UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
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
|
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
(Registrants 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 registrants Common Stock.
AMERITRADE HOLDING CORPORATION
INDEX
2
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 Companys 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
3
Ameritrade Holding Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share amounts)
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
Ameritrade Holding Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
Ameritrade Holding Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
AMERITRADE HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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 Companys 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 SECs 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 entitys 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
awardthe 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
Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys
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 Companys 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:
8
The Companys 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 Companys 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 Knights 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
Companys investment in Knight was valued at $61.4 million and $72.8 million, respectively. The
Companys 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 Companys 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):
9
4. ACQUISITION EXIT LIABILITIES
The following table summarizes activity in the Companys acquisition exit liabilities for the
three-month and nine-month periods ended June 24, 2005:
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 Companys 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 Companys 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.
10
Reflecting the effect of a regulatory matter related to an insured deposit sweep program discussed
in the following paragraphs, the Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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.
11
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:
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:
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 Courts
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
12
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 Courts 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 Slagas 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 Slagas 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
Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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 clients 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 clients assets are not
sufficient to fully cover losses which clients may incur. In the event the client fails to satisfy
13
its obligations, the Company has the authority to purchase or sell financial instruments in the
clients account at prevailing market prices in order to fulfill the clients 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 Companys 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 Companys financial performance and other
10. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Financial information for the Companys Private Client Division, which is currently the Companys
only reportable segment, and all other segments, is presented in the following tables. The totals
are equal to the Companys consolidated amounts as reported in the Condensed Consolidated
Statements of Operations.
14
On March 15, 2005, the Company announced a reorganization of its operational structure to more
closely align the Companys 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
11. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Comprehensive income is as follows:
15
Item 2. - Managements 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 Companys 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 Companys 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 managements 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
16
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):
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.
17
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:
Net Interest Revenue Metrics
The following tables set forth metrics that we use in analyzing net interest revenue:
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:
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.
18
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):
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
19
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.
20
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 SECs 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-dealers
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
21
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):
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
22
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 entitys 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
awardthe 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.
24
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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys internal control over financial reporting during the
most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, the Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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.
25
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 Companys 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
The Companys Common Stock repurchase program was announced on September 9, 2002. The
Companys 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 Companys 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.
26
Item 6. - Exhibits
27
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
28
Table of Contents
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
June 24,
June 25,
June 24,
June 25,
2005
2004
2005
2004
$
113,077
$
136,231
$
394,596
$
457,635
137,396
71,302
366,797
200,144
38,678
8,604
93,526
26,768
98,718
62,698
273,271
173,376
22,559
21,063
60,973
62,285
234,354
219,992
728,840
693,296
43,972
40,384
130,811
118,588
7,181
8,260
20,081
24,155
8,307
10,936
27,203
31,382
12,424
10,720
33,018
32,080
5,897
5,897
17,543
17,458
7,947
8,957
26,722
24,053
497
565
1,503
1,959
26
(199
)
(220
)
(575
)
4,041
5,254
13,146
16,607
21,672
27,197
72,307
80,414
111,964
117,971
342,114
346,121
122,390
102,021
386,726
347,175
47,718
39,763
148,489
132,023
$
74,672
$
62,258
$
238,237
$
215,152
$
0.19
$
0.15
$
0.59
$
0.51
$
0.18
$
0.15
$
0.58
$
0.50
403,017
415,252
403,911
420,599
411,074
424,002
412,250
430,386
Table of Contents
Nine Months Ended
June 24, 2005
June 25, 2004
$
238,237
$
215,152
7,324
8,469
10,219
8,989
(699
)
(1,008
)
(220
)
(575
)
791
2,666
1,825
44,678
187,641
(1,358,386
)
(1,030,228
)
221,727
(239,356
)
1,050,371
1,129,936
9,237
(16,199
)
225,154
265,437
(6,217
)
(6,011
)
15
(25,919
)
(56,350
)
(246,625
)
(55,975
)
244,575
55,975
807
(185
)
(36
)
(33,564
)
(62,382
)
280,000
42,500
(280,000
)
(89,328
)
15,281
13,103
(77,229
)
(288,633
)
428
(61,948
)
(321,930
)
282
8
129,924
(118,867
)
137,392
248,623
$
267,316
$
129,756
$
87,776
$
29,142
$
131,318
$
128,672
$
11,885
$
12,154
Table of Contents
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)
Table of Contents
(1)
Purchase accounting adjustments consist of approximately $1.2 million of adjustments to
liabilities relating to the Companys 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.
Table of Contents
(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.
(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.
Table of Contents
Three Months Ended June 24, 2005
Paid and
Balance at
Restructuring
Charged Against
Balance at
Mar. 25, 2005
Charges
Liability
June 24, 2005
$
136
$
$
$
136
4,533
420
4,113
$
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
$
577
$
$
441
$
136
5,113
216
1,216
4,113
$
5,690
$
216
$
1,657
$
4,249
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
June 24,
June 25,
June 24,
June 25,
2005
2004
2005
2004
$
74,672
$
62,258
$
238,237
$
215,152
403,017
415,252
403,911
420,599
8,036
8,730
8,318
9,766
21
20
21
21
411,074
424,002
412,250
430,386
$
0.19
$
0.15
$
0.59
$
0.51
$
0.18
$
0.15
$
0.58
$
0.50
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Three Months Ended June 24, 2005
Nine Months Ended June 24, 2005
Private Client
All
Private Client
All
Division
Other
Total
Division
Other
Total
$
131,159
$
4,477
$
135,636
$
442,159
$
13,410
$
455,569
96,102
2,616
98,718
267,097
6,174
273,271
$
227,261
$
7,093
$
234,354
$
709,256
$
19,584
$
728,840
$
126,840
$
(4,450
)
$
122,390
$
391,679
$
(4,953
)
$
386,726
Table of Contents
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
June 24, 2005
June 25, 2004
June 24, 2005
June 25, 2004
$
74,672
$
62,258
$
238,237
$
215,152
(14,866
)
(19,116
)
(8,554
)
(10,315
)
14,495
17,675
11,826
10,117
143
562
(1,046
)
500
30
(49
)
77
412
12
(277
)
(802
)
2,668
314
$
74,395
$
61,456
$
240,905
$
215,466
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Three months ended
%
Nine months ended
%
June 24, 2005
June 25, 2004
Change
June 24, 2005
June 25, 2004
Change
8.89
10.16
(13
%)
29.99
33.95
(12
%)
$
12.72
$
13.41
(5
%)
$
13.16
$
13.48
(2
%)
138,930
163,906
(15
%)
159,102
183,013
(13
%)
9.7
11.8
(18
%)
11.2
13.7
(18
%)
3.8
%
4.7
%
(19
%)
4.4
%
5.5
%
(20
%)
64.0
62.0
3
%
188.5
185.5
2
%
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.)
$
7,608
2.80
%
$
7,481
1.00
%
2
%
1.80
%
$
3,441
5.79
%
$
3,550
4.86
%
(3
%)
0.93
%
$
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.)
$
7,831
2.33
%
$
7,577
0.99
%
3
%
1.34
%
$
3,497
5.42
%
$
3,213
4.89
%
9
%
0.53
%
$
9,501
(0.39
%)
$
8,858
(0.12
%)
7
%
0.27
%
Three months ended
%
Nine months ended
%
June 24, 2005
June 25, 2004
Change
June 24, 2005
June 25, 2004
Change
1,730,000
1,700,000
2
%
1,677,000
1,520,000
10
%
1,730,000
1,720,000
1
%
1,730,000
1,720,000
1
%
0
%
1
%
3
%
13
%
3,665,000
3,425,000
7
%
3,520,000
3,171,000
11
%
3,689,000
3,487,000
6
%
3,689,000
3,487,000
6
%
1
%
2
%
5
%
10
%
$
75.6
$
71.9
5
%
$
68.8
$
54.8
26
%
$
78.8
$
71.5
10
%
$
78.8
$
71.5
10
%
4
%
(1
%)
15
%
30
%
Table of Contents
Three months ended
%
Nine months ended
%
June 24, 2005
June 25, 2004
Change
June 24, 2005
June 25, 2004
Change
$
113.1
$
136.2
(17
%)
$
394.6
$
457.6
(14
%)
137.4
71.3
93
%
366.8
200.1
83
%
38.7
8.6
350
%
93.5
26.8
249
%
98.7
62.7
57
%
273.3
173.4
58
%
22.6
21.1
7
%
61.0
62.3
(2
%)
234.4
220.0
7
%
728.8
693.3
5
%
44.0
40.4
9
%
130.8
118.6
10
%
7.2
8.3
(13
%)
20.1
24.2
(17
%)
8.3
10.9
(24
%)
27.2
31.4
(13
%)
12.4
10.7
16
%
33.0
32.1
3
%
5.9
5.9
0
%
17.5
17.5
0
%
7.9
9.0
(11
%)
26.7
24.1
11
%
0.5
0.6
(12
%)
1.5
2.0
(23
%)
0.0
(0.2
)
(113
%)
(0.2
)
(0.6
)
(62
%)
4.0
5.3
(23
%)
13.1
16.6
(21
%)
21.7
27.2
(20
%)
72.3
80.4
(10
%)
112.0
118.0
(5
%)
342.1
346.1
(1
%)
122.4
102.0
20
%
386.7
347.2
11
%
47.7
39.8
20
%
148.5
132.0
12
%
$
74.7
$
62.3
20
%
$
238.2
$
215.2
11
%
91
91
0
%
273
273
0
%
39.0
%
39.0
%
38.4
%
38.0
%
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
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
34,466
$
10.27
21,614,343
N/A
21,614,343
N/A
21,614,343
34,466
$
10.27
21,614,343
Table of Contents
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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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
Table of Contents
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)
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.
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,
"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
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
(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
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
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
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.
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
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.
AMERITRADE HOLDING CORPORATION
By: /S/ KURT D. HALVORSON
---------------------------------------
Chief Operating Officer
/S/ BRYCE B. ENGEL
-------------------------------------------
Bryce B. Engel
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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
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
(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.
(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.
(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
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
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
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.
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.
(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
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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
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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
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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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