wdr_Current_Folio_10Q

 

 

Table of contents

 


 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from                                 to                                

 

Commission file number 001-13913

 

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

51-0261715

(State or other jurisdiction

 

(I.R.S. Employer

of incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

6300 Lamar Avenue

Overland Park, Kansas 66202

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

 

(913) 236-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes ☒ No ☐.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ☒

 

Accelerated filer ☐

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer ☐

 

Smaller reporting company ☐

 

 

 

 

 

Emerging growth company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐ 

 

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

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value

WDR

New York Stock Exchange

 

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

 

 

 

Class

 

Outstanding as of April 26, 2019

Class A common stock, $.01 par value

 

75,103,723

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Table of contents

 

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.

INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

Quarter Ended March 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

    

Page No.

 

 

 

 

 

Part I. 

Financial Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1. 

 

Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2. 

 

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

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3. 

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4. 

 

Controls and Procedures

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

Part II. 

Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1. 

 

Legal Proceedings

 

33

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A. 

 

Risk Factors

 

33

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2. 

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

33

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6. 

 

Exhibits

 

34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

35

 

 

 

 

2


 

 

 

Table of contents

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

December 31, 

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

2018

 

Assets:

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

177,611

 

 

231,997

 

Cash and cash equivalents - restricted

 

 

23,001

 

 

59,558

 

Investment securities

 

 

649,052

 

 

617,135

 

Receivables:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funds and separate accounts

 

 

19,130

 

 

18,112

 

Customers and other

 

 

78,608

 

 

151,515

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

22,446

 

 

27,164

 

Total current assets

 

 

969,848

 

 

1,105,481

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

58,773

 

 

63,429

 

Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets

 

 

145,869

 

 

145,869

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

5,920

 

 

12,321

 

Other non-current assets

 

 

48,053

 

 

16,979

 

Total assets

 

$

1,228,463

 

 

1,344,079

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

24,984

 

 

26,253

 

Payable to investment companies for securities

 

 

30,168

 

 

100,085

 

Payable to third party brokers

 

 

18,134

 

 

19,891

 

Payable to customers

 

 

40,426

 

 

86,184

 

Accrued compensation

 

 

41,999

 

 

54,129

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

63,990

 

 

51,580

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

219,701

 

 

338,122

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

94,872

 

 

94,854

 

Accrued pension and postretirement costs

 

 

806

 

 

798

 

Other non-current liabilities

 

 

31,544

 

 

15,392

 

Total liabilities

 

 

346,923

 

 

449,166

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

12,936

 

 

11,463

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock—$1.00 par value: 5,000 shares authorized; none issued

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Class A Common stock—$0.01 par value: 250,000 shares authorized; 99,701 shares issued; 75,679 shares outstanding (76,790 at December 31, 2018)

 

 

997

 

 

997

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

290,872

 

 

311,264

 

Retained earnings

 

 

1,211,566

 

 

1,198,445

 

Cost of 24,022 common shares in treasury (22,911 at December 31, 2018)

 

 

(636,726)

 

 

(627,587)

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

1,895

 

 

331

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

868,604

 

 

883,450

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and stockholders’ equity

 

$

1,228,463

 

 

1,344,079

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Investment management fees

 

$

109,762

 

 

133,692

 

Underwriting and distribution fees

 

 

126,245

 

 

138,041

 

Shareholder service fees

 

 

23,403

 

 

25,882

 

Total

 

 

259,410

 

 

297,615

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution

 

 

109,794

 

 

114,470

 

Compensation and benefits (including share-based compensation of $12,693 and $14,768, respectively)

 

 

64,843

 

 

68,785

 

General and administrative

 

 

14,704

 

 

19,538

 

Technology

 

 

16,308

 

 

16,644

 

Occupancy

 

 

6,715

 

 

6,964

 

Marketing and advertising

 

 

1,964

 

 

2,281

 

Depreciation

 

 

6,001

 

 

5,302

 

Subadvisory fees

 

 

3,557

 

 

3,708

 

Total

 

 

223,886

 

 

237,692

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

 

35,524

 

 

59,923

 

Investment and other income

 

 

9,453

 

 

2,816

 

Interest expense

 

 

(1,548)

 

 

(1,802)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

 

43,429

 

 

60,937

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

10,671

 

 

14,966

 

Net income

 

 

32,758

 

 

45,971

 

Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

705

 

 

(366)

 

Net income attributable to Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.

 

$

32,053

 

 

46,337

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per share attributable to Waddell and Reed Financial, Inc. common shareholders, basic and diluted:

 

$

0.42

 

 

0.56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted:

 

 

76,299

 

 

83,111

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

32,758

 

 

45,971

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale investment securities during the period, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $517 and $(351), respectively

 

 

1,658

 

 

(1,131)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Postretirement benefit, net of income tax benefit of $(30) and $(7), respectively

 

 

(94)

 

 

(23)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

 

34,322

 

 

44,817

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

705

 

 

(366)

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.

 

$

33,617

 

 

45,183

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

Redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

Total 

 

Non

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-In

 

Retained

 

Treasury

 

Comprehensive

 

Stockholders’

 

Controlling

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2018

    

Shares

    

Amount

    

Capital

    

Earnings

    

Stock

    

Income (Loss)

    

Equity

    

interest

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

 

99,701

 

$

997

 

301,410

 

1,092,394

 

(522,441)

 

524

 

872,884

 

14,509

 

Adoption of recognition and measurement of financial assets and liabilities guidance (ASU 2016-01) on January 1, 2018

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

812

 

 —

 

(812)

 

 —

 

 —

 

Adoption of reclassification of tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) guidance (ASU 2018-02) on January 1, 2018

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

36

 

 —

 

(36)

 

 —

 

 —

 

Net income (loss)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

46,337

 

 —

 

 —

 

46,337

 

(366)

 

Net subscription of redeemable noncontrolling interests in sponsored funds

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

4,427

 

Recognition of equity compensation

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

12,065

 

209

 

 —

 

 —

 

12,274

 

 —

 

Net issuance/forfeiture of nonvested shares

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

(29,707)

 

 —

 

29,707

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

Dividends accrued, $0.25 per share

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

(20,866)

 

 —

 

 —

 

(20,866)

 

 —

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(20,507)

 

 —

 

(20,507)

 

 —

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(1,154)

 

(1,154)

 

 —

 

Balance at March 31, 2018

 

99,701

 

$

997

 

283,768

 

1,118,922

 

(513,241)

 

(1,478)

 

888,968

 

18,570

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

Redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

Total 

 

Non

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-In

 

Retained

 

Treasury

 

Comprehensive

 

Stockholders’

 

Controlling

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2019

    

Shares

    

Amount

    

Capital

    

Earnings

    

Stock

    

Income (Loss)

    

Equity

    

interest

 

Balance at December 31, 2018

 

99,701

 

$

997

 

311,264

 

1,198,445

 

(627,587)

 

331

 

883,450

 

11,463

 

Net income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

32,053

 

 —

 

 —

 

32,053

 

705

 

Net subscription of redeemable noncontrolling interests in sponsored funds

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

768

 

Recognition of equity compensation

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

9,608

 

93

 

 —

 

 —

 

9,701

 

 —

 

Net issuance/forfeiture of nonvested shares

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

(30,000)

 

 

 

30,000

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

Dividends accrued, $0.25 per share

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

(19,025)

 

 —

 

 —

 

(19,025)

 

 —

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(39,139)

 

 —

 

(39,139)

 

 —

 

Other comprehensive income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

1,564

 

1,564

 

 —

 

Balance at March 31, 2019

 

99,701

 

$

997

 

290,872

 

1,211,566

 

(636,726)

 

1,895

 

868,604

 

12,936

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

For the three months ended March 31, 

 

 

 

2019

    

2018

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

32,758

 

 

45,971

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

6,208

 

 

5,302

 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

 

 

551

 

 

996

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

12,693

 

 

14,768

 

Investments (gain) loss, net

 

 

(19,930)

 

 

3,070

 

Net purchases, maturities, and sales of trading and equity securities

 

 

(2,233)

 

 

(1,386)

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

5,914

 

 

1,555

 

Net change in equity securities and trading debt securities held by consolidated sponsored funds

 

 

(5,081)

 

 

(2,415)

 

Other

 

 

(56)

 

 

1,079

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer and other receivables

 

 

72,892

 

 

25,026

 

Payable to investment companies for securities and payable to customers

 

 

(115,675)

 

 

(22,761)

 

Receivables from funds and separate accounts

 

 

(1,018)

 

 

979

 

Other assets

 

 

9,161

 

 

(12,162)

 

Accounts payable and payable to third party brokers

 

 

(3,026)

 

 

(3,324)

 

Other liabilities

 

 

(10,655)

 

 

(6,433)

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 

$

(17,497)

 

 

50,265

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of available for sale and equity method securities

 

 

(70,501)

 

 

 —

 

Proceeds from sales of available for sale and equity method securities

 

 

19,667

 

 

 —

 

Proceeds from maturities of available for sale securities

 

 

38,375

 

 

56,686

 

Additions to property and equipment

 

 

(1,474)

 

 

(414)

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 

$

(13,933)

 

 

56,272

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid

 

 

(19,348)

 

 

(20,890)

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

 

(40,871)

 

 

(20,507)

 

Repayment of short-term debt, net of debt issuance costs

 

 

 —

 

 

(94,978)

 

Net subscriptions (redemptions, distributions and deconsolidations) of redeemable noncontrolling interests in sponsored funds

 

 

768

 

 

4,427

 

Other

 

 

(62)

 

 

 —

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

$

(59,513)

 

 

(131,948)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(90,943)

 

 

(25,411)

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

 

291,555

 

 

235,985

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period

 

$

200,612

 

 

210,574

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”) is a holding company, 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 former Waddell & Reed Advisors group of mutual funds (the “Advisors Funds”) in 1940. Over time, we added additional mutual funds: Ivy Funds (the “Ivy Funds”); Ivy Variable Insurance Portfolios, our variable product offering (“Ivy VIP”); InvestEd Portfolios, our 529 college savings plan (“InvestEd”); and the Ivy High Income Opportunities Fund, a closed-end mutual fund (“IVH”). In 2016, we introduced the Ivy NextShares® exchange-traded managed funds (“Ivy NextShares”) (collectively, Ivy Funds, Ivy VIP, InvestEd, IVH, and Ivy NextShares are referred to as the “Funds”).  In addition to the Funds, our assets under management (“AUM”) include institutional accounts managed by the Company.  As of March 31, 2019, we had $71.7 billion in AUM.

We derive our revenues from providing investment management and advisory services, investment product underwriting and distribution, and shareholder services administration to the Funds and institutional accounts. We also provide brokerage services, primarily to retail clients through Waddell & Reed, Inc. (“W&R”), and independent financial advisors associated with W&R (“Advisors”), who provide financial planning and advice to their clients. Investment management and advisory fees and certain underwriting and distribution revenues are based on the level of AUM and assets under administration (“AUA”) and are affected by sales levels, financial market conditions, redemptions and the composition of assets. Our underwriting and distribution revenues consist of fees earned on fee based asset allocation programs and related advisory services, asset based service and distribution fees promulgated under the 1940 Act (“Rule 12b-1”), 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 client AUM or number of client accounts.  Our major expenses are for distribution of our products, compensation related costs, occupancy, general and administrative, and information technology.

Basis of Presentation

 

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures are adequate to enable a reasonable understanding of the information presented.  The information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Part I, Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our audited financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “2018 Form 10-K”).  Certain amounts in the prior year’s financial statements have been reclassified for consistent presentation.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared consistent with the accounting policies described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in our 2018 Form 10-K with the exception of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) ASU 2016-02, “Leases” and ASU 2018-07, “Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which both became effective January 1, 2019.  Refer to Note 2 – New Accounting Guidance for the impact these ASU’s had on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only a normal and recurring nature) necessary to present fairly our financial position at March 31, 2019 and the results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

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2.New Accounting Guidance

 

Accounting Guidance Adopted During the First Quarter of 2019

 

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases, and related ASUs, which increases transparency and comparability among organizations by establishing a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet with additional disclosures of key information about leasing arrangements.  A modified retrospective transition approach is required, applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application.  An entity may choose to use either (1) the effective date of the ASU or (2) the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements as its date of initial application. The Company chose the effective date of the ASU as the date of initial application, and as a result, financial information will not be updated and the disclosures required under the new standard will not be provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019.  The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients for transition and practical expedients for an entity’s ongoing accounting, which the Company has elected. In addition, we have elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify. This means, for those leases that qualify, we will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities, and this includes not recognizing ROU assets or lease liabilities for existing short-term leases of those assets in transition.  The effect of adoption was the recognition of new ROU assets and lease liabilities of $36.8 million on our balance sheet for our real estate and equipment leases as of January 1, 2019. See Note 11 – Leases, for additional accounting policy information and the additional disclosures required by this ASU.

 

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies the accounting for share–based payments granted to nonemployees by aligning the accounting with the requirements for employee share–based compensation. Upon adoption of this ASU, the Company no longer revalues certain outstanding share-based awards for nonemployees, which are immaterial to our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. 

 

Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

 

In August 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which eliminates certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements, requires entities to disclose new information, and modifies existing disclosure requirements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption of this ASU, disclosure changes will be reflected in our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. 

 

In August 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract, which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

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3.Revenue Recognition

 

All revenue recognized in the consolidated statements of income is considered to be revenue from contracts with customers. The vast majority of revenue is determined based on average assets and is earned daily or monthly or is transactional and is earned on the trade date. As such, revenue from remaining performance obligations is not significant.  The following table depicts the disaggregation of revenue by product and distribution channel:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended
March 31, 2019

 

Three months ended
March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Investment management fees:

 

 

    

    

    

    

Funds

 

$

105,745

 

127,663

 

Institutional

 

 

4,017

 

6,029

 

Total investment management fees

 

$

109,762

 

133,692

 

Underwriting and distribution fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unaffiliated

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees

 

$

16,182

 

20,976

 

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

 

 

438

 

470

 

Other revenues

 

 

92

 

185

 

Total unaffiliated distribution fees

 

$

16,712

 

21,631

 

Broker-Dealer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fee-based asset allocation product revenues

 

$

65,230

 

65,516

 

Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees

 

 

15,688

 

18,377

 

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

 

 

12,020

 

14,427

 

Sales commissions on other products

 

 

7,606

 

8,422

 

Other revenues

 

 

8,989

 

9,668

 

Total broker-dealer distribution fees

 

 

109,533

 

116,410

 

Total distribution fees

 

$

126,245

 

138,041

 

Shareholder service fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholder service fees

 

$

23,403

 

25,882

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

259,410

 

297,615

 

 

 

 

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4.Investment Securities

 

Investment securities at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

 

    

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Available for sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certificates of deposit

 

$

 —

 

5,001

 

Commercial paper

 

 

8,305

 

7,970

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

257,083

 

218,121

 

U.S. Treasury bills

 

 

 —

 

19,672

 

Total available for sale securities

 

 

265,388

 

250,764

 

Trading debt securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial paper

 

 

1,175

 

1,993

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

77,739

 

77,250

 

U.S. Treasury bills

 

 

5,913

 

5,884

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 7

 

 7

 

Consolidated sponsored funds

 

 

35,165

 

33,088

 

Total trading securities 

 

 

119,999

 

118,222

 

Equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

 

30,680

 

21,204

 

Sponsored funds

 

 

152,481

 

153,548

 

Sponsored privately offered funds

 

 

797

 

678

 

Consolidated sponsored funds

 

 

27,883

 

24,879

 

Total equity securities

 

 

211,841

 

200,309

 

Equity method securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sponsored funds

 

 

51,824

 

47,840

 

Total securities

 

$

649,052

 

617,135

 

 

Commercial paper and corporate bonds accounted for as available for sale and held as of March 31, 2019 mature as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized

 

 

 

 

cost

 

Fair value

  

 

(in thousands)

Within one year

$

105,490

 

105,322

After one year but within five years

 

158,769

 

160,066

 

$

264,259

 

265,388

 

Commercial paper, corporate bonds, U.S. Treasury bills and mortgage-backed securities accounted for as trading and held as of March 31, 2019 mature as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

  

 

 

 

(in thousands)

Within one year

 

 

$

29,141

After one year but within five years

 

 

 

51,261

After five years but within 10 years

 

 

 

4,432

 

 

 

$

84,834

 

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The following is a summary of the gross unrealized gains (losses) related to securities classified as available for sale at March 31, 2019:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Amortized

    

Unrealized

    

Unrealized

    

 

 

 

 

cost

 

gains

 

losses

 

Fair value

 

  

 

(in thousands)

 

Available for sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial paper

 

$

8,304

 

 1

 

 —

 

8,305

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

255,955

 

1,668

 

(540)

 

257,083

 

 

 

$

264,259

 

1,669

 

(540)

 

265,388

 

 

The following is a summary of the gross unrealized gains (losses) related to securities classified as available for sale at December 31, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Amortized

    

Unrealized

    

Unrealized

    

 

 

 

 

cost

 

gains

 

losses

 

Fair value

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Available for sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certificates of deposit

 

$

5,000

 

 1

 

 —

 

5,001

 

Commercial paper

 

 

7,902

 

68

 

 —

 

7,970

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

219,236

 

254

 

(1,369)

 

218,121

 

U.S. Treasury bills

 

 

19,672

 

 —

 

 —

 

19,672

 

 

 

$

251,810

 

323

 

(1,369)

 

250,764

 

 

A summary of available for sale investment securities with fair values below carrying values at March 31, 2019 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than 12 months

 

12 months or longer

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

Unrealized

March 31, 2019

    

Fair value 

    

losses

    

Fair value 

    

losses

    

Fair value 

    

losses

 

 

(in thousands)

Corporate bonds

 

$

4,959

 

(41)

 

104,926

 

(499)

 

109,885

 

(540)

 

A summary of available for sale investment securities with fair values below carrying values at December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than 12 months

 

12 months or longer

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

Unrealized

December 31, 2018

    

Fair value 

    

losses

    

Fair value 

    

losses

    

Fair value 

    

losses

 

 

(in thousands)

Corporate bonds

 

$

36,302

 

(160)

 

119,480

 

(1,209)

 

155,782

 

(1,369)

 

 

The Company’s investment portfolio included 29 available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2019.

 

The Company evaluated available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2019 and concluded no other-than-temporary impairment existed at March 31, 2019.  The unrealized losses in the Company’s investment portfolio at March 31, 2019 were primarily caused by changes in interest rates. At this time, the Company does not intend to sell, and does not believe it will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized cost.

 

Sponsored Funds

 

The Company has classified its equity investments in the Ivy Funds as equity method investments (when the Company owns between 20% and 50% of the fund) or equity securities measured at fair value through net income (when the Company owns less than 20% of the fund).  These entities do not meet the criteria of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and are considered to be voting interest entities (“VOE”). The Company has determined the Ivy Funds are VOEs because the structure of the investment products is such that the voting rights held by the equity holders provide for equality among equity investors. 

 

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Sponsored Privately Offered Funds

 

The Company holds an interest in a privately offered fund structured in the form of a limited liability company.  The members of this entity have the substantive ability to remove the Company as managing member or dissolve the entity upon a simple majority vote.  This entity does not meet the criteria of a VIE and is considered to be a VOE.

 

Consolidated Sponsored Funds

 

The following table details the balances related to consolidated sponsored funds at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, as well as the Company’s net interest in these funds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

December 31, 

 

 

2019

    

 

2018

 

    

(in thousands)

Cash

 

$

6,086

 

 

4,285

Investments

 

 

63,048

 

 

57,967

Other assets

 

 

762

 

 

872

Other liabilities

 

 

(1,093)

 

 

(79)

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

(12,936)

 

 

(11,463)

Net interest in consolidated sponsored funds

 

$

55,867

 

 

51,582

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, an Ivy Fund, Ivy NextShares and Ivy Global Investors Funds in which we provided initial seed capital at the time of the funds’ formation were consolidated. During 2018, we liquidated the Ivy Global Investors Société d’Investissement à Capital Variable and its Ivy Global Investors sub-funds, including converting the investments held by the sub-funds to cash, and redeemed the majority of our investment.   When we no longer have a controlling financial interest in a sponsored fund, it is deconsolidated from our consolidated financial statements. 

 

Fair Value

 

Accounting standards establish a framework for measuring fair value and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of the asset.  Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset.  An individual investment’s fair value measurement is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs that are significant to the overall valuation.  The three-level hierarchy of inputs is summarized as follows:

 

·

Level 1 – Investments are valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

·

Level 2 – Investments are valued using other significant observable inputs, including quoted prices in active markets for similar securities. 

 

·

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

 

Assets classified as Level 2 can have a variety of observable inputs. These observable inputs are collected and utilized, primarily by an independent pricing service, in different evaluated pricing approaches depending upon the specific asset to determine a value. The carrying amounts of certificates of deposit and commercial paper are measured at amortized cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-time between purchase and expected maturity of the investments. Depending on the nature of the inputs, these investments are generally classified as Level 1 or 2 within the fair value hierarchy. U.S. Treasury bills are valued upon quoted market prices for similar assets in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets that are not active and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable or corroborated by observable market data. The fair value of corporate bonds is measured using various techniques, which consider recently executed transactions in securities of the issuer or comparable issuers, market price quotations (where observable), bond spreads and fundamental data relating to the issuer. The fair value of equity derivatives is measured based on active market broker quotes, evaluated broker quotes and evaluated prices from vendors.

 

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The following tables summarize our investment securities as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 that are recognized in our consolidated balance sheets using fair value measurements based on the differing levels of inputs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2019

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Other Assets Held at Net Asset Value

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Cash equivalents: (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds

 

$

119,874

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

119,874

 

U.S. government sponsored enterprise note

 

 

 —

 

895

 

 —

 

 —

 

895

 

Commercial paper

 

 

 —

 

36,066

 

 —

 

 —

 

36,066

 

Total cash equivalents

 

$

119,874

 

36,961

 

 —

 

 —

 

156,835

 

Available for sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial paper

 

$

 —

 

8,305

 

 —

 

 —

 

8,305

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

 —

 

257,083

 

 —

 

 —

 

257,083

 

Trading debt securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial paper

 

 

 —

 

1,175

 

 —

 

 —

 

1,175

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

 —

 

77,739

 

 —

 

 

 

77,739

 

U.S. Treasury bills

 

 

 —

 

5,913

 

 —

 

 —

 

5,913

 

Mortgage-backed securities

    

 

 —

    

 7

    

 —

    

 —

 

 7

 

Consolidated sponsored funds

 

 

 —

 

35,165

 

 —

 

 —

 

35,165

 

Equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

 

30,660

 

 —

 

20

 

 —

 

30,680

 

Sponsored funds

 

 

152,481

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

152,481

 

Sponsored privately offered funds measured at net asset value (2)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

797

 

797

 

Consolidated sponsored funds

 

 

27,883

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

27,883

 

Equity method securities: (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sponsored funds

 

 

51,824

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

51,824

 

Total investment securities

 

$

262,848

 

385,387

 

20

 

797

 

649,052

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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December 31, 2018

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Other Assets Held at Net Asset Value

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Cash equivalents: (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds

 

$

121,759

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

121,759

 

U.S. government sponsored enterprise note

 

 

 —

 

895

 

 —

 

 —

 

895

 

Commercial paper

 

 

 —

 

74,277

 

 —

 

 —

 

74,277

 

Total cash equivalents

 

$

121,759

 

75,172

 

 —

 

 —

 

196,931

 

Available for sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certificates of deposit

 

$

 —

 

5,001

 

 —

 

 —

 

5,001

 

Commercial paper

 

 

 —

 

7,970

 

 —

 

 —

 

7,970

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

 —

 

218,121

 

 —

 

 —

 

218,121

 

U.S. Treasury bills

 

 

 —

 

19,672

 

 —

 

 —

 

19,672

 

Trading debt securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial paper

 

 

 —

 

1,993

 

 —

 

 —

 

1,993

 

Corporate bonds

 

 

 —

 

77,250

 

 —

 

 

 

77,250

 

U.S. Treasury bills

 

 

 —

 

5,884

 

 —

 

 —

 

5,884

 

Mortgage-backed securities

    

 

 —

    

 7

    

 —

    

 —

 

 7

 

Consolidated sponsored funds

 

 

 —

 

33,088

 

 —

 

 —

 

33,088

 

Equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

 

21,192

 

 —

 

12

 

 —

 

21,204

 

Sponsored funds

 

 

153,548

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

153,548

 

Sponsored privately offered funds measured at net asset value (2)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

678

 

678

 

Consolidated sponsored funds

 

 

24,879

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

24,879

 

Equity method securities: (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sponsored funds

 

 

47,840

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

47,840

 

Total investment securities

 

$

247,459

 

368,986

 

12

 

678

 

617,135

 


 

(1)

Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Cash investments in actively traded money market funds are measured at net asset value and are classified as Level 1. Cash investments in commercial paper are measured at cost, which approximates fair value because of the short time between purchase of the instrument and its expected realization, and are classified as Level 2.

 

(2)

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

(3)

Substantially all of the Company’s equity method investments are investment companies that record their underlying investments at fair value.

 

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The following table summarizes the activity of investments categorized as Level 3 for the three months ended March 31, 2019:

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Three months ended

 

 

March 31, 2019

 

 

(in thousands)

Level 3 assets at December 31, 2018

 

$

12

Additions

 

 

 —

Valuation change

 

 

 8

Redemptions

 

 

 —

Level 3 assets at March 31, 2019

 

$

20

 

 

 

5.Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company has in place an economic hedge program that uses total return swap contracts to hedge market risk related to its investments in certain sponsored funds.  Certain of the consolidated sponsored funds may utilize derivative financial instruments within their portfolios in pursuit of their stated investment objectives.  We do not hedge for speculative purposes.

 

Excluding derivative financial instruments held in certain consolidated sponsored funds, the Company was party to six total return swap contracts with a combined notional value of $212.7 million and five total return swap contracts with a combined notional value of $194.4 million as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. These derivative financial instruments are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes.  Changes in fair value of the total return swap contracts are recognized in investment and other income in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. 

 

The Company posted $9.3 million and $5.2 million in cash collateral with the counterparties of the total return swap contracts as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.  The cash collateral is included in Customers and other receivables in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  The Company does not record its fair value in derivative transactions against the posted collateral.

 

The following table presents the fair value of the derivative financial instruments, excluding derivative financial instruments held in certain consolidated sponsored funds, as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and is calculated based on Level 2 inputs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

December 31, 

 

 

Balance sheet

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

    

location

    

Fair value

    

Fair value

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

Total return swap contracts

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

$

 —

 

 

4,968

Total return swap contracts

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

2,188

 

 

 —

    Total

 

 

 

$

2,188

 

 

4,968

 

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The following is a summary of net (losses) gains recognized in income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

Income statement

 

March 31, 

 

    

location

    

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

Total return swap contracts

 

Investment and other income

 

$

(20,622)

 

1,364

 

 

6.Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets of an acquired business.  Our goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.  Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets (all considered indefinite lived) at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Goodwill

    

$

106,970

    

106,970

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mutual fund management advisory contracts

 

 

38,699

 

38,699

 

Other

 

 

200

 

200

 

Total identifiable intangible assets

 

 

38,899

 

38,899

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

145,869

 

145,869

 

 

 

 

7.Indebtedness

 

Debt is reported at its carrying amount in the consolidated balance sheet.  The fair value, calculated based on Level 2 inputs, of the Company’s senior unsecured notes maturing January 13, 2021 was $98.4 million at March 31, 2019 compared to the carrying value net of debt issuance costs of $94.9 million, which is listed under long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

8.Income Tax Uncertainties

In the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, unrecognized tax benefits that are not expected to be settled within the next 12 months are included in other liabilities; unrecognized tax benefits that are expected to be settled within the next 12 months are included in income taxes payable; unrecognized tax benefits that reduce a net operating loss, similar tax loss, or tax credit carryforward are presented as a reduction to non-current deferred income taxes. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company’s consolidated balance sheets included unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, of $2.6 million ($2.3 million net of federal benefit) and $2.7 million ($2.4 million net of federal benefit), respectively, that if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate.

 

The Company’s accounting policy with respect to interest and penalties related to income tax uncertainties is to classify these amounts as income taxes.  The total amount of penalties and interest, net of federal benefit, related to income tax uncertainties recognized in the statement of income for the three month period ended March 31, 2019 was $16 thousand.  The total amount of accrued penalties and interest related to uncertain tax positions recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is $0.6 million ($0.5 million net of federal benefit) and $0.7 million ($0.6 million net of federal benefit), respectively.

 

In the ordinary course of business, many transactions occur for which the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain.  In addition, respective tax authorities periodically audit our income tax returns.  These audits examine our significant tax filing positions, including the timing and amounts of deductions and the allocation of income among tax jurisdictions. The Company does not expect the resolution or settlement of any open audits, federal or state, to materially impact the consolidated financial statements.

 

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The 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 federal income tax returns are open tax years that remain subject to potential future audit.  State income tax returns for all years after 2014 and, in certain states, income tax returns for 2014, are subject to potential future audit by tax authorities in the Company’s major state tax jurisdictions.

 

9.Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension

 

Benefits payable under our noncontributory retirement plan that covers substantially all employees and certain vested employees of our former parent company (the “Pension Plan”) were based on employees’ years of service and compensation during the final 10 years of employment. On July 26, 2017, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved an amendment to freeze the Pension Plan, effective September 30, 2017.  After September 30, 2017, participants in the Pension Plan ceased accruing additional benefits for future service or compensation. Participants retain benefits accumulated as of September 30, 2017 in accordance with the terms of the Pension Plan. The Company intends to terminate the Pension Plan in standard termination with an expected completion date in 2020.

 

We also sponsor an unfunded defined benefit postretirement medical plan that previously covered substantially all employees, as well as Advisors.  The medical plan is contributory with participant contributions adjusted annually. The medical plan does not provide for benefits after age 65 with the exception of a small group of employees that were grandfathered when this plan was established. During the third quarter of 2016, the Company amended this plan to discontinue the availability of coverage for any individuals who retire after December 31, 2016.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Postretirement Benefits

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

    

 

 

    

 

    

 

 

    

 

    

Interest cost

 

$

1,528

 

1,508

 

$

 8

 

14

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

(1,590)

 

(2,069)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

Actuarial gain amortization

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

(124)

 

(30)

 

Prior service credit amortization

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

(1)

 

Total

 

$

(62)

 

(561)

 

$

(116)

 

(17)

 

 

 

10.Stockholders’ Equity

 

Earnings per Share

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.

    

$

32,053

    

46,337

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted

 

 

76,299

 

83,111

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share, basic and diluted

 

$

0.42

 

0.56

 

 

Dividends

 

During the quarter, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on our Class A common stock in the amount of $0.25 per share payable on May 1, 2019 to stockholders of record on April 10, 2019. The total dividend paid on May 1, 2019 was $18.8 million.

 

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Common Stock Repurchases

 

The Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of our Class A common stock in the open market and/or private purchases. The acquired shares may be used for corporate purposes, including issuing shares to employees in our stock-based compensation programs.

 

There were 2,226,325 shares and 996,309 shares repurchased in the open market or privately during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which includes 149,073 shares and 121,309 shares, respectively, repurchased from employees who tendered shares to cover income tax withholdings with respect to vesting of stock awards during these two reporting periods.

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The following tables summarize accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) activity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

Postretirement

 

accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

gains (losses) on

 

benefits

 

other

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFS investment

 

unrealized

 

comprehensive

 

Three months ended March 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

securities

 

gains (losses)

 

income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Balance at December 31, 2018

    

 

 

    

$

(797)

    

1,128

    

331

 

Other comprehensive income before reclassification

 

 

 

 

 

1,753

 

 —

 

1,753

 

Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

(95)

 

(94)

 

(189)

 

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

1,658

 

(94)

 

1,564

 

Balance at March 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

$

861

 

1,034

 

1,895

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

Postretirement

 

accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

gains (losses) on

 

benefits

 

other

 

 

 

 

 

AFS investment

 

unrealized

 

comprehensive

 

Three months ended March 31, 2018

 

 

 

securities

 

gains (losses)

 

income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

    

 

 

    

$

145

    

379

    

524

 

Amount reclassified to retained earnings for ASUs adopted in 2018

 

 

 

 

 

(955)

 

107

 

(848)

 

Other comprehensive loss before reclassification

 

 

 

 

 

(1,131)

 

 —

 

(1,131)

 

Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

(23)

 

(23)

 

Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

 

 

 

(2,086)

 

84

 

(2,002)

 

Balance at March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

$

(1,941)

 

463

 

(1,478)

 

 

Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and included in net income are summarized in the tables that follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-tax

 

expense

 

Net of tax

 

Statement of income line item

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Reclassifications included in net income:

    

 

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

Gains on available for sale debt securities

 

$

125

 

(30)

 

95

 

Investment and other income

 

Amortization of postretirement benefits

 

 

124

 

(30)

 

94

 

Compensation and benefits

 

Total

 

$

249

 

(60)

 

189

 

 

 

 

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For the three months ended March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax

 

 

 

Statement of income

 

 

 

Pre-tax

 

expense

 

Net of tax

 

 line item or retained earnings

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Reclassifications included in net income or retained earnings for ASUs adopted in 2018:

    

 

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

Sponsored funds investment gains

 

$

1,295

 

(340)

 

955

 

Retained earnings

 

Amortization of postretirement benefits

 

 

30

 

(114)

 

(84)

 

Compensation and benefits and retained earnings

 

Total

 

$

1,325

 

(454)

 

871

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.Leases

 

The Company has operating and finance leases for corporate office space and equipment.  Our leases have remaining lease terms of less than one year to seven years, some of which include options to extend leases for up to 20 years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within one year.  Certain leases include variable lease payments in future periods based on a market index or rate.  We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception (or the effective date of the ASU). Operating lease assets and liabilities are included in other non-current assets, other current liabilities, and other non-current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2019. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, net, other current liabilities, and other non-current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. 

 

ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date (or the effective date of the ASU) based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date (or the effective date of the ASU) in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease ROU assets also include any lease payments made and exclude lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. 

 

The components of lease expense were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three

 

 

months ended

 

 

March 31, 2019

 

 

(in thousands)

Operating Lease Cost

 

$

5,318

 

 

 

 

Finance Lease Cost:

 

 

 

Amortization of ROU assets

 

$

83

Interest on lease liabilities

 

 

 8

Total

 

$

91

 

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Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three

 

 

months ended

 

 

March 31, 2019

 

 

(in thousands)

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

    

 

    

Operating cash flows from operating leases

 

$

5,238

Operating cash flows from finance leases

 

 

 8

Financing cash flows from finance leases

 

 

80

 

 

 

 

ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

 

 —

Finance leases

 

 

40

 

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2019

 

 

(in thousands,

 

 

except lease term

 

 

and discount rate)

Operating Leases:

    

 

    

Operating lease ROU assets (Other non-current assets)

 

$

31,876

 

 

 

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

13,797

Other non-current liabilities

 

 

18,826

Total operating lease liabilities

 

$

32,623

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance Leases:

 

 

 

Property and equipment, gross

 

$

1,255

Accumulated depreciation

 

 

(782)

Property and equipment, net

 

$

473

 

 

 

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

290

Other non-current liabilities

 

 

198

Total finance lease liabilities

 

$

488

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average remaining lease term:

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

 

4 years

Finance leases

 

 

2 years

 

 

 

 

Weighted average discount rate:

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

 

4.33%

Finance leases

 

 

6.00%

 

Rent expense was $6.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

 

As of December 31, 2018, we had property and equipment under capital leases with a cost of $1.6 million and accumulated depreciation of $1.1 million.

 

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Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating

 

Finance

 

 

Leases

 

Leases

 

 

(in thousands)

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2019 (excluding the three months ended March 31, 2019)

    

$

11,806

    

233

2020

 

 

9,523

 

224

2021

 

 

4,882

 

46

2022

 

 

2,178

 

 6

2023

 

 

2,090

 

 —

Thereafter

 

 

4,703

 

 —

Total lease payments

 

 

35,182

 

509

Less imputed interest

 

 

(2,559)

 

(21)

Total

 

$

32,623

 

488

 

 

 

12.Contingencies

 

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

The Company establishes reserves for litigation and similar matters when those matters present material loss contingencies that management determines to be both probable and reasonably estimable in accordance with ASC 450, “Contingencies.” 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 new information. The Company discloses the nature of the contingency when management believes it is reasonably possible the outcome may be significant to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and, where feasible, an estimate of the possible 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 is required related to contingent liabilities because the outcomes are difficult to predict.

 

401(k) Plan Class Action Litigation

 

In an action filed on June 23, 2017 and amended on June 26, 2017 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, Schapker v. Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., et al., (Case No. 17-2365 D. Kan.), Stacy Schapker, a participant in the Company’s 401(k) and Thrift Plan, as amended and restated (the “401(k) Plan”), filed a lawsuit against the Company, the Company’s Board of Directors, the Administrative Committee of the 401(k) Plan, and unnamed Jane and John Doe Defendants 1-25. On August 7, 2017, plaintiff filed a second amended complaint on behalf of the 401(k) Plan and a proposed class of 401(k) Plan participants, alleging claims for breach of fiduciary duty and prohibited transactions under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, based on the 401(k) Plan’s offering of investments managed by the Company or its affiliates during a proposed class period of June 23, 2011 to present.  The second amended complaint dismissed the Company’s Board of Directors as a defendant and named as defendants the Company, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Administrative Committee of the 401(k) Plan, and the individuals who served on those committees during the proposed class period.  While the Company and all other defendants deny any and all liability with respect to the claims, the parties to the litigation reached a settlement.  The settlement agreement provides a full release for the benefit of the Company and all other defendants and the payment of $4.875 million (less attorney’s fees and costs, class representative compensation, and administrative expenses) to eligible settlement class members, their beneficiaries or alternate payees.  On April 8, 2019, the court entered an order granting final approval of the settlement, including certification of a class for settlement purposes only, to include 401(k) Plan participants at any time during the approved class period of June 23, 2011 to November 28, 2018.  The settlement is subject to appeal for 30 days following the court’s final approval.  The payments contemplated by the settlement are recoverable to the Company through insurance.  The Company has recorded a liability and offsetting receivable from insurance, as reflected in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

 

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

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.  Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires all references to the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “is” refer to Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which reflect the current views and assumptions of management with respect to future events regarding our business and industry in general.  These forward-looking statements include all statements, other than statements of historical fact, regarding our financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations, including statements with respect to revenues and earnings, the amount and composition of AUM, distribution sources, expense levels, redemption rates, stock repurchases 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, 2018, which include, without limitation:

 

·

The loss of existing distribution relationships or inability to access new distribution relationships;

 

·

A reduction in our AUM 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 evolving fiduciary standards;

 

·

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 due to various factors, including fee pressure, the level of our AUM 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 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.

 

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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 (the “SEC”), 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, 2018 and as updated in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the year ending December 31, 2019.  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.

 

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 and client activity. Significant increases or decreases in the various securities markets can have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

Our products are distributed through our unaffiliated channel, or through our broker-dealer channel by Advisors. Through our institutional channel, we distribute an array of investment styles to a variety of clients.

 

Through our unaffiliated channel, we distribute mutual funds through broker-dealers, retirement platforms and registered investment advisers through a team of external and internal wholesalers.

 

In our broker-dealer channel, we have 997 Advisors and 370 licensed advisor associates, for a total of 1,367 licensed individuals associated with W&R who operate out of offices located throughout the United States and provide financial advice for retirement, education funding, estate planning and other financial needs for clients.

 

We manage assets in a variety of investment styles in our institutional channel. Most of the clients in this channel are other asset managers that hire us to act as a subadviser for their branded products; 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 pension funds, Taft Hartley plans and endowments.

 

Operating Results

 

·

Net income attributable to Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. for the first quarter 2019 was $32.1 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, compared to $46.3 million, or $0.56 per diluted share, during the first quarter of 2018.

 

·

Revenues of $259.4 million during the first quarter of 2019 decreased 13% compared to the first quarter of 2018.  Operating expenses of $223.9 million during the first quarter of 2019 decreased 6% compared to the same quarter in 2018. The operating margin was 13.7% during the first quarter of 2019, compared to 20.1% during the first quarter of 2018.

 

·

Average trailing 12-month productivity per Advisor increased to $400 thousand in the first quarter of 2019 compared to $285 thousand in the first quarter of 2018, as we continue to focus on high performing Advisors.

 

·

During the first quarter of 2019, we returned $58.5 million of capital to stockholders through dividends and share repurchases, compared to $41.4 million in the same period in 2018.  We repurchased 2,226,325 shares during the first quarter of 2019 at a weighted average share price of $17.58.

 

·

Our balance sheet remains solid and we ended the first quarter of 2019 with cash and investments of $813.6 million, excluding restricted cash and cash and investments of redeemable noncontrolling interests in consolidated sponsored funds.

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Assets Under Management

 

During the first quarter of 2019, AUM increased 9% to $71.7 billion from $65.8 billion at December 31, 2018 due to market appreciation of $7.6 billion, partially offset by net outflows of $1.8 billion. 

 

Change in Assets Under Management (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broker-

 

 

 

 

 

Unaffiliated(2)

 

Institutional

 

Dealer

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning Assets

 

$

24,977

 

3,655

 

37,177

 

65,809

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales (3)

 

 

1,593

 

141

 

754

 

2,488

 

Redemptions

 

 

(2,306)

 

(357)

 

(1,626)

 

(4,289)

 

Net Exchanges

 

 

276

 

 —

 

(276)

 

 —

 

Net Flows

 

 

(437)

 

(216)

 

(1,148)

 

(1,801)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market Action

 

 

2,966

 

614

 

4,066

 

7,646

 

Ending Assets

 

$

27,506

 

4,053

 

40,095

 

71,654

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broker-

 

 

 

 

 

Unaffiliated(2)

 

Institutional

 

Dealer

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning Assets

 

$

31,133

 

6,289

 

43,660

 

81,082

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales (3)

 

 

2,245

 

552

 

1,001

 

3,798

 

Redemptions

 

 

(2,692)

 

(604)

 

(1,958)

 

(5,254)

 

Net Exchanges

 

 

247

 

 —

 

(247)

 

 —

 

Net Flows

 

 

(200)

 

(52)

 

(1,204)

 

(1,456)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market Action

 

 

122

 

212

 

251

 

585

 

Ending Assets

 

$

31,055

 

6,449

 

42,707

 

80,211

 

 


(1)

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

 

(2)

Unaffiliated includes National channel (home office and wholesale), Defined Contribution Investment Only, Registered Investment Advisor and Variable Annuity.

 

(3)

Sales consists of gross sales (net of sales commissions) and includes net reinvested dividends, capital gains and investment income.

 

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Average Assets Under Management

 

Average AUM, which are generally more indicative of trends in revenue from investment management services than the change in ending AUM, are presented below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broker-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unaffiliated

 

Institutional

 

Dealer

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset Class:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

$

21,143

 

3,948

 

28,798

 

$

53,889

 

Fixed Income

 

 

5,176

 

20

 

9,285

 

 

14,481

 

Money Market

 

 

106

 

 —

 

1,634

 

 

1,740

 

Total

 

$

26,425

 

3,968

 

39,717

 

$

70,110

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broker-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unaffiliated

 

Institutional

 

Dealer

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset Class:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

$

24,919

 

6,392

 

33,052

 

$

64,363

 

Fixed Income

 

 

5,801

 

94

 

10,249

 

 

16,144

 

Money Market

 

 

94

 

 —

 

1,812

 

 

1,906

 

Total

 

$

30,814

 

6,486

 

45,113

 

$

82,413

 

 

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Assets Under Administration

 

AUA includes both client assets invested in the Funds and in other companies’ products that are distributed through W&R and held in brokerage accounts, within our fee-based asset allocation programs, or held directly with the funds.  AUA are presented below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

(in millions, except advisor data

 

 

 

 

and percentages)

 

AUA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advisory assets

 

$

23,671

 

 

 

22,050

 

Non-advisory assets

 

 

32,418

 

 

 

34,216

 

Total AUA

 

$

56,089

 

 

 

56,266

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net new advisory assets (1)

 

$

220

 

 

 

392

 

Net new non-advisory assets (1), (2)

 

 

(820)

 

 

 

(983)

 

Total net new assets (1), (2)

 

$

(600)

 

 

 

(591)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annualized  advisory AUA growth (3)

 

 

4.2

%

 

 

7.3

%

Annualized AUA growth (3)

 

 

(4.7)

%

 

 

(4.2)

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advisors and advisor associates

 

 

1,367

 

 

 

1,497

 

Average trailing 12-month production per Advisor (4) (in thousands)

 

$

400

 

 

 

285

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Net new assets are calculated as total client deposits and net transfers less client withdrawals.

 

(2)

Excludes activity related to products held outside of our wealth management platform. These assets represent less than 10% of total AUA.

 

(3)

Annualized growth is calculated as annualized total net new assets divided by beginning AUA.

 

(4)

Production per Advisor is calculated as trailing 12-month Total Underwriting and distribution fees less “other” underwriting and distribution fees divided by the average number of Advisors.  “Other” underwriting and distribution fees predominantly include fees paid by Advisors for programs and services. 

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Results of Operations — Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 as Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

 

 

Total Revenues

 

Total revenues decreased 13% to $259.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

Variance

 

 

 

(in thousands, except percentage data)

 

Investment management fees

 

$

109,762

 

133,692

 

(18)

%

Underwriting and distribution fees

 

 

126,245

 

138,041

 

(9)

%

Shareholder service fees

 

 

23,403

 

25,882

 

(10)

%

Total revenues

 

$

259,410

 

297,615

 

(13)

%

 

 

Investment Management Fee Revenues

 

Investment management fee revenues for the first quarter of 2019 decreased $23.9 million, or 18%, from the first quarter of 2018 due to lower average AUM and a lower effective management fee rate.  The effective management fee rate decrease is due to increased fee waivers due to previously disclosed fee reductions in selected mutual funds implemented as of July 31, 2018. 

 

The following table summarizes investment management fee revenues, related average AUM, fee waivers and investment management fee rates for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

 

Variance

 

 

 

(in thousands, except for management fee rate and average assets)

 

 

 

 

Funds investment management fees (net)

 

$

105,745

 

 

127,663

 

 

(17)

%

Funds average assets (in millions)

 

$

66,142

 

 

75,927

 

 

(13)

%

Funds management fee rate (net)

 

 

0.6484

%  

 

0.6819

%  

 

 

 

Total fee waivers

 

$

6,706

 

 

2,311

 

 

190

%

Institutional investment management fees (net)

 

$

4,017

 

 

6,029

 

 

(33)

%

Institutional average assets (in millions)

 

$

3,968

 

 

6,485

 

 

(39)

%

Institutional management fee rate (net)

 

 

0.4105

%  

 

0.4002

%  

 

 

 

 

Revenues from investment management services provided to our retail mutual funds, which are distributed through the unaffiliated and broker-dealer channels, decreased 17% in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018 due to a decrease in average AUM and an increase in fee waivers related to fee reductions in selected mutual funds that were implemented as of July 31, 2018.  Fee waivers are recorded as an offset to investment management fees up to the amount of fees earned.

 

Institutional account revenues in the first quarter of 2019 decreased $2.0 million compared to the first quarter of 2018 due to a 39% decrease in average AUM, partially offset by an increase in the average management fee rate due to redeemed assets with lower effective management fee rates than the average management fee rate.

 

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Annualized long-term redemption rates

 

 

 

(excludes money market redemptions)

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

Unaffiliated channel

 

35.8

%  

35.8

%  

Institutional channel

 

36.6

%  

37.8

%  

Broker-Dealer channel

 

14.5

%  

15.1

%  

Total

 

23.9

%  

24.8

%  

 

The long-term redemption rate for the three months ended March 31, 2019 remained unchanged in the unaffiliated channel and slightly decreased in the institutional and broker-dealer channels as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018.  We have been notified of approximately $0.5 billion of redemptions in our institutional channel expected in the first half of 2019, of which $0.3 billion was redeemed in April 2019. Prolonged redemptions in any of our distribution channels could negatively affect revenues in future periods. 

 

Our overall current year-to-date annualized redemption rate of 23.9% is slightly lower than the current year-to-date industry average of approximately 24.3%, based on data from the Investment Company Institute.

 

Underwriting and Distribution Fee Revenues

 

The following tables summarize the significant components of underwriting and distribution fee revenues by distribution channel:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

Broker-

 

 

 

 

Unaffiliated

 

Dealer

 

Total

 

 

(in thousands)

Underwriting and distribution fee revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fee-based asset allocation product revenues

 

$

 

65,230

 

65,230

Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees

 

 

16,182

 

15,688

 

31,870

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

 

 

438

 

12,020

 

12,458

Sales commissions on other products

 

 

 

7,606

 

7,606

Other revenues

 

 

92

 

8,989

 

9,081

Total

 

$

16,712

 

109,533

 

126,245

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

Broker-

 

 

 

 

Unaffiliated

 

Dealer

 

Total

 

 

(in thousands)

Underwriting and distribution fee revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fee-based asset allocation product revenues

 

$

 —

 

65,516

 

65,516

Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees

 

 

20,976

 

18,377

 

39,353

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

 

 

470

 

14,427

 

14,897

Sales commissions on other products

 

 

 

8,422

 

8,422

Other revenues

 

 

185

 

9,668

 

9,853

Total

 

$

21,631

 

116,410

 

138,041

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underwriting and distribution revenues earned in the first quarter of 2019 decreased by $11.8 million, or 9%, compared to the first quarter of 2018, primarily driven by a decrease in Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution fees across both channels.  Rule 12b-1 asset-based service and distribution fees decreased due to a decrease in average mutual fund AUM for which we earn Rule 12b-1 revenues. Additionally, sales commissions decreased primarily due to a decrease in mutual fund and variable annuity product commissionable sales.

 

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Shareholder Service Fee Revenue

 

During the first quarter of 2019, shareholder service fee revenue decreased $2.5 million, or 10%, compared to the first quarter of 2018 primarily due to a decrease in the number of accounts and assets on which these fees are based. Fund administrative and accounting service fees also decreased due to the fund mergers in February 2018 and November 2018. Partially offsetting the decreases, custodian fees increased slightly primarily due to adding a custodian fee to broker-dealer advisory accounts.   

 

Total Operating Expenses

 

Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2019 decreased $13.8 million, or 6%, compared to the first quarter of 2018, primarily due to decreased distribution, compensation and benefits and general and administrative costs, partially offset by increased depreciation. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

Variance

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Distribution

 

$

109,794

 

114,470

 

(4)

%  

Compensation and benefits

 

 

64,843

 

68,785

 

(6)

%  

General and administrative

 

 

14,704

 

19,538

 

(25)

%  

Technology

 

 

16,308

 

16,644

 

(2)

%  

Occupancy

 

 

6,715

 

6,964

 

(4)

%  

Marketing and advertising

 

 

1,964

 

2,281

 

(14)

%  

Depreciation

 

 

6,001

 

5,302

 

13

%  

Subadvisory fees

 

 

3,557

 

3,708

 

(4)

%  

Total operating expenses

 

$

223,886

 

237,692

 

(6)

%  

 

 

Distribution expenses for the first quarter of 2019 decreased by $4.7 million, or 4%, compared to the first quarter of 2018.  Distribution expenses in the unaffiliated channel decreased by $7.1, while distribution expenses in the broker-dealer channel increased $2.4 million.  The primary driver of the net reduction was a decrease in average mutual fund AUM for which we pay Rule 12b-1 commissions to third party distributors, however, the decrease was moderated by the enhancements to the Advisor compensation grid starting in 2019, which increased expense in the broker-dealer channel. 

 

Compensation and benefits decreased $3.9 million, or 6%, compared to the first quarter of 2018. The decrease is primarily due to a $2.1 million decrease in share-based compensation primarily due grants with larger grant date fair value being fully amortized and partially offset by increased expense due mark-to-market adjustments of cash-settled restricted stock units.  Compensation and other related costs decreased $1.8 million primarily due to lower headcount.

 

General and administrative expenses decreased $4.8 million, or 25%, compared to the first quarter of 2018. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in contractor, legal and consulting costs due to the completion of significant projects in early 2018.  Fund expenses also decreased for the comparative period primarily due to decreased fee waivers in excess of revenue on certain Funds.

 

Depreciation in the first quarter of 2019 increased $0.7 million compared to the first quarter of 2019 primarily due to an adjustment in the useful life of internally developed software assets.

 

Investment and Other Income 

 

Investment and other income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 increased $6.6 million compared to the same period in 2018 primarily due to market appreciation, net of hedging activity, and an increase in interest income in our investment portfolio.

 

 

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Taxes

 

The following table reconciles the statutory federal income tax rate with our effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Three months ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2019

    

2018

 

Statutory federal income tax rate

 

21.0

%  

21.0

%  

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

 

2.8

 

2.9

 

Other items

 

0.8

 

0.7

 

Effective income tax rate

 

24.6

%  

24.6

%  

 

The tax effects of share-based payments could create continued volatility in the effective tax rate in future periods.  In the second quarter of 2019, the Company expects a tax shortfall from the vesting of restricted shares of approximately $2.4 million. The Company expects its future effective tax rate, exclusive of the effects of share-based payments, federal and state tax incentives, unanticipated federal and state tax legislative changes, and unanticipated fluctuations in earnings to range from 23% to 25%.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Management believes its available cash, marketable securities and expected cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund the Company’s short-term operating and capital requirements during 2019. Expected short-term uses of cash include dividend payments, repurchases of our Class A common stock, interest on indebtedness, income tax payments, seed money for new products, ongoing technology enhancements, capital expenditures, and collateral funding for margin accounts established to support derivative positions, and could include strategic acquisitions.

 

Expected long term capital requirements include interest on indebtedness and maturities of outstanding debt, operating leases and purchase obligations. Other possible long-term discretionary uses of cash could include capital expenditures for enhancement of technology infrastructure, strategic acquisitions, payment of dividends, seed money for new products, and repurchases of our Class A common stock.

 

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

 

·

Repurchase our stock

·

Pay dividends

·

Finance internal growth

 

Our existing capital return policy is designed to provide financial flexibility to invest in our business, support ongoing operations and maintain a strong balance sheet, while continuing to provide a very competitive return to stockholders.  The components of the capital return policy are described below.

 

Repurchase Our Stock

 

We repurchased 2,226,325 shares and 996,309 shares of our Class A common stock in the open market or privately during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, resulting in share repurchases of $39.1 million and $20.5 million, respectively.

 

In connection with our existing capital return policy, we intend to complete the repurchase of $250 million of our Class A common stock through late 2019, which is inclusive of buybacks to offset dilution of our equity grants.  We continue to engage in an opportunistic share repurchase plan to fulfill the targeted buybacks. We have repurchased $195.0 million of our Class A common stock at a weighted average share price of $19.27 since the announcement of this policy in the fourth quarter of 2017.

 

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Pay Dividends

 

We paid quarterly dividends on our Class A common stock that resulted in financing cash outflows of $19.3 million and $20.9 million for the first three months of 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

 

The Board of Directors approved a dividend on our Class A common stock of $0.25 per share that was paid on May 1, 2019 to stockholders of record on April 10, 2019.

 

Finance Internal Growth

 

We use cash to fund growth in our distribution channels. We continue to invest in our broker-dealer channel by offering home office resources, wholesaling efforts and enhanced technology tools, including the modernization of our brokerage and product platform. Our unaffiliated channel requires cash outlays for wholesaler commissions and commissions to third parties on deferred load product sales. We also provide seed money for new products to further enhance our product offerings and distribution efforts.  As we continue to advance our investment in improved technology, we expect increased costs in this area in the near term.

 

Cash Flows

 

Cash from operations is our primary source of funds. Cash from operations decreased $67.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018.  The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in net income, investment gains, and fluctuations in assets and liabilities, as described below.

 

The payable to investment companies for securities, payable to customers and other receivables accounts can fluctuate significantly based on trading activity at the end of a reporting period.  Changes in these accounts resulted in variances within cash from operations on the statement of cash flows; however, there is no impact to the Company’s liquidity and operations for the variances in these accounts. During the quarter, cash used in operations was $17.5 million and was impacted by a decrease in restricted cash balances of $36.6 million due to customer trading activity.  Without the impact of customer trading activity on our cash activity, cash flows from operations were positive for the period.

 

Investing activities consist primarily of the seeding and sale of sponsored investment securities, purchases and maturities of investments held in our corporate investment portfolio and capital expenditures.

 

Financing activities include payment of dividends and repurchases of our Class A common stock.  Additionally, in 2018, financing activities included repayment of our $95.0 million Series A senior unsecured notes at maturity.   Future financing cash outflows will be affected by the existing capital return policy.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

There have been no material changes in the critical accounting policies and estimates disclosed in the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of our 2018 Form 10-K.

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are primarily exposed to market risk associated with unfavorable movements in interest rates and securities prices.  The Company has had no material changes in its market risk policies or its market risk sensitive instruments and positions since December 31, 2018.  As further described in Note 5 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements, the Company has an economic hedge program that uses total return swap contracts to hedge market risk related to its investments in sponsored funds.

 

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

 

The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to ensure that information required to be 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 specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding

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required disclosure.  A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of March 31, 2019, have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2019.

 

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  However, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.

 

Part II.Other Information

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

 

See Part I, Item 1, Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 12 – Contingencies, of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 1A.Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes to the Company’s Risk Factors from those previously reported in the Company’s 2018 Form 10-K.

 

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

 

The following table sets forth certain information about the shares of Class A common stock we repurchased during the first quarter of 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

 

 

    

Total Number of

    

Maximum Number (or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Approximate Dollar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased as

 

Value) of Shares That

 

 

Total Number

 

Average

 

Part of Publicly

 

May Yet Be

 

 

of Shares

 

Price Paid

 

Announced

 

Purchased Under The

Period

 

Purchased

 

per Share

 

Program (1)

 

Program (1)

January 1 - January 31

 

1,560,510

 

$

17.56

 

1,412,252

 

n/a

February 1 - February 28

 

245,815

 

 

17.65

 

245,000

 

n/a

March 1 - March 31

 

420,000

 

 

17.61

 

420,000

 

n/a

Total

 

2,226,325

 

$

17.58

 

2,077,252

 

 


(1)

In October 2012, our Board of Directors approved a program to repurchase shares of our Class A 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 Class A common stock or (ii) $50 million of our Class A common stock.  We may repurchase our Class A common stock in privately negotiated transactions or through the New York Stock Exchange, other national or regional market systems, electronic communication networks or alternative trading systems.  Our stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date or an aggregate maximum number or dollar value of shares that may be repurchased. 

 

During the first quarter of 2019, 149,073 shares were purchased in connection with funding employee income tax withholding obligations arising from the vesting of restricted shares.

 

In connection with our existing capital return policy, we intend to complete the repurchase of $250 million of our Class A common stock through late 2019, which is inclusive of buybacks to offset dilution of our equity grants.  We continue to engage in an opportunistic share repurchase plan to fulfill the targeted buybacks, having repurchased $195.0 million of our Class A common stock at a weighted average share price of $19.27 since the fourth quarter of 2017.

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Item 6.Exhibits

 

10.1

 

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-13913, filed April 14, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

10.2

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for awards pursuant to the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Cash Settled RSU Plan.  Filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 001‑3913, filed February 22, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.3

 

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Executive Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.  Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 001-3913, filed February 22, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

31.1*

 

Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

31.2*

 

Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

32.1**

 

Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

32.2**

 

Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

101*

 

Materials from the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL):  (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) related Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in detail.


*     Filed herewith

**   Furnished herewith

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, this 3rd day of May 2019.

 

 

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Philip J. Sanders

 

 

Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Director

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Benjamin R. Clouse

 

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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