WDR Waddell and Reed Financial

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (NYSE: WDR) today reported fourth quarter 2016 net income1 of $22.4 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, compared to net income of $53.8 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, during the prior quarter and net income of $62.9 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, during the fourth quarter of 2015. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $146.9 million, or $1.78 per diluted share, compared to net income of $245.5 million, or $2.94 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Fourth quarter 2016 net income, adjusted for certain charges, was $40.0 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, compared to net income, adjusted for certain charges, of $53.3 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, during the third quarter of 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2016, net income, adjusted for certain charges, was $177.1 million, or $2.14 per diluted share. A detailed schedule reconciling non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP net income and earnings per diluted share is provided in the “Adjusted Results” tables at the end of this release.

Business Discussion

Flow pressure lessened during the quarter with net outflows of $4.4 billion comparing favorably to both the prior quarter and to the fourth quarter of 2015. Sales rose every month during the quarter, improving 8% compared to the third quarter. However, sales for the year remain at a multi-year low and, while we have made progress, there remains a need for continued improvement. Assets under management ended the year at $81 billion, declining 5% during the quarter and 23% compared to December 31, 2015.

We successfully implemented a cost reduction program in 2016, which led to a 9% year-over-year reduction in operating costs. Several charges were incurred during the year, which added $48 million to 2016 operating costs, making our anticipated run-rate for 2017 even more favorable. These costs included severance charges, a pension settlement charge, and the impairment of intangible assets, and were partly offset by a curtailment gain on our post-retirement medical benefit plan. We also incurred costs for the implementation of Project E and costs for the implementation of the Department of Labor’s fiduciary standard rule, which will continue into 2017 but then subside.

“Our entire organization is committed to strengthening our competitive position during this period of unprecedented change in our industry,” said Philip J. Sanders, Chief Executive Officer of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. “We are focused on all aspects of our business, including organizational structure, operational efficiencies, product offerings, and fee levels.”

Management Fee Revenue Analysis

Management fees declined 4% sequentially, while average assets under management declined 6%. Fees declined at a lesser rate than average assets under management due to an increase in the effective fee rate, which was a result of a mix-shift within the asset base. Compared to the same quarter last year, management fees declined 20%, while average assets under management declined 25%. The loss of $7.5 billion in institutional assets, which had a low fee rate, as well as a mix-shift in the retail asset base led revenues to decline at a lesser rate than average assets under management.

Average assets under management were $82 billion during the current quarter, compared to $87 billion during the prior quarter and $109 billion during the same period in 2015. The effective fee rate for the current quarter was 64.4 basis points compared to 63.6 basis points and 60.6 basis points during the third quarter of 2016 and fourth quarter of 2015, respectively.

Underwriting and Distribution Analysis

Underwriting and Distribution Revenues

Revenues declined 2% sequentially due to lower asset-based Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees in our retail unaffiliated channel resulting from a decline in asset levels. Compared to the same period last year, revenues declined 17% due to lower asset-based Rule 12b-1 fees in our retail unaffiliated channel, as well as the impact of the third quarter’s share conversion of load-waived Class A shares, previously offered in our advisory products, to Class I shares, which do not charge Rule 12b-1 fees.

Underwriting and Distribution Costs

Costs rose 7% compared to the third quarter. Direct costs declined 3% in correlation with the decrease in revenues, while indirect costs rose 33%. Several items contributed to the increase in indirect costs, including the pension settlement charge, the curtailment gain due to an amendment to our post-retirement medical benefit plan during the prior quarter and, to a lesser degree, severance costs associated with the realignment of our retail unaffiliated and institutional distribution channels.

Compared to the fourth quarter of 2015, costs declined 14%. Direct costs declined 23% due to lower asset levels, which resulted in lower asset-based Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees and, to a lesser degree, lower sales commissions and lower wholesaler commissions. Indirect costs increased 12% due to the pension settlement charge and, to a lesser degree, costs associated with the implementation of Project E. Excluding these charges, indirect costs were flat.

Compensation and Related Expense Analysis

Costs increased 45% sequentially due to a pension settlement charge in the current quarter and the curtailment gain related to an amendment of our post-retirement medical benefit plan during the prior quarter. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2015, costs increased 21% due to the pension settlement charge. Excluding these charges, costs declined modestly due to workforce reductions and lower incentive compensation.

General and Administrative Expense Analysis

Costs declined 4% compared to the prior quarter due to continued cost control across the organization. Compared to the same quarter last year, costs declined 14%. Lower dealer service costs and a reduction in advertising more than offset an increase in legal and consulting costs primarily attributable to the implementation of the new DOL fiduciary rule.

                      Changes in Assets Under Management ($ in millions) Three Months Ended Year Ended Mar 31,   Jun 30,   Sept 30,   Dec 31, Mar 31,   Jun 30,   Sept 30,   Dec 31, Dec 31,   Dec 31, 2015 2016 2015   2016 Retail Unaffiliated Distribution Beginning assets $60,335 $59,412 $57,545 $49,320 $45,641 $38,623 $35,197 $33,290 $60,335 $45,641 Sales* 3,870 3,239 2,768 2,341 2,144 1,526 1,320 1,373 12,218 6,363 Redemptions (6,259) (4,558) (5,569) (7,300) (7,680) (5,543) (4,824) (4,390) (23,686) (22,437) Net Exchanges 224   144   265   176 158   127   161   11 809   457 Net flows (2,165) (1,175) (2,536) (4,783) (5,378) (3,890) (3,343) (3,006) (10,659) (15,617) Market action 1,242   (692)   (5,689)   1,104 (1,640)   464   1,436   11 (4,035)   271 Ending assets $59,412   $57,545   $49,320   $45,641 $38,623   $35,197  

$33,290

  $30,295 $45,641   $30,295   Retail Broker-Dealer Beginning assets $45,517 $46,385 $45,947 $42,215 $43,344 $42,142 $42,261 $43,170 $45,517 $43,344 Sales* 1,270 1,347 1,238 1,218 1,068 1,094 1,024 1,101 5,073 4,287 Redemptions (1,279) (1,279) (1,242) (1,245) (1,197) (1,329) (1,542) (1,669) (5,045) (5,737) Net Exchanges (224)   (144)   (265)   (176) (172)   (163)   (194)   (182) (809)   (711) Net flows (233) (76) (269) (203) (301) (398) (712) (750) (781) (2,161) Market action 1,101   (362)   (3,463)   1,332 (901)   517   1,621   (98) (1,392)   1,139 Ending assets $46,385   $45,947   $42,215   $43,344 $42,142   $42,261   $43,170   $42,322 $43,344   $42,322   Institutional Beginning assets $17,798 $17,097 $17,214 $14,657 $15,414 $14,426 $8,993 $8,595 $17,798 $15,414 Sales* 300 1,203 465 773 453 190 180 242 2,741 1,065 Redemptions (1,460) (1,003) (1,817) (799) (1,068) (5,699) (1,051) (1,042) (5,079) (8,860) Net Exchanges -   -   -   - 14   36   33   171 -   254 Net flows (1,160) 200 (1,352) (26) (601) (5,473) (838) (629) (2,338) (7,541) Market action 459   (83)   (1,205)   783 (387)   40   440   (62) (46)   31 Ending assets $17,097   $17,214   $14,657   $15,414 $14,426   $8,993   $8,595   $7,904 $15,414   $7,904   Consolidated Total Beginning assets $123,650 $122,894 $120,706 $106,192 $104,399 $95,191 $86,451 $85,055 $123,650 $104,399 Sales* 5,440 5,789 4,471 4,332 3,665 2,810 2,524 2,716 20,032 11,715 Redemptions (8,998) (6,840) (8,628) (9,344) (9,945) (12,571) (7,417) (7,101) (33,810) (37,034) Net Exchanges -   -   -   - -   -   -   - -   - Net flows (3,558) (1,051) (4,157) (5,012) (6,280) (9,761) (4,893) (4,385) (13,778) (25,319) Market action 2,802   (1,137)   (10,357)   3,219 (2,928)   1,021   3,497   (149) (5,473)   1,441 Ending assets $122,894   $120,706   $106,192   $104,399 $95,191   $86,451   $85,055   $80,521 $104,399   $80,521    

* Sales is primarily gross sales (net of sales commissions). This amount also includes net reinvested dividends & capital gains and investment income.

 

Supplemental Information                     Three Months Ended Asset Manager Mar 31,   Jun 30,   Sept 30,   Dec 31, Mar 31,   Jun 30,   Sept 30,   Dec 31, ($ in millions) 2015   2016   Retail Unaffiliated Distribution AUM $ 59,412 $ 57,545 $ 49,320 $ 45,641 $ 38,623 $ 35,197 $ 33,290 $ 30,295 Net flows ($2,165 ) ($1,175 ) ($2,536 ) ($4,783 ) ($5,378 ) ($3,890 ) ($3,343 ) ($3,006 ) Organic growth -14.4 % -7.9 % -17.6 % -38.8 % -47.1 % -40.3 % -38.0 % -36.1 % Redemption Rate 42.9 % 31.0 % 41.2 % 59.3 % 77.7 % 61.3 % 56.2 % 56.7 % Retail Broker-Dealer AUM $ 46,385 $ 45,947 $ 42,215 $ 43,344 $ 42,142 $ 42,261 $ 43,170 $ 42,322 Net flows ($233 ) ($76 ) ($269 ) ($203 ) ($301 ) ($398 ) ($712 ) ($750 ) Organic growth -2.0 % -0.7 % -2.3 % -1.9 % -2.8 % -3.8 % -6.7 % -6.9 % Redemption Rate 9.0 % 9.0 % 8.9 % 9.3 % 9.3 % 10.5 % 12.1 % 12.5 % Institutional AUM $ 17,097 $ 17,214 $ 14,657 $ 15,414 $ 14,426 $ 8,993 $ 8,595 $ 7,904 Net flows ($1,160 ) $ 200 ($1,352 ) ($26 ) ($601 ) ($5,473 ) ($838 ) ($629 ) Organic growth -26.1 % 4.7 % -31.4 % -0.7 % -15.6 % -151.8 % -37.3 % -29.3 % Redemption Rate   33.7 %     23.2 %     45.4 %     20.5 %   29.9 %     198.9 %     46.4 %     51.3 %           Fund Rankings 1 Year   3 Years   5 Years Lipper Funds ranked in top half 43 % 35 % 33 % Assets ranked in top half 33 % 28 % 42 % MorningStar Funds with 4/5 stars 29 % 17 % 19 % Assets with 4/5 stars   31 %     13 %     24 %   Three Months Ended Mar 31,   Jun 30,   Sept 30,   Dec 31, Mar 31,   Jun 30,   Sept 30,   Dec 31, Broker-Dealer 2015   2016   AUA* (in billions) $ 53.7 $ 53.6 $ 49.4 $ 51.0 $ 49.9 $ 50.5 $ 52.1 $ 51.7 AUA* fee based accounts (in billions) $ 18.0 $ 18.3 $ 17.0 $ 17.6 $ 17.4 $ 17.8 $ 18.5 $ 18.4 # Advisors 1,745 1,780 1,795 1,819 1,803 1,799 1,796 1,780 Advisor productivity (in thousands) $ 65.9 $ 67.9 $ 66.3 $ 64.9 $ 61.3 $ 63.1 $ 59.0 $ 59.4 U&D revenues (in thousands) $ 114,836     $ 119,740     $ 118,090     $ 117,291   $ 110,735     $ 113,802     $ 105,787     $ 105,931     * AUA represent Assets Under Administration   Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Income               ($ in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended Dec. 31, Sept. 30, Dec. 31, Sequential Qtr. Year-over-Year Qtr.   2016     2016     2015   Change   %   Change   %   Operating Revenues: Investment management fees $ 132,709 $ 138,745 $ 166,325 ($6,036 ) -4.4 % ($33,616 ) -20.2 % Underwriting and distribution fees 132,922 135,778 160,382 (2,856 ) -2.1 % (27,460 ) -17.1 % Shareholder service fees   27,282     28,563     34,367     (1,281 )   -4.5 % (7,085 )   -20.6 % Total operating revenues   292,913     303,086     361,074     (10,173 )   -3.4 % (68,161 )   -18.9 % Operating Expenses: Underwriting and distribution 163,025 152,999 189,534 10,026 6.6 % (26,509 ) -14.0 % Compensation and related costs 58,354 40,214 48,271 18,140 45.1 % 10,083 20.9 % General and administrative 22,288 23,280 26,033 (992 ) -4.3 % (3,745 ) -14.4 % Subadvisory fees 2,588 2,566 2,048 22 0.9 % 540 26.4 % Depreciation 5,196 4,541 3,831 655 14.4 % 1,365 35.6 % Intangible impairment   4,049     5,700     -     (1,651 )   -29.0 % 4,049     N/A   Total operating expenses   255,500     229,300     269,717     26,200     11.4 % (14,217 )   -5.3 % Operating Income 37,413 73,786 91,357 (36,373 ) -49.3 % (53,944 ) -59.0 % Investment and other income/(loss) 890 7,878 7,647 (6,988 ) -88.7 % (6,757 ) -88.4 % Interest expense   (2,786 )   (2,792 )   (2,772 )   6   -0.2 % (14 ) 0.5 % Income before taxes 35,517 78,872 96,232 (43,355 ) -55.0 % (60,715 ) -63.1 % Provision for taxes   13,041     24,067     33,312     (11,026 ) -45.8 % (20,271 ) -60.9 % Net Income   22,476     54,805     62,920     (32,329 ) -59.0 % (40,444 ) -64.3 % Noncontrolling interests   59     978     -     (919 ) -94.0 % 59   N/A Net Income Attributable to Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. $ 22,417   $ 53,827   $ 62,920   ($31,410 ) -58.4 % ($40,503 ) -64.4 % Net income per share, basic and diluted:   0.27     0.65     0.76   Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted   82,783     82,834     82,873   Operating margin   12.8 %   24.3 %   25.3 %       Net Distribution Cost Analysis Three Months Ended ($ in thousands) Dec. 31, Sept. 30, Dec. 31, Sequential Qtr. Year-over-Year Qtr.   2016     2016     2015   Change   %   Change   %   Retail Unaffiliated Distribution1 U&D Revenues $ 26,991 $ 29,991 $ 43,091 ($3,000 ) -10.0 % ($16,100 ) -37.4 % U&D Expenses - Direct (35,854 ) (39,489 ) (57,119 ) 3,635 -9.2 % 21,265 -37.2 % U&D Expenses - Indirect   (13,916 )   (10,643 )   (14,614 )   (3,273 )   30.8 % 698     -4.8 % Net Distribution (Costs)   ($22,779 )   ($20,141 )   ($28,642 )   (2,638 )   13.1 % 5,863     -20.5 %   Retail Broker-Dealer2 U&D Revenues $ 105,931 $ 105,787 $ 117,291 $ 144 0.1 % ($11,360 ) -9.7 % U&D Expenses - Direct (72,380 ) (72,276 ) (83,413 ) (104 ) 0.1 % 11,033 -13.2 % U&D Expenses - Indirect   (40,875 )   (30,591 )   (34,388 )   (10,284 )   33.6 % (6,487 )   18.9 % Net Distribution Excess/(Costs)   ($7,324 ) $ 2,920     ($510 )   (10,244 )   -350.8 % (6,814 )   1336.1 %    

1 Retail Unaffiliated Distribution was previously referred to as the "Wholesale channel"

2 Retail Broker-Dealer was previously referred to as the "Advisors channel"   Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Income         ($ in thousand, except per share data) Year Ended Dec. 31, Dec. 31,   2016     2015   Change   %   Operating Revenues: Investment management fees $ 557,112 $ 709,562 ($152,450 ) -21.5 % Underwriting and distribution fees 561,670 663,998 (102,328 ) -15.4 % Shareholder service fees   120,241     143,071   (22,830 )   -16.0 % Total operating revenues   1,239,023     1,516,631   (277,608 )   -18.3 % Operating Expenses: Underwriting and distribution 671,105 769,781 (98,676 ) -12.8 % Compensation and related costs 209,849 200,752 9,097 4.5 % General and administrative 83,996 105,066 (21,070 ) -20.1 % Subadvisory fees 9,572 9,134 438 4.8 % Depreciation 18,359 16,046 2,313 14.4 % Intangible impairment   9,749     -   9,749     N/A   Total operating expenses   1,002,630     1,100,779   (98,149 )   -8.9 % Operating Income 236,393 415,852 (179,459 ) -43.2 % Investment and other income/(loss) (763 ) (5,244 ) 4,481 -85.5 % Interest expense   (11,122 )   (11,068 ) (54 ) 0.5 % Income before taxes 224,508 399,540 (175,032 ) -43.8 % Provision for taxes   76,187     154,004   (77,817 ) -50.5 % Net Income   148,321     245,536   (97,215 ) -39.6 % Noncontrolling interests   1,414     -   1,414   N/A Net Income Attributable to Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. $ 146,907 $ 245,536 ($98,629 ) -40.2 % Net income per share, basic and diluted:   1.78     2.94   Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted   82,668     83,499   Operating margin   19.1 %   27.4 %       Net Distribution Cost Analysis Year Ended ($ in thousands) Dec. 31, Dec. 31,   2016     2015   Change   %   Retail Unaffiliated Distribution1 U&D Revenues $ 125,415 $ 194,041 ($68,626 ) -35.4 % U&D Expenses - Direct (164,641 ) (254,778 ) 90,137 -35.4 % U&D Expenses - Indirect   (52,847 )   (55,944 ) 3,097     -5.5 % Net Distribution (Costs)   ($92,073 )   ($116,681 ) 24,608     -21.1 %   Retail Broker-Dealer2 U&D Revenues $ 436,255 $ 469,957 ($33,702 ) -7.2 % U&D Expenses - Direct (312,673 ) (335,032 ) 22,359 -6.7 % U&D Expenses - Indirect   (140,944 )   (124,027 ) (16,917 )   13.6 % Net Distribution Excess/(Costs)   ($17,362 ) $ 10,898   (28,260 )   -259.3 %     1 Retail Unaffiliated Distribution was previously referred to as the "Wholesale channel" 2 Retail Broker-Dealer was previously referred to as the "Advisors channel"   Unaudited Condensed Balance Sheet           Dec. 31, Dec. 31, ($ in thousands)   2016     2015   Assets Cash & cash equivalents (unrestricted) $ 555,102 $ 558,495 Investment securities 328,750 291,743 Other assets 271,401 441,360 Property and equipment, net 102,449 105,434 Goodwill and intangible assets   148,569     158,118   Total assets $ 1,406,271   $ 1,555,150     Liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity Long-term debt $ 189,605 $ 189,432 Other liabilities 362,011 519,263 Redeemable noncontrolling interests 10,653 - Total equity   844,002     846,455   Liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity $ 1,406,271   $ 1,555,150     Shares outstanding (in millions) 83.1 82.9     Unaudited Condensed Cash Flow   Three Months Ended Year Ended ($ in thousands) Dec. 31, Sept. 30, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Cash provided by (used in):   2016     2016     2015     2016       2015   Operating activities $ 57,588 $ 47,613 $ 3,377 $ 123,647 $ 233,950 Investing activities 6,590 53,973 (4,230 ) 75,871 (22,595 ) Financing activities   (38,860 )   (39,260 )   (53,312 )   (202,911 )     (219,481 ) Net change during period $ 25,318   $ 62,326     ($54,165 )   ($3,393 )     ($8,126 )   Three Months Ended Year Ended ($ in thousands) Dec. 31, Sept. 30, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Shares repurchased   2016     2016     2015     2016       2015   Number of shares 90,692 28,537 520,154 2,320,726 1,955,509 Total cost $ 1,769 $ 522 $ 17,058 $ 49,753 $ 80,335   Dividend paid Rate per share $ 0.46 $ 0.46 $ 0.46 $ 1.84 $ 1.75 Total paid $ 38,094 $ 38,120 $ 35,710 $ 152,830 $ 143,959   Capital returned to stockholders $ 39,863 $ 38,642 $ 52,768 $ 202,583 $ 224,294   On December 31, 2016, we granted 447,277 shares of restricted stock

In early January 2016, we granted an additional 1,131,538 shares of restricted stock and an additional 1,131,538 cash-settled restricted stock units, which does not impact share count.

 

Unaudited Supplemental Information

In addition to reporting results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), management believes adjusting results to exclude certain items provides investors with financial measures that better reflect the company’s core operating performance and allow for more appropriate comparisons to prior periods. However, non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

 

Adjusted ResultsReconciliation to GAAP

($ in thousands, except for per share data)                                                     Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Year Ended Dec. 31, 2016   Sept. 30, 2016 Dec, 31, 2016 GAAP   Adj. 1   Adjusted   GAAP   Adj.2   Adjusted GAAP   Adj.3   Adjusted Operating Revenues: Investment management fees $ 132,709 - $ 132,709 $ 138,745 - $ 138,745 $ 557,112 - $ 557,112 Underwriting and distribution fees 132,922 - 132,922 135,778 - 135,778 561,670 - 561,670 Shareholder service fees     27,282       -       27,282       28,563     -       28,563     120,241       -       120,241   Total operating revenues     292,913       -       292,913       303,086     -       303,086     1,239,023       -       1,239,023   Operating Expenses: Underwriting and distribution 163,025 (7,882 ) 155,143 152,999 3,457 156,456 671,105 (15,599 ) 655,506 Compensation and related costs 58,354 (14,334 ) 44,020 40,214 3,752 43,966 209,849 (20,356 ) 189,493 General and administrative 22,288 (1,748 ) 20,540 23,280 (662 ) 22,618 83,996 (2,410 ) 81,586 Subadvisory fees 2,588 - 2,588 2,566 - 2,566 9,572 - 9,572 Depreciation 5,196 - 5,196 4,541 - 4,541 18,359 - 18,359 Intangible impairment     4,049       (4,049 )     -       5,700     (5,700 )     -     9,749       (9,749 )     -   Total operating expenses     255,500       (28,013 )     227,487       229,300     847       230,147     1,002,630       (48,114 )     954,516   Operating Income 37,413 28,013 65,426 73,786 (847 ) 72,939 236,393 48,114 284,507 Investment and other income/(loss) 890 - 890 7,878 - 7,878 (763 ) - (763 ) Interest expense     (2,786 )     -       (2,786 )     (2,792 )   -       (2,792 )   (11,122 )     -       (11,122 ) Income before taxes 35,517 28,013 63,530 78,872 (847 ) 78,025 224,508 48,114 272,622 Provision for taxes     13,041       10,416       23,457       24,067     (316 )     23,751     76,187       17,886       94,073   Net Income     22,476       17,597       40,073       54,805     (531 )     54,274     148,321       30,228       178,549   Noncontrolling interests     59       -       59       978     -       978     1,414       -       1,414   Net Income Attributable to Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.   $ 22,417     $ 17,597     $ 40,014     $ 53,827     ($531 )   $ 53,296   $ 146,907     $ 30,228     $ 177,135   Net income per share, basic and diluted:     0.27       0.21       0.48       0.65     (0.01 )     0.64     1.78       0.37       2.14   Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted     82,783       82,783       82,783       82,834     82,834       82,834     82,668       82,668       82,668   Operating margin     12.8 %         22.3 %     24.3 %         24.1 %   19.1 %         23.0 %

1 Adjustments during the fourth quarter were:

• $20.7 million related to a pension settlement charge. $6.4 million in U&D indirect (unaffiliated distribution $0.9 million and broker-dealer $5.5 million) and $14.3 million in compensation;
• $4.0 million charge related to the impairment of an intangible asset;
• $1.7 million charge related to DOL preparation to G&A costs; and
• $1.5 million charge related to the implementation of Project E to U&D indirect costs (broker-dealer).

2 Adjustments during the third quarter were:

• $8.5 million related to a curtailment gain. $4.7 million in U&D indirect (unaffiliated distribution $0.5 million and broker-dealer $4.2 million) and $3.8 million in compensation;
• $5.7 million charge related to the impairment of an intangible asset;
• $1.3 million charge related to the implementation of Project E to U&D indirect costs (broker-dealer); and
• $0.7 million charge related to DOL preparation to G&A costs.

3 Adjustments during the full year were:

• $20.7 million related to a pension settlement charge. $6.4 million in U&D indirect (unaffiliated distribution $0.9 million and broker-dealer $5.5 million) and $14.3 million in compensation);
• $9.8 million for severance and related charges to compensation and related costs;
• $7.1 million for severance and related charges to U&D indirect costs (unaffiliated distribution $2.2 million; broker-dealer $4.9 million);
• $9.7 million charge related to the impairment of intangible assets;
• $8.5 million related to a curtailment gain. $4.7 million in U&D indirect (unaffiliated distribution $0.5 million and broker-dealer $4.2 million) and $3.8 million in compensation);
• $5.4 million charge related to the implementation of Project E to U&D indirect costs (broker-dealer);
• $2.4 million charge related to DOL preparation to G&A costs; and
• $1.4 million related to the accelerated amortization of DAC to U&D direct costs (broker-dealer) due to a share class conversion.

  Net Distribution Cost Analysis Reconciliation to GAAP                                       ($ in thousands) Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended Year Ended Dec. 31, 2016   Sept. 30, 2016 Dec, 31, 2016 GAAP   Adj.   Adjusted   GAAP   Adj.   Adjusted GAAP   Adj.   Adjusted Retail Unaffiliated Distribution1             U&D Revenues $ 26,991 - $ 26,991 $ 29,991 - $ 29,991 $ 125,415 - $ 125,415 U&D Expenses - Direct (35,854 ) - (35,854 ) (39,489 ) - (39,489 ) (164,641 ) - (164,641 ) U&D Expenses - Indirect   (13,916 )     899     (13,017 )     (10,643 )   (523 )     (11,166 )   (52,847 )     2,633     (50,214 ) Net Distribution (Costs)   ($22,779 )   $ 899     ($21,880 )     ($20,141 )   ($523 )     ($20,664 )   ($92,073 )   $ 2,633     ($89,440 )   Retail Broker-Dealer2 U&D Revenues $ 105,931 - $ 105,931 $ 105,787 - $ 105,787 $ 436,255 - $ 436,255 U&D Expenses - Direct (72,380 ) - (72,380 ) (72,276 ) - (72,276 ) (312,673 ) 1,384 (311,289 ) U&D Expenses - Indirect   (40,875 )     6,983     (33,892 )     (30,591 )   (2,934 )     (33,525 )   (140,944 )     11,582     (129,362 ) Net Distribution Excess/(Costs)   ($7,324 )   $ 6,983     ($341 )   $ 2,920     ($2,934 )     ($14 )   ($17,362 )   $ 12,966     ($4,396 )   1 Retail Unaffiliated Distribution was previously referred to as the "Wholesale channel" 2 Retail Broker-Dealer was previously referred to as the "Advisors channel"  

Earnings Conference Call

Stockholders, members of the investment community and the general public are invited to listen to a live Web cast of our earnings release conference call today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. During this call, Philip J. Sanders, CEO and CIO, will review our quarterly results. Live access to the teleconference will be available on the “Investor Relations” section of our Web site at www.waddell.com. A Web cast replay will be made available shortly after the conclusion of the call and accessible for seven days.

Web Site Resources

We invite you to visit the Investor Relations section of our Web site at ir.waddell.com. Under the “Investor Information” tab you will find a link to presentations as well as to data tables, which include supplemental information schedules.

Contacts

Investor Contact:Nicole Russell, VP, Investor Relations, (913) 236-1880, nrussell@waddell.com

Mutual Fund Investor Contact:Call (888) WADDELL, or visit www.waddell.com or www.ivyfunds.com.Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Please invest carefully.

About the Company

Waddell & Reed, Inc., founded in 1937, is one of the oldest mutual fund complexes in the United States, having introduced the Waddell & Reed Advisors Group of Mutual Funds in 1940. Today, we distribute our investment products through the retail unaffiliated distribution channel (encompassing broker/dealer, retirement, and registered investment advisors), our retail broker-dealer channel (through financial advisors), and our Institutional channel (including defined benefit plans, pension plans and endowments, and our subadvisory partnership with Mackenzie in Canada).

Through its subsidiaries, Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. provides investment management and financial planning services to clients throughout the United States and internationally. Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company serves as investment adviser to the Waddell & Reed Advisors Group of Mutual Funds, while Ivy Investment Management Company serves as investment adviser to Ivy Funds, Ivy NextShares, Ivy Variable Insurance Portfolios and InvestEd Portfolios, and investment adviser and global distributor to the Ivy Global Investors SICAV, an umbrella UCITS fund range domiciled in Luxembourg. Waddell & Reed, Inc. serves as principal underwriter and distributor to the Waddell & Reed Advisors Group of Mutual Funds and InvestEd Portfolios, while Ivy Distributors, Inc. serves as principal underwriter and distributor to Ivy Funds and Ivy Funds Variable Insurance Portfolios.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which reflect the current views and assumptions of management with respect to future events regarding our business and industry in general. These forward-looking statements include all statements, other than statements of historical fact, regarding our financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations, including statements with respect to revenues and earnings, the amount and composition of assets under management, distribution sources, expense levels, redemption rates and the financial markets and other conditions. These statements are generally identified by the use of such words as "may," "could," "should," "would," "believe," "anticipate," "forecast," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "outlook," "will," "potential" and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. Readers are cautioned that any forward-looking information provided by us or on our behalf is not a guarantee of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including but not limited to those discussed below. If one or more events related to these or other risks, contingencies or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those forecasted or expected. Certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are disclosed in the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, which include, without limitation:

• The loss of existing distribution channels or inability to access new distribution channels;
• A reduction in assets under our management on short notice, through increased redemptions in our distribution channels or our Funds, particularly those Funds with a high concentration of assets, or investors terminating their relationship with us or shifting their funds to other types of accounts with different rate structures;
• The adverse ruling or resolution of any litigation, regulatory investigations and proceedings, or securities arbitrations by a federal or state court or regulatory body;
• Changes in our business model, operations and procedures, including our methods of distributing our proprietary products, as a result of the Department of Labor’s new fiduciary rule;
• The introduction of legislative or regulatory proposals or judicial rulings that change the independent contractor classification of our financial advisors at the federal or state level for employment tax or other employee benefit purposes;
• A decline in the securities markets or in the relative investment performance of our Funds and other investment portfolios and products as compared to competing funds;
• Our inability to reduce expenses rapidly enough to align with declines in our revenues, the level of our assets under management or our business environment.
• Non-compliance with applicable laws or regulations and changes in current legal, regulatory, accounting, tax or compliance requirements or governmental policies;
• Our inability to attract and retain senior executive management and other key personnel to conduct our broker-dealer, fund management and investment advisory business;
• A failure in, or breach of, our operational or security systems or our technology infrastructure, or those of third parties on which we rely; and
• Our inability to implement new information technology and systems, or our inability to complete such implementation in a timely or cost effective manner.

The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with other cautionary statements included in this and other reports and filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the information in Item 1 "Business" and Item 1A "Risk Factors" of Part I and Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of Part II to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and as updated in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the year ending December 31, 2016. 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, except to the extent required by law.

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1 Net income represents net income attributable to Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.

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Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.Investor Contact:Nicole Russell, 913-236-1880VP, Investor Relationsnrussell@waddell.comorMutual Fund Investor Contact:888-WADDELLwww.waddell.comwww.ivyfunds.com