Waddell & Reed, Inc. Partners with Key Institutional Managers to Launch New Advisory Program

In a continuing expansion of its advisory product lineup, Waddell &
Reed, Inc. has introduced a new third-party strategist program that
offers a wide range of portfolios, including both exchange-traded fund
(ETF) and mutual fund options.

The advisory program, called Guided Investment Strategies, gives
advisors wide flexibility to meet differing investor needs, with 48
different investment models to choose from, including 20 tax-sensitive
options, each individually managed by BlackRock, State Street Global
Advisors or Wilshire Associates Incorporated (“Wilshire”).

“Guided Investment Strategies offers simple, scalable, competitively
priced portfolio solutions that help advisors reduce the time they spend
on investment portfolio construction and administrative duties, allowing
them to spend more time with clients,” said Shawn Mihal, president of
Waddell & Reed, Inc. “Studies have shown that high-performing advisors
spend less time managing client portfolios, as they put a priority on
building relationships with clients and creating financial plans.”

Guided Investment Strategies offers a range of tactical portfolios that
can respond rapidly to potential short-term opportunities in the
marketplace, along with dynamic portfolios that can adjust frequently to
various market conditions. This table highlights the range of options:

Mihal added that the program is unique in both its combination of
industry-leading portfolio managers, and its variety of portfolios with
choices between both ETFs and mutual funds.

“Advisors can select a portfolio that specifically suits a client’s
personal situation and financial goals,” he said. “Not only can they
target the nuance of each situation, such as risk tolerance, the
preference for a dynamic or tactical portfolio, comfort level with
mutual funds or ETFs, tax concerns -- they can do so while providing
institutionally managed solutions.”

Mihal noted that the broadening of Waddell & Reed’s advisory product
lineup and providers is another step in the evolution of the Waddell &
Reed broker-dealer, as announced
in November, collectively focused on technological enhancements, product
expansion and broadening advisor support as the firm moves toward an
industry-standard model. The broker-dealer is one of the pioneers of the
planning industry, founded more than 80 years ago.

While the ETFs are offered and managed by each institutional manager,
the mutual funds are offered within Waddell & Reed’s SPAPlus
program, which comprises access to an array of world-class asset
managers, including mutual fund options from Ivy Investments, Lord
Abbett, MFS, PIMCO and T. Rowe Price. Waddell & Reed has retained
Wilshire Associates to develop model portfolios, and use its proprietary
screening process to determine the best options for each. The model
portfolios are maintained by Wilshire on an ongoing basis; changes are
made to both the asset allocations and underlying funds as needed.

About Waddell & Reed

Founded in 1937, Waddell & Reed, Inc. is one of the oldest financial
planning firms in the U.S., providing total planning services to clients
throughout the United States through a network of independent financial
advisors. It is a subsidiary of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (NYSE:
WDR).

Consider all factors. Please remember that an investment in a
managed portfolio involves risk. The investment return and principal
value of an investment will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be
worth more or less than their original cost. ETFs are different than
mutual funds in that ETFs trade like stocks, fluctuate in market value
and may trade at prices above or below the ETFs’ net asset value. The
portfolios’ risks are directly related to the risks of the underlying
investments. Asset allocation strategies do not assure a profit and do
not protect against loss.

Financial advisory services are made available through Waddell & Reed,
Inc., in its capacity as a registered investment adviser. To determine
which Waddell & Reed investment advisory product is most appropriate for
you depending on your needs and for a full description of all managed
account products and services, including fees and expenses, review the
Advisory Services Brochure (Form ADV Part 2) available from your
financial advisor.

IVY INVESTMENTS® refers to the investment management and investment
advisory services offered by Ivy Investment Management Company, the
financial services offered by Ivy Distributors, Inc., a FINRA member
Broker/Dealer and the distributor of IVY FUNDS® mutual funds and the
financial services offered by their affiliates. Waddell & Reed Inc. is
not affiliated with Wilshire Associates Inc., BlackRock or State Street
Global Advisors.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services are offered through Waddell
& Reed, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC and Federally
Registered Investment Advisor.

Before investing, investors should consider carefully the investment
objectives, risks, charges and expenses of a mutual fund or
exchange-traded fund (ETF). This and other important information is
contained in the prospectus and summary prospectus, which may be
obtained at waddell.com or from a financial advisor. Read it carefully
before investing.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190131005088/en/