subject To Substantial Risk From Litigation, Regulatory Investigations And Potential Securities Laws Liability.    Many aspects of our business, involve substantial risks of litigation, regulatory investigations and/or arbitration," "adversely affect our business" and from time to time,similar expressions, we are involved in various legal proceedings inmean that the course of operatingfactor could materially and adversely affect our business. The Company is exposed to liability under federal and state securities


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laws, other federal and state laws and court decisions, as well as rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, FINRA and other regulatory bodies. We, our subsidiaries, and/or certain of our past and present officers, have been named as parties in legal actions, regulatory investigations and proceedings, and securities arbitrations in the past and have been subject to claims alleging violation of such laws, rules and regulations, which have resulted in the payment of fines and settlements. An adverse resolution of any lawsuit, legal or regulatory proceeding or claim against us could result in substantial costs or reputational harm to the Company, and have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, oroperating results and cash flows. Information contained in this section may be considered "forward-looking statements." See "Item 7—Management's Discussion and Analysis of operations, which, in turn, may negatively affect the market priceFinancial Condition and Results of our common stock and our ability to pay dividends. In addition to these financial costs and risks, the defenseOperations—Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" for a discussion of litigation or arbitration may divert resources and management's attention from operations. See Part I, Item 3. "Legal Proceedings."certain qualifications regarding forward-looking statements.

        An Increasing Percentage Of Our Assets Under Management Are Distributed Through Our Wholesale Channel, Which Has Higher Redemption Rates Than Our Traditional Advisors Channel.    In recent years, we have focused on expanding distribution efforts relating to our Wholesale channel. The percentage of our assets under management in the Wholesale channel has increased from 10% at December 31, 2003 to 49% at December 31, 2011,2014, and the percentage of our total sales represented by the Wholesale channel has increased from 17% for the year ended December 31, 2003 to 70%67% for the year ended December 31, 2011.2014. The success of sales in our Wholesale channel depends upon our maintaining strong relationships with institutional accounts, certain strategic partners and our third party distributors. Many of those distribution sources also offer investors competing funds that are internally or externally managed, which could limit the distribution of our products. The loss of any of these distribution channels and the inability to continue to access new distribution channels could decrease our assets under management and adversely affect our results of operations and growth. There are no assurances that these channels and their client bases will continue to be accessible to us. The loss or diminution of the level of business we do with those providers could have a material adverse effect on our business, especially with the high concentration of assets in certain funds in this channel, namely the Ivy Asset Strategy fund. Compared to the industry average redemption rate of 27.0%24.7% and 26.3%25.7% for the years ended December 31, 20112014 and 2010,2013, respectively, the Wholesale channel had redemption rates of 29.5%34.8% and 29.3%25.2% for the years ended December 31, 20112014 and 2010,2013, respectively. Redemption rates were 10.0%8.3% and 9.3%8.9% for our Advisors channel in the same periods, reflecting the higher rate of transferability of investment assets in the Wholesale channel.

        Our Business Is Subject To Substantial Risk From Litigation, Regulatory Investigations And Potential Securities Laws Liability.    Many aspects of our business involve substantial risks of litigation, regulatory investigations and/or arbitration, and from time to time, we are involved in various legal proceedings in the course of operating our business. We are exposed to liability under federal and state securities laws, other federal and state laws and court decisions, as well as rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, FINRA and other regulatory bodies. We, our subsidiaries, and/or certain of our past and present officers, have been named as parties in legal actions, regulatory investigations and proceedings, and securities arbitrations in the past and have been subject to claims alleging violation of such laws, rules and regulations, which have resulted in the payment of fines and settlements. An adverse resolution of any lawsuit, legal or regulatory proceeding or claim against us could result in substantial costs or reputational harm to us, and have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition to these financial costs and risks, the defense of litigation, regulatory investigations or arbitration may divert resources and management's attention from operations.

        Our Financial Advisors Are Classified As Independent Contractors, And Changes To Their Classification May Increase Our Operating Expenses.    From time to time, various legislative or regulatory proposals are introduced at the federal or state levels to change the status of independent contractors' classification to employees for either employment tax purposes (withholding, social security, Medicare and unemployment taxes) or other benefits available to employees. Currently, most individuals are classified as employees or


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independent contractors for employment tax purposes based on 20 "common law" factors, rather than any definition found in the Internal Revenue Code or Treasury regulations. We classify the majority of our financial advisors as independent contractors for all purposes, including employment tax and employee benefit purposes. There can be no assurance that legislative, judicial or regulatory (including tax) authorities will not introduce proposals or assert interpretations of existing rules and regulations that would change the independent contractor/employee classification of those financial advisors currently doing business with us. The costs associated with potential changes, if any, with respect to these independent contractor classifications could have a material adverse effect on our business.

        There May Be Adverse Effects On Our Business If Our Funds' Performance Declines.    Success in the investment management and mutual fund businesses is dependent on the investment performance of client accounts relative to market conditions and the performance of competing funds. Good relative performance stimulates sales of the Funds' shares and tends to keep redemptions low. Sales of the Funds' shares in turn generate higher management fees and distribution revenues. Good relative performance also attracts institutional and separate accounts. Conversely, poor relative performance results in decreased sales, increased redemptions of the Funds' shares and the loss of institutional and separate accounts, resulting in decreases in revenues. As of December 31, 2014, 22% and 7% of our assets under management were concentrated in the Ivy Asset Strategy fund and Ivy High Income fund, respectively. As a result, our operating results are significantly affected by the performance of those funds and our ability to minimize redemptions from and maintain assets under management in those funds. If a significant amount of investments are withdrawn from those funds for any reason, our revenues would decline and our operating results would be adversely affected. Further, given the size and prominence of those funds within our product line, any adverse performance of those funds may also indirectly affect the net sales and redemptions in our other products, which in turn may adversely affect our business.

There May Be An Adverse Effect On Our Revenues And EarningsBusiness If Our Investors Redeem The Assets We Manage On Short Notice.    Mutual fund investors may redeem their investments in our mutual funds at any time without any prior notice. Additionally, our investment management agreements with institutions and other non-mutual fund accounts are generally terminable upon relatively short notice. Investors can terminate their relationship with us, reduce their aggregate amount of assets under management, or shift their funds to other types of accounts with different rate structures for any number of reasons, including investment performance, changes in prevailing interest rates and financial market performance. The ability of our investors to accomplish thisredeem their investments in our mutual funds on short notice has increased materially due to the growth of assets in our Wholesale channel and with the high concentration of assets in certain funds in this channel, including the Ivy Asset Strategy fund. The decrease in revenues that could result from any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business and earnings.

        There Is No Assurance That New Information Systems Will be Implemented Successfully.    A number of the Company's key information technology systems were developed solely to handle the Company's particular information technology infrastructure. The Company is in the process of evaluating and implementing new information technology and systems that it believes could facilitate and improve our core businesses and our productivity. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in implementing the new information technology and systems or that their implementation will be completed in a timely or cost effective manner. Failure to implement or maintain adequate information technology infrastructure could impede our ability to support business growth.


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        Regulatory Risk Is Substantial In Our Business And Non-Compliance With Regulations, Or Changes In Regulations, Could Have A Significant Impact On The Conduct Of Our Business, Reputation And Our Prospects, Revenues And Earnings.Prospects.    Our investment advisory and broker/dealer businesses are heavily regulated, primarily at the federal level. Non-compliance with applicable laws or regulations could result in sanctions being levied against us, including fines and censures, suspension or expulsion from a certain jurisdiction or market, or the revocation of licenses. Non-compliance with applicable laws or regulations could also adversely affect our business, reputation prospects, revenues and earnings.prospects. In addition, changes in current legal, regulatory, accounting, tax or compliance requirements or in governmental policies could adversely affect our operations, revenues and earnings by, among other things, increasing expenses and reducing investor interest in certain products we offer. Distribution fees paid to mutual fund distributors in accordance with Rule 12b-1 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("Rule 12b-1"), are an important element of the distribution of the mutual funds we manage. The SEC has proposed replacing Rule 12b-1 with a new regulation that would significantly change current fund distribution practices in the industry. If this proposed regulation is adopted, it may have a material impact on the compensation we pay to distributors for distributing the mutual funds we manage and/or our ability to recover expenses related to the


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distribution of our funds, and thus could materially impactaffect our revenue and net income.business. Additionally, our profitability could be affected by rules and regulations that impact the business and financial communities generally, including changes to the laws governing state and federal taxation.

        Our Revenues, EarningsBusiness And Prospects Could Be Adversely Affected If The Securities Markets Decline.    Our results of operations are affected by certain economic factors, including the levelsuccess of the securities markets. The on-going existence of adverse market conditions, which is particularly material to usthe U.S. domestic stock market due to our high concentration of assets under management in the United States domestic stockthat market, and lack of investor confidence could result in investors further withdrawing from the markets or decreasing their rate of investment, either of which could adversely affect our revenues, earnings and growth prospects to a greater extent. Because our revenues are, to a large extent, investment management fees that are based on the value of assets under management, a decline in the value of these assets adversely affects our revenues and earnings. Our growth is dependent to a significant degree upon our ability to attract and retain mutual fund assets, and, in an adverse economic environment, this may prove more difficult. Our growth rate has varied from year to year and there can be no assurance that theour average growth rates sustained in recent years will continue. Declines in the securities markets could significantly reduce our future revenues and earnings. In addition, a decline in the market value of these assets could cause our clients to withdraw funds in favor of investments they perceive as offering greater opportunity or lower risk, which could also negatively impact our revenues and earnings. The combination of adverse marketsmarket conditions reducing sales and investment management fees could compound on each other and materially affect earnings.

        There May Be Adverse Effects On Our Revenues And Earnings If Our Funds' Performance Declines.    Success in the investment management and mutual fund businesses is dependent on the investment performance of client accounts relative to market conditions and the performance of competing funds. Good relative performance stimulates sales of the Funds' shares and tends to keep redemptions low. Sales of the Funds' shares in turn generate higher management fees and distribution revenues. Good relative performance also attracts institutional and separate accounts. Conversely, poor relative performance results in decreased sales, increased redemptions of the Funds' shares and the loss of institutional and separate accounts, resulting in decreases in revenues. Failure of our Funds to perform well could, therefore, have a material adverse effect on our revenues and earnings.business.

        Our Ability To Hire And Retain Senior Executive Management And Other Key Personnel Is Significant To Our Success And Growth.    Our continued success depends to a substantial degree on our ability to attract and retain qualified senior executive management and other key personnel to conduct our broker/dealer, fund management and investment advisory businesses. The market for qualified fund managers, investment analysts, financial advisors and wholesalers is extremely competitive. Additionally, we are dependent on our financial advisors and select wholesale distributors to sell our mutual funds and other investment


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products. Our growth prospects will be directly affected by the quality, quantity and productivity of financial advisors and wholesalers we are able to successfully recruit and retain. There can be no assurances that we will be successful in our efforts to recruit and retain the required personnel.

        We Have Substantial Intangibles On Our Balance Sheet, And Any Impairment Of Our Intangibles Could Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations And Financial Position.    At December 31, 2011, our total assets were approximately $1.1 billion, of which approximately $221.2 million, or 20%, consisted of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets. We complete an ongoing review of goodwill and intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently whenever events or a change in circumstances warrant. Important factors in determining whether an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets might exist include significant continued underperformance compared to peers, the likelihood of termination or non-renewal of a mutual fund advisory or subadvisory contract or substantial changes in revenues earned from such contracts, significant changes in our business and products, material and ongoing negative industry or economic trends, or other factors specific to each asset or subsidiary being tested. Because of the significance of goodwill and other intangibles to our consolidated balance sheets, the annual impairment analysis is critical. Any changes in key assumptions about our business and our prospects, or changes in market conditions or other externalities, could result in an impairment charge. Any such charge could have a material effect on our results of operations and financial position.

        There May Be Adverse Effects On Our Business And Earnings Upon The Termination Of, Or Failure To Renew, Certain Agreements.    A majority of our revenues are derived from investment management agreements with the Funds that, as required by law, are terminable on 60 days' notice. Each investment management agreement must be approved and renewed annually by the disinterested members of each Fund's board of trustees or its shareholders, as required by law. Additionally, our investment management agreements provide for automatic termination in the event of assignment, which includes a change of control, without the consent of our clients and, in the case of the Funds, approval of the Funds' board of directors/trustees and shareholders to continue the agreements. There can be no assurances that our clients will consent to any assignment of our investment management agreements, or that those and other contracts will not be terminated or will be renewed on favorable terms, if at all, at their expiration and new agreements may not be available. See "Business — Distribution Channels — Wholesale Channel, Institutional Channel." The decrease in revenues that could result from any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business and earnings.

        A Failure In Or Breach Of Our Operational Or Security Systems Or Our Technology Infrastructure, Or Those Of Third Parties, Could Result In A Material Adverse Effect On Our Business Reputation, Cash Flows and Results Of Operations.And Reputation.    We are highly dependent upon the use of various proprietary and third-partythird party software applications and other technology systems to operate our business. As part of our normal operations, we process a large number of transactions on a daily basis and maintain and transmit confidential client and employee information, the safety and security of which is dependent upon the effectiveness of our information security policies, procedures and capabilities to protect such systems and the data that reside on or are transmitted through them.

        Although we take protective measures and endeavor to modify these protective measures as circumstances warrant, technology is subject to rapid change and the nature of the threats continue to evolve. As a result, our operating and technology systems, software and networks may fail to operate properly or become disabled, or may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, inadvertent disclosure, loss or destruction of data (including confidential client information), computer viruses or other malicious code, cyber attacks and other events that could materially damage our operations, have an adverse security impact, or cause the disclosure or modification of sensitive or confidential information. Most of the software applications that we use in our business are licensed from, and supported, upgraded and maintained by, third-partythird party vendors. A suspension or termination of certain of these licenses or the related support, upgrades and maintenance could cause temporary system delays or interruption. We also take


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unauthorized use, creating a possible security risk and resulting in potentially costly actions by us. Further, while we have in place a disaster recovery plan to address catastrophic and unpredictable events, there is no guarantee that this plan will be sufficient in responding to or ameliorating the effects of all disaster scenarios, and we may experience system delays and interruptions as a result of natural disasters, power failures, acts of war, and third-partythird party failures.

        The breach of our operational or security systems or our technology systems, software and networks,infrastructure, or those of third parties, due to one or more of these events could cause interruptions, malfunctions or failures in our operations and/or the loss or inadvertent disclosure of confidential client information could result in substantial financial loss or costs, liability for stolen assets or information, breach of client contracts, client dissatisfaction and/or loss, regulatory actions, remediation costs to repair damage caused by the breach, additional security costs to mitigate against future incidents and litigation costs resulting from the incident. These events, and those discussed above, could have a material adverse effect on our business reputation,and reputation.

        There Is No Assurance That New Information Technology Systems Will Be Implemented Successfully.    A number of our key information technology systems were developed solely to handle our particular information technology infrastructure. We are in the process of implementing new information technology systems that we believe could facilitate and improve our core businesses and our productivity. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in implementing the new information technology systems or that their implementation will be completed in a timely or cost effective manner. Failure to implement or maintain adequate information technology infrastructure could impede our ability to support business growth.

        Support Provided To New Products May Reduce Fee Revenue, Increase Expenses And Expose Us To Potential Loss On Invested Capital.    We may support the development of new investment products by waiving a portion of the fees we usually receive for managing such products, by subsidizing expenses or by making seed capital investments. Seed investments in new products utilize Company capital that would otherwise be available for general corporate purposes and expose us to capital losses. There can be no assurance that new investment products we develop will be successful, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Failure to have or devote sufficient capital to support new products could have an adverse impact on our future growth.

        Expansion Into International Markets May Increase Operational And Regulatory Risks.    As we broaden our distribution globally, we face increased operational and regulatory risks. The failure of our systems of internal control to properly mitigate such additional risks, or of our operating infrastructure to support such international expansion could result in operational failures and regulatory fines or sanctions. Local regulatory environments may vary widely and place additional demands on our sales, legal and compliance personnel. Identifying and hiring well qualified personnel and adopting policies, procedures and controls to address local or regional requirements require time and resources. Regulators in non-U.S. jurisdictions could also change their policies or laws in a manner that might restrict or otherwise impede our ability to offer our investment strategies in their respective markets. Any of these local requirements, activities or needs could increase the costs and expenses we incur in a specific jurisdiction without any corresponding increase in revenues and income from operating in the jurisdiction.

        We Have Substantial Intangibles On Our Balance Sheet, And Any Impairment Of Our Intangibles Could Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations.    At December 31, 2014, our total assets were approximately $1.5 billion, of which approximately $158.1 million, or 10%, consisted of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets. We complete an ongoing review of goodwill and intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently whenever events or a change in circumstances warrant. Important factors in determining whether an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets might exist include significant continued underperformance compared to peers, the likelihood of termination or non-renewal of a mutual fund advisory or subadvisory contract or substantial changes in revenues earned from such contracts,


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significant changes in our business and products, material and ongoing negative industry or economic trends, or other factors specific to each asset or subsidiary being tested. Because of the significance of goodwill and other intangibles to our consolidated balance sheets, the impairment analysis is critical. Any changes in key assumptions about our business and our prospects, or changes in market conditions or other externalities, could result in an impairment charge. Any such charge could have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position, cash flow,operations.

        There May Be Adverse Effects On Our Business Upon The Termination Of, Or Failure To Renew, Certain Agreements.    A majority of our revenues are derived from investment management agreements with the Funds that, as required by law, are terminable on 60 days' notice. Each investment management agreement must be approved and income.renewed annually by the disinterested members of each Fund's board of trustees or its shareholders, as required by law. Additionally, our investment management agreements provide for automatic termination in the event of assignment, which includes a change of control, without the consent of our clients and, in the case of the Funds, approval of the Funds' board of directors/trustees and shareholders to continue the agreements. There can be no assurances that our clients will consent to any assignment of our investment management agreements, or that those and other contracts will not be terminated or will be renewed on favorable terms, if at all, at their expiration and new agreements may not be available. See "Business—Distribution Channels—Wholesale Channel, Institutional Channel." The decrease in revenues that could result from any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business.

        Regulations Restricting The Use Of "Soft Dollars" Could Result In An Increase In Our Expenses.    On behalf of our mutual fund and investment advisory clients, we make decisions to buy and sell securities for each portfolio, select broker/dealers to execute trades, and negotiate brokerage commission rates. In connection with these transactions, we may receive "soft dollar credits" from broker/dealers that we can use to defray certain of our expenses. If regulations are adopted eliminating the ability of asset managers to use "soft dollars," our operating expenses could increase.

        Fee Pressures Could Reduce Our Revenues And Profitability.    There is a trend toward lower fees in some segments of the investment management business. In addition, the SEC has adopted rules that are designed to improve mutual fund corporate governance, which could result in further downward pressure on investment advisory fees in the mutual fund industry. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our current fee structure. Fee reductions on existing or future new business could adversely affect us.

        Challenges To Our Tax Positions May Adversely Affect Our Effective Tax Rate and Business.    The application of complex tax laws and regulations involves numerous uncertainties. Tax authorities may disagree with certain tax positions that we have an adversetaken and assess additional taxes, which could result in adjustments to, or impact onthe timing or amount of, taxable income, deductions or other tax allocations, which may adversely affect our revenueseffective tax rate and profitability.business.

        We Could Experience Adverse Effects On Our Revenues, Profits And Market Share Due To Strong Competition From Numerous And Sometimes Larger Companies.    We compete with stock brokerage firms, mutual fund companies, investment banking firms, insurance companies, banks, Internetinternet investment sites, and other financial institutions and individual registered investment advisers. Many of these companies not only offer mutual fund investments and services, but also offer an ever-increasing number of other financial products and services. Many of our competitors have more products and product lines, services and brand recognition and may also have substantially greater assets under management. Many larger mutual fund complexes have developed more extensive relationships with brokerage houses with large distribution networks, which may enable those fund complexes to reach broader client bases. In recent years, there has been a trend of consolidation in the mutual fund industry resulting in stronger competitors with greater financial resources than us. There has also been a trend toward online Internetinternet financial services. If existing or potential customers decide to invest with our competitors instead of with us, our market share revenues and income could decline.decline, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.


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        The Terms Of Our Credit Facility And Senior Unsecured Notes Impose Restrictions On Our Operations That May Adversely Impact Our Prospects And The Operations Of Our Business.    There are no assurances that we will be able to raise additional capital if needed, which could negatively impact our liquidity, prospects and operations. We have entered into a 3-year5-year revolving credit facility with various lenders providing for total loansavailability of $125.0 million. Under this facility, the lenders may, at their option upon our request, expand the facility to $200.0 million. At February 16, 2012,13, 2015, there was no balance outstanding under the revolving credit facility. We also entered into a note purchase agreement with various purchasers for the sale and issuance of $190.0 million of unsecured senior notes comprised of $95 million of 5.0% senior notes,


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series A, due 2018 and $95 million of 5.75% senior notes, series B, due 2021, all of which were issued on January 13, 2011. The terms and conditions of our revolving credit facility and note purchase agreement impose restrictions that affect, among other things, our ability to incur additional debt, make capital expenditures and acquisitions, merge, sell assets, pay dividends and create or incur liens. Our ability to comply with the financial covenants set forth in our credit facility and note purchase agreement could be affected by events beyond our control, and there can be no assurance that we will achieve operating results that will comply with such terms and conditions, a breach of which could result in a default under our credit facility and note purchase agreement. In the event of a default under the credit facility and/or note purchase agreement, the banks could elect to declare the outstanding principal amount of our credit facility, all interest thereon, and all other amounts payable under our credit facility to be immediately due and payable, and the Company's obligations under the senior unsecured notes could be accelerated and become due and payable, including any make-whole amount, respectively.

        Our ability to meet our cash needs and satisfy our debt obligations will depend upon our future operating performance, asset values, the perception of our creditworthiness and, indirectly, the market value of our stock. These factors will be affected by prevailing economic, financial and business conditions and other circumstances, some of which are beyond our control. We anticipate that any funds generated by the issuance of our senior unsecured notes and any borrowings from our existing credit facility and/or cash provided by operating activities will provide sufficient funds to finance our business plans, meet our operating expenses and service our debt obligations as they become due. However, in the event that we require additional capital, there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise such capital when needed or on satisfactory terms, if at all, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to renew or refinance our credit facility or senior unsecured notes upon their maturity or on favorable terms. If we are unable to raise capital or obtain financing, we may be forced to incur unanticipated costs or revise our business plan.

        Our Own Operational Failures Or Those Of Third Parties We Rely On, Including Failures Arising Out Of Human Error, Could Disrupt Our Business And Damage Our Reputation.    Our business is highly dependent on our ability to process, on a daily basis, large numbers of transactions. These transactions generally must comply with client investment guidelines, as well as stringent legal and regulatory standards. Despite our employees being highly trained and skilled, due to the large number of transactions we process errors may occur. If we make mistakes in performing our services that cause financial harm to our clients, our clients may seek to recover their losses. The occurrence of mistakes, particularly significant ones, could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and business.

Potential Misuse Of Funds And Information In The Possession Of Our Employees And/Or Advisors Could Result In Liability To Our Clients, Subject Us To Regulatory Sanctions Or Otherwise Adversely Affect Our Revenues and Profitability.Business.    Our business is based on the trust and confidence of our clients, for whom our financial advisors handle a significant amount of funds, as well as financial and personal information. Although we have implemented a system of internal controls to minimize the risk of fraudulent taking or misuse of funds and confidential information, there can be no assurance that our controls will be adequate or that a taking or misuse of funds and confidential information by our employees or financial advisors can be prevented. We could be liable in the event of a taking or misuse of funds and confidential information by our employees or financial advisors and we could also be subject to regulatory sanctions. Although we believe that we have adequately insured against these risks, there can be no assurance that our insurance will be maintained or


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that it will be adequate to meet any liability.liability resulting from these activities. Any damage to the trust and confidence placed in us by our clients may cause our assets under management to decline, which could adversely affect our revenues, financial condition, resultsbusiness and prospects.

        There Are No Assurances That We Will Pay Future Dividends, Which Could Adversely Affect Our Stock Price.    The Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Board of operationsDirectors (the "Board of Directors") currently intends to continue to declare quarterly dividends on our Class A common stock. However, the declaration and payment of dividends is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors. Any determination as to the payment of dividends, as well as the level of such dividends, will depend on, among other things, general economic and business prospects.conditions, our strategic plans, our financial results and condition, and contractual, legal, and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends by us or our subsidiaries. We are a holding company and, as such, our ability to pay dividends is subject to the ability of our subsidiaries to provide us with cash. There can be no assurance that the current quarterly dividend level will be maintained or that we will pay any dividends in any future period. Any change in the level of our dividends or the suspension of the payment of dividends could adversely affect our stock price.

        Our Stockholders Rights Plan Could Deter Takeover Attempts, Which Some Of Our Stockholders May Believe To Be In Their Best Interest.    Under certain conditions, the rights under our stockholders rights plan entitle the holders of such rights to receive shares of our common stock having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the right. The rights are attached to each share of our outstanding common stock and generally are exercisable only if a person or group acquires 15% or more of the voting power represented by our common stock. Our stockholders rights plan could impede the completion of a merger, tender offer, or other takeover attempt even though some or a majority of our stockholders might believe that a merger, tender offer or takeover is in their best interests, and even if such a transaction could result in our stockholders receiving a premium for their shares of our stock over the then current market price of our stock.

        Provisions Of Our Organizational Documents Could Deter Takeover Attempts, Which Some Of Our Stockholders May Believe To Be In Their Best Interest.    Under our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our Board of Directors has the authority, without action by our stockholders, to fix certain terms and issue shares of our Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share. Actions of our Board of Directors pursuant to this


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authority may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of the Company. Other provisions in our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and in our Amended and Restated Bylaws impose procedural and other requirements that could be deemed to have anti-takeover effects, including replacing incumbent directors. Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes, each of which is to serve for a staggered three-year term after the initial classification and election, and incumbent directors may not be removed without cause, all of which may make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of our Board of Directors. In addition, as a Delaware corporation we are subject to section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. With certain exceptions, section 203 imposes restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between us and any holder of 15% or more of our voting stock.

        Our Holding Company Structure Results In Structural Subordination And May Affect Our Ability To Fund Our Operations And Make Payments On Our Debt.    We are a holding company and, accordingly, substantially all of our operations are conducted through our subsidiaries. As a result, our cash flow and our ability to service our debt, including $190.0 million of our senior notes, are dependent upon the earnings of our subsidiaries and the distribution of earnings, loans or other payments by our subsidiaries to us. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to pay any amounts due on our debt or provide us with funds for our payment obligations, whether by dividends, distributions, loans or other payments. In addition, any payment of dividends, distributions, loans or advances to us by our subsidiaries could be subject to statutory or contractual restrictions. Payments to us by our subsidiaries will also be contingent upon our subsidiaries' earnings and business considerations. Our right to receive any assets of any of our subsidiaries upon their liquidation or reorganization, and therefore the right of the


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holders of our debt to participate in those assets, would be effectively subordinated to the claims of those subsidiaries' creditors, including trade creditors. In addition, even if we were a creditor of any of our subsidiaries, our rights as a creditor would be effectively subordinate to any security interest in the assets of our subsidiaries and any indebtedness of our subsidiaries senior to that held by us.

        There Are No Assurances That We Will Pay Future Dividends, Which Could Adversely Affect Our Stock Price.    The Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Board of Directors (the "Board of Directors") currently intends to continue to declare quarterly dividends on our Class A common stock (our "common stock"); however, the declaration and payment of dividends is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors. Any determination as to the payment of dividends, as well as the level of such dividends, will depend on, among other things, general economic and business conditions, our strategic plans, our financial results and condition, and contractual, legal, and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends by us or our subsidiaries. We are a holding company and, as such, our ability to pay dividends is subject to the ability of our subsidiaries to provide us with cash. There can be no assurance that the current quarterly dividend level will be maintained or that we will pay any dividends in any future period(s). Any change in the level of our dividends or the suspension of the payment thereof could adversely affect our stock price.

ITEM 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments

        None.

ITEM 2.    Properties

        In 2011, we purchased two buildings: a 50,000 square foot building located in Overland Park, KS and a 45,000 square foot building located in Mission, KS. TheseWe own four buildings are in the vicinity of buildings currently leased by our home offices.offices: two 50,000 square foot buildings and a 52,000 square foot building located in Overland Park, Kansas and a 45,000 square foot building located in Mission, Kansas. Existing home office lease agreements cover approximately 391,000298,000 square feet for Waddell & Reed and Legend located in Overland Park, Kansas and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, respectively. This figure does not include office space of 41,00038,000 square feet in Boca Raton, Florida, which has been sublet.for our disaster recovery facility. In addition, we lease office space for sales management which is available to our financial advisors for use, in various locations throughout the United States totaling approximately 652,000667,000 square feet. A majority of this office space is available to our financial advisors to use. In the opinion of management, the office space owned and leased by the Company is adequate for existing operating needs.


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ITEM 3.    Legal Proceedings

        The Company is involved from time to time in various legal proceedings, regulatory investigations and claims incident to the normal conduct of business, which may include proceedings that are specific to us and others generally applicable to business practices within the industries in which we operate. A substantial legal liability or a significant regulatory action against us could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and on the results of operations in a particular quarter or year.

        Michael E. Taylor, Kenneth B. Young, individuals, on behalfThe Company accrues an undiscounted liability for those contingencies where the incurrence of themselves individuallya loss is probable and on behalfthe amount can be reasonably estimated. These amounts are not reduced by amounts that may be recovered under insurance or claims against third parties, but undiscounted receivables from insurers or other third parties may be accrued separately. The Company regularly revises such accruals in light of others similarly situated v. Waddell & Reed, Inc., a Delaware Corporation;new information. For contingencies where an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible and DOES 1 through 10 inclusive; Case No. 09-CV-2909 DMS WVG; in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California.

        In this action filed December 28, 2009,that are significant, the Company was 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. Plaintiffs, on behalf of themselves and a purported class of Waddell & Reed, Inc. financial advisors, assert claims underdiscloses the FLSA for minimum wages and overtime wages, and under California Labor Code Statutes for timely payment of wages, minimum wages, overtime compensation, meal periods, reimbursement of losses and business expenses and itemized wage statements and a claim for Unfair Business Practices under §17200nature of the California Business & Professions Code. Plaintiffs seek declaratorycontingency and, injunctive relief and monetary damages.

        Plaintiffs moved for conditional collective action certification underwhere feasible, an estimate of the FLSA. The Company opposed this motion and additionally moved for summarypossible loss. For purposes of our litigation contingency disclosures, "significant" includes material matters as well as other items that management believes should be disclosed. Management's judgment on Plaintiffs' individual FLSA claims. The Court issued an order on January 3, 2012 grantingis required related to contingent liabilities because the Company's summary judgment motions, holdingoutcomes are difficult to predict. In our opinion, the likelihood that Plaintiffs' individual FLSA claims fail as a matter of law, and denying Plaintiffs' motion for conditional collective action certification under the FLSA as moot. This ruling effectively removes all nationwide FLSA claims from the case.

        Plaintiffs intend to continue to pursue the California claims and may seek to amend their complaint to attempt to revive certain FLSA claims. An adverse determination in this matter couldany pending legal proceeding, regulatory investigation, claim, or other contingency will have a material adverse impacteffect on theour business, financial position andcondition or results of operations of the Company. The Company intends to continue to vigorously defend plaintiffs' claims.

        At this stage in this litigation, based upon the information currently available to the Company, the Company is not able to determine that an unfavorable outcome is remote, reasonably possible, or probable, and the Company has determined that it cannot reasonably estimate either the amount or the range of possible losses that would result if plaintiffs were to prevail, therefore, the Company has not made any accruals with respect to this matter in its consolidated financial statements.remote.

ITEM 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report, no matter was submitted to a vote of the Company's security holders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.


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PART II

ITEM 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

        Our Class A common stock ("common stock") is traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "WDR." The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sale prices of our common stock, as reported by the NYSE, as well as the cash dividends declared for these time periods:


Market Price

 
 2011 2010 
Quarter
 High
 Low
 Dividends Per Share
 High
 Low
 Dividends Per Share
 
            
 1 $42.20 $34.54 $0.20 $36.80 $29.68 $0.19 
 2  42.49  34.45  0.20  39.24  21.80  0.19 
 3  40.04  24.78  0.20  28.55  21.52  0.19 
 4  29.78  22.85  0.25  36.47  26.89  0.20 
 
 2014 2013 
Quarter
 High
 Low
 Dividends
Per
Share

 High
 Low
 Dividends
Per
Share

 
            
 1 $74.33 $61.49 $0.34 $43.87 $35.67 $0.28 
 2  76.46  59.00  0.34  48.08  38.70  0.28 
 3  65.57  51.25  0.34  55.03  43.09  0.28 
 4  51.84  42.39  0.43  66.09  50.76  0.34 

        Year-end closing prices of our common stock were $24.77$49.82 and $35.29$65.12 for 20112014 and 2010,2013, respectively. The closing price of our common stock on February 16, 201213, 2015 was $31.20.$49.94.

        According to the records of our transfer agent, we had 3,1852,433 holders of record of common stock as of February 16, 2012.13, 2015. We believe that a substantially larger number of beneficial stockholders hold such shares in depository or nominee form.

Dividends

        The declaration of dividends is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors. We intend, from time to time, to pay cash dividends on our common stock as our Board of Directors deems appropriate, after consideration of our operating results, financial condition, cash and capital requirements, compliance with covenants in our revolving credit facility, note purchase agreement and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. To the extent assets are used to meet minimum net capital requirements under the Net Capital Rule, they are not available for distribution to stockholders as dividends. See Part I, Item 1. "Business—Regulation." We anticipate that quarterly dividends will continue to be paid.

Common Stock Repurchases

        Our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of our common stock in the open market and/or private purchases. The acquired shares may be used for corporate purposes, including shares issued to employees in our stock-based compensation programs. During the year ended December 31, 2011,2014, we repurchased 1,951,3312,252,152 shares in the open market and privately at an aggregate cost, including commissions, of $65.5$131.0 million, including 494,207599,340 shares from related parties to cover their tax withholdings from the vesting of shares.shares granted under our stock-based compensation programs. The aggregate cost of shares obtained from related parties during 20112014 was $17.9$40.9 million. The purchase price paid by us for private repurchases of our common stock from related parties is the closing market price on the purchase date.


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        The following table sets forth certain information about the shares of common stock we repurchased during the fourth quarter of 2011.2014.

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
  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
 

October 1 - October 31

 109,100 $24.10 109,100 n/a (1) 450,000 $47.89 450,000 n/a (1)

November 1 - November 30

 83,619 24.39 83,619 n/a (1) 699 48.86  n/a (1)

December 1 - December 31

 149,061 24.77 149,061 n/a (1) 279,183 47.64 108,623 n/a (1)
         

Total

 341,780 $24.46 341,780    729,882 $47.80 558,623   
         

(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 in privately negotiated transactions or through the NYSE,New York Stock Exchange, other national or regional market systems, electronic communication networks or alternative trading systems such as POSIT, during regular or after-hours trading sessions. POSIT is an alternative trading system that uses passive pricing to anonymously match buy and sell orders. To date, we have not used electronic communication networks or alternative trading systems to repurchase any of our common stock and do not intend to use such networks or systems in the foreseeable future.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.October 2012. During the fourth quarter of 2011, all2014, 558,623 shares of our common stock repurchases were maderepurchased pursuant to the repurchase program including 152,680and 171,259 shares, reflected in the table above, that were purchased in connection with funding employee minimum income tax withholding obligations arising from the vesting of nonvested shares.

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Total Return Performance

Comparison of Cumulative Total Return (1)



        The above graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company's Class A common stock from December 31, 20062009 through December 31, 2011,2014, with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the SNL Asset Manager Index. The SNL Asset Manager Index is a composite of 3341 publicly traded asset management companies (including, among others, the companies in the peer group reviewed by the Compensation Committee for executive compensation purposes) prepared by SNL Financial, Charlottesville, Virginia. The graph assumes the investment of $100 in the Company's Class A common stock and in each of the two indices on December 31, 20062009 with all dividends being reinvested. The closing price of the Company's Class A common stock on December 31, 20062009 (the last trading day of the year) was $27.36$30.54 per share. The stock price performance on the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.


 Period Ending  
 Period Ending  
Index
 12/31/06
 12/31/07
 12/31/08
 12/31/09
 12/31/10
 12/31/11
  
 12/31/09
 12/31/10
 12/31/11
 12/31/12
 12/31/13
 12/31/14
  
  
  

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.

 100.00 135.27 60.14 122.57 145.34 104.88  100.00 118.58 85.56 127.03 243.76 190.73  

SNL Asset Manager

 100.00 113.83 54.10 87.76 101.02 87.38  100.00 115.11 99.56 127.74 196.30 207.09  

S&P 500

 100.00 105.49 66.46 84.05 96.71 98.76  100.00 115.06 117.49 136.30 180.44 205.14  


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ITEM 6.    Selected Financial Data

        The following table sets forth our selected consolidated financial and other data atas of the dates and for the periods indicated.indicated, and reflects continuing operations data. Selected financial data should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.

 
 For the Year Ended December 31, 
 
 2011 2010 2009 (1) 2008 (2) 2007 
 
 (in thousands, except per share data and number of financial advisors)
 

Revenues from:

                

Investment management fees

 $530,599  457,538  354,593  399,863  372,345 

Underwriting and distribution fees

  532,693  468,057  378,678  416,762  371,085 

Shareholder service fees

  131,885  119,290  105,818  102,495  94,124 
            

Total revenues

  1,195,177  1,044,885  839,089  919,120  837,554 

Net income

  
175,459
  
156,959
  
105,505
  
96,163
  
125,497
 

Net income per share (basic)

  2.05  1.83  1.23  1.12  1.49 

Net income per share (diluted)

  2.05  1.83  1.23  1.12  1.48 

Dividends declared per common share

 $0.85  0.77  0.76  0.76  0.68 

Advisor channel data:

                

Sales (net of commissions)

 $3,799,077  3,615,654  3,201,867  3,724,165  3,552,434 

Gross revenue per advisor

  155.7  118.9  92.8  103.0  108.7 

Number of financial advisors (end of period)

  1,816  1,847  2,393  2,366  2,293 

Average number of financial advisors

  1,757  2,019  2,336  2,297  2,190 

Wholesale channel data:

                

Sales (net of commissions)

 $16,594,256  14,505,402  14,745,230  15,598,998  9,469,932 

Number of external wholesalers

  51  46  34  35  34 

Institutional channel sales

 
$

3,413,748
  
3,588,260
  
1,703,470
  
2,358,104
  
1,882,908
 

 


 

As of December 31,

 
 
 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 
 
 (in millions)
 

Assets under management

 $83,157  83,673  69,783  47,484  64,868 

Balance sheet data:

                

Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets

  221.2  221.2  221.2  221.2  228.4 

Total assets

  1,082.2  976.9  983.4  775.4  893.8 

Long-term debt

  190.0  190.0  200.0  200.0  200.0 

Total liabilities

  558.6  519.8  614.3  455.3  512.1 

Stockholders' equity

  523.6  457.1  369.1  320.1  381.7 
 
 For the Year Ended December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 
 
 (in thousands, except per share data, percentages, sales and
personnel data)

 

Revenues from:

                

Investment management fees

 $768,102  650,442  549,231  530,599  457,538 

Underwriting and distribution fees

  678,678  582,819  496,465  469,484  410,380 

Shareholder service fees

  150,979  137,093  128,109  122,449  110,348 

Total revenues

  1,597,759  1,370,354  1,173,805  1,122,532  978,266 

Income from continuing operations

 
$

313,331
  
252,998
  
192,528
  
172,205
  
153,428
 

Operating margin

  
30%
  
28%
  
26%
  
25%
  
25%
 

Net income per share from continuing operations, basic and diluted

 
$

3.71
  
2.96
  
2.25
  
2.01
  
1.79
 

Dividends declared per common share

 
$

1.45
  
1.18
  
2.03
  
0.85
  
0.77
 

Wholesale channel data:

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 

Sales (in millions)

 $18,534  21,411  15,930  16,873  14,743 

Number of external wholesalers

  59  50  50  51  46 

Advisor channel data:

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 

Sales (in millions)

 $5,545  5,232  4,505  4,153  3,953 

Advisors' productivity (1)

 $254  215  180  165  125 

Average number of financial advisors

  1,750  1,749  1,762  1,757  2,019 

Institutional channel sales (in millions)

 
$

3,392
  
3,108
  
2,720
  
3,526
  
3,703
 

Shares outstanding at December 31

  
83,654
  
85,236
  
85,679
  
85,564
  
85,751
 


 
 As of December 31, 
 
 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 
 
 (in millions, except for percentages)
 

Assets under management

 $123,650  126,543  96,365  83,157  83,673 

Diversification (company total)

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 

As % of Sales

                

Asset Strategy

  25%  29%  26%  37%  46% 

Fixed Income

  26%  29%  34%  18%  13% 

Other

  49%  42%  40%  45%  41% 

As % of Assets Under Management

                

Asset Strategy

  29%  34%  34%  35%  37% 

Fixed Income

  18%  18%  21%  17%  13% 

Other

  53%  48%  45%  48%  50% 

Balance sheet data:

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 

Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets

 $158.1  162.0  162.0  162.0  162.0 

Total assets

  1,511.9  1,337.0  1,152.8  1,082.4  976.9 

Long-term debt

  190.0  190.0  190.0  190.0  190.0 

Total liabilities

  725.8  649.7  642.6  558.8  519.8 

Stockholders' equity

  786.1  687.3  510.2  523.6  457.1 

(1)
Includes a pre-tax charge of $3.7 million ($2.3 million net of tax) to reflectAdvisor productivity is calculated by dividing underwriting and distribution revenues for the "other than temporary" decline in value of certain of the Company's investments in affiliated mutual funds as the fair value of these investments had been below cost for an extended period; a pre-tax charge of $1.1 million ($800 thousand net of tax) for severance and other transaction costs in connection with the divestiture of our investment in Austin Calvert & Flavin, Inc. ("ACF"); and tax benefits of $1.6 million related to carrying back a portion of the capital loss generatedAdvisors channel by the divestitureaverage number of our investment in ACF to fully offset capital gains generatedadvisors during the three year carryback period.

(2)
Includes a pre-tax charge of $16.5 million ($10.5 million net of tax) for restructuring charges consisting primarily of severance costs associated with our voluntary separation program as well as costs associated with terminating various projects under development; a charge of $7.2 million (not deductible for income tax purposes) to recognize the impairment of goodwill associated with ACF; additional amortization of our deferred sales commission asset of $6.5 million ($4.1 million net of tax) due to significant asset redemption activity and our review of the recoverability of our deferred sales commission asset; and a pre-tax charge of $2.1 million ($1.4 million net of tax) related to the settlement of miscellaneous litigation and other matters.year.

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ITEM 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        This ItemAnnual Report on Form 10-K 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 the 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 words such 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. Certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are disclosed in the Item 1 "Business" and Item 1A "Risk Factors" sectionsections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which include, without limitation, the adverse effect from a decline in securities markets or in the relative investment performance of our products, our inability to pay future dividends, the loss of existing distribution channels or the inability to access new ones, a reduction of the assets we manage on short notice, and adverse results of litigation and/or arbitration. The forgoing 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 SEC. All forward-looking statements speak only as of 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.

        The following should be read in conjunction with the "Selected Financial Data" and our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.

Executive Overview

        We are one of the oldest mutual fund and asset management firms in the country, with expertise in a broad range of investment styles and across a variety of market environments. Our earnings and cash flows are heavily dependent on financial market conditions. Significant increases or decreases in the various securities markets can have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Revenue Sources

        We derive our revenues from providing investment management and advisory services, investment product underwriting and distribution, and shareholder services administration to mutual funds, UCITS sub-funds, and institutional and separately managed accounts. Investment management and/or advisory 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.services, distribution fees on certain variable products, and commissions derived from sales of investment and insurance products. The products sold have various commission structures and the revenues received from those sales vary based on the type and dollar 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 client accounts.

Expense Drivers

        Our major expenses are underwriting and distribution-relatedfor commissions, employee compensation, amortization of deferred sales commissions, subadvisory fee expensesfield support, dealer services and information technology expense.technology.


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Our Distribution Channels

        One of our distinctive qualities is that we aredistribute our investment products through a significant distributor of investment products.balanced distribution network. Our retail products are distributed through our Wholesale channel, which includes third parties such as other broker/dealers, registered investment advisors and various retirement platforms or 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


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investment advisors (including the retirement advisors of Legend) and various retirement platforms.advisors. We also market our investment advisory services to institutional investors, either directly or through consultants, in our Institutional channel.

        Our Advisors channel sales force consists of 1,816 independent financial advisors spread throughout the United States, who carry out our mission of providing financial planning for retirement, education funding, estate planning and other financial needs for our clients. A distinguishing aspect of thisWholesale channel is its industry low redemption rate, which can be attributed to the personal nature in which our advisors provide service to their clients.

        During the past two years, we experienced a decline in our number of financial advisors; however, the decline was not unexpected as we continue to push for higher production from our advisors by increasing minimum production requirements for them to stay licensed with us. Our gross revenue production per advisor increased to $156 thousand, or 31%, and gross sales in the channel increased to $3.8 billion, or 5%, during 2011 compared to 2010 despite the decrease in advisor headcount. The recruiting and training of our advisors is a significant effort, so we continue to focus our recruiting efforts on bringing in experienced advisors.

        Our Wholesalefastest growing distribution channel. Channel efforts are led by the solid long-term performance record of the Ivy Funds family. We distribute retail mutual funds through broker/dealers, and registered investment advisors including Legend, and various retirement platforms through a team of external, internal and hybrid wholesalers as well as a team dedicated to national accounts. This is our fastest growing distribution channel with sales growth averaging 36% per year since 2007 while assets under management have grown from $10.8 billion to $41.0 billion during the same period.

        The Ivy Funds maintain strong positions on many of the leading third-partythird party distribution platforms, and we continue efforts to diversify our sales by offering other solid performing funds besides our flagship Ivy Asset Strategy fund to our partners. During 2011,2014, we had 10nine funds exceed gross sales of $250 million compared to eight in 2010 and six in 2009.million. Sales of products other than our Ivy Asset Strategy fund accounted for 53%66% of total sales during 20112014 compared to 40%64% during 20102013 and 37%68% for 2009.2012. We expect the Wholesale Channelchannel to be critical toin driving our organic growth rate in the coming years.

        Our Advisors channel sales force consists of 1,766 independent financial advisors spread throughout the United States, who carry out our mission of providing financial advice for retirement, education funding, estate planning and other financial needs for our clients. A distinguishing aspect of this channel is its low redemption rate, which can be attributed to the personal and customized nature in which our advisors provide service to our clients by focusing on meeting their long-term financial objectives, and this in turn leads to a more stable asset base for the channel.

        We have focused our recruiting efforts on bringing in experienced advisors, which has allowed us to achieve productivity growth, as Advisors channel underwriting and distribution fee revenues per advisor increased 18%, to $254 thousand, and sales in the channel increased 23%, to $5.5 billion, during the past two years.

        Through our Institutional channel we manage assets in a variety of investment styles for a variety of types of institutions.institutions as well as the Selector Management Funds. The largest percentage of our clients hire us to act as subadvisor for their branded products; they are typically domestic or foreign distributors of investment products who lack scale or the track record to manage internally, or choose to market multi-manager styles. Our subadvisory relationships account for more than 70% of the channel's $17.8 billion in assets at the end of 2014. Our diverse client list also includes pension funds, Taft-Hartley plans and endowments. This is the smallest of our three distribution channels butchannel has recently experienced positive gross sales and net flow trends over the past two years due to our growing subadvisory relationships. Our subadvisory relationships currently account for more than 60% of the channel's $10.5 billion in assets at the end of 2011.

Market DevelopmentsSale of Legend

        During 2012, the past fiscal year,Company signed a definitive agreement to sell all the common interests of Legend and the sale closed effective January 1, 2013. Based on the value of the consideration the Company expected to receive upon closing, which was less than the carrying value of net assets to be sold, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $42.4 million, which is reflected in income (loss) from discontinued operations on the statement of income in 2012. The consideration received was subject to working capital and regulatory capital adjustments through the closing date. The Company retained $7.7 million of Legend's excess working capital as part of the agreement. An earnout receivable of $4.1 million was accrued as of December 31, 2014 and we operatedreceived payment in a periodFebruary 2015.

        The operational results of high volatilityLegend have been presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial markets. Investors moved away from portfolio riskstatements for all periods presented. Unless otherwise stated, references in Management's Discussion and into cash,Analysis of Financial Condition and were willingResults of Operations refers to accept minimal returns rather than expose themselves to the highly unpredictable equity market. Through this volatile year, the Company increased gross sales by 10%, generated net flowscontinuing operations.


Table of $5.0 billion and maintained stable redemption rates compared to industry averages. Market depreciation during 2011 offset net flows achieved during the year and as a result, assets under management at December 31, 2011 decreased $0.5 billion compared to December 31, 2010.Contents

Operating Results

        The companyCompany ended the year with $1.2$1.6 billion in revenues. Revenue increasesThe revenue increase of 17% relative to fiscal 2010 were2013 was reflective of an increase in our average managed assets and positive net flows.of 19%. Average assets under management were $87.1$130.1 billion in 20112014 compared to $74.0$109.2 billion in 2010.


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        Net income2013. Income from continuing operations increased 12%24% compared to 20102013 while our operating margin improved slightly above the 24% achieved during 2010. We planfrom 28.1% to continue our focus on cost controls during 2012.30.3%.

        Our balance sheet remains strong, as we ended the year with cash and investments of $462.6$809.9 million. We also entered into an agreement in 2010At December 31, 2014, we had no borrowings outstanding under our five year revolving credit facility, which provides for initial borrowings of up to complete a $190.0$125.0 million private placement of Senior Notes, which contained a delayed funding provision and allowed uscan be expanded to draw down the proceeds on January 13, 2011 when the existing senior notes matured. The proceeds were used to refinance the senior unsecured notes that expired in January 2011.


Table of Contents$200.0 million.

Assets Under Management

        Assets under management of $83.2$123.7 billion on December 31, 20112014 decreased slightly$2.8 billion, or 2%, compared to the $83.7$126.5 billion reported a year ago. Net saleson December 31, 2013. Outflows of $4.3$5.1 billion generated primarily byin the Wholesale channel were partially offset by aggregate net flows of $1.6 billion in the Advisors and Institutional channels, were offset by market depreciation of $5.5 billion.channels.

Change in Assets Under Management (1)

 
 Wholesale
Channel
 Advisors
Channel
 Institutional
Channel
 Total 
 
 (in millions)
 

December 31, 2014

             

Beginning Assets

 $67,055  43,667  15,821  126,543 

Sales (2)

  
18,534
  
5,545
  
3,392
  
27,471
 

Redemptions

  (23,524)  (4,575)  (2,920)  (31,019) 

Net Exchanges

  (101)  (384)  485   

Net Flows

  (5,091)  586  957  (3,548) 

Market Appreciation (Depreciation)

  
(1,629)
  
1,264
  
1,020
  
655
 

Ending Assets

 $60,335  45,517  17,798  123,650 

December 31, 2013

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 

Beginning Assets

 $48,930  35,660  11,775  96,365 

Sales (2)

  
21,411
  
5,232
  
3,108
  
29,751
 

Redemptions

  (14,313)  (4,304)  (2,622)  (21,239) 

Net Exchanges

  303  (306)    (3) 

Net Flows

  7,401  622  486  8,509 

Market Appreciation

  
10,724
  
7,385
  
3,560
  
21,669
 

Ending Assets

 $67,055  43,667  15,821  126,543 

December 31, 2012

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 

Beginning Assets

 $40,954  31,709  10,494  83,157 

Sales (2)

  
15,930
  
4,505
  
2,720
  
23,155
 

Redemptions

  (13,896)  (4,156)  (2,760)  (20,812) 

Net Exchanges

  155  (158)    (3) 

Net Flows

  2,189  191  (40)  2,340 

Market Appreciation

  
5,787
  
3,760
  
1,321
  
10,868
 

Ending Assets

 $48,930  35,660  11,775  96,365 

 
 Advisors
Channel
 Wholesale
Channel
 Institutional
Channel
 Total
 
 (in millions)

December 31, 2011

        

Beginning Assets

 $33,181 40,883 9,609 83,673

Sales (net of commissions)

 
3,800
 
16,594
 
3,413
 
23,807

Redemptions

 (4,047) (12,995) (2,479) (19,521)
         

Net Sales

 (247) 3,599 934 4,286

Net Exchanges

 
(262)
 
261
 
-
 
(1)

Reinvested Dividends and Capital Gains

 353 279 112 744
         

Net Flows

 (156) 4,139 1,046 5,029

Market Depreciation

 
(1,316)
 
(4,068)
 
(161)
 
(5,545)
         

Ending Assets

 $31,709 40,954 10,494 83,157
         

December 31, 2010

        

Beginning Assets

 $29,474 32,818 7,491 69,783

Sales (net of commissions)

 
3,616
 
14,505
 
3,588
 
21,709

Redemptions

 (3,526) (10,560) (2,874) (16,960)
         

Net Sales

 90 3,945 714 4,749

Net Exchanges

 
(308)
 
190
 
116
 
(2)

Reinvested Dividends and Capital Gains

 338 237 114 689
         

Net Flows

 120 4,372 944 5,436

Market Appreciation

 
3,587
 
3,693
 
1,174
 
8,454
         

Ending Assets

 $33,181 40,883 9,609 83,673
         

December 31, 2009

        

Beginning Assets

 $23,472 17,489 6,523 47,484

Disposition of Assets

 
-
 
-
 
(488)
 
(488)

Sales (net of commissions)

 
3,202
 
14,745
 
1,703
 
19,650

Redemptions

 (3,052) (5,951) (1,942) (10,945)
         

Net Sales

 150 8,794 (239) 8,705

Net Exchanges

 
(197)
 
150
 
41
 
(6)

Reinvested Dividends and Capital Gains

 329 124 113 566
         

Net Flows

 282 9,068 (85) 9,265

Market Appreciation

 
5,720
 
6,261
 
1,541
 
13,522
         

Ending Assets

 $29,474 32,818 7,491 69,783
         

(1)
Includes all activity of the Funds, the Selector Management Funds and institutional and separate accounts, including money market funds and transactions at net asset value, accounts for which we receive no commissions.

(2)
Primarily gross sales (net of sales commission), but also includes net reinvested dividends and capital gains and investment income.

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        Average assets under management, which are generally more indicative of trends in revenue for providing investment management services than the year over year change in ending assets under management, increased by 18%19% compared to 2010.2013.

Average Assets Under Management


 2011 2010 2009  2014 2013 2012 

 Average Percentage
of Total
 Average Percentage
of Total
 Average Percentage
of Total
  Average Percentage
of Total
 Average Percentage
of Total
 Average Percentage
of Total
 

 (in millions, except percentage data)
  (in millions, except percentage data)
 

Distribution Channel:

              

Wholesale Channel

             

Equity

 $54,563 80% 45,047 80% 37,924 83% 

Fixed income

 13,203 20% 11,359 20% 7,684 17% 

Money market

 168  184  191  

Total

 $67,934 100% 56,590 100% 45,799 100% 

Advisors Channel

              

Equity

 $24,477 73% 22,430 74% 18,916 74%  $32,999 74% 28,449 72% 24,227 70% 

Fixed income

 7,629 23% 6,614 22% 5,211 20%  9,935 22% 9,477 24% 8,933 26% 

Money market

 1,203 4% 1,288 4% 1,600 6%  1,966 4% 1,565 4% 1,318 4% 
             

Total

 $33,309 100% 30,332 100% 25,727 100%  $44,900 100% 39,491 100% 34,478 100% 
             

Wholesale Channel

 

Equity

 $39,387 91% 32,805 92% 22,556 94% 

Fixed income

 3,684 8% 2,385 7% 1,147 5% 

Money market

 320 1% 284 1% 301 1% 
             

Total

 $43,391 100% 35,474 100% 24,004 100% 
             

Institutional Channel

              

Equity

 $9,627 93% 7,467 91% 6,208 90%  $16,483 95% 12,433 95% 10,630 93% 

Fixed income

 780 7% 732 9% 658 10%  824 5% 668 5% 784 7% 

Money market

 - - - - - -        
             

Total

 $10,407 100% 8,199 100% 6,866 100%  $17,307 100% 13,101 100% 11,414 100% 
             

Total by Asset Class:

              

Equity

 $73,491 84% 62,702 85% 47,680 85%  $104,045 80% 85,929 79% 72,781 79% 

Fixed income

 12,093 14% 9,731 13% 7,016 12%  23,962 18% 21,504 20% 17,401 19% 

Money market

 1,523 2% 1,572 2% 1,901 3%  2,134 2% 1,749 1% 1,509 2% 
             

Total

 $87,107 100% 74,005 100% 56,597 100%  $130,141 100% 109,182 100% 91,691 100% 
             

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        The following table summarizes our five largest mutual funds as of December 31, 20112014 by ending assets under management and investment management fees for the last three years. The assets under management and management fees of our five largestthese mutual funds are presented as a percentage of our total assets under management and total management fees.

Five Largest Mutual Funds by Ending Assets Under Management and Investment Management Fees


 2011 2010 2009  2014 2013 2012 

 Ending Percentage
of Total
 Ending Percentage
of Total
 Ending Percentage
of Total
  Ending Percentage
of Total
 Ending Percentage
of Total
 Ending Percentage
of Total
 

 (in millions, except percentage data)
  (in millions, except percentage data)
 

By Assets Under Management:

              

Ivy Asset Strategy

 $23,642 28% 25,106 30% 20,029 29%  $27,431 22% 34,647 27% 25,981 27% 

Ivy Global Natural Resources

 4,332 5% 6,252 7% 5,736 8% 

Ivy High Income

 3,197 4% 1,694 2% 1,097 2%  8,341 7% 10,365 8% 7,228 8% 

Advisors Asset Strategy

 2,772 3% 3,328 4% 3,235 5% 

Ivy Science & Technology

 5,926 5% 4,648 4% 1,566 2% 

Ivy Mid Cap Growth

 4,966 4% 4,533 4% 2,777 3% 

Advisors Core Investment

 2,724 3% 2,888 3% 2,657 4%  4,507 3% 4,169 3% 3,067 3% 
             

Total

 $36,667 43% 39,268 46% 32,754 48%  $51,171 41% 58,362 46% 40,619 43% 
             



 

(in thousands, except percentage data)

 

 

(in thousands, except percentage data)


 

By Management Fees:

              

Ivy Asset Strategy

 $146,649 28% 123,638 27% 82,313 23%  $189,106 25% 164,372 25% 142,701 26% 

Ivy Global Natural Resources (1)

 46,324 9% 43,839 10% 34,353 10% 

Advisors Asset Strategy

 20,465 4% 20,402 4% 18,139 5% 

Ivy High Income

 54,252 7% 44,095 7% 28,182 5% 

Ivy Science & Technology

 43,950 5% 22,949 4% 11,886 2% 

Ivy Mid Cap Growth

 38,416 5% 30,082 5% 18,607 3% 

Advisors Science & Technology

 19,208 3% 18,379 4% 15,953 4%  30,296 4% 24,500 4% 19,007 3% 

Advisors Core Investment

 18,297 3% 16,976 4% 15,118 4% 
             

Total

 $250,943 47% 223,234 49% 165,876 46%  $356,020 46% 285,998 45% 220,383 39% 
             

(1)
For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, we paid subadvisory fees of $23.4 million, $22.1 million and $17.3 million, respectively.

Results of Operations

Net Income from Continuing Operations

 
 For the Year Ended
December 31,
 Variance 
 
 2011 2010 2009 2011 vs.
2010
 2010 vs.
2009
 
 
 (in thousands, except percentage data)
 

Net Income

 $175,459  156,959  105,505  12%  49% 

Earnings per share:

                

Basic

 $2.05  1.83  1.23  12%  49% 

Diluted

 $2.05  1.83  1.23  12%  49% 

Operating Margin

  24%  24%  20%  0%  4% 
 
 For the Year Ended
December 31,
 Variance 
 
 2014 2013 2012 2014 vs.
2013
 2013 vs.
2012
 
 
 (in thousands, except percentage data)
 

Income from continuing operations

 $313,331  252,998  192,528  24%  31% 

Net income per share from continuing operations, basic and diluted

 $3.71  2.96  2.25  25%  32% 

Operating Margin

  30%  28%  26%  2%  2% 

        We reported net income of $175.5 million, or $2.05 per diluted share, in 2011 compared to $157.0 million, or $1.83 per diluted share, in 2010 and $105.5 million, or $1.23 per diluted share, in 2009.


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Special Items Included in 2009 Results of Operations

        As previously disclosed, on July 15, 2009, the Company completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, ACF, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement dated June 26, 2009. Prior to the closing date, ACF had 10 employees and assets under management of $488.0 million. The agreement included an earnout provision based on a percentage of revenues on existing accounts over the three-year period subsequent to the closing date. The earnout provision was fully settled with a payment received during 2010. For tax purposes, this sale resulted in a capital loss of $28.4 million, a portion of which was utilized to offset capital gains in that and prior periods.

        Operating results for 2009 include charges for severance and other transaction costs of $1.1 million in connection with the divestiture of our investment in ACF and are included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of income. We also recorded a charge of $3.7 million in investment and other income in the consolidated statement of income to reflect the "other than temporary" decline in value of certain of the Company's investments in affiliated mutual funds as the fair value of these investments had been below cost for an extended period.

Total Revenues

        Total revenues increased 14%17% in 20112014 compared to 2010,2013, attributable to an increase in average assets under management of 18% and an increase19%, partially offset by a decrease in gross sales of 10%, while total8%. Total revenues increased 25%17% in 20102013 compared to 2009,2012, attributable to an increaseincreases in average assets under management of 31%19% and an increase in gross sales of 10%28%.


 For the Year Ended
December 31,
 Variance  For the Year Ended
December 31,
 Variance 

 2011 2010 2009 2011 vs.
2010
 2010 vs.
2009
  2014 2013 2012 2014 vs.
2013
 2013 vs.
2012
 

 (in thousands, except percentage data)
  (in thousands, except percentage data)
 

Investment management fees

 $530,599 457,538 354,593 16% 29%  $768,102 650,442 549,231 18% 18% 

Underwriting and distribution fees

 532,693 468,057 378,678 14% 24%  678,678 582,819 496,465 16% 17% 

Shareholder service fees

 131,885 119,290 105,818 11% 13%  150,979 137,093 128,109 10% 7% 
         

Total revenues

 $1,195,177 1,044,885 839,089 14% 25%  $1,597,759 1,370,354 1,173,805 17% 17% 
         

Investment Management Fee Revenues

        Investment management fee revenues are earned forby providing investment advisory services to the Funds, the Selector Management Funds and to institutional and separate accounts. Investment management fee revenues increased $73.1$117.7 million, or 16%18%, in 20112014 and increased $102.9$101.2 million, or 29%18%, in 2010.2013.

        Investment management fee revenues are based on the level of average assets under management and are affected by sales, financial market conditions, redemptions and the composition of assets. The following graph illustrates the direct relationship between average assets under management and investment management fee revenues for the years ending December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

        Revenues from investment management services provided to our retail mutual funds, which are distributed through the Wholesale, Advisors Wholesale and Institutional channels, were $490.0$709.2 million in 20112014 and increased $65.9$107.1 million, or 16%18%, compared to 2010,2013, while the related retail average assets increased 17%. Investment management fee revenues increased lessat a greater rate than the related retail average assets due


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to a slight increase in the average management fee rate, from 62.7 basis points in 2013 to 62.9 basis points in 2014. Management fee waivers, which are recorded as an offset of management fees, partially offset the rate of the investment management fee increase. In 2014, we recorded $11.8 million in management fee waivers, of which $7.8 million was related to money market accounts. Revenues from investment management services provided to our retail mutual funds were $602.1 million in 2013 and increased $96.0 million, or 19%, compared to 2012, while the related retail average assets increased 20%. Investment management fee revenues increased at a lesser rate than the related retail average assets due to the effect of recording management fee waivers as an offset to investment management fees beginning in the third quarter of 2010.fees. Of the total management fee waivers recorded in 20112013 of $8.4$10.1 million, $5.7$6.5 million related to money market accounts. Revenues from investment management services provided to our retail mutual funds were $424.1 million in 2010 and increased $97.8 million, or 30%, compared to 2009, while the related retail average assets increased 32%. Retail sales were $24.1 billion, $26.6 billion and $20.4 billion $18.1 billionin 2014, 2013 and $17.9 billion in 2011, 2010 and 2009,2012, respectively.


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        Prior to the sale of ACF effective July 15, 2009, ACF had assets under management of $488.0 million, which along with related investment management fee revenues, were previously included in the Institutional channel.

        Institutional and separate account revenues were $40.6$58.9 million, $33.4$48.3 million and $28.3$43.2 million in 2011, 20102014, 2013 and 2009,2012, respectively. The increase in revenues in 20112014 compared to 20102013 was primarily attributable to a 27%32% increase in average assets under management, while the increase in revenues in 20102013 compared to 20092012 was a result of a 19%15% increase in average assets.assets under management. For the comparative period 2014 to 2013, account revenues increased significantly less than the related average assets under management due to a decline in the average management fee rate driven by a mix-shift of assets into investment styles and account types with lower management fee rates.

        Long-termIn the Wholesale channel, the long-term redemption ratesrate (which excludeexcludes money market fund redemptions) was 34.8% in 2014, compared to 25.2% in 2013 and 30.2% in 2012. The increased rate in 2014 was primarily driven by redemptions in the Ivy Asset Strategy Fund and Ivy High Income Fund. Prolonged redemptions in the Wholesale channel could negatively affect revenues in future periods. The long-term redemption rate (which excludes money market fund redemptions) in the Advisors channel were 10.0%was 8.3% in 20112014 compared to 9.3%8.9% and 8.4%9.9% in 20102013 and 2009,2012, respectively. In the Wholesale channel, long-term redemption rates were 29.5% in 2011, compared to 29.3% in 2010 and 24.0% in 2009. We expect the Advisors channel long-term redemption rate to remain lower than that of the Wholesale channelindustry average due to the personal and customized nature in which our financial advisors provide service to our clients.

clients by focusing on meeting their long-term financial objectives. The long-term redemption rate for our Institutional channel was 23.8%has decreased to 16.9% in 20112014 compared to 35.1%20.0% in 20102013 and 28.3%24.2% in 2009. Subadvisory and defined contribution pension business comprise more than 60% of the Institutional channel's assets as of December 31, 2011 and unlike defined benefit pension accounts, the active daily flows in or out of these accounts can result in an increase in contributions and withdrawals and impact the channel's redemption rate.2012.

Underwriting and Distribution

        We earn underwriting and distribution fee revenues primarily by distributing the Funds pursuant to an underwriting agreement with each Fund (except the Ivy Funds VIP as explained below) and, to a lesser extent, by distributing mutual funds offered by other unaffiliated companies. Pursuant to each agreement, we offer and sell the Funds' shares on a continuous basis (open-end funds) and pay certain costs associated with underwriting and distributing the Funds, including the costs of developing and producing sales literature and printing of prospectuses, which may be either partially or fully reimbursed by the Funds. The Funds are sold in various classes that are structured in ways that conform to industry standards (i.e., "front-end load," "back-end load," "level-load" and institutional).

        When a client purchases Class A or Class E shares (front-end load), the client pays an initial sales charge of up to 5.75% of the amount invested. The sales charge for Class A or Class E shares typically declines as the investment amount increases. In addition, investors may combine their purchases of all fund shares to qualify for a reduced sales charge. Class A shares purchased at net asset value are assessed a 1% contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") if the shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. When a client invests in an asset allocation product, Class A shares are purchased at net asset value. Wevalue and we do not charge an initial sales charge, butcharge. Although historically investors arein our asset allocation products were assessed a CDSC upon early redemption of shares, up to 3% of the amount originally invested and declining to zero for investments held more than three years. Whenyears, effective for purchases made beginning June 16, 2014, we no longer assess a CDSC to investors upon early redemption. For client purchases of Class B shares (back-end load), prior to January 1, 2014, we do not charge an initial sales charge, but we do charge a CDSC upon early redemption of shares, up to 5% of the lesser of the current market net asset


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value or the purchase cost of the redeemed shares in the first year and declining to zero for shares held for more than six years. Class B shares convert to Class A shares after seven years. Effective January 1, 2014, the Company suspended sales of Class B shares. When a client purchases Class C shares (level-load), we do not charge an initial sales charge, but we do charge investors who redeem their Class C shares in the first year a CDSC of 1% of the current market net asset value or the purchase cost of the shares redeemed, whichever is less.

        Under a Rule 12b-1 service plan, the Funds may charge a maximum fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets under management for Class B, C, E and Ivy Funds Y shares for expenses paid to broker/dealers and other sales professionals in connection with providing ongoing services to the Funds' shareholders and/or maintaining the Funds' shareholder accounts, with the exception of the Funds' Class R shares, for which the maximum fee is 0.50%. and for the Class I, R6 and Advisors Funds Y shares, which do not charge a service fee. The Funds' Class B and Class C shares may charge a maximum of 0.75% of the average daily net


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assets under management under a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan to broker/dealers and other sales professionals for their services in connection with distributing shares of that class. The Funds' Class A shares may charge a maximum fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets under management under a Rule 12b-1 service and distribution plan for expenses detailed previously. The Rule 12b-1 plans are subject to annual approval by the Funds' board of trustees, including a majority of the disinterested members, by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. All Funds may terminate the service plan at any time with approval of fund trustees or portfolio shareholders (a majority of either) without penalty.

        We offer asset allocation investment advisory products that utilize our Funds. These products offer clients a selection of traditional asset allocation models, as well as features such as systematic rebalancing and client and advisor participation in determining asset allocation across asset classes. We earn asset-based fees on our asset allocation investment advisory products.

        We distribute variable products offering the Ivy Funds VIP as investment vehicles pursuant to general agency arrangements with our business partners and receive commissions, marketing allowances and other compensation as stipulated by such agreements. In connection with these arrangements, the Ivy Funds VIP are offered and sold on a continuous basis.

        In addition to distributing variable products, we distribute a number of other insurance products through our insurance agency subsidiaries,subsidiary, including individual term life, group term life, whole life, accident and health, long-term care, Medicare supplement and disability insurance. We receive commissions and compensation from various underwriters for distributing these products. We are not an underwriter for any insurance policies.

        We also offer asset allocation investment advisory products that utilize our Funds. These products offer clients a selection of traditional asset allocation models, as well as features such as systematic rebalancing and client and advisor participation in determining asset allocation across asset classes. We earn asset-based fees on our asset allocation investment advisory products.


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Underwriting and Distribution Fee Revenues and Expenses

        The following tables illustrate our underwriting and distribution fee revenues and expenses segregated by distribution channel for the years ended December 31, 2011, 20102014, 2013 and 2009:2012:

 
 Total  
  
 
 2011 vs.
2010
 2010 vs.
2009
 
 2011 2010 2009
 
 (in thousands, except percentage data)

Revenue

 $532,693  468,057  378,678  14%  24%

Expenses:

               

Direct

  470,050  409,912  325,836  15%  26%

Indirect

  145,981  133,692  124,089  9%  8%
             

Total Expenses

  616,031  543,604  449,925  13%  21%
             

Net Underwriting & Distribution

 $(83,338)  (75,547)  (71,247)  -10%  -6%
             
 
 Total  
  
 
 
 2014 vs.
2013
 2013 vs.
2012
 
 
 2014 2013 2012 
 
 (in thousands, except percentage data)
 

Revenues

 $678,678  582,819  496,465  16%  17% 

Expenses—Direct

  (615,954) (524,071) (444,854) 18%  18% 

Expenses—Indirect

  (167,373) (152,642) (145,127) 10%  5% 

Net Distribution (Costs)/Excess

 $(104,649) (93,894) (93,516) –11%  0% 

 

 
 Advisors Channel  
  
 
 2011 2010 2009 2011 vs.
2010
 2010 vs.
2009

Revenue

 $290,077  252,107  213,258  15%  18%

Expenses:

               

Direct

  204,358  177,158  147,469  15%  20%

Indirect

  97,414  87,731  83,917  11%  5%
             

Total Expenses

  301,772  264,889  231,386  14%  14%
             

Net Underwriting & Distribution

 $(11,695)  (12,782)  (18,128)  9%  29%
             
 
 Wholesale Channel  
  
 
 
 2014 vs.
2013
 2013 vs.
2012
 
 
 2014 2013 2012 

Revenues

 $234,939  207,419  178,700  13%  16% 

Expenses—Direct

  (302,459) (268,047) (224,744) 13%  19% 

Expenses—Indirect

  (51,675) (43,923) (39,929) 18%  10% 

Net Distribution (Costs)/Excess

 $(119,195) (104,551) (85,973) –14%  –22% 

 

 
 Wholesale Channel  
  
 
 2011 2010 2009 2011 vs.
2010
 2010 vs.
2009

Revenue

 $242,616  215,950  165,420  12%  31%

Expenses:

               

Direct

  265,692  232,754  178,367  14%  30%

Indirect

  48,567  45,961  40,172  6%  14%
             

Total Expenses

  314,259  278,715  218,539  13%  28%
             

Net Underwriting & Distribution

 $(71,643)  (62,765)  (53,119)  -14%  -18%
             
 
 Advisors Channel  
  
 
 
 2014 vs.
2013
 2013 vs.
2012
 
 
 2014 2013 2012 

Revenues

 $443,739  375,400  317,765  18%  18% 

Expenses—Direct

  (313,495) (256,024) (220,110) 22%  16% 

Expenses—Indirect

  (115,698) (108,719) (105,198) 6%  3% 

Net Distribution (Costs)/Excess

 $14,546  10,657  (7,543) 36%  241% 

        A portion

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        The following tables summarize the significant components of underwriting and distribution fee revenues insegregated by distribution channel for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:

 
 Total
 
 2014 2013 2012
 
 (in thousands)

Underwriting and distribution fee revenues:

         

Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees

 $346,304  304,659  264,192

Fee-based asset allocation product revenues

  202,178  155,501  116,407

Sales commissions on front-end load mutual fund and variable annuity sales

  78,484  75,008  70,996

Sales commissions on other products

  24,024  22,069  23,198

Other revenues

  27,688  25,582  21,672

Total

 $678,678  582,819  496,465


 
 Wholesale Channel
 
 2014 2013 2012
 
 (in thousands)

Underwriting and distribution fee revenues:

         

Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees

 $224,669  198,283  170,799

Sales commissions on front-end load mutual fund sales

  5,843  5,506  3,989

Other revenues

  4,427  3,630  3,912

Total

 $234,939  207,419  178,700


 
 Advisors Channel
 
 2014 2013 2012
 
 (in thousands)

Underwriting and distribution fee revenues:

         

Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees

 $121,635  106,376  93,393

Fee-based asset allocation product revenues

  202,178  155,501  116,407

Sales commissions on front-end load mutual fund and variable annuity sales

  72,641  69,502  67,007

Sales commissions on other products

  24,024  22,069  23,198

Other revenues

  23,261  21,952  17,760

Total

 $443,739  375,400  317,765

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        A significant portion of underwriting and distribution revenues are received from Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution fees earned on load, load-waived and deferred-load products sold by our Advisors channel are derived fromfinancial advisors and third party intermediaries. Underwriting and distribution revenues also include asset-based fees earned on our asset allocation products and commissions, sales commissions charged on front-end load products sold by our financial advisors, including mutual fund Class A shares (those sponsored by the Company and those underwritten by other non-proprietary mutual fund companies), variable annuities, sales of other insurance products, and financial planning fees. A significant amount of Wholesale channel mutual fund sales are load-waived. The remainder of underwriting and distribution revenues are received from Rule 12b-1 asset-based distribution and service fees earned on both load and load-waived and deferred-load products sold by our financial advisors and third party intermediaries, asset-based fees earned on our asset allocation products, and commissions earned on the sale of other insurance products.


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        We divide the costs of underwriting and distribution into two components — components—direct costs and indirect costs. Direct selling costs fluctuate with sales volume, such as advisor commissions and commission overridesmanagement commissions paid to field management, advisor incentive compensation, commissions paid to third parties and to our own wholesalers, and related overridesmanagement commissions in our Wholesale channel. Direct selling costs also fluctuate with assets under management, such as Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees paid to the samethird parties. Indirect selling costs are fixed costs that do not necessarily fluctuate with sales levels. Indirect costs include expenses incurred by our home office and field offices such as wholesaler salaries, marketing costs, promotion and distribution of our products through the AdvisorsWholesale and WholesaleAdvisors channels; support and management of our financial advisors such as field office overhead, sales programs and technology infrastructure; and costs of managing and supporting our wholesale efforts through technology infrastructure and personnel. While the Institutional channel does have marketing expenses, those expenses are accounted for in compensation and related costs and general and administrative expense instead of underwriting and distribution because of the channel's integration with our investment management division, its relatively small size and the fact that there are no Rule 12b-1 fees, loads, CDSCs, or any other charges to separate account clients except investment management fees.

        We recover certain of our underwriting and distribution costs through Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees, which are paid by the Funds. All Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fee revenue received from the Funds is recorded on a gross basis.

        Underwriting and distribution revenues earned in 20112014 increased by $64.6$95.9 million, or 14%16%, compared to 2010. Revenues from fee-based asset allocation products increased $33.4 million compared to the prior year as assets grew from $4.5 billion to $6.0 billion year over year.2013. Rule 12b-1 asset-basedasset based service and distribution fees increased $29.2$41.6 million, compared to 2010 asor 14%, year over year, driven by a result of an15% increase in average mutual fund assets under management. Higher advisory feesmanagement for which we earn Rule 12b-1 revenues. Approximately 75% of Rule 12b-1 revenues earned are a pass-through to direct underwriting and pointdistribution expenses. Revenues from fee-based asset allocation products continued to be a meaningful contributor to revenues, increasing to 46% of sale commissions earned by Legend increased revenue by $3.7 millionAdvisors channel underwriting and distribution revenues in 2014 compared to the prior year. Revenues41% in 2013. Fee-based asset allocation assets grew from front-load product sales sold in the Advisors channel decreased by $4.5 million, however this overall decrease included$14.4 billion at December 31, 2013 to $17.3 billion at December 31, 2014, generating an increase in variable annuity revenues of $7.5 million. Insurance-related revenues decreased $1.0fee-based asset allocation revenue of $46.7 million, compared to the prior year.or 30%, as advisors increasingly utilize fee-based programs for their clients.

        Underwriting and distribution revenues earned in 20102013 increased by $89.4$86.4 million, or 24%17%, compared to 2009. A majority of the increase in revenues was due to higher2012. Increased Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution fees of $56.7$40.5 million, as a result of anor 15%, resulted from the 17% increase in average mutual fund assets under management.management for which we earn Rule 12b-1 revenues. Revenues from fee-based asset allocation products increased $20.5 millionto 41% of Advisors channel underwriting and distribution revenues in 2013 compared to the prior year. Higher advisory fees and point of sale commissions earned by Legend increased revenue by $7.9 million compared37% in 2012. Fee-based asset allocation assets grew from $10.1 billion at December 31, 2012 to the prior year. Revenues from front-load product sales sold in the Advisors channel increased by $5.1 million, which included$14.4 billion at December 31, 2013, generating an increase in variable annuity revenues of $2.3fee-based asset allocation revenue of $39.1 million, year over year. Offsetting these increases, insurance-related revenues decreased $2.7 million.or 34%.

        Underwriting and distribution expenses in 20112014 increased by $72.4$106.6 million, or 13%16%, compared with the prior year. A significant part of this increase was attributable to higher direct2013. Direct expenses in the Wholesale channel of $32.9increased $34.4 million compared to 2013 as a result of an increase in average wholesale assets under management, partially offset by lower sales volume year over year. We incurred higher dealer compensation paid to third party distributors, increased Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution expenses and higher wholesaler commissions,paid to third party distributors, partially offset by lower amortization expense of deferred sales commissions.dealer compensation. Direct expenses in the Advisors channel increased $27.2 million, or 15%, compared to 2010 due to higher fee-based asset allocation expenses of $23.8 million, higher Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution commissions of $6.4 million and higher amortization expense of deferred sales commissions of $0.9 million, partially offset by lower point of sale commissions on front-load product sales of $2.6 million and insurance expenses of $0.7 million. The increase in indirect expenses in the Advisors channel of $9.7 million was due to increased employee compensation and benefits expenses, higher convention costs, increased field office expenses and higher expenses incurred beginning mid-year 2011 related to our electronic books and records conversion project. Expenses related to this conversion project are expected to run $1.0 million per quarter until mid-year 2012. The indirect expensesgrew


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increasefaster than revenue due to increased advisor payouts, as a result of $2.6 milliona change in the Wholesale channel was mostlyAdvisor compensation plan. Indirect expenses across both channels increased $14.7 million, or 10%, compared to 2013, primarily due to higherincreased computer services and software expenses, employee compensation and benefits expense.and marketing expenses.

        Underwriting and distribution expenses in 20102013 increased by $93.7$86.7 million, or 21%15%, compared to 2009. A significant part of this increase was attributable to higher direct2012. Direct expenses in the Wholesale channel of $54.4increased $43.3 million compared to 2012 as a result of an increase in average wholesale assets under management minimally offset by lowerand higher sales volume year over year. We incurred higher dealer compensation, paid to third party distributors, increased Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution expenses paid to third party distributors and higher amortization expense of deferred sales commissions, partially offset by lower wholesaler commissions. Direct expenses in the Advisors channel increased $29.7$35.9 million, or 20%16%, compared to 2009 due to increased commissions related to the sale of fee-based asset allocation products of $13.8 million, higherand increased Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution commissions of $12.3expenses. Across both channels, indirect expenses increased $7.5 million, higher point of sale commissions on front-load productor 5%, compared to 2012, primarily due to increased computer services and software expenses, marketing expenses, group health costs and sales of $4.6 million,convention expenses, partially offset by lower commissions on insurance products of $1.7 million. Indirect expenses increased a total of $9.6 million compared to 2009. The increasecosts in indirect expenses in the Advisors channel of $3.8 million was due to increased employee compensation2013 associated with our electronic books and benefits expenses and information technology costs. The indirect expenses increase of $5.8 million in the Wholesale channel was due to increased employee compensation and benefits expenses, higher marketing costs and higher business meeting and travel expenses.records conversion project.

Shareholder Service Fees Revenue

        Shareholder service feesfee revenue primarily includes transfer agency fees, custodian fees from retirement plan accounts, and portfolio accounting and administration fees. PortfolioTransfer agency fees and 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 client accounts.

        During 2011,2014, shareholder service fees revenue increased $12.6$13.9 million, or 11%10%, over 2010, due to higher2013. Of the total increase, asset-based fees accounted for $11.5 million and account-based fees increased $2.7 million, partially offset by a decrease in retirement plan fees. A majority of $8.6 million year over yearthe increase in certainasset-based fees was driven by fees for the I, Y and R share classes which increased $10.8 million, or 30%, when compared to 2013. Assets in the I, Y and $4.0R share classes grew from an average of $23.8 billion at December 31, 2013 to an average of $31.0 billion at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of 30%. The account-based fees increase of $2.7 million attributable to account-based revenues,was due to a 2% increase in the average number of client accounts.accounts compared to the same period.

        During 2010,2013, shareholder service fees revenue increased $13.5$9.0 million, or 13%7%, over 2009. Of this2012. The increase $8.3 million wasis due to higher asset-based fees of $9.6 million year over yearyear. Of the increase in certainasset-based fees, fees for the I, Y and R share classes increased $8.7 million, or 32%, when compared to 2012. Assets in the I, Y and $5.2 millionR shares classes grew from an average of $18.1 billion in 2012 to an average of $23.8 billion in 2013, representing an increase of 31%. The increase in asset-based fees was attributable topartially offset by lower account-based revenues,fees, due to a 7% increasedecrease in technology reimbursements from the average numberFunds. The decrease in technology reimbursement was a result of client accounts.favorable pricing received on the renewal of a vendor contract effective at the beginning of 2013, and also resulted in lower general and administrative expenses for the year.

Total Operating Expenses

        Operating expenses increased $108.7$127.6 million, or 14%13%, in 20112014 compared to 20102013 primarily due to increased underwriting and distribution expenses, compensation and related costs, andincreased general and administrative expenses.costs and an intangible asset impairment charge, partially offset by decreased subadvisory fees. Underwriting and distribution expenses are discussed above.


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        Operating expenses increased $125.1$114.5 million, or 19%13%, in 20102013 compared to 20092012 primarily due to increased underwriting and distribution expenses and compensation and related costs.costs, partially offset by decreased subadvisory fees.


 For the Year Ended
December 31,
 Variance

 2011 vs.
2010
 2010 vs.
2009
 For the Year Ended
December 31,
 Variance

 2011 2010 2009 2014 2013 2012 2014 vs.
2013
 2013 vs.
2012

 (in thousands, except percentage data)
 (in thousands, except percentage data)

Underwriting and distribution

 $616,031 543,604 449,925 13% 21% $783,327 676,713 589,981 16% 15%

Compensation and related costs

 161,401 142,255 124,463 13% 14% 194,410 197,597 171,775 –2% 15%

General and administrative

 80,533 66,703 58,034 21% 15% 104,637 86,419 75,332 21% 15%

Subadvisory fees

 29,885 27,823 23,202 7% 20% 8,436 12,220 21,009 –31% –42%

Depreciation

 15,235 14,030 13,653 9% 3% 14,634 12,834 13,211 14% –3%
         

Intangible asset impairment

 7,900   NM NM

Total operating expenses

 $903,085 794,415 669,277 14% 19% $1,113,344 985,783 871,308 13% 13%
         

Compensation and Related Costs

 
 For the Year Ended
December 31,
 Variance
 
 2014 2013 2012 2014 vs.
2013
 2013 vs.
2012
 
 (in thousands, except percentage data)

Compensation and related costs

 $194,410  197,597  171,775  –2%  15%

As a percent of revenue

  12%  14%  15%  –2%  –1%

        Compensation and related costs in 2011 increased $19.12014 decreased $3.2 million, or 13%2%, compared to 2010.2013. A decrease in incentive compensation of $6.1 million and a decrease in pension expense of $3.6 million were the primary drivers. Expense also decreased $2.3 million related to our deferred compensation program for portfolio managers due to market depreciation. Partially offsetting these decreases were an increase in base salaries, payroll taxes and savings plan costs of $5.7 million due to an increase in headcount and annual merit increases during 2014, and an increase in share-based compensation of $1.0 million due to higher amortization expense associated with our nonvested restricted stock. In addition, higher compensation costs related to Institutional channel marketing contributed $0.8 million compared to 2013 and group insurance expense increased $0.5 million due to unfavorable claims experience.

        Compensation and related costs in 2013 increased $25.8 million, or 15%, compared to 2012. An incentive compensation expense increase of $12.9 million was the primary driver. Base salaries and payroll taxes contributed $7.3$6.7 million to the increase due to an increase in average headcount of 12%3% and annual merit increases during 2011.2013. Share-based compensation increased $6.1$4.4 million compared to 20102012 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. We had a decrease in capitalized software development activities of $2.7 million, higher commission expense on managed and institutional accounts of $1.5 million and experienced higher incentive compensation expense of $0.8 million and grouprestricted stock. Group insurance costs of $0.4 million.

        Compensation and related costs in 2010 increased $17.8$1.1 million or 14%, compared to 2009. Share-based compensation accounted for $9.8 million of the increase primarily due to higher amortization expense associated with our April 2010, December 2009 and April 2009 grants of nonvested stock compared to grants that became fully vested in 2010. Base salaries and payroll taxes contributed $5.8 million to the increase, due to an increase in average headcount of 6.1% and annual merit increases during 2010. We also experienced higher incentive compensation expense of $2.8 million and higher savings plan costs of $1.4 million. These expense increases were offset by increased capitalized software development activities of $1.5 million, primarily due to technology and compliance initiatives, and lower group insurance costs of $0.8 million compared to 2009year over year based on favorableunfavorable claims experience.


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General and Administrative Expenses

 
 For the Year Ended
December 31,
 Variance
 
 2014 2013 2012 2014 vs.
2013
 2013 vs.
2012
 
 (in thousands, except percentage data)

General and administrative expenses

 $104,637  86,419  75,332  21%  15%

As a percent of revenue

  7%  6%  6%  1%  0%

        General and administrative expenses are operating costs other than those related to compensation and to distribution efforts, including, but not limited to, computer services and software costs, telecommunications, facilities costs of our home offices, costs of professional services including legal and accounting, and insurance.

        General and administrative expenses increased $13.8$18.2 million in 2011for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2010.2013. Included in 20112013 were one-time structuring, offering and organizational costs for the launch of the Ivy High Income Opportunities Fund in the amount of $6.7 million. Excluding these charges in 2013, general and administrative expenses increased $24.9 million, due primarily to higher consulting costs of $8.7 million, of which $5.7 million 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 totechnology consulting, increased dealer servicesservice costs based on higher asset levels in certain share classes of $4.1$5.4 million, costs incurred for our national branding campaign launched in the first quarter of 2011, higher computer services and software costs of $2.8$4.0 million and increased legal, temporary office staff and fund expense costs. We anticipate that computer services and software expenses of $2.4 million, partially offset by lower fund expenses of $0.7 million. Fee waivers were recorded as part of fund expenses prior to the third quarter of 2010. Fee waivers are now netted against management fee revenues.


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        General and administrative expenses increased $8.7$11.1 million for the year ended December 31, 20102013 compared to 2009. Higher2012. During 2012, we recorded a charge of $5.0 million to reflect the impairment of certain capitalized software development costs. Also included in 2012 was an adjustment to lower general and administrative expenses by $3.5 million to reflect lower estimated costs for third party subaccountingof distributing an SEC market timing settlement dating back to 2006, and networking fees fora reduction in the estimated legal costs related to an ongoing class action suit. Excluding these charges in 2012 and the fund launch costs in 2013, general and administrative expenses increased $5.9 million, due primarily to increased dealer service costs based on higher asset levels in certain share classes of $5.0 million, higher national branding campaign expenses and temporary office staff costs. Partially offsetting these increases were lower computer services were primarily responsible for the increase.and software expenses and legal costs.

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 revenuerevenues received from subadvised products. Gross management fee revenues for products subadvised by others were $59.3$15.9 million for the year ended December 31, 20112014 compared to $55.3$24.0 million and $46.0$41.7 million for 20102013 and 2009,2012, respectively, due to an 8% increasea 24% decrease in average assets from 20102013 to 20112014 and a 22% increase40% decrease in average assets from 20092012 to 2010.2013. The decrease in average net assets for both periods is a result of internalizing the management of the Global Natural Resources funds after the portfolio manager's retirement from Mackenzie Financial Corporation ("MFC"), the subadvisor, during the third quarter of 2013. Subadvisory expenses followed the same pattern for the past three years.

        SubadvisedIntangible Asset Impairment

        During the third quarter of 2014, we recorded an intangible asset impairment charge of $7.9 million related to our subadvisory agreement to manage certain mutual fund products for MFC recorded in


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connection with our purchase of Mackenzie Investment Management, Inc. in 2002. The impairment charge was a result of a decline in assets under management atattributable to a realignment of MFC's fund offerings and additional asset reductions. It is possible that the assets we manage for MFC may decrease in the future, which would require us to assess the need for an additional write-down of the intangible asset associated with our subadvisory agreement with MFC.

        At December 31, 2011 were $5.8 billion compared2014, the remaining balance of our subadvisory intangible asset was $8.4 million. The deferred tax liability established as a part of purchase accounting related to the annual averagethis intangible asset was $3.1 million as of $7.3 billion for 2011. Since subadvisory expenses are a function of sales, redemptions and market action for subadvised assets, the lower asset base will likely result in a decrease to both gross management fee revenues and subadvisory expenses for the coming year.December 31, 2014.

Other Income and Expenses

Investment and Other Income

        Investment and other income decreased $6.7$3.1 million in 20112014 compared to 2010. The current year included mark-to-market losses on mutual fund holdings2013, primarily due to a $9.3 million decrease in our trading portfolio of $1.1 million compared to gains in 2010 of $5.1 million. Offsetting these declines were higher dividend income on available for sale mutual fund holdings of $1.0 million in 2011 compared to the prior year. In 2011 and 2010 we recorded write-downs of our investment in a limited partnership of $1.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively. We recorded realized gains on the sale of available for sale mutualaffiliated funds (mutual funds and UCITS sub-funds) and a $1.5 million decrease in mark-to-market gains on affiliated fund holdings in our trading portfolio. A $3.0 million increase in affiliated fund dividend income partially offset the decrease. In 2013, we recorded losses related to our investment in a limited partnership of $2.2 million during 2011 compared to $2.9 million in 2010.$4.9 million.

        Investment and other income for 2010 increased by $3.7$10.1 million in 2013 compared to 2009. Included2012, primarily due to an $11.6 million increase in 2009 was a non-cash charge of $3.7 million to reflect the "other than temporary" impairment of certain of the Company's investments in available for sale affiliated mutual funds as the fair value of those investments was below cost for an extended period. Excluding the impairment in 2009, investment and other income was unchanged from 2009 to 2010. We recorded realized gains on the sale of available for sale mutualaffiliated funds ofand a $2.7 million increase in affiliated fund dividend income. A $2.9 million during 2010 compared to $2.6increase in partnership losses and a $0.9 million decrease in 2009. Additionalmark-to-market gains on affiliated fund holdings in our trading portfolio of $500 thousand compared to 2009 andpartially offset the collection on a note receivable from a partnership interest that was written off in previous years also contributed to the year over year change. Offsetting these gains was a $1.5 million write-down of our investment in a limited partnership during 2010.increase.

Interest Expense

        Interest expense was $11.4$11.0 million, $11.2 million and $11.3 million in 20112014, 2013 and $12.7 million in both 2010 and 2009. In January 2011 we completed2012, respectively. Although the refinancingmajority of our senior notes with more favorable terms, which resulted in lower interest expense in 2011 compared to 2010 and 2009. We also experiencedis fixed based on our $190.0 million senior unsecured notes, we did benefit from lower costs associated with the renewal of our $125.0 million credit facility which was entered into in August 2010.2013.

Income Taxes

        Our effective income tax rate from continuing operations was 37.9%36.1%, 36.3%,35.7% and 34.9%36.0% in 2011, 20102014, 2013 and 2009,2012, respectively. During 2009, theThe Company sold a subsidiary,Legend in 2013, which generated a capital loss available for offsettingto offset potential future and prior period capital gains. Due to the character of the loss and the limited carryforward period permitted by law, a valuation allowance was recorded on a portion of this capital loss. The higher effective tax rate in 2011 was primarily a result of less utilization of the capital loss in 2011 as compared to 2010. During 2011,2014, 2013 and 2012, realized capital gains allowed for a release of the valuation allowance of


Table $5.0 million, $7.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively. In each year, this release of Contents

$0.4 million, whichthe valuation allowance was recorded as a benefitreduction to tax expense and, as a result, decreased our effective tax rate. In 2010, realized capital gains and an increase in the fair value of our investment portfolios allowed for the release of $2.7 million of the valuation allowance, which was recorded as a benefit toincome tax expense and, as a result, decreased our effective tax rate. The higher effective tax rate in 2010 over 20092014 as compared to 2013 was primarily the result of lesslower investment gains in 2014. Likewise, the lower effective tax rate in 2013 as compared to 2012 was primarily the result of additional utilization of the capital losses in 2010 as compared to 2009.2013.

        Our 20112014, 2013 and 20102012 effective tax rates from continuing operations, removing the effects of the valuation allowance, would have been 38.1%37.1%, 37.5% and 37.4%36.8%, respectively. Our 2009 effective tax rate, removing the effects of the loss on the sale of our subsidiary and the establishment of a corresponding valuation allowance, would have been 36.8%. The effective income tax rate, exclusive of the valuation allowance, increaseddecreased in 2011 over that of 20102014 as compared to 2013 due to changes in state legislation in jurisdictions inhigher income before taxes, which diluted the impact of expenses that are not deductible for income tax purposes. Additionally, the Company operates as well as a charge to tax expense in 2011 on tax positions for which the outcome is uncertain in tax years in which the statute of limitations remains open. The effective tax rate, exclusive of the subsidiary loss and valuation allowance, increased in 2010 over that of 2009 due to fewergenerated larger state tax incentives related to capital expenditures made by the Company in 20102014 as compared to 2013. When the statute of limitations lapses and a tax year is no longer subject to potential future audit, the Company recognizes any tax benefits previously considered uncertain related to that tax year. The 2013 effective income tax rate, exclusive of the valuation allowance, increased as compared to 2012 due to less recognition of tax benefits as a result of the lapse of the statute of limitations. Also in 2012, the Company identified favorable treatment on expenses previously considered nondeductible for income tax purposes, thereby generating tax refunds related to the 2009 and changes in state legislation in jurisdictions in which the Company operates.2010 tax years.


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Liquidity and Capital Resources

        The following table summarizes certain key financial data relating to our liquidity and capital resources:

 
 For the Year Ended
December 31,
 Variance 
 
 2014 vs.
2013
 2013 vs.
2012
 
 
 2014 2013 2012 
 
 (in thousands, except percentage data)
 

Balance Sheet Data: (1)

                

Cash and cash equivalents

 $566,621  487,845  328,027  16%  49% 

Cash and cash equivalents—restricted

  76,595  121,419  92,980  –37%  31% 

Investment securities

  243,283  201,348  176,142  21%  14% 

Long-term debt

  
190,000
  
190,000
  
190,000
  
0%
  
0%
 

Cash Flow Data:

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 

Cash flows from operating activities

  345,042  286,916  233,435  20%  23% 

Cash flows from investing activities

  (39,108)  25,622  (17,129)  –253%  –250% 

Cash flows from financing activities

  (227,158)  (155,023)  (213,059)  –47%  27% 

 
 For the Year Ended
December 31,
 Variance
 
 2011 vs.
2010
 2010 vs.
2009
 
 2011 2010 2009
 
 (in thousands, except percentage data)

Balance Sheet Data:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

 $327,083  195,315  244,359  67%  -20%

Cash and cash equivalents - restricted

  50,569  81,197  72,941  -38%  11%

Investment securities

  135,497  192,611 (1) 70,524  -30%  173%

Long-term debt

  
190,000
  
189,999
  
199,984
  
0%
  
-5%

Cash Flow Data:

               

Cash flows from operating activities

  283,139 (1) 140,643  155,179  101%  -9%

Cash flows from investing activities

  (30,242)  (67,806)  (29,488)  -55%  130%

Cash flows from financing activities

  (121,129)  (121,881)  (91,660)  1%  -33%

(1)
At December 31, 2010, investment securities included U.S. treasury bills of $117.9 million and commercial paper of $5.0 million with maturities of less than 180 days at the date of purchase. Maturities of the U.S. treasury bills and commercial paper during 2011 of $66.0 million is included in cash flows from operating activities.Balance sheet data excludes discontinued operations held for sale for 2012.

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

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 home office resources, wholesaling efforts and enhanced technology tools. Across both channels, we provide seed money for new products.

        We are currently investing in technology initiatives to modernize and optimize our technology environment. Initiatives underway include upgrading our infrastructure, network and security, moving to distributed applications, and building system architecture.

Pay Dividends

        The Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly dividend on our common stock from $0.20$0.34 per share to $0.25$0.43 per share beginning with ourthe dividend we declared in the fourth quarter 2011 dividend,2014 and paid on February 1,2, 2015 to stockholders of record on January 12, 2015. We paid a special cash dividend on our common stock of $1.00 per share in 2012. Dividends on our common stock resulted in financing cash outflows of $68.8$115.3 million, $65.2$96.0 million and $65.0$171.3 million in 2011, 20102014, 2013 and 2009,2012, respectively.

Repurchase Our Stock

        In both 2011 and 2010,2014, we repurchased 2.0purchased 2.3 million shares of our shares,common stock, compared to 1.91.5 million shares in 2009.both 2013 and 2012. These share repurchase amounts included 494,207599,340 shares, 426,665665,035 shares and 327,301568,568 shares from employees who elected to tender shares to cover their minimum tax withholdings with respect to vesting of stock awards during the years ended December 31, 2011, 20102014, 2013 and 2009,2012, respectively.


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        In the future, we plan to repurchase shares, at a minimum, to offset dilution from shares issued for employee share plans.stock-based compensation programs. During 2012,2015, we estimate that we will repurchase approximately 575500 thousand shares from employees who elect to tender shares to cover their minimum tax withholdings arising from the vesting of nonvested shares.

Operating Cash Flows

        Excluding the cash flowsCash from operating activities generatedoperations is our primary source of funds and increased $58.1 million from the maturity of U.S. treasuries and commercial paper in 2011 of $66.0 million, the remaining2013 to 2014. The increase is primarily due to higherincreased net income and non-cash share-based compensation expense in 2011.compared to the prior year.

        The payable to investment companies for securities, accountpayable to customers and other receivables accounts can fluctuate significantly based on trading activity at the end of a reporting period. On December 31, 2009, the Company changed the trustee of its 401(k) plan. Approximately $100 million of the payable to investment companies for securities balance was due to the transfer of assets between trustees. As aChanges in these accounts result in variances within cash from operations on the statement of cash flows,flows; however, there were corresponding increases and decreases to cash from operations. There is no impact to the Company's liquidity and operations for the variationsvariances in these accounts.

        We payDuring 2014, we paid our financial advisors and third parties upfront commissions on the sale of Class B and C shares and certain fee-based asset allocation products. Effective January 1, 2014, we suspended sales of Class B shares, but prior to that date, we paid upfront commissions on Class B shares as well. Funding of such commissions during the years ended December 31, 2011, 20102014, 2013 and 20092012 totaled $57.9$41.0 million, $59.0$68.5 million and $54.7$54.4 million, respectively. The driversIn 2014, 57% of the commission funding in 2011 werewas related to Class C shares and 43% of the commission funding was related to fee-based asset allocation products. During 2013, commission funding for fee-based asset allocation products for which $26.5 million was funded, and Class C shares for which $23.0 million was funded. The drivers54% and 36% of the annual commission funding, in 2010 were Class C shares, for which $25.9 millionrespectively. In 2012, 51% of the commission funding was funded, andrelated to fee-based asset allocation products for which $24.8 millionand 35% was funded. The primary driver of commission funding in 2009 wasrelated to Class C shares,shares. Based on changes to the advisor compensation plan in the second quarter of 2014, we expect payment of upfront fund commission for which $29.8 million of commissions were funded. Management expects future cash requirements for sales commissions may exceed the level experienced in previous years due to increased sales in ourcertain fee-based asset allocation products.products will decline in future periods.


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        Contributions$20.0 million was made to our pension plan are not expected to exceed $20 million for 2012. A contribution of $10 million was made to the plan in January 2012.2015, and no further contributions are planned for 2015.

Investing Cash Flows

        Investing activities consist primarily of the purchase and sale of available for sale investment securities, as well as capital expenditures. We expect our 20122015 capital expenditures to be in the range of $15.0$20.0 to $20.0$30.0 million.

Financing Cash Flows

        As noted previously, dividends and stock repurchases accounted for a majority of our financing cash outflows in 2011.2014.

        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 Notes (thesenior unsecured notes that were issued and sold in two tranches: $95.0 million bearing interest at 5.0% and maturing January 13, 2018, Series A, and $95.0 million bearing interest of 5.75% and maturing January 13, 2021, Series B (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 existing Notes5.6% senior notes (the "Notes") matured. The Company used the proceeds of the issuance and sale of the Senior Notes to repay in full the Notes expiring in January 2011. The Senior Notes are unsecured and were issued 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").full. Interest will beis 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. As of December 31, 2014, the Company's consolidated leverage ratio was 0.3 to 1.0, and consolidated interest coverage ratio was 52.3 to 1.0.

        Simultaneous with the refinancing of our senior notes, theThe Company entered into a threefive year revolving credit facility (the "New Credit"Credit Facility") with various lenders, effective August 31, 2010,June 28, 2013, which initially provides for initial borrowings of up to $125.0 million and replaced


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the Company's previous revolving credit facility. Lenders could,may, at their option upon the Company's request, expand the facility to $200.0 million. At December 31, 2011, thereThere were no borrowings outstanding under the New Credit Facility. Both the New Credit Facility andat December 31, 2014 or at any point during the year. The Credit Facility's covenants match those outlined above for the Senior Notes contain financial covenants with respect to leverage and interest coverage, both of which we were in compliance with throughout fiscal 2011.Notes.

Short Term Liquidity and Capital Requirements

        Management believes its available cash, marketable securities and expected cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund its short-term operating and capital requirements during 2012.2015. 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, pension funding, capital expenditures and home office leasehold and building improvements, and could include strategic acquisitions.

Long Term Liquidity and Capital Requirements

        Expected long-term capital requirements include indebtedness, operating leases and purchase obligations, and potential recognition of tax liabilities, summarized in the following table as of December 31, 2011.2014. Purchase obligations include amounts that will be due for the purchase of goods and


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services to be used in our operations under long-term commitments or contracts. The majority of our purchase obligations are reimbursable to us by the Funds.


 Total 2012 2013-
2014
 2015-
2016
 Thereafter/
Indeterminate
  Total 2015 2016-
2017
 2018-
2019
 Thereafter/
Indeterminate
 

 (in thousands)
  (in thousands)
 

Long-term debt obligations, including interest

 $272,769 10,213 20,425 20,425 221,706  $242,131 10,213 20,425 108,300 103,193 

Non-cancelable operating lease commitments

 93,813 20,662 30,018 15,590 27,543  85,133 21,927 33,098 15,755 14,353 

Purchase obligations

 143,612 41,239 68,395 33,740 238  228,248 46,643 70,668 67,697 43,240 

Unrecognized tax benefits

 9,759 - - - 9,759  11,619 798   10,821 
            $567,131 79,581 124,191 191,752 171,607 

 $519,953 72,114 118,838 69,755 259,246 
           

        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, income tax payments, seed money for new products, pension funding, repurchases of our common stock, and payment of upfront fund commissions for Class B shares, Class C shares and certain fee-based asset allocation products. We expect payment of upfront fund commissions for certain fee-based asset allocation products pension funding and repurchaseswill decline in future years due to a change in our advisor compensation plan whereby a smaller population of our common stock.advisors are eligible for upfront fund commissions on the sale of these products.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        Other than operating leases, which are included in the table above, the Company does not have any off-balance sheet financing. The Company has not created, and is not party to, any special-purpose or off-balance sheet entities for the purpose of raising capital, incurring debt or operating its business.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        Management believes the following critical accounting policies affect its significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for Goodwill and Intangible Assets

        As of December 31, 2011,2014, our total goodwill and intangible assets were $221.2$158.1 million, or 20%10%, of our total assets. Two significant considerations arise with respect to these assets that require management


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estimates and judgment: (i) the valuation in connection with the initial purchase price allocation, and (ii) the ongoing evaluation of impairment.

        In connection with all of our acquisitions, an evaluation is completed to determine reasonable purchase price allocations. The purchase price allocation process requires management estimates and judgments as to expectations for the various products, distribution channels and business strategies. For example, certain growth rates and operating margins were assumed for different products and distribution channels. If actual growth rates or operating margins, among other assumptions, differ from the estimates and judgments used in the purchase price allocation, the amounts recorded in the financial statements for identifiable intangible assets and goodwill could be subject to charges for impairment in the future.

        We complete an ongoing review of the recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets using a fair-value or income based approach on an annual basis or more frequently whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Intangible assets with indefinite lives, primarily acquired mutual fund advisory contracts, are also tested for impairment annually by comparing their fair value to the carrying amount of the asset. We consider mutual fund advisory contracts indefinite lived intangible assets as they are expected to be renewed without significant cost or modification of terms. Factors that are considered important in determining whether an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets might exist include significant continued underperformance


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compared to peers, the likelihood of termination or non-renewal of a mutual fund advisory or subadvisory contract or substantial changes in revenues earned from such contracts, significant changes in our business and products, material and ongoing negative industry or economic trends, or other factors specific to each asset or subsidiary being evaluated. Because of the significance of goodwill and other intangibles to our consolidated balance sheets, the annual impairment analysis is critical. Any changes in key assumptions about our business and our prospects, or changes in market conditions or other externalities, could result in an impairment charge.

        During the third quarter of 2012, $59.2 million of goodwill related to Legend was allocated to assets of discontinued operations held for sale. Additionally, $42.4 million of goodwill was written down and is included in the loss from discontinued operations in the statement of income in 2012.

        In 2014, the Company's annual impairment test completed during the second quarter indicated that goodwill and identifiable intangible assets were not impaired. Related to goodwill, the fair value of the investment management and related services reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by more than 100%. The fair value of indefinite life intangible assets excluding the MFC intangible also exceeded its carrying value by more than 100%. At that time, the fair value of the $16.3 million intangible (with an associated deferred tax liability of $6.0 million) related to our subadvisory agreement to manage certain mutual fund products for MFC exceeded its carrying amount by 5%. This excess represented a decline compared to the prior year due to a decline in the related assets under management attributed to a realignment of MFC's fund offerings and additional asset reductions.

        Based on the result of our annual test, we increased the frequency of our impairment analysis for the MFC intangible asset. During the third quarter of 2014, we recorded an impairment charge of $7.9 million related to this intangible asset as a result of a further decline in the related assets under management and associated cash flows. We also reduced the associated deferred tax liability by $2.9 million. As of December 31, 2014, the MFC intangible balance is $8.4 million with an associated deferred tax liability of $3.1 million. It is possible that the assets we manage for MFC may decrease in the future, which would require us to assess the need for an additional write-down of the intangible asset.

        Additionally during the third quarter of 2014, we recorded a $4.1 million intangible asset related to a fund adoption transaction agreement with Emerging Managers Group, L.P., which became effective in August 2014, through which Ivy Investment Management Company assumed responsibility as investment adviser and Ivy Funds Distributor, Inc. serves as distributor of the Selector Management Funds.


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Accounting for Income Taxes

        In the ordinary course of business, many transactions occur for which the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. In addition, respective tax authorities periodically audit our income tax returns. These audits examine our significant tax filing positions, including the timing and amounts of deductions and the allocation of income among tax jurisdictions. We adjust our income tax provision in the period in which we determine that the actual outcomes will likely be different from our estimates. The recognition or derecognition of income tax expense related to uncertain tax positions is determined under the guidance as prescribed by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC")"Income Taxes Topic," ASCAccounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740. During 2011, the Company did not settle any open tax years undergoing audits by state jurisdictions in which the Company operates. During 20102014, 2013 and 2009,2012, the Company settled nine open tax yearssix, four and three open tax years, respectively, that were undergoing audit by state jurisdictions in which the Company operates. These audits were settled in all material respects with no significant adjustments. The Company is currently undergoing audits in various other state jurisdictions whichthat have not yet been settled.

        We recognize an asset or liability for the deferred tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, including the determination of any valuation allowance that might be required for deferred tax assets. These temporary differences will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years when the reported amounts of assets are recovered or liabilities are settled. In 2009,

        During 2013, the Company sold a subsidiary that generatedrealized a capital loss on the sale of Legend, which is available to offset potential future capital gains. Any unutilized capital loss carryforward will expire in 2018. Due to the character of the loss and the limited carryforward period permitted by law, the Company may not realize the full tax benefit of the capital loss. The capital loss carryforward, if not utilized, will expire in 2014. Management believes it is not more likely than not that the Company will generate sufficient future capital gains to realize the full benefit of thisthese capital loss.losses. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been recorded on a portion of thisthe deferred tax assets that were capital lossin nature as of December 31, 20112014 and December 31, 2010. Also as2013.

        As of December 31, 2011, three2014, two of the Company's subsidiaries have state net operating loss carryforwards in certain states in which those companies file taxes on a separate company basis. These entities have recognized a deferred tax asset for such carryforwards. The carryforwards, if not utilized, will expire between 20122015 and 2031.2034. Management believes it is not more likely than not that the subsidiaries will generate sufficient future taxable income in these states to realize the benefit of these state net operating loss carryforwards and, accordingly, a valuation allowance has been recorded at December 31, 20112014 and December 31, 2010.2013.

        We have not recorded a valuation allowance on any other deferred tax assets as of the current reporting period based on our belief that operating income will, more likely than not, be sufficient to realize the benefit of these assets over time. In the event that actual results differ from estimates or if our historical trend of positive operating income changes, we may be required to record a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, which could have a significant effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. Finally, income

        Income taxes are recorded at the rates in effect in the various tax jurisdictions in which we operate. Tax law and rate changes are reflected in the income tax provision in the period in which such changes are enacted.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

        Accounting for our pension and postretirement benefit plans requires us to estimate the cost of benefits to be provided well into the future and the current value of our benefit obligations. Three critical assumptions affecting these estimates are the discount rate, the expected return on assets and the


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expected health care cost trend rate. In 2011, theThe discount rate assumption was based on the Aon Hewitt AA Only Above Median Yield Curve. This discount rate was determined separately for each plan by plotting the expected benefit payments from each plan against a yield curve of high quality, zero coupon bonds and calculating the single rate that would produce the same present value of liabilities as the yield curve. Prior to 2011, the discount rate assumption was based on the Mercer Bond Model, which calculated the yield on a theoretical portfolioThe expected


Table of high-grade corporate bonds with cash flows that generally matched our expected benefit payments. The expected Contents

return on plan assets and health care cost trend rates are based upon an evaluation of our historical trends and experience, taking into account current and expected future market conditions. Other assumptions include rates of future compensation increases, participant withdrawals and mortality rates, and participant retirement ages. These estimates and assumptions impact the amount of net pension expense or income recognized each year and the measurement of our reported benefit obligation under the plans.

        In 2011,2014, we decreased theutilized a discount rate of 4.13% for our pension plan compared to 4.99% from 6.00% used4.97% in 20102013 and 6.25% used4.22% in 2009, and decreased the2012 to reflect market rates. The discount rate for our postretirement medical plan to 5.00% from 6.00% usedwas 4.07%, 4.94% and 4.18% in 20102014, 2013 and 6.25% used in 2009, to reflect market interest rates.2012 respectively. We continue to assume long-term asset returns of 7.75% on the assets in our pension plan, the same as our assumption in 20102013 and 2009.2012. Our pension plan assets at December 31, 20112014 were 100% invested in the Asset Strategy style and we have targeted this same investment strategy going forward.

        The effect of hypothetical changes to selected assumptions on the Company's retirement benefit plans would be as follows:

 
  
 As of
December 31,
2011 2014
 For the year
ended
December 31,
20122015
Assumptions
 Change
 Increase
(Decrease)
PBO/APBO (1)

 Increase
(Decrease)
Expense (2)

     
 
  
 (in thousands)

Pension

        

Discount rate

 +/-50–50 bps $(8,827)(12,325)/9,74813,634 $(1,037)(1,497)/1,1361,641

Expected return on assets

 +/-100–100 bps  N/A  (1,098)(1,814)/1,0981,814

Salary scale

 +/-100–100 bps  7,737/(7,201)8,681/(7,873)  1,823/(1,651)2,121/(1,889)

OPEBOther Postretirement

        

Discount rate

 +/-50–50 bps  (481)(574)/528626  (54)(46)/7649

Health care cost trend rate

 +/-100–100 bps  1,018/(866)1,192/(1,027)  238/(161)205/(203)

(1)
Projected benefit obligation ("PBO") for pension plans and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation ("APBO") for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension Plans.other postretirement plans.

(2)
Pre-tax impact on expense.

Deferred Sales Commissions

        We pay upfront sales commissions to our financial advisors and third party intermediary broker/dealers in connection with the sale of certain classes of mutual fund shares sold without a front-end sales charge. These costs are capitalized and amortized over the period during which the shareholder is subject to a CDSC, not to exceed five years. We recover these costs through Rule 12b-1 and other distribution plan fees, which are paid by the applicable share classes of the Advisors Funds, Ivy Funds and InvestEd, Portfolios, along with CDSCs paid by shareholders who redeem their shares prior to completion of the


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required specified holding periods. Should we lose our ability to recover such sales commissions through distribution plan payments and CDSCs, the value of these assets would immediately decline, as would future cash flows. We periodically review the recoverability of deferred sales commission assets as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of deferred sales commission assets may not be recoverable and adjust the deferred assets accordingly.


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Valuation of Investments

        We record substantially all investments in our financial statements at fair value. Where available, we use prices from independent sources such as listed market prices or broker/dealer price quotations. We evaluate our investments for other than temporary declines in value on a periodic basis. This may exist when the fair value of an investment security has been below the current value for an extended period of time. As most of our investments are carried at fair value, if an other than temporary decline in value is determined to exist, the unrealized investment loss recorded net of tax in accumulated other comprehensive income is realized as a charge to net income, in the period in which the other than temporary decline in value is determined. While we believe that we have accurately estimated the amount of the other than temporary decline in the value of our portfolio, different assumptions could result in changes to the recorded amounts in our financial statements.

Loss Contingencies

        The likelihood that a loss contingency exists is evaluated using the criteria of"Contingencies Topic," ASC 450 through consultation with legal counsel. A loss contingency is recorded if the contingency is considered probable and reasonably estimable as of the date of the financial statements.

Seasonality and Inflation

        We do not believe our operations are subject to significant seasonal fluctuation. We have historically experienced increased sales activity in the first and fourth quarters of the year due to funding of retirement accounts by our clients. The Company has not suffered material adverse effects from inflation in the past. However, a substantial increase in the inflation rate in the future may adversely affect customers' purchasing decisions, may increase the costs of borrowing, or may have an impact on the Company's margins and overall cost structure.

ITEM 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        We use various financial instruments with certain inherent market risks, primarily related to interest rates and securities prices. The principal risks of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices to which we are exposed relate to interest rates on debt and marketable securities. Generally, these instruments have not been entered into for trading purposes. Management actively monitors these risk exposures; however, fluctuations could impact our results of operations and financial position. As a matter of policy, we only execute derivative transactions to manage exposures arising in the normal course of business and not for speculative or trading purposes. The following information, together with information included in other parts of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which are incorporated herein by reference, describe the key aspects of certain financial instruments that have market risk to us.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

        Our interest sensitive liabilities include our long-term fixed rate senior notes and obligations for any balances outstanding under our credit facility or other short-term borrowings. Increases in market interest rates would generally cause a decrease in the fair value of the senior notes and an increase in interest expense associated with short-term borrowings and borrowings under the credit facility. Decreases in market interest rates would generally cause an increase in the fair value of the senior notes and a decrease in interest expense associated with short-term borrowings and borrowings under the credit facility. We had no short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2011.


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Available for Sale InvestmentsInvestment Securities Sensitivity

        We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types and maturities. Our portfolio is diversified and consists primarily of investment grade debt securitiesaffiliated funds (mutual funds and equity mutual funds.UCITS sub-funds). A portion of investments are classified as available for sale investments. At any time, a sharp increase in interest rates or


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a sharp decline in the United States stock market could have a significant negative impact on the fair value of our investment portfolio. If a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary by management, the cost basis of the individual security or mutual fund is written down to fair value. We dodid not currently hedge these exposures.exposures in 2014. However, we intend to establish a hedging program in 2015 that uses derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to fluctuations in the value of our investment portfolio. Conversely, declines in interest rates or a sizeable rise in the United States stock market could have a significant positive impact on our investment portfolio. However, unrealized gains are not recognized in operations on available for sale securities until they are sold.

        The following is a summary of the effect that a 10% increase or decrease in equity or fixed income prices would have on our investment portfolio subject to equity or fixed income price fluctuations at December 31, 2014:

Investment Securities
 Fair Value
 Fair Value
Assuming a 10%
Increase

 Fair Value
Assuming a 10%
Decrease

 
      
 
  
 (in thousands)
  
 

Available for sale:

          

Affiliated funds

 $161,270  177,397  145,143 

Trading:

  
 
  
 
  
 
 

Affiliated funds

  81,913  90,104  73,722 

Equity securities

  72  79  65 

Asset-backed securities

  28  31  25 

Total

 $243,283  267,611  218,955 

Securities Price Sensitivity

        Our revenues are dependent on the underlying assets under management in the Funds to which investment advisory services are provided. The Funds include portfolios of investments comprised of various combinations of equity, fixed income and other types of securities and commodities. Fluctuations in the value of these securities are common and are generated by numerous factors, including, without limitation, market volatility, the overall economy, inflation, changes in investor strategies, availability of alternative investment vehicles, government regulations and others. Accordingly, declines in any one or a combination of these factors, or other factors not separately identified, may reduce the value of investment securities and, in turn, the underlying assets under management on which our revenues are earned. These declines have an impact in our investment sales and our trading portfolio, thereby compounding the impact on our earnings.

ITEM 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

        Reference is made to the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to in the Index on page 4851 setting forth our consolidated financial statements, together with the report of KPMG LLP dated February 28, 201226, 2015 on page 49.52.

ITEM 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

        None.

ITEM 9A.    Controls and Procedures

(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.    The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to provide reasonable assuranceensure that information which is required to be timely disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods

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(b)
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.    Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the

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