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

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.          )

February 25, 2011

To the Stockholders of
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.:

        Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.'s 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held in the William T. Morgan Auditorium at the executive offices of the Company, 6300 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas 66202 at 10:00 a.m., local time, on Wednesday, April 6, 2011.

        At the annual meeting, we will ask you to (1) elect Sharilyn S. Gasaway, Alan W. Kosloff and Jerry W. Walton, who have been nominated by the Board, as Class I directors, (2) ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2011 fiscal year, (3) consider and vote upon an advisory vote on executive compensation, (4) consider and vote upon an advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation, and (5) transact such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof. The accompanying formal notice and Proxy Statement further discuss the matters that will be presented for a stockholder vote.

        We have also enclosed our 2010 Annual Report, which is not a part of the proxy soliciting materials. If you have any questions or comments about the matters discussed in the Proxy Statement or about the operations of the Company, we will be pleased to hear from you. It is important that your shares be voted at the annual meeting. If you are unable to attend the annual meeting in person and wish to have your shares voted, you may vote by telephone, Internet or by filling in, signing and dating the enclosed proxy and returning it in the accompanying envelope as promptly as possible.

        We hope that you will take this opportunity to meet with us to discuss the results and operations of the Company for the 2010 fiscal year.

		Sincerely,
		Henry J. Herrmann Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

WADDELL AND REED FINANCIAL, INC.
6300 Lamar Avenue
Overland Park, Kansas 66202
(913) 236-2000

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held on April 6, 2011

To the Stockholders of
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.:

        I am pleased to give you notice that the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (the "Company") will be held in the William T. Morgan Auditorium at the executive offices of the Company, 6300 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas 66202 on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., local time.

        At the annual meeting, you will be asked to:

1.

Elect Sharilyn S. Gasaway, Alan W. Kosloff and Jerry W. Walton, who have been nominated by the Board, as Class I directors to hold office until the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified.

2.

Ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.

3.

Consider and vote upon an advisory vote on executive compensation.

4.

Consider and vote upon an advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation.

5.

Transact such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

        These matters are more fully discussed in the accompanying Proxy Statement.

        The Board of Directors has fixed Friday, February 11, 2011, at the close of business, as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting.

        All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting in person. However, if you are unable to attend in person and wish to have your shares voted, YOU MAY VOTE BY TELEPHONE, INTERNET OR BY FILLING IN, SIGNING AND DATING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD OR VOTING INSTRUCTION FORM AND RETURNING IT IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE. Regardless of how you deliver your proxy, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by submitting to the Secretary of the Company a written revocation or a proxy bearing a later date, or by attending the annual meeting and giving oral notice of your intention to vote in person.

        The annual meeting for which this notice is given may be adjourned or postponed from time to time without further notice other than announcement at the annual meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

		BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
		Wendy J. Hills Vice President, Secretary & Associate General Counsel

        The accompanying Proxy Statement is dated February 25, 2011 and is first being mailed to stockholders on or about March 4, 2011.

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.

PROXY STATEMENT

        This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (the "Company"), on behalf of its Board of Directors (the "Board"), for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. This Proxy Statement is dated February 25, 2011 and, together with the related proxy card, is being mailed to stockholders on or about March 4, 2011.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS AND
THE ANNUAL MEETING

When And Where Is The Annual Meeting?

        The annual meeting will be held in the William T. Morgan Auditorium at the Company's executive offices located at 6300 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas 66202 at 10:00 a.m., local time, on Wednesday, April 6, 2011.

What Matters Will Be Voted Upon At The Annual Meeting?

        At the annual meeting you will be asked to:

•

Elect the nominees Sharilyn S. Gasaway, Alan W. Kosloff and Jerry W. Walton as Class I directors to hold office for a term of three years, expiring at the close of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2014.



•

Ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP ("KPMG") as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the 2011 fiscal year.



•

Consider and vote upon an advisory vote on executive compensation.



•

Consider and vote upon an advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation.



•

Transact such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

What Constitutes A Quorum?

        The presence, either in person or by proxy, of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of our issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock is required to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the annual meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes, which are described in more detail below, are counted as shares present at the annual meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists.

Who Is Entitled To Vote?

        Only stockholders of record of the Company's Class A common stock at the close of business on Friday, February 11, 2011, which is the "record date," are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting. Shares that may be voted include shares that are held (1) directly by the stockholder of record, and (2) beneficially through a broker, bank or other nominee. Each share of our Class A common stock is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted for a vote at the annual meeting.

        As of the record date, there were approximately 85,801,551 shares of our Class A common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to be voted at the annual meeting.

What Is The Difference Between Holding Shares As A "Registered Owner" And As A "Beneficial Owner"?

        Most of the Company's stockholders hold their shares through a broker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between registered shares and those owned beneficially:

•

Registered Owners—If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company N.A., you are the stockholder of record. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to the Company or to vote in person at the annual meeting.



•

Beneficial Owners—If your shares are held in a brokerage account, bank or by another nominee, you are the "beneficial owner" of shares held in street name. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote or to vote in person at the annual meeting. However, since you are not a stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the annual meeting unless you obtain a "legal proxy" from your broker, bank or other nominee (who is the stockholder of record), giving you the right to vote the shares.

What Stockholder Approval Is Necessary For Approval Of The Proposals?

•

Election of Directors

        The election of directors requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares of our Class A common stock cast at the annual meeting. This means that the three Class I director nominees receiving the most votes will be elected. For purposes of this vote, a vote to abstain or withholding your vote (or a direction to a broker or other nominee to do so) are not counted as votes cast, and therefore, will have no effect on the outcome of the election of directors.

•

Ratification of the Appointment of the Company's Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

        The ratification of the Audit Committee's appointment of KPMG as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of our Class A common stock cast at the annual meeting. For purposes of this vote, a vote to abstain (or a direction to a broker or other nominee to do so) is not counted as a vote cast, and therefore, will have no effect on this vote. Stockholder ratification is not required for the appointment of KPMG because the Audit Committee has the responsibility of appointing the Company's independent registered public accounting firm. However, we are submitting the proposal to solicit the opinion of our stockholders.

•

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

        The advisory vote on executive compensation requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of our Class A common stock cast at the annual meeting. For purposes of this vote, a vote to abstain (or a direction to a broker or other nominee to do so) and a broker non-vote (as described below) are both not counted as a vote cast, and therefore, will have no effect on this vote. This vote is advisory and non-binding on the Board, the Compensation Committee and the Company.

•

Advisory Vote on the Frequency of Future Executive Compensation Advisory Votes

        Our Board is seeking a non-binding advisory vote regarding whether stockholders prefer an advisory vote on our executive compensation once every one, two or three years. Stockholder may also abstain from voting on this proposal. A vote to abstain (or a direction to a broker or other nominee to do so) and a broker non-vote (as described below) will have no effect on this vote.

        As of the record date, directors and executive officers of the Company beneficially owned (excluding currently exercisable options) an aggregate of approximately 2,746,117 shares of Class A common stock representing 3.2% of our Class A common stock issued and outstanding, and therefore, 3.2% of the voting power entitled to vote at the annual meeting. The Company believes that its directors and executive

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officers currently intend to vote their shares (1) FOR the election of Sharilyn S. Gasaway, Alan W. Kosloff and Jerry W. Walton as Class I directors, (2) FOR the ratification of KPMG as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the 2011 fiscal year, (3) FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation paid to our named executive officers, as disclosed in this Proxy Statement pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, and (4) FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of conducting future advisory votes on executive compensation every three years.

May I Vote My Shares In Person At The Annual Meeting?

        If you are the registered owner of shares, you have the right to vote these shares in person at the annual meeting.

        If you are the beneficial owner of shares, you may vote these shares in person at the annual meeting if you have requested and received a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee (the stockholder of record) giving you the right to vote the shares at the annual meeting, complete such legal proxy and present it to the Company at the annual meeting.

        Even if you plan to attend the annual meeting, we recommend that you submit your proxy card or voting instructions so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the annual meeting.

How Can I Vote My Shares Without Attending The Annual Meeting?

        If you are the registered owner of shares, you may instruct the named proxy holders on how to vote your shares by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage pre-paid envelope provided with this Proxy Statement, or by using the Internet voting site or the toll-free telephone number listed on the proxy card. Specific instructions for using the Internet and telephone voting systems are on the proxy card. The Internet and telephone voting systems will be available until 11:59 p.m. Central Daylight Time, on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 (the day before the annual meeting).

        If you are the beneficial owner of shares held in street name, you may instruct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares. Your nominee has enclosed with this Proxy Statement a voting instruction card for you to use in directing your nominee on how to vote your shares. The instructions from your nominee will indicate if Internet or telephone voting is available and, if so, will provide details regarding how to use those systems.

If My Shares Are Held In "Street Name," Will My Broker, Bank Or Other Nominee Vote My Shares For Me?

        Brokers, banks and other nominees who do not have instructions from their "street name" customers may not use their discretion in voting their customers' shares on "non-routine" matters. The proposal to elect Sharilyn S. Gasaway, Alan W. Kosloff and Jerry W. Walton as Class I directors, the advisory vote on executive compensation and the advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation are non-routine matters and, therefore, shares of our Class A common stock held in "street name" will not be voted with respect to these proposals without voting instructions from the beneficial owners. However, the proposal to ratify the appointment of KPMG as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm is considered a routine matter and, therefore, if beneficial owners fail to give voting instructions, nominees will have discretionary authority to vote shares of our Class A common stock with respect to this proposal. You should follow the instructions provided by your nominee in directing your nominee on how to vote your shares.

What Is A Broker Non-Vote?

        Generally, a "broker non-vote" occurs when a broker, bank or other nominee that holds shares in "street name" for customers is precluded from exercising voting discretion on a particular proposal because (1) the beneficial owner has not instructed the nominee how to vote, and (2) the nominee lacks

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discretionary voting power to vote such shares. Under NYSE rules, a nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to the approval of "non-routine" matters absent specific voting instructions from the beneficial owners of such shares.

        The proposal to elect Sharilyn S. Gasaway, Alan W. Kosloff and Jerry W. Walton as Class I directors, the advisory vote on executive compensation and the advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation are "non-routine" matters. If you are the beneficial owner of shares of the Company's Class A common stock, your nominee will send you directions on how you can instruct them to vote. If you do not provide voting instructions, your nominee will not vote your shares on these proposals.

How Will My Proxy Be Voted?

        Shares represented by a properly executed proxy (in paper form, by Internet or by telephone) that is timely received, and not subsequently revoked, will be voted at the annual meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof in the manner directed on the proxy. Henry J. Herrmann and Alan W. Kosloff are named as proxies in the proxy form and have been designated by the Board as the directors' proxies to represent you and vote your shares at the annual meeting. All shares represented by a properly executed proxy on which no choice is specified will be voted (1) FOR the election of Sharilyn S. Gasaway, Alan W. Kosloff and Jerry W. Walton as Class I directors, (2) FOR the ratification of the appointment of KPMG as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the 2011 fiscal year, (3) FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation paid to our named executive officers, as disclosed in this Proxy Statement pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, (4) FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of conducting future advisory votes on executive compensation every three years, and (5) in accordance with the proxy holders' best judgment as to any other business that properly comes before the annual meeting.

        This Proxy Statement is considered to be voting instructions for the trustees of the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 401(k) and Thrift Plan, the Torchmark Corporation Savings and Investment Plan, the Liberty National Life Insurance Company 401(k) Plan, and the Profit Sharing and Retirement Plan of Liberty National Life Insurance Company for our Class A common stock allocated to individual accounts under those plans. If account information is the same, participants in the plan (who are also stockholders of record) will receive a single proxy representing all of their shares. If a plan participant does not submit a proxy to us, the trustees of the plan in which shares are allocated to his or her individual account will vote such shares in the same proportion as the total shares in such plan for which directions have been received.

May I Revoke My Proxy and Change My Vote?

        Yes. You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time prior to the vote at the annual meeting.

        If you are the registered owner of shares, you may revoke your proxy and change your vote with respect to those shares by (1) submitting a later-dated proxy, a later-dated vote by telephone or later-dated vote via the Internet (which automatically revokes the earlier proxy), (2) giving notice of your changed vote to us in writing mailed to the attention of Wendy J. Hills, Secretary, at our executive offices, or (3) attending the annual meeting and giving oral notice of your intention to vote in person.

        If you are the beneficial owner of shares held in street name, you may revoke your proxy and change your vote with respect to those shares (1) by submitting new voting instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee in accordance with their voting instructions, or (2) if you have obtained a legal proxy from your nominee giving you the right to vote your shares, by attending the meeting, presenting the completed proxy to the Company and voting in person.

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        You should be aware that simply attending the annual meeting will not in and of itself constitute a revocation of your proxy.

Who Will Count The Votes?

        Our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., will tabulate and certify the votes. A representative of the transfer agent will serve as the inspector of election.

Who Will Pay The Costs of Soliciting Proxies?

        The costs of soliciting proxies pursuant to this Proxy Statement will be borne by the Company. Proxies will be solicited initially by mail. Further solicitation may be made in person or by telephone, electronic mail or facsimile. The Company will bear the expense of preparing, printing and mailing this Proxy Statement and accompanying materials to our stockholders. Upon request, the Company will reimburse brokers, banks or other nominees for reasonable expenses incurred in forwarding copies of the proxy materials relating to the annual meeting to the beneficial owners of our Class A common stock.

        The Company has retained Georgeson Inc., an independent proxy solicitation firm ("Georgeson"), to assist in soliciting proxies from stockholders. Georgeson will receive a fee of approximately $10,000 as compensation for its services and will be reimbursed for its out-of-pocket expenses. The Company has agreed to indemnify Georgeson against certain liabilities arising under the federal securities laws.

What Other Business Will Be Presented at the Annual Meeting?

        As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board knows of no other business that may properly be, or is likely to be, brought before the annual meeting. If any other matters should arise at the annual meeting, the persons named as proxy holders, Henry J. Herrmann and Alan W. Kosloff, will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the meeting. If, for any unforeseen reason, any of the Class I director nominees are not available to serve as a director, the named proxy holders will vote your proxy for such other director candidate or candidates as may be nominated by the Board.

What Are The Deadlines To Nominate Directors or to Propose Other Business For Consideration at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders?

•

Stockholder Proposals to be Considered for Inclusion in the Company's Proxy Materials

        In order for a stockholder proposal to be eligible to be included in the Company's proxy statement and proxy card for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the proposal must (1) be received by the Company at its executive offices, 6300 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas 66202, Attn: Secretary, on or before November 5, 2011, and (2) concern a matter that may be properly considered and acted upon at the annual meeting in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and the Company's Bylaws and policies, and must otherwise comply with Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").

•

Director Nominations and Other Business to be Brought Before the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

        Notice of any director nomination or the proposal of other business that you intend to present at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, but do not intend to have included in the Company's proxy statement and form of proxy relating to the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, must be received by the Company at its executive offices, 6300 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas 66202, Attn: Secretary, not later than the close of business on December 28, 2011 and not earlier than the close of business on December 8, 2011. In the event that the date of the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the anniversary date of the 2011 Annual Meeting of

5

Stockholders, the notice must be delivered to the Company not earlier than the 120^th day prior to the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and not later than the later of the 100^th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10^th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is first made by the Company. In addition, your notice must include the information required by the Company's Amended and Restated Bylaws with respect to each director nomination or proposal of other business that you intend to present at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Where Can I Find The Voting Results Of the Annual Meeting?

        The Company will publish final voting results of the annual meeting in a Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days after the annual meeting.

What Should I Do If I Receive More Than One Set Of Voting Materials?

        You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this Proxy Statement and multiple proxy or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you may receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account. If you are a registered owner and your shares are registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card. Please vote each proxy and voting instruction card that you receive.

What Is Householding?

        In an effort to reduce printing costs and postage fees, the Company has adopted a practice approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") called "householding." Under this practice, certain stockholders who have the same address and last name will receive only one copy of this Proxy Statement and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless one or more of these stockholders notifies the Company that he or she wishes to continue receiving individual copies. Stockholders who participate in householding will continue to receive separate proxy cards.

        If you share an address with another stockholder and received only one copy of this Proxy Statement and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, and would like to request a separate copy of these materials, or you do not wish to participate in householding in the future, please (1) mail such request to Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Attn: Investor Relations Department, 6300 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas 66202, or (2) contact our Investor Relations Department toll-free at (800) 532-2757. Similarly, you may also contact the Company if you received multiple copies of the Company's proxy materials and would prefer to receive a single copy in the future.

What Do I Need To Do Now?

        First, read this Proxy Statement carefully. Then, if you are a registered owner, you should, as soon as possible, submit your proxy by either executing and returning the proxy card or by voting electronically via the Internet or by telephone. If you are the beneficial owner of shares held in street name, then you should follow the voting instructions of your broker, bank or other nominee. Your shares will be voted in accordance with the directions you specify. If you submit an executed proxy card to the Company, but fail to specify voting directions, your shares will be voted (1) FOR the approval of the director nominees, (2) FOR the ratification of KPMG as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011, (3) FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation paid to our named executive officers, as disclosed in this Proxy Statement pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, and (4) FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of conducting future advisory votes on executive compensation every three years.

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Who Can Help Answer My Questions?

        If you have questions concerning a proposal or the annual meeting, if you would like additional copies of this Proxy Statement or our 2010 Annual Report, or if you need special assistance at the annual meeting, please call our Investor Relations office toll free at (800) 532-2757. In addition, information regarding the annual meeting is available via the Internet at our website www.waddell.com.

        YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THIS PROXY STATEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY.    The summary information provided above in "question and answer" format is for your convenience only and is merely a brief description of material information contained in this Proxy Statement.

        YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. IF YOU ARE A REGISTERED OWNER, YOU MAY VOTE BY TELEPHONE, INTERNET OR BY FILLING IN, SIGNING AND DATING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURNING IT IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE. IF YOU ARE A BENEFICIAL OWNER, PLEASE FOLLOW THE VOTING INSTRUCTIONS OF YOUR BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE PROVIDED WITH THIS PROXY STATEMENT AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE.

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PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING

PROPOSAL NO. 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

        The Board nominates Sharilyn S. Gasaway, Alan W. Kosloff and Jerry W. Walton as Class I directors, to hold office for a term of three years, expiring at the close of the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their successors are elected and qualified, or their earlier resignation or removal. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the "Corporate Governance Committee"), which is comprised of non-management directors, recommended Ms. Gasaway and Messrs. Kosloff and Walton as a nominee for director. All of these nominees are current directors of the Company, and each nominee has agreed to be named in this Proxy Statement and to serve as a director of the Company if elected. The Board believes these incumbent directors standing for re-election are well qualified and experienced to direct and manage the Company's operations and business affairs and will represent the interests of the stockholders as a whole. Biographical information on each of these nominees is included below in "Directors and Executive Officers."

        If any director nominee becomes unavailable for election, which is not anticipated, the named proxies will vote for the election of such other person or persons as the Board may nominate, unless the Board resolves to reduce the number of Class I directors to serve on the Board and thereby reduce the number of directors to be elected at the annual meeting.

        THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES LISTED HEREIN.

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OTHER INFORMATION YOU NEED TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

Number of Directors and Term of Directors and Executive Officers

        The Company's Bylaws provide that the number of directors will not be less than seven nor more than 15 with the exact number to be fixed by the Board. The Company's Certificate of Incorporation divides the Board into three classes of as equal size as possible, with the terms of each class expiring in consecutive years so that only one class is elected in any given year. Currently, there are nine directors with three directors in Class I, four directors in Class II and two directors in Class III.

        The stockholders of the Company elect successors for directors whose terms have expired at the Company's annual meeting. The Board elects members to fill new membership positions and vacancies in unexpired terms on the Board. Pursuant to the Company's Bylaws, non-employee directors must retire from the Board at the close of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders following their 79^th birthday. Executive officers of the Company are elected by the Board and hold office until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier death, retirement, resignation or removal.

Directors and Executive Officers

        The names of the Company's directors and executive officers and their respective current ages and positions are as follows:

        Below is a description of the backgrounds of the executive officers, directors and nominees for director, including their principal occupation and membership on public or registered investment company boards for the past five years. We have also provided information concerning the particular experience, qualification, attributes and skills that the Corporate Governance Committee and the Board considered relevant to each director and nominee for director that led to the conclusion that he or she should serve as a director.

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        Michael L. Avery has been President of the Company since January 2010 and Chief Investment Officer of the Company since June 2005. Prior thereto, he served as Senior Vice President from June 2005 until December 2009. He has served as Executive Vice President of Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company ("WRIMCO") since June 2005 and served as Chief Investment Officer of WRIMCO and Ivy Investment Management Company ("IICO"), both of which are investment advisor subsidiaries of the Company, from June 2005 to August 2010. Prior thereto, he served as Senior Vice President of WRIMCO from January 1997 to June 2005 and of IICO from April 2003 to June 2005. He is also a trustee and Vice President of the Waddell & Reed Advisors Group of Mutual Funds, Ivy Funds Variable Insurance Portfolios and Waddell & Reed InvestEd Portfolios, all of which are mutual funds managed by the Company. Mr. Avery joined the Company in June 1981 and has served as a mutual fund portfolio manager since 1994.

        Brent K. Bloss has been Senior Vice President – Finance and Principal Accounting Officer since July 2007 and Treasurer since January 2006. Previously, he served as Vice President of the Company from April 2004 to July 2007, as Assistant Treasurer of the Company from January 2002 to January 2006, and as Assistant Vice President from January 2002 to April 2004. From September 1995 to December 2001, he served in various roles in the audit practice of KPMG. Mr. Bloss joined the Company in January 2002.

        Thomas W. Butch has been Executive Vice President of the Company since January 2010 and Chief Marketing Officer of the Company since joining the Company in November 1999. Prior thereto, he served as Senior Vice President from November 1999 until December 2009. He has served as President of Waddell & Reed, Inc. ("WRI"), a broker-dealer subsidiary of the Company, since March 2005 and as Chief Marketing Officer thereof since March 2002. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President of WRI from January 2000 to March 2005. He has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of IICO since December 2002 and as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Ivy Funds Distributor, Inc., a broker-dealer subsidiary of the Company, since March 2003. Prior to joining the Company, he was associated with Stein Roe & Farnham, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, an investment firm where he served in various positions from 1994 to 1999, including President of Mutual Funds and Senior Vice President of Marketing. Previously, he was a First Vice President at Mellon Financial Corporation where he served for 13 years.

        Daniel P. Connealy has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since joining the Company in June 2004. Mr. Connealy served as a director of Gold Banc Corporation, Inc., a Leawood, Kansas bank holding company from April 2003 until April 2006 and has served as a director of the Russell Investment Company mutual funds, Seattle, Washington, since April 2003. Previously, he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Stilwell Financial, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri, an asset management company (now known as Janus Capital Group) from June 2001 to March 2003. From July 1979 to May 2001, he served as a partner in the international accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

        Sharilyn S. Gasaway.    Ms. Gasaway has been a director of the Company since July 2010. She has served as a director of Genesis Energy, L.P., a Houston, Texas diversified midstream energy master limited partnership, since March 2010 and of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., a transportation logistics company in Lowell, Arkansas, since February 2009. From February 2006 to January 2009, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Alltel Corporation ("Alltel"), a U.S. wireless telecommunications network operator, acquired by Verizon Wireless in 2009. She served as Corporate Controller of Alltel from May 2002 to February 2006 and as Controller of Alltel Communications, Inc., a subsidiary of Alltel, from April 1999 to May 2002. Prior thereto, she served as Audit Manager of the former public accounting firm Arthur Andersen LLP from 1992 to April 1999. Ms. Gasaway is a nominee for director.

        As the former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of a Fortune 500 company, Ms. Gasaway has extensive experience in the areas of capital markets, budgeting and forecasting, strategic

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planning, internal audit, tax and auditing with respect to complex business operations and transactions. As a result, she brings to the Board a breadth of knowledge regarding the financial and accounting functions of the Company's operations, as well as with respect to the Company's financial controls, financial reporting and disclosure, balance sheet management, integration of acquisitions, and accounting. Ms. Gasaway's experience serving as a director for companies within the oil and gas and transportation industries provides her with a diverse perspective on Board-related matters. She has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1993.

        Thomas C. Godlasky.    Mr. Godlasky has been a director of the Company since July 2010. Mr. Godlasky served as Chief Executive Officer of Aviva North America, Aviva plc's life insurance and annuity business in the U.S. and its property and casualty business in Canada, from July 2007 to March 2010. Mr. Godlasky also served in the dual position as Chief Executive Officer and President of Aviva USA from November 2006 to November 2009. Prior thereto, Mr. Godlasky served as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of AmerUs Group, Des Moines, Iowa, a life insurance and annuity business, which was acquired by Aviva plc in 2006, from November 2005 to November 2006 and as President and Chief Operating Officer from November 2003 to November 2006. He also served as a director of AmerUs Group from November 2003 until November 2006, whereupon he joined the Aviva USA Board of Directors until March 2010. Mr. Godlasky earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 1992. Mr. Godlasky's term on the Board expires in 2012.

        Mr. Godlasky's service as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AmerUs Group, a leading U.S. producer of annuity and life insurance products, provides him with valuable insights on running a complex financial services company with diverse operations and products. He has experience in a number of areas that are critical to the Company, including mergers and acquisitions, information and technology, risk management, long-range strategic planning, expertise in the types of products we offer to our clients and the importance of close cooperation with our regulators. Mr. Godlasky brings strong leadership skills and a valuable perspective on global financial, operational and strategic matters to the Board, as well as maintains a deep understanding of the challenges of operating in a highly regulated industry such as ours. Mr. Godlasky is also one of three directors to have earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

        Henry J. Herrmann has been Chairman of the Board since January 2010, Chief Executive Officer of the Company since May 2005 and a Director since March 1998. Previously, he served as President of the Company from March 1998 to May 2005 and as Chief Investment Officer from March 1987 to May 2005. He is also a trustee and President of the Waddell & Reed Advisors Group of Mutual Funds, Ivy Funds, Ivy Funds Variable Insurance Portfolios and Waddell & Reed InvestEd Portfolios, all of which are mutual funds managed by the Company. Mr. Herrmann has also served as a director of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, a Kansas City, Missouri insurance company, since 2007 and of the United Way of Greater Kansas City, the local Kansas City, Missouri office of United Way, a global leadership and support organization for community-based non-profit organizations, since June 2007. He joined the Company in March 1971 and earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 1977. Mr. Herrmann's term on the Board expires in 2013.

        Mr. Herrmann has over 45 years of experience in the financial services industry and is widely regarded as a distinguished leader in the asset management industry. Mr. Herrmann will celebrate his 40^th anniversary with the Company in 2011. As Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and trustee of the Company's mutual fund boards, he is a critical link between management and the Board, and brings to the Board an incomparable knowledge of and experience with the Company and its business, as well as valuable leadership and management experience. Mr. Herrmann's oversight of all Company operations and his experience in investment management, annual and long-term business planning, the negotiation and integration of acquisitions, and risk management is an indispensable contribution to the Board. Mr. Herrmann is also one of three directors to have earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

        Alan W. Kosloff has been a Director of the Company since January 2003 and Lead Independent Director since January 2010. Prior thereto, he served as Chairman of the Board from May 2005 through December

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2009. He has served as Chairman of Kosloff & Partners, LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, a consulting and investment firm since April 1996. Previously, he served as Chairman of Jones & Mitchell, Olathe, Kansas, an imprinted and licensed sportswear company from October 1997 to March 2005 and as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of American Marketing Industries, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri, an apparel manufacturing, distribution and marketing firm from 1976 to 1995. Mr. Kosloff is a nominee for director.

        Mr. Kosloff has over 35 years of experience in executive management, investment, sales and marketing roles, including as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Marketing Industries, Inc. and founder of Kosloff & Partners, LLC. Mr. Kosloff provides the Board the benefit of his substantial financial, management and operational expertise, including with respect to marketing and distribution efforts, corporate governance, strategic planning and corporate strategy. As Lead Independent Director, Mr. Kosloff has offered valuable insights with respect to strategic planning, executive succession planning and executive development, corporate governance and stockholder communications.

        Dennis E. Logue has been a Director of the Company since January 2002. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Ledyard Financial Group, Inc., a bank holding company located in Hanover, New Hampshire, since August 2005. Additionally, Mr. Logue has served as an Emeritus Professor of Management at the Amos Tuck School, Dartmouth College since August 2005. He served as Dean of the Michael F. Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma from July 2001 to September 2005. Prior thereto, Mr. Logue held numerous business-oriented professorships, most recently at the Amos Tuck School, Dartmouth College from July 1974 to June 2001. He has also worked as a consultant and expert witness on various financial matters since 1974. Mr. Logue has served as a director of Abraxas Petroleum Corporation, San Antonio, Texas, a natural gas and crude oil exploration, development and production company since April 2003 and of Duckwall-Alco Stores, Inc., Abilene, Kansas, a general merchandise retailer since May 2005. Mr. Logue's term on the Board expires in 2012.

        Mr. Logue is highly accomplished in the field of business management and financial academia, having taught in the areas of managerial economics and finance, corporate governance, financial markets and international finance for 38 years and published over 90 books and articles in the areas of economics, pension plans, corporate and international finance, and capital markets. His past leadership roles in the academic world allow him to bring a wide range of experience and new insights to his service on the Board. As a founding director of Ledyard National Bank, Mr. Logue also has substantial expertise in the areas of the financial services industry, executive management and operations.

        Michael F. Morrissey.    Mr. Morrissey has been a director of the Company since July 2010. He has been a director of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., a propane gas marketing and distribution company in Overland Park, Kansas since 1999 and of Westar Energy, Inc., an electric service company based in Topeka, Kansas since 2003. Mr. Morrissey retired in September of 1999 after serving 24 years, including 17 years as a partner, of Ernst & Young LLP, an auditing and financial services firm. Prior to that, Mr. Morrissey worked for five years for another major accounting firm and six years for a motor truck manufacturer. Mr. Morrissey has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1972. Mr. Morrissey has also served as a director of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, a Kansas City, Missouri insurance company, since 2006; of J.E. Dunn Construction Group, Inc., a private construction business located in Kansas City, Missouri, since 2000; of Balance Innovations, Inc., an office management technology company located in Lenexa, Kansas, since 2008; and a special advisor to the audit committee of the Dairy Farmers of America, a farmer-owned milk marketing cooperative located in Kansas City, Missouri since 2000. Mr. Morrissey also serves as a director or trustee for numerous non-profit, civic, and charitable organizations. Mr. Morrissey's term on the Board expires in 2012.

        Mr. Morrissey's qualifications to serve as a director include his substantial experience as the Chairman or member of the audit committee of other public companies, his many years of experience as an audit partner of major accounting firms, and his extensive experience as a director of other large companies, both public and private. Mr. Morrissey brings to the Board significant audit and accounting expertise and a deep understanding

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of financial statements, corporate finance, risk management and internal audit functions. Mr. Morrissey's knowledge and experience gained as a board member of various public and private companies, as well as not-for profit, civic and charitable organizations provide the Board with a wide range of experience and insights regarding Board actions. Mr. Morrissey is also a Certified Public Accountant.

        James M. Raines has been a Director of the Company since July 1998. He has served as President of James M. Raines and Company, San Antonio, Texas, an investment banking firm since September 1988 and served as a director of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., a San Antonio, Texas outdoor advertising company from November 2005 to May 2010. Mr. Raines' term on the Board expires in 2013.

        Mr. Raines' 24 years of experience in the investment banking business gives him valuable perspectives on financial and strategic matters, as well as expertise in capital markets and securities distribution. He has provided investment banking and financial advisory services, including with respect to merger and acquisition and capital raising functions, for numerous public and private companies covering a diverse range of businesses, which provides him with a broad perspective that is an asset to the Board. Additionally, Mr. Raines' tenure on the Board provides him with an important depth of knowledge regarding the Company's business, strategy and culture. His experience in investment banking has been particularly useful when the Board considers its capital and liquidity needs and potential acquisitions.

        Ronald C. Reimer has been a Director of the Company since March 2001. He is currently retired and is active in advising the boards of several charitable organizations on investment oversight and fund management. Mr. Reimer has served as a director for Prairie Star Bancshares, Inc., a privately-held bank in Olathe, Kansas since November 2000. He served on the Board of Advisors of Truman Medical Center Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri ("TMC") from September 2002 to September 2009. He also served on the Board of Directors, and as the Secretary and Treasurer, of the TMC Charitable Foundation from June 20203 to September 2009 and was associated with the TMC Professional and General Liability Self-Insurance Trust, including terms as Chairman of the Finance and Management Committee, from November 2001 to September 2009. Previously, Mr. Reimer co-founded Reimer and Koger Associates, an investment counseling firm in Merriam, Kansas in 1973 and served as its President until his retirement in 1988. He also earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 1968. Mr. Reimer's term on the Board expires in 2012.

        Mr. Reimer has long-term experience and wide-ranging expertise in the investment management business and mutual fund industry. As an entrepreneur, Mr. Reimer co-founded an investment management firm of which he served as President of for 15 years. Additionally, Mr. Reimer served as Vice President and portfolio manager for WRIMCO early in his career, which provides him with unique insight into the Company's investment operations and strategies, as well as its culture and employee base. His significant expertise with regard to the areas of the investment management process, mutual fund operations, private investment consulting, finance and executive management enable him to provide strategic direction and growth expertise to the Company. Mr. Reimer is also one of three directors to have earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

        Mark A. Schieber has been Senior Vice President of the Company since July 2007 and Controller of the Company since April 2002. Previously, he served as Vice President and Principal Accounting Officer from April 2002 to July 2007, and has served as Vice President and Controller of Waddell & Reed Financial Services, Inc., a holding company subsidiary of the Company, since December 2001 and as Vice President, Controller, Principal Accounting Officer and Principal Financial Officer of WRI since June 2002. Previously, he served as Assistant Vice President of WRI from January 1998 to June 2002. Mr. Schieber joined the Company in May 1981.

        Daniel C. Schulte has been General Counsel of the Company since January 2000 and Senior Vice President since April 2004. Prior thereto, he served as Vice President of the Company from January 2000 to April 2004 and as Secretary from January 2000 to April 2003. From July 1998 to January 2000, he served as Assistant Secretary of the Company. Prior to joining the Company in June 1998, Mr. Schulte was

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associated with the law firm of Klenda, Mitchell, Austerman and Zuercher LLC, in Wichita, Kansas. From 1992 to 1994, Mr. Schulte practiced in the corporate tax group of the international accounting firm of Ernst & Young, LLP in Kansas City, Missouri.

        Michael D. Strohm has been Senior Vice President of the Company since January 1999 and Chief Operations Officer since March 2001. In addition, he has served as President of Waddell & Reed Services Company, a transfer agent subsidiary of the Company, since June 1999, as Chief Executive Officer of WRI since December 2001 and as Chief Operating Officer thereof since March 2005. Prior thereto, he served as President of WRI from December 2001 to March 2005 and as its Senior Vice President from January 1994 to December 2001. Mr. Strohm joined the Company in June 1972.

        John E. Sundeen, Jr. has been Senior Vice President of the Company since July 1999 and Chief Administrative Officer – Investments since January 2006. Previously, he served as Chief Financial Officer from July 1999 to June 2004 and as Treasurer of the Company from July 1999 to January 2006. He has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of WRIMCO and of IICO since June 2004. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President of WRIMCO from January 1996 to June 2004 and as Head of Fixed Income within the Investment Management Division thereof from January 1994 to June 1999. Mr. Sundeen joined the Company in June 1983.

        Jerry W. Walton has been a Director of the Company since April 2000. Mr. Walton currently serves as a business consultant to several companies, including Hunt Ventures, a group of private companies located in Rogers, Arkansas and J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., a transportation provider in Lowell, Arkansas, for whom he served as Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer from October 1991 until September 2009. Prior thereto, Mr. Walton served as a managing partner and a tax partner with KPMG, with whom he had been employed since 1968. Mr. Walton is a nominee for director.

        Mr. Walton brings extensive financial, operational and executive management expertise to the Board having served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of one of the largest transportation logistics companies in North America. Mr. Walton also has significant public accounting experience, including in the areas of accounting, finance and tax, and direct experience in the areas of information and technology services, treasury functions, real estate, human resources and risk management. As a long-time director, Mr. Walton offers a breadth of knowledge about issues affecting the Company and its industry, as well as with respect to its financial statements, balance sheet management, budgeting process and executive compensation. Mr. Walton is also a Certified Public Accountant.

        There are no family relationships among any of the Company's executive officers, directors or nominees for director.

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Security Ownership of Management

        The following table reflects information regarding beneficial ownership of the Company's Class A common stock by each of its current directors (including all nominees for director), the named executive officers set forth in the Summary Compensation Table and all other executive officers, and by all such persons as a group, as of February 17, 2011. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes below, "beneficially owned" means the sole power to vote or direct the voting of a security and the sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of a security.

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

        We believe that good corporate governance helps to ensure that the Company is managed for the long-term benefit of our stockholders, and we continually review and consider our corporate governance policies and practices, the SEC's corporate governance rules and regulations, and the corporate governance listing standards of the NYSE, the stock exchange on which our Class A common stock is traded.

        You can access and print the charters of our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance Committee, as well as our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Whistleblower Policy and other Company policies and procedures required by applicable law, regulation or NYSE corporate governance listing standards on the "Corporate Governance" page of the "Investor Relations" section of our website at www.waddell.com.

Director Independence

        The Board is composed of a majority of directors who satisfy the criteria for independence under the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. In determining independence, each year the Board affirmatively determines, among other items, whether the directors have no direct or indirect material relationship with the Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. When assessing the "materiality" of a director's relationship with the Company, if any, the Board considers all relevant facts and circumstances, not merely from the director's standpoint, but from that of the persons or organizations with which the director has an affiliation. Material relationships can include commercial, banking, industrial, consulting, legal, accounting, charitable and familial relationships. The Board also considers any other relationship that could interfere with the exercise of independence or judgment in carrying out the duties of a director.

        Applying these independence standards, the Board determined that Sharilyn S. Gasaway, Thomas C. Godlasky, Alan W. Kosloff, Dennis E. Logue, Michael F. Morrissey, James M. Raines, Ronald C. Reimer, William L. Rogers (who retired from the Board on December 15, 2010) and Jerry W. Walton are all independent directors.

        After due consideration, the Board has determined that none of these non-management directors have a material relationship with the Company or any of its subsidiaries (either directly or indirectly as a partner, stockholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company or any of its subsidiaries) and they all meet the criteria for independence under the NYSE corporate governance listing standards.

Board Composition and Director Qualifications

        The Corporate Governance Committee periodically assesses the appropriate size and composition of the Board, and whether any vacancies on the Board are expected. In the event that vacancies are anticipated or otherwise arise, the Corporate Governance Committee will review and assess potential director candidates. The Corporate Governance Committee utilizes various methods for identifying and evaluating candidates for director. Candidates may come to the attention of the Corporate Governance Committee through recommendations of Board members, management, stockholders or professional search firms. Generally, director candidates should, at a minimum:

•

Possess relevant business and financial expertise and experience, including an understanding of financial statements;



•

Have the highest character and integrity and a reputation for working constructively with others;



•

Have sufficient time to devote to Board meetings and consultation on Board matters; and



•

Be free of conflicts of interest that violate applicable law or interfere with director performance.

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        In addition, the Corporate Governance Committee will consider for recommendation director candidates who possess the following qualities and skills, among others:

•

The capacity and desire to represent the interests of the Company's stockholders as a whole and not primarily a special interest group or constituency;



•

Diverse backgrounds with respect to business experience, professional expertise, individual perspectives, gender and ethnicity that support Board dynamics and effectiveness;



•

High level of leadership experience and sound business judgment;



•

Highly accomplished in their respective field, with superior credentials and recognition;



•

The ability to contribute to the mix of skills, core competencies, diversity and qualifications of the Board through notable or significant achievements or expertise in one or more of the following areas: accounting and finance, mergers and acquisitions, investment management, law, financial academia, strategic planning and executive leadership development;



•

Service as a senior officer of, or a trusted advisor to senior management of, a publicly-held company; and



•

Knowledge of the critical aspects of the Company's business and operations.

        The director qualifications above are general in nature and may be modified by the Board or the Corporate Governance Committee from time to time as the Board or the Corporate Governance Committee deems appropriate.

        In considering candidates for director nominee, the Corporate Governance Committee generally assembles all information regarding a candidate's background and qualifications, evaluates a candidate's mix of skills and qualifications, and determines the contribution the candidate could be expected to make to the overall functioning of the Board. The Board seeks independent directors who represent a diverse mix of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that will enhance the quality of the Board's deliberations and decisions. The Corporate Governance Committee does not have a separate policy regarding gender, ethnicity or other similar diversity criteria in identifying candidates for director nominee, but rather evaluates diversity in a broad sense, recognizing the benefits of gender and ethnic diversity, but also considering the breadth of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that directors and candidates for director nominee may bring to the Board. In its assessment of the Board's composition as a whole, the Corporate Governance Committee considers whether the Board reflects the appropriate overall balance of independence, sound judgment, business specialization, technical skills, diversity and other desired qualities.

Director Recommendations by Stockholders

        In addition to recommendations from Board members, management or professional search firms, the Corporate Governance Committee will consider director candidates properly submitted by stockholders who individually or as a group have beneficially owned at least two percent of the outstanding shares of the Company's Class A common stock for at least one year prior to the date the recommendation is submitted. The manner in which the Corporate Governance Committee evaluates candidates recommended by stockholders is generally the same as any other candidate, although the Corporate Governance Committee will also seek and consider information concerning any relationship between a stockholder recommending a candidate and the candidate to determine whether the candidate will represent the interests of all stockholders.

        Stockholders must submit director candidate recommendations in writing by certified mail to the Company's Secretary not less than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement relating to the Company's previous annual meeting. Accordingly, for the 2012 Annual Meeting of

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Stockholders, director candidates must be submitted to the Company's Secretary by October 28, 2011. Director candidates submitted by stockholders must contain at least the following information:

•

The name and address of the recommending stockholder;



•

The number of shares of the Company's Class A common stock beneficially owned by the recommending stockholder and the dates such shares were purchased;



•

The name, age, business address and residence of the candidate;



•

The principal occupation or employment of the candidate for the past five years;



•

A description of the candidate's qualifications to serve as a director, including financial expertise, and why the candidate does or does not qualify as "independent" under the NYSE corporate governance listing standards;



•

The number of shares of the Company's Class A common stock beneficially owned by the candidate, if any; and



•

A description of the arrangements or understandings between the recommending stockholder and the candidate, if any, or any other person pursuant to which the recommending stockholder is making the recommendation.

        In addition, the recommending stockholder and the candidate must submit, with the recommendation, a signed statement agreeing and acknowledging that:

•

The candidate consents to being a director candidate and, if nominated and elected, he/she will serve as a director representing all of the Company's stockholders in accordance with applicable laws and the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws;



•

The candidate, if elected, will comply with the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines and any other applicable rule, regulation, policy or standard of conduct applicable to the Board and its individual members;



•

The recommending stockholder will maintain beneficial ownership of at least two percent of the Company's issued and outstanding Class A common stock through the date of the annual meeting for which the candidate is being recommended for nomination and that, upon such candidate's nomination and election to the Board, the recommending stockholder intends to maintain such ownership throughout the candidate's term as director; and



•

The recommending stockholder and the candidate will promptly provide any additional information requested by the Corporate Governance Committee and/or the Board to assist in the consideration of the candidate, including a completed and signed Questionnaire for Directors and Officers on the Company's standard form and an interview with the Corporate Governance Committee or its representative.

        For a complete list of the information that must be included in director recommendations submitted by stockholders, please see the "Policy Regarding Director Recommendations By Stockholders" on the "Corporate Governance" page of the "Investor Relations" section of our website at www.waddell.com. The Corporate Governance Committee will consider all director candidates submitted through its established processes, and will evaluate each of them, including incumbents, based on the same criteria. However, the Corporate Governance Committee may prefer incumbent directors and director candidates who they know personally or that have relevant industry experience and in-depth knowledge of the Company's business and operations.

        The policies and procedures above are intended to provide flexible guidelines for the effective functioning of the Company's director nomination process. The Board intends to review these policies and

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procedures periodically and anticipates that modifications may be necessary from time to time as the Company's needs and circumstances change.

Communications with the Board

        Stockholders and all other interested parties may communicate with the Board, Board committees, the independent or non-management directors, each as a group, and individual directors by submitting their communications in writing to the attention of the Company's Secretary. All communications must identify the recipient, author, state whether the author is a stockholder of the Company, and be forwarded to the following address:

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
6300 Lamar Avenue
Overland Park, KS 66202
Attn: Secretary

        The directors of the Company, including the non-management directors, have directed the Secretary not to forward to the intended recipient any communications that are reasonably determined in good faith by the Secretary to relate to improper or irrelevant topics or are substantially incomplete.

Board Meetings

        The Board held six meetings during the 2010 fiscal year and acted by unanimous written consent on two occasions. All directors attended at least 75% of the Board meetings. The Company has adopted a Director Attendance Policy to stress the importance of attendance, director preparedness, and active and effective participation at Board and Board committee meetings. All of the directors attended the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the 2010 Annual Meeting of Directors.

        Additionally, in 2010, the non-management/independent directors held six executive sessions with Mr. Alan W. Kosloff serving as chairman of each of these executive sessions.

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

        The Board believes that it should have the flexibility to make determinations as to whether the same individual should serve as both the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board, taking into account changing needs and circumstances of both the Company and the Board over time. In determining the appropriate leadership structure, the Board considers, among other things, the current composition of the Board, the role of the Lead Independent Director, and challenges and opportunities specific to the Company. In prior years, the Company has had the same and different individuals serving as its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board at different points in time. Currently, Mr. Herrmann serves as the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, while Mr. Kosloff, an independent director, serves as our Lead Independent Director. The Board believes that its current leadership structure is appropriate given the efficiencies of having a single individual fulfill both roles, the benefit of having a single source of leadership and authority for the Board, and Mr. Herrmann's extensive experience as a leader in the asset management industry and intimate knowledge of the Company's strategy and daily operations. Mr. Herrmann consults with Mr. Kosloff, as Lead Independent Director, on Board matters and issues facing the Company. Mr. Kosloff serves as the principal liaison between the Chairman of the Board and the independent directors, advises the Chairman of the Board with respect to agenda items, and presides over executive sessions of the non-management/independent directors at each regularly scheduled Board meeting, as well as presides over Board meetings in the event the Chairman of the Board is unable to attend.

        The Board's oversight responsibility with respect to risk management is primarily discharged through the Audit Committee. Pursuant to applicable rules of the NYSE, the Audit Committee's charter addresses

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the duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee to review with management the Company's risk assessment and risk management policies, including steps taken to mitigate such risks. The Audit Committee's risk oversight responsibilities are principally addressed through a comprehensive enterprise risk assessment conducted and prepared by the head of our Internal Audit Department, who, along with senior management, is responsible for the identification and assessment of internal and external risks that could materially impact the Company's operations, monitoring identified risks and taking appropriate steps to mitigate such risks. Specifically, the head of our Internal Audit Department leads a comprehensive enterprise risk assessment annually, which is based on input from 20 department and division heads throughout the Company, including senior management, and uses an established risk management framework to identify and characterize various risks based on the significance of their potential impact on the Company's operations and the likelihood of occurrence. Such risks include internal and external financial, operational, strategic, technological, market, legal, regulatory and reputational risks. The Audit Committee reviews and discusses the Company's risk assessment and risk management policies annually. The head of Internal Audit and the external auditor provide regular reports to the Audit Committee regarding the internal and external audit plans and the results of on-going audits, as well as a report on Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. To ensure candid and complete reporting, the Audit Committee meets in separate executive sessions with management, the head of our Internal Audit Department and the external auditors twice annually.

        Each standing committee, including the Audit Committee, reports its actions to the full Board at least annually and the Board receives financial and operational reports from senior management, including updates regarding legal, regulatory and compliance matters from the General Counsel, at each meeting, which enables coordination of the risk oversight function. The risk oversight function is also supported by our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, whose industry leadership, tenure and experience provides a deep understanding of the risks that the Company faces. Collectively, these processes are intended to provide the Board as a whole with an in-depth understanding of risks faced by the Company and enables the Board to provide direction to the Audit Committee and senior management with respect to its approach to identifying, assessing, monitoring and mitigating material risks. The Board believes that the combination of a single Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, who has an integral role in our day-to-day risk management processes, a Lead Independent Director, the Audit Committee, and an experienced senior management team provide the appropriate leadership to assist in effective risk oversight by the Board.

Risk Analysis of Compensation Policies and Practices

        The Compensation Committee assessed, with the assistance of management, the Company's compensation policies and practices to determine whether these policies and practices create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

        This assessment included a review of the Company's executive and broad-based employee compensation programs, the identification of potential risks that could result from such policies and practices, the identification of factors and controls that mitigate those risks, and an analysis of the potential risks against mitigating factors and controls and the Company's business strategies and objectives. Based on this assessment of our compensation policies and practices, the Compensation Committee concluded that these policies and practices do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. In its assessment and conclusion, the Compensation Committee considered the following design features, among others:

•

Overall compensation levels are competitive with the market.



•

The use of multiple financial performance measures that are quantifiable and measurable.



•

The use of performance goals that are reasonable in light of past performance and market conditions.

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•

Oversight by a Compensation Committee comprised of independent, non-employee directors with the ability to use negative discretion in determining compensation levels.



•

The use of long-term equity incentive awards, which comprise a significant portion of total annual incentive compensation and is paid in the form of restricted stock that vests over a four-year period, and our stock ownership requirements align incentive compensation of our named executive officers with that of our stockholders.



•

The ability of management to exercise discretion to reduce payouts, including in connection with extraordinary or unanticipated events.



•

Multiple internal controls and approval processes intended to prevent manipulation of performance.

2010 Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committees

        The Board has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Corporate Governance Committee. Committee members are elected annually by the Board and serve until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier death, retirement, resignation or removal.

        For 2010, upon the recommendation of the Corporate Governance Committee, the Board appointed the following members to serve on these committees:

•

Audit, comprised of Dennis E. Logue, Michael F. Morrissey, James M. Raines, Ronald C. Reimer and Jerry W. Walton. Mr. Walton served as Chairman of the Audit Committee in 2010.



•

Compensation, comprised of James M. Raines, Ronald C. Reimer and Jerry W. Walton. Mr. Reimer served as Chairman of the Compensation Committee in 2010.



•

Corporate Governance, comprised of Sharilyn S. Gasaway, Thomas C. Godlasky, Alan W. Kosloff, Dennis E. Logue, Michael F. Morrissey, James M. Raines, Ronald C. Reimer and Jerry W. Walton. Mr. Kosloff served as Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee in 2010.

        Additionally, as Lead Independent Director, Mr. Kosloff served as an advisory member to the Audit and Compensation Committees.

        Audit Committee.    The Audit Committee (1) appoints, terminates, retains, compensates and oversees the work of the independent registered public accounting firm, (2) pre-approves all audit, review and attest services and permitted non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm, (3) oversees the performance of the Company's internal audit function, (4) evaluates the qualifications, performance and independence of the independent registered public accounting firm, (5) reviews external and internal audit reports and management's responses thereto, (6) oversees the integrity of the financial reporting process, system of internal accounting controls, and financial statements and reports of the Company, (7) oversees the Company's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (8) reviews the Company's annual and quarterly financial statements, including disclosures made in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" set forth in periodic reports filed with the SEC, (9) discusses with management earnings press releases, (10) meets with management, the internal auditors, the independent auditors and the Board, (11) provides the Board with information and materials as it deems necessary to make the Board aware of significant financial, accounting and internal control matters of the Company, (12) oversees the receipt, investigation, resolution and retention of all complaints submitted under the Company's Whistleblower Policy, (13) produces an annual report for inclusion in the Company's proxy statement, and (14) otherwise complies with its responsibilities and duties as stated in the Company's Audit Committee Charter.

        The Board has determined that all five members of the Audit Committee satisfy the independence and other requirements for audit committee membership of the NYSE corporate governance listing

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standards and SEC requirements. The Board has also determined that Messrs. Logue, Morrissey, Raines, Reimer and Walton are audit committee financial experts as defined by the SEC. The Board determined that these members acquired the attributes of an audit committee financial expert through their experience in preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements containing accounting issues as generally complex as the Company's financial statements; actively supervising one or more persons engaged in such activities; and their experience of overseeing or assessing the performance of companies and public accountants with respect to the preparation, auditing or evaluation of financial statements. In 2010, the Audit Committee met six times. All of the members attended at least 75% of the Audit Committee meetings. For additional information concerning the Audit Committee, see "Audit Committee Report" below.

        Compensation Committee.    The Compensation Committee (1) determines and approves the compensation of the Company's senior executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, (2) reviews and approves the annual performance goals and objectives and rewards outstanding performance of the Company's senior executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, (3) establishes and certifies the achievement of performance goals, (4) oversees the Company's incentive compensation and other equity-based compensation plans, (5) reviews and approves compensation recommendations for the Company's non-management directors, (6) assesses the adequacy and competitiveness of the Company's executive and director compensation programs, (7) reviews and discusses with management the "Compensation Discussion & Analysis" and recommends whether such analysis should be included in the Company's proxy statement filed with the SEC, (8) produces an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in the Company's proxy statement, and (9) otherwise complies with its responsibilities and duties as stated in the Company's Compensation Committee Charter.

        Pursuant to its charter, the Compensation Committee may appoint subcommittees for any purpose that the Compensation Committee deems appropriate and delegate to such subcommittees such power and authority as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate; however, (1) no subcommittee shall consist of fewer than two members, and (2) the Compensation Committee may not delegate to a subcommittee any power or authority required by any law, regulation or corporate governance listing standard to be exercised by the Compensation Committee as a whole. At this time, the Compensation Committee does not intend to delegate its powers and authority to any subcommittee in the foreseeable future.

        The agenda for meetings of the Compensation Committee is determined by its Chairman with the assistance of the Chairman of the Board and the Company's Secretary. Compensation Committee meetings are regularly attended by several of the Company's officers, including the Chief Executive Officer. Independent advisors and the Company's legal, accounting and human resources departments support the Compensation Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities. The Compensation Committee has authority under its charter to retain, approve fees for, and terminate independent advisors as it deems necessary to assist in the fulfillment of its responsibilities. For more detail on the Compensation Committee, including its role, see "Compensation Discussion & Analysis" and also "Compensation Committee Report" below.

        None of the individuals serving on the Compensation Committee has ever been an officer or employee of the Company. The Board has determined that all of the members of the Compensation Committee satisfy the independence requirements of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. Additionally, all of the members of the Compensation Committee qualify as "non-employee directors" for purposes of SEC requirements, and as "outside directors" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

        The Compensation Committee met four times in 2010 to discuss, among other items, the salaries, bonuses and other compensation of the senior executive officers and other key employees of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. The Committee also acted by

22

unanimous written consent on two occasions in 2010. All of the members attended at least 75% of the Compensation Committee meetings.

        Corporate Governance Committee.    The Corporate Governance Committee (1) annually reviews the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines, (2) assists the Board in identifying, screening and recruiting qualified individuals to become Board members, (3) proposes nominations for Board membership and committee membership, (4) assesses the composition of the Board and its committees, (5) oversees the performance of the Board and committees thereof, and (6) otherwise complies with its responsibilities and duties as stated in the Company's Corporate Governance Committee Charter.

        The Board has determined that all of the members of the Corporate Governance Committee satisfy the independence requirements of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. The Corporate Governance Committee met four times in 2010. All of the members attended at least 75% of the Corporate Governance Committee meetings.

Compensation of Directors

        The Compensation Committee reviews annual compensation for directors who are not officers or employees of the Company or its subsidiaries (the "Outside Directors"). The Company uses a combination of cash and equity compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on the Board. All amounts are pro rated if a director joins the Board after the commencement of the directors' fiscal year. Outside Directors are not compensated for the execution of written consents in lieu of Board and committee meetings.

        In setting Outside Director compensation, the Compensation Committee considers the significant amount of time that directors spend in fulfilling their duties to the Company, as well as the skill level required of Board members. The Compensation Committee also periodically (typically every other year) reviews competitive compensation data and analysis provided by Frederic W. Cook and Co., Inc. ("FWC"), the Compensation Committee's independent compensation consultant. FWC did not review the Outside Directors' 2010 compensation. In determining compensation levels for 2010, the Compensation Committee considered increased demands on directors' time caused by existing and proposed legal, regulatory and NYSE listing requirements, higher levels of skills or qualifications required to serve in certain roles and the performance of the Board. The Compensation Committee determined that 2010 cash and equity compensation would remain flat with 2009 levels. The Board, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, approves annual compensation for Outside Directors.

        On December 15, 2010, Mr. William L. Rogers retired from the Board. Upon his retirement, the Company accelerated the vesting of Mr. Rogers' 17,811 unvested shares of restricted stock and paid Mr. Rogers a one-time lump sum payment of $421,000.

Cash Compensation

        For 2010, Outside Directors received the following cash compensation (paid in January of each year or upon election to the Board):

•

An annual retainer of $55,500, other than the Lead Independent Director, who received an annual retainer of $110,000;



•

Meeting fees of $2,000 for each Board meeting attended; and



•

Meeting fees of $1,500 for each committee meeting attended, other than the Chairman of each committee, who received fees of $3,000 per committee meeting.

        Cash compensation for Outside Directors will be unchanged for 2011. The Company also reimburses the Outside Directors for travel and lodging expenses, if any, incurred in attending meetings.

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        Outside Directors may annually elect to convert all or a portion of their annual cash compensation into restricted shares of our Class A common stock under the Company's 1998 Non-Employee Director Stock Award Plan, as amended and restated.

Equity Compensation

        Equity awards are intended to provide deferred tax benefits to Outside Directors, increase their beneficial ownership in the Company, and more closely align their interests with those of our stockholders. Pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan, Outside Directors are granted 5,000 restricted shares of the Company's Class A common stock upon their initial election to the Board. Following the first year of service, Outside Directors are granted $125,000 in restricted stock ($207,500 in restricted stock for the Lead Independent Director) based on the closing market price on the grant date, which is the first business day of January unless otherwise determined by the Board. Accordingly, Messrs. Logue, Raines, Reimer, Rogers and Walton were each granted 3,997 shares of restricted stock, and Mr. Kosloff was granted 6,635 shares of restricted stock, on January 4, 2010; Ms. Gasaway and Messrs. Godlasky and Morrissey were each granted 5,000 shares of restricted stock on July 21, 2010, which represents their initial equity award as directors. Restricted shares granted to Outside Directors do not have a purchase price, vest in 33¹/3% increments annually beginning on the second anniversary of the grant date, and are subject to accelerated vesting upon a change of control, death or disability. Dividends are paid on awards of restricted stock at the same rate as is paid to all stockholders generally, which was $0.19 per share for each quarter in 2010. The dollar amount paid in equity compensation for Outside Directors will be unchanged for 2011.

Other Personal Benefits

        In addition to the compensation outlined above, Outside Directors also receive the following benefits:

•

At their election, Outside Directors and their spouses are eligible to participate in the Company's group health insurance plan, which is generally available to all Company employees; a portion of the Outside Directors' premiums are paid for by the Company. To date, Messrs. Godlasky, Kosloff, Raines and Reimer have made this election.



•

On certain occasions, an Outside Director's spouse may accompany the Outside Director on Company aircraft when the director is attending Board or committee meetings; no incremental cost is incurred by the Company in these instances. Additionally, Mr. Raines was permitted to use Company aircraft for transportation in seeking medical treatment on one occasion, the aggregate incremental cost of which was determined to be $9,060. The value of these benefits (calculated pursuant to Internal Revenue Service guidelines) are imputed as income to the Outside Director and included as taxable income on their Form 1099-MISC.



•

The Company maintains director and officer insurance coverage and provides Outside Directors with special indemnification rights in the form of an indemnification agreement that exceeds the general rights provided under our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.



•

The Company also provides individual or family travel insurance policies for Outside Directors, as well as the senior executive officers, at a nominal cost.



•

Outside Directors receive occasional perquisites or personal benefits of reasonable value, such as commemorative items in connection with their Board service, holiday gifts and recreational or other services and amenities when attending off-site Board meetings.

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        The following table reflects the compensation paid to our Outside Directors for 2010.

2010 Director Compensation

(1)

Ms. Gasaway and Messrs. Godlasky and Morrissey were elected to the Board on July 21, 2010 and received a pro rated retainer of $30,440.

(2)

Represents the grant date fair value computed in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 ("ASC 718"), "Stock Compensation" (formerly FASB Statement No. 123(R)), disregarding any forfeiture assumptions. All awards are valued based on the closing market price of the Company's Class A common stock on the date of grant ($31.27 for 2010 awards granted to Messrs. Kosloff, Logue, Raines, Reimer, Rogers and Walton on January 4, 2010 and $22.87 for 2010 awards granted to Ms. Gasaway and Messrs. Godlasky and Morrissey on July 21, 2010). Other than with respect to Mr. Rogers, amounts represent the single award identified above. For Mr. Rogers, this amount also includes $602,190, which represents the incremental fair value recognized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with ASC 718, disregarding any forfeiture assumptions, due to the accelerated vesting of his shares of unvested restricted stock in connection with his retirement. The grant date fair value of Mr. Rogers' January 4, 2010 award of 3,997 shares of restricted stock was $124,986. As of December 31, 2010, Ms. Gasaway and Messrs. Godlasky, Kosloff, Logue, Morrissey, Raines, Reimer, Rogers and Walton held 5,000, 5,000, 26,376, 16,527, 5,000, 15,537, 16,564, 0 and 15,537 shares of unvested restricted stock, respectively. In 2010, Ms. Gasaway and Messrs. Godlasky, Kosloff, Logue, Morrissey, Raines, Reimer, Rogers and Walton received $950, $950, $20,046, $12,561, $950, $11,808, $12,589, $13,536 and $11,808, respectively, in dividends on shares of unvested restricted stock.

(3)

As of December 31, 2010, Mr. Reimer held 11,371 outstanding options.

(4)

For 2010, represents the following, including the aggregate incremental cost to the Company of all perquisites or personal benefits where applicable:

(a)

Travel insurance policy premiums for Ms. Gasaway and Messrs. Godlasky, Kosloff, Logue, Morrissey, Raines, Reimer, Rogers and Walton of $385, $265, $325, $225, $385, $225, $295, $225 and $225, respectively.

(b)

Tax gross-up reimbursement made by the Company in the amount of $2,572, $1,450 and $1,437 for Messrs. Kosloff, Raines and Reimer, respectively, related to taxable values imputed to such persons for personal use of Company aircraft, as determined for income tax purposes pursuant to Internal Revenue Service guidelines.

(c)

For Mr. Rogers, includes a lump-sum payment of $421,000 related to his retirement from the Board on December 15, 2010.

(d)

For Mr. Raines, includes $9,060 related to personal use of Company aircraft. The Company's incremental cost is determined as described in Footnote 4(d) to the Summary Compensation Table below.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

        The Board has adopted a Corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of the Company's directors, officers and employees. The purpose and role of this code is to focus our directors, officers and employees on areas of ethical risk, provide guidance to help them recognize and deal with

25

ethical issues, provide mechanisms to report unethical or unlawful conduct, and to help enhance and formalize our culture of integrity, honesty and accountability. As required by applicable law, the Company will post on the "Corporate Governance" page of the "Investor Relations" section of its website at www.waddell.com any amendments or waivers of any provision of this code made for the benefit of executive officers or directors of the Company.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

        The Board has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines to assist it in exercising its responsibilities to the Company and its stockholders. The guidelines address, among other items, director responsibilities, Board committees, non-employee director compensation and stock ownership guidelines.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

        Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires each director, officer and any individual beneficially owning more than 10% of the Company's Class A common stock to file with the SEC reports of security ownership and reports on subsequent changes in ownership. These reports are generally due within two business days of the transaction giving rise to the reporting obligation.

        To the Company's knowledge, all required Section 16(a) filings were timely and correctly made by reporting persons during 2010, except that due to administrative errors, Messrs. Bloss, Butch and Schieber did not timely file one report each reporting one reportable transaction each.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

        The Corporate Governance Committee is charged with the responsibility of reviewing and pre-approving all "related-person transactions" (as defined in SEC regulations), and periodically reassessing any related-person transaction entered into by the Company to ensure its continued appropriateness. This responsibility is set forth in the Company's Corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

        Kurt A. Sundeen, the brother of John E. Sundeen, Jr., our Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer – Investments, is an employee of the Company. For the 2010 fiscal year, Kurt Sundeen received an aggregate salary and bonus of $177,000, a matching contribution of $7,080 under the Company's 401(k) and Thrift Plan, and participated in the Company's active employee flexible benefits plans, which are generally available to all Company employees. Additionally, the Company awarded Mr. K. Sundeen 3,000 shares of restricted stock in April 2010 with a grant date fair value of $110,670 calculated in accordance with ASC 718.

        Laura D. DeMaria, the sister-in-law of Michael D. Strohm, our Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, is an employee of the Company. For the 2010 fiscal year, Ms. DeMaria received an aggregate salary and bonus of $115,000, a matching contribution of $4,600 under the Company's 401(k) and Thrift Plan, and participated in the Company's active employee flexible benefits plans, which are generally available to all Company employees. Additionally, the Company awarded Ms. DeMaria 500 shares of restricted stock in April 2010 with a grant date fair value of $18,445 calculated in accordance with ASC 718.

        The Corporate Governance Committee has reviewed and ratified the employment of Mr. K. Sundeen and Ms. DeMaria in accordance with Company policy. The Company does not view John E. Sundeen, Jr. or Michael D. Strohm as having a beneficial interest in these employment relationships that is material to them, nor does Mr. J. Sundeen or Mr. Strohm believe that he has a direct or indirect material interest in the employment relationship of his brother or sister-in-law, respectively.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

        During the 2010 fiscal year, none of the Company's executive officers served on the board of directors of any entities whose directors or officers serve on the Company's Compensation Committee. No current or past executive officers of the Company serve on the Compensation Committee.

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY

        The following table reflects all persons known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company's Class A common stock as of December 31, 2010. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes below, "beneficially owned" means the sole power to vote or direct the voting of a security and the sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of a security.

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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

        Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any filings of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (the "Company") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") that might incorporate future filings by reference, including this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the following Compensation Committee Report shall not be incorporated by reference into any such filings, and shall not be deemed soliciting material or filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

        The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion & Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion & Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Compensation Committee

2010 Members

Ronald C. Reimer, Chairman
James M. Raines
Jerry W. Walton

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

        The following information contains statements regarding future individual and company performance measures, targets and other goals. These goals are disclosed in the limited context of the Company's executive compensation program and should not be understood to be statements of management's expectations or estimates of results or other guidance. The Company specifically cautions investors not to apply these statements to other contexts.

Introduction

        This Compensation Discussion & Analysis, among other things, provides an overview of our executive compensation program, sets forth the objectives and elements of our executive compensation program, and describes the 2010 executive compensation decisions with respect to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the next three most highly compensated executive officers, whom we refer to collectively as the "named executive officers."

Executive Summary

        The intellectual capital of our employees is collectively the most important asset to our firm. We invest in people – we hire qualified people, train them, encourage them to give their best thinking to the Company and our clients, and compensate them in a manner designed to motivate and retain them. As an asset manager, our financial results are primarily based upon the strength of our investment performance, the success of our marketing and distribution organization, and careful management of our cost controls, all of which are directly dependent upon our intellectual capital.

        We believe that the quality, expertise and commitment of our named executive officers are critical to enhancing the long-term value of the Company. To this end, a core objective in designing our executive compensation program is to deliver competitive total direct compensation (i.e., base salary, annual cash incentive award and annual equity incentive award), upon the achievement of financial performance and individual contributions, that will attract, motivate and retain a high performance executive team. The compensation awarded to our named executive officers is substantially dependent on corporate financial performance, as well as individual performance and contributions, which drives the creation of sustainable long-term stockholder value.

        In 2010, our named executive officers demonstrated their capacity to perform well across the challenging economic environment and disruptive market cycles, which translated into a number of significant and record-breaking achievements for the Company. We are especially gratified by our ability to navigate such a difficult and uncertain year while continuing to advance the long-term interests of our stockholders. Key highlights of the Company's 2010 performance include the following:

•

Assets under management reached $84 billion, the highest level in Company history and a 20% increase over 2009.



•

For the second consecutive year, our Ivy Funds and Waddell & Reed Advisors Funds families were ranked first and second, respectively, in terms of performance over the five-year period ended December 31, 2010 in the annual survey of "Best Mutual Fund Families" as ranked and published by Barron's.



•

Our organic growth rate increased to 7.8%, the fifth consecutive year of positive organic growth, compared to organic growth rate decay of 2.5% for the industry in 2010.



•

Annual gross sales of $21.7 billion across all distribution channels, the highest annual sales volume in Company history.



•

Earnings per share of $1.83, a 49% increase over 2009 and an all-time high.

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•

Stock price appreciation of 16% over 2009, trading at a 12.7% premium to our peers.



•

Net income of $157 million, a 49% increase over 2009.



•

Operating revenues in excess of $1 billion, another first in the Company's history.



•

Operating margin increase to 24.0% from 20.2% in 2009, its highest level over the last five years.



•

Stockholders' equity and cash and investments at year end increased 24% and 23%, respectively, to $457 million and $388 million, respectively, paving the way for a 5% increase in dividends to our stockholders.

        The Compensation Committee (the "Committee") believes that our executive compensation program has played a significant role in our ability to drive strong financial results and the creation of stockholder value, which is demonstrated by the accomplishments of our executive team over the last fiscal year. Key aspects of our executive compensation program in 2010 include the following:

•

A majority of each named executive officer's total direct compensation – approximately 85% on average for 2010 – is "at risk" compensation, delivered in the form of a short-term cash incentive award and a long-term equity incentive award.



•

A significant portion of each named executive officer's total annual incentive compensation – approximately 55% on average for 2010 – is comprised of an equity incentive award, which drives long-term performance and aligns the interests of our named executive officers with those of our stockholders.



•

Equity incentive awards are generally subject to a four-year vesting period to further emphasize long-term performance and commitment to the Company.



•

The Company's 2003 Executive Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the "Executive Incentive Plan") incorporates multiple financial performance measures that are quantifiable and measurable.



•

Each named executive officer is employed at-will and is expected to demonstrate strong personal performance in order to continue serving as a member of the executive team.



•

The Committee implemented stock ownership guidelines which, along with the design of equity incentive awards, promotes long-term executive stock ownership and aligns executive interests with those of our stockholders. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, all of the named executive officers exceed these ownership guidelines.



•

The Company's Change in Control Employment Agreement with the Chief Executive Officer, entered into over 10 years ago, pays out only upon a double-trigger change in control termination. For a further description of this agreement, see "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change In Control" below.

        Each year, the Committee reviews our executive compensation program to ascertain whether it is aligned with our business strategy and objectives, competitive market conditions and stockholder interests. The Committee will continue to focus on responsible executive compensation practices that attract, motivate and retain high performance executives, reward those executives for the achievement of short-term and long-term performance, and support our other executive compensation objectives, including long-term career development and retention goals.

Compensation Program Objectives

        The Company's executive compensation program is intended to attract and retain highly qualified executive talent, provide rewards for the past year's performance, and provide incentives for future

30

performance to drive the creation of stockholder value. More specifically, our executive compensation program objectives are to:

•

Attract, motivate and retain a high performance executive team with the appropriate expertise and leadership to build and sustain long-term stockholder value;



•

Incentivize and reward short-term and long-term financial, strategic and individual performance that results in increased value for our stockholders; and



•

Align our executives' long-term interests with those of our stockholders.

        The investment management and financial services industries are extremely competitive and experienced professionals have significant career mobility. Our intellectual capital is our greatest asset. Our success, and that of our stockholders, depends on our ability to successfully engage a highly skilled and experienced executive team through a combination of career opportunities, a challenging work environment, and competitive compensation, particularly during the challenging financial and economic conditions experienced recently. Our named executive officers have developed over a number of years as a cohesive and complementary executive team and are considered an invaluable resource. Historically, we have sought to groom internal personnel for executive positions or recruited external candidates with a high degree of experience and knowledge of our industry, believing that executives with industry knowledge are more likely to excel. However, this limits the recruiting pool and makes retention a key focus of our compensation program.

        Considering these objectives and factors, the Committee has developed an executive compensation program that continues to be based on the following principles:

•

Compensation levels should be sufficiently competitive to attract, motivate and retain high caliber executives.



•

Appropriate levels of reward for performance should be tied to and vary with the Company's financial and operational performance, as well as individual performance.



•

A majority of total compensation should be "at risk" in the form of short-term and long-term incentive awards. Executives with greater roles and the ability to directly impact the Company's performance goals and long-term results bear a greater proportion of the risk if these goals and results are not achieved.



•

Long-term awards should constitute a significant portion of incentive awards to encourage executives to focus on the Company's long-term growth and prospects.



•

Retirement benefits should comprise an element of executive compensation, which the Committee believes provides a competitive advantage.

Elements Of Our Compensation Program

        Each element of compensation paid to the Company's named executive officers is designed to support one or more of the objectives described above. Total compensation for the named executive officers consists of one or more of the following components:

•

Base salary;



•

Annual performance-based incentive awards, including a short-term cash award and long-term equity compensation award;



•

Deferred compensation;



•

Retirement benefits; and



•

Personal benefits and other perquisites.

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How We Determine Compensation

        Each year, the Committee makes compensation decisions using an approach that considers total direct compensation (i.e., base salary, annual cash incentive awards and annual equity incentive awards). Base salary is generally the smallest component of total direct compensation, which results in a significant portion of our named executive officers' compensation being paid in "at risk" incentive compensation. Incentive compensation awards are awarded pursuant to our Executive Incentive Plan, which utilizes a cash bonus pool and a restricted stock bonus pool. The aggregate cash bonus pool is set at 6% of adjusted operating income and the aggregate restricted stock bonus pool is set at 420,000 shares of restricted stock, the maximum amounts of cash and restricted stock that can be awarded to all individuals participating in the Executive Incentive Plan. The maximum cash and equity incentive award each named executive officer is eligible to receive is calculated as the individual percentage assigned to each named executive officer by the Committee of the cash bonus pool and restricted stock bonus pool. Upon calculating the maximum cash and equity incentive awards each named executive officer is eligible to receive, the Committee may exercise its discretion, as it did in 2010, to pay actual bonus amounts that are less than those maximum amounts. In determining total direct compensation, the Committee reviews and considers one or more of the following:

•

The Company's financial and operational performance for the year;



•

Market survey information for comparable public and private asset managers;



•

Recommendations of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, based on individual performance and contributions;



•

The previous year's compensation levels for each named executive officer; and



•

Overall effectiveness of the executive compensation program.

        The Committee may also consider, as applicable, levels of sustained past performance, performance potential, retention risk and the value of the particular compensation element needed to keep an executive's level of total direct compensation competitive and consistent with our executive compensation program's objectives. Although there is no formal policy regarding the relationship of compensation among the named executive officers, the Committee also considers the appropriateness of each named executive officer's compensation relative to the other named executive officers to reflect differences in the scope of authority and responsibilities between executives. The actual cash and equity incentive award paid to each named executive officer is determined based on the Committee's subjective judgment and discretion, based upon the above factors, and its assessment of such compensation's fairness and adequacy in achieving the objectives of our executive compensation program. This approach enables the Committee to be responsive to the dynamics of the labor market, including the need to retain and motivate a particular executive, and provides the Committee with flexibility to compensate our named executive officers in a way that reflects the influence and contributions of each executive individually to overall corporate performance and reinforces our pay-for-performance culture. See "Base Salary" and "Annual Performance-Based Incentive Awards" below for further information on base salaries and the methodology under which annual incentive awards are calculated.

Management's Role in the Compensation-Setting Process

        Our Chief Executive Officer, Henry J. Herrmann, regularly attends Committee meetings, and advises the Committee regarding, among other things, the design and effectiveness of the Company's performance measures, the general competitiveness of our compensation program, information on the Company's business strategies and objectives, financial results and other measures of corporate performance, and historical context regarding the link between the Company's strategic goals and various elements of compensation. The Committee also requests Mr. Herrmann to evaluate the performance of the senior executive officers who report directly to him, including the other named executive officers, and to make

32

recommendations to the Committee regarding their base salary levels and the form and amount of their annual cash incentive award and equity incentive award. In 2010, Mr. Herrmann did not make any recommendations with respect to his base salary or performance-based incentive awards.

        Our Chief Financial Officer, Daniel P. Connealy, regularly attends Committee meetings and advises the Committee as necessary regarding the Company's financial results or accounting rules that are relevant to incentive compensation or other matters that come before the Committee, and provides the Committee with historical and prospective compensation information relevant to their determinations. Additionally, our General Counsel, Daniel C. Schulte, and Secretary and Associate General Counsel, Wendy J. Hills, also regularly attend Committee meetings and provide advice regarding legal and corporate governance matters, details regarding our stock award and incentive compensation plans, and other requested information related to Committee discussions.

Compensation Consultant

        In 2010, the Committee engaged Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., an independent compensation consulting firm ("FWC"), to review and assess competitive compensation information regarding total direct compensation and individual pay components for all senior executive officers, including the named executive officers, with respect to the Company's peer group and an analysis of Mr. Herrmann's Change in Control Employment Agreement. FWC did not provide any other additional services to the Company or management in 2010 or receive any payments from the Company, other than in its capacity as a consultant to the Committee. FWC has served as the Committee's compensation consultant since 2004. Mr. Herrmann did not meet with FWC on an individual basis during its engagement in 2010.

Peer Group Analysis

        With the assistance of FWC, the Committee compared the Company's executive compensation program in 2010 against a broad group of companies in the investment management and financial services industry, including Affiliated Managers Group, Inc., AllianceBernstein Holding L.P., Ameriprise Financial, Inc., BlackRock, Inc., Calamos Asset Management, Inc., Eaton Vance Corp., Federated Investors, Inc., Franklin Resources, Inc., GAMCO Investors, Inc., Janus Capital Group Inc., and T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. The Committee believes that the Company competes for market share, shelf space, mutual fund shareholders and institutional clients, executive talent and employees with each of these 11 publicly traded asset managers. Additionally, this peer group comprises 10 of the 31 companies in the SNL Investment Advisor Index (which excludes Ameriprise Financial, Inc.) that is used for comparison purposes in the Company's stock performance graph. The peer group does not include the 20 additional companies comprising the SNL Investment Advisor Index due to their smaller size, business orientation and/or status as a foreign corporation. There were no changes in the peer group composition from 2009 to 2010.

        The Committee reviews compensation information of the peer group compared to that of the Company based on both the 1^st through 5^th most highly paid officer positions, and information comparing titled officer positions, if available. In evaluating competitive compensation information of the peer group, the Committee does not target our executives' compensation to be paid at a specific percentile or limit its overall evaluation of competitive compensation to a particular percentile, but does take into consideration, on a non-formulaic basis, various differences between the Company and the comparison companies, including measures such as market capitalization, number of employees, assets under management, revenues, income and profitability (income per billion of assets).

        The Committee also reviews competitive compensation information obtained from McLagan Partners' Investment Management Survey (the "McLagan Survey"), a widely used and definitive source for compensation information for a significant number of public and private investment management and advisory firms. It provides detailed analyses of compensation for a greater depth of investment management employees than is available for our public peers and is specifically focused on the asset

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management industry. Confidentiality obligations to McLagan Partners and to its survey participants prevent us from disclosing the firms included in the surveys. In addition, the McLagan Survey maintains the confidentiality of individual company pay practices from other participants. The Committee reviewed the results of the McLagan Survey to account for differences in the scale and scope of operations of participant companies, evaluate the overall competitive position of the Company, as well as its position by business unit and by officer title, and to make comparisons on an officer by officer basis, where sufficient market data was available and an appropriate match of position and responsibilities could be made.

        The Committee considers the compensation information derived from the peer group and the McLagan Survey equally relevant and important, with neither source of information being a determining factor in setting executive compensation levels.

Recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer and Other Considerations

        The Committee receives recommendations from Mr. Herrmann regarding the level and form of compensation to be paid to the senior executive officers that report directly to him, including each of the other named executive officers. Mr. Herrmann's recommendations are based on his subjective evaluations regarding the individual performance and contributions of each of the other named executive officers in furthering the Company's success, building stockholder value and executing individual responsibilities, which may include:

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Individual performance and contributions to financial and operational measures;



•

Operational management, such as project milestones and process improvements;



•

Internal working and reporting relationships that promote collaboration and teamwork;



•

Leadership, including the ability to develop and motivate employees and personal development; and



•

Individual expertise, skills and knowledge relevant to each executive's position and responsibilities, the potential to assume increased responsibilities, and long-term value to the Company.

        With respect to Mr. Herrmann's position and responsibilities, the Committee considers his company-wide oversight and management, execution and success of the Company's business and strategic initiatives during the difficult economic environment that has persisted over the past three years, the Company's financial and operating results, the creation of stockholder value, leadership of the investment management process, his years of industry experience, the size and complexity of the Company's business, and effective leadership of the Company's management team.

        The Committee does not assign individual weight or particular emphasis to any of the above factors; the emphasis placed on any specific factor or individual contribution may vary by named executive officer.

Analysis of 2010 Compensation

        The Committee's focus is to set competitive pay levels on an annual basis, and to ensure a significant portion of compensation is performance-based. Consistent with the philosophy that a majority of total direct compensation should be "at risk," the named executive officers received, on average, approximately 15% of their total direct compensation for 2010 in base salary and approximately 85% in variable incentive compensation (based on the grant date fair value of 2010 equity incentive awards).

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2010 Operating Environment

        Following the turbulent financial markets and overwhelming economic deterioration experienced in 2008, and an economy that did not begin to show signs of positive recovery until late 2009, investors entered 2010 with a modest degree of optimism tempered by concerns of a double dip recession, high unemployment and the European sovereign debt crisis. A brief market rally in the spring was followed by severe downturns, causing investor confidence to bottom out mid-year. While the financial markets steadily increased during the second half of the year, investor sentiment did not immediately follow in step – equity products experienced little inflow and meaningful redemptions as investors remained risk-averse until late in the year. At the same time, the perceived relative safety offered by fixed income products resulted in considerable inflow as investors sought the protection of more conservative investments. By year end, the S&P 500 had increased nearly 13% and investors' willingness to again enter into the equity markets became apparent, with increased flows into emerging markets, commodities, lower quality debt and domestic equities.

        Against this challenging backdrop throughout 2010, the Company produced strong results through the resilience of our investment management skill, the strength of our distribution model and a deep, diversified product line-up. For example:

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Assets under management reached $84 billion by year end on sales growth and market action, the highest level in the Company's history. Long-term performance of our mutual funds was impressive with 69% and 84% of the Company's equity assets outperforming their Lipper peer group average on a three and five-year basis, respectively. Additionally, for the second consecutive year, our Ivy Funds and Waddell & Reed Advisors Funds families were ranked first and second, respectively, in terms of performance over the five-year period ended December 31, 2010 in the annual survey of "Best Mutual Fund Families" as ranked and published by Barron's.



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Despite a very difficult sales environment, annual gross sales across all three of our distribution channels reached $21.7 billion, the highest annual sales volume in the Company's history. Our Advisors channel achieved gross sales of $3.6 billion, the second highest level in Company history, and continues to maintain one of the lowest redemption rates in the industry – 9.3% for the year, compared with 26.3% for the industry. The Wholesale channel posted $14.5 billion in gross sales for 2010 and steadily increased product sales diversification; our Institutional channel attained gross sales of $3.6 billion, the highest in this channel's history and twice the sales volume of 2009.



•

While we are generally perceived as an equity firm, our broad product line covers nearly every asset class and investment style in the industry. The performance of our fixed income products was strong in 2010, which contributed to our ability to access investors' desire for the protection offered by more conservative investments and produced over $2 billion in sales for the year. The breadth and quality of our product line, and our flexibility and expertise in marketing it, were central to our having produced historically superior sales in the face of 2010's market volatility and investor unease.

        Throughout another turbulent year in the financial markets, particularly with respect to the equity markets, we produced significant accomplishments in 2010. Management demonstrated its capacity to perform well across the challenging economic environment and disruptive market cycles by leveraging its investment skills and marketing ability, which translated into record levels of assets under management and gross sales, and outstanding performance across several other financial and operational measures, including operating revenues in excess of $1 billion, a 49% increase in earnings per share and a 380 basis point year-over-year increase in our operating margin to 24%. We are especially pleased by our ability to navigate such a difficult and uncertain year while continuing to advance the long-term interests of our stockholders.

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Base Salary

        We provide our named executive officers with a base level of monthly income for the expertise, skills, knowledge and experience they offer to our management team. Base salaries are reviewed annually by the Committee.

        In December 2009, Mr. Herrmann recommended salary increases for fiscal year 2010 in the form of merit increases and/or in recognition of an increase in scope of authority and responsibilities within the Company; Mr. Herrmann did not receive a salary increase for 2010. Based on Mr. Herrmann's recommendations, the Committee approved merit-based salary increases of approximately 4%, on average, over those paid in 2009, with the exception of (1) Mr. Avery, who received an increase of approximately 18% in recognition of his assumption of additional responsibilities as the Company's newly appointed President and his on-going portfolio management responsibilities, and (2) Mr. Butch, who received an increase of approximately 21% in recognition of his assumption of additional responsibilities as the Company's newly appointed Executive Vice President and the increasing complexity of our retail distribution model, which Mr. Butch oversees.

        For a further description of the base salaries paid to the named executive officers in 2010, please refer to the Summary Compensation Table below.

Annual Performance-Based Incentive Awards

        Our named executive officers are eligible to receive annual performance-based incentive awards under the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 2003 Executive Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the "Executive Incentive Plan"). These incentive awards, granted from cash and restricted stock bonus pools, provide an incentive for consistent annual performance in building stockholder value, align our executives' interests with that of our stockholders, and encourage retention and a long-term commitment to the Company, all of which are reinforced by the vesting provisions of our equity incentive awards. The size of the bonus pools are determined upon the achievement of pre-established performance goals that are set by the Committee in the first quarter of each year.

        The Committee has discretion to designate the senior executive officers of the Company that are eligible to receive such incentive awards, as well as to set the percentage of the incentive awards each participant is entitled to earn upon achievement of the performance goals, as discussed below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may, in its discretion, award compensation that is not contingent upon the achievement of performance goals or reduce or eliminate entirely the amount of incentive awards payable to any participant upon attainment of the performance goals, but any such reduction may not increase the awards of another participant. In the event the Committee awards compensation that is not contingent upon the achievement of performance goals, the award may not be deductible by the Company under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code ("Section 162(m)").

        Determination of Bonus Pools.    Since 2003, performance-based incentive awards have been based on bonus pool formulas determined pursuant to the terms of the Executive Incentive Plan. For 2010, the size of the bonus pool available for cash incentive awards was based upon 6% of the Company's 2010 "adjusted operating income," defined as net income increased by interest expense; federal, state and local income taxes; executive cash incentive awards; extraordinary or non-recurring losses; and losses from publicly-disclosed acquisitions in 2010 (of which there were none) and decreased by extraordinary or non-recurring gains and gains from publicly-disclosed acquisitions (of which there were none), for a total of $15,367,320 for 2010.

        Operating income is used by the Company and investors as a measure of the Company's underlying profitability and fluctuates with the Company's performance, which in turn creates a bonus pool that moves with the Company's performance. It is adjusted in order to provide a measure of performance that reflects the influence and contributions of each executive on a relatively equal basis and excludes items

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that, for example, may be disproportionately influenced by the business decisions of one executive more than others, or that are not indicative of our business and economic trends. This results in a measure of our executive officers' management of the Company's operating business as a whole. In setting the discretionary 6% threshold, which included a 2% increase from 2009's 4% level, the Committee considered industry practice, recommendations of the compensation consultant regarding the performance measure, the number of executive officers participating in the Executive Incentive Plan, historical operating results, the need to have the ability to reward extraordinary performance, when and if achieved, and cash incentive awards granted in prior years.

        Similar to prior years, equity incentive awards were based upon the attainment of a 40% "adjusted return on equity" or "adjusted ROE" defined as stockholders' equity increased by executive cash incentive awards, extraordinary or non-recurring losses, and losses from publicly-disclosed acquisitions in 2010 (of which there were none), and decreased by extraordinary or non-recurring gains and gains from publicly-disclosed acquisitions in 2010 (of which there were none). The Company's adjusted ROE in 2010 was 61%. Return on equity is a measure of how well the Company uses stockholders' equity to generate net income. Upon the attainment of a 40% adjusted ROE, 420,000 shares of the Company's Class A common stock were eligible for issuance from the restricted stock bonus pool. In setting the discretionary 40% threshold and the maximum 420,000 share level, the Committee considered adjusted return on equity for the industry, the number of senior executive officers participating in the Executive Incentive Plan, historical equity incentive awards, the need to have the ability to reward extraordinary performance, when and if achieved, and expected difficulty of achieving the desired results.

        The Committee annually reviews the discretionary maximums and thresholds of 6%, 40% and 420,000 shares of the Company's Class A common stock when it sets the performance goals, and did so in February 2010 for 2010 awards, determining that these amounts reflect industry standards, adequately fund potential bonuses, and provide sufficient capacity to reward extraordinary performance, when and if achieved. Additionally, the Committee believes that these amounts are reasonable and fair to the Company and all stakeholders.

        Percentage Allocations.    The maximum percentage of the bonus pools that each executive is eligible to receive is determined relative to each individual's scope of authority and responsibilities.

        As the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Herrmann has comprehensive oversight and management responsibilities across the entire organization and is held primarily responsible for the Company's financial results. Investment performance and sales of our products are two of the Company's most critical metrics for success and the creation of stockholder value. Mr. Avery oversees all aspects of our investment management division, including the portfolio managers and analysts responsible for performance of our mutual funds, and also serves as a portfolio manager for three of the Company's highest performing mutual funds, which together represented approximately 36% of the Company's assets at year end. Mr. Butch is responsible for overseeing the Company's two largest distribution channels and executing the Company's sales and marketing strategies in order to maximize sales of our investment products and increase assets under management, which form the basis on which the Company earns investment management and underwriting and distribution fees, our two largest sources of revenues.

        For 2010, the Committee designated Messrs. Herrmann, Connealy, Avery, Butch and Schulte eligible to earn 32%, 9%, 17%, 15% and 9%, respectively, of the cash bonus pool and 20%, 11%, 19%, 17% and 11%, respectively, of the restricted stock pool, with the remaining 18% of the cash bonus pool and 22% of the restricted stock pool to be allocated to other participants in the Executive Incentive Plan. Consistent with the philosophy that individuals with greater roles and the ability to directly impact the Company's performance goals and long-term results should bear a greater proportion of the risk if our performance measures are not achieved, Messrs. Herrmann, Avery and Butch were allocated larger percentages than the other named executive officers.

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        Use of Negative Discretion.    Pursuant to Section 162(m) and the Executive Incentive Plan, the Committee may exercise its discretion to pay actual bonus amounts that are less than the maximum amounts that the named executive officers are eligible to receive upon the achievement of the objective pre-established performance goals determined by the Committee. The maximum cash or equity incentive award that each named executive officer is eligible to receive, calculated as the percentage of the bonus pools assigned to each named executive officer, is not an expectation of actual bonus amounts that will be paid to the named executive officers, but a cap on the range of compensation ($0 to the maximum amount) that an individual may be paid while maintaining the tax deductibility of the bonus as "performance-based" compensation for purposes of Section 162(m). The maximum incentive award amount may be awarded under extraordinary circumstances or for extraordinary performance, although the Committee more often determines incentive awards that are less than the maximum amount the named executive officer is eligible to earn. This provides the Committee with the flexibility to compensate executives for truly exceptional performance without paying more than is necessary to incentivize and retain our named executive officers. The Committee believes that this bonus structure is in the best interests of stockholders because it enables the most prudent use of Company assets by maximizing the deductibility of performance-based compensation while empowering the Committee to pay only those amounts it determines are necessary to appropriately compensate executives.

        2010 Performance-Based Incentive Awards.    For 2010, the Committee accepted Mr. Herrmann's recommendations with respect to cash incentive awards for the other named executive officers, and awarded Messrs. Herrmann, Connealy, Avery, Butch and Schulte awards of $3,000,000, $600,000, $1,500,000, $1,000,000 and $600,000, respectively. The Committee also accepted Mr. Herrmann's recommendations with respect to equity incentive awards for the other named executive officers, and awarded Messrs. Herrmann, Connealy, Avery, Butch and Schulte awards of 60,000, 45,000, 79,000, 71,000 and 45,000 shares of restricted stock, respectively. The Committee believes that equity incentive awards must be sufficient in size to provide a strong, long-term performance and retention incentive for executives, and to increase their vested interest in the Company. These equity incentive awards vest in 33¹/3% increments annually, beginning on the second anniversary of the grant date. The Committee granted these equity incentive awards pursuant to the Executive Incentive Plan from the shares reserved for issuance under the Stock Incentive Plan, as reported in the 2010 Grant of Plan-Based Awards Table below. In 2010, none of the named executive officers received the maximum cash or equity incentive award they were eligible to receive.

        In determining 2010 incentive compensation awards, cash incentive awards for Messrs. Herrmann, Connealy, Butch and Schulte increased an average of approximately 35% from award levels in 2009 in recognition of strong Company performance and individual performance as described below. Mr. Avery's cash incentive award increased by 50%, which is also a reflection of strong Company performance and individual performance as described below, as well as his appointment as President of the Company in January 2010 and competitive compensation levels related to that position.

        Mr. Herrmann's 2010 equity incentive award decreased by approximately 29% from 2009, which is a reflection of the Committee's determination to award Mr. Herrmann a larger portion of incentive compensation in the form of a cash incentive award in light of his age, the historical four-year vesting schedule of our equity compensation awards and accumulated equity holdings. While the size of Mr. Herrmann's equity incentive award has varied in recent years as the Committee addressed the effect of the ongoing economic downturn on executive compensation levels, his 2010 total annual incentive compensation (i.e., the aggregate value of the cash incentive award and equity incentive award) increased approximately 6% over 2009. In future years, the Committee will continue to annually assess the portion of Mr. Herrmann's incentive compensation to be allocated in equity incentive awards, if any.

        Equity incentive awards for 2010 for Messrs. Avery and Butch remained flat with 2009 levels as their 2010 awards were close to Section 162(m) deductibility limitations, while awards for Messrs. Connealy and

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Schulte increased by 12.5% in recognition of strong Company performance and individual performance as described below.

        The increase in total annual incentive compensation from 2009 levels described above reflects the Committee's determination to (1) reward the named executive officers for the degree to which outstanding corporate and executive performance continued during the challenging markets of 2010, particularly with respect to (i) our overall strong financial performance, including a number of record-setting metrics, (ii) the marked increase of assets under management to the highest level in Company history, (iii) increased net income of nearly 50% over 2009, and (iv) the Company's sustained gross sales momentum and competitive investment performance; and (2) reflect, as appropriate, differences in the named executive officers' scope of authority and responsibilities, the assumption of additional responsibilities, and an appropriate balance of total direct compensation between cash and equity.

        Mr. Herrmann discussed with the Committee the following individual performance considerations that impacted his award recommendations:

•

Mr. Connealy: Mr. Connealy oversees all financial matters for the Company, including direction of the finance division. With the continuation of a volatile market environment during 2010, Mr. Connealy's financial leadership was again critical in maintaining the Company's strong liquidity and improved financial performance. Mr. Connealy continued to implement cost controls that resulted in improved operating performance throughout 2010, and further leveraged our financial systems to drive additional functionality, efficiencies and reporting capabilities. Under Mr. Connealy's direction, important steps were taken in 2010 to strengthen the Company's capital structure, including the renewal of the Company's $125 million credit facility and successful refinancing of the Company's senior unsecured notes through a private placement.



•

Mr. Avery: Mr. Avery is charged with the responsibility of overseeing the investment management division, including the development of strong investment professionals and the direction of investment processes and organizational capabilities to support our long-term investment strategies. Under Mr. Avery's direction and guidance, our investment team successfully navigated what continued to be one of the most challenging market environments in recent years. Relative long-term performance remained competitive, with over two-thirds of our mutual funds outperforming their Lipper peer group average on both a three and five-year basis, while performance of our bond funds was strong with 67%, 69% and 69% of our fixed income funds outperforming their Lipper peer group on a one, three and five-year basis. Mr. Avery also serves as a portfolio manager for the Company's largest mutual fund, which comprises approximately 30% of our assets under management. Mr. Avery continues to plays a key role in marketing the Company's funds through collaboration with our wholesalers.



•

Mr. Butch: Mr. Butch is responsible for all aspects of the Company's retail distribution strategies and initiatives, including sales, marketing, product development, and management of the Company's broker/dealer subsidiaries and their strategic relationships with key business partners. Under his leadership, distribution success continued to excel in 2010, with gross retail sales of $18.1 billion. In the Advisors channel, gross sales volume reached $3.6 billion, the second highest level in Company history, and advisor productivity reached an all-time high. Net flows in this channel were positive for the third consecutive year and the redemption rate for 2010 was 9.3%, significantly below industry standard levels, lending to superior long-term profitability. In the Wholesale channel, gross sales of $14.5 billion were down only 2% compared to 2009, resulting in net flows of $9.1 billion. Mr. Butch has demonstrated superior management skills relative to the pace at which growth in the Wholesale channel has accelerated, as well as with respect to the increasing complexity of our retail distribution model. Mr. Butch also led the development of a comprehensive branding strategy and campaign for the Ivy Funds, which will launch in the first quarter of 2011 and is expected to strengthen the Ivy Funds' identity, and support further business development among its key constituencies.

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•

Mr. Schulte: Mr. Schulte directs the Company's legal and compliance functions, coordinates the work performed by inside and outside counsel and represents the Company, as general counsel and chief legal officer, with external agencies and regulators. In 2010, Mr. Schulte demonstrated strong leadership and advocacy at all levels of the Company, particularly within the legal and compliance divisions, in effectively managing the Company's regulatory and legal matters, including legal expenses. Mr. Schulte continues to be significantly involved in corporate and strategic initiatives and the analyses of legal and business risks, as well as integrating senior members of his staff into that process. Mr. Schulte was also instrumental in 2010 in identifying practices and circumstances that risk exposing the Company to litigation and taking steps to proactively mitigate that risk.

        The Committee believes that the levels of cash and equity incentive compensation awarded in 2010 appropriately reflect corporate performance and individual contributions and maintain a high level of incentive for retention and future performance, which is consistent with the Company's executive compensation objectives. This determination is not a formulaic process, but rather involves the exercise of discretion and subjective judgment by the Committee taking into account the above referenced information. For a further description of the incentive awards paid to each of the named executive officers in 2010, please refer to the Summary Compensation Table below.

Deferred Compensation

        Shortly after our initial public offering in 1998, the Company determined that the retirement benefits that previously had been offered to certain executive officers under the benefit plans of our former parent company were insufficient. Based on this determination, the Company adopted the Supplemental Executive Retirement Income Plan, as amended and restated (the "SERP") to supplement retirement benefits provided by the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Retirement Income Plan, as amended and restated (the "Pension Plan"), to retain executive talent and to maintain a competitive total compensation package. At the time of adoption, three executives were eligible to participate in the SERP; Mr. Herrmann is the only participant who remains with the Company and participates in the SERP. In 2007, the Committee determined that retirement benefits payable under the Pension Plan and SERP were sufficient to provide Mr. Herrmann with adequate retirement income, and that therefore, no non-formula discretionary contribution would be made by the Company in future years.

        For a description of material plan provisions and further information on SERP benefits payable to Mr. Herrmann, please refer to "Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans" below.

Retirement Benefits

        We provide retirement benefits to all of our employees, including the named executive officers, through the Pension Plan and the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 401(k) and Thrift Plan, as amended and restated (the "401(k) Plan"). These plans are designed in combination, along with the SERP, to provide an appropriate level of replacement income upon retirement.

        In 2010, the Company made matching contributions equal to $9,800 for each of the named executive officers under the 401(k) Plan. For a description of material provisions of the Pension Plan, please refer to "Pension Benefits" below.

Portfolio Manager Revenue Sharing

        Portfolio managers who manage institutional accounts with selected investment styles are eligible to participant in revenue sharing arrangements in recognition of their direct role in the sales process in the institutional sales market, as well as their continued role in client service throughout the life of the account. Under these arrangements, participating portfolio managers are eligible to receive a percentage, which decreases over a number of years, of the management fee earned by the Company, allocated among multiple portfolio managers who manage accounts of the same investment style. Specifically, participants

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share in 10% of the management fees generated during the first year, 5% during the second year and 2.5% thereafter for (1) new mutual fund accounts owned by institutional clients, (2) contributions to such accounts equal to 20% or more of the account's market value at the time of such contribution, and (3) accounts with daily or weekly net contributions that aggregate, on the anniversary date of the account, to 10% or more of the account's market value.

        Mr. Avery received revenue sharing compensation in 2010 related to his portfolio management responsibilities in 2010 as described in footnote 4(k) of the Summary Compensation Table below.

Personal Benefits and Other Perquisites

        The named executive officers are eligible to participate in the Company's active employee flexible benefits plans, which include medical, vision, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and post-retirement medical benefits until age 65 and are generally available to all Company employees. Additionally, all of the Company's employees are entitled to vacation, sick leave and other paid holidays, and may be eligible for severance payments under a severance pay plan further described below. The Committee believes that the Company's commitment to provide the employee benefits summarized above recognizes that the health and well-being of the Company's employees contribute directly to a productive and successful work life that enhances results for the Company and its stockholders.

        The Company provides all employees with (1) life insurance coverage equal to two times the sum of the employee's current base salary plus the prior year's bonus/commissions, up to a maximum of $2 million in coverage, and (2) long-term disability coverage equal to 60% of the employee's current base salary, up to a maximum annual benefit of $240,000. However, Mr. Herrmann's life insurance coverage under the Company's general program is limited to $50,000 and is supplemented by an endorsement style split-dollar insurance policy, to provide Mr. Herrmann with competitive benefits and replace coverage that is not offered to him under the Company's group life insurance program. This policy is owned, and the premiums are paid, by the Company (with the beneficiary selected by Mr. Herrmann in the event of his death prior to a termination of his service) and is governed by an agreement that entitles Mr. Herrmann to elect to have the policy transferred to him following a termination of the agreement (other than due to death), provided that Mr. Herrmann pays to the Company the greater of the aggregate premiums that the Company has paid on the policy or the then net cash surrender value of the policy. In the event the policy remains in force until Mr. Herrmann's death, the Company is entitled to receive the greater of the then current net cash surrender value of the policy or the total of all Company-paid premiums to date. Mr. Herrmann is not entitled to any interest in the cash surrender value of this policy.

        For further information on the premiums paid on Mr. Herrmann's insurance policy, please refer to the Summary Compensation Table below.

        In addition to the personal benefits discussed above, the named executive officers receive the following perquisites:

Company Aircraft

        Pursuant to the Company's Aircraft Policy, the named executive officers and other management employees are provided use of Company aircraft for business purposes. Additionally, pursuant to an executive security program established by the Committee and approved by the Board, the Company encourages Mr. Herrmann to use Company aircraft for personal as well as business travel when practicable. The other named executive officers are provided use of Company aircraft for personal travel in limited circumstances.

        From time to time, executives may be accompanied by family members invited to attend business functions, which is deemed "personal use" of the Company aircraft by the Internal Revenue Service for tax purposes. Although the Company does not incur any incremental costs for such "personal use," the taxable

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value of such use, calculated pursuant to Internal Revenue Service guidelines, is imputed as income to the named executive officers. We provide tax gross-up reimbursements relating to taxable values imputed to the named executive officers for such "personal use" of Company aircraft. The methodology used to determine the Company's incremental cost for personal aircraft usage is described in footnote 4(d) of the Summary Compensation Table below.

Financial Services

        The Company provides each named executive officer with an allowance for financial counseling services, which may include financial, estate and/or tax planning, and tax preparation assistance. The Committee believes providing this perquisite allows the named executive officers to more efficiently manage their time and financial affairs and to focus more time and attention on the Company's business issues.

Other Perquisites

        The Company also provides the named executive officers (1) reimbursement of country club membership dues, (2) an annual executive physical, (3) travel insurance policies for the named executive officers and, at their election, their immediate family members, and (4) access to tickets to various sporting, civic, cultural, charity and entertainment events if the event tickets are not otherwise being used for business purposes. For further information on perquisites received by the named executive officers in 2010, please refer to the "All Other Compensation" column of the Summary Compensation Table below.

        The Committee has determined to offer the above-described personal benefits and perquisites in order to attract and retain the named executive officers by offering compensation opportunities that are competitive with the Company's peers. The Committee believes these benefits and perquisites provide a more tangible incentive than an equivalent amount of cash compensation. In determining total compensation payable to the named executive officers for 2010, the Committee considered these benefits and perquisites. However, as these benefits and perquisites represent a relatively insignificant portion of the named executive officers' total compensation, they did not materially influence the Committee's decision in setting such officers' total compensation.

Equity Compensation Program in General

        The Company maintains an equity compensation program for key employees, including the named executive officers, in order to attract and retain employees who contribute to the Company's success, to provide incentives that enhance job performance, and to enable those persons to participate in the long-term success of the Company. In recent years, these awards have been in the form of restricted stock.

        The Committee sets the purchase price, if any, of restricted stock in its discretion and restricted stock awards typically vest in 33¹/3% increments annually, beginning on the second anniversary of the grant date. As disclosed in this and prior years, a limited number of awards have been granted that vest in 20% and 50% increments annually, beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. To date, the Committee has not granted any awards of restricted stock with a purchase price. All restricted stock awards are classified in the Company's financial statements as equity awards.

        The Committee has approved, and will continue to approve, all grants of equity compensation. Although Company management, including the Chief Executive Officer, makes recommendations to the Committee from time to time on the form and amount of equity incentive awards to be granted to Company employees, such awards are approved by the Committee; the Committee does not expect to delegate such approval authority to the Company's executive officers or any subcommittee in the foreseeable future. Additionally, the Committee determines the grant date of all equity incentive awards; the Company's executive officers may not unilaterally select the grant date of awards. In February 2010, at the same time the Committee approved the 2010 performance goals, the Committee set the grant date for

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the named executive officers' 2010 equity incentive awards as December 2010. The 2010 equity incentive awards for the named executive officers were granted on December 31, 2010, the last business day of the year and the last day of the performance period for which the incentive awards were earned. Equity incentive awards for all awardees, other than participants in the Executive Incentive Plan, are awarded on April 2^nd of each year. The named executive officers receive their equity incentive awards in December, in lieu of April, for administrative purposes only.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, grants of equity incentive awards have been made in months other than December and April on a very limited basis, but these occurrences did not involve grants to executive officers as an isolated group. The Company does not have a formal policy on timing equity incentive awards in connection with the release of material non-public information to affect the value of compensation. In the event that material non-public information becomes known to the Committee prior to granting equity incentive awards, the Committee will take the existence of such information under advisement and make an assessment in its business judgment whether to delay the grant of the award in order to avoid any impropriety.

Tax Considerations

        Section 162(m) places a limit of $1,000,000 on the amount of compensation the Company may deduct for federal income tax purposes in any one year with respect to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the next three most highly compensated officers, excluding the Chief Financial Officer. However, compensation that is "performance-based" (i.e., compensation that is paid pursuant to pre-established objective performance goals that are based on criteria approved by the stockholders and is determined and administered by the Committee according to related regulations) is excluded from this $1,000,000 limitation and is deductible by the Company.

        In reviewing the effectiveness of the executive compensation program, the Committee considers the anticipated tax treatment to the Company and to the named executive officers of various payments and benefits, including deductibility under Section 162(m). However, the deductibility of certain compensation payments depends upon the timing of an executive's vesting or exercise of previously granted awards, as well as interpretations and changes in the tax laws and other factors beyond the Committee's control. For these and other reasons, including to maintain flexibility in compensating the named executive officers in a manner designed to promote varying corporate goals, the Committee will not necessarily, or in all circumstances, limit executive compensation to that which is deductible under Section 162(m) and has not adopted a policy requiring all compensation to be deductible.

        Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code disallows the deduction of any "excess parachute payment" paid in connection with certain change in control events. A portion of the amount payable to Mr. Herrmann pursuant to his Change in Control Employment Agreement with the Company, including the excise tax gross-up described below, may constitute an "excess parachute payment" and will not be deductible by the Company. In contrast to Section 162(m), amounts payable in connection with a change in control transaction cannot easily be designed to avoid treatment as "excess parachute payments." Although the Committee is aware of the possibility of a lost deduction in connection with these payments and intends to take reasonable actions to preserve the deductibility of amounts payable to Mr. Herrmann to the extent possible, as further described in "Change in Control Employment Agreement with the Chief Executive Officer" below, the Committee does not believe it is appropriate for tax considerations to be determinative in the design of Mr. Herrmann's agreement.

        The Committee will consider various alternatives to preserving the deductibility of compensation payments and benefits to the extent reasonably practicable and to the extent consistent with its other compensation objectives. To this end, the Committee annually establishes performance criteria in an effort to ensure deductibility of the cash and equity incentive awards made under the Executive Incentive Plan. Base salary does not qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m).

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Stock Ownership Guidelines

        To reinforce the importance of aligning the financial interests of the Company's directors and named executive officers with stockholders, the Board has approved minimum stock ownership guidelines for the directors and named executive officers. Directors are required to maintain stock ownership equal in value to five times such director's annual cash retainer. The Chief Executive Officer is required to maintain stock ownership equal in value to five times his base salary and the other named executive officers are required to maintain stock ownership equal in value to three times their base salary. The value of minimum stock ownership that must be maintained is based upon, and shall be fixed at, the annual cash retainer or base salary paid at the time such director or executive officer initially becomes subject to such ownership guidelines. Directors and executive officers are expected to be in compliance with the applicable ownership level within five years of becoming subject to the ownership guidelines. Stock ownership includes shares of the Company's Class A common stock over which a director or executive officer has direct or indirect ownership or control, including restricted stock or funds invested in the Company's 401(k) stock fund, but does not include shares underlying stock options. Currently, all of our directors and executive officers are in compliance with these stock ownership guidelines.

Change in Control Employment Agreement with the Chief Executive Officer

        In December 2001, the Company entered into a Change in Control Employment Agreement with Mr. Herrmann (the "Agreement"). Except for Mr. Herrmann, none of the other named executive officers are a party to a change in control agreement.

        The Agreement provides for what is commonly referred to as a "double-trigger," which requires that both (1) a "change in control," and (2) the termination of Mr. Herrmann's employment must occur before Mr. Herrmann receives any benefits under the agreement. Mr. Herrmann is not eligible to participate in our Severance Pay Plan for Home Office Employees. The only severance protection provided to Mr. Herrmann is upon a qualifying termination of his employment following a change in control of the Company.

        The Committee has determined that it is in the best interest of the stockholders to maintain this agreement in light of Mr. Herrmann's depth of knowledge, experience and tenure with the Company, his status as a leader within the Company and the industry, and the need to ensure stable management during any potential change in control. The Committee does not view the potential benefits conferred by the Agreement as additional elements of compensation due to the fact that a change of control may never occur. The Committee believes that the agreement permits Mr. Herrmann to focus his attention and energy on the Company's business without any distractions regarding the effects of a change in control, and assists the Company in maximizing stockholder value by allowing Mr. Herrmann to participate in an objective review of any proposed transaction and whether such proposal is in the best interest of the stockholders.

        None of the information related to this agreement and reviewed by the Committee was used in determining Mr. Herrmann's compensation. The Agreement stands on its own and was not related to any overall compensation objectives at the time it was adopted, other than retention, and did not affect the Committee's decisions regarding other compensation elements.

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Cash Severance and Benefit Continuation: The Agreement provides a lump sum cash payment equal to 2.99 times Mr. Herrmann's base salary and annual bonus and the continuation of benefits under our benefit and insurance plans for a period of three years following termination. Change in control events frequently result in internal restructuring and the termination of executive management employees. The Committee believes it is appropriate and in the best interests of our stockholders to ensure that Mr. Herrmann will receive a payment equal to his base salary and annual bonus and to receive the benefit continuation that he would, but for his termination, have received during a fixed period following the change in control. Pursuant to the terms of the

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agreement, this period is three years, which the Committee believes is appropriate because it provides a substantial, but not an excessive, payment to Mr. Herrmann if he incurs a qualifying termination following a change in control.

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Additional Retirement Benefits: The Agreement also provides a lump sum cash payment equal to the excess of the actuarial equivalent of the benefits he would have received under the Company's Pension Plan and SERP had his employment with the Company continued for three years after the date of termination over the actuarial equivalent of his benefits actually paid or payable under such plans. The period during which these benefits are provided is the same fixed period described above with respect to cash severance and benefits continuation. Pursuant to the same rationale as described above, the Committee believes it is appropriate to provide to Mr. Herrmann an approximation of the tax-qualified and non-qualified retirement benefits he would have received had he continued employment with the Company for the same three year period of time determined to be appropriate by the Committee.



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Extended Exercise Period for Options: Pursuant to the Agreement, all vested equity-based awards granted under the Company's stock incentive plans will be exercisable for the remainder of their respective terms. Our stock option awards generally remain exercisable for a period of three months following a termination of employment with "cause" (as defined below) by the Company. All of Mr. Herrmann's outstanding stock options were exercised prior to December 31, 2009.



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Pro Rata Bonus: In 2009, the Agreement was amended to modify the calculation of the lump sum payment to Mr. Herrmann intended to approximate his annual cash incentive bonus. The amendment was necessary to preserve the Company's tax deduction under Section 162(m) for the annual incentive bonus payment to Mr. Herrmann. Instead of paying Mr. Herrmann his target bonus for the year of termination, he will receive a lump sum payment equal to the highest annual incentive bonus paid to him in the three-year period ending on the date of his termination. The payment will be pro rated for the number of days worked by Mr. Herrmann in the year of termination. Mr. Herrmann's actual bonus for such year had he not been terminated could be more or less than the amount payable to him pursuant to the amendment.



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Tax Gross-Up Payment: The Agreement provides for a tax gross-up payment in the event Mr. Herrmann is subject to the excise tax imposed on certain "excess parachute payments." The Committee believes that the tax gross-up provisions of the Agreement are appropriate to ensure that Mr. Herrmann receives the full value of the payments and benefits available under the Agreement. The Committee believes that the Agreement is structured to provide balanced and appropriate post-change in control severance benefits that eliminate any potential tension between the interests of our Chief Executive Officer and our stockholders. The imposition of the punitive taxes imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code on "excess parachute payments" significantly and adversely upsets that balance. Therefore, the Committee believes it is necessary, in order to satisfy its objectives in entering into the Agreement, to shield Mr. Herrmann from the negative tax consequences imposed on "excess parachute payments."

        For a further description of the Agreement and potential payments thereunder, see "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change In Control" below.

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Executive Compensation in 2011

        In December 2010, Mr. Herrmann recommended to the Committee that executive salaries be increased from 2010 levels for Messrs. Connealy, Avery, Butch and Schulte. Based on Mr. Herrmann's recommendations, the Committee approved salary increases of 4.7%, on average, for fiscal year 2011.

        On February 22, 2011, the Committee approved the 2011 performance goals pursuant to which performance-based incentive awards may be awarded to senior executive officers participating in the Executive Incentive Plan. Any such awards will be based on a cash bonus pool equal to 6% of our adjusted operating income and a 420,000 share restricted stock bonus pool that will be calculated in the same manner as awards granted for 2010. Participants in the Executive Incentive Plan will be eligible to receive allocations ranging from 10% to 35% of the cash bonus pool and 10% to 25% of the restricted stock bonus pool, as determined by the Committee. See "Analysis of 2010 Compensation" above for further information on the methodology under which 2011 awards will be calculated.

        The foregoing discussion primarily describes the compensation philosophies, principles and practices the Committee utilized in setting executive compensation for the 2010 fiscal year. In the future, as the Committee continues to review each element of the executive compensation program, these philosophies, principles and practices may change.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation

        The following table summarizes total compensation awarded, paid or earned by our named executive officers who served in such capacities during 2008, 2009 and 2010.

        The named executive officers were not entitled to receive payments characterized as "Bonus" payments for the 2008, 2009 and 2010 fiscal years. Amounts reflected under "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" are performance-based cash incentive awards determined by the Compensation Committee in December of the respective year, based on performance goals set in February of the respective year.

        The named executive officers' aggregate base salaries accounted for, on average, approximately 14% of their total compensation for 2010.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

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        The direct costs of executive financial, tax or estate planning; country club membership dues; convention allowance; the value of personal use of corporate aircraft (based upon SIFL rates); tax gross-up reimbursements; and Mr. Herrmann's split-dollar life insurance policy are imputed to the named executive officers, as applicable, and included as taxable income on their W-2.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

        The following table reflects estimated possible payouts under incentive plans to the named executive officers during 2010. The Company's cash and equity incentive awards are granted to participants in the Executive Incentive Plan based upon pre-established performance goals set annually by the Compensation Committee with a performance period equal to the fiscal year for which the performance goals are set. The Executive Incentive Plan is an annual plan; both cash and equity incentive awards are determined, and generally paid (in the case of cash incentive awards) and granted (in the case of equity incentive awards) in the same fiscal year that such awards were earned.

        The named executive officers are eligible to earn a maximum cash and equity incentive award for the fiscal year, calculated as certain percentages of the cash bonus pool and the restricted stock bonus pool assigned to each named executive officer. For 2010, Messrs. Herrmann, Connealy, Avery, Butch and Schulte were eligible to receive a maximum of 32%, 9%, 17%, 15% and 9%, respectively, of the cash bonus pool and 20%, 11%, 19%, 17% and 11%, respectively, of the restricted stock bonus pool.

        Dividends are paid on awards of restricted stock at the same rate as is paid to all stockholders generally, including a dividend of $0.19 per share per quarter in 2010. In 2010, Messrs. Herrmann, Connealy, Avery, Butch and Schulte received $109,693, $97,010, $167,590, $156,553 and $94,394, respectively, in dividends on unvested shares of restricted stock. Pursuant to ASC 718, the right to receive dividends is included in the calculation of the grant date fair value of the equity incentive awards set forth in the following table.

        For more detailed information regarding awards paid to the named executive officers, please refer to "Analysis of 2010 Compensation" set forth in the "Compensation Discussion & Analysis" above.

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2010 GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS TABLE

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Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal Year-End

        The following table reflects outstanding stock options and shares of restricted stock held by the named executive officers as of December 31, 2010, the value of which is determined based on the number of shares of restricted stock granted and the $35.29 closing market price of the Company's Class A common stock on December 31, 2010.

2010 OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END TABLE