Quarterly Report


Table of Contents

 
 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549
 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

     
þ   Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the Quarterly Period Ended June 24, 2005

OR

     
o   Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from ___________ to ___________

Commission file number: 0-49992

 

AMERITRADE HOLDING CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  82-0543156
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

4211 South 102 nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska
68127

(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(402) 331-7856
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past ninety days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes þ No o

As of July 15, 2005, there were 404,771,569 outstanding shares of the registrant’s Common Stock.

 
 

 


AMERITRADE HOLDING CORPORATION

INDEX

                 
            Page No.  
               
       
 
       
Item 1.          
            3  
            4  
            5  
            6  
            7  
       
 
       
Item 2.       16  
       
 
       
Item 3.       24  
       
 
       
Item 4.       25  
       
 
       
               
       
 
       
Item 1.       25  
       
 
       
Item 2.       26  
       
 
       
Item 6.       27  
       
 
       
            28  
  Executive Employment Agreement
  Executive Employment Agreement
  Awareness Letter of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  Section 302 Certification
  Section 302 Certification
  Section 906 Certification

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Part I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. –Financial Statements

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors
Ameritrade Holding Corporation
Omaha, Nebraska

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Ameritrade Holding Corporation and subsidiaries (collectively “the Company”) as of June 24, 2005, and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended June 24, 2005 and June 25, 2004, and of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended June 24, 2005 and June 25, 2004. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have previously audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Ameritrade Holding Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 24, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated December 9, 2004, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 24, 2004 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Omaha, Nebraska
July 22, 2005

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Ameritrade Holding Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share amounts)

                 
    June 24,     September 24,  
    2005     2004  
ASSETS
               
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 267,316     $ 137,392  
Short-term investments
    20,000       17,950  
Cash and investments segregated in compliance with federal regulations
    7,757,897       7,802,575  
Receivable from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations
    3,837,529       2,818,726  
Receivable from clients and correspondents - net of allowance for doubtful accounts
    3,440,170       3,100,572  
Property and equipment - net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
    28,292       29,870  
Goodwill
    769,347       770,094  
Acquired intangible assets - net of accumulated amortization
    263,426       247,052  
Investments in equity securities
    64,583       73,759  
Other assets
    57,311       279,031  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 16,505,871     $ 15,277,021  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Liabilities:
               
Payable to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations
  $ 4,563,519     $ 3,441,802  
Payable to clients and correspondents
    10,251,193       10,322,539  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    143,581       146,108  
Prepaid variable forward derivative instrument
    16,912       28,738  
Prepaid variable forward contract obligation
    39,058       37,803  
Deferred income taxes
    89,485       89,123  
 
           
Total liabilities
    15,103,748       14,066,113  
 
           
Commitments and contingencies
               
 
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
           
Common Stock, $0.01 par value; 650,000,000 shares authorized; 435,081,860 shares issued
    4,351       4,351  
Additional paid-in capital
    1,182,943       1,195,218  
Retained earnings
    568,756       330,519  
Treasury stock, Common, at cost - June 24, 2005 - 30,554,697 shares; Sept. 24, 2004 - 27,871,600 shares
    (383,423 )     (346,060 )
Deferred compensation
    941       993  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    28,555       25,887  
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,402,123       1,210,908  
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 16,505,871     $ 15,277,021  
 
           

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Ameritrade Holding Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    June 24,     June 25,     June 24,     June 25,  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
Revenues:
                               
Commissions and clearing fees
  $ 113,077     $ 136,231     $ 394,596     $ 457,635  
 
                               
Interest revenue
    137,396       71,302       366,797       200,144  
Brokerage interest expense
    38,678       8,604       93,526       26,768  
 
                       
Net interest revenue
    98,718       62,698       273,271       173,376  
 
                               
Other
    22,559       21,063       60,973       62,285  
 
                       
Net revenues
    234,354       219,992       728,840       693,296  
 
                       
 
                               
Expenses:
                               
Employee compensation and benefits
    43,972       40,384       130,811       118,588  
Clearing and execution costs
    7,181       8,260       20,081       24,155  
Communications
    8,307       10,936       27,203       31,382  
Occupancy and equipment costs
    12,424       10,720       33,018       32,080  
Depreciation and amortization
    5,897       5,897       17,543       17,458  
Professional services
    7,947       8,957       26,722       24,053  
Interest on borrowings
    497       565       1,503       1,959  
Loss/(gain) on disposal of property
    26       (199 )     (220 )     (575 )
Other
    4,041       5,254       13,146       16,607  
Advertising
    21,672       27,197       72,307       80,414  
 
                       
Total expenses
    111,964       117,971       342,114       346,121  
 
                       
Pre-tax income
    122,390       102,021       386,726       347,175  
Provision for income taxes
    47,718       39,763       148,489       132,023  
 
                       
Net income
  $ 74,672     $ 62,258     $ 238,237     $ 215,152  
 
                       
 
                               
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.19     $ 0.15     $ 0.59     $ 0.51  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.18     $ 0.15     $ 0.58     $ 0.50  
 
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
    403,017       415,252       403,911       420,599  
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
    411,074       424,002       412,250       430,386  

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Ameritrade Holding Corporation and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    June 24, 2005     June 25, 2004  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 238,237     $ 215,152  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    7,324       8,469  
Amortization of acquired intangible assets
    10,219       8,989  
Deferred income taxes
    (699 )     (1,008 )
Gain on disposal of property
    (220 )     (575 )
Loss on debt retirement
          791  
Other non-cash expenses, net
    2,666       1,825  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Cash and investments segregated in compliance with federal regulations
    44,678       187,641  
Brokerage receivables
    (1,358,386 )     (1,030,228 )
Other assets
    221,727       (239,356 )
Brokerage payables
    1,050,371       1,129,936  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    9,237       (16,199 )
 
           
Net cash flows from operating activities
    225,154       265,437  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of property and equipment
    (6,217 )     (6,011 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
          15  
Cash paid in business combinations, net
    (25,919 )     (56,350 )
Purchase of short-term investments
    (246,625 )     (55,975 )
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
    244,575       55,975  
Proceeds from sale of investments in equity securities
    807        
Purchase of investments in equity securities
    (185 )     (36 )
 
           
Net cash flows from investing activities
    (33,564 )     (62,382 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from notes payable
    280,000       42,500  
Principal payments on notes payable
    (280,000 )     (89,328 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    15,281       13,103  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (77,229 )     (288,633 )
Payments received on stockholder loans
          428  
 
           
Net cash flows from financing activities
    (61,948 )     (321,930 )
 
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    282       8  
 
           
 
               
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    129,924       (118,867 )
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    137,392       248,623  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 267,316     $ 129,756  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental cash flow information:
               
Interest paid
  $ 87,776     $ 29,142  
Income taxes paid
  $ 131,318     $ 128,672  
 
               
Noncash investing and financing activities:
               
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options
  $ 11,885     $ 12,154  

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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AMERITRADE HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Three-Month and Nine-Month Periods Ended June 24, 2005 and June 25, 2004
(Unaudited)
(Columnar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ameritrade Holding Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

These financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which are all of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2004.

The Company has changed its classification of investments in auction rate securities from cash and cash equivalents to short-term investments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Auction rate securities are long-term variable rate bonds tied to short-term interest rates that are reset through a “Dutch auction” process which occurs every seven to 35 days. Holders of auction rate securities may liquidate their holdings to prospective buyers by participating in the auctions. The Company previously accounted for auction rate securities as cash equivalents because they are highly liquid due to the auction process. On March 4, 2005, the SEC issued guidance regarding the classification of investments in auction rate securities. The SEC’s guidance indicates that auction rate securities do not qualify as cash equivalents because they have long-term maturity dates and there is no guarantee that holders will be able to liquidate their holdings through the auction process. Accordingly, the Company has reclassified approximately $18.0 million of investments in auction rate securities from cash and cash equivalents to short-term investments as of September 24, 2004. Purchases and sales of auction rate securities are presented as investing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

Certain items in prior year condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“No. 123R”). SFAS No. 123R is a revision of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation , and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB No. 25”), and its related implementation guidance. SFAS No. 123R establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. It also addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments. SFAS No. 123R requires public entities to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). That cost will be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award—the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). SFAS No. 123R was originally scheduled to be effective as of the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005 for public entities that do not file as small business issuers. On April 14, 2005, the SEC announced the adoption of a new rule amending the compliance date to the beginning of the first annual reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005 for public entities that do not file as small business issuers. Therefore, SFAS No. 123R will be effective for the Company’s next fiscal year beginning October 1, 2005. As of the required effective date, public entities will apply SFAS No. 123R using a modified version of the prospective transition method. Under that transition method, compensation cost is recognized on or after the required effective date for the portion of outstanding awards for which the requisite service has not yet been rendered, based on the grant-date fair value of those awards calculated under SFAS No. 123 for either recognition or pro forma disclosures. The Company estimates adoption of SFAS No. 123R will result in additional stock-based compensation expense for the unvested portion of awards previously accounted for under APB No. 25 of approximately $5.6 million for the Company’s fiscal year ending September 29, 2006.

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2. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, GOODWILL AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLE ASSETS

On June 22, 2005, the Company entered into an Agreement of Sale and Purchase (the “Purchase Agreement”) with The Toronto-Dominion Bank, a Canadian chartered bank (“TD”), pursuant to which Ameritrade agreed to purchase from TD (the “Share Purchase”) all of the capital stock of TD Waterhouse Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of TD (“Waterhouse”), in exchange for 193,600,000 shares of Company Common Stock and $20,000 in cash. The shares of Common Stock issuable to TD in the Share Purchase will represent approximately 32% of the outstanding shares of the Company after giving effect to the transaction. In connection with the acquisition, the Company will change its name to TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation effective at the completion of the transaction.

The Purchase Agreement specifies that, prior to the consummation of the Share Purchase, Waterhouse will conduct a reorganization in which it will transfer its Canadian retail securities brokerage business and TD Waterhouse Bank, N.A. to TD such that, at the time of consummation of the Share Purchase, Waterhouse will retain only its United States retail securities brokerage business. Waterhouse will also distribute to TD any excess capital of Waterhouse above certain thresholds prior to the consummation of the Share Purchase. The Purchase Agreement further contemplates that the Company will pay a special cash dividend of $6.00 per share in respect of the shares of Company Common Stock outstanding prior to the consummation of the Share Purchase.

Consummation of the Share Purchase is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory and stockholder approvals and the Company’s ability to pay the special cash dividend of $6.00 per share, and is expected to occur by early calendar 2006.

The Purchase Agreement contains certain termination rights for both the Company and TD and further provides that, upon termination of the Purchase Agreement under specified circumstances, the Company may be required to pay TD a termination fee of $97 million. In connection with the Purchase Agreement, TD was given rights to have its shares registered for resale with the SEC, and TD licensed the Company to use the “TD” name in connection with the operation of the TD Ameritrade business. The parties also agreed to establish bank sweep account and mutual fund relationships.

In connection with the Purchase Agreement, the Company; TD; and J. Joe Ricketts, the Company’s Chairman and Founder, and certain of his affiliates also entered into a Stockholders Agreement (the “Stockholders Agreement”). The Stockholders Agreement sets forth certain governance arrangements and contains various provisions relating to stock ownership, voting, election of directors and other matters. The Stockholders Agreement also contemplates changes to the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws to give effect to and facilitate the provisions contained in the Stockholders Agreement.

In addition, the Company and TD also entered into a stock purchase agreement which provides for the purchase by TD of Ameritrade Canada, Inc. for $60 million in cash. After the consummation of the Share Purchase, the Company will not compete or own any portion of a business that competes with TD in Canada (including in the retail securities brokerage business).

On October 8, 2004, the Company completed the purchase of approximately 45,000 retail client accounts from JB Oxford & Company, a subsidiary of JB Oxford Holdings, Inc. The purchase price was approximately $25.9 million. The entire purchase price has been allocated to acquired intangible assets for the fair value of the JB Oxford client relationships. This intangible asset is being amortized over a 20-year period.

The Company has recorded goodwill for purchase business combinations to the extent the purchase price of each acquisition exceeded the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the acquired company. The following table summarizes changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended June 24, 2005:

                         
    Private Client     All        
    Division     Other     Total  
Balance as of September 24, 2004
  $ 770,005     $ 89     $ 770,094  
 
                       
Purchase accounting adjustments, net of income taxes (1)
    476             476  
Tax benefit of option exercises (2)
    (1,223 )           (1,223 )
 
                 
Balance as of June 24, 2005
  $ 769,258     $ 89     $ 769,347  
 
                 
 
(1)   Purchase accounting adjustments consist of approximately $1.2 million of adjustments to liabilities relating to the Company’s January 2004 acquisition of Bidwell & Company, partially offset by an adjustment to reclassify approximately $0.7 million of the purchase price of the Bidwell acquisition to acquired intangible assets for the Bidwell client relationships.

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(2)   Represents the tax benefit of exercises of replacement stock options that were issued in connection with the Datek Online Holdings Corp. (“Datek”) merger. The tax benefit of an option exercise is recorded as a reduction of goodwill to the extent the Company recorded fair value of the replacement option in the purchase accounting. To the extent any gain realized on an option exercise exceeds the fair value of the replacement option recorded in the purchase accounting, the tax benefit on the excess is recorded as additional paid-in capital.

The Company’s acquired intangible assets consist primarily of client relationship intangible assets and had a carrying value of $263.4 million, net of $34.6 million of accumulated amortization as of June 24, 2005. The Company estimates amortization expense on existing acquired intangible assets will be $3.7 million for the remainder of fiscal 2005 and approximately $13.8 million for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.

3. INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY SECURITIES

The Company’s investments in equity securities consist primarily of ownership of approximately 7.9 million shares of Knight Capital Group, Inc. (“Knight”), representing approximately seven percent of Knight’s outstanding common shares as of June 24, 2005. Knight is a publicly held company that is a market maker in equity securities. The Company accounts for its investment in Knight as a marketable equity security available-for-sale. As of June 24, 2005 and September 24, 2004, the Company’s investment in Knight was valued at $61.4 million and $72.8 million, respectively. The Company’s cost basis is $0.7 million; therefore the gross unrealized gain was $60.7 million and $72.1 million at June 24, 2005 and September 24, 2004, respectively.

During fiscal 2003, the Company and a counterparty entered into a series of prepaid variable forward contracts on the Knight shares. The forward contracts mature on various dates in fiscal years 2006 and 2007. The forward contracts each contain a zero-cost embedded collar on the value of the Knight shares, with a weighted average floor price of $5.13 per share and a weighted average cap price of $6.17 per share. The Company has designated the forward contracts as cash flow hedges of the forecasted future sales of 7.9 million Knight shares. Accordingly, all changes in the fair value of the embedded collars are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of income taxes. As of June 24, 2005 and September 24, 2004, the total fair value of the embedded collars was approximately $16.9 million and $28.7 million, respectively, and was included under the caption “Prepaid variable forward derivative instrument” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments in equity securities, liabilities associated with the prepaid variable forward contracts, and related deferred income tax effects (see Note 11 for a complete summary of comprehensive income):

                         
                    Effect on Other  
    June 24,     September 24,     Comprehensive  
    2005     2004     Income  
Assets
                       
Investment in Knight
  $ 61,440     $ 72,827     $ (11,387 )
Investment in The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (1)
          447       (447 )
Investment in International Securities Exchange, Inc.
    2,920       447       2,473  
Original cost of investment in Nasdaq (1)
    N/A       N/A       855  
Realized loss on sale of investment in Nasdaq (1)
    N/A       N/A       (48 )
 
                   
Total marketable equity securities
    64,360       73,721       N/A  
Other investments
    223       38       N/A  
 
                   
Total investments in equity securities
  $ 64,583     $ 73,759       N/A  
 
                 
Total effect of investments in equity securities on other comprehensive income
                  $ (8,554 )
 
                     
Liabilities
                       
Prepaid variable forward derivative instrument
  $ (16,912 )   $ (28,738 )   $ 11,826  
 
                 
Prepaid variable forward contract obligation
  $ (39,058 )   $ (37,803 )     N/A  
 
                   
Deferred income taxes on unrealized (gains)/losses:
                       
Marketable equity securities
  $ (24,325 )   $ (27,958 )   $ 3,633  
Derivative instrument
    6,511       11,208       (4,697 )
Tax effect of realized loss on sale of investment in Nasdaq (1)
    N/A       N/A       18  
 
                   
Deferred income taxes on unrealized (gains)/losses, net
  $ (17,814 )   $ (16,750 )     N/A  
 
                 
Total effect of deferred income taxes on other comprehensive income
                  $ (1,046 )
 
                     
 
(1)   The Company sold its investment in Nasdaq in March 2005 for approximately $807,000, resulting in a realized pre-tax loss on the sale of approximately $48,000.

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4. ACQUISITION EXIT LIABILITIES

The following table summarizes activity in the Company’s acquisition exit liabilities for the three-month and nine-month periods ended June 24, 2005:

                                 
    Three Months Ended June 24, 2005  
                    Paid and        
    Balance at     Restructuring     Charged Against     Balance at  
    Mar. 25, 2005     Charges     Liability     June 24, 2005  
Employee compensation and benefits
  $ 136     $     $     $ 136  
Occupancy and equipment costs
    4,533             420       4,113  
 
                       
Total acquisition exit liabilities
  $ 4,669     $     $ 420     $ 4,249  
 
                       
                                         
    Nine Months Ended June 24, 2005  
                    Paid and        
    Balance at     Restructuring     Charged Against     Balance at  
    Sept. 24, 2004     Charges     Liability     June 24, 2005  
Employee compensation and benefits
  $ 577     $     $ 441     $ 136  
Occupancy and equipment costs
    5,113       216       1,216       4,113  
 
                       
 
                               
Total acquisition exit liabilities
  $ 5,690     $ 216     $ 1,657     $ 4,249  
 
                       

Acquisition employee compensation liabilities are expected to be paid over contractual periods ending in fiscal 2009. Remaining acquisition occupancy and equipment exit liabilities are expected to be utilized over the respective lease periods through fiscal 2011.

5. CREDIT FACILITIES

On December 13, 2004, the Company entered into an amendment to its revolving credit agreement. The revolving credit agreement, as amended, permits borrowings of up to $105 million through December 12, 2005, and is secured primarily by the Company’s stock in its subsidiaries and personal property. The interest rate on borrowings is equal to one month LIBOR (determined monthly) plus a spread (determined quarterly) of 1.75 percent or 2.00 percent based on a specified financial ratio. At June 24, 2005, the interest rate on the revolving credit agreement would have been 4.89 percent. The Company also pays a commitment fee of 0.25 percent of the unused credit facility through the maturity date. The Company had no outstanding indebtedness under the revolving credit agreement at June 24, 2005 and no outstanding indebtedness under the prior revolving credit agreement at September 24, 2004. The revolving credit agreement contains certain covenants and restrictions, including maintenance of a minimum level of net worth, requiring prior written consent of the revolving lenders for certain business combinations and investments, and prohibiting the payment of cash dividends to stockholders. The Company was in compliance with or obtained waivers for all covenants under the revolving credit agreements.

The Company, through its wholly owned broker-dealer subsidiary Ameritrade, Inc., had access to secured uncommitted credit facilities with financial institutions of up to $180 million as of June 24, 2005 and September 24, 2004. Ameritrade, Inc. also had access to an unsecured uncommitted credit facility of up to $310 million as of June 24, 2005 and September 24, 2004. The financial institutions may make loans under line of credit arrangements or, in some cases, issue letters of credit under these facilities. The secured credit facilities require the Company to pledge qualified client securities to secure outstanding obligations under these facilities. Borrowings under the secured and unsecured credit facilities bear interest at a variable rate based on the federal funds rate. There were no borrowings outstanding or letters of credit issued under the secured or unsecured credit facilities as of June 24, 2005 or September 24, 2004. As of June 24, 2005 and September 24, 2004, approximately $490 million was available to Ameritrade, Inc. for either loans or, in some cases, letters of credit.

6. NET CAPITAL

The Company’s broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to the SEC Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital, as defined. Net capital and the related net capital requirement may fluctuate on a daily basis.

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Reflecting the effect of a regulatory matter related to an insured deposit sweep program discussed in the following paragraphs, the Company’s broker-dealer subsidiaries had aggregate net capital of $388.2 million and $30.6 million as of June 24, 2005 and September 24, 2004, respectively, resulting in excess aggregate minimum net capital of $308.6 million as of June 24, 2005 and an aggregate net capital deficiency of $40.3 million as of September 24, 2004. Excluding the effect of the regulatory matter, the Company’s aggregate net capital would have been $262.3 million as of September 24, 2004, which would have exceeded aggregate minimum net capital requirements by $191.4 million.

On November 12, 2004, the Company’s broker-dealer subsidiary Ameritrade, Inc. was notified by the staff of the NASD and the staff of the SEC Division of Market Regulation (collectively the “Staffs”) that they believe that for regulatory purposes certain funds held in banks on behalf of clients are liabilities and assets of Ameritrade, Inc. rather than liabilities and assets only of the banks. The resulting assets have not been allowed for purposes of Ameritrade, Inc.’s regulatory net capital calculation. Accordingly, in the Staffs’ view Ameritrade, Inc.’s net capital was below its minimum amount required under Exchange Act Rule 15c3-1. Ameritrade, Inc. cured the asserted deficiency on November 15, 2004, the first business day following the notification.

The asserted deficiency was based upon the Staffs’ concerns regarding a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured deposit sweep program available to Ameritrade, Inc.’s clients wherein funds were deposited, through an intermediary agent, into FDIC-insured deposit accounts at banks (“Program Banks”). The Staffs’ view is that Ameritrade, Inc. did not for regulatory purposes effectively move client free credit balances to bank accounts established in client names at the Program Banks. Ameritrade, Inc. was also notified, on November 5, 2004, by the NASD that client funds deposited in the FDIC-insured sweep program should be included in Ameritrade, Inc.’s computation of reserve requirements under Exchange Act Rule 15c3-3. A deposit into Ameritrade, Inc.’s reserve account was made to fund the asserted Rule 15c3-3 requirement effective November 5, 2004. As of September 24, 2004, a deposit of $231.7 million into Ameritrade, Inc.’s reserve account would have been required in accordance with the Staffs’ position.

Ameritrade, Inc. informed the Staffs that it believes that the free credit balances were effectively transferred to the Program Banks in accordance with well-established banking law, that the accounts held at the Program Banks were the obligations of the Program Banks to each client and not obligations of Ameritrade, Inc., that the FDIC insurance passed through to each client in accordance with FDIC regulations and that it has been in compliance with Rules 15c3-1 and 15c3-3.

At the direction of the NASD, Ameritrade, Inc. filed a notice describing the asserted net capital deficiency as well as Ameritrade, Inc.’s position on the matter on November 12, 2004 in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 17a-11. Ameritrade, Inc. cured the asserted deficiency the first business day following the notification by causing the transfer of the cash in the FDIC-insured accounts to a money market fund in accounts in the names of the clients. No client funds were lost and the Company believes that the client balances in the FDIC-insured deposit accounts at the Program Banks were, at all times, protected by FDIC insurance on a pass-through basis and no client balance was at risk. Ameritrade, Inc. has ceased offering the FDIC-insured product pending resolution of this matter. At the direction of the NASD, Ameritrade, Inc. filed, on December 8, 2004, amended Form X-17A-5 Financial and Operational Combined Uniform Single (FOCUS) Reports for the months of May through September 2004 reflecting the Staffs’ position.

This matter had no impact on the Company’s results of operations or net cash flows for any period presented.

The NASD continues to investigate this matter and Ameritrade, Inc. is fully cooperating with the investigation. The SEC or NASD may elect to pursue disciplinary or other action with respect to this matter, which could result in censures, fines, suspensions or other sanctions. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.

The NASD and SEC have also inquired about the effect on Ameritrade, Inc.’s net capital of certain deferred income tax liabilities arising from acquisitions. The issue is whether deferred tax liabilities may offset the acquired intangible client relationship assets to which they relate before the acquired intangible client relationship assets, which are not allowable assets for regulatory net capital purposes, are deducted in the net capital calculation. Following discussions with the SEC, Ameritrade, Inc. decided to prospectively exclude these deferred income tax liabilities from the net capital calculation, beginning with the March 25, 2005 calculation, until the regulators provided guidance concerning this issue. In June 2005, the SEC confirmed that it was appropriate for Ameritrade, Inc., in calculating its net capital, to offset the Datek acquired intangible client relationship asset with its associated deferred tax liability for periods prior to March 2005 and for the month of May 2005 and beyond. The Datek transaction was not a taxable asset purchase. The deferred income tax liability associated with the Datek acquired intangible client relationship asset totaled $78.2 million as of June 24, 2005. The SEC has not provided guidance as to whether it is appropriate, in calculating net capital, to offset an acquired intangible asset associated with a taxable asset purchase with its associated deferred tax liability. Accordingly, deferred tax liabilities totaling $14.7 million for acquired intangible assets related to taxable asset purchases have been excluded from Ameritrade, Inc.’s net capital calculation as of June 24, 2005.

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7. STOCK OPTION AND INCENTIVE PLANS

Effective September 27, 2003, the Company adopted the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation under SFAS No. 123, using the prospective transition method of SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123 . Stock-based employee compensation expense for the three months and nine months ended June 24, 2005 was $0.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively. Pro forma information regarding stock-based compensation expense, net income and earnings per share is required by SFAS No. 148. This information is presented as if the Company had accounted for its stock-based awards under the fair value method for all periods:

                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    June 24,     June 25,     June 24,     June 25,  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
Net income, as reported
  $ 74,672     $ 62,258     $ 238,237     $ 215,152  
Add: Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related income tax effects
    323       16       788       24  
Less: Total stock-based compensation determined under the fair value based method, net of related income tax effects
    (1,601 )     (3,665 )     (8,460 )     (10,971 )
 
                       
Pro forma net income
  $ 73,394     $ 58,609     $ 230,565     $ 204,205  
 
                       
 
                               
Basic earnings per share:
                               
As reported
  $ 0.19     $ 0.15     $ 0.59     $ 0.51  
Pro forma
  $ 0.18     $ 0.14     $ 0.57     $ 0.49  
 
                               
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
As reported
  $ 0.18     $ 0.15     $ 0.58     $ 0.50  
Pro forma
  $ 0.18     $ 0.14     $ 0.56     $ 0.47  

8. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    June 24,     June 25,     June 24,     June 25,  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
Net income
  $ 74,672     $ 62,258     $ 238,237     $ 215,152  
 
                       
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
    403,017       415,252       403,911       420,599  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Stock options
    8,036       8,730       8,318       9,766  
Deferred compensation shares
    21       20       21       21  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
    411,074       424,002       412,250       430,386  
 
                       
Earnings per share - basic
  $ 0.19     $ 0.15     $ 0.59     $ 0.51  
Earnings per share - diluted
  $ 0.18     $ 0.15     $ 0.58     $ 0.50  

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal - In September 1998, a putative class action complaint was filed against the Company by Zannini, et al. in the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, claiming the Company was not able to handle the volume of subscribers to its Internet brokerage services. The complaint, as amended, sought injunctive relief enjoining alleged deceptive, fraudulent and misleading practices, equitable relief compelling the Company to increase capacity, and unspecified compensatory damages. In May 2001, the Company filed a motion for summary judgment in the matter, which the plaintiffs opposed. The District Court granted summary judgment for the Company on January 2, 2002, and the plaintiffs appealed. On August 1, 2003, the Nebraska Supreme Court reversed the District Court’s grant of summary judgment and remanded the case to the District Court for further proceedings. The Nebraska Supreme Court did not decide whether the plaintiffs’ claims have merit. On October 8, 2003, the Company filed with the District Court a renewed motion for summary judgment. On August 13, 2004, the District Court

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dismissed the plaintiffs’ class action allegations and the claims of fraud, misrepresentation, unjust enrichment and injunction. The District Court stayed the case pending arbitration of individual claims of breach of contract under the customer agreements. Plaintiffs appealed. On November 1, 2004, the Company filed a motion for summary dismissal of the appeal for lack of jurisdiction on the ground that the District Court’s order was not presently appealable. On December 15, 2004, plaintiffs filed a motion to dismiss their appeal as premature. The Nebraska Supreme Court dismissed the appeal on January 7, 2005. The Company believes it has adequate legal defenses and intends to continue to vigorously defend against plaintiffs’ action.

In August 2003, the Company, as a successor to National Discount Brokers Corporation (“NDB”), was served with a lawsuit filed in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, by Robert Ketchand, a court appointed receiver, against a number of defendants including Christopher A. Slaga, a bank, and NDB. The complaint, as amended, alleges that Slaga defrauded investors who invested approximately $21 million in limited partnerships that Slaga created and controlled and converted the moneys entrusted to him for investment. Two of the investors, who allegedly invested approximately $18 million, intervened in the lawsuit. The complaint states that Slaga, presently incarcerated, pled guilty to federal wire fraud violations in connection with the conduct alleged in the complaint and that the federal court in the criminal proceeding ordered Slaga to make restitution to the investors in the amount of approximately $19.7 million. As it pertained to the Company, the complaint alleged that Slaga wire transferred funds from the partnerships’ bank accounts into his personal brokerage account at NDB and that Slaga used the money for highly speculative investments. The complaint alleged that an inquiry by NDB would have disclosed that money in Slaga’s personal accounts belonged to the partnerships and that NDB failed to examine the trading activities of Slaga and should have discovered the impropriety of his investments. The complaint included causes of action against NDB for aiding and abetting Slaga’s securities fraud under the Texas Securities Act, for unjust enrichment, and for funds transferred to NDB under a theory of implied contract. The receiver and the interveners requested damages in an amount to be proven at trial, including the amount of the restitution order, plus interest, attorneys’ fees and costs. An agreement was reached to settle the claims against the Company as successor to NDB. On March 11, 2005, the Court entered an order approving the settlement and dismissing with prejudice the claims against the Company and on April 18, 2005, the Court entered a final judgment. The settlement was completed in June 2005. The settlement did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

In May 2005, four putative class action lawsuits were filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery against the Company and its directors. The plaintiffs, Judith Friedman, Margaret Carroll, Mirfred Partners LLC and Irgun Torah, bring the actions on behalf of themselves and other stockholders of the Company. The complaints allege that defendants breached their fiduciary duties by refusing to consider a merger and acquisition proposal by E*Trade Financial Corporation. The complaints request injunctive relief and unspecified damages. On May 31, 2005, the Court entered an order consolidating the actions under the caption In re Ameritrade Holding Corp. Shareholders Litigation. Under the order, the plaintiffs are to file a consolidated amended complaint and the defendants are not required to respond to the original complaints. The plaintiffs have not yet filed a consolidated amended complaint. The defendants believe that these actions are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against them.

The nature of the Company’s business subjects it to lawsuits, arbitrations, claims and other legal proceedings. Management cannot predict with certainty the outcome of pending legal proceedings. A substantial adverse judgment or other resolution regarding the proceedings could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. However, in the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the Company has adequate legal defenses with respect to the legal proceedings to which it is a defendant or respondent and the outcome of these pending proceedings is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

The Company is in discussions with its regulators about matters raised during regulatory examinations or otherwise subject to their inquiry. These matters could result in censures, fines or other sanctions. Management believes the outcome of any resulting actions will not be material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of these matters. See Note 6 for further discussion of a regulatory matter concerning an FDIC-insured deposit sweep program.

General Contingencies - In the ordinary course of business, there are various contingencies which are not reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements. These include Ameritrade, Inc. client activities involving the execution, settlement and financing of various client securities transactions. These activities may expose the Company to credit risk in the event the clients are unable to fulfill their contracted obligations.

Client securities activities are transacted on either a cash or margin basis. In margin transactions, the Company may extend credit to the client, subject to various regulatory and internal margin requirements, collateralized by cash and securities in the client’s account. In connection with these activities, the Company also executes and clears client transactions involving the sale of securities not yet purchased (“short sales”). Such margin-related transactions may expose the Company to credit risk in the event each client’s assets are not sufficient to fully cover losses which clients may incur. In the event the client fails to satisfy

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its obligations, the Company has the authority to purchase or sell financial instruments in the client’s account at prevailing market prices in order to fulfill the client’s obligations.

The Company seeks to control the risks associated with its client activities by requiring clients to maintain margin collateral in compliance with various regulatory and internal guidelines. The Company monitors required margin levels throughout each trading day and, pursuant to such guidelines, requires clients to deposit additional collateral, or to reduce positions, when necessary.

The Company loans securities temporarily to other broker-dealers in connection with its broker-dealer business. The Company receives cash as collateral for the securities loaned. Increases in securities prices may cause the market value of the securities loaned to exceed the amount of cash received as collateral. In the event the counterparty to these transactions does not return the loaned securities, the Company may be exposed to the risk of acquiring the securities at prevailing market prices in order to satisfy its client obligations. The Company controls this risk by requiring credit approvals for counterparties, by monitoring the market value of securities loaned on a daily basis and requiring additional cash as collateral when necessary, and by participating in a risk-sharing program offered through a securities clearinghouse.

The Company borrows securities temporarily from other broker-dealers in connection with its broker-dealer business. The Company deposits cash as collateral for the securities borrowed. Decreases in securities prices may cause the market value of the securities borrowed to fall below the amount of cash deposited as collateral. In the event the counterparty to these transactions does not return the cash deposited, the Company may be exposed to the risk of selling the securities at prevailing market prices. The Company controls this risk by requiring credit approvals for counterparties, by monitoring the collateral values on a daily basis, and by requiring collateral to be returned by the counterparties when necessary.

As of June 24, 2005, client margin securities of approximately $4.8 billion and stock borrowings of approximately $3.8 billion were available to the Company to utilize as collateral on various borrowings or for other purposes. The Company had loaned or repledged approximately $5.1 billion of that collateral as of June 24, 2005.

The Company is a member of and provides guarantees to securities clearinghouses and exchanges. Under related agreements, the Company is generally required to guarantee the performance of other members. Under the agreements, if a member becomes unable to satisfy its obligations to the clearinghouse, other members would be required to meet shortfalls. The Company’s liability under these arrangements is not quantifiable and could exceed the cash and securities it has posted as collateral. However, the potential for the Company to be required to make payments under these agreements is remote. Accordingly, no contingent liability is carried on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet for these transactions.

Employment Agreements – The Company has entered into employment agreements with several of its key executive officers. These employment agreements generally provide for annual base salary and incentive compensation, stock option acceleration and severance payments in the event of termination of employment under certain defined circumstances or changes in control of the Company. Compensation is subject to adjustments according to the Company’s financial performance and other factors.

10. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Financial information for the Company’s Private Client Division, which is currently the Company’s only reportable segment, and all other segments, is presented in the following tables. The totals are equal to the Company’s consolidated amounts as reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

                                                 
    Three Months Ended June 24, 2005     Nine Months Ended June 24, 2005  
    Private Client     All             Private Client     All        
    Division     Other     Total     Division     Other     Total  
Non-interest revenues
  $ 131,159     $ 4,477     $ 135,636     $ 442,159     $ 13,410     $ 455,569  
Interest revenue, net
    96,102       2,616       98,718       267,097       6,174       273,271  
 
                                   
Net revenues
  $ 227,261     $ 7,093     $ 234,354     $ 709,256     $ 19,584     $ 728,840  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Pre-tax income (loss)
  $ 126,840     $ (4,450 )   $ 122,390     $ 391,679     $ (4,953 )   $ 386,726  
 
                                   

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    Three Months Ended June 25, 2004     Nine Months Ended June 25, 2004  
    Private Client     All             Private Client     All        
    Division     Other     Total     Division     Other     Total  
Non-interest revenues
  $ 151,972     $ 5,322     $ 157,294     $ 503,606     $ 16,314     $ 519,920  
Interest revenue, net
    60,590       2,108       62,698       167,434       5,942       173,376  
 
                                   
Net revenues
  $ 212,562     $ 7,430     $ 219,992     $ 671,040     $ 22,256     $ 693,296  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Pre-tax income (loss)
  $ 109,446     $ (7,425 )   $ 102,021     $ 361,611     $ (14,436 )   $ 347,175  
 
                                   

On March 15, 2005, the Company announced a reorganization of its operational structure to more closely align the Company’s operations with its client-centric strategy. In connection with the reorganization, the Company is developing a new management financial reporting structure. The Company intends to reevaluate its segment reporting in light of the new reporting structure upon its completion, which is expected to occur later in 2005. However, completion of the new reporting structure may be affected by the timing of the Waterhouse acquisition discussed in Note 2.

11. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income is as follows:

                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    June 24, 2005     June 25, 2004     June 24, 2005     June 25, 2004  
Net income
  $ 74,672     $ 62,258     $ 238,237     $ 215,152  
 
                               
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities available-for-sale arising during the period
    (14,866 )     (19,116 )     (8,554 )     (10,315 )
 
                               
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on derivative instrument arising during the period
    14,495       17,675       11,826       10,117  
 
                               
Adjustment for deferred income taxes on net unrealized holding gains/losses
    143       562       (1,046 )     500  
 
                               
Reclassification adjustment for realized loss on investment securities included in net income, net of tax
                30        
 
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (49 )     77       412       12  
 
                       
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    (277 )     (802 )     2,668       314  
 
                       
Comprehensive income
  $ 74,395     $ 61,456     $ 240,905     $ 215,466  
 
                       

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

The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company should be read in conjunction with the Selected Financial Data and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2004, and the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Important factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: general economic and political conditions, interest rates, stock market fluctuations and changes in client trading activity, increased competition, systems failures and capacity constraints, inability to obtain stockholder or regulatory approval for our planned acquisition of the U.S. brokerage business of TD Waterhouse Group, Inc., delay or failure to close such transaction or to meet the conditions necessary to such closing, the cost or lack of availability of financing necessary to pay the proposed special cash dividend of $6.00 per share, other regulatory and legal matters and uncertainties and the other risks and uncertainties set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 7 of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2004. The forward-looking statements contained in this report speak only as of the date on which the statements were made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

In particular, forward-looking statements contained in this discussion include our expectations regarding: the effect of client trading activity on our results of operations; the effect of changes in short-term interest rates on our net interest spread; the effect of changes in the number of qualified accounts on our results of operations; average commissions and clearing fees per trade; amounts of commissions and clearing fees, net interest revenue and other revenue; the effect of client trading activity on account maintenance fee revenues; amounts of employee compensation and benefits, clearing and execution, communications, occupancy and equipment costs, professional services and advertising expenses; our effective income tax rate; our capital and liquidity needs and our plans to finance such needs; our planned acquisition of the U.S. brokerage business of TD Waterhouse Group, Inc., including our ability to obtain adequate financing for and to pay the proposed special cash dividend; our stock repurchase program; and the impact of recently issued accounting pronouncements.

The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make judgments and estimates that may have a significant impact upon our financial results. Note 1 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2004 contains a summary of our significant accounting policies, many of which require the use of estimates and assumptions. We believe that the following areas are particularly subject to management’s judgments and estimates and could materially affect our results of operations and financial position: valuation of goodwill and intangible assets; valuation and accounting for derivative financial instruments; and estimates of effective income tax rates, deferred income taxes and valuation allowances. These areas are discussed in further detail under the heading “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Item 7 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2004.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “we”, “us” or “Company” in this report refer to Ameritrade Holding Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The term “GAAP” refers to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

In discussing and analyzing our business, we utilize several metrics and other terms that are defined in a Glossary of Terms that is available in the “Investors” section of our website at www.amtd.com and is included in Item 7 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2004. Since the issuance of the Form 10-K, the definition of “Liquid assets” has been updated and a definition for “Net new accounts or Net account growth” has been added to the glossary. These definitions are as follows:

Liquid assets - Liquid assets is considered a Non-GAAP financial measure as defined by SEC Regulation G. We define liquid assets as the sum of a) non broker-dealer cash and cash equivalents, b) non broker-dealer short-term investments and c) regulatory net capital of our broker-dealer subsidiaries in excess of 5% of aggregate debit items. We consider liquid assets an important measure of our liquidity and of our ability to fund corporate investing and financing activities. Liquid assets should be considered as a supplemental measure of liquidity, rather than as a substitute for cash and cash equivalents.

Net new accounts or Net account growth - The number of new client accounts (funded and unfunded) opened in a specified period minus the number of client accounts closed in the same period.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Our results of operations are significantly impacted by conditions in the U.S. equity markets. There is a direct correlation between the volume of our clients’ trading activity and our results of operations. We cannot predict future trading volumes in the U.S. equity markets. If client trading activity increases, we expect that it would have a positive impact on our results of

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operations. If client trading activity were to decline, we expect that it would have a negative impact on our results of operations.

Changes in short-term interest rates and in client margin and client cash balances also impact our results of operations. We cannot predict the direction of short-term interest rates or the level of client margin and client cash balances. If short-term interest rates rise, we generally expect to earn a larger net interest spread. Conversely, a falling short-term interest rate environment generally would result in our earning a smaller net interest spread.

Financial Performance Metrics

Pre-tax income, net income, earnings per share, operating margin and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) are key metrics we use in evaluating our financial performance. Operating margin and EBITDA are both considered non-GAAP financial measures as defined by SEC Regulation G.

We define operating margin as pre-tax income, adjusted to remove advertising expense and any unusual gains or charges. We consider operating margin an important measure of the financial performance of our ongoing business. Advertising spending is excluded because it is largely at the discretion of the Company, varies significantly from period to period based on market conditions and relates to the acquisition of future revenues through new accounts rather than current revenues from existing accounts. Unusual gains and charges are excluded because we believe they are not likely to be indicative of the ongoing operations of our business. Operating margin should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, pre-tax income, net income and earnings per share.

We consider EBITDA an important measure of our financial performance and of our ability to generate cash flows to service debt, fund capital expenditures and fund other corporate investing and financing activities. EBITDA eliminates the non-cash effect of tangible asset depreciation and intangible asset amortization. EBITDA should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, pre-tax income, net income and cash flows from operating activities.

The following tables set forth operating margin and EBITDA in dollars and as a percentage of net revenues for the periods indicated, and provide reconciliations to pre-tax income, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure (dollars in thousands):

                                                                 
    Three months ended     Nine months ended  
    June 24, 2005     June 25, 2004     June 24, 2005     June 25, 2004  
    $     % of Rev.     $     % of Rev.     $     % of Rev.     $     % of Rev.  
Operating Margin
                                                               
Operating margin
  $ 144,088       61.5 %   $ 129,019       58.6 %   $ 458,813       63.0 %   $ 427,014       61.6 %
Less:
                                                               
Advertising
    (21,672 )     (9.2 %)     (27,197 )     (12.4 %)     (72,307 )     (9.9 %)     (80,414 )     (11.6 %)
Gain/(loss) on disposal of property
    (26 )     (0.0 %)     199       0.1 %     220       0.0 %     575       0.1 %
 
                                                       
Pre-tax income
  $ 122,390       52.2 %   $ 102,021       46.4 %   $ 386,726       53.1 %   $ 347,175       50.1 %
 
                                                       
EBITDA
                                                               
EBITDA
  $ 128,784       55.0 %   $ 108,483       49.3 %   $ 405,772       55.7 %   $ 366,592       52.9 %
Less:
                                                               
Depreciation and amortization
    (5,897 )     (2.5 %)     (5,897 )     (2.7 %)     (17,543 )     (2.4 %)     (17,458 )     (2.5 %)
Interest on borrowings
    (497 )     (0.2 %)     (565 )     (0.3 %)     (1,503 )     (0.2 %)     (1,959 )     (0.3 %)
 
                                                       
Pre-tax income
  $ 122,390       52.2 %   $ 102,021       46.4 %   $ 386,726       53.1 %   $ 347,175       50.1 %
 
                                                       

Our improved pre-tax income, operating margin and EBITDA for the three-month and nine-month periods ended June 24, 2005 compared to the three-month and nine-month periods ended June 25, 2004 are largely due to increased net interest revenue resulting primarily from increased client margin and credit balances and higher net interest rates earned on such balances, partially offset by decreased revenue from commissions and clearing fees resulting from decreased client trading activity and decreased commissions and clearing fees per trade.

More detailed analysis of net revenues and expenses is presented later in this discussion.

Operating Metrics

Our largest sources of revenue are 1) commissions and clearing fees and 2) net interest revenue. For the three months ended June 24, 2005, commissions and clearing fees and net interest revenue accounted for 48 percent and 42 percent of our net revenues, respectively. The primary factors driving our revenues from commissions and clearing fees are total client trades and average commissions and clearing fees per trade. The primary factors driving our net interest revenue are average client margin balances, average segregated cash balances, average client credit balances and the average interest rates earned and paid on such balances. We also consider client account and client asset metrics, although we believe they are generally of less significance to our results of operations for any particular period than our trading activity and net interest revenue metrics.

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Trading Activity Metrics

The following table sets forth several metrics regarding client trading activity, which we utilize in measuring and evaluating performance and the results of our operations:

                                                 
    Three months ended     %     Nine months ended     %  
    June 24, 2005     June 25, 2004     Change     June 24, 2005     June 25, 2004     Change  
Total trades (in millions)
    8.89       10.16       (13 %)     29.99       33.95       (12 %)
Average commissions and clearing fees per trade
  $ 12.72     $ 13.41       (5 %)   $ 13.16     $ 13.48       (2 %)
Average client trades per day
    138,930       163,906       (15 %)     159,102       183,013       (13 %)
Average client trades per account (annualized)
    9.7       11.8       (18 %)     11.2       13.7       (18 %)
Activity rate
    3.8 %     4.7 %     (19 %)     4.4 %     5.5 %     (20 %)
Trading days
    64.0       62.0       3 %     188.5       185.5       2 %

Net Interest Revenue Metrics

The following tables set forth metrics that we use in analyzing net interest revenue:

                                                 
    Three months ended June 24, 2005     Three months ended June 25, 2004     Percentage     Average  
    Average     Average     Average     Average     Change in     Annualized  
    Balance     Annualized     Balance     Annualized     Average     Yield/Cost  
    (millions)     Yield/(Cost)     (millions)     Yield/(Cost)     Balances     Inc./(Dec.)  
Segregated cash
  $ 7,608       2.80 %   $ 7,481       1.00 %     2 %     1.80 %
Client margin balances
  $ 3,441       5.79 %   $ 3,550       4.86 %     (3 %)     0.93 %
Client credit balances
  $ 9,311       (0.53 %)   $ 9,104       (0.12 %)     2 %     0.41 %
                                                               
    Nine months ended June 24, 2005     Nine months ended June 25, 2004     Percentage     Average  
    Average     Average     Average     Average     Change in     Annualized  
    Balance     Annualized     Balance     Annualized     Average     Yield/Cost  
    (millions)     Yield/(Cost)     (millions)     Yield/(Cost)     Balances     Inc./(Dec.)  
Segregated cash
  $ 7,831       2.33 %   $ 7,577       0.99 %     3 %     1.34 %
Client margin balances
  $ 3,497       5.42 %   $ 3,213       4.89 %     9 %     0.53 %
Client credit balances
  $ 9,501       (0.39 %)   $ 8,858       (0.12 %)     7 %     0.27 %

Client Account and Client Asset Metrics

The following table sets forth certain metrics regarding client accounts and client assets, which we use to analyze growth and trends in our client base:

                                                 
    Three months ended     %     Nine months ended     %  
    June 24, 2005     June 25, 2004     Change     June 24, 2005     June 25, 2004     Change  
Qualified accounts (beginning of period)
    1,730,000       1,700,000       2 %     1,677,000       1,520,000       10 %
Qualified accounts (end of period)
    1,730,000       1,720,000       1 %     1,730,000       1,720,000       1 %
Percentage increase (decrease) during period
    0 %     1 %             3 %     13 %        
 
                                               
Total accounts (beginning of period)
    3,665,000       3,425,000       7 %     3,520,000       3,171,000       11 %
Total accounts (end of period)
    3,689,000       3,487,000       6 %     3,689,000       3,487,000       6 %
Percentage increase (decrease) during period
    1 %     2 %             5 %     10 %        
 
                                               
Client assets (beginning of period, in billions)
  $ 75.6     $ 71.9       5 %   $ 68.8     $ 54.8       26 %
Client assets (end of period, in billions)
  $ 78.8     $ 71.5       10 %   $ 78.8     $ 71.5       10 %
Percentage increase (decrease) during period
    4 %     (1 %)             15 %     30 %        

Qualified accounts are all open client accounts with a total liquidation value of $2,000 or more, except clearing accounts. Qualified accounts are our most significant measure of client accounts because they have historically generated the vast majority of our revenues. Total accounts are all open client accounts (funded and unfunded), except clearing accounts.

Our total number of qualified accounts was unchanged for the third quarter of fiscal 2005. We are carefully monitoring the number of qualified accounts and are taking actions designed to increase the number of qualified accounts. Such actions include our recently announced reorganization of our operational structure to more closely align it with our client-focused strategy. If we were to experience significant decreases in the number of qualified accounts, it could have a material adverse effect on our future results of operations.

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Consolidated Statements of Operations Data

The following table summarizes certain data from our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for analysis purposes (in millions, except percentages and interest days):

                                                 
    Three months ended     %     Nine months ended     %  
    June 24, 2005     June 25, 2004     Change     June 24, 2005     June 25, 2004     Change  
Revenues:
                                               
Commissions and clearing fees
  $ 113.1     $ 136.2       (17 %)   $ 394.6     $ 457.6       (14 %)
 
                                               
Interest revenue
    137.4       71.3       93 %     366.8       200.1       83 %
Brokerage interest expense
    38.7       8.6       350 %     93.5       26.8       249 %
 
                                       
Net interest revenue
    98.7       62.7       57 %     273.3       173.4       58 %
 
                                               
Other
    22.6       21.1       7 %     61.0       62.3       (2 %)
 
                                       
Net revenues
    234.4       220.0       7 %     728.8       693.3       5 %
 
                                       
 
                                               
Expenses:
                                               
Employee compensation and benefits
    44.0       40.4       9 %     130.8       118.6       10 %
Clearing and execution costs
    7.2       8.3       (13 %)     20.1       24.2       (17 %)
Communications
    8.3       10.9       (24 %)     27.2       31.4       (13 %)
Occupancy and equipment costs
    12.4       10.7       16 %     33.0       32.1       3 %
Depreciation and amortization
    5.9       5.9       0 %     17.5       17.5       0 %
Professional services
    7.9       9.0       (11 %)     26.7       24.1       11 %
Interest on borrowings
    0.5       0.6       (12 %)     1.5       2.0       (23 %)
Loss/(gain) on disposal of property
    0.0       (0.2 )     (113 %)     (0.2 )     (0.6 )     (62 %)
Other
    4.0       5.3       (23 %)     13.1       16.6       (21 %)
Advertising
    21.7       27.2       (20 %)     72.3       80.4       (10 %)
 
                                       
Total expenses
    112.0       118.0       (5 %)     342.1       346.1       (1 %)
 
                                       
Pre-tax income
    122.4       102.0       20 %     386.7       347.2       11 %
Provision for income taxes
    47.7       39.8       20 %     148.5       132.0       12 %
 
                                       
Net income
  $ 74.7     $ 62.3       20 %   $ 238.2     $ 215.2       11 %
 
                                       
 
                                               
Other information:
                                               
Number of interest days in period
    91       91       0 %     273       273       0 %
Effective income tax rate
    39.0 %     39.0 %             38.4 %     38.0 %        

Note: Details may not sum to totals and subtotals due to rounding differences. Change percentages are based on non-rounded Statements of Operations amounts.

Three-Month Periods Ended June 24, 2005 and June 25, 2004

Net Revenues.

Commissions and clearing fees decreased 17 percent, primarily due to a 13 percent decrease in total trades and a five percent decrease in average commissions and clearing fees per trade. Average client trades per day decreased 15 percent to 138,930 for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from 163,906 for the third quarter of fiscal 2004; however the effect of this decrease was partially offset by two more trading days in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 than in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. Average client trades per account (annualized) were 9.7 for the third quarter of fiscal 2005, compared to 11.8 for the third quarter of fiscal 2004. The number of qualified accounts, which have historically generated the vast majority of our revenues, was unchanged. Average commissions and clearing fees per trade decreased to $12.72 in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from $13.41 for the third quarter of fiscal 2004, due primarily to a decrease in our options contract pricing and decreased payment for order flow revenue per trade. In March 2005, we lowered our options contract pricing from $1.50 to $0.75 per contract. We expect average commissions and clearing fees to range from approximately $12.50 to $13.00 per trade during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, depending on the mix of client trading activity, level of payment for order flow revenue and other factors. We expect revenues from commissions and clearing fees to range from $95.1 million to $126.7 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, depending on the volume of client trading activity, average commissions and clearing fees per trade and other factors.

Net interest revenue increased 57 percent, due primarily to an increase of 180 basis points in the average interest rate earned on segregated cash, an increase of 93 basis points in the average interest rate charged on client margin balances and a $2.7 million increase in net interest earned on our securities lending program in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2004. The increased net interest revenue resulting from these factors was partially offset by an increase of 41 basis points in the average interest rate paid on client credit balances in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from the third quarter of fiscal

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2004. We expect net interest revenue to increase to between $115.4 million and $125.7 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, due primarily to seven more interest days compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2005 and expected increases in the average yield earned on segregated cash balances and in the average interest rate charged on client margin balances.

Other revenues increased seven percent, due primarily to an increase in reorganization, solicitation and tender fee revenues. We expect other revenues to range from $19 million to $23 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.

Expenses.

Employee compensation and benefits expense increased nine percent. Full-time equivalent employees increased to 2,041 at June 24, 2005, from 1,970 at June 25, 2004, primarily due to the addition of client service and technology employees in fiscal 2004 and 2005. We have continued to invest in our technology and call centers in order to maintain our position as a leader in innovative trading tools and to improve client service. We expect employee compensation expense to range between $45 million and $48 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.

Clearing and execution costs decreased 13 percent, due primarily to lower client trading volumes. We expect clearing and execution costs to range between $7 million and $8 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, depending largely on the level of client trading activity.

Communications expense decreased 24 percent, due primarily to reduced telecommunications costs resulting from recent contract negotiations. We expect communications expense to range between $8 million and $9 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.

Occupancy and equipment costs increased 16 percent, due primarily to costs associated with moving technology employees to a larger facility in New Jersey during the third quarter of fiscal 2005. We expect occupancy and equipment costs to be approximately $11 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.

Professional services expense decreased 11 percent, due primarily to decreased client communications consulting expenses, partially offset by higher spending on corporate development initiatives in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2004. We expect professional services expense to be approximately $9 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.

Advertising expense decreased 20 percent, as we reduced expenditures in response to lackluster stock market conditions. We expect approximately $17 million to $22 million of advertising expenditures for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, depending on market conditions. We generally adjust our level of advertising spending in relation to stock market activity, in an effort to maximize the number of new accounts while minimizing the advertising cost per new account.

Our effective income tax rate was approximately 39 percent for the third quarters of both fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004. We expect our effective income tax rate for the remainder of fiscal 2005 to range between 38.5 percent and 39 percent.

Nine-Month Periods Ended June 24, 2005 and June 25, 2004

Net Revenues.

Commissions and clearing fees decreased 14 percent, primarily due to a 12 percent decrease in total trades, and a two percent decrease in average commissions and clearing fees per trade. Average client trades per day decreased 13 percent to 159,102 for the first nine months of fiscal 2005 from 183,013 in the first nine months of fiscal 2004; however the effect of this decrease was partially offset by three more trading days in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 than the first nine months of fiscal 2004. Average client trades per account (annualized) were 11.2 for the first nine months of fiscal 2005, compared to 13.7 for the first nine months of fiscal 2004. Average commissions and clearing fees per trade decreased to $13.16 in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 from $13.48 for the first nine months of fiscal 2004, due primarily to the decrease in our options contract pricing in March 2005 and decreased payment for order flow revenue per trade.

Net interest revenue increased 58 percent, due primarily to an increase of 134 basis points in the average interest rate earned on segregated cash, an increase of 53 basis points in the average interest rate charged on client margin balances, a nine percent increase in average client margin balances and a $9.6 million increase in net interest earned on our securities lending program in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2004. The increased net interest revenue resulting from these factors was partially offset by an increase of 27 basis points in the average interest rate paid on client credit balances in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 from the first nine months of fiscal 2004.

Other revenues decreased two percent, due primarily to a decrease in account maintenance, statement and confirm and other fee revenue, partially offset by higher solicitation and tender offer fees and money market fee income. Account maintenance fees are charged based on client assets and trading activity, therefore fluctuations in client assets or trades per account may result in fluctuations in revenues from account maintenance fees.

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Expenses.

Employee compensation and benefits expense increased 10 percent, due primarily to an increase in full-time equivalent employees to 2,041 at June 24, 2005, from 1,970 at June 25, 2004.

Clearing and execution costs decreased 17 percent, due primarily to lower client trading volumes, decreased order routing costs resulting from our implementation of a single web architecture trading platform during fiscal 2004 and a non-recurring refund of Nasdaq trading activity fees of approximately $1 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2005.

Communications expense decreased 13 percent, due primarily to reduced telecommunications costs resulting from recent contract negotiations.

Occupancy and equipment costs increased three percent, due primarily to costs associated with moving technology employees to a larger facility in New Jersey during the third quarter of fiscal 2005, partially offset by slightly lower computer equipment leasing costs.

Professional services expense increased 11 percent, due primarily to increased spending on corporate development initiatives in fiscal 2005 and increased legal fees incurred for regulatory matters, partially offset by decreased client communications consulting expenses.

Advertising expenses decreased 10 percent, as we reduced expenditures in response to stock market conditions.

Our effective income tax rate was approximately 38.4 percent for the first nine months of fiscal 2005, compared to 38.0 percent for the first nine months of fiscal 2004. The Datek integration resulted in a larger percentage of our payroll and assets being located in lower income tax states. An adjustment to our net deferred income tax liabilities in fiscal 2004 to apply the lower income tax rate resulted in a lower normal effective income tax rate for the first nine months of that fiscal year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We have historically financed our liquidity and capital needs primarily through funds generated from operations and from borrowings under our credit agreements. We have also issued Common Stock and convertible subordinated notes to finance mergers and acquisitions and for other corporate purposes. Our liquidity and capital needs during the first nine months of fiscal 2005 were financed from our earnings, cash on hand and borrowings on our broker-dealer credit facilities. We plan to finance our ordinary capital and liquidity needs primarily from our earnings and cash on hand. In addition, we may utilize our revolving credit facility or issue equity or debt securities.

To complete our planned acquisition of the U.S. brokerage business of TD Waterhouse Group, Inc. (“Waterhouse”), we plan to issue 193.6 million shares of Common Stock, subject to regulatory and stockholder approvals. We also expect to declare a $6.00 per share special cash dividend, subject to closing of the acquisition. We expect to fund the approximately $2.4 billion special dividend with up to approximately $0.4 billion from cash on hand, approximately $0.4 billion from excess capital in Waterhouse at closing and the remaining $1.6 to $2.0 billion primarily by issuing private and/or public long-term debt. Although we believe we will be able to obtain adequate financing for the special dividend, there can be no assurance that financing will be available on terms favorable to us, if at all. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to declare the special dividend and complete the acquisition. See Note 2 of the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements for further information about the Waterhouse acquisition.

Dividends from our subsidiaries are another source of liquidity for the holding company. Some of our subsidiaries are subject to requirements of the SEC and NASD relating to liquidity, capital standards, and the use of client funds and securities, which may limit funds available for the payment of dividends to the holding company.

Under the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), our broker-dealer subsidiaries are required to maintain at all times at least the minimum level of net capital required under Rule 15c3-1. This minimum net capital level is determined based upon an involved calculation described in Rule 15c3-1 that is primarily based on each broker-dealer’s “aggregate debits”, which primarily are a function of client margin balances at our broker-dealer subsidiaries. Since our aggregate debits may fluctuate significantly, our minimum net capital requirements may also fluctuate significantly from period to period. The holding company may make cash capital contributions to broker-dealer subsidiaries, if necessary, to meet net capital requirements.

On November 12, 2004, our broker-dealer subsidiary Ameritrade, Inc. was notified by the staff of the NASD and the staff of the SEC Division of Market Regulation (collectively the “Staffs”) that in their view Ameritrade, Inc.’s net capital was below its minimum amount required under Exchange Act Rule 15c3-1. The asserted deficiency was based upon the Staffs’ concerns regarding a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured deposit sweep program available to Ameritrade, Inc.’s clients. Ameritrade, Inc. cured the asserted deficiency the next business day, November 15, 2004. The NASD continues to

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investigate this matter and Ameritrade, Inc. is fully cooperating with the investigation. We are unable to predict the outcome of this matter. See Note 6 of the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of this matter.

Liquid Assets

We consider liquid assets an important measure of our liquidity and of our ability to fund corporate investing and financing activities. Liquid assets is considered a Non-GAAP financial measure as defined by SEC Regulation G. We define liquid assets as the sum of a) non broker-dealer cash and cash equivalents, b) non broker-dealer short-term investments and c) regulatory net capital of our broker-dealer subsidiaries in excess of five percent of aggregate debit items. We include the excess regulatory net capital of our broker-dealer subsidiaries in liquid assets rather than simply including broker-dealer cash and cash equivalents, because regulatory net capital requirements may limit the amount of cash available for dividend from the broker-dealer subsidiaries to the holding company. Liquid assets should be considered as a supplemental measure of liquidity, rather than as a substitute for cash and cash equivalents. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents to liquid assets for the periods indicated (in thousands):

                         
    June 24,     September 24,        
    2005     2004     Change  
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 267,316     $ 137,392     $ 129,924  
Less: Broker-dealer cash and cash equivalents
    (205,408 )     (99,400 )     (106,008 )
 
                 
Non broker-dealer cash and cash equivalents
    61,908       37,992       23,916  
Plus: Non broker-dealer short-term investments
    20,000       17,950       2,050  
Plus: Excess broker-dealer regulatory net capital*
    189,209             189,209  
 
                 
Liquid assets*
  $ 271,117     $ 55,942     $ 215,175  
 
                 
 
* Includes the impact of a regulatory matter related to an FDIC-insured deposit sweep program as of September 24, 2004. Excluding the impact of the regulatory matter, excess broker-dealer regulatory net capital would be approximately $85.4 million and liquid assets would be approximately $141.3 million as of September 24, 2004. See Note 6 of the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the regulatory matter.

The increase in liquid assets from September 24, 2004 to June 24, 2005 is primarily due to the impact of curing the FDIC-insured deposit sweep program regulatory matter of $85.4 million and net income of $238.2 million, partially offset by an increase in aggregate debit items that resulted in increased regulatory net capital required of $22.3 million, cash used in investing and financing activities, excluding short-term investments, of $93.5 million (see “Cash Flow” below) and the impact of a net capital calculation issue discussed in the following paragraph of $14.7 million. The remaining $22.1 million of the increase in liquid assets is due to increased non broker-dealer working capital due to timing of income tax and other payments, non-cash expenses that are reflected in net income, and other miscellaneous changes in excess regulatory net capital.

The NASD and SEC have inquired about the effect on Ameritrade, Inc.’s net capital of certain deferred income tax liabilities arising from acquisitions. The issue is whether deferred tax liabilities may offset the acquired intangible client relationship assets to which they relate before the acquired intangible client relationship assets, which are not allowable assets for regulatory net capital purposes, are deducted in the net capital calculation. Following discussions with the SEC, Ameritrade, Inc. decided to prospectively exclude these deferred income tax liabilities from the net capital calculation, beginning with the March 25, 2005 calculation, until the regulators provided guidance concerning this issue. In June 2005, the SEC confirmed that it was appropriate for Ameritrade, Inc., in calculating its net capital, to offset the Datek acquired intangible client relationship asset with its associated deferred tax liability for periods prior to March 2005 and for the month of May 2005 and beyond. The Datek transaction was not a taxable asset purchase. The deferred income tax liability associated with the Datek acquired intangible client relationship asset totaled $78.2 million as of June 24, 2005. The SEC has not provided guidance as to whether it is appropriate, in calculating net capital, to offset an acquired intangible asset associated with a taxable asset purchase with its associated deferred tax liability. Accordingly, deferred tax liabilities totaling $14.7 million for acquired intangible assets related to taxable asset purchases have been excluded from Ameritrade, Inc.’s net capital calculation as of June 24, 2005.

Cash Flow

Cash provided by operating activities was $225.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2005, compared to $265.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2004. The decrease was primarily due to changes in broker-dealer working capital, partially offset by higher net income in the first nine months of fiscal 2005.

Cash used in investing activities was $33.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2005, compared to $62.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2004. The cash used in investing activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 consisted primarily of $25.9 million paid in the acquisition of the online retail client accounts of JB Oxford & Company. The cash used in

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investing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2004 consisted primarily of $55.1 million paid in the acquisition of Bidwell & Company.

Cash used in financing activities was $61.9 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2005, compared to $321.9 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2004. The financing activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 included $77.2 million of stock repurchases, compared to $288.6 million of stock repurchases and an early redemption of convertible subordinated notes for $46.8 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2004. Our broker-dealer subsidiary, Ameritrade, Inc., also borrowed and subsequently repaid $280 million on its unsecured credit facilities during the first quarter of fiscal 2005 to cure the asserted Exchange Act Rule 15c3-3 deficiency described in Note 6 of the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. In fiscal 2004, we borrowed and repaid $25.0 million on our revolving credit agreement and $17.5 million on Ameritrade Northwest, Inc.’s (formerly Bidwell) secured credit facility to fund daily liquidity needs.

Loan Facilities

On December 13, 2004, we entered into an amendment to our revolving credit agreement. The revolving credit agreement, as amended, permits borrowings of up to $105 million through December 12, 2005, and is secured primarily by our stock in our subsidiaries and personal property. The interest rate on borrowings is equal to one month LIBOR (determined monthly) plus a spread (determined quarterly) of 1.75 percent or 2.00 percent based on a specified financial ratio. At June 24, 2005, the interest rate on the revolving credit agreement would have been 4.89 percent. We also pay a commitment fee of 0.25 percent of the unused credit facility through the maturity date. We had no outstanding indebtedness under the revolving credit agreement at June 24, 2005 and no outstanding indebtedness under the prior revolving credit agreement at September 24, 2004. The revolving credit agreement contains certain covenants and restrictions, including maintenance of a minimum level of net worth, requiring prior written consent of the revolving lenders for certain business combinations and investments, and prohibiting the payment of cash dividends to stockholders. We were in compliance with or obtained waivers for all covenants under the revolving credit agreements.

Our wholly owned broker-dealer subsidiary, Ameritrade, Inc., had access to secured uncommitted credit facilities with financial institutions of up to $180 million as of June 24, 2005 and September 24, 2004. Ameritrade, Inc. also had access to an unsecured uncommitted credit facility of up to $310 million as of June 24, 2005 and September 24, 2004. The financial institutions may make loans under line of credit arrangements or, in some cases, issue letters of credit under these facilities. The secured credit facilities require Ameritrade, Inc. to pledge qualified client securities to secure outstanding obligations under these facilities. Borrowings under the secured and unsecured credit facilities bear interest at a variable rate based on the federal funds rate. There were no borrowings outstanding or letters of credit issued under the secured or unsecured credit facilities as of June 24, 2005 or September 24, 2004. As of June 24, 2005 and September 24, 2004, approximately $490 million was available to Ameritrade, Inc. for either loans or, in some cases, letters of credit.

Prepaid Variable Forward Contracts

During fiscal 2003, we entered into a series of prepaid variable forward contracts (the “forward contracts”) with a counterparty with a total notional amount of approximately $41.4 million on 7.9 million underlying Knight shares. The forward contracts each contain a zero-cost embedded collar on the value of the Knight shares, with a weighted average floor price of $5.13 per share and a weighted average cap price of $6.17 per share. At the inception of the forward contracts, we received cash of approximately $35.5 million, equal to approximately 86 percent of the notional amount. The forward contracts mature on various dates in fiscal years 2006 and 2007. At maturity, we may settle the forward contracts in shares of Knight or in cash, at our option. If the market price of the Knight stock at maturity is equal to or less than the floor price, the counterparty will be entitled to receive one share of Knight or its cash equivalent for each underlying share. If the market price of the Knight stock at maturity is greater than the cap price, the counterparty will be entitled to receive the number of shares of Knight or its cash equivalent equal to the ratio of the floor price plus the excess of the market price over the cap price, divided by the market price, for each underlying share. If the market price at maturity is greater than the floor price but less than or equal to the cap price, the counterparty will be entitled to receive the number of Knight shares or its cash equivalent equal to the ratio of the floor price divided by the market price for each underlying share. Regardless of whether the forward contract is settled in Knight shares or in cash, we intend to sell the underlying Knight shares at maturity.

We have designated the forward contracts as cash flow hedges of the forecasted future sales of 7.9 million Knight shares. The forward contracts are expected to be perfectly effective hedges against changes in the cash flows associated with the forecasted future sales outside the price ranges of the collars. Accordingly, all changes in the fair value of the embedded collars are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of income taxes. As of June 24, 2005 and September 24, 2004, the total fair value of the embedded collars was approximately $16.9 million and $28.7 million, respectively, and was included under the caption “Prepaid variable forward derivative instrument” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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The $35.5 million of cash received on the forward contracts is accounted for as an obligation on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. We are accreting interest on the obligation to the notional maturity amount of $41.4 million over the terms of the forward contracts using effective interest rates with a weighted average of approximately 4.3 percent. Upon settlement of each forward contract, the fair value of the collar and the realized gain or loss on the Knight stock delivered to the counterparty or otherwise sold will be reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings.

Stock Repurchase Program

On September 9, 2002, our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to 40 million shares of our Common Stock from time to time over a two-year period beginning September 19, 2002. On May 5, 2004, our Board of Directors extended the stock repurchase program through May 5, 2006. Under the stock repurchase program, as extended, we may repurchase, from time to time, up to 70 million shares of our Common Stock, a 30 million-share increase from the previous authorization. Through June 24, 2005, we have repurchased a total of approximately 48.4 million shares at a weighted average purchase price of $10.15 per share. During the first six months of fiscal 2005, we repurchased approximately 6.0 million shares at a weighted average purchase price of $12.77 per share. We did not make any repurchases under the program during the third quarter of fiscal 2005, and do not expect to make any repurchases during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have any obligations which meet the definition of an off-balance sheet arrangement and which have or are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial statements.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“No. 123R”). SFAS No. 123R is a revision of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation , and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB No. 25”), and its related implementation guidance. SFAS No. 123R establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. It also addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments. SFAS No. 123R requires public entities to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). That cost will be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award—the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). SFAS No. 123R was originally scheduled to be effective as of the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005 for public entities that do not file as small business issuers. On April 14, 2005, the SEC announced the adoption of a new rule amending the compliance date to the beginning of the first annual reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005 for public entities that do not file as small business issuers. Therefore, SFAS No. 123R will be effective for our next fiscal year beginning October 1, 2005. As of the required effective date, public entities will apply SFAS No. 123R using a modified version of the prospective transition method. Under that transition method, compensation cost is recognized on or after the required effective date for the portion of outstanding awards for which the requisite service has not yet been rendered, based on the grant-date fair value of those awards calculated under SFAS No. 123 for either recognition or pro forma disclosures. We estimate adoption of SFAS No. 123R will result in additional stock-based compensation expense for the unvested portion of awards previously accounted for under APB No. 25 of approximately $5.6 million for our fiscal year ending September 29, 2006.

Item 3. - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market risk generally represents the risk of loss that may result from the potential change in the value of a financial instrument as a result of fluctuations in interest rates and market prices. We have established policies, procedures and internal processes governing our management of market risks in the normal course of our business operations. We do not hold any market risk-sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

We seek to control the risks associated with our client activities by requiring clients to maintain margin collateral in compliance with regulatory and internal guidelines. We monitor required margin levels daily and, pursuant to such guidelines, require our clients to deposit additional collateral, or to reduce positions, when necessary. We seek to control risks associated with our securities lending and borrowing activities by requiring credit approvals for counterparties, by monitoring the market value of securities loaned and collateral values for securities borrowed on a daily basis and requiring additional cash as collateral for securities loaned or return of collateral for securities borrowed when necessary, and by participating in a risk-sharing program offered through a securities clearinghouse.

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As a fundamental part of our brokerage business, we hold interest earning assets, mainly funds required to be segregated in compliance with federal regulations. These funds totaled $7.8 billion at June 24, 2005 and September 24, 2004. We invest these funds in repurchase agreements, fixed-rate U.S. Treasury securities and other qualified securities. Our interest earning assets are financed primarily by short-term interest bearing liabilities, totaling $10.3 billion at June 24, 2005 and $10.1 billion at September 24, 2004, in the form of client credit balances. We earn a net interest spread on the difference between amounts earned on client margin balances and amounts paid on client credit balances. Because we establish the rate paid on client credit balances and the rate charged on client margin balances, a substantial portion of our interest rate risk is under our direct management. However, changes in interest rates may have a beneficial or adverse affect on our results of operations. We might not change interest rates paid on client credit balances proportionately to changes in interest rates charged on client margin balances. As a result, a rising interest rate environment generally would result in our earning a larger net interest spread. Conversely, a falling interest rate environment generally would result in our earning a smaller net interest spread.

We had no borrowings outstanding under our $105 million revolving credit agreement, which bears interest at a floating rate, as of June 24, 2005 and no borrowings outstanding under the prior revolving credit agreement as of September 24, 2004. We currently hold two marketable equity securities, our investments in approximately 7.9 million shares of Knight and 112,887 shares of International Securities Exchange, Inc., which were recorded at fair value of $64.4 million ($40.0 million net of tax) at June 24, 2005 and have exposure to market price risk. The potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10 percent adverse change in prices quoted by the stock exchanges was approximately $6.4 million at June 24, 2005. During fiscal 2003, we entered into a series of prepaid variable forward contracts with a total notional amount of approximately $41.4 million on 7.9 million underlying Knight shares. The forward contracts each contain an embedded collar on the value of the Knight shares, with a weighted average floor price of $5.13 per share and a weighted average cap price of $6.17 per share. We have designated the forward contracts as cash flow hedges of the forecasted future sales of 7.9 million Knight shares. As of June 24, 2005 and September 24, 2004, the fair value of the embedded collars was approximately $16.9 million and $28.7 million, respectively, and was included under the caption “Prepaid variable forward derivative instrument” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The forward contracts are expected to be perfectly effective hedges against changes in cash flows associated with changes in the value of Knight shares outside the price ranges of the collars.

Our revenues and financial instruments are denominated in U.S. dollars, and we generally do not invest, except for hedging purposes, in derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments.

Item 4. - Controls and Procedures

Management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of June 24, 2005. Based on that evaluation, management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its periodic reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC.

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Part II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. - Legal Proceedings

In May 2005, four putative class action lawsuits were filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery against the Company and its directors. The plaintiffs, Judith Friedman, Margaret Carroll, Mirfred Partners LLC and Irgun Torah, bring the actions on behalf of themselves and other stockholders of the Company. The complaints allege that defendants breached their fiduciary duties by refusing to consider a merger and acquisition proposal by E*Trade Financial Corporation. The complaints request injunctive relief and unspecified damages. On May 31, 2005, the Court entered an order consolidating the actions under the caption In re Ameritrade Holding Corp. Shareholders Litigation. Under the order, the plaintiffs are to file a consolidated amended complaint and the defendants are not required to respond to the original complaints. The plaintiffs have not yet filed a consolidated amended complaint. The defendants believe that these actions are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against them.

The nature of the Company’s business subjects it to lawsuits, arbitrations, claims and other legal proceedings. We cannot predict with certainty the outcome of pending legal proceedings. A substantial adverse judgment or other resolution regarding the proceedings could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. However, in the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the Company has adequate legal defenses with respect to the legal proceedings to which it is a defendant or respondent and the outcome of these pending proceedings is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

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The Company is in discussions with its regulators about matters raised during regulatory examinations or otherwise subject to their inquiry. These matters could result in censures, fines or other sanctions. Management believes the outcome of any resulting actions will not be material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of these matters.

Item 2. - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 
                                 
                    Total Number of     Maximum Number  
                    Shares Purchased as     of Shares that May  
    Total Number of     Average Price     Part of Publicly     Yet Be Purchased  
Period   Shares Purchased     Paid per Share     Announced Program     Under the Program  
March 26, 2005 - April 29, 2005
    34,466     $ 10.27             21,614,343  
April 30, 2005 - May 27, 2005
          N/A             21,614,343  
May 28, 2005 - June 24, 2005
          N/A             21,614,343  
 
                         
Total - Three months ended June 24, 2005
    34,466     $ 10.27             21,614,343  
 
                         

The Company’s Common Stock repurchase program was announced on September 9, 2002. The Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 40 million shares over a two-year period expiring September 9, 2004. On May 5, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors extended the stock repurchase program through May 5, 2006. Under the stock repurchase program, as extended, the Company may repurchase, from time to time, up to 70 million shares of Common Stock, a 30 million-share increase from the previous authorization. The September 9, 2002 program, as extended, is the only program currently in effect and there have been no programs that have expired during the period covered by this report. The shares repurchased during the fiscal month ended April 29, 2005 were repurchased from an employee in connection with the exercise of employee stock options issued by the Company. The Company did not make any repurchases pursuant to the publicly announced program during the quarter covered by this report. The Company does not expect to make any repurchases pursuant to the publicly announced program during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.

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Item 6. - Exhibits

  2.1   Agreement of Sale and Purchase between Ameritrade Holding Corporation and The Toronto-Dominion Bank dated as of June 22, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 28, 2005)
 
  3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Ameritrade Holding Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 8-A filed on September 5, 2002)
 
  3.2   Amended and Restated By-Laws of Ameritrade Holding Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Form 10-K filed on November 7, 2003)
 
  10.1   Stockholders Agreement among Ameritrade Holding Corporation, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, J. Joe Ricketts and certain of his affiliates dated as of June 22, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 28, 2005)
 
  10.2   Voting Agreement among The Toronto-Dominion Bank, J. Joe Ricketts and certain of his affiliates, TA Associates and certain of its affiliates, and Silver Lake Partners and certain of its affiliates, dated as of June 22, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 28, 2005)
 
  10.3   Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2005, between Bryce B. Engel and Ameritrade Holding Corporation
 
  10.4   Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2005, between Lawrence Szczech and Ameritrade Holding Corporation
 
  15.1   Awareness Letter of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
  31.1   Certification of Joseph H. Moglia, Principal Executive Officer, as required pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
  31.2   Certification of John R. MacDonald, Principal Financial Officer, as required pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
  32.1   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

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Signatures

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

Dated: July 22, 2005
         
  Ameritrade Holding Corporation
(Registrant) 
 
         
     
  by:   /s/ Joseph H. Moglia    
    Joseph H. Moglia   
    Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) 
 
         
     
  by:   /s/ John R. MacDonald    
    John R. MacDonald   
    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 
 

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EXHIBIT 10.3

AMERITRADE HOLDING CORPORATION
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Executive Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") between AMERITRADE HOLDING CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "Company") and Bryce B. Engel (the "Executive"), is made effective May 10, 2005 (the "Effective Date").

Witnesseth

WHEREAS, The Company has employed the Executive as Managing Director, Clearing and now desires to promote the Executive to the position of Senior Vice President, Chief Brokerage Operations Officer.

WHEREAS, The Executive desires to accept the promotion offered by the Company and continue being employed by the Company.

WHEREAS, The Company and the Executive desire to set forth in this Agreement, the terms, conditions and obligations of the parties with respect to such promotion and continued employment and this Agreement is intended by the parties to supersede all previous agreements (Excluding for this purpose, any option agreements dated prior to the Effective Date ("Prior Option Agreements"), which option agreements will remain in full force and effect and be subject to the terms of the 1996 Long Term Incentive Plan,) and understandings, whether written or oral, concerning employment with the Company and with any subsidiary of the Company.

NOW THEREFORE, In consideration of the Company entering into this Agreement and the benefits Executive will derive from the Agreement, Executive has agreed to be bound by the restrictive covenants contained in the terms below and the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

1. EMPLOYMENT. The Company will employ the Executive as Senior Vice President, Chief Brokerage Operations Officer of the Company or a comparable position as described in Section 6(e)(ii) below, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. The Executive will perform such duties and responsibilities for the Company, which are commensurate with his position subject to the reasonable direction of the Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO"), Chief Operating Officer (the "COO") or the Chairman of the Board of Directors (the "Chairman").

2. TERM. Subject to the provisions set forth in Section 6 below, the term of this Agreement (the "Term") will be the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on May__ , 2007 unless earlier terminated in accordance with
Section 6 below. Within 90 days prior to the expiration of the Term, the Executive and COO or CEO shall negotiate terms under which this agreement will renew for another 12 months. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a


"Change of Control" (as defined in Section 7 below), the Term of this Agreement will not change, unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 6 below.

3. COMPENSATION. During the Term, the Executive will be compensated for his services to the Company in accordance with the following:

(a) Base Salary. The Company will pay to the Executive an annual base salary of $225,000, payable in accordance with the Company's policies. The Executive's annual base salary may be reviewed by the Company for possible increase (but not decrease) during the Term of this Agreement at the Company's discretion.

(b) Annual Incentive. The Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company's Management Incentive Plan (or any successor short-term incentive plan or program) (the "MIP Plan") for the Company's fiscal year 2005 and subsequent fiscal years during the Term in accordance with the terms and conditions of the MIP Plan with a target bonus of 60% of the Executive's annual base salary for each fiscal year (the "Target Bonus"). The Executive's Target Bonus for periods subsequent to the first year of the Term will be determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Compensation Committee") in its discretion and based upon performance criteria determined for each fiscal year by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion but shall in no event be less than 60% of the Executive's annual base salary for such subsequent period.

(c) Long-Term Incentive Plan. The Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan (or any successor long-term incentive plan or program) (the "LTIP"). Any awards made under the LTIP will be made at the sole discretion of the administrator of the LTIP, or the administrator's designee, and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the LTIP and the applicable award agreement. The Executive will be eligible for periodic option awards, at the discretion and as determined by the Compensation Committee from time to time, at the same time and contingent upon options being granted to other Company executives by the Compensation Committee. Number of options will be determined using the same valuation methodology as other Company executives' grants.

(d) Deferred Compensation Program. The Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company's Executive Deferred Compensation Program (or any successor deferred compensation program) (the "Deferred Compensation Program") in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deferred Compensation Program.

(e) Benefits and Perquisites. The Executive will also receive such benefits and perquisites (the "Benefits") which are made available generally to other senior executives of the Company. All such Benefits will be provided in such amounts as may be determined from time to time by the Company in its discretion and pursuant to the terms of the plan documents governing such Benefits.

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4. NON-COMPETITION, NON-SOLICITATION AND NON-HIRE PROVISIONS. The Executive agrees that:

(a) During the term of this Agreement and for a period of 12 months after the natural expiration of the Term (without renewal) or the Date of Termination whichever occurs first (collectively, the "Restricted Period"), the Executive will not (without the written consent of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board) engage or participate in any business within the United States (as an owner, partner, stockholder, holder of any other equity interest, or financially as an investor or lender, or in any capacity calling for the rendition of personal services or acts of management, operation or control) which is engaged in any activities and for any business competitive with any of the primary businesses conducted or formally proposed to be conducted by the Company or any of its Affiliates (as defined below) during the 12-month period prior to the Date of Termination or expiration of the Term. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "primary businesses" is defined as an online brokerage business, including active trader and long term investor client segments. Provided that this restriction shall not restrict Executive from being employed by or consulting with a business, firm, corporation, partnership or other entity that owns or operates an on-line brokerage, provided that (a) the on-line brokerage business is de minimis as compared to its core business in terms of revenue and/or resources, and (b) Executive's involvement with the company excludes, directly or indirectly, the on-line brokerage business during the Restriction Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive may own securities of a Competitive Business so long as the securities of such corporation or other entity are listed on a national securities exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market and the securities owned directly or indirectly by the Executive do not represent more than one percent of the outstanding securities of such corporation or other entity;

(b) During the Restricted Period neither the Executive, nor any business in which the Executive may engage or participate in, will directly or indirectly (i) knowingly induce any customer or vendor of the Company or of corporations or businesses which directly or indirectly are controlled by the Company (collectively, the "Affiliates") to patronize any Competitive Business, (ii) knowingly canvass or solicit any business from any customer of the Company or any of its Affiliates which business is of a type that is similar to the business received by the Company or Affiliate from the customer, (iii) request or advise any customer or vendor of the Company or any of its Affiliates to withdraw, curtail or cancel such customer's or vendor's business with the Company or any of its Affiliates, or (iv) compete with the Company or any of its Affiliates in merging with or acquiring any other company or business (whether by a purchase of stock or other equity interests, or a purchase of assets or otherwise) which is a Competitive Business;

(c) During the Restricted Period, neither the Executive nor any business in which the Executive may engage or participate in will (i) knowingly hire, solicit or attempt to hire any employee or contractor of the Company or any of its Affiliates or (ii) encourage any employee or contractor of the Company or any of its Affiliates to terminate employment or contractual arrangements. For purposes of this Agreement,

3

"employee" includes current employees as well as anyone employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates within the prior six months from the Executive's Date of Termination or expiration of the Term; provided, however, that this provision shall not preclude any business in which the Executive may engage or participate in from hiring any such employee who responds to a public announcement placed by the business as long as Executive does not exercise any control over the business; and

(d) In the event that any of the provisions of this Section should ever be deemed to exceed the time, geographic or occupational limitations permitted by applicable laws, then such provisions will and are hereby reformed to the maximum time, geographic or occupational limitations permitted by applicable law.

5. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

(a) Except as may be required by law, or except to the extent required to perform the Executive's duties and responsibilities hereunder, the Executive will keep secret and confidential indefinitely all non-public confidential information (including, without limitation, information regarding cost of new accounts, activity rates of different market niche customers, advertising results, technology (hardware and software), architecture, discoveries, processes, algorithms, maskworks, strategies, intellectual properties, customer lists and other customer information) concerning any of the Company and its Affiliates which was acquired by or disclosed to the Executive during the course of the Executive's employment with the Company ("Confidential Information") and not use in any manner or disclose the same, either directly or indirectly, to any other person, firm or business entity.

(b) At the end of the Term (whether by expiration or termination) or at the Company's earlier request, the Executive will promptly return to the Company any and all records, documents, physical property, information, computer disks, drives or other materials relative to the business of any of the Company and its Affiliates obtained by the Executive during course of employment with the Company and not keep any copies thereof.

(c) The Executive acknowledges and agrees that all right, title and interest in inventions, discoveries, improvements, trade secrets, developments, processes and procedures made by the Executive, in whole or in part, or conceived by the Executive either alone or with others, when employed by the Company, including such of the foregoing items conceived during the course of employment which are developed or perfected after the Executive's termination of employment, are owned by the Company ("Company IP"). The Executive assigns any and all right, title and interest he may have to Company IP to the Company and will promptly assist the Company or its designee, at the Company's expense, to obtain patents, trademarks, copyrights and service marks concerning Company IP made by the Executive and the Executive will promptly execute all reasonable documents prepared by the Company or its designee and take all other reasonable actions which are necessary or appropriate to

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secure to the Company and its Affiliates the benefits of Company IP. Such patents, trademarks, copyrights and service marks will at all times be the property of the Company and its Affiliates. The Executive promptly will keep the Company informed of, and promptly will execute such assignments prepared by the Company or its designee as may be necessary to transfer to the Company or its Affiliates the benefits of, any Company IP.

(d) To the extent that any court or agency seeks to require the Executive to disclose Confidential Information, the Executive promptly will inform the Company and take reasonable steps to endeavor to prevent the disclosure of Confidential Information until the Company has been informed of such requested disclosure, and the Company has an opportunity to respond to such court or agency. To the extent the Executive obtains information on behalf of the Company or any of its Affiliates that may be subject to attorney-client privilege as to the Company's attorneys, the Executive will promptly inform the Company and take reasonable steps to endeavor to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to preserve such privilege.

(e) Confidential Information does not include information already in the public domain or information which has been released to the public by the Company. Nothing in this Section 5 shall be construed so as to prevent the Executive from using, in connection with his employment for himself or an employer other than the Company, knowledge which was acquired by him during the course of his employment with the Company and which is generally known to persons of his experience in other companies in the same industry. Subject to Section 5(d), Executive will be permitted to disclose Confidential Information if required by a subpoena or court or administrative order.

6. Termination.

(a) Date of Termination. For purposes of this Agreement, "Date of Termination" is defined as (i) if the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of death or disability, the date of such death or disability; (ii) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Executive for reasons other than Good Reason (as defined below), the date specified in the notice of termination, (iii) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined below), the date of the Company's receipt of the notice of termination or any later date agreed upon by the parties and (iv) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company, the date of the Executive's receipt of the notice of termination or any later date specified therein.

(b) Payments upon Termination. The Company will pay to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 10 business days following the Date of Termination the unpaid portion of the Executive's then current annual base salary through the Date of Termination and the Target Bonus under the MIP Plan, as applicable, for the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs, prorated for the portion of the Company's fiscal year completed on the Date of Termination; provided, however, that if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for reason of Cause

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(as defined below), the Executive will not be entitled to such prorated Target Bonus under the MIP Plan, as applicable. All other Benefits will be paid and continued only to the extent the terms thereof provide for the payment or continuation following the Date of Termination. The vesting and exercisability of the Executive's outstanding stock awards will be treated in accordance with the terms of their respective grants or awards and subject to the terms of section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and rulings thereunder.

(c) Death or Disability. If the Executive becomes physically or mentally disabled and unable to perform the essential functions of his employment (in the reasonable opinion of the Board of Directors of the Company), even with reasonable accommodation, for a continuous period in excess of 180 days or if the Executive should die while an employee of the Company, the Executive's employment with the Company will immediately terminate.

(d) Voluntary Resignation. The Executive may terminate employment with the Company for reasons other than those described in Section 6(e) by delivering written notice to the Company at least 30 days prior to such termination of employment.

(e) Termination by the Company for Reasons Other than Cause or Voluntary Resignation by the Executive for Good Reason. In the event the Company elects to terminate the Executive's employment for any reason other than disability or those specified in Section 6(f), it will provide written notice of such termination to the Executive, which notice will include the date on which the Executive's employment will terminate. The Executive may also terminate employment with the Company for Good Reason by delivering written notice to the Company within 90 days of the occurrence of an event qualifying as Good Reason, but in any event prior to the end of the Term. "Good Reason" is defined as one of the following events that occurs without the written consent of the Executive:

(i) a material violation by the Company of the terms of this Agreement which continues for 30 days following receipt of notice from the Executive specifying such violation;

(ii) a material reduction in the Executive's duties, reporting relationship or responsibilities which results in or reflects a material reduction of the scope or importance of the Executive's position, excluding for this purpose (1) an isolated, unsubstantial or inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and remedied by the Company after receipt of notice given by the Executive to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer or the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO); (2) any reorganization of the Executive Management Team by the Company's CEO which results in a change in the Executive's position with no decrease in base salary for the Executive, so long as Executive's position has a status substantially equal to, and duties and responsibilities

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substantially the same as, the position of Senior Vice President, Chief Brokerage Operations Officer.

(iii) a reduction in the Executive's then current annual base salary; or Target Bonus.

(iv) any relocation of Executive's base office in Omaha, Nebraska, to an office that is more than 75 highway miles from Omaha, Nebraska; or

Upon termination of this Agreement for reasons specified in this subsection (e), subject to the Executive's compliance with the non-competition, non-solicitation, non-hire and confidentiality and intellectual property provisions of this Agreement and the execution and delivery by the Executive to the Company of the Separation and Release Agreement described in Section 13 hereof, the Company will provide the Executive with severance compensation and benefits which the Executive hereby acknowledges to be good and sufficient consideration for the release, non-competition, non-solicitation, non-hire, confidentiality, and intellectual property provisions of this Agreement and which shall survive the Term of this Agreement (in addition to the payments described in
Section 6(b)) as follows:

(v) the Executive will continue to receive his then current annual base salary (or, if greater, the annual base salary in effect 90 days prior to the Date of Termination, but in no event less than $225,000, payable on regularly scheduled paydays for a period equal to the greater of (A) 12 months or (B) the period from the Date of Termination through the end of the Term (such period of payment to be referred to as the "Severance Period");

(vi) taking into account the amount of the Target Bonus received under section 6(b) above and not in addition thereto, the Executive will receive an amount equal to the Target Bonus under the MIP Plan, as applicable, for the entire fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs, payable at such time as bonuses are generally payable for other participants under the MIP Plan; and

(vii) during the Severance Period, if the Executive or any of his dependents is eligible for and elects COBRA continuation coverage (as described in
Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")) under any Company group medical or dental plan, the Executive will not be charged any premiums for such coverage. Executive shall be responsible for any income tax due.

The foregoing will be in lieu of all salary, bonuses or incentive or performance based compensation and any severance benefits to which the Executive may otherwise be

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entitled. If the Executive dies during the Severance Period, any remaining severance payments will be made to the Executive's surviving spouse or, if none, to his estate.

(f) Termination by the Company for Cause. The Company will have a right to terminate the Executive's employment under this Agreement prior to the expiration of the Term for reason of Cause. "Cause" means:

(i) the failure by the Executive to substantially perform his duties under this Agreement, other than due to illness, injury or disability, which failure continues for ten days following receipt of notice from the Board, CEO, COO or CAO specifying such failure;

(ii) the willful engaging by the Executive in conduct which is materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise;

(iii) misconduct involving serious moral turpitude to the extent that in the reasonable judgment of the Board, CEO, COO or CAO, the Executive's credibility or reputation no longer conforms to the standard of the Company's executives; or

(iv) the violation of the provisions of Section 4 or Section 5 of this Agreement.

Notice of Termination for Cause. A Notice of Termination for Cause shall mean a written notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision above relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances, which provide for a basis of the Termination for Cause. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, in the event that a notice of termination is required to be given by either party, the Company may, in its sole discretion and subject to Executive's right to cure provided in subsection (i) above, choose to have the termination effective immediately, provided the Company will be obligated to provide the Executive with the compensation and benefits to which he is entitled, as an employee, for the entire notice period.

7. CHANGE OF CONTROL.

(a) For the purpose of this Agreement, a "Change of Control" means the occurrence of an event described in subsection (i), (ii) or (iii) below:

(i) the completion of a plan of complete liquidation of the Company which has been approved by the Company's shareholders;

(ii) the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (or any transaction having a similar effect); or

(iii) the consummation of a merger, acquisition, or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation other than (1) a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 50% of the

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combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger, acquisition or consolidation or (2) a merger, acquisition or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction).

(b) Subject to the Executive's compliance with Sections 4 and 5 and subject to the Executive's execution of the Separation and Release Agreement described in Section 13, if following a Change of Control, the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause within 12 months of the legal closing date of the Change of Control or is terminated by the Executive for Good Reason within 12 months of the legal closing date of the Change of Control, the amount due to the Executive in Sections 6(e)(v) and 6(e)(vi) will be paid in a lump sum within 30 days following such termination of employment in lieu of payment at such times described in Sections 6(e)(v) and 6(e)(vi).

8. EXCISE TAXES. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if any payment or benefit to which the Executive is entitled to from the Company (the "Payments," which include the vesting of stock awards or other benefits or property) is more likely than not to be subject to the tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or any successor provision to that section), the Payments shall be reduced to the extent required to avoid application of such tax. The Executive will be entitled to select the order in which Payments are to be reduced in accordance with the preceding sentence. Determination of whether Payments would result in the application of the tax imposed under Section 4999, and the amount of reduction that is necessary so that no such tax is applied, shall be made at the Company's expense, by the independent accounting firm employed by the Company immediately prior to the occurrence of any Change of Control of the Company which will result in the imposition of such tax.

9. EFFECT OF BREACH OF NON-COMPETITION, NON-SOLICITATION, NON-HIRE OR CONFIDENTIALITY AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROVISIONS. The Executive acknowledges that the Company would be irreparably injured by a violation of Sections 4 or 5 of this Agreement and agrees that the Company, in addition to other remedies available to it for such breach or threatened breach will be entitled to a preliminary injunction, temporary restraining order, other equivalent relief, restraining the Executive from any actual or threatened breach of Sections 4 or 5 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Agreement, in the event the Executive breaches or otherwise fails to comply with the provisions of Sections 4 or 5 of this Agreement, then, in addition to any other remedies provided herein at law or in equity, the Company shall not have any obligation to make any further payments to the Executive on or after the date of any such breach or failure. Further, in the event of any such breach or failure to comply with Sections 4 or 5, the Company has the right, in its sole discretion, to require the Executive to return any compensation, including, but not limited to, cash severance, bonus payments, stock option proceeds, or benefits payments, which the Executive received as a result of the termination.

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10. DEFENSE OF CLAIMS. The Executive agrees that, on and after the Effective Date, he will cooperate with the Company and its Affiliates in the defense of any claims that may be made against the Company or its Affiliates to the extent that such claims may relate to services performed by him for the Company. After separation of employment, such cooperation will be compensable at the same annual base salary as paid under the terms of this Agreement (as prorated for required service period) and Company agrees to promptly reimburse the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses that Executive incurs in the course of such cooperation.

11. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company the Executive's obligations under this Agreement will not be assignable by the Executive. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.

12. INDEMNIFICATION. The Executive will be eligible for indemnification as provided in the Company's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or pursuant to other agreements in effect as of the effective date of this Agreement. In addition, the Company will maintain directors' and officers' liability insurance in effect and covering acts and omissions of the Executive, during the Term and for a period of six years thereafter, on terms customary for companies that are similar to the Company, but in no event shall the liability limits of such insurance be less than the liability limits in effect for all other similar senior executive employees of Company.

13. SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT. Notwithstanding anything in Section 6 or Section 7 to the contrary, the Executive acknowledges that the severance benefits provided hereunder are adequate and sufficient consideration for the Separation and Release Agreement required hereunder. Furthermore, the Executive acknowledges that the severance benefits under Section 6 or Section 7 shall only become payable by the Company if the Executive executes and delivers to the Company a Separation and Release Agreement on or after the date of written notice of termination of Executive's employment and in substantially the form attached, as an example, in Exhibit A hereof. The terms of the Separation and Release Agreement will be subject to the terms of the Executive Employment Agreement.

14. NOTICE. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement will be in writing, signed by the party or parties giving or making the same and will be served on the person or persons for whom it was intended or who should be advised or notified, by Federal Express or other similar overnight service. If the notice is sent to the Executive, the notice should be sent to the address listed on the signature page of this Agreement or to such other address furnished by the Executive in writing in accordance with this Agreement. If notice is sent to the Company, the notice should be sent to:

Ameritrade Holding Corporation 4211 South 102nd Street P.O. Box 3288
Omaha, Nebraska 68103-0288 Attention: Chief Administrative Officer, with copies to Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer

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or to such other address as furnished by the Company in writing in accordance with this Agreement. Notice and communications will be effective when actually received by the addressee.

15. MISCELLANEOUS.

(a) This Agreement is subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Nebraska, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.

(b) The failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement will not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or any other provision or right of this Agreement.

(c) This Agreement may not be modified except by an agreement in writing executed by the parties to this Agreement.

(d) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

(e) The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state or local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

(f) This Agreement terminates and supersedes any and all prior employment agreements or understandings, written or oral, with the Executive and the Company or any of its subsidiaries or Affiliates. The obligations of the Executive under Sections 4 and 5 shall survive termination of this Agreement to the extent provided in those sections.

(g) In the event of any dispute or controversy in arbitration between the parties, the Company will pay the attorneys fees, costs and expenses of the Executive if the Executive prevails.

(h) Any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or breach thereof will be settled by final, binding and nonappealable arbitration (excluding, however, any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of Sections 4 or 5 hereof) in Omaha, Nebraska by three arbitrators. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this subsection (h), the arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association (the "Association") then in effect. One of the arbitrators shall be appointed by the Company, one shall be appointed by the Executive and the third shall be appointed by the first two arbitrators. If the first two arbitrators cannot agree on the third arbitrator within 30 days of the appointment of the second arbitrator, then the Association shall appoint the third.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

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AMERITRADE HOLDING CORPORATION

By: /S/ KURT D. HALVORSON
    ---------------------------------------
    Chief Operating Officer

/S/ BRYCE B. ENGEL
-------------------------------------------
Bryce B. Engel


Street
City, State and Zip Code

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EXHIBIT 10.4

AMERITRADE HOLDING CORPORATION
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Executive Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") between AMERITRADE HOLDING CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "Company") and Lawrence Szczech (the "Executive"), is made effective May 10, 2005 (the "Effective Date").

Witnesseth

WHEREAS, The Company has employed the Executive as Managing Director, Client and Product Strategy and now desires to promote the Executive to the position of Executive Vice President, Chief Client Officer.

WHEREAS, The Executive desires to accept the promotion offered by the Company and continue being employed by the Company.

WHEREAS, The Company and the Executive desire to set forth in this Agreement, the terms, conditions and obligations of the parties with respect to such promotion and continued employment and this Agreement is intended by the parties to supersede all previous agreements (Excluding for this purpose, any option agreements dated prior to the Effective Date ("Prior Option Agreements"), which option agreements will remain in full force and effect and be subject to the terms of the 1996 Long Term Incentive Plan,) and understandings, whether written or oral, concerning employment with the Company and with any subsidiary of the Company.

NOW THEREFORE, In consideration of the Company entering into this Agreement and the benefits Executive will derive from the Agreement, Executive has agreed to be bound by the restrictive covenants contained in the terms below and the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

1. EMPLOYMENT. The Company will employ the Executive as Executive Vice President, Chief Client Officer of the Company or a comparable position as described in Section 6(e)(ii) below, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. The Executive will perform such duties and responsibilities for the Company, which are commensurate with his position subject to the reasonable direction of the Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO"), Chief Operating Officer (the "COO") or the Chairman of the Board of Directors (the "Chairman").

2. TERM. Subject to the provisions set forth in Section 6 below, the term of this Agreement (the "Term") will be the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on May , 2007 unless earlier terminated in accordance with
Section 6 below. Within 90 days prior to the expiration of the Term, the Executive and COO or CEO shall negotiate terms under which this agreement will renew for another 12 months. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a "Change of Control" (as defined in Section 7 below), the Term of this Agreement will not change, unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 6 below.


3. COMPENSATION. During the Term, the Executive will be compensated for his services to the Company in accordance with the following:

(a) Base Salary. The Company will pay to the Executive an annual base salary of $250,000, payable in accordance with the Company's policies. The Executive's annual base salary may be reviewed by the Company for possible increase (but not decrease) during the Term of this Agreement at the Company's discretion.

(b) Annual Incentive. The Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company's Management Incentive Plan (or any successor short-term incentive plan or program) (the "MIP Plan") for the Company's fiscal year 2005 and subsequent fiscal years during the Term in accordance with the terms and conditions of the MIP Plan with a target bonus of 65% of the Executive's annual base salary for each fiscal year (the "Target Bonus"). The Executive's Target Bonus for periods subsequent to the first year of the Term will be determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Compensation Committee") in its discretion and based upon performance criteria determined for each fiscal year by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion but shall in no event be less than 65% of the Executive's annual base salary for such subsequent period.

(c) Long-Term Incentive Plan. The Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan (or any successor long-term incentive plan or program) (the "LTIP"). Any awards made under the LTIP will be made at the sole discretion of the administrator of the LTIP, or the administrator's designee, and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the LTIP and the applicable award agreement. The Executive will be eligible for periodic option awards, at the discretion and as determined by the Compensation Committee from time to time, at the same time and contingent upon options being granted to other Company executives by the Compensation Committee. Number of options will be determined using the same valuation methodology as other Company executives' grants.

(d) Deferred Compensation Program. The Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company's Executive Deferred Compensation Program (or any successor deferred compensation program) (the "Deferred Compensation Program") in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deferred Compensation Program.

(e) Benefits and Perquisites. The Executive will also receive such benefits and perquisites (the "Benefits") which are made available generally to other senior executives of the Company. All such Benefits will be provided in such amounts as may be determined from time to time by the Company in its discretion and pursuant to the terms of the plan documents governing such Benefits.

4. NON-COMPETITION, NON-SOLICITATION AND NON-HIRE PROVISIONS. The Executive agrees that:

(a) During the term of this Agreement and for a period of 12 months after the natural expiration of the Term (without renewal) or the Date of Termination whichever

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occurs first (collectively, the "Restricted Period"), the Executive will not (without the written consent of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board) engage or participate in any business within the United States (as an owner, partner, stockholder, holder of any other equity interest, or financially as an investor or lender, or in any capacity calling for the rendition of personal services or acts of management, operation or control) which is engaged in any activities and for any business competitive with any of the primary businesses conducted or formally proposed to be conducted by the Company or any of its Affiliates (as defined below) during the 12-month period prior to the Date of Termination or expiration of the Term. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "primary businesses" is defined as an online brokerage business, including active trader and long term investor client segments. Provided that this restriction shall not restrict Executive from being employed by or consulting with a business, firm, corporation, partnership or other entity that owns or operates an on-line brokerage, provided that (a) the on-line brokerage business is de minimis as compared to its core business in terms of revenue and/or resources, and (b) Executive's involvement with the company excludes, directly or indirectly, the on-line brokerage business during the Restriction Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive may own securities of a Competitive Business so long as the securities of such corporation or other entity are listed on a national securities exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market and the securities owned directly or indirectly by the Executive do not represent more than one percent of the outstanding securities of such corporation or other entity;

(b) During the Restricted Period neither the Executive, nor any business in which the Executive may engage or participate in, will directly or indirectly (i) knowingly induce any customer or vendor of the Company or of corporations or businesses which directly or indirectly are controlled by the Company (collectively, the "Affiliates") to patronize any Competitive Business, (ii) knowingly canvass or solicit any business from any customer of the Company or any of its Affiliates which business is of a type that is similar to the business received by the Company or Affiliate from the customer, (iii) request or advise any customer or vendor of the Company or any of its Affiliates to withdraw, curtail or cancel such customer's or vendor's business with the Company or any of its Affiliates, or (iv) compete with the Company or any of its Affiliates in merging with or acquiring any other company or business (whether by a purchase of stock or other equity interests, or a purchase of assets or otherwise) which is a Competitive Business;

(c) During the Restricted Period, neither the Executive nor any business in which the Executive may engage or participate in will (i) knowingly hire, solicit or attempt to hire any employee or contractor of the Company or any of its Affiliates or (ii) encourage any employee or contractor of the Company or any of its Affiliates to terminate employment or contractual arrangements. For purposes of this Agreement, "employee" includes current employees as well as anyone employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates within the prior six months from the Executive's Date of Termination or expiration of the Term; provided, however, that this provision shall not preclude any business in which the Executive may engage or participate in from hiring any such employee who responds to a public announcement placed by the business as long as Executive does not exercise any control over the business; and

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(d) In the event that any of the provisions of this Section should ever be deemed to exceed the time, geographic or occupational limitations permitted by applicable laws, then such provisions will and are hereby reformed to the maximum time, geographic or occupational limitations permitted by applicable law.

5. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

(a) Except as may be required by law, or except to the extent required to perform the Executive's duties and responsibilities hereunder, the Executive will keep secret and confidential indefinitely all non-public confidential information (including, without limitation, information regarding cost of new accounts, activity rates of different market niche customers, advertising results, technology (hardware and software), architecture, discoveries, processes, algorithms, maskworks, strategies, intellectual properties, customer lists and other customer information) concerning any of the Company and its Affiliates which was acquired by or disclosed to the Executive during the course of the Executive's employment with the Company ("Confidential Information") and not use in any manner or disclose the same, either directly or indirectly, to any other person, firm or business entity.

(b) At the end of the Term (whether by expiration or termination) or at the Company's earlier request, the Executive will promptly return to the Company any and all records, documents, physical property, information, computer disks, drives or other materials relative to the business of any of the Company and its Affiliates obtained by the Executive during course of employment with the Company and not keep any copies thereof.

(c) The Executive acknowledges and agrees that all right, title and interest in inventions, discoveries, improvements, trade secrets, developments, processes and procedures made by the Executive, in whole or in part, or conceived by the Executive either alone or with others, when employed by the Company, including such of the foregoing items conceived during the course of employment which are developed or perfected after the Executive's termination of employment, are owned by the Company ("Company IP"). The Executive assigns any and all right, title and interest he may have to Company IP to the Company and will promptly assist the Company or its designee, at the Company's expense, to obtain patents, trademarks, copyrights and service marks concerning Company IP made by the Executive and the Executive will promptly execute all reasonable documents prepared by the Company or its designee and take all other reasonable actions which are necessary or appropriate to secure to the Company and its Affiliates the benefits of Company IP. Such patents, trademarks, copyrights and service marks will at all times be the property of the Company and its Affiliates. The Executive promptly will keep the Company informed of, and promptly will execute such assignments prepared by the Company or its designee as may be necessary to transfer to the Company or its Affiliates the benefits of, any Company IP.

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(d) To the extent that any court or agency seeks to require the Executive to disclose Confidential Information, the Executive promptly will inform the Company and take reasonable steps to endeavor to prevent the disclosure of Confidential Information until the Company has been informed of such requested disclosure, and the Company has an opportunity to respond to such court or agency. To the extent the Executive obtains information on behalf of the Company or any of its Affiliates that may be subject to attorney-client privilege as to the Company's attorneys, the Executive will promptly inform the Company and take reasonable steps to endeavor to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to preserve such privilege.

(e) Confidential Information does not include information already in the public domain or information which has been released to the public by the Company. Nothing in this Section 5 shall be construed so as to prevent the Executive from using, in connection with his employment for himself or an employer other than the Company, knowledge which was acquired by him during the course of his employment with the Company and which is generally known to persons of his experience in other companies in the same industry. Subject to Section 5(d), Executive will be permitted to disclose Confidential Information if required by a subpoena or court or administrative order.

6. Termination.

(a) Date of Termination. For purposes of this Agreement, "Date of Termination" is defined as (i) if the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of death or disability, the date of such death or disability;
(ii) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Executive for reasons other than Good Reason (as defined below), the date specified in the notice of termination, (iii) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined below), the date of the Company's receipt of the notice of termination or any later date agreed upon by the parties and (iv) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company, the date of the Executive's receipt of the notice of termination or any later date specified therein.

(b) Payments upon Termination. The Company will pay to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 10 business days following the Date of Termination the unpaid portion of the Executive's then current annual base salary through the Date of Termination and the Target Bonus under the MIP Plan, as applicable, for the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs, prorated for the portion of the Company's fiscal year completed on the Date of Termination; provided, however, that if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for reason of Cause (as defined below), the Executive will not be entitled to such prorated Target Bonus under the MIP Plan, as applicable. All other Benefits will be paid and continued only to the extent the terms thereof provide for the payment or continuation following the Date of Termination. The vesting and exercisability of the Executive's outstanding stock awards will be treated in accordance with the terms of their respective grants or awards and subject to the terms of section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and rulings thereunder.

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(c) Death or Disability. If the Executive becomes physically or mentally disabled and unable to perform the essential functions of his employment (in the reasonable opinion of the Board of Directors of the Company), even with reasonable accommodation, for a continuous period in excess of 180 days or if the Executive should die while an employee of the Company, the Executive's employment with the Company will immediately terminate.

(d) Voluntary Resignation. The Executive may terminate employment with the Company for reasons other than those described in Section 6(e) by delivering written notice to the Company at least 30 days prior to such termination of employment.

(e) Termination by the Company for Reasons Other than Cause or Voluntary Resignation by the Executive for Good Reason. In the event the Company elects to terminate the Executive's employment for any reason other than disability or those specified in Section 6(f), it will provide written notice of such termination to the Executive, which notice will include the date on which the Executive's employment will terminate. The Executive may also terminate employment with the Company for Good Reason by delivering written notice to the Company within 90 days of the occurrence of an event qualifying as Good Reason, but in any event prior to the end of the Term. "Good Reason" is defined as one of the following events that occurs without the written consent of the Executive:

(i) a material violation by the Company of the terms of this Agreement which continues for 30 days following receipt of notice from the Executive specifying such violation;

(ii) a material reduction in the Executive's duties, reporting relationship or responsibilities which results in or reflects a material reduction of the scope or importance of the Executive's position, excluding for this purpose (1) an isolated, unsubstantial or inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and remedied by the Company after receipt of notice given by the Executive to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer or the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO); (2) any reorganization of the Executive Management Team by the Company's CEO which results in a change in the Executive's position with no decrease in base salary for the Executive, so long as Executive's position has a status substantially equal to, and duties and responsibilities substantially the same as, the position of Executive Vice President, Chief Client Officer.

(iii) a reduction in the Executive's then current annual base salary; or Target Bonus.

(iv) any relocation of Executive's base office in Jersey City, New Jersey, to an office that is more than 75 highway miles from Jersey City, New Jersey; or

6

Upon termination of this Agreement for reasons specified in this subsection (e), subject to the Executive's compliance with the non-competition, non-solicitation, non-hire and confidentiality and intellectual property provisions of this Agreement and the execution and delivery by the Executive to the Company of the Separation and Release Agreement described in Section 13 hereof, the Company will provide the Executive with severance compensation and benefits which the Executive hereby acknowledges to be good and sufficient consideration for the release, non-competition, non-solicitation, non-hire, confidentiality, and intellectual property provisions of this Agreement and which shall survive the Term of this Agreement (in addition to the payments described in
Section 6(b)) as follows:

(v) the Executive will continue to receive his then current annual base salary (or, if greater, the annual base salary in effect 90 days prior to the Date of Termination, but in no event less than $250,000, payable on regularly scheduled paydays for a period equal to the greater of (A) 12 months or (B) the period from the Date of Termination through the end of the Term (such period of payment to be referred to as the "Severance Period");

(vi) taking into account the amount of the Target Bonus received under section 6(b) above and not in addition thereto, the Executive will receive an amount equal to the Target Bonus under the MIP Plan, as applicable, for the entire fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs, payable at such time as bonuses are generally payable for other participants under the MIP Plan; and

(vii) during the Severance Period, if the Executive or any of his dependents is eligible for and elects COBRA continuation coverage (as described in Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")) under any Company group medical or dental plan, the Executive will not be charged any premiums for such coverage. Executive shall be responsible for any income tax due.

The foregoing will be in lieu of all salary, bonuses or incentive or performance based compensation and any severance benefits to which the Executive may otherwise be entitled. If the Executive dies during the Severance Period, any remaining severance payments will be made to the Executive's surviving spouse or, if none, to his estate.

(f) Termination by the Company for Cause. The Company will have a right to terminate the Executive's employment under this Agreement prior to the expiration of the Term for reason of Cause. "Cause" means:

(i) the failure by the Executive to substantially perform his duties under this Agreement, other than due to illness, injury or disability, which failure

7

continues for ten days following receipt of notice from the Board, CEO, COO or CAO specifying such failure;

(ii) the willful engaging by the Executive in conduct which is materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise;

(iii) misconduct involving serious moral turpitude to the extent that in the reasonable judgment of the Board, CEO, COO or CAO, the Executive's credibility or reputation no longer conforms to the standard of the Company's executives; or

(iv) the violation of the provisions of Section 4 or Section 5 of this Agreement.

Notice of Termination for Cause. A Notice of Termination for Cause shall mean a written notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision above relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances, which provide for a basis of the Termination for Cause. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, in the event that a notice of termination is required to be given by either party, the Company may, in its sole discretion and subject to Executive's right to cure provided in subsection (i) above, choose to have the termination effective immediately, provided the Company will be obligated to provide the Executive with the compensation and benefits to which he is entitled, as an employee, for the entire notice period.

7. CHANGE OF CONTROL.

(a) For the purpose of this Agreement, a "Change of Control" means the occurrence of an event described in subsection (i), (ii) or (iii) below:

(i) the completion of a plan of complete liquidation of the Company which has been approved by the Company's shareholders;

(ii) the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (or any transaction having a similar effect); or

(iii) the consummation of a merger, acquisition, or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation other than (1) a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger, acquisition or consolidation or (2) a merger, acquisition or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction).

(b) Subject to the Executive's compliance with Sections 4 and 5 and subject to the Executive's execution of the Separation and Release Agreement described in Section 13, if following a Change of Control, the Executive's employment is terminated

8

by the Company without Cause within 12 months of the legal closing date of the Change of Control or is terminated by the Executive for Good Reason within 12 months of the legal closing date of the Change of Control, the amount due to the Executive in Sections 6(e)(v) and 6(e)(vi) will be paid in a lump sum within 30 days following such termination of employment in lieu of payment at such times described in Sections 6(e)(v) and 6(e)(vi).

8. EXCISE TAXES. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if any payment or benefit to which the Executive is entitled to from the Company (the "Payments," which include the vesting of stock awards or other benefits or property) is more likely than not to be subject to the tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or any successor provision to that section), the Payments shall be reduced to the extent required to avoid application of such tax. The Executive will be entitled to select the order in which Payments are to be reduced in accordance with the preceding sentence. Determination of whether Payments would result in the application of the tax imposed under Section 4999, and the amount of reduction that is necessary so that no such tax is applied, shall be made at the Company's expense, by the independent accounting firm employed by the Company immediately prior to the occurrence of any Change of Control of the Company which will result in the imposition of such tax.

9. EFFECT OF BREACH OF NON-COMPETITION, NON-SOLICITATION, NON-HIRE OR CONFIDENTIALITY AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROVISIONS. The Executive acknowledges that the Company would be irreparably injured by a violation of Sections 4 or 5 of this Agreement and agrees that the Company, in addition to other remedies available to it for such breach or threatened breach will be entitled to a preliminary injunction, temporary restraining order, other equivalent relief, restraining the Executive from any actual or threatened breach of Sections 4 or 5 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Agreement, in the event the Executive breaches or otherwise fails to comply with the provisions of Sections 4 or 5 of this Agreement, then, in addition to any other remedies provided herein at law or in equity, the Company shall not have any obligation to make any further payments to the Executive on or after the date of any such breach or failure. Further, in the event of any such breach or failure to comply with Sections 4 or 5, the Company has the right, in its sole discretion, to require the Executive to return any compensation, including, but not limited to, cash severance, bonus payments, stock option proceeds, or benefits payments, which the Executive received as a result of the termination.

10. DEFENSE OF CLAIMS. The Executive agrees that, on and after the Effective Date, he will cooperate with the Company and its Affiliates in the defense of any claims that may be made against the Company or its Affiliates to the extent that such claims may relate to services performed by him for the Company. After separation of employment, such cooperation will be compensable at the same annual base salary as paid under the terms of this Agreement (as prorated for required service period) and Company agrees to promptly reimburse the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses that Executive incurs in the course of such cooperation.

9

11. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company the Executive's obligations under this Agreement will not be assignable by the Executive. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.

12. INDEMNIFICATION. The Executive will be eligible for indemnification as provided in the Company's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or pursuant to other agreements in effect as of the effective date of this Agreement. In addition, the Company will maintain directors' and officers' liability insurance in effect and covering acts and omissions of the Executive, during the Term and for a period of six years thereafter, on terms customary for companies that are similar to the Company, but in no event shall the liability limits of such insurance be less than the liability limits in effect for all other similar senior executive employees of Company.

13. SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT. Notwithstanding anything in Section 6 or Section 7 to the contrary, the Executive acknowledges that the severance benefits provided hereunder are adequate and sufficient consideration for the Separation and Release Agreement required hereunder. Furthermore, the Executive acknowledges that the severance benefits under Section 6 or Section 7 shall only become payable by the Company if the Executive executes and delivers to the Company a Separation and Release Agreement on or after the date of written notice of termination of Executive's employment and in substantially the form attached, as an example, in Exhibit A hereof. The terms of the Separation and Release Agreement will be subject to the terms of the Executive Employment Agreement.

14. NOTICE. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement will be in writing, signed by the party or parties giving or making the same and will be served on the person or persons for whom it was intended or who should be advised or notified, by Federal Express or other similar overnight service. If the notice is sent to the Executive, the notice should be sent to the address listed on the signature page of this Agreement or to such other address furnished by the Executive in writing in accordance with this Agreement. If notice is sent to the Company, the notice should be sent to:

Ameritrade Holding Corporation 4211 South 102nd Street P.O. Box 3288
Omaha, Nebraska 68103-0288 Attention: Chief Administrative Officer, with copies to Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer

or to such other address as furnished by the Company in writing in accordance with this Agreement. Notice and communications will be effective when actually received by the addressee.

15. MISCELLANEOUS.

(a) This Agreement is subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Nebraska, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.

10

(b) The failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement will not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or any other provision or right of this Agreement.

(c) This Agreement may not be modified except by an agreement in writing executed by the parties to this Agreement.

(d) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

(e) The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state or local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

(f) This Agreement terminates and supersedes any and all prior employment agreements or understandings, written or oral, with the Executive and the Company or any of its subsidiaries or Affiliates. The obligations of the Executive under Sections 4 and 5 shall survive termination of this Agreement to the extent provided in those sections.

(g) In the event of any dispute or controversy in arbitration between the parties, the Company will pay the attorneys fees, costs and expenses of the Executive if the Executive prevails.

(h) Any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or breach thereof will be settled by final, binding and nonappealable arbitration (excluding, however, any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of Sections 4 or 5 hereof) in Omaha, Nebraska by three arbitrators. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this subsection
(h), the arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association (the "Association") then in effect. One of the arbitrators shall be appointed by the Company, one shall be appointed by the Executive and the third shall be appointed by the first two arbitrators. If the first two arbitrators cannot agree on the third arbitrator within 30 days of the appointment of the second arbitrator, then the Association shall appoint the third.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

AMERITRADE HOLDING CORPORATION

By: /S/ KURT D. HALVORSON
    ------------------------------------
    Chief Operating Officer

/S/ LAWRENCE SZCZECH
----------------------------------------
Lawrence Szczech


Street


City, State and Zip Code

11

EXHIBIT 15.1

AWARENESS LETTER OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

July 22, 2005

Ameritrade Holding Corporation
Omaha, Nebraska

We have made a review, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), of the unaudited interim financial information of Ameritrade Holding Corporation and subsidiaries for the three month and nine month periods ended June 24, 2005 and June 25, 2004, as indicated in our report dated July 22, 2005; because we did not perform an audit, we expressed no opinion on that information.

We are aware that our report referred to above, which is included in your Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 24, 2005, is incorporated by reference in Registration Statement Numbers 333-105336, 333-99481, 333-99353, 333-86164 and 333-77573 on Form S-8 and Post Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement Number 333-88632 on Form S-3 to Form S-4.

We also are aware that the aforementioned report, pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, is not considered a part of the Registration Statement prepared or certified by an accountant or a report prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of that Act.

/S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Omaha, Nebraska


EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Joseph H. Moglia, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Ameritrade Holding Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: July 22, 2005

                                                     /s/Joseph H. Moglia
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     Joseph H. Moglia
                                                     Chief Executive Officer


EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, John R. MacDonald, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Ameritrade Holding Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: July 22, 2005

                                     /s/John R. MacDonald
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     John R. MacDonald
                                     Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
                                          Officer and Treasurer


EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

The undersigned hereby certify that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 24, 2005 filed by Ameritrade Holding Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission fully complies with the requirements of
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the issuer.

Dated: July 22, 2005                 /s/ Joseph H. Moglia
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Joseph H. Moglia
                                     Chief Executive Officer

Dated: July 22, 2005                 /s/ John R. MacDonald
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     John R. MacDonald
                                     Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
                                         Officer and Treasurer



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