WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL INC
S-1/A, 1998-02-27
SECURITY BROKERS, DEALERS & FLOTATION COMPANIES
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<PAGE>
 
     
  AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 27, 1998.
                                         
                                                     REGISTRATION NO. 333-43687
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                ---------------
                         
                      PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 3     
                                      TO
                                   FORM S-1
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                ---------------
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
         DELAWARE                    6211                    51-0261715
     (STATE OR OTHER          (PRIMARY STANDARD           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER  
     JURISDICTION OF      INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION      IDENTIFICATION NO.) 
     INCORPORATION OR            CODE NUMBER)
      ORGANIZATION)                
 
                               6300 LAMAR AVENUE
                          OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS 66202
                                (913) 236-2000
         (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING
            AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                                KEITH A. TUCKER
                     PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
                               6300 LAMAR AVENUE
                          OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS 66202
                                (913) 236-2000
           (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
                  INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                                ---------------
                                  COPIES TO:
           ALAN J. BOGDANOW                        MATTHEW J. MALLOW
        HUGHES & LUCE, L.L.P.           SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM LLP
     1717 MAIN STREET, SUITE 2800                   919 THIRD AVENUE   
         DALLAS, TEXAS 75201                    NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
            (214) 939-5500                           (212) 735-3000     
 
                                ---------------
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
                                ---------------
 
  If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. [_]
 
  If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list
the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [_]
 
  If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
 
  If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
 
  If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
check the following box. [_]
 
                                ---------------
 
  THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION,
ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                               EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
  The Prospectus relating to the shares of Class A Common Stock to be used in
connection with a United States and Canadian offering (the "U.S. Prospectus")
is set forth following this page. The Prospectus to be used in a concurrent
international offering (the "International Prospectus") will consist of the
alternate page set forth following the U.S. Prospectus and the balance of the
pages included in the U.S. Prospectus for which no alternate is provided. The
U.S. Prospectus and the International Prospectus are identical except that
they contain different front cover pages.
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR   +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE      +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE.                                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PROSPECTUS (Subject to Completion)
   
Issued February 27, 1998     
 
                               21,700,000 Shares
                         Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
                              CLASS A COMMON STOCK
 
                                  ----------
 
OF THE 21,700,000 SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK BEING OFFERED, 17,360,000
SHARES ARE BEING OFFERED INITIALLY IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA BY THE U.S.
UNDERWRITERS AND 4,340,000 SHARES ARE BEING OFFERED INITIALLY OUTSIDE THE
UNITED STATES AND CANADA BY THE INTERNATIONAL UNDERWRITERS. ALL SHARES OF CLASS
A COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY ARE BEING SOLD BY THE COMPANY. IT IS CURRENTLY
ESTIMATED THAT THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE WILL BE BETWEEN $20
AND $22 PER SHARE. SEE "UNDERWRITERS" FOR A DISCUSSION OF THE FACTORS TO BE
CONSIDERED IN DETERMINING THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE.
 
THE COMPANY HAS TWO CLASSES OF AUTHORIZED COMMON STOCK CONSISTING OF CLASS A
COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY AND CLASS B COMMON STOCK (COLLECTIVELY, THE "COMMON
STOCK"). SEE "DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK." HOLDERS OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK
ARE ENTITLED TO ONE VOTE PER SHARE AND HOLDERS OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK ARE
ENTITLED TO FIVE VOTES PER SHARE ON EACH MATTER SUBMITTED TO A VOTE OF
STOCKHOLDERS. ALL OF THE CLASS B COMMON STOCK IS BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY
TORCHMARK CORPORATION. SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE NET PROCEEDS OF THE OFFERING
WILL BE USED TO PREPAY OUTSTANDING INDEBTEDNESS TO TORCHMARK CORPORATION AND
ONE OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES. SEE "USE OF PROCEEDS." ALL HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK ARE
ENTITLED TO RECEIVE SUCH DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS, IF ANY, AS MAY BE
DECLARED FROM TIME TO TIME BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
 
                                  ----------
 
  THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR LISTING, SUBJECT TO OFFICIAL
  NOTICE OF ISSUANCE, ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE UNDER THE TRADING SYMBOL
                                     "WDR."
 
                                  ----------
 
    SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 11 FOR RISK FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE
                      CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.
 
                                  ----------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                                  ----------
 
                               PRICE $    A SHARE
 
                                  ----------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     PRICE TO UNDERWRITING DISCOUNTS PROCEEDS TO
                                      PUBLIC    AND COMMISSIONS(1)   COMPANY(2)
                                     -------- ---------------------- -----------
<S>                                  <C>      <C>                    <C>
Per Share...........................   $               $                 $
Total(3)............................  $               $                 $
</TABLE>
- -----
  (1) The Company and Torchmark Corporation have agreed to indemnify the
      Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
      Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See "Underwriters."
  (2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company, estimated at $  .
  (3) The Company has granted the U.S. Underwriters an option exercisable
      within 30 days of the date hereof to purchase up to an aggregate of
      2,170,000 additional shares of Class A Common Stock at the price to the
      public shown above less underwriting discounts and commissions for the
      purpose of covering over-allotments, if any. If the U.S. Underwriters
      exercise such option in full, the total price to the public, underwriting
      discounts and commissions, and proceeds to the Company will be $   ,
      $   , and $   , respectively. See "Underwriters."
 
                                  ----------
 
  The Class A Common Stock is offered subject to prior sale, when, as, and if
accepted by the Underwriters and, subject to approval of certain legal matters
by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, and
to certain other conditions. It is expected that delivery of the Class A Common
Stock will be made on or about      , 1998 at the offices of Morgan Stanley &
Co. Incorporated, New York, New York, against payment therefor in immediately
available funds.
 
                                  ----------
 
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
                              GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
                                                             MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
 
     , 1998
<PAGE>
 
       
            [MAP OF WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL OFFICES APPEARS HERE]

       

Map of the United States showing Division and District Offices in the Cities
and states listed: Mobile, Alabama; Anchorage and Wasilla, Alaska; Temple and
Tuscon, Arizona; Bentonville, Arkansas; Capitola, Costa Mesa, Fairfield,
Fullerton, Lodi, Napa (2), Oakland, Rancho Cucamon, Riverside, Sacramento, San
Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Torrance and Woodland Hills, California;
Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Greeley,
Littleton (2) and Pueblo, Colorado; Hamden, Connecticut; Clearwater,
Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee and Winter Park, Florida; Alpharetta
and Atlanta (3), Georgia; Davenport and Des Moines, Iowa; Boise, Coeur
D'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Meridian, Mountain Home and Twin Falls, Idaho;
Countryside, Elgin, Evergreen Park, Homewood, Joliet, Lombard, Park Ridge,
Springfield and Sterling, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Dodge City, Garden
City, Great Bend, Hays, Hutchinson, Lawrence, Manhattan, Oakley, Overland
Park, Salina, Topeka and Wichita, Kansas; Fort Wright and Louisville
Kentucky; Braintree, Waltham and Weburn, Massachusetts; Burton, Grand Rapids,
Muskegon and Southfield, Michigan; Bloomington, Duluth, Edina, Plymouth, 
Rochester, and St. Paul, Minnesota; Columbia, Creve Coeur, Joplin, Kansas City
(2) and Springfield, Missouri; Billings, Boulder, Bozeman, Great Falls,
Helena, Kalispell and Missoula, Montana; Charlotte, Raleigh and Winston-Salem,
North Carolina; Bismark, North Dakota; Grand Island, Kearney, Lincoln, Norfolk
and Omaha, Nebraska; Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada; Nashua and Portsmouth, New
Hampshire; Lawrenceville, New Jersey; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Albany (2) and
Rochester, New York; Cincinnati, Dublin and Willoughby, Ohio; Edmond, Lawton
and Tulsa, Oklahoma; Beaverton, Bend, Eugene, Medford, Portland and Salem,
Oregon; Allenton, Erie (2), Harrisburg, Langhorne, Monroeville, Philadelphia,
Pittsburgh and Wyomissing, Pennsylvania; Warwick, Rhode Island; Charleston and
Columbia, South Carolina; Rapid City and Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Memphis
and Nashville, Tennessee; Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth,
Harlingen, Houston (2), McAllen and San Antonio, Texas; Ogden and Salt Lake
City, Utah; McLean, Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Bellevue,
Bellingham, College Place, Federal Way, Lynnwood, Pullman, Silverdale,
Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver and Yakima, Washington; Brookfield and Madison,
Wisconsin; Casper, Cody and Rock Springs, Wyoming.

<PAGE>
 
  NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OFFERING MADE HEREBY TO GIVE
ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS
AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED
UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY UNDERWRITER. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER
TO BUY ANY SECURITY OTHER THAN THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY, NOR
DOES IT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY
SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY TO ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH IT IS
UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION TO SUCH PERSON. NEITHER THE
DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREBY WILL UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES IMPLY THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS
CORRECT AS OF ANY DATE SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
  UNTIL     , 1998 (25 DAYS AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE OFFERING), ALL
DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK, WHETHER OR NOT
PARTICIPATING IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS.
THIS DELIVERY REQUIREMENT IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO
DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR
UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
 
                               ----------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      PAGE
                                      ----
<S>                                   <C>
Prospectus Summary..................    4
Risk Factors........................   11
Special Note Regarding Forward-
 Looking Information................   16
Use of Proceeds.....................   16
Dividend Policy.....................   17
Dilution............................   17
Capitalization......................   18
Selected Financial and Operating
 Data...............................   19
Management's Discussion and Analysis
 of Financial Condition and Results
 of Operations......................   21
Business............................   24
Management..........................   42
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  PAGE
                                                                                  ----
<S>                                                                               <C>
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions..................................   56
Principal Stockholder...........................................................   60
Description of Capital Stock....................................................   60
Shares Eligible for Future Sale.................................................   68
Certain United States Federal Tax Considerations for Non-United States Holders..   69
Underwriters....................................................................   71
Legal Matters...................................................................   74
Experts.........................................................................   74
Additional Information..........................................................   74
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements......................................  F-1
</TABLE>
 
                               ----------------
 
  The Company intends to furnish to its stockholders annual reports containing
audited consolidated financial statements and quarterly reports for the first
three quarters of each fiscal year containing unaudited interim financial
information.
 
                               ----------------
 
  CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN, OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE CLASS A COMMON
STOCK. SPECIFICALLY, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK
IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING, AND MAY BID FOR AND PURCHASE THE SHARES OF
CLASS A COMMON STOCK IN THE OPEN MARKET. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE
ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITERS."
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
  The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in
conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial statements
(including notes) appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Unless otherwise
indicated, the information contained in this Prospectus (i) gives effect to the
transactions described below under "Background," which will have been
consummated prior to or concurrently with the Offering, and (ii) assumes no
exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option. Unless the context
otherwise requires, (i) the "Company" and "Waddell & Reed" refer to Waddell &
Reed Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries and (ii) "Torchmark" refers to
Torchmark Corporation and its subsidiaries other than the Company. References
to "Common Stock" are to the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock
of the Company.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
OVERVIEW
 
  Waddell & Reed, founded in 1937, is one of the oldest mutual fund complexes
in the United States, having introduced the United family of funds in 1940.
Waddell & Reed sells its investment products primarily to middle income
Americans through a virtually exclusive sales force consisting, at December 31,
1997, of 2,160 financial advisers operating from 177 sales offices located
throughout the United States. As of December 31, 1997, the Company had $23.4
billion of assets under management, of which $20.6 billion were mutual fund
assets and the remainder were institutional accounts, and more than 563,000
mutual fund customers having an average account size of $33,200.
 
  The Company is the exclusive underwriter and distributor of 36 mutual fund
portfolios (the "Funds"), including 17 comprising the United Group of Mutual
Funds (the "United Funds"), eight comprising the Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc.
(the "W&R Funds"), and 11 comprising the TMK/United Funds, Inc. (the
"TMK/United Funds"). The Company also distributes Torchmark underwritten
variable annuities and life insurance products to its customers as part of its
financial planning services. For the year ended December 31, 1997, the
Company's financial adviser sales force sold $1.5 billion of mutual fund and
variable products.
 
  The Company's sales force competes primarily with small broker/dealers and
independent financial advisers. The Company's customers generally reside in
smaller metropolitan areas and rural communities. The Company conducts
investment seminars throughout the United States and also develops individual
financial plans for clients (over 40,000 plans in 1997) through one-on-one
consultations with financial advisers, who emphasize long-term relationships
with a client through continuing service, rather than a one-time sale. The
Company believes that it benefits from a developing industry trend toward
"assisted sales"--sales of mutual fund products through a sales person--driven
by the array of options now available to investors and the need for financial
planning advice that has resulted from the recent increase in the average
household's financial assets. According to the Investment Company Institute,
assisted sales for the year ended December 31, 1997 constituted 61.9% of the
total dollar value of mutual fund sales, a figure that has grown from 54.9% for
1994.
 
  The Company's investment philosophy and financial planning approach emphasize
long-term savings. The Company's portfolio managers seek consistent long-term
performance and downside protection in turbulent markets. As a result, the
Company has developed a loyal customer base with clients maintaining their
accounts for approximately 13 years on average as compared to six years for the
mutual fund industry, according to the Investment Company Institute. This
loyalty is also evidenced by a relatively low fund redemption rate for the five
years ended December 31, 1997 of 7.6% for the Funds (other than money market
funds), which is less than one-half of the industry average of 18.4% and a
relatively high dividend reinvestment rate of 86.6% for the Funds (other than
money market funds) for the same period versus 66.9% for the mutual fund
industry. Approximately 45% of the Company's assets under management were in
retirement accounts as of December 31, 1997.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
 
  The Company has a seasoned team of portfolio managers, having an average of
20 years industry experience and 14 years tenure with the Company. The five
most senior portfolio managers have an average of 30 years industry experience
and 26 years tenure with the Company. Portfolio managers usually were
investment research analysts for a substantial length of time prior to
acquiring money management assignments. The predominant style of the Company's
investments is growth equity. As of December 31, 1997, approximately 78% of the
Company's mutual fund assets under management were invested in equity funds and
the remainder in fixed income and money market funds. This investment strategy
emphasizes investment at attractive valuations in companies that the portfolio
managers believe can produce above average growth in earnings.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
  The Company's business strategy is outlined below.
 
 .  INCREASE NUMBER OF FINANCIAL ADVISERS: The Company intends to expand its
   distribution network by recruiting high quality candidates to be financial
   advisers. The Company's current objective is to increase the number of
   financial advisers by 10% per year. From December 31, 1996 to December 31,
   1997, the number of financial advisers has increased from 2,010 to 2,160.
 
  In 1994, the Company also began implementing a "bridge income" program,
  which provides newly recruited financial advisers with a source of earnings
  until they can develop the skills and client base necessary to earn a
  stable income from commissions. Financial advisers recruited in 1997 who
  participated in the bridge income program produced, on average, at two and
  a half times the rate of non-participants.
 
 .  CONTINUE TO INCREASE PERCENTAGE OF FULL-TIME FINANCIAL ADVISERS: Since 1993,
   the Company has emphasized increasing the proportion of its sales force that
   sells financial services products on a full-time basis. At December 31,
   1997, the percentage of financial advisers whose annual production is the
   equivalent of investment product sales in excess of $900,000 per year, which
   the Company considers full-time ("Full-Time Advisers"), was 31% of the
   Company's total sales force, up from 18% at December 31, 1992. Over the same
   period, the annual investment product sales per Full-Time Adviser increased
   approximately 25% to a current annual rate of about $1.7 million.
 
 .  EXPAND GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE: The Company intends to pursue geographic expansion
   of its sales force. In larger communities it intends to establish new
   division offices with the facilities to accommodate up to 20 financial
   advisers, and in smaller communities or suburban areas it will open offices
   with facilities to accommodate a smaller group of advisers. While
   historically the Company has opened new offices in areas that were
   contiguous with existing offices, it now intends to select new locations
   based on expected growth opportunities. Consistent with its focus on
   retirement savings and planning, the Company expects to open new offices in
   Florida and Arizona, as well as smaller offices in other areas of the
   country, in 1998.
 
 .  ENHANCE MARKETING AND FINANCIAL PLANNING TOOLS: The Company expects to
   implement an improved financial planning package, which will allow its
   financial advisers to customize solutions to a client's savings, retirement
   income, estate planning, life insurance, and other personal financial
   planning needs. The Company has traditionally provided financial planning
   advice to its clients free of charge. The Company now intends to begin
   charging a fee, typically $250, for such services. The Company believes that
   its program of selling its improved financial plans for a fee will stimulate
   sales and result in a significantly higher average sale per plan. The
   Company expects to introduce the revised financial plan by the end of the
   first quarter of 1998.
 
 .  INVEST IN PORTFOLIO MANAGERS AND INVESTMENT ANALYSTS: The Company's
   objective is for its Fund families to achieve top quartile performance. The
   Company is also focused on building its industry and geographic expertise.
   To achieve this goal, the Company has begun to implement a plan to add
   several portfolio managers and investment analysts. The Company is
   implementing a new incentive compensation structure that relies on stock
   options and increases in cash compensation to bring total compensation for
   portfolio managers and investment analysts to a more market-competitive
   level.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
 
 .  INVEST IN SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY: In order to support its anticipated
   growth, the Company is engaged in projects to enhance its information
   systems. The Company will install a management system in all division
   offices that it believes will better enable division managers to monitor the
   activities of the individual financial advisers including the number of
   sales calls completed, the number of client contacts, and overall sales
   results. The Company has recently completed agreements to outsource the data
   processing components of its transfer agency activities to a third party
   provider by the fourth quarter of 1998. The Company has developed and is
   testing an intranet to be used by its financial advisers to obtain updated
   training materials, product information, and electronic interactive product
   illustrations. In addition, the Company expects that clients will have
   access to the intranet to obtain data related to their personal accounts
   once information security concerns are addressed.
 
 .  PURSUE STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS AND ALLIANCES TO EXPAND PRODUCT OFFERING AND
   DISTRIBUTION: The Company intends to selectively pursue acquisitions and
   alliances that will add new products or alternative distribution systems.
   The Company believes that it will be better positioned to pursue
   acquisitions as one of relatively few independent, public investment
   advisory and asset management companies. The Company has traditionally
   distributed its investment products only through its virtually exclusive
   financial adviser sales force. In the future, the Company may acquire
   another fund complex the products of which will likely not be marketed to
   the Company's existing customer base.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
Class A Common Stock
Offered
 United States Offering......       17,360,000 shares
 
 International Offering......        4,340,000 shares
 
 Total.......................       21,700,000 shares
 
Common Stock to be
 outstanding after the
 Offering
 
 Class A Common Stock........       29,675,000 shares(1)
 
 Class B Common Stock........       34,325,000 shares
 
 Total.......................       64,000,000 shares(1)
 
Use of proceeds...............         
                                    Net proceeds (other than from any exercise
                                    of the over-allotment option) to prepay
                                    amounts outstanding under the Notes (as
                                    defined below) payable to Torchmark, which
                                    prior to the Offering will be prepaid to
                                    the extent necessary so that the remaining
                                    aggregate principal amount thereof equals
                                    the greater of $428 million or the net
                                    proceeds of the Offering (assuming no
                                    exercise of the over-allotment option). Net
                                    proceeds from any exercise of the over-
                                    allotment option to be retained by the
                                    Company for general corporate purposes to
                                    the extent of $28.0 million, and the excess
                                    over $28.0 million, if any, will be paid to
                                    Torchmark as a dividend. See "Use of
                                    Proceeds."     
 
Dividend Policy...............      The Company currently intends to pay
                                    quarterly dividends of approximately $.1325
                                    per share to holders of Class A Common
                                    Stock and Class B Common Stock.
 
Voting Rights
 
 Class A Common Stock........       1 vote per share
 
 Class B Common Stock........       5 votes per share
 
NYSE Symbol...................      "WDR"
- --------
(1) Does not include options to purchase 2,372,300 shares of Class A Common
    Stock to be issued pursuant to compensation and benefit plans of the
    Company or 200,000 shares of Class A Common Stock to be restricted stock
    under the Company's compensation and benefit plans. See "Management--
    Compensation, Benefits, and Retirement Plans." Also, does not include (i)
    options issuable in connection with conversion of options issued under
    Torchmark compensation and benefit plans and (ii) the conversion of 48,000
    shares of restricted stock of Torchmark Corporation issued under Torchmark
    stock plans to Class A Common Stock at the time of consummation of the
    Offering. See "Management--Conversion of Torchmark Equity Compensation to
    Class A Common Stock of the Company."
 
                                   BACKGROUND
   
  From 1981 until the Offering, the Company has been a subsidiary of Torchmark,
and was known as United Investors Management Company until it effected a name
change in December 1997 to Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. The Company is a
holding company that conducts its business through its subsidiaries. One
subsidiary, Waddell & Reed, Inc. ("W&R"), is a registered broker-dealer and
registered investment adviser that acts primarily as the nationwide distributor
and underwriter for the shares of mutual funds and distributor of insurance
products issued primarily by United Investors Life Insurance Company ("UILIC"),
a subsidiary of Torchmark. Another subsidiary, Waddell & Reed Investment
Management Company ("WRIMCO"), is a registered investment adviser that provides
investment management and advisory services to the Funds and to institutions
and other private clients through a subcontract with another subsidiary of
Torchmark. Finally, Waddell & Reed Services Company ("WRSCO") provides transfer
agency and accounting services to the Funds and their shareholders.     
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
 
  The Company's outstanding capital stock currently consists solely of common
stock, all of which is held by Torchmark. Prior to the consummation of the
Offering, the Company will file an amended and restated certificate of
incorporation (the "Certificate of Incorporation") that will convert all
currently outstanding common stock into 7,975,000 shares of Class A Common
Stock and 34,325,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, all of which will be held
by Torchmark (the "Recapitalization").
 
  After the consummation of the Offering, the Company will continue to be
controlled by Torchmark, which will own more than 89% of the combined voting
power of the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock of the Company.
The holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock have identical
rights except that (i) holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote
per share while holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to five votes per
share on all matters to be voted on by stockholders and (ii) holders of Class A
Common Stock are not eligible to vote on any alteration or change in the
powers, preferences, or special rights of the Class B Common Stock that would
not adversely affect the rights of Class A Common Stock and vice versa. For
example, holders of Class A Common Stock would not be entitled to vote on
proposals to decrease the voting power of the Class B Common Stock, to decrease
the right of Class B Common Stock to receive dividends, or to diminish the
rights of the Class B Common Stock in liquidation, and vice versa. See "Risk
Factors--Relationship with Torchmark"; "Risk Factors--Conflicts of Interest
Between the Company and Torchmark"; and "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions--Relationship with Torchmark."
   
  The Company, in keeping with Torchmark's strategy for its subsidiaries, paid
virtually all of its earnings to Torchmark as dividends. Torchmark has advised
the Company that, subject to certain conditions, it currently intends to divest
its ownership interest in the Company by means of a special dividend to the
stockholders of Torchmark Corporation of all of the Class A Common Stock and
Class B Common Stock owned by Torchmark after the Offering (the "Spin-Off").
The purpose of the Spin-Off is to allow the Company to devote more of its
earnings to support future growth, to allow the Company to set compensation and
other policies on a separate basis from Torchmark, and to maximize the value of
the Offering. See "Risk Factors--Uncertainty of Planned Spin-Off of the
Company" and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--Relationship With
Torchmark--Spin-Off."     
   
  As of the date of the Offering, the Company is indebted to Torchmark as a
result of previous intercompany funding arrangements and from certain
promissory notes issued to Torchmark as dividends (as defined below, the
"Notes"). Prior to the Offering, the Company will prepay outstanding amounts
remaining under the Notes to the extent necessary so that the remaining
aggregate principal amount of the Notes equals the greater of $428 million or
the net proceeds of the Offering. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used
to prepay the Notes. See "Use of Proceeds" and "Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions--Relationship with Torchmark--Intercompany Debt." If the
net proceeds of the Offering (assuming no exercise of the Underwriters' over-
allotment option) are less than the amount due under the Notes, the unpaid
balance of the Notes will remain an obligation of the Company.     
 
  The Company formerly held all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of
UILIC. The Company has declared and paid a dividend of all the capital stock of
UILIC to Torchmark (the "UILIC Dividend"). See "Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions--UILIC."
 
  In connection with the Offering, the Company is either entering into or
amending several agreements with Torchmark and its affiliates (the "Affiliate
Agreements"), which will provide the basis for future relationships between the
Company and Torchmark. See "Risk Factors--Relationship with Torchmark"; "Risk
Factors-- Conflicts of Interest Between the Company and Torchmark"; and
"Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--Relationship with Torchmark."
 
  In order to address certain potential conflicts of interest that could affect
the Company and its officers and directors, the Certificate of Incorporation of
the Company contains provisions concerning the conduct of certain affairs of
the Company as it may involve Torchmark and its affiliates and the Company and
its affiliates. Persons acquiring the Common Stock will be deemed to have
consented to these provisions. These provisions allocate corporate
opportunities between the Company and Torchmark and specify the terms on which
transactions between the Company and Torchmark will not be voidable
notwithstanding the existence of common directors. For a detailed description
of these provisions, see "Description of Capital Stock--Corporate Opportunity
and Conflict of Interest Policies."
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
 
                SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
 
  The following tables set forth summary historical financial and operating
data for the five years ended December 31, 1997 as well as summary historical
balance sheet data of the Company, as of December 31, 1997 and as adjusted to
reflect the Offering and the application of the net proceeds therefrom and to
reflect further repayment of certain affiliated indebtedness. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions." The information set forth should be
read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations," and the Consolidated Financial Statements
and the related notes included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                           --------------------------------------------
                             1993     1994     1995     1996     1997
                           -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                        <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
 Investment management
  fees...................  $ 64,208 $ 70,711 $ 85,289 $101,466 $117,784
 Underwriting and
  distribution fees......    78,037   72,150   70,393   85,837   89,427
 Shareholder service
  fees...................    21,280   22,297   23,527   28,378   30,763
 Investment and other
  income.................    14,681    3,878    4,295    5,295    3,798
                           -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
  Total revenue..........   178,206  169,036  183,504  220,976  241,772
 Goodwill
  amortization(1)........     1,332    2,903    2,903    2,903    2,903
 Other expenses..........   101,494   89,282   95,894  112,766  123,746
                           -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
  Total expenses.........   102,826   92,185   98,797  115,669  126,649
                           -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
  Income before interest
   and income taxes......    75,380   76,851   84,707  105,307  115,123
 Interest income, net....       --     1,915    3,886    3,886       24
                           -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
  Income before income
   taxes.................    75,380   78,766   88,593  109,193  115,147
 Income taxes............    28,873   31,140   35,092   42,493   44,855
                           -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
  Income before effect of
   change in accounting
   principle.............    46,507   47,626   53,501   66,700   70,292
 Cumulative effect of
  change in accounting
  principle..............     4,125      --       --       --       --
                           -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
  Net income.............  $ 50,632 $ 47,626 $ 53,501 $ 66,700 $ 70,292
                           ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
 Pro forma net income per
  share:
 Basic and diluted(2)....                                      $   1.10
                                                               ========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                      --------------------------
                                                                        AS
                                                        ACTUAL       ADJUSTED
                                                      ------------  ------------
                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
 Current assets......................................     $130,132      116,534
 Goodwill............................................       98,831       98,831
 Total assets........................................      446,964      265,916
 Total liabilities...................................      676,855       67,807
 Total stockholder's equity..........................     (229,891)     198,109
</TABLE>
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 1993      1994      1995      1996      1997
                               --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
<S>                            <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
 Financial Advisers:
 Full time(3)................       546       487       505       634       660
 Part time...................     2,141     1,770     1,830     1,376     1,500
                               --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
  Totals.....................     2,687     2,257     2,335     2,010     2,160
 Number of investors(4):
 Mutual funds................   499,400   517,600   537,100   522,600   563,800
 Variable products...........    16,400    22,700    27,800    33,400    38,200
 Average value per
  investor(5):
 Mutual funds................  $ 22,500  $ 21,600  $ 26,100  $ 28,500   $33,200
 Variable products...........  $ 33,700  $ 31,900  $ 39,600  $ 42,900   $49,600
 Redemption rates of mutual
  funds:
 Mutual funds................      7.55%     7.52%     7.64%     7.64%     7.61%
 Industry average(6).........     18.37%    21.27%    17.35%    16.95%    17.86%
 Dividend reinvestment rate:
 Mutual funds................      84.9%     86.0%     86.8%     87.5%     87.7%
 Industry average(6).........      53.9%     65.8%     71.7%     72.6%     73.2%
 Assets under management
  (millions):
 Mutual fund:
  Equity funds...............  $  7,563  $  8,174  $ 10,931  $ 12,990   $16,093
  Fixed income funds.........     3,870     3,349     3,719     3,681     3,921
  Money market funds.........       348       369       442       537       572
                               --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
  Total mutual funds.........  $ 11,781  $ 11,892  $ 15,092  $ 17,208   $20,586
 Institutional(7)............  $  2,659  $  2,606  $  3,397  $  1,862  $  2,831
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Amortization relates to Torchmark's acquisition of the Company in 1981 and
    1993. Current annual amortization is $2.9 million.
(2) Pro forma basic and diluted net income per share has been computed by
    dividing net income, as adjusted to eliminate the after tax interest cost
    on the Notes, by 64,000,000 shares (the average number of shares
    outstanding plus the number of shares, based on the mid-point of the
    offering price range, the proceeds of which would be used to pay the
    Notes).
(3) Financial advisers whose annual or annualized production is the equivalent
    of investment product sales in excess of $900 thousand.
(4) Mutual funds reflect the number of investors in the United Funds and W&R
    Funds. Variable products reflect the number of variable annuity and
    variable life policies.
(5) Mutual funds average value reflects the value for the United Funds and W&R
    Funds. The variable product average is based on the value of TMK/United
    Fund assets divided by the number of variable annuity and life policies.
(6) Source: Investment Company Institute. The industry dividend reinvestment
    rate average for 1997 is for the twelve months ended September 30, 1997.
(7) Institutional assets include assets of Torchmark affiliates of $0, $77.3
    million, $373.8 million, $390.9 million, and $1,265.0 million at December
    31, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  Prospective investors should carefully consider the following risk factors
and cautionary statements before making an investment in the Class A Common
Stock offered by this Prospectus, as well as the other information set forth
in this Prospectus.
 
RELATIONSHIP WITH TORCHMARK
 
  Torchmark currently owns all of the outstanding capital stock of the
Company. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions." Upon completion
of the Offering, Torchmark will beneficially own approximately 66.1% of the
Company's outstanding Common Stock, representing approximately 89.3% of the
combined voting power of all classes of voting stock of the Company. In
addition, Torchmark and the Company will have a majority of their directors in
common upon completion of the Offering and the Spin-Off. As long as Torchmark
beneficially owns a majority of the combined voting power of the Common Stock,
it will have the ability to elect all of the members of the Board of Directors
and thereby to control the management and affairs of the Company, including
any determinations with respect to acquisitions, dispositions, borrowings,
issuances of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, and the
declaration and payment of any dividends on the Common Stock. In addition,
Torchmark will be able to determine the outcome of any matter submitted to a
vote of the Company's stockholders for approval and will be able to cause or
prevent a change in control of the Company. As a result of Torchmark's control
of the Company, none of the Affiliate Agreements resulted from "arm's-length"
negotiations, although the parties endeavored to implement market based
agreements. There can be no assurance that the Company would not have received
more favorable terms from an unaffiliated party. For a description of the
Affiliate Agreements, see "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--
Relationship with Torchmark."
 
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND TORCHMARK
 
  Conflicts of interest may arise between the Company and Torchmark in a
number of areas relating to their past and ongoing relationships, including
the nature, quality, and pricing of services rendered by the Company to
Torchmark or by Torchmark to the Company, potential competitive business
activities, shared marketing functions, tax and employee benefit matters,
indemnity agreements, sales or distributions by Torchmark of all or any
portion of its ownership interest in the Company, or Torchmark's ability to
control the management and affairs of the Company. There can be no assurance
that Torchmark and the Company will be able to resolve any potential conflict
or that, if resolved, the Company would not receive more favorable resolution
if it were dealing with an unaffiliated party. See "Description of Capital
Stock--Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaw Provisions--Corporate
Opportunity and Conflict of Interest Policies."
 
TORCHMARK'S ABILITY TO DISPOSE OF COMMON STOCK
   
  If the Spin-Off does not occur, Torchmark could decide to sell or otherwise
dispose of all or a portion of its Common Stock at some future date. See "--
Availability of Common Stock for Sale or Distribution." There can be no
assurance that any holders of Class A Common Stock will be allowed to
participate in any transfer by Torchmark of a controlling interest in the
Company or will realize any premium with respect to their shares of Class A
Common Stock.     
   
DISPARATE VOTING RIGHTS OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK AND CLASS B COMMON STOCK     
 
  The holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock have identical
rights except that (i) holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one
vote per share while holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to five
votes per share on all matters to be voted on by stockholders and (ii) holders
of Class A Common Stock are not eligible to vote on any alteration of the
powers, preferences, or special rights of the Class B Common Stock that would
not adversely affect the Class A Common Stock and vice versa. For example,
holders of Class A Common Stock would not be entitled to vote on proposals to
decrease the voting power of the Class B Common Stock, to decrease the right
of Class B Common Stock to receive dividends, or to diminish the rights of the
Class B Common Stock in liquidation, and vice versa. The differential in the
voting rights could,
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
however, adversely affect the value of the Class A Common Stock to the extent
that investors or any potential future purchaser of the Company views the
superior voting rights of the Class B Common Stock to have value. The
existence of two separate classes of Common Stock could result in less
liquidity for either class of Common Stock than if there were only one class
of Common Stock.
   
UNCERTAINTY OF PLANNED SPIN-OFF OF THE COMPANY     
 
  Torchmark has advised the Company that, subject to certain conditions,
Torchmark intends to divest its ownership interest in the Company in the Spin-
Off by means of a special dividend to Torchmark Corporation shareholders of
all of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock owned by Torchmark.
Torchmark has advised the Company that it presently anticipates that the Spin-
Off will occur in the fourth quarter of 1998. Among other things, the Spin-Off
is conditioned on the receipt of a ruling by the Internal Revenue Service to
the effect that the Spin-Off will qualify as a tax-free distribution under (S)
355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). In
connection therewith, it is a condition to the Offering that Liberty (as
defined below), a wholly owned subsidiary of Torchmark (which, before the
Offering owns more than 80% of the outstanding Common Stock and, after the
Offering and the Recapitalization will own more than 80% of the voting power
of the Common Stock) must control (within the meaning of (S)(S)355 and 368(c)
of the Code) the Company. No assurance can be given that such conditions will
be satisfied or waived, nor can any assurance be given that, in any event, the
Spin-Off will occur or that Torchmark will not sell or retain its Common
Stock. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--Relationship with
Torchmark--Public Offering and Separation Agreement."
   
REGULATORY RISKS OF PLANNED SPIN-OFF     
 
  The Company has been advised by counsel that the Spin-Off as presently
contemplated should not result in an assignment of the Company's investment
advisory agreements under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"Investment Company Act") or the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended
(the "Investment Advisers Act") and, therefore, that the Company should not be
required under the Investment Company Act or the Investment Advisers Act to
obtain the consent of mutual fund shareholders to new investment advisory
agreements. Were the Company required to seek shareholder approval of new
investment advisory agreements as a result of a change in circumstances or
otherwise, seeking such approval would result in expenses to the Company,
could result in a delay of the Spin-Off, and would expose the Company to the
prospect of not obtaining the requisite approval.
 
RISK OF DECLINE IN SECURITIES MARKETS
 
  The Company's results of operations are affected by certain economic
factors, including the level of the securities markets. Favorable performance
by the United States securities markets over the last five years has attracted
a substantial increase in the investments in these markets and has benefited
the Funds and the Company. A decline in the securities markets, failure of the
securities markets to sustain their recent levels of growth, or short-term
volatility in the securities markets could result in investors withdrawing
from the markets or decreasing their rate of investment, either of which could
adversely affect the Company. Because the revenues of the Company are, to a
large extent, based on the value of assets under management, a decline in the
value of these assets would adversely affect revenues of the Company. The
Company's growth is dependent to a significant degree upon the ability of the
Funds to attract and retain mutual fund assets, and, in an adverse economic
environment, this may prove difficult. The Company's growth rate has varied
from year to year, and there can be no assurance that the average growth rates
sustained in the recent past will continue.
   
DEPENDENCE ON FUND PERFORMANCE     
 
  Success in the investment management and mutual fund businesses is dependent
on the Funds' investment performance. Good performance stimulates sales of the
Funds' shares and tends to keep redemptions low. Sales of Funds' shares
generate higher management fees and distribution revenues (which are based on
assets of the Funds). Good performance also attracts private institutional
accounts to the Company. Conversely, relatively poor performance tends to
result in decreased sales, increased redemptions of the Funds' shares, and the
loss of
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
private institutional accounts, with corresponding decreases in revenues to
the Company. Failure of the Funds to perform well could, therefore, have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
   
TERMINATION OR FAILURE TO RENEW AGREEMENTS     
 
  A substantial majority of the Company's revenues are derived from investment
management agreements with the Funds that, as required by law, are terminable
on 60 days' notice. In addition, each such investment management agreement
must be approved and renewed annually by the disinterested members of each
Fund's board or its shareholders, as required by law. See "Business--
Investment Management Agreements." Any failure to renew or termination of a
significant number of these agreements would have a material adverse effect on
the Company.
 
  The Company estimates that it will receive revenues for investment services
provided to Torchmark equal to approximately 2.5% of the Company's total
revenues in 1998. After the Offering, the Company will perform these services
pursuant to an Investment Services Agreement which agreement is terminable by
either party on 30 days notice. Additionally, the Company has the right to
distribute variable annuities, life insurance products, and Medicare
supplement and long term care insurance underwritten by a Torchmark
subsidiary. These activities resulted in revenues constituting approximately
12.7% of the Company's total revenues for the year ended December 31, 1997.
The agreements through which the Company has the right to distribute such
products terminate on December 31, 1998. See "Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions--Relationship with Torchmark--Services to WRAMCO" and
"Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--Relationship with Torchmark--
Agent Agreements." There can be no assurance that these agreements will not be
terminated, or if not terminated, that they will be renewed.
   
DIFFICULTY OF RETAINING AND RECRUITING KEY PERSONNEL AND SALES FORCE     
 
  The future success of the Company depends to a substantial degree on its
ability to attract and retain qualified personnel to conduct its fund
management and investment advisory business. The market for qualified fund
managers, investment analysts, and financial advisers is extremely competitive
and has grown more so in recent periods as the mutual fund management industry
has experienced growth. The Company anticipates that it will be necessary for
it to add fund managers and investment analysts, and it has adopted a strategy
of which the Offering and Spin-Off are a significant part intended to attract
and retain fund managers and investment analysts. See "Business--Business
Strategy." There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be
successful in its efforts to recruit and retain the required personnel.
 
  The Company is currently dependent on its sales force to sell its mutual
fund and other investment products. The Company's future growth prospects will
be directly affected by the quality and quantity of financial advisers it is
able to successfully recruit and retain.
   
COMPETITION     
 
  The mutual fund distribution and service and investment management
industries are intensely competitive and are undergoing substantial
consolidations. Many organizations in these industries are attempting to
market to and service the same clients as the Company, not only with mutual
fund investments and services but with a wide range of other financial
products and services. Many of the Company's competitors have more products
and product lines, services, and may also have substantially greater assets
under management and financial resources. Many larger mutual fund complexes
have developed relationships with brokerage houses with large distribution
networks, which may enable these fund complexes to reach broader client bases.
See "Business--Competition."
   
AVAILABILITY OF COMMON STOCK FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION     
 
  Subject to applicable law, Torchmark will be free to sell any and all of the
shares of Common Stock it owns after completion of the Offering. In addition,
the Affiliate Agreements provide that Torchmark will have the right in certain
circumstances to require the Company to use its best efforts to register for
resale its shares of
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
Common Stock. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--
Relationship with Torchmark--Public Offering and Separation Agreement." Each
of Torchmark and the Company has, however, entered into a lock up agreement
(the "Lock Up Agreement") providing that, subject to certain exceptions, they
will not sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock (other than
the shares offered by this Prospectus or pursuant to employee stock benefit
plans that exist on, or are described in this Prospectus to be implemented
after, the date of this Prospectus) for a period of 180 days after the date of
this Prospectus without the prior written consent of Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated, on behalf of the Underwriters. Torchmark will be permitted to
sell in the public market limited amounts of such Common Stock without
registration pursuant to Rule 144 ("Rule 144") under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), immediately after the shares of
Common Stock owned by Torchmark are no longer subject to the Lock Up
Agreement. Torchmark has also announced its intent, subject to certain
conditions, to effect the Spin-Off. Torchmark will own approximately 66.1% of
the outstanding Common Stock after the Offering. The Spin-Off as currently
proposed could be effected without registration under the Securities Act and
without regard to the limitations of Rule 144. It is also probable that
holders of Class A Common Stock will experience dilution as a result of the
conversion of Torchmark stock options and restricted stock to Class A Common
Stock and related rights. See "Management--Conversion of Torchmark Equity
Compensation to Class A Common Stock of the Company." No prediction can be
made as to the effect, if any, that future sales or distributions of Class A
Common Stock or Class B Common Stock by Torchmark, or the availability of
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock for future sale or distribution,
will have on the market price of the Class A Common Stock prevailing from time
to time. Sales or distributions of substantial amounts of Class A Common Stock
or Class B Common Stock, or the perception that such sales or distributions
could occur, could adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Class A
Common Stock. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
   
DIFFICULTY OF EXECUTING ACQUISITION STRATEGY     
 
  The Company has no history of finding, acquiring, or integrating other
companies. There can be no assurance that the Company will find suitable
acquisition candidates at acceptable prices, have sufficient capital resources
to realize its acquisition strategy, be successful in entering into definitive
agreements for desired acquisitions, or successfully integrate acquired
companies into the Company, or that any such acquisitions, if consummated,
will prove to be advantageous to the Company.
 
FUNDS AND INFORMATION IN POSSESSION OF ADVISERS
 
  The Company's financial advisers handle a significant amount of funds and
financial and personal information for investors in the Funds and purchasers
of other investment and insurance products. Although the Company has
implemented a system of controls to minimize the risk of fraudulent taking or
misuse of such funds and information, there can be no assurance that such
controls will be adequate or that such taking or misuse can be prevented. The
Company could have liability in the event of such taking or misuse and could
also be subject to regulatory sanctions. Although the Company believes that it
is adequately insured against such risks, there can be no assurance that such
insurance will be maintained or that it will be adequate to meet any future
liability.
 
NO ASSURANCE OF DIVIDENDS; HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE
 
  The Company's Board of Directors currently intends to declare quarterly
dividends on both the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock. See
"Dividend Policy." The declaration and payment of dividends by the Company are
subject to the discretion of its Board of Directors. Any determination as to
the payment of dividends, as well as the level of such dividends, will depend
on, among other things, general economic and business conditions, the
strategic plans of the Company, the Company's financial results and condition,
contractual, legal, and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends by
the Company or its subsidiaries, and such other factors as the Board of
Directors of the Company may consider to be relevant. The Company is a holding
company, and, as such, its ability to pay dividends is subject to the ability
of the subsidiaries of the Company to provide cash to the Company. There can
be no assurance that the initial quarterly dividend level will be maintained
or that any dividends will be paid by the Company in any future period.
 
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
RISKS OF IMPLEMENTING NEW INFORMATION SYSTEMS
   
  A number of the Company's key information technology systems were developed
solely to handle the Company's particular information technology
infrastructure. The Company is in the process of implementing new information
technology and systems (internally and through outsourcing the data processing
portion of its shareholder service functions) that it believes could
facilitate the acquisition and integration of other mutual fund companies. See
" --Difficulty of Executing Acquisition Strategy." There can be no assurance
that the Company will be successful in implementing the new information
technology and systems or that their implementation will be completed in a
timely manner or within the Company's budget.     
 
VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
 
  The market price for the Class A Common Stock may be highly volatile. The
Company believes that factors such as announcements by the Company, or by its
competitors, of quarterly variances in financial results could cause the
market price of the Class A Common Stock to fluctuate substantially. In
addition, the stock market may experience extreme price and volume
fluctuations, which often are unrelated to the operating performance of
specific companies. Market fluctuations or perceptions regarding the Company's
industry, as well as general economic or political conditions, may adversely
affect the market price of the Class A Common Stock.
 
ABSENCE OF A PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET
 
  Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Class A
Common Stock and there can be no assurance that an active trading market will
develop or be sustained. The initial public offering price of the Class A
Common Stock will be determined through negotiation among the Company,
Torchmark, and the Underwriters and may not be indicative of the market price
for the Class A Common Stock after the Offering. See "Underwriters."
 
YEAR 2000 RISKS
 
  As the year 2000 approaches, an issue has emerged regarding how existing
application software programs and operating systems can accommodate this date
value. The Company is in the process of modifying its systems and working with
its software vendors to prepare the Company for the year 2000. In addition,
the Company and the Funds have relationships with third parties that have
computer systems that may not be year 2000 compliant. The Company estimates
that its compliance activities will be completed no later than the first
quarter of 1999. The remaining costs of this effort are estimated to be $1.7
million. To the extent the Company's or such third parties' systems are not
fully year 2000 compliant, there can be no assurance that potential systems
interruptions or the cost necessary to update software would not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition,
results of operations, or business prospects.
   
BUSINESS SUBJECT TO REGULATION     
 
  The Company's investment management business is subject to extensive
regulation in the United States, primarily at the Federal level, including
regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").
Changes in laws or regulations or in governmental policies could materially
and adversely affect the business and operations of the Company. See
"Business--Regulation."
 
POTENTIAL ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
 
  Under the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors has
the authority, without action by the Company's stockholders, to fix certain
terms and issue shares of Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the
"Preferred Stock"). Actions of the Board of Directors pursuant to this
authority may have the effect of delaying, deterring, or preventing a change
in control of the Company. Other provisions in the Certificate of
Incorporation and in the Bylaws of the Company (the "Bylaws") impose
procedural and other requirements that could make it more difficult to effect
certain corporate actions, including replacing incumbent directors. In
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
addition, the Board of Directors of the Company is divided into three classes,
each of which is to serve for a staggered three-year term after the initial
classification and election, and, after Torchmark ceases to be the beneficial
owner of an aggregate of at least a majority of the voting power of the
Company, incumbent directors may not be removed without cause, all of which
may make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of the Board of
Directors. With certain exceptions, (S) 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law (the "DGCL") imposes certain restrictions on mergers and other
business combinations between the Company and any holder of 15% or more of the
voting stock of the Company. Section 203 does not apply to Torchmark's
interest in the Company. See "Description of Capital Stock--Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaw Provisions" and "Description of Capital Stock--
Business Combination Statute."
   
POTENTIAL ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED STOCK     
 
  Although the Board of Directors has no current intention of doing so, it
could issue a series of preferred stock that could have powers, rights, or
preferences superior to that of the Class A Common Stock or that could impede
the completion of a merger, tender offer, or other takeover attempt. Such
issuance of preferred stock could be effected without a vote of the holders of
the Class A Common Stock even though some or a majority of the Company's
stockholders might believe that such merger, tender offer or takeover is in
their best interests and even if such transactions could result in
stockholders receiving a premium for their stock over the then current market
price of such stock. See "Description of Capital Stock--Preferred Stock."
 
              SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
  Certain statements under "Prospectus Summary"; "Risk Factors"; "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations";
"Business"; and elsewhere in this Prospectus constitute forward-looking
statements, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other
factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance, or
achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different
from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include,
among others, those listed under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this
Prospectus. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, no assurance can
be given as to future results, levels of activity, or achievements, and
neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the
accuracy and completeness of such statements.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  The net proceeds to be received by the Company from the sale of the shares
of Class A Common Stock in the Offering at an assumed public offering price of
$21.00 per share, after deducting underwriting commissions and discounts and
the estimated expenses of the Offering, are expected to be approximately $428
million. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to
repay the Notes.
   
  The Notes comprise promissory notes payable to Torchmark, described below as
the Torchmark Note, the Second Liberty Note, and the First Liberty Note. The
Company is indebted to Torchmark Corporation and to Liberty National Life
Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Torchmark Corporation
("Liberty"), under the terms of two promissory notes dated November 22, 1997,
in the original aggregate principal amounts of approximately $90 million
payable to Torchmark Corporation (the "Torchmark Note") and of approximately
$390 million payable to Liberty (the "Second Liberty Note"). The Torchmark
Note and the Second Liberty Note each mature on November 25, 2002 and bear
interest at an annual rate of 8%. The Torchmark Note and the Second Liberty
Note were distributed by the Company as a dividend. In addition, the Company
is indebted to Liberty under the terms of a promissory note dated December 31,
1996, in the original aggregate principal amount of approximately $124
million, that matures on May 1, 2000 and bears interest at an annual rate of
6% (the "First Liberty Note"). The First Liberty Note was issued in connection
with an intercompany funding arrangement.     
   
  Prior to the Offering, the Company will prepay outstanding amounts remaining
under the Notes to the extent necessary so that the remaining aggregate
principal amount of the Notes equals the greater of $428 million or the net
proceeds of the Offering (other than net proceeds from any exercise of the
over-allotment option). See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--
Relationship with Torchmark--Intercompany Debt."     
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
   
  The net proceeds of the Offering (other than the net proceeds from any
exercise of the over-allotment option) will be applied to prepay the
outstanding amounts due under the Notes. If the proceeds of the Offering
(assuming no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option) are less
than the amount due under the Notes, the unpaid balance of the Notes will
remain an obligation of the Company. Net proceeds from the exercise of the
over-allotment option will be retained by the Company for general corporate
purposes to the extent of $28.0 million, and the excess over $28.0 million, if
any, will be paid to Torchmark as a dividend.     
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
  The Company's Board of Directors currently intends to declare quarterly cash
dividends on both the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock. The
Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock will share equally in any
cash dividend, subject to any preferential rights of any outstanding Preferred
Stock. The Company expects that the first quarterly dividend payment will be
approximately $.1325 per share (an annual rate of approximately $.53), with
the initial dividend to be declared and paid in the second quarter of 1998.
The declaration and payment of dividends by the Company are subject to the
discretion of its Board of Directors. Any determination as to the payment of
dividends, including the level of dividends, will depend on, among other
things, general economic and business conditions, the strategic plans of the
Company, the Company's financial results and condition, contractual, legal,
and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends by the Company or its
subsidiaries, and such other factors as the Board of Directors of the Company
may consider to be relevant. The Company is a holding company, and as such,
its ability to pay dividends is subject to the ability of the subsidiaries of
the Company to provide cash to the Company. Because the Company was a wholly
owned subsidiary of Torchmark prior to the Offering, its historic dividend
payments should not be considered relevant to its future dividend policy. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
                                   DILUTION
 
  As of December 31, 1997, the Company's net tangible book value was
approximately $(229.9) million, or approximately $(7.77) per share of Common
Stock (based on 42,300,000 Shares of Common Stock). Net tangible book value
per share represents the total book value of the Company's tangible assets
reduced by the amount of the Company's total liabilities, divided by the
number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. After giving effect to the
Offering, the application of the net proceeds therefrom as described under
"Use of Proceeds," and further repayment of the Notes as described in "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions--Relationship with Torchmark--
Intercompany Debt," the net tangible book value of the Common Stock as of
December 31, 1997 would have been $1.55 per share. This represents an
immediate increase in net tangible book value of $9.32 per share to the
Company's existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in tangible book
value of $19.45 per share to new investors purchasing shares of Class A Common
Stock in the Offering at the initial public offering price. The following
table illustrates the per share dilution in net tangible book value to new
investors:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                           <C>     <C>
   Assumed initial public offering price per share..............         $21.00
     Net tangible book value per share at December 31, 1997..... $(7.77)
     Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable
      to the sale of Class A Common Stock in the Offering.......   9.32
                                                                 ------
   Net tangible book value per share after giving effect to the
    Offering and the repayment of the Notes.....................           1.55
                                                                         ------
   Dilution in net tangible book value to the purchasers of
    Class A Common Stock in the Offering........................         $19.45
                                                                         ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
                                CAPITALIZATION
 
  The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of
December 31, 1997 (i) on a historical basis and (ii) as adjusted to reflect
the Offering and the application of proceeds therefrom and the further
repayment of the Notes. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--
Relationship with Torchmark--Intercompany Debt" and Pro Forma Financial
Statements. This table should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements and related notes and other financial and operating data
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                         ----------------------
                                                          ACTUAL    AS ADJUSTED
                                                         ---------  -----------
                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>
Long-Term Debt:
  Notes................................................. $ 480,000        --
Stockholders' Equity:
  Common Stock, $.01 par value; 42,300,000 shares issued
   and outstanding......................................       423        --
  Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000
   shares authorized; 29,675,000 shares issued and
   outstanding as adjusted(1)...........................       --         297
  Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000
   shares authorized; 34,325,000 shares issued and
   outstanding, as adjusted.............................       --         343
  Additional paid-in capital............................       --     197,125
  Retained earnings.....................................       --         --
  Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities......       344        344
  Dividends in excess of retained earnings and
   additional paid-in capital...........................  (230,658)       --
                                                         ---------   --------
    Total Stockholders' Equity..........................  (229,891)   198,109
                                                         ---------   --------
      Total capitalization.............................. $ 250,109   $198,109
                                                         =========   ========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Does not include options to purchase 2,372,300 shares of Class A Common
    Stock to be issued pursuant to compensation and benefit plans of the
    Company or 200,000 shares of Class A Common Stock to be restricted stock
    under the Company's compensation and benefit plans. See "Management--
    Compensation, Benefits, and Retirement Plans." Also, does not include (i)
    options issuable in connection with conversion of existing options issued
    under Torchmark compensation and benefit plans and (ii) the conversion of
    48,000 shares of restricted stock of Torchmark Corporation issued under
    Torchmark stock plans to Class A Common Stock at the time of consummation
    of the Offering. See "Management--Conversion of Torchmark Equity
    Compensation to Class A Common Stock of the Company."
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
                     SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
 
  The following tables set forth summary historical financial and operating
data for the five years ended December 31, 1997, as well as summary historical
balance sheet data of the Company as of the end of each of the last five
years. The information set forth should be read in conjunction with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations," and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes
included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                              -----------------------------------------
                               1993    1994    1995     1996     1997
                              ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                           <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>      <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
 Investment management
  fees......................  $64,208 $70,711 $85,289 $101,466 $117,784
 Underwriting and
  distribution fees.........   78,037  72,150  70,393   85,837   89,427
 Shareholder service fees...   21,280  22,297  23,527   28,378   30,763
 Investment and other
  income....................   14,681   3,878   4,295    5,295    3,798
                              ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
  Total revenue.............  178,206 169,036 183,504  220,976  241,772
 Goodwill amortization(1)...    1,332   2,903   2,903    2,903    2,903
 Other expenses.............  101,494  89,282  95,894  112,766  123,746
                              ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
  Total expenses............  102,826  92,185  98,797  115,669  126,649
                              ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
  Income before interest and
   income taxes.............   75,380  76,851  84,707  105,307  115,123
 Interest income, net.......      --    1,915   3,886    3,886       24
                              ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
  Income before income
   taxes....................   75,380  78,766  88,593  109,193  115,147
 Income taxes...............   28,873  31,140  35,092   42,493   44,855
                              ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
  Income before effect of
   change in accounting
   principle................   46,507  47,626  53,501   66,700   70,292
 Cumulative effect of change
  in accounting principle...    4,125     --      --       --       --
                              ------- ------- ------- -------- --------
  Net income................  $50,632 $47,626 $53,501 $ 66,700 $ 70,292
                              ======= ======= ======= ======== ========
 Pro forma net income per
  share basic and
  diluted(2)................                                   $   1.10
                                                               ========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           AS OF DECEMBER 31,
                              --------------------------------------------
                                1993     1994     1995     1996     1997
                              -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                           <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
 Current assets(3)........... $162,933 $121,412 $ 98,608 $110,139 $130,132
 Goodwill....................  110,443  107,540  104,637  101,734   98,831
 Total assets(3).............  301,568  303,144  283,287  429,278  446,964
 Total liabilities(3)........   58,574   80,852   65,081  196,723  676,855
 Total stockholder's
  equity(4)..................  242,994  222,292  218,206  232,555 (229,891)
</TABLE>
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                              ------------------------------------------------
                                1993      1994      1995      1996      1997
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
<S>                           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
 Financial Advisers:
 Full time(5)................      546       487       505       634       660
 Part time...................    2,141     1,770     1,830     1,376     1,500
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
  Totals.....................    2,687     2,257     2,335     2,010     2,160
 Number of investors(6):
 Mutual funds................  499,400   517,600   537,100   522,600   563,800
 Variable products...........   16,400    22,700    27,800    33,400    38,200
 Average value per
  investor(7):
 Mutual funds................ $ 22,500  $ 21,600  $ 26,100  $ 28,500   $33,200
 Variable products........... $ 33,700  $ 31,900  $ 39,600  $ 42,900   $49,600
 Redemption rates of mutual
  funds:
 Mutual funds................     7.55%     7.52%     7.64%     7.64%     7.61%
 Industry average(8).........    18.37%    21.27%    17.35%    16.95%    17.86%
 Dividend reinvestment rate:
 Mutual funds................     84.9%     86.0%     86.8%     87.5%     87.7%
 Industry average(8).........     53.9%     65.8%     71.7%     72.6%     73.2%
 Assets under management
  (millions):
 Mutual fund:
  Equity funds............... $  7,563  $  8,174  $ 10,931  $ 12,990   $16,093
  Fixed income funds.........    3,870     3,349     3,719     3,681     3,921
  Money market funds.........      348       369       442       537       572
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
   Total mutual funds........ $ 11,781  $ 11,892  $ 15,092  $ 17,208   $20,586
 Institutional(9)............ $  2,659  $  2,606  $  3,397  $  1,862  $  2,831
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Amortization relates to Torchmark's acquisition of the Company in 1981 and
    1993. Current annual amortization is $2.9 million.
(2) Pro forma basic and diluted net income per share has been computed by
    dividing net income, as adjusted to eliminate the after tax interest cost
    on the Notes, by 64,000,000 shares (the average number of shares
    outstanding plus the number of shares, based on the mid-point of the
    offering price range, the proceeds of which would be used to pay the
    Notes).
(3) The Company's current assets, total assets, and total liabilities can be
    significantly affected by amounts due both to and from affiliates. At
    December 31, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997, amounts due from affiliates
    amounted to $53.9 million, $96.3 million, $57.2 million, $184.5 million,
    and $192.7 million, respectively. Amounts due to affiliates at December
    31, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997 amounted to $8.0 million, $41.7
    million, $13.6 million, $126.6 million, and $611.6 million, respectively.
(4) Cash dividends paid to Torchmark for the years 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and
    1997 were $153.3 million, $80.0 million, $0, $10.0 million, and $51.7
    million, respectively.
(5) Financial advisers whose annual or annualized production is the equivalent
    of investment product sales in excess of $900 thousand.
(6) Mutual funds reflect the number of investors in the United Funds and W&R
    Funds. Variable products reflect the number of variable annuity and
    variable life policies.
(7) Mutual funds average value reflects the value for the United Funds and W&R
    Funds. The variable product average is based on the value of TMK/United
    Fund assets divided by the number of variable annuity and life policies.
(8) Source: Investment Company Institute. The industry dividend reinvestment
    rate average for 1997 is for the twelve months ended September 30, 1997.
(9) Institutional assets include assets of Torchmark affiliates of $0, $77.3
    million, $373.8 million, $390.9 million, and $1,265.0 million at December
    31, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively.
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
               OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
  The revenues of the Company are largely dependent on the total value and
composition of assets under management and, accordingly, fluctuations in
financial markets and in the composition of assets under management have a
substantial effect on revenues and results of operations. Investment
management fees, the Company's most substantial source of revenue, are based
on the amount of assets under management and are affected by sales levels,
financial market conditions, redemptions, and the composition of assets.
Equity-oriented portfolios generally have higher management fee rates than
fixed-income portfolios. See "Business--Investment Management Agreements."
 
  Underwriting and distribution revenues consist of sales charges and
commissions derived from the sale of investment and insurance products and
distribution fees earned from the W&R Funds for distributing their shares. The
products sold have various sales charge structures, and the revenues received
from the sale of products will vary based on the type and amount sold. The
United Group of Funds have a front end load sales charge (sales charges are
paid on purchase of fund shares) or no load sales charge (no sales charges are
related to purchase of fund shares) while the W&R Funds have a contingent
deferred sales charge (sales charges are paid upon redemption of fund shares
within specified periods). Rule 12b-1 distribution and service fees earned for
distributing shares of the W&R Funds are based upon a percentage of assets and
fluctuate based on sales, redemptions, and financial market conditions. See
"Business--Underwriting and Distribution." The Company earns a sales
commission on insurance products sold pursuant to the Agent Agreements. See
"Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--Relationship with Torchmark--
Agent Agreements."
 
  Shareholder service fees include transfer agency fees, custodian fees for
retirement plan accounts, and portfolio accounting fees. The transfer agency
fees and custodian fees are primarily based on annual charges per account,
and, therefore, are affected by the number of accounts opened and closed.
Portfolio accounting fees are charged based on the amount of assets in the
portfolio subject to a maximum per portfolio. These fees vary based on the
number of portfolios and the value of the assets in each portfolio. See
"Business--Service Agreements."
 
  Other expenses consist of underwriting and distribution expenses,
compensation and related cost expenses, general and administrative expenses,
and depreciation and amortization, excluding goodwill. Underwriting and
distribution expenses include sales commissions and related amounts paid to
financial advisers, various expenses associated with product promotion,
expenses associated with education and training of financial advisers, and
other marketing costs. Distribution expenses, principally selling commissions,
related to the W&R Funds are deferred and amortized over a period not
exceeding ten years. Compensation and related costs reflect the compensation
and benefits for investment management, shareholder service, and
administrative personnel. The amount of goodwill at December 31, 1997 was
$98.9 million, and amortization of goodwill is $2.9 million annually.
 
OPERATING RESULTS FOR 1997 AS COMPARED TO 1996
 
  Investment management fees increased $16.3 million or 16% to $117.8 million
for the year ended December 31, 1997 primarily as the result of strong
financial markets. Average assets under management in 1997 were up $2.3
billion or 12% from 1996 to $21.3 billion. Assets under management were $23.4
billion at December 31, 1997 compared with $19.1 billion at December 31, 1996.
Mutual fund assets increased $3.4 billion from $17.2 billion at December 31,
1996 to $20.6 billion at December 31, 1997. Institutional assets increased $.9
billion from $1.9 billion at December 31, 1996 to $2.8 billion at December 31,
1997. Market appreciation accounted for $3.3 billion of the increase with the
remainder due to the nets inflow of assets. Growth in fee revenue exceeded the
growth in average assets due to changes in the composition of assets. Mutual
fund assets, which generally have a higher management fee rate than
institutional accounts, constituted a greater percentage of total assets for
1997.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
  Underwriting and distribution fee revenue was $89.4 million for 1997, up
$3.6 million or 4% compared with that of 1996. Commission revenue from front-
load investment products increased $1.4 million from $67.0 million in 1996 to
$68.4 million in 1997 primarily as a result of higher sales volumes.
Distribution revenue, which consists primarily of Rule 12b-1 distribution fees
from the W&R Funds, increased from $4.7 million in 1996 to $6.5 million in
1997 due to growth in assets. Commissions from the sale of other products
(primarily insurance) were $14.1 million in 1996 and $14.5 million in 1997.
 
  Shareholder servicing fees in 1997 were $30.8 million, a $2.4 million or 8%
increase over that of 1996. Approximately 47% of this increase was
attributable to a fee increase that was effective April 1, 1996 with the
remainder due to the increase in number of shareholder accounts. At December
31, 1997, there were 1.38 million accounts, an increase of 5% from the 1.31
million accounts at December 31, 1996.
 
  Other expenses increased from $112.8 million for 1996 to $123.7 million for
1997, an increase of 10%. Underwriting and distribution costs of $80.0 million
in 1997 were $1.1 million or 1% higher than that of 1996. The increase was
primarily the result of increased sales. Compensation and related costs of
$26.6 million were up $4.7 million or 22% compared with those of 1996. The
increase was attributable to additional expenses of $1.5 million related to
staff additions and normal salary and fringe benefit changes, $1.3 million for
incentive compensation and adjustments of $1.9 million to make total
compensation more competitive within the market. General and administrative
expenses were 15.8 million in 1997, a $5.6 million or 55% increase from that
of 1996. The increase is attributable to $6.8 million of non-recurring
expenses primarily related to the outsourcing of the data processing component
of transfer agency activities and the discontinuation of internally developed
systems. This increase was partially offset by lower expenses of $2.2 million
in 1997 for year 2000 compliance as compared to 1996.
 
  The Company has considered the effect of year 2000 on its computer systems
and application software programs and has developed a plan to become year 2000
compliant. The Company estimates that its compliance activities will be
completed no later than the first quarter of 1999. Costs to date approximate
$2.4 million. The remaining costs of this effort are estimated to be $1.7
million.
 
  Net interest income in 1997 declined $3.9 million from 1996 due to
additional interest expense attributable to the Notes.
 
  Income tax expense was $42.5 million and $44.9 million for 1996 and 1997,
respectively, representing effective tax rates of 38.9% and 39.0%.
 
  Net income increased from $66.7 for 1996 to $70.3 million for 1997, an
increase of 5%.
 
OPERATING RESULTS FOR 1996 AS COMPARED TO 1995
 
  Investment management fees increased $16.2 million or 19% to $101.5 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996 primarily as the result of strong
financial markets. Average assets under management in 1996 were up $2.3
billion or 14% from that of the year ended December 31, 1995 to $19.0 billion
for 1996. Assets under management were $19.1 billion at December 31, 1996
compared with $18.5 billion at December 31, 1995. Mutual fund assets increased
$2.1 billion from $15.1 billion at December 31, 1995 to $17.2 billion at
December 31, 1996, while institutional assets declined from $3.4 billion at
December 31, 1995 to $1.9 billion at December 31, 1996 due to the loss of
certain accounts. Market appreciation of $1.8 billion in 1996 was
substantially offset by institutional account redemptions. Growth in fee
revenue exceeded the growth in average assets due to changes in the
composition of assets. Mutual fund assets, which generally have a higher
management fee rate than institutional accounts, constituted a greater
percentage of total assets for 1996.
 
  Underwriting and distribution fee revenue was $85.8 million for 1996, up
$15.4 million or 22% compared with that of 1995. Commission revenue from
front-load investment products increased $13.2 million from $53.8 million in
1995 to $67.0 million in 1996 primarily as a result of higher sales volumes.
Distribution revenue, which consists primarily of Rule 12b-1 distribution fees
from the W&R Funds, increased from $2.8 million in 1995 to $4.7 million in
1996 due to growth in assets. Commissions from the sale of other products
(primarily insurance) were $13.8 million in 1995 and $14.1 million in 1996.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
  Shareholder servicing fees in 1996 were $28.4 million, a $4.9 million or 21%
increase over that of 1995. Approximately 70% of this increase was
attributable to a fee increase effective April 1, 1996 with the remainder due
to the increase in number of shareholder accounts. At December 31, 1996, there
were 1.31 million accounts, an increase of 7% from the 1.22 million accounts
at December 31, 1995.
 
  Other expenses increased from $95.9 million for 1995 to $112.8 million for
1996, an increase of 18%. Underwriting and distribution costs of $78.9 million
in 1996 were $14.8 million or 23% higher than that of 1995. Most of the
increase in underwriting and distribution costs was attributable to selling
commissions and other costs associated with higher sales levels. Compensation
and related costs of $21.9 million were up 3% over that of 1995 due primarily
to an increase in the number of employees. General and administrative expenses
were $10.2 million in 1996, a $1.6 million or 18% increase from that of 1995.
This increase was primarily attributable to charges of approximately $2.3
million in 1996 for modifying systems applications for year 2000 compliance,
partially offset by a $1.2 million one time franchise tax assessment that was
paid in 1995.
 
  Income tax expense was $35.1 million and $42.5 million for 1995 and 1996,
respectively, representing effective tax rates of 39.6% and 38.9%.
 
  Net income increased from $53.5 million for 1995 to $66.7 million for 1996,
an increase of 25%.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  The Company's operations have historically generated cash flows in excess of
the needs of its business plans. In keeping with Torchmark's strategy for
subsidiaries, the Company historically paid virtually all of its earnings to
Torchmark as dividends. Cash flow provided from the Company's operations was
$62.3 million, $86.2 million, and $62.3 million for the years ended December
31, 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively. The timing of tax payments of $14.9
million increased cash from operations for the year ended December 31, 1996,
and reduced cash from the Company's operations in the same amount for the year
ended December 31, 1997. Payments to affiliates for operating purposes in the
amount of $5.9 million decreased cash from the Company's operations for the
year ended December 31, 1997. Cash flows from investing activities generally
include capital expenditures and the results of investment securities sales,
purchases, and maturities. The Company is considering an expansion of its home
office building, although no formal commitments have been entered into. The
estimated capitalized cost of this proposed expansion is approximately $7.0
million. Except for this possible expansion the Company has no material
commitments for capital expenditures.
   
  Cash flows from financing activities include cash dividends to Torchmark,
amounts paid or received from affiliates, and cash contributions from
Torchmark. Historically, the Company has distributed its excess cash flow to
Torchmark. The Company's Board of Directors currently intends to declare
quarterly cash dividends on the Common Stock of approximately $34 million
annually. The Company believes that its cash flows from operations will be
sufficient to fund such dividends and its operations for at least the next two
years. See "Dividend Policy."     
 
RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS
 
  In 1997, FASB issued SFAS No. 130 ("Reporting Comprehensive Income") and
SFAS No. 131 ("Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information"). These statements, which are effective for periods beginning
after December 15, 1997, expand or modify disclosures. The Company does not
expect implementation to have any significant effect on the Company's reported
financial position, results of operations, or segment reporting.
 
SEASONALITY AND INFLATION
 
  The Company does not believe its operations are subject to significant
seasonal fluctuations. The Company does not believe that inflation has had a
significant impact on operations.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
 
OVERVIEW
 
  Waddell & Reed, founded in 1937, is one of the oldest mutual fund complexes
in the United States, having introduced the United family of funds in 1940.
Waddell & Reed sells its investment products primarily to middle income
Americans through a virtually exclusive sales force. As of December 31, 1997,
the Company had $23.4 billion of assets under management, of which $20.6
billion were mutual fund assets and the remainder institutional accounts and
more than 563,000 customers holding an average mutual fund account of $33,200.
 
  The Company is the exclusive underwriter and distributor of 36 mutual fund
portfolios, including 17 comprising the United Funds, eight comprising the W&R
Funds, and 11 comprising the TMK/United Funds. The Company also distributes
Torchmark underwritten variable annuities and life insurance products to its
customers as part of its financial planning services. The Company sells mutual
fund products with a front end load (sales charges are paid upon purchase of
fund shares), contingent deferred sales charge (sales charges are paid upon
redemption within specified periods, see "Business--Underwriting and
Distribution"), and mutual fund products with no load (no sales charges are
related to purchase of fund shares). For the year ended December 31, 1997, the
Company's financial adviser sales force sold $1.5 billion of mutual fund and
variable products.
 
  The traditional market for the Company has generally been professionals and
working families with annual incomes between $40,000 and $100,000 who are
saving for retirement. The Company believes that demographic trends and shifts
in attitudes toward retirement savings will continue to support increased
consumer demand for its products. According to U.S. Census Bureau projections,
the number of Americans between the ages of 45 and 64 will grow from 53.7
million in 1996 to 71.1 million in 2005, making this "preretirement" age group
the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population.
 
  The Company distributes the Funds and other financial products through a
financial adviser sales force that represents the Company on a virtually
exclusive basis. At December 31, 1997, the Company's sales force consisted of
2,160 financial advisers and 121 division managers operating from 177 sales
offices located throughout the United States. The Company believes, based on
industry data, that its financial adviser sales force is currently one of the
largest sales force in the United States selling primarily mutual funds.
Currently, 43% of the Company's financial advisers have been with the Company
for more than 5 years and 28% for more than 10 years.
 
  The financial adviser industry is fragmented, consisting primarily of
relatively small companies generally employing fewer than 100 investment
professionals. The Company's sales force competes primarily with small
broker/dealers and independent financial advisers. The Company's marketing
efforts are currently focused on customers residing in smaller metropolitan
areas and rural communities. The Company conducts investment seminars
throughout the United States to reach a large number of potential clients. The
Company also develops individual financial plans for clients (over 40,000
plans in 1997) through one-on-one consultations with financial advisers, who
emphasize long-term relationships with a client through continuing service,
rather than a one-time sale. The Company believes that it is well-positioned
to benefit from a developing industry trend toward "assisted sales"--sales of
mutual fund products through a sales person--driven by the array of options
now available to investors and the need for financial planning advice that has
resulted from the recent increase in the average household's financial assets.
According to the Investment Company Institute, assisted sales for the year
ended December 31, 1997 constituted 61.9% of the total dollar value of mutual
fund sales, a figure that has grown from 54.9% for 1994.
 
  The Company's investment philosophy and financial planning approach
emphasize long-term savings. The Company's portfolio managers seek consistent
long-term performance and downside protection in turbulent markets. As a
result, the Company has developed a loyal customer base with clients
maintaining their accounts for approximately 13 years on average as compared
to six years for the mutual fund industry, according to the Investment Company
Institute. This loyalty is evidenced by a relatively low fund redemption rate
for the five years ended December 31, 1997 of 7.6% for the Funds (other than
money market funds), which is less than one-half of the industry average of
18.4% and a relatively high dividend reinvestment rate of 86.6% for the Funds
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
(other than money market funds) for the same period versus 66.9% for the
mutual fund industry. Approximately 45% of the Company's assets under
management are in retirement accounts as of December 31, 1997. The
historically low redemption and high reinvestment rates have provided a stable
source of asset and revenue growth at a relatively low cost. The Company's
success with these strategies has been demonstrated in turbulent markets, as,
for example, in 1994, the last year in which the Standard & Poor's 500
Composite Stock Price Index declined, when the Company's net sales as a
percentage of asset growth was more than three times better than that of the
mutual fund industry.
 
  The Company has a seasoned team of portfolio managers, having an average of
20 years industry experience and 14 years tenure with the Company. The five
most senior portfolio managers have an average of 30 years industry experience
and 26 years tenure with the Company. The Company maintains an internal equity
and fixed income investment research staff that has substantial resources
available to it including hundreds of meetings annually with company
management both on and off site. In addition, the Company utilizes research
provided by brokerage firms and independent outside consultants. Portfolio
managers usually were investment research analysts for a substantial length of
time prior to acquiring money management assignments. The predominant style of
the Company's investments is growth equity. As of December 31, 1997
approximately 78% of the Company's mutual fund assets under management were
invested in equity funds and the remainder in fixed income and money market
funds. This investment strategy emphasizes investment at attractive valuations
in companies that the portfolio managers believe can produce above average
growth in earnings.
 
  Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. is a holding company that conducts its
business through its subsidiaries, which are described briefly below. W&R, is
a registered broker-dealer and registered investment adviser that acts
primarily as the nationwide distributor and underwriter for the shares of
mutual funds and distributor of insurance products issued primarily by UILIC.
WRIMCO, is a registered investment adviser that provides investment management
and advisory services to the Funds and to institutions and other private
clients through a subcontract with another subsidiary of Torchmark. WRSCO
provides transfer agency and accounting services to the Funds and their
shareholders and to another subsidiary of Torchmark.
 
  The executive office of the Company is located at 6300 Lamar Avenue,
Overland Park, Kansas 66202, telephone number (913) 236-2000.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
  The Company's business strategy is outlined below.
 
  .  INCREASE NUMBER OF FINANCIAL ADVISERS: The Company intends to expand its
     distribution network by recruiting high quality candidates to be
     financial advisers. In early 1994 the Company began to focus on
     increasing the number of financial advisers. The Company's current
     objective is to increase the number of financial advisers by 10% per
     year. The Company has hired additional experienced sales managers and
     reorganized its management and reporting lines and incentive structure.
     The Company has revised the compensation system for its 121 division
     managers by tying the majority of their potential income to the
     recruitment, retention, and training of the Company's financial advisers
     and proportionately less to their personal sales production. From
     December 31, 1996 to December 31, 1997, the number of financial advisers
     has increased from 2,010 to 2,160.
 
    In 1994, the Company also began implementing a "bridge income" program,
    which provides newly recruited financial advisers with a source of
    earnings until they can develop the skills and client base necessary to
    earn a stable income from commissions. The Company believes this
    program, which currently provides qualifying individuals with $2,000
    per month for up to six months, has been critical in increasing the
    number of new financial advisers, improving retention, and increasing
    average first-year sales production. Financial advisers recruited in
    1997 who participated in the bridge income program produced, on
    average, at two and one half times the rate of non-participants.
 
  .  CONTINUE TO INCREASE PERCENTAGE OF FULL-TIME FINANCIAL ADVISERS: Since
     1993, the Company has emphasized increasing the proportion of its sales
     force that sells financial services products on a full-
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
     time basis and generally has not allowed the renewal of the securities
     licenses of financial advisers that fail to meet sales goals. The
     Company believes that these changes have enhanced productivity. At
     December 31, 1997, the percentage of Full-Time Advisers was 31% of the
     Company's total sales force, up from 18% at December 31, 1992. Over the
     same period, the annual investment product sales per Full-Time Adviser
     increased approximately 25% to a current annual rate of about $1.7
     million. In addition, the overall annual investment product sales per
     adviser increased from $380,000 to $703,000, or 85%, over this same
     period as a result of both increasing the number and the productivity of
     Full-Time Advisers and of not renewing the licenses of advisers who do
     not meet sales goals.
 
  .  EXPAND GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE: The Company intends to pursue geographic
     expansion of its sales force with two related strategies. In larger
     communities it intends to establish new division offices with the
     facilities to accommodate up to 20 financial advisers, and in smaller
     communities or suburban areas it will open offices with facilities to
     accommodate a smaller group of advisers. While historically the Company
     has opened new offices in areas that were contiguous with existing
     offices, it now intends to select new locations based on expected growth
     opportunities. Consistent with its focus on retirement savings and
     planning, the Company expects to open new offices in Florida and
     Arizona, as well as smaller offices in other areas of the country, in
     1998.
 
  .  ENHANCE MARKETING AND FINANCIAL PLANNING TOOLS: The Company expects to
     implement an improved financial planning package, which will allow its
     financial advisers to customize solutions to a client's savings,
     retirement income, estate planning, life insurance, and other personal
     financial planning needs. The Company has traditionally provided
     financial planning advice to its clients free of charge. The Company now
     intends to begin charging a fee, typically $250, for such services. The
     Company believes that its program of selling its improved financial
     plans for a fee will stimulate sales and result in a significantly
     higher average sale per plan. The Company expects to introduce the
     revised financial plan by the end of the first quarter of 1998.
 
    The Company has also implemented formal training programs for its new
    financial advisers. The program consists of field office classes that
    address prospecting techniques, product knowledge, and sales
    presentation skills. Field sales management personnel, assisted by six
    regional sales training specialists who receive direction and support
    from the Company's headquarters, conduct the field office classes.
    During 1998, the Company intends to increase the number of regional
    sales training specialists from six to twelve. In addition, new advisers
    will attend a three day course conducted at the Company's headquarters
    intended to supplement and reinforce the field classes.
 
  .  INVEST IN PORTFOLIO MANAGERS AND INVESTMENT ANALYSTS: The Company's
     objective is for its Fund families to achieve top quartile performance.
     The Company is also focused on building its industry and geographic
     expertise. To achieve this goal, the Company has begun to implement a
     plan to add several portfolio managers and investment analysts. Through
     these additions, the Company intends to increase the depth of its
     investment management team and to increase the scope of its expertise.
     To assist in recruiting and retention, the Offering and Spin-Off will
     allow the Company to implement a new incentive compensation structure
     that relies on stock options and increases in cash compensation to bring
     total compensation for portfolio managers and investment analysts to a
     more market-competitive level. The Company believes that providing
     equity-based compensation as a significant component of income will be
     important in attracting new portfolio managers and investment analysts
     as well as retaining present staff.
 
  .  INVEST IN SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY: In order to support its anticipated
     growth, the Company is engaged in projects to enhance its information
     systems. The Company will install a management system in all division
     offices that it believes will better enable division managers to monitor
     the activities of the individual financial advisers including the number
     of sales calls completed, the number of client contacts, and overall
     sales results. The Company has recently completed agreements to
     outsource a portion of its data processing components of its transfer
     agency activities to a third party provider by the fourth quarter of
     1998. The Company expects that this arrangement will facilitate its
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
     ability to introduce new products and enter new markets as well as
     enable the Company to improve its participant record-keeping services
     offered to sponsors of 403(b) and 401(k) plans. In addition, the Company
     expects to realize operating efficiencies with respect to its processing
     activities through the use of electronic imaging, which is a component
     of the third party system. The Company has developed and is testing an
     intranet to be used by its financial advisers to obtain updated training
     materials, product information, and electronic interactive product
     illustrations. In addition, the Company expects that clients will have
     access to the intranet to obtain data related to their personal accounts
     once information security concerns are addressed.
 
  .  PURSUE STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS AND ALLIANCES TO EXPAND PRODUCT OFFERING
     AND DISTRIBUTION: The Company intends to selectively pursue acquisitions
     and alliances that will add new products or alternative distribution
     systems. The Company believes that it will be better positioned to
     pursue acquisitions as one of relatively few independent, public
     investment advisory and asset management companies. The Company believes
     that potential investment management acquisition candidates may be more
     receptive to receiving publicly traded shares of the Company as opposed
     to stock in a company outside of the investment management industry. The
     Company has traditionally distributed its investment products only
     through its virtually exclusive financial adviser sales force. In the
     future, the Company may acquire another fund complex the products of
     which it can distribute outside its sales force. These mutual funds will
     likely not be marketed to the Company's existing customer base, thereby
     avoiding competing with the Company's existing sales force and
     cannibalizing the Company's current revenues. The Company may also
     pursue opportunities to establish strategic relationships with
     alternative distribution systems such as broker/dealers and banks or
     acquire independent financial planning companies.
 
MARKETING
 
  The Company markets its mutual funds through a sales force that represents
the Company on a virtually exclusive basis. As of December 31, 1997, the sales
force comprised approximately 2,160 financial advisers of whom approximately
660 are Full-Time Advisers. The Company's financial advisers are located
primarily in smaller metropolitan areas and rural communities. The sales force
is organized into divisions that are supervised, as of December 31, 1997, by
one of approximately 121 division managers who, in turn, report to eight
regional vice presidents.
 
  The Company has taken several steps to increase the productivity of its
sales force. Since 1992, the Company has been implementing a policy of
developing a full-time sales force and has not allowed the renewal of the
securities licenses of financial advisers that fail to meet sales goals. This
policy has resulted in the reduction of the number of part-time financial
advisers (those having annual or annualized production of less than $900,000
of investment product sales) from 2,141 at December 31, 1993 to 1,500 at
December 31, 1997. At the same time, the number of Full-Time Advisers
increased from 546 at December 31, 1993 to 660 at December 31, 1997. Prior to
1993, division managers were engaged in personal sales production as well as
sales management. In order to emphasize the importance of recruiting and
developing a full-time sales force, the Company implemented a compensation
system that ties compensation of division managers to the development of new
financial advisers and to division sales rather than personal sales. Beginning
in 1997, the Company initiated a program to encourage members of its financial
adviser sales force to expand the range of financial services they can offer
by registering under applicable state laws. A majority of the Company's
financial advisers have completed such registration.
 
  The Company began implementing a bridge income program in 1994 to provide a
source of earnings to newly recruited financial advisers for a period of three
months while they developed the skills and client base necessary to earn an
income from commissions. The Company enhanced the program in 1997 by
increasing the monthly amount and extending the period to six months based on
the success of the program in improving the productivity of new recruits. In
order to qualify for the bridge income program, advisers must, within 90 days,
make five joint sales calls with the division manager, five calls with another
adviser to gather data for a financial plan, and make one sale. Once on the
bridge income program, the adviser receives $2,000 per month with earned
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
commissions up to $2,000 applied against the bridge income and commission in
excess of $2,000 held in escrow until the adviser is off of the bridge income
program.
 
  The following tables set forth information about the Company's financial
adviser sales force, product sales, and clients at the dates and for the
periods indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   1993  1994  1995  1996  1997
                                                   ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
<S>                                                <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>
Financial Advisers:
  Full time(1)....................................   546   487   505   634   660
  Part time....................................... 2,141 1,770 1,830 1,376 1,500
                                                   ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
    Totals........................................ 2,687 2,257 2,335 2,010 2,160
                                                   ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                  --------------------------------------------
                                    1993     1994     1995     1996     1997
                                  -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
                                             (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                               <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Mutual fund sales(2)............. $1,033.4 $  988.3 $  995.7 $1,252.2 $1,268.5
Total investment product
 sales(3)........................ $1,239.2 $1,188.5 $1,187.6 $1,505.1 $1,518.3
Annualized life insurance premi-
 ums............................. $    7.4 $    8.2 $    9.5 $    9.3 $    8.3
Number of clients(4).............  499,400  517,600  537,100  552,600  563,800
Number of mutual fund accounts
 per client......................      2.2      2.2      2.3      2.4      2.4
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Based on minimum annual or annualized production that is the equivalent of
    investment product sales in excess of $900,000.
(2) Reflects sales of United Funds for which a sales charge was collected and
    sales of the W&R Funds.
(3) Reflects mutual fund and variable product sales. Reflects mutual fund and
    variable product sales.
(4) Defined as a person or entity having a single Federal tax identification
    number.
 
  The Company provides training and motivational programs for its sales force.
Six sales training specialists provide a regular program of training for new
recruits as well as advanced training for experienced financial advisers.
Programs for new recruits focus on prospecting techniques, product knowledge,
and sales skills. Field office classes provide guidance in identifying target
markets, practical exercises to learn interview skills and data collection,
instruction in basic financial planning software, and guidance in matching
products with various investment objectives. Sales presentation skills are
taught and practiced in the classroom environment as well as on joint sales
calls with field sales management. The programs for experienced advisers focus
on skills related to dealing with larger investment sums (such as IRA
rollovers) and include training in the use of asset allocation and estate
planning software. In addition, the Company takes top producers to retreats
where headquarters staff and experienced sales personnel conduct workshop
seminars covering such subjects as product features, financial planning, and
the use of illustrative software packages. The Company intends to increase the
number of programs made available to new recruits and experienced advisers by
increasing the number of sales training specialists from six to twelve in
1998.
 
FUNDS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT
 
  The Company serves as underwriter for, and investment adviser to, the United
Funds, the W&R Funds, and the TMK/United Funds and distributes variable
annuity products based on the TMK/United Funds. The Company's sales force also
serves as distributor of insurance products such as single premium annuities
and term and whole life insurance. The Company provides various administrative
services to the Funds, including mutual fund transfer agency, accounting, and
shareholder services.
 
  The Company offers the Funds' shareholders a broad range of investment
products designed to attract and retain clients with varying investment
objectives. The predominant style of the Company's investments is growth
equity. This investment strategy emphasizes investment at attractive
valuations in companies that the portfolio managers believe can produce above
average growth in earnings. The Company's United Funds rank in the top
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
10% of diversified mutual fund complexes for the year ended December 31, 1997,
as measured by Lipper Analytical Services Corp. As of December 31, 1997, 78%
of the assets under management in the Funds were invested in equity funds, 19%
were invested in fixed income funds, and 3% were invested in money market
funds. Fund shareholders are allowed to exchange funds within each group of
funds as economic and market conditions and investor needs change at no
additional cost. The Company periodically introduces new mutual funds designed
to complement and expand its investment product offerings, respond to
competitive developments in the financial marketplace, and meet the changing
needs of clients. The Company's base of assets under management consists of a
broad range of domestic and international stock, bond, and money market mutual
funds that meet the varied needs and objectives of its individual and
institutional investors. For summary information about each of the Funds, see
"--Fund Summary" to this Prospectus.
 
  The Company has a seasoned team of portfolio managers, having an average of
20 years industry experience and 14 years tenure with the Company. The five
most senior portfolio managers have an average of 30 years industry experience
and 26 years tenure with the Company. The Company maintains an internal equity
and fixed income investment research staff that has substantial resources
available to it including hundreds of meetings annually with company
management both on and off site. In addition, the Company utilizes research
provided by brokerage firms and independent outside consultants. Portfolio
managers usually were analysts for a substantial length of time prior to
acquiring money management assignments.
 
  In addition to performing investment management services for the Funds, the
Company acts as an investment adviser and portfolio manager for institutional
and other private investors. The Company receives a fee that is generally
based on a percentage of assets under management for its services as an
investment adviser or portfolio manager. Assets under management for
institutional and private accounts totaled approximately $2.8 billion at
December 31, 1997. Investment management fees from institutional accounts were
approximately $6.2 million, or approximately 5% of total investment management
fees, for the year ended December 31, 1997.
 
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth beginning assets and ending assets for the
Company's Funds by type as well as transactions related thereto for the
periods shown.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                           ---------------------------------------------------
                             1993      1994      1995       1996       1997
                           --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                        (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
MUTUAL FUNDS:
CHANGE IN UNITED AND W&R
 FUNDS:
Equity funds:
  Beginning assets........ $6,078.8  $7,187.9  $ 7,627.5  $10,047.2  $11,786.4
    Net sales (1).........    690.0     814.8      856.4    1,155.5    1,175.3
    Reinvested Dividends &
     Distributions........    331.7     440.5      532.1      831.7    1,811.3
    Redemptions...........   (479.0)   (503.1)    (624.1)    (785.8)    (977.9)
    Net exchanges in
     (out)................    (32.9)     91.7      (43.6)     (57.8)    (120.7)
    Dividends &
     Distributions Paid...   (353.6)   (463.0)    (558.3)    (866.6)  (1,889.0)
    Net investment
     income...............     90.6      94.1      109.0      110.0      112.2
    Appreciation
     (depreciation).......    862.3     (35.4)   2,148.2    1,352.2    2,568.0
                           --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Ending Assets........... $7,187.9  $7,627.5  $10,047.2  $11,786.4  $14,465.6
                           ========  ========  =========  =========  =========
Fixed income funds:
  Beginning assets........ $3,249.1  $3,717.0  $ 3,200.1  $ 3,540.3  $ 3,487.6
    Net sales (1).........    380.5     216.8      205.9      198.7      244.1
    Reinvested Dividends &
     Distributions........    260.9     210.1      208.1      219.7      220.3
    Redemptions...........   (281.4)   (320.9)    (317.1)    (315.8)    (316.4)
    Net exchanges in
     (out)................    (58.6)   (195.1)     (90.5)    (132.9)     (79.6)
    Dividends &
     Distributions Paid...   (310.2)   (249.7)    (248.3)    (260.1)    (259.8)
    Net investment
     income...............    239.8     242.6      239.9      238.7      240.4
    Appreciation
     (depreciation).......    236.9    (420.7)     342.2       (1.0)     161.4
                           --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Ending Assets........... $3,717.0  $3,200.1  $ 3,540.3  $ 3,487.6  $ 3,698.0
                           ========  ========  =========  =========  =========
Money Market funds:
  Beginning assets........ $  393.3  $  321.6  $   338.6  $   405.5  $   499.5
    Net sales.............    292.7     299.7      466.1      494.2      507.0
    Reinvested Dividends &
     Distributions........      8.1      10.8       18.6       19.9       22.9
    Redemptions...........   (464.0)   (396.9)    (551.9)    (610.8)    (701.3)
    Net exchanges in
     (out)................     91.5     103.4      134.1      190.7      200.3
    Dividends &
     Distributions Paid...     (8.2)    (11.0)     (19.0)     (20.6)     (23.8)
    Net investment
     income...............      8.2      11.0       19.0       20.6       23.8
    Appreciation
     (depreciation).......      0.0       0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0
                           --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Ending assets........... $  321.6  $  338.6  $   405.5  $   499.5  $   528.4
                           ========  ========  =========  =========  =========
VARIABLE PRODUCTS
 TMK/UNITED FUNDS:
  Beginning assets........ $  302.3  $  554.7  $   725.3  $ 1,098.8  $ 1,434.5
    Net sales.............    205.8     200.2      191.8      252.8      249.8
    Reinvested Dividends &
     Distributions........     38.6      34.9       95.4       92.9      161.2
    Redemptions...........     (8.4)    (26.9)     (48.7)     (75.1)    (111.5)
    Net exchanges in
     (out)................      0.0       0.0        0.0        0.0        0.0
    Dividends &
     Distributions Paid...    (38.6)    (34.9)     (95.4)     (92.9)    (161.3)
    Net investment
     income...............     12.5      20.7       24.3       27.4       29.6
    Appreciation
     (depreciation).......     42.5    (23.4)      206.1      130.6      291.2
                           --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Ending assets........... $  554.7  $  725.3  $ 1,098.8  $ 1,434.5  $ 1,893.5
                           ========  ========  =========  =========  =========
</TABLE>
- --------
   (1) Sales net of sales charges.
 
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth assets under management, client accounts, and
sales of the Funds by group as of the dates and for the periods shown.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               DECEMBER 31,
                          ------------------------------------------------------
                             1993       1994       1995       1996       1997
                          ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
                                          (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Mutual Fund
Assets Under Management:
  United Funds..........  $   11,102 $   10,948 $   13,574 $   15,130 $   17,847
  TMK/United Funds......         555        725      1,099      1,435      1,894
  W&R Funds.............         124        219        419        643        845
                          ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
    Totals..............  $   11,781 $   11,892 $   15,092 $   17,208     20,586
                          ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Client accounts:
  United Funds(1).......   1,067,900  1,119,800  1,171,700  1,236,900  1,291,300
  TMK/United Funds(2)...      16,400     22,700     27,800     33,400     38,200
  W&R Funds(1)..........      17,700     30,500     48,400     69,100     84,900
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                              ----------------------------------
                                               1993   1994   1995   1996   1997
                                              ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                           <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Sales:
  United Funds(3)............................ $  939 $  881 $  838 $1,025 $1,093
  TMK/United Funds...........................    206    200    192    253    250
  W&R Funds..................................     94    107    158    227    175
                                              ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
    Totals (4)............................... $1,239 $1,188 $1,188 $1,505 $1,518
                                              ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Number of mutual fund products.
(2) Number of variable policies.
(3) Reflects sales for which a sales charge was collected.
(4) Money market fund sales and United Fund sales for which there was no sales
    change are excluded.
 
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS
 
  The Company provides investment advisory and management services pursuant to
an Investment Management Agreement with each Fund. While the specific terms of
the Investment Management Agreements vary, the basic terms of the Investment
Management Agreements are similar. The Investment Management Agreements
provide that the Company renders overall management services to each of the
Funds, subject to the oversight of each Fund's board of directors and in
accordance with each Fund's fundamental investment objectives and policies.
The Investment Management Agreements permit the Company to enter into separate
agreements for shareholder services or accounting services with the respective
Funds.
 
  For the United Funds and TMK/United Funds, the total management fee for each
Fund is the sum of (i) a fee computed on a Fund's net asset value as of the
close of business on each business day at an annual rate specified in the
respective Investment Management Agreements (the "Specific Fee") and (ii) a
fee computed each day on the combined net asset values of all Funds in the
group of Funds of which the particular Fund is a member (the "Group Fee"). For
the Specific Fee for each Fund and the Group Fee for each group of Funds see
"--Fund Summary."
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth information with respect to the Company's
mutual fund investment management fees for the periods shown.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                      ----------------------------------------
                                       1993    1994    1995    1996     1997
                                      ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
                                               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                   <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Mutual Fund Investment Management
 Fees:
  Equity funds....................... $37,759 $45,145 $59,651 $74,199 $ 90,870
  Fixed income funds.................  18,441  18,172  17,859  18,126   18,513
  Money market funds.................   1,603   1,462   1,670   1,989    2,179
                                      ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
      Total (1)...................... $57,803 $64,779 $79,180 $94,314 $111,562
                                      ======= ======= ======= ======= ========
As a percent of average assets:
  Equity funds.......................   .554%   .566%   .619%   .618%    .610%
  Fixed income funds.................   .504%   .504%   .501%   .497%    .492%
  Money market funds.................   .426%   .423%   .420%   .414%    .406%
</TABLE>
- --------
 
(1) Other advisory fees for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994, 1995,
    1996, and 1997 in the amounts of $6,405, $5,932, $6,109, $7,152, and
    $6,222, respectively are not reflected in this table. These fees fluctuate
    based on the amounts and composition of assets managed and the effect of
    performance based fees in some periods.
 
  Each Fund's board of directors, including a majority of the directors who
are not "interested persons," of the Fund or the Company within the meaning of
the Investment Company Act, and its shareholders must have approved the
Investment Management Agreement between the respective Fund and the Company.
These agreements may continue in effect from year to year if specifically
approved at least annually by (i) the Fund's board of directors, including a
majority vote of the directors who are not parties to the agreements or
"interested persons" of any such party, or (ii) the vote of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund and the vote of a
majority of the Fund's directors who are not parties to the agreement or
"interested persons" of any such party, each vote being cast in person at a
meeting called for such purpose. Each agreement automatically terminates in
the event of its "assignment" as defined in the Investment Company Act or the
Investment Advisers Act and may be terminated without penalty by the Fund by
giving the Company 60 days' written notice, if the termination has been
approved by a majority of the Fund's directors or shareholders. The Offering
will not and the Spin-Off should not constitute an "assignment" for the
purposes of the Investment Company Act or the Investment Advisers Act. The
Company may terminate an Investment Management Agreement without penalty on
120 days' written notice.
 
  The Company receives fees for provision of investment advisory and
management services to the Funds. See "--Fund Summary." The Company pays all
of its own expenses incurred in performing investment advisory and management
services for the Funds.
 
SERVICE AGREEMENTS
 
  The Company provides various services to the Funds and their shareholders
pursuant to a Shareholder Servicing Agreement with each Fund (except the
TMK/United Funds) and an Accounting Services Agreement with each Fund.
Pursuant to the Shareholder Servicing Agreements, the Company performs
shareholder servicing functions, including the maintenance of shareholder
accounts, the issuance, transfer, and redemption of shares, distribution of
dividends and payment of redemptions, furnishing information related to the
Fund, and handling shareholder inquiries. The Funds pay a monthly fee to the
Company for such services. Pursuant to the Accounting Services Agreements, the
Company provides the Funds with bookkeeping and accounting services and
assistance, including maintenance of the Fund's records, pricing of the Fund's
shares, and preparation of the prospectuses for existing shareholders, proxy
statements, and certain reports. The Funds pay the Company a monthly fee for
such services. A Fund's Shareholder Servicing Agreement or Accounting Services
Agreement
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
may be adopted or amended with the approval of the Fund's directors. Each of
the Shareholder Servicing Agreements and Accounting Services Agreements have
terms of one year expiring on October 1, 1998. The following table sets forth
the revenues received by the Company for accounting and shareholder services
and number of shareholder accounts for the periods and at the dates indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                             -------------------------------------------------
                               1993      1994      1995      1996      1997
                             --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                          <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Transfer agent fees......... $  15,277 $  16,028 $  16,906 $  21,436 $  23,951
Custodian fees..............     4,767     4,958     5,179     5,352     5,123
Portfolio accounting
 services...................     1,236     1,311     1,442     1,590     1,689
                             --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
  Totals.................... $  21,280 $  22,297 $  23,527 $  28,378 $  30,763
                             ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
<CAPTION>
                                               DECEMBER 31,
                             -------------------------------------------------
                               1993      1994      1995      1996      1997
                             --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S>                          <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Number of Mutual Fund
 Accounts................... 1,085,600 1,150,300 1,220,100 1,306,000 1,376,200
</TABLE>
 
UNDERWRITING AND DISTRIBUTION
 
  The Company distributes the Funds pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement with
each Fund (except TMK/United Funds). The Company distributes products relating
to the TMK/United Funds under an Underwriting Agreement between the Company
and Torchmark. Under each Underwriting Agreement with a Fund, the Company
offers and sells the Fund's shares on a continual basis and pays the costs of
sales literature and printing of prospectuses furnished to it by the Fund. The
Company receives underwriting commissions for such services, a major portion
of which is paid to financial advisers and sales managers of the Company. The
Company charges a sales charge to clients upon purchase of shares in the
United Funds, which are front-end load funds, which ranges from zero to 5.75%
of the net asset value of the shares purchased. The sales charge for the
United Funds typically declines as the net asset value of the account
increases, and there is generally no sales charge for purchases over $2.0
million. In addition, investors may combine their purchases of these Funds'
shares within the respective group of Funds to qualify for the reduced sales
charge. Investors in the W&R Funds generally pay contingent deferred sales
charges upon redemption of shares in W&R Funds of up to 3% of the net asset
value of the redeemed shares if the shares are redeemed within two calendar
years of their purchase, declining to zero if the shares are held for more
than four calendar years. The following table sets forth the revenues received
by the Company for underwriting commissions for distribution of the Funds for
the periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                          1993    1994    1995    1996    1997
                                         ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Underwriting/distribution fees:
  United Funds(1)....................... $49,444 $43,007 $39,802 $48,505 $50,134
  TMK/United Funds(1)...................  15,169  14,692  14,032  18,452  18,240
  W&R Funds(2)..........................     598   1,623   2,762   4,719   6,487
                                         ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
    Totals (3).......................... $65,211 $59,322 $56,596 $71,676 $74,861
                                         ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Underwriting fees.
(2) Distribution fees.
(3) Commissions from other products (primarily life insurance) for the years
    ended December 31, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997 in the amounts of
    $12,826, $12,828, $13,797, $14,161, and $14,566, respectively, are not
    reflected in the totals.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
  The Underwriting Agreements are subject to approval annually by the
directors of the respective Funds, including a majority of the directors who
are not "interested persons" of the Funds or the Company within the meaning of
the Investment Company Act, or "interested persons" of any such party and who
have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the
Distribution and Service Plan (as described below), as applicable, of the
Funds or any agreements relating thereto ("independent directors"), cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Each
agreement automatically terminates in the event of its assignment, as defined
in the Investment Company Act, and either party may terminate the agreement
without penalty upon 60 days' written notice.
 
  Under a Distribution and Service Plan for Class A shares of the United Funds
(except the money market fund) and under a Distribution and Service Plan for
the Class B shares of the money market fund and the W&R Funds, each of which
plans are adopted under Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act, the Funds
may pay the Company a fee for its costs and expenses in connection with the
provision of personal service to shareholders of the Fund and maintenance of
shareholder accounts and distribution costs and expenses under the
Distribution and Service Plan. Each Distribution and Service Plan is subject
to approval annually by the directors, including the independent directors,
cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
The Fund may terminate the Plan at any time without penalty.
 
PROPERTIES
 
  The Company operates from a 115,000 square foot facility that it owns, which
is located in United Investors Park, a commercial development at 6300 Lamar
Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas. The Company leases additional property as sales
office space at approximately 177 locations. The Company believes that its
properties are in good repair and adequate for their purposes.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  At December 31, 1997, the Company had 603 full-time employees. Its 2,160
financial advisers are independent contractors.
 
COMPETITION
 
  The Company is subject to substantial competition in all aspects of its
business. The Company competes with hundreds of other mutual fund management
distribution and service companies that distribute their fund shares through a
variety of methods including affiliated and unaffiliated sales forces, broker-
dealers, and direct sales to the public of shares offered at low or no sales
charge. Many larger mutual fund complexes have developed relationships with
brokerage houses with large distribution networks, which may enable these fund
complexes to reach broader client bases. The Company competes with firms
offering similar services and products to those of the Company, such as
American Express Financial Advisors Inc. and Edward D. Jones & Co. In
addition, the Company competes with brokerage and investment banking firms,
insurance companies, banks, and other financial institutions and businesses
offering other financial products in all aspects of its business. Although no
one company or group of companies dominates the mutual fund management and
services industry, many are larger than the Company and have greater resources
and offer a wider array of financial services and products. Competition is
based on the methods of distribution of fund shares, the ability to develop
investment products for certain segments of the market, the ability to meet
the changing needs of investors, the ability to achieve superior investment
management performance, the type and quality of shareholder services, and the
success of sales promotion efforts. The Company believes that competition in
the mutual fund industry will increase as a result of increased flexibility
afforded to banks and other financial institutions to sponsor mutual funds and
distribute mutual fund shares, and as a result of consolidation and
acquisition activity within the industry. In addition, barriers to entry to
the investment management business are relatively few, and the Company thus
anticipates that it will face a growing number of competitors. Many of the
Company's competitors in the mutual fund industry are larger, better known,
have penetrated more markets than the Company, and have more resources than
those of the Company.
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
  The distribution of mutual fund products has undergone significant
developments in recent years, which has increased the competitive environment
in which the Company operates. These developments include growth in the number
of mutual funds; introduction of service fees payable to broker-dealers that
provide continual service to clients in connection with their mutual fund
investments; and development of complex distribution systems with multiple
classes of shares.
 
  The Company's financial advisers compete primarily with small broker/dealers
and independent financial advisers. The market for financial advice and
planning is extremely fragmented, consisting primarily of relatively small
companies with fewer than 100 investment professionals. Competition is based
on sales techniques, personal relationships and skills, the quality of
financial planning products and services, the quality of the financial and
insurance products offered, and the quality of service. Competition in this
area is intense and some of the financial advisers' competitors are larger,
better known, and have more resources.
 
REGULATION
 
  Virtually all aspects of the Company's businesses are subject to various
Federal and state laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are
primarily intended to protect investment advisory clients and shareholders of
registered investment companies. Under such laws and regulations, agencies
that regulate investment advisers and broker-dealers such as the Company have
broad administrative powers, including the power to limit, restrict, or
prohibit such an adviser or broker-dealer from carrying on its business in the
event that it fails to comply with such laws and regulations. In such event,
the possible sanctions that may be imposed include the suspension of
individual employees, limitations on engaging in certain lines of business for
specified periods of time, revocation of investment adviser and other
registrations, censures, and fines. The Company believes that it is in
substantial compliance with all material laws and regulations.
 
  The business of the Company is subject to regulation at both the Federal and
state level by the Commission and other regulatory bodies. Certain
subsidiaries of the Company are registered with the Commission under the
Investment Advisers Act and the Funds are registered with the Commission under
the Investment Company Act and with various states under applicable state
laws. A subsidiary of the Company is also registered as a broker-dealer with
the Commission and is subject to regulation by the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") and various states.
 
  Certain subsidiaries of the Company are registered with the Commission under
the Investment Advisers Act and, as such, are regulated by and subject to
examination by the Commission. The Investment Advisers Act imposes numerous
obligations on registered investment advisers including fiduciary duties,
recordkeeping requirements, operational requirements, and disclosure
obligations. The Commission is authorized to institute proceedings and impose
sanctions for violations of the Investment Advisers Act, ranging from censure
to termination of an investment adviser's registration. The failure of a
registered subsidiary of the Company to comply with the requirements of the
Commission could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company
believes it is in substantial compliance with the requirements of the
Investment Advisers Act and the regulations under the Investment Advisers Act.
   
  The Company derives a large portion of its revenues from investment
management agreements. Under the Investment Advisers Act, the Company's
investment management agreements terminate automatically if assigned without
the client's consent. Under the Investment Company Act, advisory agreements
with registered investment companies such as the Funds terminate automatically
upon assignment. The term "assignment" is broadly defined and includes direct
assignments as well as assignments that may be deemed to occur, under certain
circumstances, upon the transfer, directly or indirectly, of a controlling
interest in the Company. The Offering will not and the Spin-Off should not
constitute an assignment for these purposes. Accordingly, the Company does not
intend to seek approvals of new investment advisory agreements from the
shareholders of the registered investment companies it manages or other client
consents in connection with these transactions. See "Risk Factors--Uncertainty
of Planned Spin-Off of the Company."     
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
  A subsidiary of the Company is also a member of the Securities Investor
Protection Corporation. In its capacity as a broker-dealer, the Company is
required to maintain certain minimum net capital and cash reserves for the
benefit of its customers, which may limit its ability to pay dividends. The
Company's net capital, as defined, has consistently met or exceeded all
minimum requirements. Various regulations cover certain investment strategies
that may be used by the Funds for hedging purposes. To the extent that the
Funds purchase futures contracts, the Funds are subject to the commodities and
futures regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Under the
rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated pursuant to the Federal
securities laws, the Company is subject to periodic examination by the
Commission. The Company is also subject to periodic examination by the NASD. A
subsidiary of the Company is registered under the Exchange Act as a transfer
agent. The most recent examination of the Company and the Funds by the
Commission was in 1997. The most recent examination of the Company by the NASD
was February 1996.
 
LEGAL MATTERS
 
  From time to time the Company is a defendant in various lawsuits in routine
matters incidental to its business. The Company does not believe that the
outcome of any current litigation will have a material effect on the financial
condition of the Company.
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
FUND SUMMARY
 
  For the United Funds and TMK/United Funds, the total management fee for each
Fund is the sum of (i) a fee computed on a Fund's net asset value as of the
close of business on each business day at an annual rate specified in the
respective Investment Management Agreements (the "Specific Fee") and (ii) a
fee computed each day on the combined net asset values of all Funds in the
group of Funds of which the particular Fund is a member (the "Group Fee"). The
Group Fee rate for the United Funds is computed each day on the basis of the
combined net asset value of all of the United Funds at annual rates of .51% of
the first $750 million of the United Funds' net asset values declining to .36%
of the United Funds' net asset values in excess of $12 billion. The Group Fee
rate for TMK/United Funds is computed each day on the basis of the combined
net asset value of all the series at annual rates of .51% of the first $750
million of the TMK/United Funds' net asset value declining to .45% of the
TMK/United Funds' net asset value in excess of $2.25 billion. For the series
of W&R Funds, the total management fee is the Specific Fee computed daily on
each series' net assets value at the annual rate shown in the table set forth
below.
 
  The following table sets forth, for each fund or portfolio within the Funds,
the date that shares in such Fund were first offered to the public, the net
assets of such Fund or portfolio as of December 31, 1997, a description of its
investment objective, and the Specific Fee for each Fund.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       NET ASSETS                                 SPECIFIC FEE
                           FIRST  AT DECEMBER 31, 1997                            AS A FRACTION
FUND/PORTFOLIO NAME       OFFERED (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)   INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE       OF 1%
- -------------------       ------- --------------------- ------------------------- -------------
<S>                       <C>     <C>                   <C>                       <C>
UNITED FUNDS
United Asset Strategy      1995          $   28         Seeks high total return        .30
 Fund, Inc.                                             over the long term by
                                                        allocating its assets
                                                        among stocks, bonds and
                                                        short-term instruments.
United Cash Management,    1979          $  528         Seeks to maximize current     None
 Inc.                                                   income to the extent
                                                        consistent with stability
                                                        of principal by investing
                                                        in money market
                                                        instruments.
United Continental         1970          $  577         Seeks to provide current       .15
 Income                                                 income to the extent that
 Fund, Inc.                                             market and economic
                                                        conditions permit with a
                                                        secondary objective of
                                                        seeking long-term
                                                        appreciation of capital.
United Bond Fund           1964          $  529         Seeks to achieve a             .03
                                                        reasonable return with
                                                        more emphasis on
                                                        preservation of capital.
United Income Fund         1940          $6,495         Seeks maintenance of           .15
                                                        current income, subject
                                                        to market conditions with
                                                        a secondary goal of
                                                        capital growth.
United Accumulative Fund   1940          $1,599         Seeks capital growth,          .15
                                                        with a secondary
                                                        objective of current
                                                        income.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       NET ASSETS                                 SPECIFIC FEE
                           FIRST  AT DECEMBER 31, 1997                            AS A FRACTION
FUND/PORTFOLIO NAME       OFFERED (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE        OF 1%
- -------------------       ------- --------------------- ------------------------- -------------
<S>                       <C>     <C>                   <C>                       <C>
United Science and         1950          $1,067         Seeks long-term capital        .20
 Technology Fund                                        growth through a
                                                        portfolio emphasizing
                                                        science and technology
                                                        securities.
United Gold & Government   1985          $   18         Seeks high total return        .30
 Fund, Inc.                                             through investing in
                                                        precious metals, mineral-
                                                        related securities and
                                                        gold, silver and platinum
                                                        during periods of actual
                                                        or expected inflation or
                                                        when the environment for
                                                        investments in precious
                                                        metals appears to be
                                                        favorable, and U.S.
                                                        Government securities
                                                        during periods of actual
                                                        or expected disinflation
                                                        or low inflation.
United Government          1982          $  131         Seeks high current income     None
 Securities Fund, Inc.                                  consistent with safety of
                                                        principal by investing
                                                        primarily in securities
                                                        issued or guaranteed by
                                                        the U.S. Government or
                                                        its agencies or
                                                        instrumentalities.
United High Income Fund,   1979          $1,076         Seeks a high level of          .15
 Inc.                                                   current income, with a
                                                        secondary objective of
                                                        seeking capital growth
                                                        when consistent with its
                                                        primary objective.
United High Income Fund    1986          $  417         Seeks a high level of          .15
 II, Inc.                                               current income, with a
                                                        secondary objective of
                                                        seeking capital growth
                                                        when consistent with its
                                                        primary objective.
United International       1970          $1,018         Seeks long-term capital        .30
 Growth Fund, Inc.                                      appreciation, with a
                                                        secondary objective of
                                                        realization of income, by
                                                        investing in securities
                                                        issued by companies or
                                                        governments of any
                                                        nation.
United Municipal Bond      1976          $  989         Seeks income that is not       .03
 Fund, Inc.                                             subject to Federal income
                                                        taxation by investing
                                                        principally in tax-exempt
                                                        municipal bonds.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    NET ASSETS                                 SPECIFIC FEE
                        FIRST  AT DECEMBER 31, 1997                            AS A FRACTION
FUND/PORTFOLIO NAME    OFFERED (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE        OF 1%
- -------------------    ------- --------------------- ------------------------- -------------
<S>                    <C>     <C>                   <C>                       <C>
United Municipal High   1986          $  491         Seeks a high level of          .10
 Income Fund, Inc.                                   income that is not
                                                     subject to Federal income
                                                     taxation by investing
                                                     principally in medium and
                                                     lower quality tax-exempt
                                                     municipal bonds.
United New Concepts     1983          $  674         Seeks capital growth by        .35
 Fund, Inc.                                          investing in securities
                                                     issued by relatively new
                                                     or unseasoned companies,
                                                     companies in the early
                                                     stages of development or
                                                     smaller companies in new
                                                     and emerging industries
                                                     with above average
                                                     opportunity for growth.
United Retirement       1972          $  769         Seeks the highest long-        .15
 Shares, Inc.                                        term total return
                                                     consistent with
                                                     reasonable safety of
                                                     capital.
United Vanguard Fund,   1969          $1,441         Seeks capital                  .30
 Inc.                                                appreciation through
                                                     diversified holdings of
                                                     securities issued
                                                     primarily by companies
                                                     that have appreciation
                                                     possibilities and through
                                                     proper timing of
                                                     purchases and sales of
                                                     securities.
WADDELL & REED FUNDS,
 INC.
Total Return Fund       1992          $  417         Seeks current income and       .71
                                                     capital growth by
                                                     investing primarily in
                                                     securities issued by
                                                     companies that have a
                                                     record of paying regular
                                                     dividends on common stock
                                                     or have the potential for
                                                     capital appreciation.
Growth Fund             1992          $  269         Seeks capital                  .81
                                                     appreciation by investing
                                                     primarily in securities
                                                     issued by companies that
                                                     offer above-average
                                                     growth potential,
                                                     including relatively new
                                                     or unseasoned companies.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     NET ASSETS                                 SPECIFIC FEE
                         FIRST  AT DECEMBER 31, 1997                            AS A FRACTION
FUND/PORTFOLIO NAME     OFFERED (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE        OF 1%
- -------------------     ------- --------------------- ------------------------- -------------
<S>                     <C>     <C>                   <C>                       <C>
Limited-Term Bond Fund   1992           $ 19          Seeks a high level of          .56
                                                      current income consistent
                                                      with preservation of
                                                      capital by investing
                                                      primarily in debt
                                                      securities of investment
                                                      grade, including U.S.
                                                      government securities,
                                                      and maintaining a dollar-
                                                      weighted average maturity
                                                      of the portfolio of two
                                                      to five years.
Municipal Bond Fund      1992           $ 40          Seeks income that is not       .56
                                                      subject to Federal income
                                                      taxation by investing
                                                      primarily in municipal
                                                      bonds.
International Growth     1992           $ 71          Seeks long-term                .81
 Fund                                                 appreciation, with a
                                                      secondary goal of
                                                      realization of income, by
                                                      investing in securities
                                                      issued by companies or
                                                      governments of any
                                                      nation.
Asset Strategy Fund      1995           $ 17          Seeks high total return        .81
                                                      over the long term by
                                                      allocating assets among
                                                      stocks, bonds and short-
                                                      term instruments.
Science and Technology   1997           $  5          Seeks long-term capital        .71
 Fund                                                 growth through a
                                                      portfolio emphasizing
                                                      science and technology
                                                      securities.
High Income Fund         1997           $  7          Seeks a high level of          .66
                                                      current income, with a
                                                      secondary objective of
                                                      seeking capital growth
                                                      when consistent with its
                                                      primary objective.
TMK/UNITED FUNDS, INC.
Money Market Portfolio   1987           $ 43          Seeks maximum current         None
                                                      income consistent with
                                                      stability of principal by
                                                      investing in money market
                                                      securities.
Bond Portfolio           1987           $100          Seeks current income with      .03
                                                      an emphasis on
                                                      preservation of capital.
High Income Portfolio    1987           $120          Seeks high current             .15
                                                      income, with a secondary
                                                      objective of capital
                                                      growth.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       NET ASSETS                                 SPECIFIC FEE
                           FIRST  AT DECEMBER 31, 1997                            AS A FRACTION
FUND/PORTFOLIO NAME       OFFERED (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)   INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE        OF 1%
- -------------------       ------- --------------------- ------------------------- -------------
<S>                       <C>     <C>                   <C>                       <C>
Growth Portfolio           1987           $639          Seeks capital growth with      .20
                                                        current income as a
                                                        secondary objective.
Income Portfolio           1991           $637          Seeks maintenance of           .20
                                                        current income, subject
                                                        to market conditions with
                                                        a secondary objective of
                                                        capital growth.
International Portfolio    1994           $115          Seeks long-term                .30
                                                        appreciation of capital,
                                                        with current income as a
                                                        secondary objective by
                                                        investing principally in
                                                        securities issued by
                                                        companies or governments
                                                        of any nation.
Small Cap Portfolio        1994           $148          Seeks capital growth by        .35
                                                        investing primarily in
                                                        securities issued by
                                                        relatively new or
                                                        unseasoned companies,
                                                        companies in their early
                                                        stages of development or
                                                        smaller companies
                                                        positioned in new and
                                                        emerging industries with
                                                        above average opportunity
                                                        for rapid growth.
Balanced Portfolio         1994           $ 68          Seeks current income with      .10
                                                        a secondary objective of
                                                        long-term appreciation of
                                                        capital.
Limited-Term Bond          1994           $  4          Seeks a high level of          .05
 Portfolio                                              current income consistent
                                                        with preservation of
                                                        capital by investing
                                                        primarily in debt
                                                        securities of investment
                                                        grade and maintaining a
                                                        dollar weighted average
                                                        maturity of the portfolio
                                                        of two to five years.
Asset Strategy Portfolio   1995           $ 10          Seeks high total return        .30
                                                        over the long term by
                                                        allocating its assets
                                                        among stocks, bonds and
                                                        short-term instruments.
Science and Technology     1997           $ 10          Seeks long-term capital        .20
 Portfolio                                              growth by investing
                                                        primarily in science and
                                                        technology securities.
</TABLE>
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
  As of the date of the Offering, the Company's directors and executive
officers are expected to be, and their ages as of December 31, 1997 are, as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       NAME                         AGE                          POSITION
       ----                         ---                          --------
<S>                                 <C> <C>
David L. Boren....................   56 Director
Joseph M. Farley..................   70 Director
Louis T. Hagopian.................   72 Director
Robert L. Hechler.................   60 Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Director
Henry J. Herrmann.................   55 President, Chief Investment Officer, Treasurer, Director
Joseph L. Lanier, Jr..............   65 Director
Harold T. McCormick...............   68 Director
Sharon K. Pappas..................   38 Secretary
George J. Records.................   63 Director
R.K. Richey.......................   71 Director
Keith A. Tucker...................   52 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Director
</TABLE>
- --------
 
  Set forth below is a description of the backgrounds of the executive
officers and directors of the Company.
 
  David L. Boren has been President of The University of Oklahoma, Norman,
Oklahoma since November 1994, and prior thereto he served as United States
Senator from Oklahoma, 1979-1994 and a member of the Senate Finance Committee.
Mr. Boren is a director of Torchmark Corporation, Phillips Petroleum
Corporation, AMR Corporation, and Texas Instruments, Inc. Mr. Boren's term on
the Board of Directors of the Company expires in 2000.
 
  Joseph M. Farley has been Of Counsel at Balch & Bingham, Attorneys and
Counselors, Birmingham, Alabama since November 1992. Mr. Farley is a director
of Torchmark Corporation. Mr. Farley's term on the Board of Directors of the
Company expires in 2000.
 
  Louis T. Hagopian has been owner of Meadowbrook Enterprises, Darien,
Connecticut, an advertising and marketing consultancy, since January 1990 and
is Vice Chairman, Partnership for a Drug-Free America, New York, New York. Mr.
Hagopian is a director of Torchmark Corporation. Mr. Hagopian's term on the
Board of Directors of the Company expires in 1999.
 
  Robert L. Hechler has been President, Chief Executive Officer, and Treasurer
of Waddell & Reed, Inc. since April 1993 and President of Waddell & Reed
Services Company since January 1982. Mr. Hechler's term on the Board of
Directors expires in 2000.
 
  Henry J. Herrmann has been Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of
the Company since April 1993, and prior thereto was Senior Vice President and
Chief Investment Officer of the Company since March 1987. Mr. Herrmann's term
on the Board of Directors of the Company expires in 2001.
 
  Joseph L. Lanier, Jr. has been Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of Dan River Incorporated, Danville, Virginia, a textile manufacturer,
since November 1989. Mr. Lanier is a director of Torchmark Corporation,
Flowers Industries, Inc., Dimon Inc., and SunTrust Banks, Inc. Mr. Lanier's
term on the Board of Directors of the Company expires in 2001.
 
  Harold T. McCormick has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Bay Point Yacht & Country Club, Panama City, Florida since March 1988 and as
Chairman, First Ireland Spirits Co., Ltd., Dublin, Ireland, since February
1996. Mr. McCormick is a director of Torchmark Corporation. Mr. McCormick's
term on the Board of Directors of the Company expires in 2000.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
  Sharon K. Pappas has been Senior Vice President, Secretary, and General
Counsel of Waddell & Reed, Inc. and Waddell & Reed Services Company since
September 1994. Ms. Pappas was Assistant General Counsel of Waddell & Reed,
Inc. and Waddell & Reed Services Company from January 1989 until September
1994.
 
  George J. Records has served as Chairman of Midland Financial Co., Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma, a bank and financial holding company for retail banking and
mortgage operations, since 1982. Mr. Records is a director of Torchmark
Corporation. Mr. Records' term on the Board of Directors of the Company
expires in 1999.
 
  R. K. Richey is Chairman of and Chief Executive Officer of Torchmark
Corporation and is a director of Full House Resorts, Inc., Vesta Insurance
Group, Inc., and of each of the United Funds, the W&R Funds, and the
TMK/United Funds. Mr. Richey's term on the Board of Directors of the Company
expires in 1999.
 
  Keith A. Tucker is a director and Vice Chairman of Torchmark Corporation. He
is a director of each of the United Funds, W&R Funds, and the TMK/United
Funds. Mr. Tucker's term on the Board of Directors of the Company expires in
1999.
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
  The Company's Board of Directors is divided into three classes with the
initial term of the first class expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders
to be held in 1999 (four directors), the second class expiring at the annual
meeting of stockholders to be held in 2000 (four directors), and the third
class expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2001 (two
directors). The Company intends to add two independent directors to the third
class of directors as soon as practicable after the Offering.
 
  The executive officers of the Company are elected annually and serve at the
discretion of the Board of Directors.
 
  After completion of the Offering, the Company intends to establish an Audit
Committee and a Compensation Committee, each composed of at least two
independent directors, an Executive Committee and a Nominating Committee. The
Audit Committee will recommend the annual appointment of the Company's
auditors, with whom the Audit Committee will review the scope of audit and
non-audit assignments and related fees, accounting principles used by the
Company in financial reporting, internal auditing procedures, and the adequacy
of the Company's internal control procedures. The Compensation Committee will
administer the Company's Plans (as defined below) and make recommendations to
the Board of Directors regarding compensation for the Company's executive
officers. In the absence of a meeting of the Board of Directors, the Executive
Committee is empowered to exercise all the powers and authority of the Board
of Directors in the management of the business affairs of the Company, except
that the Executive Committee is not permitted to take any action that
committees are expressly prohibited from taking under the terms of the
Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, or the laws of the State of
Delaware. The Nominating Committee will review the qualifications of potential
candidates for the Board of Directors, report its findings to the Board of
Directors, and propose nominations for Board memberships for approval by the
Board of Directors and submission to the stockholders of the Company for
approval.
 
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
 
  Directors of the Company who are also employees receive no additional
compensation for their services as a director. It is currently anticipated
that non-employee directors (the "Non-Employee Directors") will receive an
annual retainer and a fee for each board and committee meeting that they
attend, the amounts of which will be determined in the future. The Company
reimburses all directors of the Company for travel expenses incurred in
attending meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees.
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  The following table sets forth the compensation received by the persons who
will be the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and
the four other most highly paid executive officers of the Company (the "Named
Executive Officers") for the Company's two most recent fiscal years. Mr.
Tucker's compensation has been paid by Torchmark Corporation and Messrs.
Herrmann, Hechler, Thompson, and Intagliata's compensation has been paid by
the Company. Effective January 1, 1998, Mr. Tucker's compensation has been
paid by the Company, and Mr. Tucker's compensation has been reflected in the
financial statements included in the Prospectus as a Company expense for all
periods presented.
 
                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               ANNUAL COMPENSATION       LONG TERM COMPENSATION AWARDS
                              ---------------------- -------------------------------------
                                                     SECURITIES UNDERLYING    ALL OTHER
NAMES AND PRINCIPAL POSITION  YEAR  SALARY  BONUS(1)    OPTIONS/SARS(2)    COMPENSATION(3)
- ----------------------------  ---- -------- -------- --------------------- ---------------
<S>                           <C>  <C>      <C>      <C>                   <C>
Keith A. Tucker.........      1997 $800,016 $      0        386,892            $6,619
                              1996 $700,000 $      0        130,000            $6,114
Henry J. Herrmann.......      1997 $420,000 $715,000        124,600            $4,800
                              1996 $420,000 $392,000         36,000            $4,500
Robert L. Hechler.......      1997 $300,000 $565,000         69,500            $4,800
                              1996 $300,000 $295,000         16,000            $4,500
Russell E. Thompson.....      1997 $364,000 $175,396          6,200            $4,800
                              1996 $350,000 $146,254          8,000            $4,500
Antonio Intagliata......      1997 $235,000 $140,000              0            $4,800
                              1996 $235,000 $ 42,000          2,000            $4,500
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Mr. Tucker elected to defer his 1997 bonus of $400,000, and Messrs.
    Herrmann and Hechler each elected to defer $100,000 of their 1997 bonuses
    pursuant to the Torchmark Corporation 1996 Executive Deferred Compensation
    Stock Option Plan (the "TMK Executive Deferral Plan"). Mr. Tucker also
    elected to defer his 1996 bonus of $425,000 pursuant to the TMK Executive
    Deferral Plan. These amounts are excluded from the table. Pursuant to a
    Portfolio Manager's Deferred Compensation Plan, $75,000 and $60,000 of the
    1997 portfolio manager's bonuses for Messrs. Thompson and Intagliata,
    respectively, were mandatorily deferred, and $54,000 and $18,000 of the
    1996 portfolio manager's bonuses were deferred by Messrs. Thompson and
    Intagliata, respectively. These amounts are also excluded from the table.
(2) In January 1997, Mr Tucker elected to convert his 1996 interest bearing
    deferred compensation account in the TMK Executive Deferral Plan into
    options on 163,992 shares of Torchmark Corporation common stock. In
    September 1997, officers and directors of Torchmark were allowed to elect
    to participate in a program pursuant to the Torchmark Corporation 1987
    Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, (the "TMK Incentive Plan") whereby they
    could elect to exercise their existing options in Torchmark Corporation
    common stock and receive new restoration options in Torchmark Corporation
    common stock. Messrs. Tucker, Herrmann, Hechler, and Thompson elected to
    participate in this exercise program and accordingly received option
    grants shown in this table in Torchmark Corporation common stock under the
    TMK Incentive Plan in 1997 (Mr. Tucker received an option for 223,900
    shares thereunder). Mr. Intagliata elected not to participate in the
    exercise program and thus was not awarded options in Torchmark Corporation
    common stock in 1997. Mr. Intagliata does continue to hold unexercised
    options in Torchmark Corporation common stock pursuant to the TMK
    Incentive Plan. For 1996, securities underlying options reflect grants of
    options pursuant to the TMK Incentive Plan.
(3) For Mr. Tucker, includes Torchmark contributions to Torchmark Corporation
    Savings and Investment Plan, a funded, qualified defined contribution
    plan, of $4,800 for 1997 and $4,500 for 1996; interest only on prior
    contributions to the Torchmark Corporation Supplemental Savings and
    Investment Plan, an unfunded, non-qualified defined contribution plan, of
    $1,723 for 1997 and $1,614 for 1996 and interest on deferred compensation
    in the Torchmark Corporation Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for
    Directors, Advisory Directors, Directors Emeritus and Officers, as amended
    of $96 for 1997. Includes Company contributions to the United Investors
    Management Company Saving and Investment Plan, a funded, qualified
    contribution plan, for Messrs. Herrmann, Hechler, Thompson, and Intagliata
    of $4,800 each for 1997 and $4,500 each for 1996.
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
  The following table provides information on grants of options in fiscal year
1997 to the Named Executive Officers to purchase shares of Torchmark
Corporation common stock.
 
                          OPTIONS GRANTED DURING 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
                          ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                               POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
                          NUMBER OF                                             AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES
                          SECURITIES    % OF TOTAL                            OF STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
                          UNDERLYING  OPTIONS GRANTED  EXERCISE OR                  FOR OPTION TERM
                           OPTIONS     TO EMPLOYEES    BASE PRICE  EXPIRATION ----------------------------
          NAME            GRANTED(1) IN FISCAL YEAR(2) (PER SHARE)    DATE         5%            10%
          ----            ---------- ----------------- ----------- ---------- ------------- --------------
<S>                       <C>        <C>               <C>         <C>        <C>           <C>
Keith A. Tucker(3)......   163,492         29.5%         $25.875    01/31/08  $   2,660,449 $    6,742,095
                           223,400         45.2%         $39.125    09/27/07     $5,496,872    $13,930,142
Henry J. Herrmann (3)...   124,600         25.2%         $39.125    09/27/07  $   3,065,847 $    7,769,452
Robert L. Hechler (3)...    69,500         14.1%         $39.125    09/27/07  $   1,710,083 $    4,333,683
Russell E. Thompson
 (3)....................     6,200          1.3%         $39.125    09/27/07  $     152,554 $      386,602
Antonio Intagliata (3)..         0            0%            N/A         N/A   $           0 $            0
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Mr. Tucker's option expiring January 31, 2008, is a non-qualified stock
    option acquired pursuant to his election to convert his 1996 interest
    bearing deferred compensation account in the TMK Executive Deferral Plan
    to options in Torchmark Corporation common stock. Such options were
    granted with an eleven year term at an exercise price equal to the closing
    price of Torchmark Corporation common stock on the date of his conversion
    election (the grant date). All options granted to Messrs. Herrmann and
    Hechler and Mr. Tucker's option expiring on September 27, 2007 are non-
    qualified stock options granted on Torchmark Corporation common stock
    pursuant to a restoration option program under the TMK Incentive Plan.
    Such options were granted with a ten year and two day term at an exercise
    price equal to the closing price of Torchmark Corporation common stock on
    the grant date. As restoration options issued in connection with the
    exercise of fully vested options, these options are fully exercisable as
    of their September 25, 1997 grant date.
(2) Percentages calculated for Mr. Tucker are shown separately for grants
    under the TMK Executive Deferral Plan (163,492 share option) in which Mr.
    Tucker was the only Company employee participating with other employees of
    Torchmark and for grants under the TMK Incentive Plan (223,400 share
    option) based upon option grants to Mr. Tucker and all other Company
    employees (excluding all other Torchmark employees).
(3) The Company will, upon consummation of the Offering, grant to Messrs.
    Tucker, Herrmann, Hechler, Thompson, and Intagliata non-qualified stock
    options for 180,000 shares, 334,600 shares, 292,200 shares, 165,600
    shares, and 86,800 shares, respectively, under the Stock Incentive Plan
    described below as part of such persons' 1997 compensation and/or as
    offering related options. Such options will be exercisable at the initial
    public offering price. In addition, the Company will, upon consummation of
    the Offering, make restricted stock awards to Messrs. Herrmann and Hechler
    of 110,000 and 90,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, respectively. Also,
    as of the date of the closing of the Offering, 48,000 shares of Torchmark
    Corporation common stock previously issued to Mr. Tucker pursuant to a
    Torchmark stock plan will be converted into restricted stock under a
    Company stock plan. See "--Conversion of Torchmark Equity Compensation to
    Class A Common Stock of the Company." These grants and conversions are not
    reflected in the table.
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
  The following table provides information on option exercises in 1997 by the
Named Executive Officers and the value of each such Named Executive Officers'
unexercised options to acquire common stock of Torchmark Corporation at
December 31, 1997.
 
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES DURING 1997 AND OPTION VALUES AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                        NUMBER OF SECURITIES                IN-THE-MONEY
                                                       UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED                OPTIONS AT
                         NUMBER OF SHARES            OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR END           FISCAL YEAR END
                             ACQUIRED       VALUE    ------------------------------   -------------------------
          NAME           ON EXERCISE (1)   REALIZED  EXERCISABLE     UNEXERCISABLE    EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
          ----           ---------------- ---------- -------------   --------------   ----------- -------------
<S>                      <C>              <C>        <C>             <C>              <C>         <C>
Keith A. Tucker.........     357,224      $7,068,164         388,400          393,492 $4,371,350   $6,967,588
Henry J. Herrmann.......     198,200      $4,204,512         166,100           58,000 $1,323,744   $1,074,250
Robert L. Hechler.......     127,622      $3,250,168          81,500           28,000 $  458,844   $  530,000
Russell E. Thompson.....      10,000      $  221,250          10,200           12,000 $  100,988   $  220,500
Antonio Intagliata......           0      $        0          10,074            5,000 $  239,676   $   96,125
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Of shares shown as acquired on exercise, Messrs. Tucker, Herrmann,
    Hechler, and Thompson retained 106,500, 57,000, 44,100, and 3,000 shares,
    respectively, after cashless stock option exercises.
 
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND RETIREMENT PLANS
 
  The Company intends to implement the following stock plans: The 1998 Stock
Incentive Plan (the "Stock Incentive Plan"), The 1998 Non-Employee Director
Stock Option Plan (the "Non-Employee Director Plan"), and The 1998 Executive
Deferred Compensation Stock Option Plan (the "Executive Deferral Plan")
(collectively, the "Plans"). Terms not expressly defined in the descriptions
of the Plans below have the same meaning as assigned to such terms in the
Plans. Each Plan will be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of
which this Prospectus is a part.
 
  Upon consummation of the Offering and after giving effect to the grants made
in connection with the Offering referred to below, under the Plans the Company
will have (on a fully diluted basis and assuming the exercise of all options
granted to them and excluding shares of stock purchased outside of the Plans)
reserved 16.3 million shares of Class A Common Stock, or approximately 25% of
the outstanding Common Stock after the Offering, for issuance under the Plans,
including (i) awarded options to purchase up to 1,069,200 shares of Class A
Common Stock, approximately 1.7% of the outstanding Common Stock, to the Named
Executive Officers; and (ii) issued 200,000 shares of restricted Class A
Common Stock, less than 1% of the outstanding Common Stock, to the Named
Executive Officers. In addition, 48,000 shares of restricted stock of
Torchmark Corporation previously issued to Mr. Tucker pursuant to a Torchmark
stock plan will be converted into Restricted Stock under the Stock Incentive
Plan. See "--Conversion of Torchmark Equity Compensation to Class A Common
Stock of the Company." The following is a brief summary of each of the Plans,
which are qualified in their entirety by the Plans, copies of which will be
filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which the Prospectus is a
part.
 
 Stock Incentive Plan
 
  The Stock Incentive Plan, covering 13,000,000 shares, will permit (i) the
grant of options to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock intended to
qualify as incentive stock options under (S) 422 of the Code ("Incentive
Options"); (ii) the grant of options that do not so qualify ("Non-Qualified
Options"); (iii) the issuance of Class A Common Stock that may be subject to
certain restrictions ("Restricted Stock"); (iv) stock appreciation rights,
which entitle the holder, upon exercise, to receive cash or shares of Class A
Common Stock in value not to exceed the appreciation in value of Class A
Common Stock since the date of grant (an "SAR"); and (v) deferred stock awards
("Deferred Stock Awards"), which entitle the recipient to receive shares at
future dates without any payment in cash or property. The Stock Incentive Plan
was designed and intended as a performance incentive for officers, employees,
consultants, and other key persons performing services for the
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
Company to encourage such persons to acquire or increase a proprietary
interest in the success and progress of the Company. In connection with the
Offering, 2,372,300 options will be awarded under the Stock Incentive Plan,
and the Company will issue an aggregate of 200,000 shares of Restricted Stock
under the Stock Incentive Plan (excluding the conversion of Mr. Tucker's
Torchmark restricted stock). These stock options will be initially exercisable
at the initial public offering price, and such stock options and the
restricted stock grants will generally vest in equal one-third increments on
the second, third, and fourth anniversaries of the consummation of the
Offering.
 
  The Stock Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee (the
"Compensation Committee"). All members of the Compensation Committee are
"disinterested persons" as that term is defined under the rules promulgated by
the Commission. On and after the date the Stock Incentive Plan becomes subject
to (S) 162(m) of the Code, all members of the Compensation Committee will be
"outside directors" as defined in (S) 162(m) of the Code and the regulations
thereunder. The Compensation Committee has full power to select, from among
the employees and other persons eligible for awards, the individuals to whom
awards will be granted, to make any combination of awards to participants, and
to determine the specific terms and conditions of each award, subject to the
provisions of the Stock Incentive Plan. Persons eligible to participate in the
Stock Incentive Plan will be those officers, employees, and other key persons,
such as consultants, of the Company who are responsible for or contribute to
the management, growth, or profitability of the Company, as selected from time
to time by the Compensation Committee. SARs may be granted in conjunction with
options, entitling the holder upon exercise to receive an amount in any
combination of cash or unrestricted common stock of the Company (as determined
by the Compensation Committee), not greater in value than the increase in the
value of the shares covered by such right since the date of grant. Each SAR
will terminate upon the termination of the related option.
 
  Only employees of the Company may be granted Incentive Options. The option
exercise price of each option will be determined by the Compensation Committee
but may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Class A Common
Stock on the date of grant in the case of Incentive Options and Non-Qualified
Options.
 
  The Stock Incentive Plan provides that automatic formula-based Non-Qualified
Options for 6,000 shares will be awarded to non-employee directors on the date
of consummation of the Offering with an exercise price equal to the offering
price and 3,000 shares will be awarded to non-employee directors on the first
day of each calendar year on which the Company's Class A Common Stock is
traded on the New York Stock Exchange at 100% of the market value of the Class
A Common Stock on that date. Additionally, non-employee directors may be
granted non-formula based Non-Qualified Options at the discretion of the
Compensation Committee, which may have an exercise price equal to the market
value of the stock on the grant date or at a discount not to exceed 25% of the
market value on the grant date.
 
  The Compensation Committee may make Deferred Stock Awards under the Stock
Incentive Plan. These non-transferable awards entitle the recipient to receive
shares at a future date or dates without any payment in cash or property in
one or more installments, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Receipt
of deferred stock may be conditioned on such matters as the Compensation
Committee determines, including continued employment or attainment of
performance goals. Such rights will generally terminate upon the participant's
termination of employment. Any deferral restrictions under a Deferred Stock
Award may be accelerated or waived by the Compensation Committee at any time
(including following termination of employment).
 
  The Compensation Committee may also award shares of Restricted Stock to
officers, other employees, and key persons of the Company. The conditions and
restrictions applicable to the Restricted Stock may include the achievement of
certain performance goals and continued employment with the Company through a
specified restricted period. These conditions and restrictions, as well as the
purchase price of shares of Restricted Stock, will be determined by the
Compensation Committee. If the performance goals and other restrictions are
not attained, the employees will forfeit their awards of Restricted Stock.
 
  The Board of Directors may at any time amend or discontinue the Stock
Incentive Plan and the Compensation Committee may at any time amend or cancel
outstanding awards for the purpose of satisfying
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
changes in the law or for any other lawful purpose. No such action may be
taken, however, that adversely affects any rights under outstanding awards
without the holder's consent. Further, amendments to the Stock Incentive Plan
will be subject to approval by the Company's stockholders if and to the extent
required by the Code to preserve the qualified status of Incentive Options or
to preserve tax deductibility of compensation earned under stock options and
stock appreciation rights.
 
  The Stock Incentive Plan provides that in the event of a "Change of Control"
(as defined in the Stock Incentive Plan), unless otherwise determined by the
Compensation Committee prior to such Change of Control or to the extent
expressly provided by the Compensation Committee at or after the time of
grant, or in the event of a "Potential Change of Control" (as defined in the
Stock Incentive Plan), in each case occurring after the first anniversary of
completion of the Offering, (i) all stock options and related SARs will become
immediately excisable, (ii) the restrictions and deferral limitations
applicable to outstanding Restricted Stock Awards and Deferred Stock Awards
will lapse and the shares in question will fully vest, and (iii) the value of
such options and awards, to the extent determined by the Compensation
Committee, will be settled on the basis of the highest price paid (or offered)
during the preceding 60-day period, as determined by the Compensation
Committee. In the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, such
settlements may be made in cash or in stock, as is a necessary to effect the
Change of Control. In addition, at any time prior to or after a Change of
Control, the Compensation Committee may accelerate awards and waive conditions
and restrictions on any awards to the extent it may determine appropriate.
Generally, if an optionee's employment or consultant status with the Company
or a director's status as an outside director terminates by reason of or
within three months following a merger or other business combination resulting
in a Change of Control, the Stock Incentive Plan provides that such optionee's
stock options will terminate upon the latest of (i) six months and one day
after the merger or business combination, (ii) ten business days following the
expiration of the period during which publication of financial results
covering at least thirty days of post-merger combined operations has occurred,
and (iii) the expiration of the stated term of such stock option or director
stock option.
 
  Approximately 60 employees are currently eligible to participate in the
Stock Incentive Plan.
 
  Non-Employee Director Plan
 
  The Non-Employee Director Plan will permit Non-Employee Directors to elect
to defer on an annual basis all or a designated portion of their director
compensation payable in 1998 or thereafter into the interest-bearing account
of the Non-Employee Director Plan (the "Interest Account"). Such deferrals
would be made subject to a one-time opportunity by the Non-Employee Director
to convert that particular year's deferred director compensation into options,
granted either at market value or at a designated discount not to exceed 25%
of market value, to acquire Class A Common Stock. The Company's current Non-
Employee Directors as well as any subsequently elected Non-Employee Directors
constitute the class of persons eligible to participate in this plan. Up to
800,000 shares of Class A Common Stock are proposed to be reserved for
issuance pursuant to the Non-Employee Director Plan.
 
  On or before December 31 of each year, each Non-Employee Director will
determine whether to receive all or a portion of his or her annual retainer
and Board of Directors and committee meeting fees for the following calendar
year in cash or to defer all or a portion (in 10% increments, but not less
than 50%) of such Annual Compensation (as defined in the Non-Employee Director
Plan) (assuming maximum attendance at scheduled Board of Directors and
committee meetings) into an interest-bearing account in the Non-Employee
Director Plan. In the case of a newly elected Non-Employee Director, such
determination to defer compensation must be made within the 30-day period
immediately following election to the Board of Directors. The determination to
defer, if made, will be indicated upon a Primary Election Form, which will
specify the percentage of compensation deferred and the basis for payment of
the interest-bearing account balance (a lump sum or designated number of
monthly payments not to exceed 120) to the Non-Employee Director upon the
earliest of (i) December 31 of the fifth year after the year with respect to
which the deferral was made; (ii) the first business day of the fourth month
after such Non-Employee Director's death; or (iii) termination as a Non-
Employee Director, for any reason other than by death.
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
  At any time, but only once, during the calendar year immediately following
the filing of a Primary Election Form, a participating Non-Employee Director
may elect to convert the then current balance in his or her Interest Account
for the calendar year to which such Primary Election Form relates into options
to acquire Class A Common Stock. For example, if a Primary Election Form was
filed in December 1997 deferring Annual Compensation to be earned in 1998, the
Non-Employee Director may elect at any time during 1998 to convert such
deferred amount plus accrued interest to the conversion election date into
stock options. The irrevocable election to receive options as of this election
date, which is made on a Secondary Election Form, will specify the percentage
of such stock options to be granted at an exercise price of 100% of the Fair
Market Value per Share on the Option Grant Date and the percentage of options
to be granted at an exercise price of not less than 75% of the Fair Market
Value per Share (with the discount of up to 25% to be determined by the
Compensation Committee in its discretion). Non-Employee Directors may elect to
receive discounted stock options, market value stock options, or a combination
of both. To the extent that a Non-Employee Director chooses to receive
discounted stock options, he or she will receive options on a smaller number
of shares with a lower exercise price per share while a decision to receive
market value options will result a larger number of shares subject to option
with a higher exercise price per share.
 
  Options granted pursuant to the Non-Employee Director Plan will be non-
qualified stock options. Based upon the Non-Employee Director's decision as to
the exercise price (discounted or market value) of the options to be received,
the number of Shares subject to such option will be the whole number of Shares
equal to (a) the dollar amount which the Non-Employee Director has elected to
convert to options divided by (b) the per share value of an option on the
Option Grant Date, as determined using an option valuation model selected by
the Compensation Committee. Options are first exercisable, cumulatively, as to
10% of the Shares on each of the first through tenth anniversaries of the
Option Grant Date. The term of the option will be as specified by the
Compensation Committee but in no event may the period of time over which an
option may be exercised exceed eleven years from the Option Grant Date. In no
event will death, disability, retirement, other termination of directorship,
or failure to be reelected as a director shorten the term of any outstanding
option. Options may be subject to accelerated vesting and will be immediately
exercisable upon the Non-Employee Director's death or Disability, a Change in
Control of the Company as defined in the plan or the unanimous decision of the
Compensation Committee to accelerate. Upon acceleration, an option remains
exercisable for the remainder of its original term. Options may be exercised
in whole or in part. Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of an
option only upon receipt by the Company of payment in full of the aggregate
purchase price for the Shares subject to the option or portion thereof being
exercised. The Compensation Committee may determine the specific method of
payment, including permitting "cashless exercises," and other terms and
provisions of options in its sole discretion.
 
  Options will not be assignable or transferable other than by will or by the
laws of descent and distribution, except that the Compensation Committee may
permit transfers that it, in its sole discretion, concludes do not result in
accelerated taxation and that are otherwise appropriate and desirable taking
into account any applicable securities laws.
 
  Based upon current Federal tax laws, a Non-Employee Director will not
recognize income upon the making of a proper and timely deferral to the
Interest Account nor will income be recognized upon the conversion of such
account balance to options. The Non-Employee Director will recognize income
for purposes of Federal income tax when the amount in his or her Interest
Account is paid out or immediately upon the exercise of the options, generally
in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the
Common Stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the option. The
Company generally will receive a corresponding tax deduction when the Non-
Employee Director recognizes income subject to any applicable deductibility
limitations of the Code.
 
  The Non-Employee Director Plan will be administered by the Compensation
Committee, which will have the authority to interpret and construe the Non-
Employee Director Plan, make necessary rules and regulations to administer the
plan, and designate persons as its agents who are neither members of the
Compensation Committee or the Board of Directors to carry out administrative
responsibilities under the Plan.
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
  Adjustments will be made to the total number of Shares reserved for issuance
under the Non-Employee Director Plan, the number of Shares covered by, and the
exercise price of each outstanding option if the Company at any time changes
the number of issued Shares through a stock dividend, stock split,
recapitalization, reorganization, or other change in corporate structure
affecting the Shares. The Compensation Committee will authorize the issuance,
continuation, or assumption of outstanding options or provide for other
equitable adjustments after changes in Shares resulting from any merger,
consolidation, sale of assets, acquisition of property or stock, or similar
occurrence in which the Company is the surviving or continuing corporation
upon such terms and conditions as it deems necessary. In the case of an
acquisition where the Company is not the surviving or continuing corporation
and outstanding Shares are not converted into or exchanged for different
securities, cash, or other property, a Non-Employee Director who holds an
outstanding option will have the right then and during the remaining term of
the option to receive the same acquisition consideration received by the
Company's other shareholders.
 
  The Board of Directors may amend, suspend, or terminate the Non-Employee
Director Plan or any stock option award notice under the plan at any time,
except that it may condition amendments or modifications on shareholder
approval if necessary or advisable because of tax, securities, or other
applicable laws, policies, or regulations. No amendment, modification, or
termination will adversely affect any outstanding options or Interest Accounts
without the consent of the participant.
 
  Executive Deferral Plan
 
  The Executive Deferral Plan will permit Eligible Executives to defer salary
and bonus into interest-bearing accounts in the plan, subject to a one time
opportunity to elect to convert within a designated time period any deferred
salary for that year as well as a one time opportunity to elect within a
designated time period to convert any deferred bonus for that calendar year
into options to acquire Class A Common Stock. Such options may be granted with
an exercise price of the fair market value of the stock or at a discount not
to exceed 25% of its market value. The Eligible Executives will be determined
from time to time by the Compensation Committee or its designee or by the
Chairman of the Board. Currently, three persons have been designated as
eligible to participate in the Executive Deferral Plan, and it is contemplated
that the number of Eligible Executives will not in any case exceed 10 persons.
Up to 2,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock have been reserved for issuance
pursuant to the Executive Deferral Plan.
 
  On or before the last day of each calendar quarter, an Eligible Executive
may elect to receive all or a portion of his or her salary for the next
calendar quarter in cash or may irrevocably elect to defer all or a portion in
10% or $10,000 increments of next quarter's salary into an Interest Account
for Salary under the Executive Deferral Plan by delivering a Primary Election
Form for Salary to the plan administrator. Such Primary Election Form for
Salary will specify the amount of Salary to be deferred into the interest-
bearing account and the form and timing of the payout of deferred amounts,
except that if an executive elects to defer Salary for more than one quarter
in a calendar year, the form and timing of payout for each quarter's deferral
must be identical.
 
  At any time prior to December 31 of each year, an Eligible Executive may
also elect to receive all or a portion of his or her bonus for the current
calendar year in cash or may irrevocably elect to defer all or a portion (in
10% or $10,000 increments) of such current calendar year bonus into an
Interest Account for Bonus under the Executive Deferral Plan by delivering a
Primary Election Form for Bonus to the Plan administrator. Such Primary
Election Form for Bonus will specify the amount of Annual Bonus to be deferred
and the form and timing of payout of the deferred amount, except that if an
executive elects to defer both Salary and Annual Bonus for a particular
calendar year, the form and timing must be identical.
 
  The Interest Accounts of an Eligible Executive will be segregated to reflect
deferred compensation on a year-by-year basis and as to the type of
compensation deferred (salary or bonus). Interest will be credited to such
Interest Accounts at the rate determined from time to time by the Compensation
Committee. Payment of the balances in an executive's Interest Accounts will be
made as designated by the executive in a lump sum or in the number of
approximately equal monthly installments not to exceed 120 which have been
selected by the
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
executive. Such payments will begin on the earliest of (a) December 31 of the
fifth year after the year with respect to which the deferral was made, (b) the
first business day of the fourth month after the executive's death, or (c)
termination as an employee of the Company for any reason other than by death.
 
  At any time, but only once, during the twelve-month period following the end
of the calendar year with respect to which an executive deferred Salary into
the Executive Deferral Plan, such executive will have the right to convert his
or her Interest Account for Salary for the previous year into options in Class
A Common Stock by filing an irrevocable Secondary Election Form for Salary.
Also, at any time, but only one time, during the twelve month period following
the end of a calendar year with respect to which an executive has deferred
Annual Bonus into the Plan, such executive will have the right to convert his
or her Interest Account for Bonus for such previous year into options in Class
A Common Stock by filing an irrevocable Secondary Election Form for Bonus. The
filing of such Secondary Election Form for Salary or Secondary Election Form
for Bonus will result in receipt by the executive of options as of the date of
such filing. The Secondary Election Form will specify the percentage of
options to be granted at an exercise price of 100% of the Fair Market Value
per Share on the Option Grant Date and the percentage of options to be granted
at an exercise price of not less than 75% of the Fair Market Value per Share
on the Option Grant Date (with the discount of up to 25% to be determined by
Compensation Committee in its discretion). An Eligible Executive may elect to
receive market value stock options, discounted stock options or a combination
of both. To the extent that an executive selects market value options, he or
she will receive options on a larger number of shares with a higher exercise
price than if discounted options on fewer shares with a lower exercise price
were selected.
 
  Options issued pursuant to the Executive Deferral Plan will be non-qualified
stock options. Based upon the Eligible Executive's decision as to the exercise
price (discounted or market value) of the options to be received, the number
of Shares subject to such option will be the whole number of Shares equal to
(i) the dollar amount that the executive has elected to convert to options
divided by (ii) the per share value of an option on the Option Grant Date, as
determined using an option valuation model selected by the Compensation
Committee. Options are first exercisable, cumulatively, as to 10% of the
Shares on each of the first through tenth anniversaries of the Option Grant
Date, except that any option held by a "Covered Employee," as defined in (S)
162(m) of the Code, will not be exercisable before the first day of the
calendar year immediately following the year in which the executive ceased to
be a Covered Employee. The term of the option will be as specified by the
Compensation Committee but in no event may the period of time over which an
option may be exercised exceed the longer of eleven years from the Option
Grant Date or the thirtieth day of the calendar year immediately following the
year in which the executive ceased to be a Covered Employee. In no event will
death, disability, retirement, or other termination of employment shorten the
term of any outstanding option. Options will be subject to accelerated vesting
and will be immediately exercisable upon the executive's death or disability,
a Change in Control, or the unanimous decision of the Compensation Committee
to accelerate. Upon acceleration, an option remains exercisable for the
remainder of its original term.
 
  Options may be exercised in whole or in part. Shares will be issued pursuant
to the exercise of an option only upon receipt by the Company of payment in
full of the aggregate purchase price for the Shares subject to the option or
portion thereof being exercised. The Compensation Committee may determine the
specific method of payment, including permitting "cashless exercises," and
other terms and provisions of options in its sole discretion.
 
  Options will not be assignable or transferable other than by will or by the
laws of descent and distribution, except that the Compensation Committee may
permit transfers that it, in its sole discretion, concludes do not result in
accelerated taxation and that are otherwise appropriate and desirable taking
into account any applicable securities laws.
 
  Based on current Federal tax laws, a participating executive will not
recognize income upon the making of a proper and timely deferral to Interest
Accounts nor will income be recognized upon the conversion of such account
balances to options. The executive will recognize income for purposes of
Federal income tax when the amounts in his or her Interest Accounts are paid
out or immediately upon the exercise of the non-qualified
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
options, generally in an amount equal to the option spread on the date of
exercise. The Company generally will receive a corresponding tax deduction
when the executive recognizes income, subject to any applicable deductibility
limitations of the Code.
 
  The Executive Deferral Plan will be administered by the Compensation
Committee, which will have the authority to interpret and construe the plan,
make necessary rules and regulations to administer the Plan and designate
persons as its agents who are neither members of the Compensation Committee or
the Board of Directors to carry out administrative responsibilities under the
Plan.
 
  Adjustments will be made to the total number of Shares reserved for issuance
under the Executive Deferral Plan, the number of Shares covered by and the
exercise price of each outstanding option if the Company at any time changes
the number of issued Shares through a stock dividend, stock split,
recapitalization, reorganization, or other change in corporate structure
affecting the Shares. The Compensation Committee will authorize the issuance,
continuation or assumption of outstanding options or provide for other
equitable adjustments after changes in the number of Shares resulting from any
merger, consolidation, sale of assets, acquisition of property or stock, or
similar occurrence in which the Company is the surviving or continuing
corporation upon such terms and conditions as it deems necessary. In the case
of an acquisition where the Company is not the surviving or continuing
corporation and outstanding Shares are not converted into or exchanged for
different securities, cash, or other property, a participating executive who
holds an outstanding option will have the right then and during the remaining
term of the option to receive the same acquisition consideration received by
the Company's other shareholders.
 
  The Board of Directors may amend, suspend, or terminate the Executive
Deferral Plan or any Stock Option Award Notice under the Plan at any time,
except that it may condition amendments or modifications on shareholder
approval if necessary or advisable because of tax, securities, or other
applicable laws, policies, or regulations. No amendment, modification, or
termination will adversely affect any outstanding options or Interest Accounts
without the consent of the participating executive.
 
  Other Plans
 
  Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Savings and Investment Plan (formerly the
United Investors Management Company Savings and Investment Plan). This plan
will be amended and restated, effective as of a date no sooner than the date
of the Offering, to rename it the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Savings and
Investment Plan, bring it into compliance with recent legislative and
regulatory changes, and change the investment options available to
participants. Effective as of the same date as the adoption of this plan,
assets and liabilities related to the following categories of current and
former employees will be transferred from the plan to the Torchmark
Corporation Savings and Investment Plan: (i) current and former employees of
UILIC who have an account balance under this plan, (ii) current employees of
WRAMCO employed in the marketing division; and (iii) former employees of the
Company or one of its affiliates who are currently employed by Torchmark or
its affiliates. Effective as of the same date, the Torchmark Corporation
Savings and Investment Plan will also transfer to the Waddell & Reed
Financial, Inc. Savings And Investment Plan assets and liabilities related to
former employees of Torchmark or its affiliates who are currently employees of
the Company. The Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Savings and Investment Plan is
a tax-qualified, defined contribution plan that allows eligible employees of
the Company to contribute up to 16% of compensation, as described below, on an
after-tax basis. Employees of the Company are eligible to begin contributing
to the plan after completing one year of service. The Company makes a matching
contribution to the Plan, on behalf of each employee who elects to
participate, equal to 50% of the participant's contributions up to the first
6% of compensation. The plan defines compensation as total compensation
(including amounts deferred pursuant to a cafeteria plan under (S) 125 of the
Code) less annual service awards and other non-cash prizes, deferred
compensation, director's fees, expense reimbursements or allowances, and
amounts in excess of $150,000 per year (as adjusted). Participants may invest
their account balances in a Torchmark stock fund or one or more of 15 mutual
funds that are sponsored by the Company and made available under the plan.
Effective no sooner than the date of the Offering, participants may elect to
invest their account balances in Class A Common Stock. Effective as of this
same date, participants will be permitted
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
to make investment transfers out of the Torchmark stock fund but will not be
permitted to make transfers into it. Cash dividends on stock held in the
Torchmark stock fund will be reinvested in Torchmark common stock. The plan
permits investment transfers to take place up to eight times per year.
Transfers take effect during the valuation period that begins after the
valuation period during which a change is requested. There are 24 semi-monthly
valuation periods under the plan. Participants may receive in-service
distributions from their accounts under the plan. Distributions are also
available upon normal retirement (age 65), disability, death, or termination
of employment before normal retirement age. Upon the occurrence of this latter
event, only the vested portion of the matching contributions account is
distributable. The vesting schedule is a graded six-year schedule, beginning
at 20% at two years of service and increasing in 20% increments per year of
service until six years of service have been completed.
 
  Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Retirement Income Plan (formerly the United
Investors Management Company Retirement Income Plan). This plan will be
amended and restated, effective as of a date no sooner than the date of the
Offering, to rename it the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Retirement Income
Plan and bring it into compliance with recent legislative and regulatory
changes. Effective upon adoption of this plan, assets and liabilities related
to the following categories of employees will be transferred to the Torchmark
Corporation Pension Plan: (i) existing employees of WRAMCO employed in the
marketing division and (ii) former employees of the Company who are currently
employed by Torchmark or its affiliates. Effective as of the same date, the
Torchmark Corporation Pension Plan will also transfer to the Waddell & Reed
Financial, Inc. Retirement Income Plan assets and liabilities related to
former employees of Torchmark or its affiliates who are currently employees of
the Company. The plan is a tax-qualified, non-contributory pension plan that
covers all eligible employees of the Company who are 21 years of age or older
and have one or more years of credited service. The benefits under the plan
are determined by multiplying the average of the participant's earnings in the
five consecutive years in which they were highest during the last ten years
before the participant's retirement by a percentage equal to 2% for each year
of credited service up to 30 years and by 1% for each year of credited service
for the next ten years and then reducing that result by a Social Security
offset and by other benefits from certain other plans of the Company and
Torchmark or its affiliates. Earnings for purposes of the plan do not include
bonuses or commissions (other than for Regional Vice Presidents, and Division
Managers), directors' fees, expense reimbursements, employer contributions to
retirement plans, deferred compensation, or any amounts in excess of $150,000
per year (as adjusted). Benefits under the plan vest 100% after five years.
Upon the participant's retirement, benefits under the plan are payable as an
annuity or in a lump sum.
 
  Waddell & Reed, Inc. Career Field Retirement Plan. Until January 1, 1973,
Company employees participated in the Waddell & Reed, Inc. Career Field
Retirement Plan. Under this plan, the Company contributed annually up to 10%
of its profits less forfeitures, which were allocated to the participants on
the basis of their compensation. Voluntary employee contributions were
permitted under the plan but not required. Since January 1, 1973, no new
participants have been admitted to the plan, and participants and the employer
make no further contributions. All participants are fully vested. Upon the
participant's retirement, termination of employment, disability, death, or
reaching age 65, his account is used to purchase an annuity or is paid in a
lump sum. Benefits paid under the plan do not offset benefits paid under any
other pension plan.
 
  Control Group Issues. Following the consummation of the Offering, the
Company will continue to be a member of the Torchmark controlled group, within
the meaning of (S) 414(b) of the Code, and will continue to be treated as a
trade or business under common control with Torchmark, within the meaning of
(S) 414(c) of the Code. All members of a controlled group or group of trades
or businesses under common control are required to be treated as one employer
for purposes of many of the Code's provisions relating to tax qualification,
such as (S) 401 (nondiscrimination in benefits and various other
nondiscrimination rules), (S) 410 (coverage rules), (S) 411 (benefit accrual
and vesting rules), (S) 415 (maximum benefit rules), and (S) 416 (top-heavy
rules). Application of these rules may require a change of benefits, coverage,
or structure of the Company's qualified plans in order to maintain the
qualified status of the plans.
 
  Continuing Interrelationships with Torchmark. Both the Company's and
Torchmark's qualified plans will continue to pay benefits to former employees
of Torchmark who were entitled to benefits under the predecessor
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
plans maintained by the Company (except to the extent that assets and
liabilities related to such benefits are spun off to other qualified plans of
Torchmark). For example, employees of Torch Energy Advisors Incorporated who
participated in the Company's plans prior to January 1, 1996, will continue to
be entitled to receive benefit payments under the Company's tax-qualified
plans.
 
CONVERSION OF TORCHMARK EQUITY COMPENSATION TO CLASS A COMMON STOCK OF THE
COMPANY
 
  As of February 2, 1998, there are outstanding options (the "Torchmark
Options") to purchase 7,250,218 shares of common stock of Torchmark
Corporation granted by Torchmark to officers, directors, and employees of
Torchmark Corporation and its affiliates, including the Company, under various
Torchmark Corporation stock compensation plans (the "Torchmark Plans"). It is
currently anticipated that in connection with the Spin-Off existing Torchmark
Options will be adjusted (the "Adjusted Torchmark Options") and the Company
will provide for the issuance of options (the "Conversion Options") to
purchase Class A Common Stock to the holders of outstanding Torchmark Options
(except for options granted December 24, 1997). The Company and Torchmark will
then provide (i) holders of Torchmark Options that are employees of the
Company an election to receive either solely Conversion Options or a
combination of Conversion Options and Adjusted Torchmark Options in a ratio
that is reflective of the pro rata distribution of Class A Common Stock to
Torchmark stockholders in the Spin-Off and (ii) holders of Torchmark Options
who are employees of Torchmark an election to receive either solely Adjusted
Torchmark Options or a combination of Conversion Options and Adjusted
Torchmark Options in a ratio that is reflective of the pro rata distribution
of Class A Common Stock to Torchmark stockholders in the Spin-Off. The number
of options that the option holder will be entitled to receive and respective
exercise prices will be determined so that (i) the ratio of the exercise price
of each of the Conversion Options and the Adjusted Torchmark Options to the
market value of their respective underlying common stock will not be less than
the ratio of the exercise price of Torchmark Options to the underlying market
value of the Torchmark Corporation common stock immediately prior to the Spin-
Off and (ii) the aggregate intrinsic value of the Conversion Options and
Adjusted Torchmark Options (the difference between the aggregate exercise
price and aggregate market value of the underlying stock) will not exceed the
aggregate intrinsic value inherent in Torchmark Options immediately prior to
the Spin-Off. The Company and Torchmark reserve the right to adjust the
foregoing procedures as it deems necessary in its sole discretion so that the
purposes of the conversion are effected in a manner suitable to the Company
and Torchmark. All other terms and conditions of the options issued in the
conversions described above will be the same as the original options.
 
  As of the date of the closing of the Offering, Messrs. Tucker, Herrmann, and
Hechler will be able to elect to convert deferrals of bonus for 1997 under TMK
Executive Deferral Plan into options to purchase Class A Common Stock at a
formula price set forth in such plan. Also as of the date of the closing of
the Offering, Messrs. Lanier, McCormick, and Records will be able to elect to
convert Torchmark Options (covering an aggregate of approximately 30,586
shares of Torchmark common stock) received by them as a result of deferrals,
and Mr. Hagopian will be entitled to convert the cash balance of his interest
account ($48,000 principal amount, plus interest) of director compensation for
1998 under Torchmark's non-employee director plan into options to purchase
Class A Common Stock. Such options to purchase Class A Common Stock will vest
on the original schedule provided for in the Torchmark plans. The number of
shares to be subject to such options and the exercise price for the options to
purchase Class A Common Stock will be computed in a manner consistent with the
conversions referred to above. Finally, as of the date of the closing of the
Offering, 48,000 shares of restricted stock of Torchmark Corporation
previously issued to Mr. Tucker pursuant to a Torchmark stock plan will be
converted into a number of shares of Restricted Stock under the Stock
Incentive Plan equal to 48,000 times the market value of the Torchmark
Corporation common stock divided by the offering price of the Class A Common
Stock. Such shares of Restricted Stock will vest on the original schedule,
which provides for ratable vesting over four years from the date of grant.
 
  As of the date of this Prospectus, it is not possible to determine how many
shares of Class A Common Stock will be issued in the conversions described
above. It is probable that holders of Class A Common Stock will experience
dilution as a result of such conversions. Holders of Torchmark Options are not
contractually bound to make either election outlined above.
 
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
  Solely as an example of the potential dilution that could result to holders
of Class A Common Stock, assuming that (i) the market value per share of
Torchmark Corporation common stock is $42.00 (its closing price on the NYSE on
February 11, 1997); (ii) the market value per share of the Class A Common
Stock after giving effect to the Spin-Off is $21.00 (the mid-point in the
range of the offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus);
and (iii) the market value per share of the Torchmark Corporation common stock
after giving effect to the Spin-Off reflects the assumed value of the Class A
Common Stock; and (iv) all persons eligible to receive Class A Common Stock
options elect to receive the maximum available, then the conversions described
above would result in the issuance of options to purchase approximately
4,618,663 shares of Class A Common Stock with an average exercise price of
approximately $14.452 per share. The foregoing example is for purposes of
illustration only, and represents only the Company's and Torchmark's present
intentions. Actual results of the conversions described above could vary.
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
                CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
  The following is a summary of certain arrangements between the Company and
Torchmark. Although the Company believes that these arrangements embody terms
and conditions no less favorable to the Company than could be obtained in
negotiations between independent parties, these arrangements were established
before the Offering and were not the subject of arm's-length negotiations. See
"Risk Factors--Relationship with Torchmark" and "Risk Factors--Conflicts of
Interest Between the Company and Torchmark."
 
RELATIONSHIP WITH TORCHMARK
   
  Intercompany Debt. From 1981 until the Offering, the Company has been a
subsidiary of Torchmark. The Company, in keeping with Torchmark's strategy for
its subsidiaries, paid virtually all of its earnings to Torchmark as
dividends. In November 1997, the Company paid Torchmark a dividend of
unsecured promissory notes in the original aggregate principal amount of
approximately $480 million that mature on November 25, 2002 and bear interest
at an annual rate of 8%, of which approximately $390 million was payable to
Liberty (the "Second Liberty Note") and approximately $90 million was payable
to Torchmark Corporation (the "Torchmark Note"). The Torchmark Note and the
Second Liberty Note are mandatorily prepayable from any capital raised from
any public or private offering of debt or equity securities, including the
Offering. The Torchmark Note and the Second Liberty Note were issued to permit
Torchmark to withdraw the Company's surplus earnings plus a portion of
Torchmark's capital investment in the Company.     
   
  The Company is also indebted to Liberty under the First Liberty Note, a
promissory note dated December 23, 1996, originally in the aggregate principal
amount of approximately $124 million, that matures on May 1, 2000 and bears
interest at an annual rate of 6%. The First Liberty Note was issued in
connection with an intercompany funding arrangement with Liberty and Torchmark
Corporation.     
   
  The Torchmark Note, the First Liberty Note and the Second Liberty Note
constitute the "Notes." Prior to the Offering, the Company will prepay the
outstanding amounts remaining under the Notes to the extent necessary so that
the remaining aggregate principal amount of the Notes equals the greater of
$428 million or the net proceeds of the Offering. If the net proceeds of the
Offering (assuming no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option) are
less than the amount of the Notes, the unpaid balance of the Notes will remain
an obligation of the Company.     
   
  Spin-Off. From 1981 until the Offering, the Company has been a subsidiary of
Torchmark. After the consummation of the Offering, the Company will continue
to be controlled by Torchmark, which will own more than 80% of the combined
voting power of the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock of the
Company. The holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock have
identical rights except that (i) holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled
to one vote per share while holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to
five votes per share on all matters to be voted on by stockholders and (ii)
holders of Class A Common Stock are not eligible to vote on matters relating
exclusively to Class B Common Stock and vice versa. Torchmark Corporation has
advised the Company that, subject to certain conditions, Torchmark currently
intends to divest its ownership interest in the Company by means of the Spin-
Off. Torchmark has advised the Company that it expects to complete the Spin-
Off in the last quarter of 1998. Conditions to the Spin-Off include the
receipt by Torchmark of a ruling by the Internal Revenue Service to the effect
that such dividend will qualify as a tax-free distribution under (S) 355 of
the Code and receipt of necessary regulatory approvals to the Spin-Off and
related transactions. There can be no assurance that such conditions will be
fulfilled or waived by Torchmark, nor can there be any assurance that, in any
event, the Spin-Off will occur or that Torchmark will not sell or otherwise
dispose of its Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. See "Risk
Factors--Uncertainty of Planned Spin-Off of the Company."     
 
  Several purposes underlie the Spin-Off. Torchmark, in keeping with its
strategy for its subsidiaries, has caused the Company to pay virtually all of
its earnings to Torchmark as dividends. The Company desires to be able to
devote substantially more of its earnings to support its future growth. In
addition, the Company believes that its future growth would be enhanced if it
is able to set compensation and other policies for its core business on a
separate basis from Torchmark. Also, in keeping with the strategy of enhancing
shareholder value,
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
   
Torchmark desires to access the capital markets and has determined that
raising funds through the completion by the Company of a public offering of
its Class A Common Stock will maximize value to Torchmark and its
shareholders.     
 
  The following are summaries of the Affiliate Agreements. Reference should be
made to the Affiliate Agreements themselves, which have been filed as exhibits
to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is part.
 
  Public Offering and Separation Agreement. The Company and Torchmark have
agreed in principle to a public offering and separation agreement (the
"Separation Agreement") setting forth the parties' agreements with respect to
the Offering, the Spin-Off, and certain relationships of the parties prior to
and following the Offering.
 
  The Separation Agreement provides for certain conditions precedent to the
parties obligation to consummate the Offering, including, that as of the date
of the Offering, Liberty, a wholly owned subsidiary of Torchmark (which,
before the Offering, owns more than 80% of the outstanding Common Stock and,
after the Offering and the Recapitalization will own more than 80% of the
voting power of the Common Stock) must control (within the meaning of (S)(S)
355 and 368(c) of the Code) the Company, all other conditions to permit the
Spin-Off to qualify as a tax-free distribution to Torchmark and the
shareholders of Torchmark, must, to the extent applicable as of the time of
the Offering, be satisfied, and there must be no event or condition that is
likely to cause any of the foregoing not to be satisfied as of the time of the
Spin-Off. Among other conditions, the Board of Directors of Torchmark
Corporation must also have determined that the terms of the Offering are
acceptable to Torchmark. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions,
Torchmark has agreed to effect the Spin-Off as promptly as practicable after
October 1, 1998. The Company and Torchmark have agreed that the Board of
Directors of Torchmark Corporation will have the sole discretion to determine
whether to waive any stated condition. The Spin-Off is conditioned upon, among
other things, the receipt of a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service that the Spin-Off will qualify as a tax-free distribution for Federal
income tax purposes under (S) 355 of the Code, which ruling must be in form
and substance satisfactory to Torchmark in its sole discretion. The Spin-Off
is also conditioned upon the absence of, since December 31, 1997, any material
adverse change and Torchmark and the Company must have complied with all
conditions set forth in the ruling with respect to the business or financial
condition of Torchmark or any other event or development which the Board of
Directors of Torchmark Corporation determines, in its sole discretion, makes
the Spin-Off not in the best interest of Torchmark and its stockholders. The
Company has agreed that if the Spin-Off does not occur on or before March 31,
1999, Torchmark will have the right at any time after such date but prior to
March 31, 2002 to cause the Company to use its best efforts to register the
shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock held by Torchmark for
resale under the Securities Act, subject to certain conditions and
limitations. The Company has also agreed that if it files a registration
statement for the sale of securities (except with respect to registration
statements on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or another form available for registration
of securities other than for sale to the public for cash) before December 31,
2002, Torchmark may, subject to certain conditions and limitations, include in
such registration statement shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock held by Torchmark.
 
  Under the Separation Agreement, each of Torchmark Corporation and the
Company will indemnify the other in the event of certain liabilities,
including, liabilities arising under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
Additionally, each of the Company and Torchmark Corporation have agreed to
indemnify the other for certain liabilities relating to (i) their respective
businesses, (ii) any individual employed by such company or its affiliates on
the date the Offering is completed, except to the extent such person was
acting solely as an officer, director, or employee of the other company or the
other company's affiliates, or (iii) any authorized accountants, counsel, or
other designated representative of the company or any of the company's
affiliates, in each case, whether relating to or arising out of occurrences
prior to, on, or after the date the Offering is completed. The Separation
Agreement also provides that the Company will indemnify Torchmark for tax
liabilities with respect to the Spin-Off that result from certain errors or
omissions in written statements that the Company has furnished or will
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
furnish to Torchmark in connection with this Registration Statement or the
private letter ruling request and related supplements to be filed with the
Internal Revenue Service regarding the Spin-Off.
 
  Torchmark and the Company have agreed to continue joint coverage under
certain insurance policies following the Offering until the earlier of the
renewal date of the relevant policies or the date of the Spin-Off.
 
  The Company has agreed that between the date the Offering is completed and
the date of the Spin-Off, the Company will not issue any shares of stock or
enter into a binding obligation to do so if the effect would be that Torchmark
would not control the Company within the meaning of (S) 355 and (S) 368(c) of
the Code.
 
  Tax Disaffiliation Agreement. The Company and Torchmark have entered into a
tax disaffiliation agreement (the "Tax Disaffiliation Agreement") providing
for the allocation of responsibility between the Company and its subsidiaries
(the "Company Group") and Torchmark and its affiliates other than the Company
and its subsidiaries (the "Torchmark Group") for (i) the filing of tax
returns, (ii) tax liabilities for taxable periods, before and after the
Offering, (iii) the conduct of tax audits and the handling of tax
controversies, and (iv) various related matters. Under the Tax Disaffiliation
Agreement, the Company will be responsible for, and will hold each member of
the Torchmark Group harmless on an after tax basis against, any liability for
taxes attributable to any member of the Company Group with respect to periods
before and after the Offering other than tax liabilities, if any, with respect
to the Offering (including the recognition of certain deferred intercompany
gains at the close of the Offering), the Spin-Off, the distributions of the
stock of WRAMCO by certain members of the Company Group and the Torchmark
Group on September 30, 1997 (the "WRAMCO Spin-Off") and certain other
transactions (collectively, the "Restructuring Transactions"). However, the
Company will be responsible for any tax liability of the Company Group or the
Torchmark Group with respect to a Restructuring Transaction caused by or
resulting from a breach by any member of the Company Group of certain
agreements made in the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement or certain of the
representations, warranties, or agreements set forth in the private letter
ruling request and supplements filed with the Internal Revenue Service with
respect to the Spin-Off, but only to the extent that the Torchmark Group in
the aggregate is liable for more taxes than it would have been had such breach
not occurred. In the event that such tax liabilities with respect to a
Restructuring Transaction were to become payable by the Company, such payment
could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company will be
entitled to any tax refund that is attributable to both an entity and a
taxable year or period for which the Company has tax liability under the Tax
Disaffiliation Agreement. No member of the Company Group may carry back any
net operating loss from a tax period after the Offering to a tax period before
the Offering. Members of the Company Group may carry back any credit or other
tax attribute attributable to a member of the Company Group from a tax period
after the Offering to a tax period before the Offering and receive a payment
related to the associated tax benefit, unless such carry back results in a
material detriment to any member of the Torchmark Group. Torchmark has full
responsibility and discretion to file tax returns for periods during which the
Company Group and the Torchmark Group are included in the same consolidated
group for federal income tax purposes or the same consolidated, combined, or
unitary returns for state, local, or foreign tax purposes.
 
  Services to WRAMCO. In September 1997, the Company distributed all of the
capital stock of WRAMCO to Torchmark by means of a dividend. WRAMCO provides
investment advisory services to pension funds and to Torchmark. The Company
effected the WRAMCO dividend, in part, to separate its pension fund marketing
activities from its investment management and mutual fund distribution
activities. Prior to the date of the Offering, the Company, through a wholly
owned subsidiary, has provided advisory services to WRAMCO, to support
WRAMCO's investment advisory services to pension funds and to Torchmark.
Pursuant to an Investment Services Agreement, a subsidiary of the Company will
continue to provide investment advisory services to WRAMCO to support WRAMCO's
advisory services provided to its pension fund clients and to Torchmark. Such
advisory services relating to Torchmark will be primarily limited to advice
relating to the management of high yield portfolio accounts, emerging market
accounts, and certain other types of accounts, and the advisory fee will be
based on a percentage of net assets, with such percentage believed to
approximate market. The agreement may be terminated by either party upon 30
days notice.
 
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
  Prior to the Offering, the Company provided certain services to WRAMCO.
Pursuant to a Services Agreement, the Company will continue to provide certain
services to WRAMCO such as legal services. The Company will also continue to
provide certain other services to WRAMCO, including, among others, data
processing services and mail services pursuant to an oral agreement. The
Company will receive payment for such services based on the costs actually
incurred on a time and materials basis. The Company estimates that the
aggregate revenues it will receive from its relationship with WRAMCO will
constitute approximately 2.5% of the Company's total revenues in 1998.
 
  Agent Agreements. The Company will continue to have the right to distribute
variable annuities and life insurance products, Medicare supplement, and long
term care insurance underwritten by Torchmark. The current General Agent
Contract (relating to variable annuities and life insurance products) and the
current Independent Agent Contract (relating to Medicare supplement and long
term care insurance) between such parties entered into prior to the Offering
will each be extended through December 31, 1998 on their current terms.
Additionally, the Company will continue to serve as an Underwriter for
Torchmark pursuant to a letter agreement which establishes a distribution
arrangement and a Principal Underwriting Agreement, which terms will also be
extended through December 31, 1998. Aggregate revenues under these agreements
constitute approximately 12.7% of the Company's total revenue in 1997.
 
  Partnership. As of December 31, 1997, TMK Income Properties, L.P. , a
partnership in which Torchmark holds a majority interest, owed the Company
approximately $1,426,136 pursuant to a promissory note bearing interest at a
rate of 8% per annum with a maturity date of December 31, 2002. The Company
intends to reduce the amount of the note by approximately $900,000 in
consideration of certain real property the Company will receive and use for
parking and future expansion. In addition, the Company will provide certain
maintenance services pursuant to a Maintenance Agreement with TMK Income
Properties, L.P., which services generated approximately $66,000 in revenues
in 1997.
 
  Any future material transactions between the Company and Torchmark and its
affiliates will be on terms no less favorable to the Company than could be
obtained from unaffiliated third parties on an arm's-length basis and would be
approved by a majority of the Company's independent and disinterested
directors. The Company's Board of Directors will be advised in advance of any
such proposed transactions that are material to the Company and will utilize
such procedures in evaluating their terms and provisions as are appropriate in
light of the Board's fiduciary duties under state law. Depending on the nature
and size of the particular transaction, in any such review the Board may rely
on management's knowledge, utilize outside experts or consultants, secure
appraisals, refer to industry statistics or prices or take such other actions
as are appropriate under the circumstances. The Certificate of Incorporation
contains provisions that address certain potential conflicts of interest
between Torchmark and the Company. See "Description of Capital Stock--
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaw Provisions--Corporate Opportunity and
Conflicts of Interest Policy."
 
UILIC
 
  The Company formerly held all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of
UILIC. The Company has declared and paid the UILIC Dividend. The Company
effected the UILIC Dividend in order to divest itself of insurance operations
to enable the Company to focus on its core business of investment management
and distribution.
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
                             PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDER
   
  Before the Offering, all of the outstanding Common Stock will be owned by
Torchmark. After the Recapitalization and consummation of the Offering,
Torchmark will beneficially own approximately 27% of the Class A Common Stock
(approximately 25% if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in
full) and all of the Class B Common Stock then outstanding. Except as
described above, the Company is not aware of any other person or group that
will beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock
after the Offering.     
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
  The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 150,000,000 shares
of Class A Common Stock, 100,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, and
5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. No Preferred Stock is outstanding as of
the date of this Prospectus. Of the Class A Common Stock authorized,
29,675,000 shares will be outstanding upon consummation of the Offering;
7,975,000 held by Torchmark and 21,700,000 shares are being offered in the
Offering (23,870,000 shares if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is
exercised in full). 16,300,000 shares have been reserved for issuance pursuant
to certain employee benefits plans. See "Management--Compensation, Benefits,
and Retirement Plans." Of the 100,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock
authorized, 34,325,000 will be outstanding and held by Torchmark upon
consummation of the Offering. The following summary description of the capital
stock of the Company is qualified by reference to the Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company, copies of which are filed as exhibits
to the Registration Statement.
 
COMMON STOCK
   
  Voting Rights. The holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock
have identical rights except that (i) holders of Class A Common Stock are
entitled to one vote per share while holders of Class B Common Stock are
entitled to five votes per share on all matters to be voted on by stockholders
and (ii) holders of Class A Common Stock are not eligible to vote on any
alteration or change in the powers, preferences, or special rights of the
Class B Common Stock or vice versa. Holders of shares of Class A Common Stock
and Class B Common Stock are not entitled to cumulate their votes in the
election of directors. Generally, all matters to be voted on by stockholders
must be approved by a majority (or, in the case of election of directors, by a
plurality) of the votes entitled to be cast by all shares of Class A Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy,
voting together as a single class, subject to any voting rights granted to
holders of any Preferred Stock. Except as otherwise provided by law, and
subject to any voting rights granted to holders of any outstanding Preferred
Stock, amendments to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation generally must
be approved by a majority of the combined voting power of all Class A Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock voting together as a single class. Amendments
to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation that would alter or change the
powers, preferences, or special rights of the Class A Common Stock or the
Class B Common Stock so as to affect them adversely also must be approved by a
majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the shares
affected by the amendment, voting as a separate class. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to
increase the authorized shares of any class or classes of stock will be deemed
not to affect adversely the powers, preferences, or special rights of the
Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock.     
 
  Dividends. Holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will
receive an equal amount per share in any dividend declared by the Board of
Directors, subject to any preferential rights of any outstanding Preferred
Stock. Dividends consisting of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock may be paid only as follows: (i) shares of Class A Common Stock
may be paid only to holders of Class A Common Stock and shares of Class B
Common Stock may be paid only to holders of Class B Common Stock and (ii)
shares will be paid proportionally with respect to each outstanding share of
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
  Other Rights. On liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company,
after payment in full of the amounts required to be paid to holders of
Preferred Stock, if any, all holders of Common Stock, regardless of class, are
entitled to share ratably in any assets available for distribution to holders
of shares of Common Stock. No shares of Common Stock are subject to redemption
or have preemptive rights to purchase additional shares of Common Stock. Upon
consummation of the Offering, all the outstanding shares of Class A Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid, and
nonassessable.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
  As of the date of this Prospectus, no shares of Preferred Stock are
outstanding. The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of Preferred
Stock in one or more series and may determine, with respect to any such
series, the designations, powers, preferences, and rights of such series, and
its qualifications, limitations, and restrictions, including, without
limitation, (i) the designation of the series; (ii) the number of shares of
the series, which number the Board of Directors may thereafter (except where
otherwise provided in the designations for such series) increase or decrease
(but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding); (iii)
whether dividends, if any, will be cumulative or noncumulative and the
dividend rate of the series; (iv) the conditions upon which and the dates at
which dividends, if any, will be payable, and the relation that such
dividends, if any, will bear to the dividends payable on any other class or
classes of stock; (v) the redemption rights and price or prices, if any, for
shares of the series; (vi) the terms and amounts of any sinking fund provided
for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series; (vii) the amounts
payable on and the preferences, if any, of shares of the series, in the event
of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the
affairs of the Company; (viii) whether the shares of the series will be
convertible into shares of any other class or series, or any other security,
of the Company or any other corporation, and, if so, the specification of such
other class or series or such other security, the conversion price or prices
or rate or rates, any adjustments thereof, the date or dates as of which such
shares will be convertible and all other terms and conditions upon which such
conversion may be made; and (ix) the voting rights, if any, of the holders of
shares of such series.
 
  The Company believes that the ability of the Board of Directors to issue one
or more series of Preferred Stock will provide the Company with flexibility in
structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other
corporate needs that might arise. The authorized shares of Preferred Stock
will be available for issuance without further action by the Company's
stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of
any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company's
securities may be listed or traded. The New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the
"NYSE") currently requires stockholder approval as a prerequisite to listing
shares in several instances, including where the present or potential issuance
of shares could result in an increase in the number of shares of common stock
outstanding, or in the amount of voting securities outstanding, of at least
20%.
 
  Although the Board of Directors has no current intention of doing so, it
could issue a series of Preferred Stock that could, depending on the terms of
such series, impede the completion of a merger, tender offer, or other
takeover attempt. The Board of Directors will make any determination to issue
such shares based on its judgment as to the best interests of the Company and
its stockholders. The Board of Directors, in so acting, could issue Preferred
Stock having terms that could discourage a potential acquirer from making,
without first negotiating with the Board of Directors, an acquisition attempt
through which such acquirer may be able to change the composition of the Board
of Directors, including a tender offer or other transaction that some, or a
majority, of the Company's stockholders might believe to be in their best
interests or in which stockholders might receive a premium for their stock
over the then current market price of such stock.
 
BUSINESS COMBINATION STATUTE
 
  As a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, the
Company will be subject to (S) 203 of the DGCL, which restricts certain
business combinations between the Company and an "interested stockholder" (in
general, a stockholder owning 15% or more of the Company's outstanding voting
stock) or its affiliates or associates for a period of three years following
the time that the stockholder becomes an "interested stockholder." The
restrictions do not apply if (i) prior to an interested stockholder becoming
such, the Board of
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
Directors approved either the business combination or the transaction that
resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; (ii) upon
consummation of the transaction that resulted in any person becoming an
interested stockholder, such interested stockholder owns at least 85% of the
voting stock of the Company outstanding at the time the transaction commenced
(excluding shares owned by certain employee stock ownership plans and persons
who are both directors and officers of the Company); or (iii) at or subsequent
to the time an interested stockholder becomes such, the business combination
is both approved by the Board of Directors and authorized at an annual or
special meeting of the Company's stockholders, not by written consent, by the
affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock not owned
by the interested stockholder. Because Torchmark became an interested
stockholder at a time when the restrictions did not apply, the restrictions
will not apply to any business combination with Torchmark.
 
  Under certain circumstances, (S) 203 of the DGCL makes it more difficult for
a person who would be an "interested stockholder" to effect various business
combinations with a corporation for a three-year period, although the
stockholders may elect to exclude a corporation from the restrictions imposed
under (S) 203. The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company does not
exclude the Company from the restrictions imposed under (S) 203 of the DGCL.
It is anticipated that the provisions of (S) 203 of the DGCL may encourage
companies interested in acquiring the Company to negotiate in advance with the
Board of Directors, since the stockholder approval requirement would be
avoided if a majority of the directors then in office approves, prior to the
date on which a stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, either the
business combination or the transaction that results in the stockholder
becoming an interested stockholder.
 
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAW PROVISIONS
 
  The summary set forth below describes certain provisions of the Certificate
of Incorporation and Bylaws. The summary is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws,
copies of which will be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement of
which this Prospectus forms a part.
 
  Certain of the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
discussed below may have the effect, either alone or in combination with the
provisions of (S) 203 discussed above, of making more difficult or
discouraging a tender offer, proxy contest, or other takeover attempt that is
opposed by the Board of Directors but that a stockholder might consider to be
in such stockholder's best interest. Those provisions include (i) the
classification of the Company's Board of Directors; (ii) restrictions on the
rights of stockholders to remove or elect directors; and (iii) prohibitions
against stockholders calling a special meeting of stockholders or acting by
unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting. In addition, the Certificate
of Incorporation contains provisions relating to the allocation of certain
corporate opportunities and resolution of certain potential conflicts of
interest. See "--Corporate Opportunity and Conflict of Interest Policies."
 
 Classified Board; Number of Directors; Removal; Filling Vacancies
 
  The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company provide that the
Board of Directors--except for directors who may be elected by the holders of
Preferred Stock--will be divided into three classes of directors, initially
with four directors in two of the classes and two directors in the third
class. See "Management--Directors and Executive Officers." One class is to be
originally elected for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders
to be held in 1999, another class is to be originally elected for a term
expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2000, and another
class is to be originally elected for a term expiring at the annual meeting of
stockholders to be held in 2001. Each director is to hold office until his or
her successor is duly elected and qualified. Commencing with the 1999 annual
meeting of stockholders, directors elected to succeed directors whose terms
then expire will be elected for a term of office to expire at the third
succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election, with each
director to hold office until such person's successor is duly elected and
qualified.
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
  The Certificate of Incorporation provides that, subject to any rights of
holders of Preferred Stock to elect directors under specified circumstances,
the number of directors will be fixed from time to time exclusively pursuant
to a resolution adopted by directors constituting a majority of the total
number of directors that the Company would have if there were no vacancies on
the Board of Directors (the "Whole Board"), with the Whole Board consisting of
not more than 15 nor less than seven directors. The Certificate of
Incorporation also provides that, subject to any rights of holders of
Preferred Stock or any other series or class of stock, and unless the Board of
Directors otherwise determines, any vacancies will be filled only by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, even if less than a
quorum. Accordingly, absent an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation,
the Board of Directors could prevent any stockholder from enlarging the Board
of Directors and filling the new directorships with such stockholder's own
nominees.
 
  The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company provide that,
subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock to elect directors under
specified circumstances, effective as of the date on which Torchmark
beneficially owns less than a majority of the Voting Stock (as defined below)
(the "Trigger Date"), directors may be removed only for cause and only upon
the affirmative vote of holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all the
then outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors ("Voting Stock"), voting together as a single class. Before the
Trigger Date, directors may be removed, without cause, with the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the then
outstanding Voting Stock, voting together as a single class.
 
  The classification of directors will have the effect of making it more
difficult for stockholders to change the composition of the Board of
Directors. At least two annual meetings of stockholders, instead of one, will
generally be required to effect a change in a majority of the Board of
Directors. Such a delay may help ensure that the Company's directors, if
confronted by a holder attempting to force a proxy contest, a tender or
exchange offer, or an extraordinary corporate transaction, would have
sufficient time to review the proposal as well as any available alternatives
to the proposal and to act in what they believe to be the best interest of the
stockholders. The classification provisions will apply to every election of
directors, however, regardless of whether a change in the composition of the
Board of Directors would be beneficial to the Company and its stockholders and
whether or not a majority of the Company's stockholders believe that such a
change would be desirable. The classification provisions could also have the
effect of discouraging a third party from initiating a proxy contest, making a
tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of the Company, even
though such an attempt might be beneficial to the Company and its
stockholders. The classification of the Board of Directors could thus increase
the likelihood that incumbent directors will retain their positions. In
addition, because the classification provisions may discourage accumulations
of large blocks of the Company's stock by purchasers whose objective is to
take control of the Company and remove a majority of the Board of Directors,
the classification of the Board of Directors could tend to reduce the
likelihood of fluctuations in the market price of the Common Stock that might
result from accumulations of large blocks. Accordingly, stockholders could be
deprived of certain opportunities to sell their shares of Common Stock at a
higher market price than might otherwise be the case.
 
 No Stockholder Action By Written Consent; Special Meetings
 
  The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that, effective as of
the Trigger Date, and subject to the rights of any holders of Preferred Stock
to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, stockholder
action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and
stockholder action may not be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
The Bylaws provide that, subject to the rights of holders of any series of
Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances,
special meetings of stockholders can be called only by the Board of Directors
pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board or the
Chairman of the Board, except that prior to the Trigger Date, special meetings
can also be called at the request of the holders of a majority of the voting
power of the then outstanding Voting Stock. Effective as of the Trigger Date,
stockholders will not be permitted to call a special meeting or to require
that the Board of Directors call a special meeting of stockholders. Moreover,
the business permitted to be conducted at any special meeting of stockholders
is limited to the business brought before the meeting pursuant to the notice
of meeting given by the Company.
 
                                      63
<PAGE>
 
  The provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company
prohibiting stockholder action by written consent and permitting special
meetings to be called only by the Chairman or at the request of a majority of
the Whole Board may have the effect, after the Trigger Date, of delaying
consideration of a stockholder proposal until the next annual meeting. The
provisions would also prevent the holders of a majority of the voting power of
the Voting Stock from unilaterally using the written consent procedure to take
stockholder action. Moreover, a stockholder could not force stockholder
consideration of a proposal over the opposition of the Chairman or a majority
of the Whole Board by calling a special meeting of stockholders prior to the
time such parties believe such consideration to be appropriate.
 
 Liability of Directors; Indemnification
 
  The Certificate of Incorporation provides that a director will not be
personally liable for monetary damages to the Company or its stockholders for
breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any
breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders;
(ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (iii) for paying a dividend or
approving a stock repurchase in violation of (S) 174 of the DGCL; or (iv) for
any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
Any amendment or repeal of such provision will not adversely affect any right
or protection of a director existing under such provision for any act or
omission occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.
 
  The Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company will indemnify
any person who was or is a party to any threatened, pending, or completed
action, suit, or proceeding because he or she is or was a director or officer
of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a
director or officer of another corporation, partnership, or other enterprise.
The Certificate of Incorporation provides that this indemnification will be
from and against expenses, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement by
the indemnitee. However, this indemnification will only be provided if the
indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed
to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company.
 
 Corporate Opportunity and Conflict of Interest Policies
 
  In order to address certain potential conflicts of interest between the
Company and Torchmark, the Certificate of Incorporation contains provisions
concerning the conduct of certain affairs of the Company as they may involve
Torchmark and its subsidiaries (other than the Company and its subsidiaries)
and their respective officers and directors, and the powers, rights, duties,
and liabilities of the Company and its subsidiaries and their respective
officers, directors, and stockholders in connection therewith. In general,
these provisions recognize that the Company and Torchmark may engage in the
same or similar business activities and lines of business and have an interest
in the same areas of corporate opportunities and that the Company and
Torchmark will continue to have contractual and business relations with each
other (including service of officers and directors of Torchmark as directors
of the Company). See "Management--Directors and Executive Officers."
 
  For purposes of these provisions, the terms "Company" and "Torchmark"
include their subsidiaries and other entities in which they respectively
beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the outstanding
voting securities or interests (except that "Torchmark" does not include the
Company and its subsidiaries and such other entities), and, in the case of
Torchmark, all successors to Torchmark by way of merger, consolidation, or
sale of all or substantially all its assets.
 
  The Certificate of Incorporation provides that any person purchasing or
otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of capital stock of the Company
will be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to these provisions.
 
  Before the Trigger Date, the affirmative vote of the holders of more than
80% of the outstanding Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, will
be required to alter, amend, or repeal any of these conflict of interest or
corporate opportunity provisions in a manner adverse to the interests of
Torchmark. After the Trigger Date, the conflict of interest and corporate
opportunity provisions will terminate.
 
                                      64
<PAGE>
 
  Corporate Opportunity Policy. The Certificate of Incorporation provides
that, except as Torchmark may otherwise agree in writing, Torchmark will have
the right (i) to engage in the same or similar business activities or lines of
business as the Company; (ii) to do business with any potential or actual
client, customer, or supplier of the Company; and (iii) to employ or engage
any officer or employee of the Company. Neither Torchmark nor any officer or
director of Torchmark will be liable to the Company or its stockholders for
breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of these activities.
 
  If Torchmark acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter that
may be a corporate opportunity for both Torchmark and the Company, Torchmark
will have no duty to communicate that opportunity to the Company. Furthermore,
Torchmark will not be liable to the Company or its stockholders because
Torchmark pursues or acquires such corporate opportunity for itself, directs
that corporate opportunity to another person or entity, or does not present
that corporate opportunity to the Company.
 
  If a director or officer of the Company who is also a director or officer of
Torchmark acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter that may be
a corporate opportunity for both the Company and Torchmark, the Certificate of
Incorporation requires that the director or officer of the Company act in good
faith in accordance with the following three-part policy, and a director or
officer so acting will be deemed to have acted reasonably and in good faith
and fully to have satisfied his or her duties of loyalty and fiduciary duties
to the Company and its stockholders with respect to such opportunity.
 
  First, a corporate opportunity offered to any person who is a director but
not an officer of the Company and who is also an officer (whether or not a
director) of Torchmark will belong to Torchmark, unless the opportunity is
expressly offered to that person primarily in his or her capacity as a
director of the Company, in which case the opportunity will belong to the
Company.
 
  Second, a corporate opportunity offered to any person who is an officer
(whether or not a director) of the Company and who is also a director but not
an officer of Torchmark will belong to the Company, unless the opportunity is
expressly offered to that person primarily in his or her capacity as a
director of Torchmark, in which case the opportunity will belong to Torchmark.
 
  Third, a corporate opportunity offered to any other person who is either an
officer of both the Company and Torchmark or a director of both the Company
and Torchmark will belong to Torchmark or to the Company, as the case may be,
if the opportunity is expressly offered to the person primarily in his or her
capacity as an officer or director of Torchmark or of the Company,
respectively. Otherwise, the opportunity will belong to Torchmark.
 
  Under the Certificate of Incorporation, any corporate opportunity that
belongs to Torchmark or to the Company pursuant to the foregoing policy will
not be pursued by the other (or directed by the other to another person or
entity) unless and until Torchmark or the Company, as the case may be,
determines not to pursue the opportunity. If the party to whom the corporate
opportunity belongs does not, however, within a reasonable period of time,
begin to pursue, or thereafter continue to pursue, such opportunity diligently
and in good faith, the other party may pursue such opportunity (or direct it
to another person or entity).
 
  A director or officer of the Company who acts in accordance with the
foregoing three-part policy (i) will be deemed fully to have satisfied his or
her fiduciary duties to the Company and its stockholders with respect to such
corporate opportunity; (ii) will not be liable to the Company or its
stockholders for any breach of fiduciary duty by reason of the fact that
Torchmark pursues or acquires such opportunity for itself or directs such
corporate opportunity to another person or entity or does not communicate
information regarding such opportunity to the Company; (iii) will be deemed to
have acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be
in the best interests of the Company; and (iv) will be deemed not to have
breached his or her duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders and not
to have derived an improper benefit therefrom.
 
  Under the Certificate of Incorporation, "corporate opportunities"
potentially allocable to the Company consist of business opportunities that
(i) the Company is financially able to undertake; (ii) are, from their nature,
 
                                      65
<PAGE>
 
in the Company's line or lines of business and are of practical advantage to
the Company; and (iii) are ones in which the Company has an interest or
reasonable expectancy. In addition, "corporate opportunities" do not include
transactions in which the Company or Torchmark is permitted to participate
pursuant to any agreement between the Company and Torchmark that is in effect
as of the time any equity security of the Company is held of record by any
person other than Torchmark or subsequently entered into with the approval of
the disinterested directors.
 
  For purposes of these corporate-opportunity provisions, a director of the
Company who is chairman of the Board of Directors (or a committee thereof) or
chief executive officer will not be deemed to be an officer of the Company by
reason of holding such position, unless such person is a full-time employee of
the Company.
 
  Conflict of Interests Policy. The Certificate of Incorporation provides that
no contract, agreement, arrangement, or transaction between the Company and
Torchmark or any customer or supplier or any entity in which a director of the
Company has a financial interest (a "Related Entity"), or between the Company
and one or more of the directors or officers of the Company, Torchmark, or any
Related Entity; any amendment, modification, or termination thereof; or any
waiver of any right thereunder, will be voidable solely because Torchmark or
such customer or supplier, any Related Entity, or any one or more of the
officers or directors of the Company, Torchmark, or any Related Entity are
parties thereto, or solely because any such directors or officers are present
at or participate in the meeting of the Board of Directors or committee
thereof that authorizes the contract, agreement, arrangement, transaction,
amendment, modification, termination, or waiver (each, a "Transaction") or
solely because their votes are counted for such purpose, if the standard
specified is satisfied. That standard will be satisfied, and Torchmark, the
Related Entity, and the directors and officers of the Company, Torchmark, or
the Related Entity (as applicable) will be deemed to have acted reasonably and
in good faith (to the extent such standard is applicable to such person's
conduct) and fully to have satisfied any duties of loyalty and fiduciary
duties they may have to the Company and its stockholders with respect to such
Transaction if any of the following four requirements are met:
 
    (i) the material facts as to the relationship or interest and as to the
  Transaction are disclosed or known to the Board of Directors or the
  committee thereof that authorizes the Transaction, and the Board of
  Directors or such committee in good faith approves the Transaction by the
  affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors on the Board
  of Directors or such committee, even if the disinterested directors are
  less than a quorum;
 
    (ii) the material facts as to the relationship or interest and as to the
  Transaction are disclosed or known to the holders of Voting Stock entitled
  to vote thereon, and the Transaction is specifically approved by vote of
  the holders of a majority of the voting power of the then outstanding
  Voting Stock not owned by Torchmark or such Related Entity, voting together
  as a single class;
 
    (iii) the Transaction is effected pursuant to guidelines that are in good
  faith approved by a majority of the disinterested directors on the Board of
  Directors or the applicable committee thereof or by vote of the holders of
  a majority of the then outstanding Voting Stock not owned by Torchmark or
  such Related Entity, voting together as a single class; or
 
    (iv) the Transaction is fair to the Company as of the time it is approved
  by the Board of Directors, a committee thereof or the stockholders of the
  Company.
 
  The Certificate of Incorporation also provides that any such Transaction
authorized, approved, or effected, and each of such guidelines so authorized
or approved, as described in (i), (ii), or (iii) above, will be deemed to be
entirely fair to the Company and its stockholders, except that, if such
authorization or approval is not obtained, or such Transaction is not so
effected, no presumption will arise that such Transaction or guideline is not
fair to the Company and its stockholders. In addition, the Certificate of
Incorporation provides that Torchmark will not be liable to the Company or its
stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty that Torchmark may have as a
stockholder of the Company by reason of the fact that Torchmark takes any
action in connection with any transaction between Torchmark and the Company.
 
                                      66
<PAGE>
 
LISTING
 
  The Class A Common Stock has been approved for listing, subject to official
notice of issuance, on the NYSE under the trading symbol "WDR."
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
  The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is First Chicago Trust
Company of New York.
 
                                       67
<PAGE>
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
  Before the Offering, there has been no market for the Common Stock of the
Company. Future sales or distributions of substantial amounts of Common Stock
in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices.
Torchmark has advised the Company that it intends to effect the Spin-Off,
subject to conditions. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--
Relationship with Torchmark--Spin-Off."
 
  Upon completion of the Offering, the Company will have 29,675,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock issued and outstanding (31,845,000 Shares of Class A
Common Stock if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full)
and 34,325,000 shares of Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding. All of
the shares of Class A Common Stock to be sold in the Offering will be freely
tradable without restrictions, or further registration under the Securities
Act, except that shares purchased by an "affiliate" of the Company (as that
term is defined in Rule 144 (an "Affiliate")) will be subject to the resale
limitations of Rule 144. None of the outstanding shares of Common Stock owned
by Torchmark has been registered under the Securities Act, and may be sold
only pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act
or in accordance with Rule 144 or another exemption from registration
("Restricted Shares").
 
  The Restricted Shares will constitute "restricted securities" within the
meaning of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act and will be eligible
for sale in the open market after the Offering subject to the Lock-Up
Agreement and applicable requirements of Rule 144 described below. For as long
as Torchmark is able to cause a majority of the Company's Board of Directors
to be elected, it will be able to require the Company at any time to register
under the Securities Act all or a portion of the Common Stock owned by it, in
which event such shares could be sold publicly upon the effectiveness of any
such registration without restriction. In addition, under the Affiliate
Agreements, Torchmark will have the right to require the Company to use its
best efforts to register for sale its shares of Common Stock and to include
such shares of Common Stock in certain registration statements. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions--Relationship with Torchmark."
 
  In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, if a period of at least
one year has elapsed between the later of the date on which "restricted
shares" (as that phrase is defined in Rule 144) were acquired from the Company
and the date on which they were acquired from an Affiliate, then the holder of
such restricted shares (including an Affiliate) is entitled to sell a number
of shares within any three-month period that does not exceed the greater of
(i) one percent of the then outstanding shares of the Common Stock or (ii) the
average weekly reported volume of trading of the Common Stock during the four
calendar weeks preceding such sale. Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to
certain requirements pertaining to the manner of such sales, notices of such
sales, and the availability of current public information concerning the
Company. Because Torchmark will be deemed to have held its shares of Common
Stock for more than one year, Torchmark will be able to sell its shares of
Common Stock in the public markets without registration immediately upon
expiration of the Lock-Up Agreement, subject to the foregoing volume limits.
Affiliates may sell shares not constituting restricted shares in accordance
with the foregoing volume limitations and other requirements but without
regard to the one-year period. Under Rule 144(k), if a period of at least two
years has elapsed between the later of the date on which restricted shares
were acquired from the Company and the date on which they were acquired from
an Affiliate, a holder of such restricted shares who is not an Affiliate at
the time of the sale and has not been an Affiliate for at least three months
prior to the sale would be entitled to sell the shares immediately without
regard to the volume limitations and other conditions described above. The
foregoing description of Rule 144 is not intended to be complete, and Rule 144
in its entirety should be referred to.
 
  Sales of significant amounts of the Class A Common Stock or Class B Common
Stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, could have an adverse
effect on the market price of the Class A Common Stock. Torchmark has advised
the Company that, subject to certain conditions, it currently intends to
divest its ownership of Common Stock by means of the Spin-Off. Torchmark will
own more than 66% of the outstanding Common Stock after the Offering. The
Spin-Off as currently proposed could be effected without registration under
the Securities Act and without regard to the limitations of Rule 144. Each of
the Company and Torchmark have agreed that during the period beginning on the
date of this Prospectus and continuing to and including the
 
                                      68
<PAGE>
 
date 180 days after the date of this Prospectus, it will not offer, sell,
contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of any shares of Class A Common Stock
or Class B Common Stock (other than pursuant to employee benefit plans
existing, or on conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable
securities outstanding, on the date of this Prospectus or as payment for
acquisitions by the Company) without the prior written consent of Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated, except for the shares of Class A Common Stock
offered in connection with the Offering. See "Underwriters."
 
               CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
                         FOR NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS
 
  The following is a general discussion of certain United States Federal
income and estate tax considerations with respect to the ownership and
disposition of Class A Common Stock applicable to Non-U.S. Holders. In
general, a "Non-U.S. Holder" is any holder other than (i) a citizen or
resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation or partnership created or
organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States or of
any state; (iii) an estate, the income of which is includable in gross income
for United States federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or
(iv) a trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise
primary supervision over the administration of the trust and (b) one or more
United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions
of the trust. This discussion is based on current law, which is subject to
change (possibly with retroactive effect), and is for general information
only. This discussion does not address all aspects of income and estate
taxation or any aspects of state, local or non-United States taxes, nor does
it consider any specific facts or circumstances that may apply to a particular
Non-U.S. Holder (including certain U.S. expatriates). ACCORDINGLY, PROSPECTIVE
INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE UNITED STATES
FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND NON-UNITED STATES INCOME AND OTHER TAX
CONSIDERATIONS OF HOLDING AND DISPOSING OF SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
  In general, dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to United
States withholding tax at a 30% rate of the gross amount (or a lower rate
prescribed by an applicable income tax treaty) unless the dividends are either
(i) effectively connected with a trade or business carried on by the Non-U.S.
Holder within the United States or (ii) if certain income tax treaties apply,
attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States maintained by
the Non-U.S. Holder. Dividends effectively connected with such a United States
trade or business or attributable to such a United States permanent
establishment generally will not be subject to United States withholding tax
if the Non-U.S. Holder files certain forms, including Internal Revenue Service
Form 4224, with the payor of the dividend, and generally will be subject to
United States federal income tax on a net income basis, in the same manner as
if the Non-U.S. Holder were a resident of the United States. A Non-U.S. Holder
that is a corporation may be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a
rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income
tax treaty) on the repatriation from the United States of its "effectively
connected earnings and profits," subject to certain adjustments. To determine
the applicability of a tax treaty providing for a lower rate of withholding
under the currently effective Treasury Regulations (the "Current
Regulations"), dividends paid to an address in a foreign country are presumed
to be paid to a resident of that country absent knowledge to the contrary.
Under Treasury Regulations issued on October 6, 1997 (the "Final
Regulations"), generally effective for payments made after December 31, 1998,
a Non-U.S. Holder (including, in certain cases of Non-U.S. Holders that are
entities, the owner or owners of such entities) will be required to satisfy
certain certification requirements in order to claim a reduced rate of
withholding pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty.
 
GAIN OR SALE OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK
 
  In general, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to United States federal
income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of such
holder's shares of Class A Common Stock unless (i) the gain either is
effectively connected with a trade or business carried on by the Non-U.S.
Holder within the United States or, if certain income tax treaties apply, is
attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States maintained by
 
                                      69
<PAGE>
 
the Non-U.S. Holder (and, in either case, the branch profits tax discussed
above may also apply if the Non-U.S. Holder is a corporation); (ii) the Non-
U.S. Holder is an individual who holds shares of Class A Common Stock as a
capital asset and is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the
taxable year of disposition and certain other tests are met; or (iii) the
Company is or has been a United States real property holding corporation (a
"USRPHC") for United States Federal income tax purposes (which the Company
does not believe that it has been, currently is, or will become) at any time
within the shorter of the five-year period preceding such disposition or such
Non-U.S. Holder's holding period. If the Company were or were to become a
USRPHC at any time during this period, gains realized upon a disposition of
Class A Common Stock by a Non-U.S. Holder that did not directly or indirectly
own more than 5% of the Class A Common Stock during this period generally
would not be subject to United States Federal income tax, provided that the
Class A Common Stock is regularly traded on an established securities market.
 
ESTATE TAX
 
  Class A Common Stock owned or treated as owned by an individual who is not a
citizen or resident (as defined for United States Federal estate tax purposes)
of the United States at the time of death will be includable in the
individual's gross estate for United States Federal estate tax purposes unless
an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise, and therefore may be
subject to United States Federal estate tax.
 
BACKUP WITHHOLDING, INFORMATION REPORTING, AND OTHER REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
 
  The Company must report annually to the Internal Revenue Service and to each
Non-U.S. Holder the amount of dividends paid to, and the tax withheld with
respect to, each Non-U.S. Holder. These reporting requirements apply
regardless of whether withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable
tax treaty. Copies of this information also may be made available under the
provisions of a specific treaty or agreement with the tax authorities in the
country in which the Non-U.S. Holder resides or is established.
 
  Under the Current Regulations, United States backup withholding tax (which
generally is imposed at the rate of 31% on certain payments to persons that
fail to furnish the information required under the United States information
reporting requirements) and information reporting requirements (other than
those discussed above under "Dividends") generally will not apply to dividends
paid on Class A Common Stock to a Non-U.S. holder at an address outside the
United States. Backup withholding and information reporting generally will
apply, however, to dividends paid on shares of Class A Common Stock to a Non-
U.S. Holder at an address in the United States, if such holder fails to
establish an exemption or to provide certain other information to the payor.
 
  Under the Current Regulations, the payment of proceeds from the disposition
of Class A Common Stock to or through a United States office of a broker will
be subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless the
beneficial owner, under penalties of perjury, certifies, among other things,
its status as a Non-U.S. Holder or otherwise establishes an exemption. The
payment of proceeds from the disposition of Class A Common Stock to or through
a non-U.S. office of a broker generally will not be subject to backup
withholding and information reporting except as noted below.  In the case of
proceeds from a disposition of Class A Common Stock paid to or through a non-
U.S. office of a broker that is (i) a United States person; (ii) a "controlled
foreign corporation" for United States Federal income tax purposes; or (iii) a
foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income from certain periods is
effectively connected with a United States trade or business, information
reporting (but not backup withholding) will apply unless the broker has
documentary evidence in its files that the owner is a Non-U.S. Holder (and the
broker has no actual knowledge to the contrary).
 
  Under the Final Regulations, the payment of dividends or the payment of
proceeds from the disposition of Class A Common Stock to a Non-U.S. Holder may
be subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless such
recipient satisfies applicable certification requirements or otherwise
establishes an exemption.
 
  Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the
backup withholding rules from a payment to a Non-U.S. Holder will be refunded
or credited against the Non-U.S. Holder's United States Federal income tax
liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the
Internal Revenue Service in a timely manner.
 
                                      70
<PAGE>
 
                                 UNDERWRITERS
 
  Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an Underwriting
Agreement dated the date of this Prospectus (the "Underwriting Agreement"),
the U.S. Underwriters named below for whom Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated,
Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
are acting as U.S. Representatives, and the International Underwriters named
below for whom Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited, Goldman Sachs
International, and Merrill Lynch International are acting as International
Representatives, have severally agreed to purchase, and the Company has agreed
to sell to them, severally, the respective number of shares of Class A Common
Stock set forth opposite the names of such Underwriters below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      NUMBER OF
        NAME                                                            SHARES
        ----                                                          ----------
<S>                                                                   <C>
U.S. Underwriters:
  Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated..................................
  Goldman, Sachs & Co. ..............................................
  Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
       Incorporated..................................................
                                                                      ----------
    Subtotal......................................................... 17,360,000
                                                                      ----------
International Underwriters:
  Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited.........................
  Goldman Sachs International........................................
  Merrill Lynch International........................................
                                                                      ----------
    Subtotal.........................................................  4,340,000
                                                                      ----------
      Total.......................................................... 21,700,000
                                                                      ==========
</TABLE>
 
  The U.S. Underwriters and the International Underwriters, and the U.S.
Representatives and the International Representatives are collectively
referred to as the "Underwriters" and the "Representatives," respectively. The
Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the several
Underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of Class A Common
Stock offered hereby are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by
their counsel and to certain other conditions. The Underwriters are obligated
to take and pay for all of the shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby
(other than those covered by the U.S. Underwriters' over-allotment option
described below) if any such shares are taken.
 
  Pursuant to the Agreement between U.S. and International Underwriters, each
U.S. Underwriter has represented and agreed that, with certain exceptions (i)
it is not purchasing any Shares (as defined below,) for the account of anyone
other than a United States or Canadian Person (as defined below) and (ii) it
has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly,
any Shares or distribute any prospectus relating to Shares outside the United
States or Canada or to anyone other than a United States or Canadian Person.
Pursuant to the Agreement between U.S. and International Underwriters, each
International Underwriter has represented and agreed that, with certain
exceptions (i) it is not purchasing any Shares for the account of any United
States or Canadian person and (ii) it has not offered or sold, and will not
offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any Shares or distribute any prospectus
relating to the Shares in the United States or Canada or to any United States
or Canadian Person. With respect to any Underwriter that is a U.S. Underwriter
and an International Underwriter, the foregoing representations and agreements
(i) made by it in its capacity as a U.S. Underwriter apply only to it in its
capacity as a U.S. Underwriter and (ii) made by it in its capacity as an
International Underwriter apply only to it in its capacity as an International
Underwriter. The foregoing limitations do not apply to stabilization
transactions or to certain other transactions specified in the Agreement
between the U.S. and International Underwriters. As used herein, "United
States or Canadian Person" means any national or resident of the United States
or Canada, or any corporation, pension, profit-sharing, or other trust or
other entity organized under the laws of the United States or Canada or of any
political subdivision thereof (other than a branch located outside the United
States and Canada of any United States or Canadian Person) and includes any
United States or
 
                                      71
<PAGE>
 
Canadian branch of a person who is otherwise not a United States or Canadian
person. All shares of Class A Common Stock to be purchased by the Underwriters
are referred to herein as the "Shares."
 
  Pursuant to the Agreement between U.S. and International Underwriters, sales
may be made between the U.S. Underwriters and International Underwriters of
any number of Shares as may be mutually agreed. The per share price of any
Shares so sold will be the public offering price set forth on the cover page
hereof, in United States dollars, less an amount not greater than the per
share amount of the concession to dealers set forth below.
 
  Pursuant to the Agreement between U.S. and International Underwriters, each
U.S. Underwriter has represented that it has not offered or sold, and has
agreed not to offer or sell, any Shares, directly or indirectly, in any
province or territory of Canada or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of
any province or territory of Canada in contravention of the securities laws
thereof and has represented that any offer or sale of Shares in Canada will be
made only pursuant to an exemption from the requirement to file a prospectus
in the province or territory of Canada in which such offer or sale is made.
Each U.S. Underwriter has further agreed to send to any dealer who purchases
from it any of the Shares a notice stating in substance that, by purchasing
such Shares, such dealer represents and agrees that it has not offered or
sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any of such Shares
in any province or territory of Canada or to, or for the benefit of, any
resident of any province or territory of Canada in contravention of the
securities laws thereof and that any offer or sale of Shares in Canada will be
made only pursuant to an exemption from the requirement to file a prospectus
in the province or territory of Canada in which such offer or sale is made,
and that such dealer will deliver to any other dealer to whom it sells any of
such Shares a notice containing substantially the same statement as is
contained in this sentence.
 
  Pursuant to the Agreement between U.S. and International Underwriters, each
International Underwriter has represented and agreed that (i) it has not
offered or sold and, prior to the date six months after the closing date for
the sale of the Shares to the International Underwriters, will not offer or
sell, any Shares to persons in the United Kingdom except to persons whose
ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing, or disposing
of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their businesses or
otherwise in circumstances that have not resulted and will not result in an
offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of the Public
Offers of Securities Regulations 1995; (ii) it has complied and will comply
with all applicable provisions of the Financial Services Act 1986 with respect
to anything done by it in relation to the Shares in, from or otherwise
involving the United Kingdom; and (iii) it has only issued or passed on and
will only issue or pass on in the United Kingdom any document received by it
in connection with the offering of the Shares to a person who is of a kind
described in Article 11(3) of the Financial Services Act 1986 (Investment
Advertisements) (Exemptions) Order 1996 or is a person to whom such document
may otherwise be lawfully issued or passed on.
 
  Pursuant to the Agreement between U.S. and International Underwriters, each
International Underwriter has further represented that it has not offered or
sold, and has agreed not to offer or sell, directly or indirectly, in Japan or
to or for the account of any resident thereof, any of the Shares acquired in
connection with the distribution contemplated hereby, except for offers or
sales to Japanese International Underwriters or dealers and except pursuant to
any exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities and
Exchange Law and otherwise in compliance with applicable provisions of
Japanese law. Each International Underwriter has further agreed to send to any
dealer who purchases from it any of the Shares a notice stating in substance
that, by purchasing such Shares, such dealer represents and agrees that it has
not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, any of such Shares, directly
or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the account of any resident thereof
except for offers or sales to Japanese International Underwriters or dealers
and except pursuant to any exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities and Exchange Law and otherwise in compliance with applicable
provisions of Japanese law, and that such dealer will send to any other dealer
to whom it sells any of such Shares a notice containing substantially the same
statement as is contained in this sentence.
 
  The Underwriters initially propose to offer part of the Shares directly to
the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page hereof and
part to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in
 
                                      72
<PAGE>
 
excess of $   per share under the public offering price. Any Underwriter may
allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of $   per
share to other Underwriters or to certain dealers. After the initial offering
of the Shares, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to
time be varied by the Representatives.
 
  The Company has granted to the U.S. Underwriters an option, exercisable for
30 days from the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of
2,170,000 additional shares of Class A Common Stock at the price to public set
forth on the cover page hereof, less underwriting discounts and commissions.
The U.S. Underwriters may exercise such option solely for the purpose of
covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the offering of the
shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby. To the extent such option is
exercised, each U.S. Underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain
conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage of such additional
shares of Class A Common Stock as the number set forth next to such U.S.
Underwriter's name in the preceding table bears to the total number of shares
of Class A Common Stock set forth next to the names of all U.S. Underwriters
in the preceding table.
 
  The Underwriters have informed the Company that they do not intend for sales
to discretionary accounts to exceed five percent of the aggregate number of
shares of Class A Common Stock offered by them.
 
  The Class A Common Stock has been approved for listing, subject to official
notice of issuance, on the NYSE under the trading symbol "WDR."
 
  Each of the Company and Torchmark and each of the directors and executive
officers of the Company has agreed that, without the prior written consent of
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not,
during the period ending 180 days after the date of this Prospectus (the
"Lock-up Period"), (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option
or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any
option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer, lend or dispose
of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Class A Common Stock or any
securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common
Stock or (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to
another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of
the Class A Common Stock whether any such transaction described in clause (i)
or (ii) above is settled by delivery of Class A Common Stock, or such other
securities, in cash or otherwise. The restrictions described in this paragraph
do not apply to (x) the sale of Shares to the Underwriters, (y) the issuance
by the Company of shares of Class A Common Stock upon the exercise of an
option or warrant or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date of
this Prospectus of which the Underwriters have been advised in writing, or (z)
transactions by any person other than the Company or Torchmark relating to
shares of Class A Common Stock or other securities acquired in open market
transactions after the completion of the Offering. The restrictions on the
Company and Torchmark are subject to exceptions for the issuance of Class A
Common Stock (A) pursuant to employee benefit plans and (B) as payment for
acquisitions by the Company, if all persons or entities receiving Shares
pursuant to this clause (B) agree to be subject to the restrictions in clauses
(i) and (ii) above for the remainder of the Lock-up Period.
 
  In order to facilitate the Offering, the Underwriters may engage in
transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the
Class A Common Stock. Specifically, the Underwriters may over-allot in
connection with the Offering, creating a short position in the Class A Common
Stock for their own account. In addition, to cover over-allotments or to
stabilize the price of the Class A Common Stock, the Underwriters may bid for,
and purchase, shares of Class A Common Stock in the open market. Finally, the
underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an
Underwriter or a dealer for distributing the Class A Common Stock in the
Offering, if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed Class A Common
Stock in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization
transactions, or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain
the market price of the Class A Common Stock above independent market levels.
The Underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end
any of these activities at any time.
 
 
                                      73
<PAGE>
 
  From time to time, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated has provided, and
continues to provide, investment banking services to Torchmark Corporation and
the Company.
 
  Torchmark, the Company, and the Underwriters have agreed to indemnify each
other against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act.
 
DIRECTED SHARE PROGRAM
 
  At the request of the Company, the Underwriters have reserved for sale, at
the initial public offering price, up to 1.25 million shares of the Class A
Common Stock (that will be offered by this Prospectus) for directors,
officers, employees, business associates, and related persons of the Company.
The number of shares of Class A Common Stock available for sale to the general
public will be reduced to the extent such persons purchase such reserved
shares. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the
Underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares
offered hereby.
 
PRICING OF THE OFFERING
 
  Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Class A
Common Stock. The initial public offering price will be determined by
negotiations between Torchmark and the Company on the one hand and the U.S.
Representative on the other hand. Among the factors to be considered in
determining the initial public offering price will be the future prospects of
the Company and its industry in general, sales, earnings, and certain other
financial operating information of the Company in recent periods, and the
price-earnings ratios, price-sales ratios, market prices of securities and
certain financial and operating information of companies engaged in activities
similar to those of the Company. The estimated initial public offering price
range set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus is subject to change as a
result of market conditions and other factors.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  The validity of the shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby will be
passed upon for the Company by Hughes & Luce, L.L.P., Dallas, Texas. Certain
legal matters in connection with the sale of shares of Class A Common Stock in
the Offering will be passed upon for the Underwriters by Skadden, Arps, Slate,
Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company as of December 31, 1996
and 1997, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December
31, 1997 included in this Prospectus have been so included in reliance on the
report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants,
appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
                            ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
  The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (as amended from time to time and together with all exhibits and schedules
thereto, the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act with respect
to the Class A Common Stock to be sold in the Offering. This Prospectus
constitutes a part of the Registration Statement and does not contain all the
information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain portions of which
have been omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission.
Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the content of any contract or
other document are not necessarily complete, and in each instance, reference
is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to
the Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified in all respect
by such reference. For further information regarding the Company and the Class
A Common Stock, reference is hereby made to the
 
                                      74
<PAGE>
 
Registration Statement, a copy of which may be obtained from the Commission at
its principal office in Washington, D.C. upon payment of the fees prescribed
by the Commission.
 
  The Registration Statement, and the reports and other information to be
filed by the Company with the Commission following the Offering in accordance
with the Exchange Act, can be inspected and copied at the principal office of
the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following regional offices of the
Commission: 7 World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048 and Northwestern
Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661.
Copies of such material may be obtained from the Commission's website,
http//www.sec.gov, and from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at
its principal office at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, upon
payment of the fees prescribed by the Commission.
 
                                      75
<PAGE>
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. AND
 SUBSIDIARY
Independent Auditors' Report.............................................  F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1997.............  F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31,
 1995, 1996 and 1997.....................................................  F-4
Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholder's Equity for the years
 ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997..................................  F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
 1995, 1996 and 1997.....................................................  F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................  F-7
Pro Forma Financial Statements........................................... F-18
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
  When the transaction referred to in Note 1 has been consummated, we will be
in a position to render the following report.
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
The Board of Directors
 Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.:
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Waddell &
Reed Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries, a subsidiary of Torchmark Corporation,
as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 and the related consolidated statements of
operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1997. These consolidated financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Waddell &
Reed Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three year period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
 
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
January 30, 1998
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                         WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996     1997
                                                             -------- --------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                          <C>      <C>
                           ASSETS
Assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents (note 2)........................ $ 59,003   73,820
  Investment securities, available-for-sale (note 3)........   19,980   18,977
  Receivables:
    United Funds and W&R Funds..............................    3,579    4,031
    Customers and other.....................................   11,986   11,840
  Due from affiliates (note 6)..............................   13,320   17,232
  Deferred income taxes (note 8)............................      120    1,241
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets.................    2,151    2,991
                                                             -------- --------
    Total current assets....................................  110,139  130,132
  Due from affiliates (note 6)..............................  171,153  175,450
  Property and equipment, net (note 4)......................   10,392   12,058
  Investment in real estate, net (note 5)...................   17,092      --
  Investment in real estate partnership (note 5)............      --    17,544
  Deferred sales commissions, net...........................   10,439   12,316
  Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization of $14,575 and
   $17,479).................................................  101,734   98,831
  Other assets..............................................    8,329      633
                                                             -------- --------
    Total assets............................................ $429,278  446,964
                                                             ======== ========
            LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
 Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable.......................................... $ 24,832   22,929
  Due to affiliates (note 6)................................    2,428  102,459
  Accrued salesforce compensation...........................    9,007    8,666
  Income taxes payable......................................   18,249    3,314
  Other current liabilities.................................    8,146   18,525
                                                             -------- --------
    Total current liabilities...............................   62,662  155,893
                                                             -------- --------
  Due to affiliates (note 6)................................  124,133  509,186
  Deferred income taxes (note 8)............................      947    2,246
  Accrued pensions and post-retirement costs (notes 9 and
   10)......................................................    7,938    9,530
  Other liabilities.........................................    1,043      --
                                                             -------- --------
    Total liabilities.......................................  196,723  676,855
                                                             -------- --------
Stockholders' equity (note 7):
  Common stock ($.01 par value; 42,300,000 shares
   authorized,
   issued and outstanding)..................................      423      423
  Additional paid-in capital................................  231,968      --
  Retained earnings.........................................      --       --
  Dividends in excess of retained earnings and additional
   paid-in capital                                                --  (230,658)
  Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities..........      164      344
                                                             -------- --------
    Total stockholders' equity..............................  232,555 (229,891)
                                                             -------- --------
Commitments, contingencies and subsequent events (notes 14
 and 15)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.................. $429,278  446,964
                                                             ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                         WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1995    1996     1997
                                                       ------- -------  -------
                                                        (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
                                                        FOR PER SHARE AMOUNT)
<S>                                                    <C>     <C>      <C>
Revenue (note 6):
  Investment management fees.......................... $85,289 101,466  117,784
  Underwriting and distribution fees:
   United Funds and W&R Funds.........................  44,126  55,059   58,815
   Affiliates.........................................  26,267  30,778   30,612
  Shareholder service fees............................  23,527  28,378   30,763
  Investment and other revenue........................   4,295   5,295    3,798
                                                       ------- -------  -------
    Total revenue..................................... 183,504 220,976  241,772
                                                       ------- -------  -------
Expenses:
  Underwriting and distribution.......................  64,082  78,915   79,995
  Compensation and related costs......................  21,304  21,913   26,618
  General and administrative (note 6).................   8,594  10,180   15,826
  Depreciation........................................   1,914   1,758    1,307
  Amortization of goodwill............................   2,903   2,903    2,903
                                                       ------- -------  -------
    Total expenses....................................  98,797 115,669  126,649
                                                       ------- -------  -------
    Income before interest and income taxes...........  84,707 105,307  115,123
Interest (note 6)
  Income..............................................   3,886   4,072   11,323
  Expense.............................................     --     (186) (11,299)
                                                       ------- -------  -------
    Income before income taxes........................  88,593 109,193  115,147
Income taxes (note 8).................................  35,092  42,493   44,855
                                                       ------- -------  -------
    Net income........................................ $53,501  66,700   70,292
                                                       ======= =======  =======
Pro forma net income per share:
  Basic and diluted...................................                  $  1.10
                                                                        =======
</TABLE>
 
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                         WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
 
                  STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          COMMON STOCK
                          -------------
                                                               DIVIDENDS IN
                                        ADDITIONAL               EXCESS OF
                                         PAID-IN   RETAINED  RETAINED EARNINGS   UNREALIZED        TOTAL
                                         CAPITAL   EARNINGS   AND ADDITIONAL   GAIN (LOSS) ON  STOCKHOLDER'S
                          SHARES AMOUNT  (NOTE 7)  (NOTE 7)   PAID-IN CAPITAL    INVESTMENT   EQUITY (DEFICIT)
                          ------ ------ ---------- --------  ----------------- -------------- ----------------
                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>    <C>    <C>        <C>       <C>               <C>            <C>
Balance at December 31,
 1994...................  42,300  $423    193,377   29,158            --            (666)          222,292
Net income..............     --    --         --    53,501            --             --             53,501
Contributions from
 parent.................     --    --      10,581      --             --             --             10,581
Other distributions
 (note 6)...............     --    --         --   (69,098)           --             --            (69,098)
Unrealized gain on
 investment securities..     --    --         --       --             --             930               930
                          ------  ----   --------  -------       --------           ----          --------
Balance at December 31,
 1995...................  42,300   423    203,958   13,561            --             264           218,206
Net income..............     --    --         --    66,700            --             --             66,700
Contributions from
 parent.................     --    --     121,358      --             --             --            121,358
Other distributions
 (note 6)...............     --    --     (93,348) (70,261)           --             --           (163,609)
Cash dividends to
 parent.................     --    --         --   (10,000)           --             --            (10,000)
Unrealized loss on
 investment securities..     --    --         --       --             --            (100)             (100)
                          ------  ----   --------  -------       --------           ----          --------
Balance at December 31,
 1996...................  42,300   423    231,968      --             --             164           232,555
Net income..............     --    --         --    70,292            --             --             70,292
Contributions from
 parent.................     --    --      47,980      --             --             --             47,980
Other distributions
 (note 6)...............     --    --    (279,948) (18,627)      (230,658)           --           (529,233)
Cash dividends to
 parent.................           --         --   (51,665)           --             --            (51,665)
Unrealized gain on
 investment securities..     --    --         --       --             --             180               180
                          ------  ----   --------  -------       --------           ----          --------
Balance at December 31,
 1997...................  42,300  $423        --       --        (230,658)           344          (229,891)
                          ======  ====   ========  =======       ========           ====          ========
</TABLE>
 
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                         WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                1995      1996     1997
                                               -------  --------  -------
                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                            <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income.................................. $53,501    66,700   70,292
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
   cash
   provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization.............   4,817     4,661    4,210
    Gain on sale of investments...............     (30)      --       --
    Loss on sale and retirement of fixed
     assets...................................      59       311       65
    Capital gains and dividends reinvested....     (60)      (60)     (78)
    Deferred income taxes.....................    (186)      827       27
    Changes in assets and liabilities:
      Receivables from funds..................  (1,606)    1,172     (452)
      Other receivables.......................  (1,836)    2,725   (1,195)
      Due to/from affiliates--operating.......    (660)    1,703   (4,217)
      Other assets............................  (3,317)   (9,913)  (5,383)
      Accounts payable........................   7,488      (252)  (1,883)
      Other liabilities.......................   4,082    18,369      898
                                               -------  --------  -------
Net cash provided by operating activities.....  62,252    86,243   62,284
                                               -------  --------  -------  ---
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Additions to investments....................    (917)     (116)     (40)
  Proceeds from sales of investments..........   1,201       --         1
  Proceeds from maturity of investments.......   1,440     1,355    1,260
  Purchase of property and equipment..........  (1,428)   (1,689)  (3,218)
  Investment in real estate...................    (312)     (298)     --
  Change in due to/from affiliates--
   nonoperating............................... (60,040) (170,016) (37,888)
  Other.......................................      25        18       50
                                               -------  --------  -------  ---
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
 activities................................... (60,031) (170,746) (39,835)
                                               -------  --------  -------  ---
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Cash dividends to parent....................     --    (10,000) (51,665)
  Cash contributions from parent..............  13,236   111,718   44,033
                                               -------  --------  -------  ---
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
 activities...................................  13,236   101,718   (7,632)
                                               -------  --------  -------  ---
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents.....  15,457    17,215   14,817
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
 period.......................................  26,331    41,788   59,003
                                               -------  --------  -------  ---
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.... $41,788    59,003   73,820
                                               =======  ========  =======  ===
Cash paid for income taxes.................... $33,084    43,667   65,754
                                               =======  ========  =======  ===
</TABLE>    
 
See notes 5, 6 and 7 for noncash investing and financing activities.
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                       DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Basis of Presentation
 
  Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. is owned by Torchmark Corporation and
Torchmark's subsidiary, Liberty National Life Insurance Company (Liberty).
Torchmark and its subsidiaries, other than Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., are
referred to herein as "Torchmark." In December 1997, Waddell & Reed Financial,
Inc.'s name was changed from United Investors Management Company to Waddell &
Reed Financial, Inc. In the first quarter of 1998, the insurance operations of
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., United Investors Life Insurance Company, were
distributed to Torchmark. Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.'s remaining
subsidiary is Waddell & Reed Financial Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries
(WRFS).
 
  The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of Waddell & Reed
Financial, Inc. and WRFS (the Company) for all periods presented (note 7).
Amounts for UILIC have been excluded for all periods presented. All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in
consolidation.
 
 Business
 
  Through WRFS, the Company derives its revenue primarily from investment
management, administration, distribution and related services provided to the
United mutual funds and Waddell & Reed mutual funds (the Funds) and
institutional accounts in the United States. The Funds and institutional
accounts operate under various rules and regulations set forth by the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Services to the Funds are provided
under contracts that set forth the fees to be charged for these services. The
majority of these contracts are subject to annual review and approval by each
fund's Board of Directors/Trustees and stockholders. In 1997, the United
Income Fund represented approximately 16% of total revenues. No other fund
represented 10% or more of revenues. Company revenues are largely dependent on
the total value and composition of assets under management, which include
domestic and international equity and debt securities; accordingly,
fluctuations in financial markets and composition of assets under management
impact revenues and results of operations.
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
  Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and short-term investments.
The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original
maturities of ninety days or less to be cash equivalents.
 
 Revenue Recognition
 
  Investment advisory and administrative service fees are recognized when
earned. Commission revenue and expenses (and related receivables and payables)
resulting from securities transactions are recorded on the date on which the
order to buy or sell securities is executed.
 
 Advertising
 
  Costs of advertising are expensed as incurred. Amounts charged to expense
were not significant for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997.
 
 Investments Securities and Investment in Affiliated Mutual Funds
 
  All investments in debt securities and affiliated stock and fixed income
mutual funds are classified as available-for-sale. As a result, these
investments are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses,
net of related tax effects, are excluded from earnings until realized and are
reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Realized gains and
losses are computed using the specific identification method for investment
securities other than mutual funds. For mutual funds, realized gains and
losses are computed using the average cost method.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
 Concentration of Credit Risk
 
  Financial instruments which potentially expose the Company to concentrations
of credit risk, as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 105, consist primarily of investments in U. S. government and
agency securities, municipal securities and affiliated money market and fixed
income mutual funds and accounts receivable. Credit risk is believed to be
minimal in that the U. S government and agency securities are backed by the
full faith and credit of the U. S. government, municipal securities are backed
by the full taxing power of the issuing municipality or revenues from a
specific project, and the affiliated mutual funds have substantial net assets.
 
 Property and Equipment
 
  Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation on property and
equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of the assets.
 
 Goodwill
   
  Goodwill, which represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of
net assets acquired, arose in connection with the acquisition of the Company
by Torchmark. Amortization is on a straight-line basis over forty years. The
Company assesses the recoverability of goodwill by determining whether the
unamortized balance can be recovered through undiscounted future operating
cash flows over its remaining life. Impairment, if any, is measured by the
excess of the unamortized balance over discounted future operating cash flows.
    
 Deferred Sales Commissions
 
  The Company defers certain costs, principally selling commissions, that are
paid to financial advisors in connection with the sale of certain shares of
Waddell & Reed mutual funds (W&R Funds). These costs are amortized on a
straight line basis over a period not exceeding ten years which approximates
the historical life of shareholder investments. The Company recovers such
costs through 12b-1 distribution fees, which are paid by the W&R Funds and a
contingent deferred sales charge paid by stockholders who redeem their shares
prior to completion of the required holding periods.
 
 Income Taxes
 
  The accounts of the Company are included in the consolidated federal income
tax return of Torchmark. The Company's provision for income taxes has been
made on the same basis as if the Company filed separate returns.
 
 Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
  Given the nature of the Company's assets and liabilities, the Company
believes the amounts in the financial statements approximate fair value.
 
 Pro Forma Net Income Per Share
 
  In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, Earnings Per
Share, which revised the calculation and presentation provisions of Accounting
Principles Board Opinion 15 and related interpretations. SFAS No. 128 became
effective for the Company's fiscal year ending December 31, 1997. Pro forma
basic and diluted net income per share amounts have been presented under SFAS
No. 128.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  Pro forma basic and diluted net income per share has been computed by
dividing net income, as adjusted to eliminate the after tax interest cost on
the Torchmark Notes, by 64,000,000 shares (the average number of shares
outstanding plus the number of shares, based on the mid-point of the offering
price, whose proceeds would be used to pay the Torchmark and Liberty notes
(note 6).) Diluted net income per share is the same as basic net income per
share as there are no dilutive securities.
 
 Use of Estimates
 
  Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions
relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
 
 Recent Accounting Developments
 
  In 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, and
SFAS No. 131, Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information. These statements, which are effective for periods beginning after
December 15, 1997, expand or modify disclosures. The Company does not expect
implementation to have any significant effect on the Company's reported
financial position, results of operations or segment reporting.
 
(2) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
   
  Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 1996 and 1997 includes reserves of
$15,028,000 and $14,943,000, respectively, for the benefit of customers in
compliance with securities industry regulations and an investment of
$4,344,000 and $325,000, respectively, in a money market fund for which the
Company is principal underwriter and investment advisor. Substantially all
such reserves are in excess of federal deposit insurance limits. The money
market fund is uninsured.     
 
(3) INVESTMENTS SECURITIES, AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
 
  Investments at December 31, 1996 and 1997 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED  FAIR
                  1996                   COST      GAINS      LOSSES   VALUE
                  ----                 --------- ---------- ---------- ------
   <S>                                 <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
   United States government-backed
    mortgage securities............... $  5,925      32        (17)     5,940
   Municipal bonds maturing:
     After five years but within ten
      years...........................   11,760     276        (42)    11,994
     After ten years..................    1,196      12        --       1,208
   Affiliated mutual funds............      833       9         (4)       838
                                       --------     ---        ---     ------
                                       $ 19,714     329        (63)    19,980
                                       ========     ===        ===     ======
<CAPTION>
                                       AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED  FAIR
                  1997                   COST      GAINS      LOSSES   VALUE
                  ----                 --------- ---------- ---------- ------
   <S>                                 <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
   United States government-backed
    mortgage securities............... $  4,749      86        --       4,835
   Municipal bonds maturing:
     Within five years................    3,017     115        --       3,132
     After five years but within ten
      years...........................    8,520     304        --       8,824
     After ten years..................    1,186       3         (2)     1,187
   Affiliated mutual funds............      949      50        --         999
                                       --------     ---        ---     ------
                                       $ 18,421     558         (2)    18,977
                                       ========     ===        ===     ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
(4) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
  A summary of property and equipment at December 31, 1996 and 1997 is as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     ESTIMATED
                                               1996        1997     USEFUL LIVES
                                            ---------- ------------ ------------
                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                      <C>        <C>          <C>
   Land....................................  $ 1,717        1,717           --
   Building................................    6,242        6,257      40 years
   Furniture and fixtures..................    5,719        5,862    3-10 years
   Equipment and machinery.................    6,186        7,859    3-10 years
                                             -------     --------
   Property and equipment, at cost.........   19,864       21,695
   Less accumulated depreciation...........    9,472        9,637
                                             -------     --------
   Property and equipment, net.............  $10,392       12,058
                                             =======     ========
 
(5) INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE
 
  A summary of investment in rental real estate at December 31, 1996 is as
follows:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                        ESTIMATED
                                               1996    USEFUL LIVES
                                            ---------- ------------
                                               (IN
                                            THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                      <C>        <C>          <C>
   Land....................................  $ 7,784          --
   Buildings...............................   10,771     40 years
                                             -------
   Rental real estate, at cost.............   18,555
   Less accumulated depreciation...........    1,463
                                             -------
   Rental real estate, net.................  $17,092
                                             =======
</TABLE>
 
  Rental income of $1,409,000, $1,682,000 and $0 for the years ended December
31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively, is included in investment and other
revenue. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and
1997 was $367,000, $383,000 and $18,000, respectively.
 
  Effective January 1, 1997, the Company contributed its investment in real
estate, which is located adjacent to its offices in Overland Park, Kansas, to
TMK Income Properties, L.P. (TMK) in exchange for a 14% limited partnership
interest in TMK. TMK is a limited partnership with other Torchmark affiliates
that was formed for the purpose of acquiring, developing and managing real
property. The property was transferred to TMK at the Company's net book value
as of December 31, 1996 in the amount of $11,961,000. Effective July 1, 1997,
the Company contributed additional land and land improvements for an
additional 5% interest in TMK. The land and improvements were transferred at
the Company's net book value in the amount of $5,113,000.
 
(6) TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
 
  The Company serves as investment advisor to various affiliates of Torchmark
and receives advisory fees for this service. Advisory fees, which are based on
assets under management, amounted to $800,000, $1,037,000 and $1,241,000 for
the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
  The Company earns commissions from Torchmark for marketing life and health
insurance products and variable annuities. For the years ended December 31,
1995, 1996 and 1997, the commissions amounted to $26,267,000, $30,778,000 and
$30,612,000 respectively. These commissions were earned under contracts which
have been renewed for 1998 with substantially the same terms.
 
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  Torchmark performs certain administrative services for the Company. Charges
for such services which are allocated based on a defined formula that
allocates Torchmark's total costs for services provided based on each
affiliate's assets and compensation expense as a percentage of the total
affiliate assets and compensation expense. The Company believes the allocation
results in a reasonable allocation to the Company of costs. These charges were
$2,731,000, $2,189,000 and $2,008,000 for the years ended December 31, 1995,
1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
  The current amounts due from affiliates at December 31, 1996 and 1997
include interest bearing notes from Torchmark, noninterest bearing advances
for current operating expenses and commissions due from the sale of
affiliates' products. At December 31, 1996 and 1997, the 5.5% demand notes
amounted to $11,672,000 plus accrued interest. At December 31, 1996 and 1997,
the noncurrent amounts due from affiliates include a $123,947,000 note
receivable from Torchmark, plus $186,000 and $1,239,000, respectively, of
accrued interest. The 6% note requires semiannual interest payments and
matures May 1, 2000. Also included in the noncurrent portion is a $40,000,000
note receivable from Torchmark, due November, 1999 with interest at 8.1%.
During 1995, 1996 and 1997, amounts due from Torchmark aggregating
$69,098,000, $163,609,000 and $38,124,000, respectively, were forgiven and
charged against stockholders' equity.
 
  The current amounts due to affiliates at December 31, 1996 and 1997 include
amounts due for administrative services. Included in the 1996 and 1997
noncurrent due to affiliates balance is a $123,947,000 note payable to
Torchmark, plus $186,000 and $1,239,000, respectively, of accrued interest.
The 6% note requires semiannual interest payments and matures May 1, 2000.
 
  Effective September 1997, Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company (WRAMCO),
a subsidiary of WRFS, was distributed to Torchmark at its net book value of
$2,977,000. WRAMCO provides investment management services to institutional
investors. Subsequent to the distribution date, WRFS provides advisory
investment management services to WRAMCO and receives a fee based upon assets
under management. The Company was paid $1,296,000 for investment advisory
services provided subsequent to the distribution date. The accompanying
financial statements include the amounts for WRAMCO. Subsequent to
distribution, the Company operates under a subadvisory agreement with WRAMCO
to provide approximately the same level of services as prior to the
distribution.
 
  On November 25, 1997, the Company declared a $480,000,000 dividend evidenced
by two 8% promissory notes to Torchmark and Liberty. These notes are payable
on or before November 25, 2002 and require semiannual interest payments. Notes
aggregating $96,000,000 are due in 1998 and, accordingly, are classified in
the current portion of due to affiliates. The remaining $384,000,000 of these
notes is included in the long-term portion of due to affiliates. The notes are
mandatorily prepayable from the capital raised by the Company from a public or
private sale or offering of debt or equity securities.
 
(7) STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  As discussed in note 1, the consolidated financial statements include only
amounts for the Company. Transactions involving former subsidiaries of Waddell
& Reed Financial, Inc., and Torchmark are reflected as due to/due from
affiliates. To the extent such transactions resulted in a gain or loss, such
amounts are reflected in additional paid-in capital or retained earnings.
 
  Retained earnings have been charged for dividends and other distributions to
the Company's parent to the extent such retained earnings were sufficient. The
excess has been charged to additional paid-in capital with the remainder
classified as dividends in excess of retained earnings and additional paid-in
capital.
 
                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
(8) INCOME TAXES
 
  The components of total income tax expense are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1995     1996   1997
                                                         --------  ------ ------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                   <C>       <C>    <C>
   Currently payable:
     Federal............................................ $ 31,449  36,197 38,939
     State..............................................    3,829   5,469  5,889
                                                         --------  ------ ------
                                                           35,278  41,666 44,828
   Deferred taxes.......................................     (186)    827     27
                                                         --------  ------ ------
                                                         $ 35,092  42,493 44,855
                                                         ========  ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
  The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets at December 31,
1996 and 1997 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1996     1997
                                                                -------  ------
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                          <C>      <C>
   Deferred tax liabilities:
     Deferred sales commissions................................ $(3,967) (4,680)
     Fixed assets..............................................    (418)   (824)
     Other.....................................................    (458)   (500)
                                                                -------  ------
   Total gross deferred liabilities............................  (4,843) (6,004)
                                                                -------  ------
   Deferred tax assets:
     Benefit plans.............................................   3,050   3,557
     Accrued expenses..........................................     966   1,442
                                                                -------  ------
   Total gross deferred assets.................................   4,016   4,999
                                                                -------  ------
   Net deferred tax liability.................................. $  (827) (1,005)
                                                                =======  ======
</TABLE>
 
  A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was not necessary at December
31, 1996 and 1997.
 
  The following table reconciles the statutory federal income tax rate to the
Company's effective income tax rate:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1995  1996  1997
                                                               ----  ----  ----
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                         <C>   <C>   <C>
   Statutory federal income tax rate.......................... 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
   State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits............  2.9   3.1   3.3
   Other items................................................  1.7    .8    .7
                                                               ----  ----  ----
   Effective income tax rate.................................. 39.6% 38.9% 39.0%
                                                               ====  ====  ====
</TABLE>
 
(9) RETIREMENT PLAN
 
  The Company sponsors a noncontributory retirement plan which covers
substantially all employees and, prior to 1996, the employees of former
affiliates. As of December 31, 1995, former affiliates ceased participation in
the plan. Benefits payable under the plan are based on employees' years of
service and compensation during the final ten years of employment.
 
                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  At December 31, 1996 and 1997, the assumed discount rate, the rate at which
the plan benefit obligations could be settled, was 7.5%. The estimated rate of
increase in future compensation levels used in determining the actuarial
present value of the projected benefit obligation was 4.5% for December 31,
1996 and 1997. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 9.25%
at December 31, 1996 and 1997.
 
  The Company's funding policy is to contribute annually the maximum amount
that can be deducted for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are
intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date but
also for those expected to be earned in the future.
 
  All plan assets are commingled and available for distribution to all
participating employees, and thus, net pension cost for 1995 includes the cost
for the Company as well as affiliates.
 
  Net pension cost for all companies for the years ended December 31, 1995,
1996 and 1997 included the following components:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1995    1996    1997
                                                        ------  ------  ------
                                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                  <C>     <C>     <C>
   Service cost--benefits earned during the period....  $2,365   1,304   1,511
   Interest cost on projected benefit obligation......   2,103   1,953   2,148
   Actual return on plan assets.......................  (3,626) (3,489) (4,102)
   Net amortization and deferral......................   2,078   1,679   1,987
                                                        ------  ------  ------
   Net periodic pension cost of all participating com-
    panies............................................  $2,920   1,447   1,544
                                                        ------  ------  ------
   Company portion....................................  $1,648   1,447   1,544
                                                        ======  ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
  The following table sets forth the plan's funded status as of December 31,
1996 and 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1996     1997
                                                                -------  ------
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                          <C>      <C>
   Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
     Vested benefits..........................................  $17,715  20,693
     Nonvested benefits.......................................      558     751
                                                                -------  ------
   Accumulated benefit obligation.............................   18,273  21,444
   Increase in benefits due to future compensation increases..    6,513   7,535
                                                                -------  ------
   Projected benefit obligation...............................   24,786  28,979
   Estimated fair market value of plan assets.................   23,483  25,689
                                                                -------  ------
   Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets......    1,303   3,290
   Unrecognized net gain from past experience different from
    that assumed and effects of changes in assumptions........    3,482   2,989
   Unrecognized net transition obligation being recognized
    over 21.6 years...........................................     (114)   (108)
   Unrecognized prior service cost attributable to plan amend-
    ments.....................................................     (761)   (717)
                                                                -------  ------
   Pension liability of all participating companies...........  $ 3,910   5,454
                                                                =======  ======
   Company portion............................................  $ 6,711   8,299
                                                                =======  ======
</TABLE>
 
  As of December 31, 1995, former affiliates ceased participation in the plan,
which resulted in a decrease in projected benefits of the Plan.
 
                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
(10) POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
 
  The Company sponsors an unfunded defined benefit postretirement medical plan
that covers substantially all its employees. The plan is contributory with
retiree contributions adjusted annually.
 
  Net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year ended December 31,
1995, 1996 and 1997 included the following components:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1995  1996  1997
                                                              ----  ----  ----
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                        <C>   <C>   <C>
   Service cost-benefits attributed to service during the
    year..................................................... $ 48   48    48
   Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obli-
    gation...................................................   71   70    68
   Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost...........  (18) (18)  (19)
                                                              ----  ---   ---
   Net periodic postretirement benefit cost.................. $101  100    97
                                                              ====  ===   ===
</TABLE>
 
  The following table sets forth the plan's funded status as of December 31,
1996 and 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996  1997
                                                                 ------ -----
                                                                     (IN
                                                                  THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                           <C>    <C>
   Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO):
     Retirees................................................... $  356   405
     Fully eligible active plan participants....................    134   190
     Other active plan participants.............................    382   547
                                                                 ------ -----
   Total APBO...................................................    872 1,142
                                                                 ------ -----
     Unrecognized prior service cost............................    223   191
     Actuarial experience.......................................    132  (102)
                                                                 ------ -----
   Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in excess of
    plan assets................................................. $1,227 1,231
                                                                 ====== =====
</TABLE>
 
  The significant assumptions used in computing the APBO as of December 31,
1996 and 1997 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1996              1997
                                          ----------------- -----------------
   <S>                                    <C>               <C>
   Assumed health care cost trend rate
    used to measure the expected cost of
    benefits covered by the plan:
     Current year........................        10%                9%
     Thereafter.......................... Decrease annually Decrease annually
                                           to 5.5% by 2018   to 5.5% by 2019
   Discount rate.........................       7.5%              7.5%
</TABLE>
 
  The health care cost trend rate assumption can effect the expenses and
obligations. The effect of a 1% increase each year in the assumed health care
cost trend rate on the aggregate of the service and interest cost components
of net periodic postretirement benefit cost would be an increase of
approximately $34,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997. The effect on the
APBO as of December 31, 1997 would be an increase of approximately $217,000.
 
                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
(11) SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PLAN
 
  The Company has a savings and investment plan covering substantially all
employees. The plan provides for a matching corporate contribution of 50% of
the employee's investment in mutual fund shares and/or Torchmark stock, not to
exceed 3% of the employee's salary.
 
  The charge to expense for this plan for the years ended December 31, 1995,
1996 and 1997 was $626,000, $641,000 and $716,000, respectively.
 
(12) EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS
 
  Under the provisions of the Torchmark Corporation 1987 Stock Incentive Plan
(1987 Option Plan), certain employees and directors of the Company have been
granted options to buy shares of Torchmark stock generally at the market value
of the stock on the date of grant. The options are exercisable during a period
of up to ten years and two days after grant. Employee stock options granted
under the 1987 Option Plan generally vest one-half in two years and one-half
in three years. Director grants generally vest in six months.
 
  In October 1995, the FASB issued Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-
Based Compensation (SFAS No. 123), which was effective for the Company
beginning January 1, 1996. SFAS No. 123 defines the "fair value method" of
accounting for employee stock options. It also allows accounting for such
options under the "intrinsic value method" in accordance with Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB
No. 25) and related interpretations. If a company elects to use the intrinsic
value method, pro forma disclosures of earnings and earnings per share are
required as if the fair value method of accounting was applied. The effects of
applying SFAS No. 123 in the pro forma disclosures are not necessarily
indicative of future amounts because the pro forma disclosures do not take
into account the amortization of the fair value of awards granted prior to
1995.
 
  The Company has elected to account for stock options under the intrinsic
value method. The fair value method requires use of the Black-Scholes option
valuation model to value employee stock options. The Black-Scholes option
valuation model was not developed for use in valuing employee stock options.
Instead, this model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of
traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable.
In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective
assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because Torchmark's
employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those
of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can
materially affect the fair value estimate, it is management's opinion that the
existing models do not provide a reliable measure of the fair value of its
employee stock options. Under the intrinsic value method, compensation expense
is only recognized if the exercise price of the employee stock option is less
than the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant.
Accordingly, the Company has recognized no compensation expense for options
granted in 1995, 1996 or 1997.
 
  In accordance with SFAS No. 123, the fair value for Torchmark's employee
stock options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option
pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for 1996 and
1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1996  1997
                                                                     ----  ----
   <S>                                                               <C>   <C>
   Risk-free interest rate..........................................  6.4%  6.4%
   Dividend yield...................................................  3.7   1.7
   Volatility factor................................................ 22.8  21.1
   Weighted average expected life (in years)........................ 4.17  3.93
</TABLE>
 
  The weighted average fair values of an option granted during the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1997 were $4.93 and $8.36, respectively.
 
                                     F-15
<PAGE>
 
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  For the purpose of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The
Company's pro forma information follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1996        1997
                                                        ----------- ----------
                                                        (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
                                                          PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
   <S>                                                  <C>         <C>
   Actual net income................................... $    66,700     70,292
   Pro forma net income................................ $    65,958     68,022
                                                        ----------- ----------
   Proforma net income per share, as adjusted for SFAS
    No. 123:
     Basic and diluted.................................             $     1.06
                                                                    ==========
</TABLE>
 
  A summary of stock option activity and related information for the years
ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 1995                1996                1997
                          ------------------- ------------------- -------------------
                                     WEIGHTED            WEIGHTED            WEIGHTED
                                     AVERAGE             AVERAGE             AVERAGE
                                     EXERCISE            EXERCISE            EXERCISE
                           OPTIONS    PRICE    OPTIONS    PRICE    OPTIONS    PRICE
                          ---------  -------- ---------  -------- ---------  --------
<S>                       <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>
Outstanding at beginning
 of year................  1,335,984   $16.21  1,596,642   $18.11  1,738,442   $19.54
Granted.................    373,600    21.69    277,600    24.88    688,292    35.98
Exercised...............   (105,126)    6.72   (130,800)   13.49   (927,024)   17.68
Expired.................     (7,816)   17.00     (5,000)   17.00     (3,020)   22.27
                          ---------   ------  ---------   ------  ---------   ------
Outstanding at end of
 year...................  1,596,642   $18.11  1,738,442   $19.54  1,496,690   $28.25
                          ---------   ------  ---------   ------  ---------   ------
Exercisable at end of
 year...................    660,934   $17.36    999,742   $17.48    868,798   $31.18
                          =========   ======  =========   ======  =========   ======
</TABLE>
 
(13) UNIFORM CAPITAL RULE REQUIREMENTS
 
  Waddell & Reed, Inc. (W&R), a subsidiary of the Company, is a registered
broker-dealer and a member of the National Association of Securities Dealer,
Inc. and therefore is subject to a requirement of the SEC's Uniform Net
Capital Rule, requiring the maintenance of certain minimal capital levels. At
December 31, 1997, W&R had net capital, as defined by the Uniform Capital
Rule, of $7,745,000 which is $4,628,000 in excess of the required net capital.
 
(14) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
 Rental Expense and Lease Commitments
 
  The Company rents certain sales and other office space under long-term
operating leases. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and
1997, was $3,459,000, $3,824,000 and $4,397,000 respectively. Future minimum
rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                               --------------
   <S>                                                         <C>
   Minimum remaining rental commitments years ended December
    31:
     1998.....................................................    $ 2,589
     1999.....................................................      1,612
     2000.....................................................        961
     2001.....................................................        330
     2002.....................................................         85
                                                                  -------
                                                                  $ 5,577
                                                                  =======
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-16
<PAGE>
 
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  New leases are expected to be executed as existing leases expire. Thus,
future minimum lease commitments are not expected to be less than those in
1998.
 
 Contingencies
 
  From time to time, the Company is a party to various claims arising in the
ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after consultation
with legal counsel, it is unlikely that any adverse determination in one or
more pending claims would have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.
 
                                     F-17
<PAGE>
 
                        PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
   
  The following pro forma balance sheet reflects (1) payment of notes due from
Torchmark with Torchmark Preferred Stock, (2) a prepayment of $124 million
plus all outstanding interest on the Second Liberty Note and the First Liberty
Note, in each case with Torchmark Preferred Stock, (3) the application of the
net proceeds of the Offering to make a prepayment of $428 million on the Notes
and, (4) prepayment of the remaining balance of the Notes and accrued interest
with Torchmark Preferred Stock as if these transactions had occurred on
December 31, 1997. The pro forma Consolidated Statement of Operations reflects
the aforementioned transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 1997.
    
                                     F-18
<PAGE>
 
                WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PRO
                                               HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS     FORMA
                                               ---------- -----------    -------
                                                       (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                            <C>        <C>            <C>
                    ASSETS
Assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents...................  $ 73,820                  73,820
  Investment securities, available-for-sale       18,977                  18,977
  Receivables:
    United funds and W&R funds................     4,031                   4,031
    Customers and other.......................    11,840                  11,840
  Due from affiliates.........................    17,232    (13,598)(1)    3,634
  Deferred income taxes.......................     1,241                   1,241
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets...     2,991                   2,991
                                                --------                 -------
    Total current assets......................   130,132                 116,534
  Due from affiliates.........................   175,450   (175,450)(1)      --
  Torchmark Preferred Stock...................       --     189,048 (1)    8,000
                                                           (125,186)(2)
                                                            (55,862)(2)
  Property and equipment, net.................    12,058                  12,058
  Investment in real estate, net..............       --                      --
  Investment in real estate partnership.......    17,544                  17,544
  Deferred sales commissions, net.............    12,316                  12,316
  Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization of
   $14,575
   and $17,479)...............................    98,831                  98,831
  Other assets................................       633                     633
                                                --------                 -------
    Total assets..............................  $446,964                 265,916
                                                ========                 =======
     LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
 Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable............................  $ 22,929                  22,929
  Due to affiliates...........................   102,459    (96,000)(3)    2,597
                                                             (3,862)(2)
  Accrued sales force compensation............     8,666                   8,666
  Income taxes payable........................     3,314                   3,314
  Other current liabilities...................    18,525                  18,525
                                                --------                 -------
    Total current liabilities.................   155,893                  56,031
  Due to affiliates...........................   509,186   (332,000)(3)
                                                           (125,186)(2)
                                                            (52,000)(2)      --
  Deferred income taxes.......................     2,246                   2,246
  Accrued pensions and post-retirement costs..     9,530                   9,530
  Other liabilities...........................       --                      --
                                                --------                 -------
    Total liabilities.........................   676,855                  67,807
                                                --------                 -------
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
  Common stock ...............................       423        217 (3)      640
  Additional paid-in capital..................       --     197,125 (3)  197,125
  Retained earnings...........................       --                      --
  Dividends in excess of retained earnings and
   additional
   paid-in capital............................  (230,658)   230,658 (3)      --
  Unrealized gain on available-for-sale
   securities.................................       344                     344
                                                --------                 -------
    Total Stockholders' equity (deficit)......  (229,891)                198,109
                                                --------                 -------
Total liabilities and Stockholders' equity....  $446,964                 265,916
                                                ========                 =======
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) To reflect payment of notes due from Torchmark with Torchmark Preferred
    Stock.
   
(2) To reflect payment of the Notes and accrued interest, with Torchmark
    Preferred Stock.     
(3) To reflect proceeds from the Offering and the use of proceeds to pay the
    remainder of the Notes.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
 
                WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS   PRO FORMA
                             ---------- -----------   ---------
                                  (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
                                  FOR PER SHARE AMOUNT)
<S>                          <C>        <C>           <C>
Revenue:
  Investment management
   fees.....................  $117,784                 117,784
  Underwriting and
   distribution fees:
    United Funds and W&R
     Funds..................    58,815                  58,815
    Affiliates..............    30,612                  30,612
  Shareholder service fees..    30,763                  30,763
  Investment and other
   revenue..................     3,798                   3,798
                              --------                 -------
    Total revenue...........   241,772                 241,772
                              --------                 -------
Expenses:
  Underwriting and
   distribution.............    79,995                  79,995
  Compensation and related
   costs....................    26,618                  26,618
  General and
   administrative...........    15,826                  15,826
  Depreciation..............     1,307                   1,307
  Amortization of goodwill..     2,903                   2,903
                              --------                 -------
    Total expenses..........   126,649                 126,649
                              --------                 -------
    Income before interest
     and income taxes.......   115,123                 115,123
Interest
  Income....................    11,323    (11,323)(1)      --
  Expense...................   (11,299)    11,299 (2)      --
                              --------                 -------
    Income before income
     taxes..................   115,147                 115,123
Income taxes................    44,855         (9)(2)   44,846
                              --------    -------      -------
    Net income..............  $ 70,292        (15)      70,277
                              ========    =======      =======
Pro forma net income per
 share:
  Basic and diluted.........                           $  1.10
                                                       =======
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) To eliminate interest income on amounts due from Torchmark.
(2) To eliminate interest expense on the Notes.
(3) Tax effects of the above.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR   +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE      +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE.                                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 International Prospectus Alternate Cover Page
 
PROSPECTUS (Subject to Completion)
   
Issued February 27, 1998     
 
                               21,700,000 Shares
                         Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
                              CLASS A COMMON STOCK
 
                                  ----------
OF  THE 21,700,000  SHARES OF  CLASS A  COMMON STOCK  BEING OFFERED,  4,340,000
 SHARES ARE BEING  OFFERED INITIALLY OUTSIDE  THE UNITED STATES  AND CANADA BY
  THE INTERNATIONAL  UNDERWRITERS  AND  17,360,000 SHARES  ARE  BEING  OFFERED
  INITIALLY  IN THE UNITED  STATES AND CANADA  BY THE U.S.  UNDERWRITERS. ALL
   SHARES OF  CLASS A  COMMON  STOCK OFFERED  HEREBY ARE  BEING SOLD  BY THE
    COMPANY. IT  IS CURRENTLY  ESTIMATED THAT  THE INITIAL  PUBLIC  OFFERING
    PRICE  PER   SHARE  WILL  BE  BETWEEN  $20  AND  $22   PER  SHARE.  SEE
     "UNDERWRITERS" FOR A DISCUSSION OF  THE   FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN
      DETERMINING THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE.
 
THE COMPANY HAS  TWO CLASSES OF  AUTHORIZED COMMON STOCK CONSISTING  OF CLASS A
COMMON  STOCK  OFFERED HEREBY  AND  CLASS  B  COMMON STOCK  (COLLECTIVELY,  THE
"COMMON STOCK"). SEE "DESCRIPTION OF  CAPITAL STOCK." HOLDERS OF CLASS A COMMON
 STOCK ARE ENTITLED TO ONE VOTE PER  SHARE AND HOLDERS OF CLASS B COMMON  STOCK
 ARE ENTITLED TO  FIVE VOTES PER SHARE  ON EACH MATTER SUBMITTED  TO A VOTE OF
 STOCKHOLDERS.  ALL OF  THE  CLASS B  COMMON  STOCK IS  BENEFICIALLY OWNED  BY
 TORCHMARK CORPORATION. SUBSTANTIALLY ALL  OF THE NET PROCEEDS OF THE OFFERING
  WILL BE USED  TO PREPAY  OUTSTANDING INDEBTEDNESS  TO TORCHMARK  CORPORATION
  AND ONE OF ITS  SUBSIDIARIES. SEE "USE OF  PROCEEDS." ALL HOLDERS OF COMMON
  STOCK ARE  ENTITLED TO RECEIVE  SUCH DIVIDENDS AND   DISTRIBUTIONS, IF ANY,
  AS MAY BE DECLARED FROM TIME TO TIME BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
 
                                  ----------
  THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR LISTING, SUBJECT TO OFFICIAL
  NOTICE OF ISSUANCE, ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE UNDER THE TRADING SYMBOL
                                     "WDR."
 
                                  ----------
 SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 11 FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE
                      CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.
 
                                  ----------
THESE SECURITIES  HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY THE  SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
  AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
  ACCURACY  OR  ADEQUACY OF  THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY     REPRESENTATION TO  THE
   CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                                  ----------
                               PRICE $    A SHARE
 
                                  ----------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     PRICE TO UNDERWRITING DISCOUNTS PROCEEDS TO
                                      PUBLIC    AND COMMISSIONS(1)   COMPANY(2)
                                     -------- ---------------------- -----------
<S>                                  <C>      <C>                    <C>
Per Share...........................   $               $                 $
Total(3)............................  $               $                 $
</TABLE>
- -----
  (1) The Company and Torchmark Corporation have agreed to indemnify the
      Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
      Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See "Underwriters."
  (2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company, estimated at $  .
  (3) The Company has granted the U.S. Underwriters an option exercisable
      within 30 days of the date hereof to purchase up to an aggregate of
      2,170,000 additional shares of Class A Common Stock at the price to the
      public shown above less underwriting discounts and commissions for the
      purpose of covering over-allotments, if any. If the U.S. Underwriters
      exercise such option in full, the total price to the public, underwriting
      discounts and commissions, and proceeds to the Company will be $   ,
      $   , and $   , respectively. See "Underwriters."
 
                                  ----------
  The Class A Common Stock is offered subject to prior sale, when, as, and if
accepted by the Underwriters and subject to approval of certain legal matters
by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, counsel to the Underwriters, and
to certain other conditions. It is expected that delivery of the Class A Common
Stock will be made on or about    , 1998 at the offices of Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated, New York, New York, against payment therefor in immediately
available funds.
 
                                  ----------
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
                          GOLDMAN SACHS INTERNATIONAL
                                                     MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL
 
     , 1998
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
  The following table indicates the estimated expenses to be incurred in
connection with the Offering, all of which will be paid by the Company.
 
<TABLE>   
   <S>                                                                <C>
   SEC registration fee.............................................. $ 177,728
   NASD fee..........................................................    30,500
   NYSE listing fee..................................................   210,600
   Accounting fees and expenses......................................     *
   Legal fees and expenses...........................................     *
   Printing and engraving............................................     *
   Transfer Agent's fees.............................................     *
   Blue Sky fees and expenses (including counsel fees)...............     *
   Miscellaneous expenses............................................     *
                                                                      ---------
     Total........................................................... $    *
                                                                      =========
</TABLE>    
- --------
* To be supplied by amendment
 
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
  The Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides that no director of the
Company will be personally liable to the Company or any of its stockholders
for monetary damages arising from the director's breach of fiduciary duty as a
director, with certain limited expectations. See "Description of Capital
Stock--Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaw Provisions--Liability of
Directors; Indemnification" in the Prospectus.
 
  Pursuant to the provisions of (S) 145 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law, every Delaware corporation has the power to indemnify any person who was
or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending
or completed action, suit, or proceeding (other than an action by or in the
right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a
director, officer, employee, or agent of any corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, or other enterprise, against any and all expenses, judgments,
fines, and amounts paid in settlement and reasonably incurred in connection
with such action, suit, or proceeding. The power to indemnify applies only if
such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably
believed to be in the best interest, or not opposed to the best interest, of
the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
 
  The power to indemnify applies to actions brought by or in the right of the
corporation as well, but only to the extent of defense and settlement expenses
and not to any satisfaction of a judgment or settlement of the claim itself,
and with the further limitation that in such actions no indemnification will
be made in the event of any adjudication of negligence or misconduct unless
the court, in its discretion, believes that in light of all the circumstances
indemnification should apply.
 
  To the extent any of the persons referred to in the two immediately
preceding paragraphs is successful in the defense of such actions, such person
is entitled, pursuant to Section 145, to indemnification as described above.
 
  The Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide for
indemnification to officers and directors of the Company to the fullest extent
permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. See "Description of Capital
Stock--Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaw Provisions--Liability of
Directors; Indemnification" in the Prospectus.
 
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
  The form of Underwriting Agreement filed as Exhibit 1.1 contains agreements
of indemnity between the Company and the Underwriters and controlling persons
against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act, or will contribute to payments which the Underwriters or any such
controlling persons may be required to make in respect thereof.
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
 
  None.
 
ITEMS 16. EXHIBITS
 
  (a) Exhibits:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                          DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
 -------                         ----------------------
 <C>     <S>
  1.1+   --Form of Underwriting Agreement
  3.1**  --Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
  3.2**  --Bylaws of the Company
  4.1**  --Specimen of Common Stock Certificate
  4.2+   --Promissory Note of United Investors Management Company, payable to
          Torchmark Corporation,
          dated November 25, 1997
  4.3+   --Promissory Note of United Investors Management Company, payable to
          Liberty National Life
          Insurance Company, dated November 25, 1997
  4.4+   --Promissory Note of Waddell & Reed Financial Services, Inc., payable
          to United Investors Management Company, dated December 23, 1996
  4.5+   --Assignment by United Investors Management Company to Liberty
          National Life Insurance Company, dated December 23, 1996
         --Form of Opinion of Hughes & Luce, L.L.P. regarding legality of
  5.1*    securities being registered
 10.1+   --Form of Public Offering and Separation Agreement between Torchmark
          Corporation and Waddell
          & Reed Financial, Inc.
 10.2+   --Form of Tax Disaffiliation Agreement between Torchmark Corporation
          and Waddell & Reed
          Financial, Inc.
 10.3**  --Form of Investment Services Agreement between Waddell & Reed
          Investment
          Management Company and Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company.
 10.4**  --General Agent Contract, dated January 1, 1985, between United
          Investors Life Insurance Company
          and W&R Insurance Agency, Inc.
 10.5**  --Form of Amendment Extending General Agent Contract between United
          Investors Life Insurance
          Company and W & R Insurance Agency, Inc.
 10.6**  --Independent Agent Contract, dated June 25, 1997, between United
          American Insurance Company,
          W & R Insurance Agency, Inc., and affiliates identified therein.
 10.7**  --Form of Amendment Extending Independent Agent Contract between
          United American Insurance
          Company, W & R Insurance Agency, Inc., and affiliates identified
          therein.
 10.8**  --Form of The 1998 Stock Incentive Plan.
 10.9**  --Form of The 1998 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan.
 10.10** --Form of The 1998 Executive Deferred Compensation Stock Option Plan.
 10.11*  --Form of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Savings and Investment Plan.
 10.12*  --Form of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Retirement Income Plan.
 10.13*  --Form of Waddell & Reed, Inc. Career Field Retirement Plan.
 10.14** --Form of Property Management Contract between United Investors Park
          Owners Association and Waddell & Reed Property Management Division.
 10.15** --Form of Amendment Extending Distribution Contract between United
          Investors Life Insurance Company and TMK/United Funds, Inc.
 10.16** --Distribution Contract, dated April 4, 1997, between United Investors
          Life Insurance Company and TMK/United Funds, Inc.
 10.17** --Form of Agreement Amending Principal Underwriting Agreement between
          United Investors Life Insurance Company and Waddell & Reed, Inc.
 10.18** --Principal Underwriting Agreement, dated May 1, 1990, between United
          Investors Life Insurance Company and Waddell & Reed, Inc.
</TABLE>    
 
                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                        DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
 -------                       ----------------------
 <C>     <S>
 10.19** --Form of Services Agreement between Waddell & Reed Investment
          Management Company and Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company.
 10.20** --Form of Reciprocity Agreement between Torchmark Corporation and
          Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
 10.21** --Form of Administrative Services Agreement between Torchmark
          Corporation and Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
 21.1+   --Subsidiaries of the Registrant
 23.1*   --Consent of Hughes & Luce, L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1)
 23.2**  --Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 24.1+   --Powers of Attorney (appearing on Signature Page of Registration
          Statement on Form S-1 filed
          January 2, 1998, Registration No. 333-43687).
 27.1+   --Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>    
- --------
 *To be filed by amendment.
**Filed herewith.
 +Previously filed.
 
  (b) Financial Statement Schedules:
 
  Financial statement schedules are omitted as not required or not applicable
or because the information is included in the Financial Statements or notes
thereto.
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the Underwriters
at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements certificates in such
denominations and registered in such names as required by the Underwriters to
permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the underwriting agreements, the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, Delaware law or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
    (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
  the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
  Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form
  of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or
  497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
  Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
    (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
  Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
  be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
  offered therein, and the Offering of such securities at that time shall be
  deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES
   
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY
CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE
UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF OVERLAND PARK, STATE OF
KANSAS, ON FEBRUARY 27, 1998.     
 
                                         Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
                                                   
                                         By: /s/ Ronald K. Richey     
                                             ------------------------------
                                            RONALD K. RICHEY CHAIRMAN OF THE
                                                         BOARD
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE CAPACITIES AND
ON THE DATES INDICATED.

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION> 
             SIGNATURE                       TITLE                 DATE
             ---------                       -----                 ----
<S>                                   <C>                      <C> 
                 *                    Chairman of the          February 27, 1998  
- ------------------------------------   Board                         
          RONALD K. RICHEY                                                 

                                      President, Chief             
      /s/ Keith A. Tucker              Executive Officer,      February 27, 1998  
- ------------------------------------   and Director            
          KEITH A. TUCKER              (Principal
         *ATTORNEY-IN-FACT             Financial Officer)
 
                 *                    Vice-President,          February 27, 1998  
- ------------------------------------   Secretary, and          
       FRANCIS B. JACOBS, II           Director                
 
                 *                    Principal                February 27, 1998  
- ------------------------------------   Accounting Officer      
         MICHAEL D. STROHM                                     
</TABLE>      
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                          DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
 -------                         ----------------------
 <C>     <S>
  1.1+   --Form of Underwriting Agreement
  3.1**  --Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
  3.2**  --Bylaws of the Company
  4.1**  --Specimen of Common Stock Certificate
  4.2+   --Promissory Note of United Investors Management Company, payable to
          Torchmark Corporation, dated November 25, 1997
  4.3+   --Promissory Note of United Investors Management Company, payable to
          Liberty National Life Insurance Company, dated November 25, 1997
  4.4+   --Promissory Note of Waddell & Reed Financial Services, Inc., payable
          to United Investors Management Company, dated December 23, 1996
  4.5+   --Assignment by United Investor Management Company to Liberty National
          Life Insurance Company, dated December 23, 1996
  5.1*   --Form of Opinion of Hughes & Luce, L.L.P. regarding legality of
          securities being registered
 10.1+   --Form of Public Offering and Separation Agreement between Torchmark
          Corporation and Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
 10.2+   --Form of Tax Disaffiliation Agreement between Torchmark Corporation
          and Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
 10.3**  --Form of Investment Services Agreement between Waddell & Reed
          Investment Management Company and Waddell & Reed Asset Management
          Company.
 10.4**  --General Agent Contract, dated January 1, 1985, between United
          Investors Life Insurance Company and W&R Insurance Agency, Inc.
 10.5**  --Form of Amendment Extending General Agent Contract between United
          Investors Life Insurance Company and W & R Insurance Agency, Inc.
 10.6**  --Independent Agent Contract, dated June 25, 1997, between United
          American Insurance Company, W & R Insurance Agency, Inc., and
          affiliates identified therein.
 10.7**  --Form of Amendment Extending Independent Agent Contract between
          United American Insurance Company, W & R Insurance Agency, Inc., and
          affiliates identified therein.
 10.8**  --Form of The 1998 Stock Incentive Plan.
 10.9**  --Form of The 1998 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan.
 10.10** --Form of The 1998 Executive Deferred Compensation Stock Option Plan.
 10.11*  --Form of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Savings and Investment Plan.
 10.12*  --Form of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Retirement Income Plan.
 10.13*  --Form of Waddell & Reed, Inc. Career Field Retirement Plan.
 10.14** --Form of Property Management Contract between United Investors Park
          Owners Association and Waddell & Reed Property Management Division.
 10.15** --Form of Amendment Extending Distribution Contract between United
          Investors Life Insurance Company and TMK/United Funds, Inc.
 10.16** --Distribution Contract, dated April 4, 1997, between United Investors
          Life Insurance Company and TMK/United Funds, Inc.
 10.17** --Form of Agreement Amending Principal Underwriting Agreement between
          United Investors Life Insurance Company and Waddell & Reed, Inc.
 10.18** --Principal Underwriting Agreement, dated May 1, 1990, between United
          Investors Life Insurance Company and Waddell & Reed, Inc.
 10.19** --Form of Services Agreement between Waddell & Reed Investment
          Management Company and Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company.
 10.20** --Form of Reciprocity Agreement between Torchmark Corporation and
          Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
 10.21** --Form of Administrative Services Agreement between Torchmark
          Corporation and Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
 21.1+   --Subsidiaries of the Registrant
 23.1*   --Consent of Hughes & Luce, L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1)
 23.2**  --Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 24.1+   --Powers of Attorney (appearing on Signature Page of Registration
          Statement on Form S-1 filed January 2, 1998, Registration No. 333-
          43687).
 27.1+   --Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>    
- --------
 *To be filed by amendment.
**Filed herewith.
 +Previously filed.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Exhibit 3.1
                                                                     -----------
                                                                                
                             AMENDED AND RESTATED
                         CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                      OF
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
   
        Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., a corporation incorporated by the filing
of its original Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware on December 24, 1981, desiring to amend and restate its
Certificate of Incorporation, does hereby certify as follows:    
        1.      Said Certificate of Incorporation is hereby amended and restated
so as to read as follows:

        FIRST:  NAME.
                ---- 

        The name of the corporation (which is hereinafter referred to as the
"Corporation") is:
 -----------      

                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.

        SECOND: REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT.
                --------------------------- 
    
        The address of the Corporation's registered office in the State of
Delaware is Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware,
19801, in the City of Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington,
Delaware , 19801, in the County of New Castle. The name of the Corporation's
registered agent at such address is Corporation Trust Company.     

        THIRD:  PURPOSE.
                ------- 

        The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or
activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation
Law of the State of Delaware.

        FOURTH: CAPITAL STOCK.
                ------------- 
    
        4.1     Authorized Shares.  The total number of shares of all classes of
                -----------------                                               
stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue shall be two hundred
fifty-five million, 255,000,000, of which one hundred fifty million
(150,000,000) shares are to be Class A Common Stock, having a par value of one
cent ($0.01) each; one hundred million (100,000,000) shares are to be Class B
Common Stock, having a par value of one cent ($0.01) each; and five million
(5,000,000) shares are to be Preferred Stock, having a par value of one dollar
($1.00) each.     

        4.2     Common Stock.
                ------------ 

                4.2.1   The Common Stock shall be divided into two classes as
     follows:

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
    
                        A Class of one hundred fifty million (150,000,000)
                shares of Common Stock, having a par value of one cent ($.01)
                each, designated as "Class A Common Stock".     
    
                        A Class of one hundred million (100,000,000) shares of
                Common Stock, having a par value of one cent ($.01) each,
                designated as "Class B Common Stock".     

                4.2.2  As used herein, the term "Common Stock" used without
                                                ------------              
     reference to the Class A Common Stock or the Class B Common Stock means the
     Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, share-for-share alike and
     without distinction, except as otherwise set forth herein or as the context
     otherwise requires.
    
               4.2.3  The holder of each outstanding share of Class A Common
     Stock shall be entitled to one vote in person or by proxy for each share on
     all matters upon which the stockholders of the Corporation are entitled to
     vote. The holder of each outstanding share of Class B Common Stock shall be
     entitled to five votes in person or by proxy for each share on all matters
     upon which stockholders of the Corporation are entitled to vote.
     Notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation,
     holders of Class A Common Stock shall not be eligible to vote on any
     alteration or change in the powers, preferences, or special rights of the
     Class B Common Stock that would not adversely affect the rights of Class A
     Common Stock and holders of Class B Common Stock shall not be eligible to
     vote on any alteration or change in the powers, preferences or special
     rights of Class A Common Stock that would not adversely affect the rights
     of Class B Common Stock. Except as may be otherwise required by law or this
     Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class
     B Common Stock shall vote together as a single class on all matters
     submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation. Reference to a
     majority or other proportion of shares of Common Stock, Class A Common
     Stock or Class B Common Stock shall refer to such majority or other
     proportion of the votes to which such shares of Common Stock, Class A
     Common Stock or Class B Common Stock are entitled.    

               4.2.4  Authority is hereby expressly granted to the Board of
     Directors or any duly authorized committee thereof from time to time to
     issue any authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock for such
     consideration and on such terms as it may determine.

               4.2.5  At any meeting of stockholders, the presence in person or
     by proxy of the holders of shares entitled to cast a majority of all the
     votes which could be cast at such meeting by the holders of all of the
     outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote on every
     matter that is to be voted on at such meeting shall constitute a quorum.
    
               4.2.6  At every meeting of stockholders, the holders of Class A
     Common Stock, and the holders of Class B Common Stock shall vote together
     as a class, and their votes shall be counted and totaled together; and at
     any meeting of stockholders duly called and held at which a quorum
     (determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.2.5) is present,
     (i) in all matters other than the election of directors, a majority of the
     votes which could be cast at such meeting upon a given question and (ii) in
     the case of the election of directors, a plurality of the votes which could
     be cast at such meeting      

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
    
     upon such election, by such holders who are present in person or by proxy,
     shall be necessary, in addition to any vote or other action that may be
     expressly required by the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation,
     the Bylaws of the Corporation, or by the law of the State of Delaware, to
     decide such question or election, and shall decide such question or
     election if no such additional vote or other action is so required.     
    
                4.2.7  Effective as of the Trigger Date, and subject to the
     rights of any holders of Preferred Stock to elect directors as provided in
     this Certificate of Incorporation, stockholder action can be taken only at
     an annual or special meeting of stockholders and stockholder action may not
     be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting.     

                4.2.8  As used herein, the term "Trigger Date" means the date
                                                ------------                
     Torchmark Corporation owns a beneficial interest of less than a majority of
     the outstanding voting power of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
    
                4.2.9  For purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation, the
     terms "Corporation" and "Torchmark Corporation" include their respective
            -----------       ---------------------                
     subsidiaries and other entities in which they respectively beneficially
     own, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the outstanding voting
     securities or interests (except that "Torchmark Corporation" does not
                                           ---------------------          
     include the Corporation and its subsidiaries and such other entities) and,
     in the case of Torchmark Corporation, all successors to Torchmark
     Corporation by way of merger, consolidation, or sale of all or
     substantially all its assets.     
    
                4.2.10  Each share of common stock of the Corporation
     outstanding immediately prior to the creation of the classes of stock
     created by this Article Fourth ("Old Common Stock"), which creation shall
     be deemed to be the time when this Article Fourth shall become effective,
     shall upon such creation be changed and reclassified into the following:
     (a) the 188.197 shares of Old Common Stock held by Torchmark Corporation
     shall become 7,960,700 shares of Class A Common Stock, and (b) the 811.803
     shares of Old Common Stock held by Liberty National Life Insurance Company
     shall become 14,300 shares of Class A Common Stock and 34,325,000 shares of
     Class B Common Stock. Each certificate representing shares of Old Common
     Stock shall thereafter represent such number of shares of Class A Common
     Stock and Class B Common Stock set forth in the immediately preceding
     sentence, and the Corporation shall issue to, or upon the order of,
     Torchmark Corporation or Liberty National Life Insurance Company new
     certificates representing said shares.    

        4.3     Preferred Stock.
                --------------- 

                4.3.1  Authority is hereby expressly granted to the Board of
     Directors from time to time to issue Preferred Stock, for such
     consideration and on such terms as it may determine, as Preferred Stock of
     one or more series and in connection with the creation of any such series
     to fix by the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of shares
     thereof the designation, powers and relative participating, optional, or
     other special rights of such series, and the qualifications, limitations,
     or restrictions thereof. Such authority of the Board of Directors with
     respect to each such series shall include, but not be limited to, the
     determination of the following:

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                (a)  the distinctive designation of, and the number of shares
                     comprising, such series, which number may be (except where
                     otherwise provided by the Board of Directors in creating
                     such series) increased or decreased (but not below the
                     number of shares thereof then outstanding) from time to
                     time by like action of the Board of Directors;

                (b)  the dividend rate or amount for such series, the conditions
                     and dates upon which such dividends shall be payable, the
                     relation which such dividends bear to the dividends payable
                     on any other class or classes or any other series of any
                     class or classes of stock, and whether such dividends shall
                     be cumulative, and if so, from which date or dates for such
                     series;

                (c)  whether or not the shares of such series shall be subject
                     to redemption by the Corporation and the times, prices, and
                     other terms and conditions of such redemption;

                (d)  whether or not the shares of such series shall be subject
                     to the operation of a sinking fund or purchase fund to be
                     applied to the redemption or purchase of such shares and if
                     such a fund be established, the amount thereof and the
                     terms and provisions relative to the application thereof;

                (e)  whether or not the shares of such series shall be
                     convertible into or exchangeable for shares of any other
                     class or classes, or of any other series of any class or
                     classes, of stock of the Corporation and if provision be
                     made for conversion or exchange, the times, prices, rates,
                     adjustments, and other terms and conditions of such
                     conversion or exchange;

                (f)  whether or not the shares of such series shall have voting
                     rights, in addition to the voting rights provided by law,
                     and if they are to have such additional voting rights, the
                     extent thereof;

                (g)  the rights of the shares of such series in the event of any
                     liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Corporation
                     or upon any distribution of its assets; and

                (h)  any other powers, preferences, and relative, participating,
                     optional, or other special rights of the shares of such
                     series, and the qualifications, limitations, or
                     restrictions thereof, to the full extent now or hereafter
                     permitted by law and not inconsistent with the provisions
                     hereof.

                4.3.2  All shares of any one series of Preferred Stock shall be
     identical in all respects except as to the dates from which dividends
     thereon may be cumulative.  All series of the Preferred Stock shall rank
     equally and be identical in all respects except as otherwise provided in
     the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of any series of
     Preferred Stock.

                4.3.3  Except as otherwise required by law or provided by a
     resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors creating any series of
     Preferred Stock, the holders of Common Stock 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     shall have the exclusive power to vote; and the holders of Preferred Stock
     shall have no voting power whatsoever. Except as otherwise provided in such
     a resolution or resolutions, the number of authorized shares of the
     Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased by the affirmative vote of
     the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of
     capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote.

        4.4     Dividends.  Whenever dividends upon the Preferred Stock are at
                ---------                                                     
the time outstanding and the extent of the preference to which such stock is
entitled, shall have been paid in full or declared and set apart for payment for
all past dividend periods, and after the provisions for any sinking or purchase
fund or funds for any series of Preferred Stock shall have been complied with,
the Board of Directors may declare and pay dividends on the Common Stock,
payable in cash, stock or otherwise; and the holders of shares of Preferred
Stock shall not be entitled to share therein, subject to the provisions of the
resolution or resolutions creating any series of Preferred Stock.  In the case
of dividends or other distributions payable in Common Stock only shares of Class
A Common Stock shall be paid or distributed with respect to Class A Common Stock
and only shares of Class B Common Stock shall be paid or distributed with
respect to Class B Common Stock.  The number of shares of Class A Common Stock
and Class B Common Stock so distributed shall be distributed proportionally with
respect to each outstanding share of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock.  Neither the shares of Class A Common Stock nor the shares of Class B
Common Stock may be reclassified, subdivided or combined unless such
reclassification, subdivision or combination occurs simultaneously and in the
same proportion for each class.

        4.5     Liquidation.  In the event of any liquidation, dissolution, or
                -----------                                                   
winding up of the Corporation or upon the distribution of the assets of the
Corporation remaining, after the payment to the holders of the Preferred Stock
of the full preferential amounts to which they shall be entitled as provided in
the resolution or resolutions creating any series thereof, the remaining assets
of the Corporation shall be divided and distributed among the holders of the
Common Stock ratably, except as may otherwise be provided in any such resolution
or resolutions.  Neither the merger or consolidation of the Corporation with
another corporation nor the sale or lease of all or substantially all the assets
of the Corporation shall be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution, or winding
up of the Corporation or a distribution of its assets.
    
        4.6     Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation.  Except as otherwise
                -----------------------------------------                      
provided by law or by this Certificate of Incorporation, and subject to any
rights of the holders of Preferred Stock, the provision of this Certificate of
Incorporation shall not be modified, revised, altered or amended, repealed or
rescinded in whole or in part, without the approval of a majority of the voting
power of the shares of the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock
entitled to vote, voting together as a single class; provided, however, that
with respect to any proposed amendment of this Certificate of Incorporation that
would alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the shares of
Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock so as to affect them adversely, the
approval of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the
shares affected by the proposed amendment, voting separately as a class, shall
be obtained. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase in the authorized
number of shares of any class or classes of stock of the Corporation shall be
deemed not to affect adversely the powers, preferences or special rights of the
shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock.     

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
        FIFTH:  DIRECTORS.
                --------- 
    
        5.1     Staggered Board.  The Board of Directors shall consist of not
                --------------- 
less than seven nor more than 15 persons.  Subject to any rights of holders of
Preferred Stock to elect directors under specified circumstances, the exact
number of directors within the minimum and maximum limitations specified in the
preceding sentence shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors
pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, designated as Class
I, Class II and Class III.  Each  class shall consist, initially of four Class I
directors, four Class II directors and two Class III directors.  Class I
directors shall be elected initially for a one-year term, Class II directors
initially for a two-year term and Class III directors initially for a three-year
term.  At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders beginning in 1999,
successors to the class of directors whose term expires at that annual meeting
shall be elected for a three-year term.  If the number of directors is changed,
any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes so as to
maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, and
any additional director of any class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an
increase in such class shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the
remaining term of that class, but in no case shall a decrease in the number of
directors shorten the term of any incumbent director.  A director shall hold
office until the annual meeting for the year in which his or her term expires
and until his or her successor shall be elected and shall qualify, subject,
however, to prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal
from office.  Any vacancy on the Board of Directors that results from an
increase in the number of directors shall be filled by a majority of the
Board of Directors then in office, provided that a quorum is present, and any
other vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors shall be filled by a
majority of the Board of Directors then in office, even if less than a quorum or
a sole remaining director.  Any director elected to fill a vacancy not resulting
from an increase in the number of directors shall have the same remaining term
as that of his or her predecessor.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the
holders of any one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock issued by the
Corporation shall have the right, voting separately by class or series, to elect
directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of
office, filling of vacancies and other features of such directorships shall be
governed by the terms of this Certificate of Incorporation applicable thereto,
and such directors so elected shall not be divided into classes pursuant to this
Article Fifth unless expressly provided by such terms.    

        5.2     Election.  No holder of Common Stock shall have the right to
                --------                                                    
exercise cumulative voting rights.  Unless and except to the extent that the
Bylaws of the Corporation shall so require, the election of directors of the
Corporation need not be by written ballot.

        5.3     Removal.  Subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock to
                -------                                                         
elect directors under specified circumstances, effective as of the Trigger Date,
directors may be removed only for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of
holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all the then outstanding shares
of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting
together as a single class; provided, however, that prior to the Trigger Date,
directors may be removed, without cause, with the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the then outstanding
shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting
together as a single class.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
        SIXTH:  BYLAWS.
                ------ 

        The Board of Directors is expressly authorized and empowered to make,
alter and repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation, subject to the power of the
stockholders of the Corporation to alter or repeal any Bylaws made by the Board
of Directors.
    
        SEVENTH: PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS.     
                 -----------------
    
        No holder of Preferred Stock or Common Stock of the Corporation shall
have any preemptive right as such holder (other than such right, if any, as the
Board of Directors in its discretion may by resolution determine pursuant to
this Article Seventh) to purchase, subscribe for or otherwise acquire any shares
of stock of the Corporation of any class now or hereafter authorized, or any
securities convertible into or exchangeable for any such shares, or any warrants
or any instruments evidencing rights or options to subscribe for, purchase or
otherwise acquire any such shares, whether such shares, securities, warrants or
other instruments are now, or shall hereafter be, authorized, unissued or issued
and thereafter acquired by the Corporation.     

        EIGHTH:

        8.1     Elimination of Certain Liability of Directors.
                --------------------------------------------- 
    
        The directors of the Corporation shall be entitled to the benefits
of all limitations on the liability of directors generally that are now or
hereafter become available under the General Corporation Law of Delaware.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a director of the Corporation
shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for
monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for
liability (a) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the
Corporation or its stockholders, (b) for acts or omissions not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (c) for
paying a dividend or approving a stock repurchase in violation of Section 174 of
the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (d) for any transaction from which the
director derived an improper personal benefit.  Any repeal or modification of
this Section 8.1 shall be prospective only, and shall not affect, to the
detriment of any director, any limitation on the personal liability of a
director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or 
modification.     

        8.2     Indemnification and Insurance.
                ----------------------------- 

                8.2.1  Right to Indemnification.  Each person who was or is made
                       ------------------------                                 
     a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any
     action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
     investigative (hereinafter a "proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he
                                   ----------                                 
     or she, or a person of whom he or she is the legal representative, is or
     was a director or officer, of the Corporation or is or was serving at the
     request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another company,
     partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service
     with respect to employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such
     proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director or
     officer or in any other capacity while serving as a director or officer
     shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest
     extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same
     exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment,
     only to the extent that such 

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
     amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights
     than said law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such
     amendment), against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys'
     fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or
     to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in
     connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to a person
     who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit
     of his or her heirs, executors and administrators; provided, however, that,
     except as provided in Section 8.2.2 hereof, the Corporation shall indemnify
     any such person seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or
     part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part
     thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. The
     right to indemnification conferred in this Section shall be a contract
     right and shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the
     expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final
     disposition; provided, however, that, if the Delaware General Corporation
     Law requires, the payment of such expenses incurred by a director or
     officer in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any
     other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such person while a
     director or officer, including, without limitation, service to an employee
     benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding, shall be
     made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking, by or on
     behalf of such director or officer, to repay all amounts so advanced if it
     shall ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not
     entitled to be indemnified under this Section or otherwise. The Corporation
     may, by action of its Board of Directors, provide indemnification to
     employees and agents of the Corporation with the same scope and effect as
     the foregoing indemnification of directors and officers.

                8.2.2  Right of Claimant to Bring Suit.  If a claim under 
                       -------------------------------                         
     Section 8.2.1 is not paid in full by the Corporation within thirty days
     after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, the claimant
     may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover
     the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in whole or in part, the
     claimant shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting such
     claim. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action
     brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any
     proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required
     undertaking, if any is required, has been tendered to the Corporation) that
     the claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible
     under the Delaware General Corporation Law for the Corporation to indemnify
     the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of proving such defense
     shall be on the Corporation. Neither the failure of the Corporation
     (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its
     stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of
     such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the
     circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct
     set forth in the Delaware General Corporation Law, nor an actual
     determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors,
     independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the claimant has not
     met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action
     or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable
     standard of conduct.

                8.2.3  Non-Exclusivity of Rights.  The right to indemnification
                       -------------------------                               
     and the payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance
     of its final disposition conferred in this Section shall not be exclusive
     of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any
     statute, provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, agreement,
     vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                8.2.4  Insurance.  The Corporation may maintain insurance, at 
                       ---------                                              
     its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent
     of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture,
     trust or other enterprise against any such expense, liability or loss,
     whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such
     person against such expense, liability or loss under the Delaware General
     Corporation Law.

        NINTH:

        9.1     Conduct of Certain Affairs of the Corporation.
                ---------------------------------------------

                9.1.1  In anticipation that the Corporation will cease to be an
     indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Torchmark Corporation, but that
     Torchmark Corporation will remain a substantial stockholder of the
     Corporation, and in anticipation that the Corporation and Torchmark
     Corporation may engage in the same areas of corporate opportunities, and in
     recognition of the benefits to be derived by the Corporation through its
     continued contractual, corporate and business relations with Torchmark
     Corporation (including possible service of officers and directors of
     Torchmark Corporation as officers and directors of the Corporation), the
     provisions of this Article Ninth are set forth to regulate and define the
     conduct of certain affairs of the Corporation as they may involve Torchmark
     Corporation and its officers and directors, and the powers, rights, duties
     and liabilities of the Corporation and its officers, directors and
     stockholders in connection therewith.

                9.1.2  Torchmark Corporation shall have no duty to refrain from
     (a) engaging in the same or similar activities or lines of business as the
     Corporation, (b) doing business with any potential or actual client,
     customer or supplier of the Corporation, or (c) employing or engaging any
     officer or employee of the Corporation, and neither Torchmark Corporation
     nor any officers or directors thereof (except as provided in 9.1.3 below)
     shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for breach of any
     fiduciary duty by reason of any such activities of Torchmark Corporation.
     In the event that Torchmark Corporation acquires knowledge of a potential
     transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for both
     Torchmark Corporation and the Corporation, Torchmark Corporation shall have
     no duty to communicate or offer such corporate opportunity to the
     Corporation and shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders
     for breach of any fiduciary duty as a stockholder of the Corporation by
     reason of the fact that Torchmark Corporation pursues or acquires such
     corporate opportunity for itself, directs such corporate opportunity to
     another person, or does not communicate information regarding such
     corporate opportunity to the Corporation.

                9.1.3  In the event that a director or officer of the
     Corporation who is also a director or officer of Torchmark Corporation
     acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter which may be a
     corporate opportunity for both the Corporation and Torchmark Corporation,
     such director or officer of the Corporation shall have fully satisfied and
     fulfilled the fiduciary duty of such director or officer to the Corporation
     and its stockholders with respect to such corporate opportunity, if such
     director or officer acts in good faith in accordance with the following
     policy:

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                (a)  a corporate opportunity offered to any person who is a
                     director but not an officer of the Corporation and who is
                     also an officer (whether or not a director) of Torchmark
                     Corporation will belong to Torchmark Corporation unless the
                     opportunity is expressly offered to that person primarily
                     in his or her capacity as a director of the Corporation, in
                     which case the opportunity will belong to the Corporation.

                (b)  a corporate opportunity offered to any person who is an
                     officer (whether or not a director) of the Corporation and
                     who is also a director but not an officer of Torchmark
                     Corporation will belong to the Corporation, unless the
                     opportunity is expressly offered to that person primarily
                     in his or her capacity as a director of Torchmark
                     Corporation, in which case the opportunity will belong to
                     Torchmark Corporation.
    
                (c)  a corporate opportunity offered to any other person who is
                     either an officer of both the Corporation and Torchmark
                     Corporation or a director of both the Corporation and
                     Torchmark Corporation will belong to Torchmark Corporation
                     or to the Corporation, as the case may be, if the
                     opportunity is expressly offered to the person primarily in
                     his or her capacity as an officer or director of Torchmark
                     Corporation or the Corporation, respectively. Otherwise,
                     the opportunity will belong to Torchmark Corporation.     

                (d)  any corporate opportunity that belongs to Torchmark
                     Corporation or to the Corporation, pursuant to the
                     foregoing policy will not be pursued by the other (or
                     directed by the other to another person or entity) unless
                     and until Torchmark Corporation or the Corporation, as the
                     case may be, determines not to pursue the opportunity. If
                     the party to whom the corporate opportunity belongs does
                     not, however, within a reasonable period of time, begin to
                     pursue, or thereafter continue to pursue, such opportunity
                     diligently and in good faith, the other party may pursue
                     each opportunity (or direct it to another person or
                     entity).

                (e)  a director or officer of the Corporation who acts in
                     accordance with the foregoing policy (i) will be deemed
                     fully to have satisfied his or her fiduciary duties to the
                     Corporation and its stockholders with respect to such
                     corporate opportunity; (ii) will not be liable to the
                     Corporation or its stockholders for any breach of fiduciary
                     duty by reason of the fact that Torchmark Corporation
                     pursues or acquires such opportunity for itself or directs
                     such corporate opportunity to another person or entity or
                     does not communicate information regarding such opportunity
                     to the Corporation; (iii) will be deemed to have acted in
                     good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believes to
                     be in the best interests of the Corporation; and (iv) will
                     be deemed not to have breached his or her duty of loyalty
                     to the Corporation or its stockholders and not to have
                     derived an improper benefit therefrom.

                9.1.4  As used herein, the term "Corporate Opportunities"
                                                 ----------------------- 
     means business opportunities potentially allocable to the Corporation that
     (i) the Corporation is

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
     financially able to undertake; (ii) are, from their nature, in the
     Corporation's line or lines of business and are of practical advantage to
     the Corporation, and (iii) are ones in which the Corporation has an
     interest or reasonable expectancy. "Corporate Opportunities" shall not
                                         -----------------------
     include transactions in which the Corporation or Torchmark Corporation is
     permitted to participate pursuant to any agreement between the Corporation
     and Torchmark Corporation that is in effect as of the time any equity
     security of the Corporation is held of record by any person other than
     Torchmark Corporation or subsequently entered into with the approval of the
     disinterested directors.
    
                9.1.5  For purposes of this Section 9.1, a director of the
     Corporation who is chairman of the Board of Directors (or a committee
     thereof) or chief executive officer will not be deemed to be an officer of
     the Corporation by reason of holding such position, unless such person is a
     full-time employee of the Corporation.    

        9.2     Conflict of Interests Policy.
                ---------------------------- 

                9.2.1  No contract, agreement, arrangement, or transaction
     between the Corporation and Torchmark Corporation or any customer or
     supplier or any entity in which a director of the Corporation has a
     financial interest (a "Related Entity"), or between the Corporation and one
                            --------------
     or more of the directors or officers of the Corporation, Torchmark
     Corporation or any Related Entity; any amendment, modification, or
     termination thereof; or any waiver of any right thereunder will be voidable
     solely because Torchmark Corporation or such customer or supplier, any
     Related Entity, or any one or more of the officers or directors of the
     Corporation, Torchmark Corporation, or any Related Entity are parties
     thereto, or solely because any such directors or officers are present at or
     participate in the meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof
     which authorizes the contract, agreement, arrangement, transaction,
     amendment, modification, termination, or waiver (each, a "Transaction") or
                                                               -----------
     solely because their votes are counted for such purpose, if any of the
     following four requirements are met:

          (a)  the material facts as to the relationship or interest and as to
               the Transaction are disclosed or known to the Board of Directors
               or the committee thereof that authorizes the Transaction, and the
               Board of Directors or such committee in good faith approves the
               Transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
               disinterested directors on the Board of Directors or such
               committee, even if the disinterested directors are less than a
               quorum;

          (b)  the material facts as to the relationship or interest and as to
               the Transaction are disclosed or known to the holders of voting
               stock entitled to vote thereon, and the Transaction is
               specifically approved by vote of the holders of a majority of the
               voting power of the outstanding voting stock not owned by
               Torchmark Corporation or such Related Entity, voting together as
               a single class;

          (c)  the Transaction is effected pursuant to guidelines that are in
               good faith approved by a majority of the disinterested directors
               on the Board of directors or the applicable committee thereof or
               by vote of the holders of a majority of 

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
               the voting power of the then outstanding voting stock not owned
               by Torchmark Corporation or such Related Entity, voting together
               as a single class; or

          (d)  the Transaction is fair to the Corporation as of the time it is
               approved by the Board of Directors, a committee thereof or the
               stockholders of the Corporation.

                9.2.2  If the requirements of (a), (b), (c) or (d) of Section
     9.2.1 are met, Torchmark Corporation, the Related Entity, and the directors
     and officers of the Corporation, Torchmark Corporation, or the Related
     Entity (as applicable) will be deemed to have acted reasonably and in good
     faith (to the extent such standard is applicable to such person's conduct)
     and fully to have satisfied any duties of loyalty and fiduciary duties they
     may have to the Corporation and its stockholders with respect to such
     transaction.

               9.2.3  Any Transaction authorized, approved, or effected, and
     each of such guidelines authorized or approved, as described in (a), (b) or
     (c) of Section 9.2.1, will be deemed to be entirely fair to the Corporation
     and its stockholders, except that, if such authorization or approval shall
     not be obtained, or such Transaction shall not be so effected, no
     presumption will arise that such Transaction or guideline is not fair to
     the Corporation and its stockholders.  Torchmark Corporation will not be
     liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for breach of any fiduciary
     duty that Torchmark Corporation may have by reason of the fact that
     Torchmark Corporation takes any action in connection with any transaction
     between Torchmark Corporation and the Corporation.

        9.3     Any person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any
shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and
to have consented to this Article Ninth.

        9.4     Before the Trigger Date, the affirmative vote of the holders of
more than 80% of the outstanding voting stock, voting together as a single
class, will be required to alter, amend, or repeal the corporate opportunity
provisions contained in Section 9.1 or the conflict of interest policies
contained in Section 9.2 in a manner adverse to the interests of Torchmark
Corporation.  After the Trigger Date this Article Ninth will terminate.

        2.      This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been
duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation in accordance with the
provisions of Section 242, of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware and has been duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of the
Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation heretofore amended.

        3.      This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall
become effective at the time it is filed in the office of the Secretary of State
of the State of Delaware.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused its corporate seal to
be affixed hereto and this instrument to be signed in its name by its Chairman
and attested by its Secretary.

                                  WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.

                                  By:_______________________________
                                  Name:

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
                                    
                                  Title:  Chairman of the Board      

    
ATTESTED:     
    
By:_______________________________      
    
Name:     
    
Title:  Secretary     

                                       13

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Exhibit 3.2
                                                                     -----------
                                                                                
                                                                               

                            
                          AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS      
                                      OF
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.

                              ___________________

                              ARTICLE I.  OFFICES

Section 1.  Registered Office:
            ----------------- 

          The registered office shall be established and maintained at the
office of the Corporation Trust Company, in the City of Wilmington, in the
County of New Castle, in the State of Delaware, and said corporation shall be
the registered agent of this corporation in charge thereof.

Section 2.  Other Offices:
            ------------- 

          The Corporation may have other offices, either within or without the
State of Delaware, at such place or places as the Board of Directors may from
time to time appoint or the business of the Corporation may require.  The
principal place of business of the Corporation shall be in Overland Park,
Kansas.

                     ARTICLE II.  MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1.  Stockholder Action:
            ------------------ 
    
          Effective as of the Trigger Date (defined below) and subject to the
rights of any holders of Preferred Stock to elect directors as provided in the
Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended (the "Certificate of
Incorporation"), any action required or permitted to be taken by the
stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or
special      
<PAGE>
 
    
meeting of stockholders of the corporation and may not be effected by any
consent in writing by such stockholders. Subject to rights of holders of
Preferred Stock to elect additional directors as provided in the Certificate of
Incorporation, special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may be called
only by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority
of the entire Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board, upon not less
than ten nor more than sixty days' written notice, provided that prior to the
Trigger Date, special meetings can also be called at the request of the holders
of a majority of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of stock. For
purposes of these Bylaws, "Trigger Date" shall mean the date Torchmark
                           ------------
Corporation owns a beneficial interest of less than a majority of the
outstanding voting power of the then outstanding shares of stock entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors.     

Section 2.  Annual Meetings:
            --------------- 

          Annual meetings of stockholders for the election of directors and for
such other business as may be stated in the notice of the meeting given by the
Corporation, shall be held at such place, either within or without the State of
Delaware, and at such time and date as the Board of Directors, by resolution,
shall determine and as set forth in the notice of the meeting.  In the event the
Board of Directors fails to so determine the time, date and place of meeting,
the annual meeting of stockholders shall be held at the principal executive
offices of the Corporation in Kansas on the last Wednesday of April.

          If the date of the annual meeting shall fall upon a legal holiday, the
meeting shall be held on the next succeeding business day.  At each annual
meeting, the stockholders entitled to vote

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
shall elect members of a class of the Board of Directors, and they may transact
such other corporate business as may properly come before the meeting.

Section 3.  Voting and Proxies:
            ------------------ 
    
          In accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation and
in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws each holder of Class A Common
Stock shall be entitled to one vote, in person or by proxy, per share and each
holder of Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to five votes, in person
or by proxy, per share.  Holders of Class A Common Stock shall not be eligible
to vote on any alteration or change in the powers, preferences, or special
rights of the Class B Common Stock that would not adversely affect the rights of
Class A Common Stock and holders of Class B Common Stock shall not be eligible
to vote on any alteration or change in the powers, preferences or special rights
of Class A Common Stock that would not adversely affect the rights of Class B
Common Stock.  No proxy shall be voted after eleven (11) months from its date
unless such proxy provides for a longer period.  Such proxy shall be filed with
the Secretary of the Corporation before or at the time of the meeting.  Upon the
demand of any stockholder, the vote for directors and the vote upon any question
before the meeting shall be by ballot.  All elections for directors shall be
decided by a plurality vote; all other questions shall be decided by a majority
vote except as otherwise provided by these Bylaws, the Certificate of
Incorporation or the laws of the State of Delaware.     

          A complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the ensuing
election, arranged in alphabetical order, with the address of each, and the
number of shares held by each, shall be open to the examination of any
stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business
hours for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting, either at a place
within the

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the
notice of the meeting, or if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is
to be held.  The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of
the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any
stockholder who is present.

Section 4.  Quorum:
            ------ 

          A majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of the
Corporation entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, shall
constitute a quorum at meetings of stockholders.  In determining whether a
quorum is present treasury shares shall not be counted.  If less than a majority
of the voting power of the outstanding shares are represented, a majority of the
voting power of the shares so represented may adjourn the meeting from time to
time without further notice, but until a quorum is secured no other business may
be transacted.  The stockholders present at a duly organized meeting may
continue to transact business until an adjournment notwithstanding the
withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum. At any duly
organized meeting, except as otherwise provided by these Bylaws or in the
Certificate of Incorporation, a vote of a majority of the voting power of the
stock represented thereat shall decide any question brought before the meeting.

Section 5.  Notice of Meetings:
            ------------------ 

          Written notice, stating the place, date and time of the meeting, and
the general nature of the business to be considered, shall be given to each
stockholder entitled to vote thereat at such stockholder's address as it appears
on the records of the Corporation, not less than ten nor more than sixty days
before the date of the meeting.  No business other than that stated in the
notice shall be transacted at any special meeting or any annual meeting;
provided, business not stated in

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
the notice of an annual meeting may be transacted at such annual meeting with
the unanimous consent of all the stockholders entitled to vote thereat.

Section 6.  Order of Business:
            ----------------- 
          The order of business at the annual meeting and, as far as
practicable, at all other meetings of the stockholders shall be as follows:

     1.   Calling of roll.
     2.   Proof of due notice of meeting.
     3.   Reading and disposal of any unapproved minutes.
     4.   Reports of officers and committees.
     5.   Election of directors.
     6.   Unfinished business.
     7.   New business.
     8.   Adjournment.

                            ARTICLE III.  DIRECTORS

Section 1.  Number, Election and Terms:
            -------------------------- 
    
          The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or
under the direction of a Board of Directors consisting of not less than seven
nor more than 15 persons. Subject to any rights of holders of Preferred Stock to
elect directors as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, the exact
number of directors within the minimum and maximum limitations specified in the
preceding sentence shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors
pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, designated as Class
I, Class II and Class III.     

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
    
Each class shall consist, initially of four Class I directors, four Class II
directors and two Class III directors. Class I directors shall be elected
initially for a one-year term, Class II directors initially for a two-year term
and Class III directors initially for a three-year term. At each succeeding
annual meeting of stockholders beginning in 1999, successors to the class of
directors whose term expires at that annual meeting shall be elected for a 
three-year term. If the number of directors is changed, any increase or decrease
shall be apportioned among the classes so as to apportion the number of
directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, and any additional director
of any class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in such class
shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that
class, but in no case shall a decrease in the number of directors shorten the
term of any incumbent director. Directors need not be stockholders.    

Section 2.  Resignations:
            ------------ 

          Any director, member of a committee or other officer may resign at any
time.  Such resignation shall be made in writing, and shall take effect at the
time of its receipt by the Chief Executive Officer or Secretary or at such other
time as may be specified therein.  The acceptance of a resignation shall not be
necessary to make it effective.

Section 3.  Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies:
            ----------------------------------------- 
    
          Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock
then outstanding to elect directors as provided in the Certificate of
Incorporation, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the
authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of      

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification,
removal from office or other cause shall, unless the Board of Directors
otherwise determine, be filled by a majority vote of the directors then in
office even if less than a quorum remain on the Board of Directors, or if all of
the directors shall have been removed, by stockholders with a majority of the
voting power of the outstanding shares of stock, and directors so chosen shall
hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders at which
the term of the class to which they have been elected expires.  No decrease in
the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the
term of any incumbent director.

          If the office of any member of a committee or other officer becomes
vacant, the directors in office, by a majority vote, may appoint any qualified
person to fill such vacancy, who shall hold office for the unexpired term and
until his successor shall be duly chosen.

          Subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock to elect directors
under specified circumstances, effective as of the Trigger Date, directors may
be removed only for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of holders of at
least 80% of the voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a
single class; provided, however, that prior to such date, directors may be
removed, without cause, with the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a
majority of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of stock entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single 
class.

          If the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding are
entitled to elect one or more directors, these provisions shall not apply, in
respect to the removal of a director or directors so elected, to the vote of the
holders of the outstanding shares of that series and the

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
rights of the holders of such shares shall be as set out in the Certificate of
Designations, Preferences and Rights for such shares.

Section 4.  Powers:
            ------ 

          The Board of Directors shall exercise all the powers of the
Corporation except such as are by law, or by the Certificate of Incorporation of
the Corporation or by these Bylaws conferred upon or reserved to the
stockholders.

Section 5.  Election of Committee Members:
            ----------------------------- 

          At each regular annual meeting of the Board of Directors, the
directors may, by resolution or resolutions passed by a majority of the whole
Board, designate directors to serve as members of the executive committee, the
compensation committee, the finance committee, the nominating committee, and the
audit committee until the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors and
until their successors are duly designated.  At any regular or special meeting
of the Board of Directors, the directors may elect additional advisors for these
committees.  Such advisors may or may not be members of the Board of Directors
and shall serve until the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors or for
the period of time designated by the Board.  The Board of Directors may from
time to time provide for such other committees as may be deemed necessary and
assign to such committees such authority and duties as are appropriate and
allowed by Delaware law.

Section 6.  Meetings:
            -------- 

          The directors may hold their annual meeting for the purpose of
organization and the transaction of business, if a quorum be present,
immediately after the annual meeting of the stockholders; or the time and place
of such meeting may be fixed by resolution of the directors.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
          Regular meetings of the directors may be held without notice at such
places and times as shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the
directors.

          Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chief
Executive Officer at any time or by the Secretary on the written request of any
two directors upon at least twelve hours personal notice to each director.  For
purposes of this paragraph, personal notice shall be deemed given if telephonic
notice is given to the business office of a director during normal business
hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the respective time zone in which the
director's office is located).  Such special meetings shall be held at such
place or places as may be determined by the Chief Executive Officer or the
directors calling the meeting, and shall be stated in the notice of the call of
the meeting.

          Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or
these Bylaws, members of the Board of Directors, or any committee designated by
the Board of Directors, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors,
or any committee, by means of conference telephone or similar communications
equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear
each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in
person at the meeting.

Section 7.  Quorum:
            ------ 

          A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business.  If at any meeting of the Board of Directors there
shall be less than a quorum present, a majority of those present may adjourn the
meeting from time to time until a quorum is obtained, and no further notice
thereof need be given other than by announcement at the meeting which shall be
so adjourned.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Section 8.  Compensation:
            ------------ 

          Directors shall not receive any stated salary for their services as
directors or as members of committees, except that by resolution of the Board of
Directors, retainer fees, meeting fees, expenses of attendance at meetings and
other benefits and payments may be authorized.  Nothing herein contained shall
be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other
capacity as an officer, agent or otherwise, and receiving compensation therefor.

Section 9.  Action Without Meeting:
            ---------------------- 

          Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the
Board of Directors or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting,
if prior to such action a written consent thereto is signed by all members of
the Board of Directors, or of such committee as the case may be, and such
written consent is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of
Directors or committee.

Section 10.  Amendment, Repeal and Adoption:
             ------------------------------ 

          Notwithstanding anything contained in these Bylaws to the contrary the
shareholders may only amend or repeal, or adopt any provision inconsistent with
this Article III, with the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of
the voting power of all of the shares of the Corporation entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors.

                       ARTICLE IV.  STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1.  Executive Committee:
            ------------------- 

          The executive committee of the Board of Directors shall consist of the
chairman of the board, the president, and not less than three nor more than
eight members elected by the directors from their own number.  The chairman of
this committee shall be selected by the Board of

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
Directors.  The executive committee in the interim between meetings of the Board
of Directors shall exercise all of the powers of the Board of Directors.

Section 2.  Compensation Committee:
            ---------------------- 

          The compensation committee shall consist of not less than three nor
more than eight members whose chairman shall also be named by the directors.
The compensation committee shall prescribe the compensation of all officers
having an annual compensation of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000)
or more.  The compensation of all other officers shall be determined by the
Chief Executive Officer.

Section 3.  Audit Committee:
            --------------- 

          The audit committee shall consist of not less than three nor more than
eight members elected by the directors from among their own number; provided,
however, that a majority of the members of the committee shall be outside
directors.  The chairman of the committee shall also be selected by the Board of
Directors.  The audit committee shall recommend to the Board the firm to be
employed by the Corporation as its external auditor; shall consult with the
persons chosen to be the external auditors with regard to the plan of audit;
shall review the fees of the external auditors for audit and non-audit services;
shall review, in consultation with the external auditors, their report of audit,
or proposed report of audit, and the accompanying management letter, if any;
shall review with management and the external auditor before publication or
issuance, the annual financial statement, and any annual reports to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission; shall consult with the external
auditors (periodically, as appropriate, out of the presence of management) with
regard to the adequacy of the internal auditing and general accounting functions
of the Corporation; shall consult with the internal auditors (periodically, as

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
appropriate, out of the presence of management) with regard to cooperation of
corporate divisions with the internal auditing and accounting departments and
the adequacy of corporate systems of accounting and controls; shall serve as a
communications liaison between the Board of Directors, the external auditors,
and the internal auditors; and shall perform such other duties not inconsistent
with the spirit and purpose of the committee as are delegated to it by the Board
of Directors.

Section 4.  Finance Committee:
            ----------------- 

          The Board of Directors may elect from its membership a finance
committee of not less than three nor more than eight members elected by the
directors from among their own number.  The Chairman of the committee shall also
be selected by the Board of Directors.  The finance committee shall have special
charge and control of all financial affairs of the Company.  The principal
functions and responsibilities of the finance committee are to: review and
approve investment and loan policies; review and approve asset-liability
management policies; monitor corporate financial results; recommend corporate
financial actions, including dividends and capital financing.  The finance
committee shall make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to
the terms and provisions of any issue of securities of the Company, including
equity and debt securities, and shall serve as the pricing committee in
connection with any such financing and shall authorize the execution of such
underwriting agreements as may be necessary or desirable to effectuate such
issue.

Section 5.  Nominating Committee:
            -------------------- 

          The nominating committee shall consist of all non-employee (outside)
directors of the Company, with its chairman to be named by the Board of
Directors.  The nominating committee

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
shall meet periodically to review the qualifications of potential Board
candidates from whatever source received; shall report its findings to the Board
and propose nominations for Board membership for approval by the Board and for
submission to stockholders for approval; and shall review and make
recommendations to the Board, where appropriate, concerning the size of the
Board and the frequency of meetings.  The nominating committee shall have and
exercise all such power as it shall deem necessary for the performance of its
duties.

Section 6.  Meetings:
            -------- 

          Meetings of the executive committee, the finance committee, the
nominating committee, the compensation committee, and the audit committee shall
be held on call of the chairman of the board or any committee member. Meetings
may be held informally, by telephone, or by mail, and it is not necessary that
members of the committee be physically present together in order for a meeting
to be held.  Two or more members of a committee shall constitute a quorum.

                             ARTICLE V.  OFFICERS

Section 1.  Officers:
            -------- 

          The officers of the Corporation shall be a President, such Vice-
Presidents as shall from time to time be deemed necessary, a Secretary, a
Treasurer, and such other officers as may be deemed appropriate.  A Chairman of
the Board and a Vice Chairman of the Board may also be elected.  All such
officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors and shall hold office until
their successors are elected and qualified.  None of the officers of the
Corporation need be directors.  More than one office may be held by the same
person.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
Section 2.  Chairman of the Board:
            --------------------- 

          In the event that there is a Chairman of the Board, he shall preside
at all meetings of the Board of Directors and stockholders.  He shall have and
perform such duties as usually devolve upon his office and such other duties as
are prescribed by the Bylaws and by the Board of Directors.

Section 3.  Vice Chairman of the Board:
            -------------------------- 

          The Vice Chairman of the Board shall in the absence or inability to
act of the Chairman of the Board preside at all meetings of the Board of
Directors and stockholders, and exercise and discharge the responsibilities and
duties of the Chairman of the Board.  He shall have and perform such other
duties as may be prescribed or assigned by the Board of Directors or the
Chairman of the Board.

Section 4.  President:
            --------- 
    
          The President shall be the chief operating officer of the Corporation
unless the Board of Directors elects a separate Chief Operating Officer, and
shall perform such duties as usually devolve upon his office and such other
duties as are prescribed by these Bylaws, by the Board of Directors, and by the
Chairman.  In the absence or inability to act of the Chairman of the Board and
the Vice Chairman of the Board or if the offices of Chairman of the Board and
Vice Chairman of the Board shall be vacant, the President shall have and
exercise all the powers and duties of such office.  If the Chairman of the
Board, Vice Chairman of the Board or the President is absent from any meeting of
the Board of Directors or stockholders where either was to have presided, the
other directors shall elect one of their number to preside at the meeting.     

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
Section 5.  Vice Presidents:
            --------------- 

          The Vice Presidents shall perform such duties as may be assigned to
them from time to time by these Bylaws, the Board of Directors, the Chairman of
the Board, or the President.

Section 6.  Treasurer:
            --------- 

          The Treasurer shall have custody of all funds of the Corporation.  The
Treasurer shall have and perform such duties as are incident to the office of
Treasurer and such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by
the Board of Directors, the Chairman, or the President.

Section 7.  Secretary:
            --------- 

          The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings of the stockholders
and the Board of Directors unless otherwise directed by those bodies.  The
Secretary shall have custody of the corporate seal, and the Secretary or any
Assistant Secretary shall affix the same to all instruments or papers requiring
the seal of the Corporation.  The Secretary, or in his absence, any Assistant
Secretary, shall attend to the giving and serving of all notices of the
Corporation.  The Secretary shall perform all the duties incident to the office
of Secretary, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, and shall do and
perform such other duties as may from time to time be assigned by the Board of
Directors, the Chairman, or the President.

Section 8.  Other Officers and Agents:
            ------------------------- 
    
          The Board of Directors may appoint such other officers and agents as
it may deem advisable, including, without limitation, a Chief Operating Officer,
who shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined
from time to time by the Board of Directors.     

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
Section 9.  Chief Executive Officer:
            ----------------------- 

          The Chairman of the Board shall serve as the chief executive officer
of the Corporation.  Subject to the control of the Board of Directors, the
Chairman of the Board shall be vested with authority to act for the Corporation,
and shall have general and active management of the business of the Corporation
and such other general powers and duties of supervision and management as
usually devolve upon such office and as may be prescribed from time to time by
the Board of Directors.

Section 10.  Election and Term:
             ----------------- 
    
          The officers of the Corporation shall be elected annually by the Board
of Directors at the first meeting held after each annual meeting of
stockholders.  Each officer shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board of
Directors until his death, resignation, retirement, or removal.  Any officer may
be elected by the Board of Directors at other than annual meetings to serve at
the pleasure of the Board of Directors until the first meeting of the Board of
Directors held after the annual meeting of stockholders next following his
election.     

                          ARTICLE VI.  MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1.  Certificates of Stock:
            --------------------- 
    
          A certificate of stock or certificates of stock, signed by the
Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Board, or the President or Vice-President, and
by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary, shall be adopted by the Board of Directors and shall be issued to
each stockholder certifying the number of shares owned by such stockholder in
the Corporation.  Any or all of the signatures may be facsimiles.     

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
Section 2.  Lost Certificates:
            ----------------- 

          The Board of Directors may order a new certificate or certificates of
stock to be issued in the place of any certificate or certificates of the
Corporation alleged to have been lost or destroyed, but in every such case the
owner of the lost certificate or certificates shall first cause to be given to
the Corporation or its authorized agent a bond in such sum as said Board may
direct, as indemnity against any loss that the Corporation may incur by reason
of such replacement of the lost certificate or certificates; but the Board of
Directors may, at their discretion refuse to replace any lost certificate of
stock save upon the order of some court having jurisdiction in such matter and
may cause such legend to be inscribed on the new certificate or certificates as
in the Board's discretion may be necessary to prevent loss to the Corporation.

Section 3.  Transfer of Shares:
            ------------------ 

          The shares of stock of the Corporation shall be transferable only upon
its books by the holders thereof in person or by their duly authorized attorneys
or legal representatives, and upon such transfer the old certificates shall be
surrendered to the Corporation by the delivery thereof to the person in charge
of the stock and transfer books, and ledgers, or to the authorized agent of the
Corporation, by whom they shall be canceled, and new certificates shall
thereupon be issued.  A record shall be made of each transfer and whenever a
transfer shall be made for collateral security, and not absolutely, it shall be
so expressed in the entry of the stock and transfer books.

          The Corporation may decline to register on its stock books transfers
of stock standing in the name of infants, unless (a) the law of the state of
which the infant is a resident relieves the Corporation of all liability
therefor in case the infant or anyone acting for him thereafter elects to

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
rescind such transfer, or (b) a court having jurisdiction of the infant and the
subject matter enters a valid decree authorizing such transfer.

Section 4.  Fractional Shares:
            ----------------- 
                                 
          No fractional part of a share of stock shall ever be issued by this
Corporation.

Section 5.  Stockholders Record Date:
            ------------------------ 

          In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled
to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment
thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or
allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any
change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful
action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall
not be more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting,
nor more than sixty days prior to any other action.  A determination of
stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of
stockholders shall apply to adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that
the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

Section 6.  Dividends:
            --------- 

          Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, the
Board of Directors may, out of funds legally available therefore at any regular
or special meeting, declare dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation
as and when they deem expedient.  Before declaring any dividend there may be set
apart out of any fund of the Corporation available for dividends, such sum or
sums as the directors from time to time in their discretion deem proper for
working capital or to serve as a fund to meet contingencies or for equalizing
dividends or for such other purposes as the directors shall deem conducive to
the interests of the Corporation. The Corporation may 

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
decline to pay cash dividends to infant stockholders except where full and valid
release may be granted by the infant or under a decree of court of competent
jurisdiction.

Section 7.  Seal:
            ---- 

          The corporate seal shall consist of two concentric circles between
which shall be "WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC." with a representation of the
Corporate Logogram in the center.

Section 8.  Fiscal Year:
            ----------- 

          The fiscal year of the corporation shall be the calendar year or such
other period as shall be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.

Section 9.  Checks:
            ------ 

          All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment off money, notes or
other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation shall be
signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the Corporation, and in
such manner as shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board
of Directors.

Section 10.  Notice and Waiver of Notice:
             --------------------------- 

          Whenever any notice is required by these Bylaws to be given, personal
notice is not meant unless expressly so stated, and any notice so required shall
be deemed to be sufficient if given by depositing the same in the United States
mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the person entitled thereto at such person's
address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, and such notice shall
be deemed to have been given on the date of such mailing.  Stockholders not
entitled to vote shall not be entitled to receive notice of any meetings except
as otherwise provided by statute.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
          Whenever any notice whatever is required to be given under the
provisions of any law, or under the provisions of the Certificate of
Incorporation of the Corporation or these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing,
signed by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after
the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto.

                           ARTICLE VII.  AMENDMENTS

          Except as otherwise provided in Article III of these Bylaws, these
Bylaws may be altered or repealed and Bylaws may be adopted at any annual
meeting of the stockholders, or at any special meeting thereof if notice of the
proposed alteration or repeal or Bylaw or Bylaws to be adopted is contained in
the notice of such special meeting, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
voting power of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat,
or without any stockholder action by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
Board of Directors, at any regular meeting of the Board of Directors, or at a
special meeting of the Board of Directors, if notice of the proposed alteration
or repeal, or Bylaw or Bylaws to be adopted, is contained in the notice of such
special meeting.

                                       20

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Exhibit 4.1
                                                                     -----------

                         [Front of Stock Certificate]

WDR
CLASS A COMMON STOCK

PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE

THIS CERTIFIES THAT

IS THE OWNER OF

THIS CERTIFICATE IS TRANSFERABLE
IN CHICAGO OR IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

CUSIP 930059 10 0
INCORPORATED UNDER
THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF DELAWARE
SEE REVERSE
FOR CERTAIN
DEFINITIONS
FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK OF

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. transferable on the books of the Corporation by
the holder hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of
this certificate properly endorsed. This certificate and the shares represented
hereby are issued and shall be held subject to the provisions of the certificate
of incorporation and by-laws of the Corporation, as amended, to all of which the
holder, by acceptance hereof, assents.

  This Certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and
registered by the Registrar.

  In Witness Whereof, the Corporation has caused this certificate to be signed
by its duly authorized officers and a facsimile seal of the Corporation to be
hereunto affixed.
Dated
TREASURER
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED:
FIRST CHICAGO TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
BY



AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
<PAGE>
 
                          [Back of Stock Certificate]

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
The Corporation will furnish without charge to any shareholder, upon request, a
full statement of the designations, preferences, limitations, and relative
rights of the shares of each class or series of stock authorized to be issued by
the Corporation. Such request may be made to the secretary of the Corporation at
its principal office or to the Transfer Agent named on the face of this
certificate.
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this
certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM - as tenants in common
TEN ENT - as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN - as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in
common
UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - Custodian
(Cust)    (Minor)
under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
(State)
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
For value received, ____________ hereby sell, assign and transfer unto
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE)
______________ shares of the capital stock represented by the within
Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
_________________________
Attorney to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Corporation
with full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated _______________

NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS
WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION
OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.

SIGNATURE(S) GUARANTEED: _______________________

THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION
(BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH
MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM), PURSUANT TO
S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Exhibit 10.3
                                                                  ------------

                         INVESTMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT
                                        

     This Agreement made this ____ day of ________, 1998  (the "Effective Date")
between Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company ("WRAMCO") and Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company ("WRIMCO").


     WHEREAS, WRAMCO has entered into, and will enter into, investment
management agreements with its clients to provide to each client certain
investment management services;

     WHEREAS, WRIMCO is an investment adviser registered under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940; and has been providing WRAMCO with various investment
advisory services with respect to certain of its clients;

     WHEREAS, although WRIMCO and WRAMCO have been direct or indirect wholly
owned subsidiaries of Torchmark Corporation, because of the anticipated stock
offering by Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and planned divestiture by Torchmark
Corporation of its ownership interest in Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., the
intermediate indirect owner of WRIMCO's stock, it is anticipated that WRIMCO and
WRAMCO will no longer ultimately have common ownership;

     WHEREAS, WRAMCO desires to engage WRIMCO to continue to provide WRAMCO with
various investment advisory services with respect to certain of its clients,
WRIMCO is willing to continue to render such services, and the parties desire to
reduce to writing the applicable terms and conditions.

     NOW, THEREFORE,  as of the Effective Date, the Parties agree as follows:

     1.  Accounts.  This Agreement is applicable to those accounts of WRAMCO as
         --------                                                              
agreed by the parties from time to time (the "Accounts").

     2.  Appointment.  WRAMCO hereby appoints WRIMCO to provide WRAMCO with
         -----------                                                       
various investment advisory services with respect to the Accounts, and WRIMCO
agrees to provide such services.

      Subject to the instructions and supervision of WRAMCO, WRIMCO shall
provide investment advisory services necessary to meet the investment
objectives, limitations and such other requirements of clients of WRAMCO for
which WRAMCO and WRIMCO determine WRIMCO will provide investment advisory
services ("Clients"). In performing its duties under this Agreement, WRIMCO
will comply with the requirements

                                      1

<PAGE>
 
of applicable law and the reasonable written instructions of WRAMCO. Subject
to such limitations, WRIMCO shall have the authority to determine transactions
and other actions for Accounts, and to place orders with or through such
persons, brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants as WRIMCO shall
select. While WRIMCO will give primary consideration to securing the most
favorable price and efficient execution of transactions, WRIMCO may consider
the financial responsibility, research and investment information and other
services provided by brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants who may
effect or be party to any such transaction or other transactions to which
WRIMCO's other clients may be a party.

     It is also understood that it is desirable for WRIMCO to have access to
supplemental investment and market research and security and economic analysis
provided by brokers or futures commission merchants who may execute brokerage
transactions at a higher cost to Clients than may result when allocating
brokerage to other brokers on the basis of seeking the lowest commission cost.
It is understood that the services provided by such brokers or futures
commission merchants may be useful to WRIMCO in connection with its services to
other clients.

     On occasions when WRIMCO deems the purchase or sale of a security or
futures contract or other property to be in the best interest of a Client, as
well as other clients, WRIMCO may, but shall be under no obligation to,
aggregate the securities or futures contracts to be sold or purchased in order
to obtain a more favorable price or lower brokerage commissions and efficient
execution.  In such event, allocation of the securities or futures contracts so
purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be
made by WRIMCO in the manner WRIMCO considers to be equitable and consistent
with its fiduciary obligations.

     Clients of WRAMCO may direct that transactions for each such Client be
effected by a particular broker-dealer specified by that Client.  WRIMCO shall
effect transactions in accordance with Client directions, subject to the
limitations of applicable law and subject to any conditions imposed by a Client
with respect to such transactions, notice of which has been given in writing to
WRIMCO by WRAMCO.  WRAMCO acknowledges that when WRIMCO follows a Client's
direction with respect to the selection of a broker-dealer, WRIMCO may not be
able to aggregate such Client's transactions with others and may not have any
responsibility for the quality or cost of such broker-dealer's services,
depending upon the Client's precise directions and conditions with respect to
such transactions.

     3.  Books and Records.  WRIMCO shall maintain all such books and records,
         -----------------                                                    
as are required by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 or any other applicable
laws, relating to the investment advisory services provided under this
Agreement.

     4.  Reports.  WRIMCO shall provide WRAMCO with such periodic reports as the
         -------                                                                
Parties may from time to time agree upon.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     5.  WRAMCO Responsibility.  WRAMCO shall provide WRIMCO with all
         ---------------------                                       
information required by WRIMCO in order to provide the investment advisory
services requested by WRAMCO pursuant to this Agreement, including, without
limitation, investment objectives and guidelines and all amendments thereto.
WRAMCO shall have full responsibility for all services to be provided by it
pursuant to its investment advisory agreements with its clients.  WRAMCO agrees
to indemnify and to hold harmless WRIMCO, its affiliates which are directly or
indirectly subsidiaries of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and Waddell & Reed
Financial, Inc. and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents
from all claims and liabilities (including counsel fees) incurred or assessed
against them in connection with the performance of this Agreement, except such
as may arise from a breach by WRIMCO of the relevant standard of conduct set
forth herein.

     6.  Representations.  Each party represents to the other that (i) it is an
         ---------------                                                       
investment adviser properly registered under the Investment Advisers Act of
1940, (ii) it has the power and authority to execute, deliver and to carry out
the terms of this Agreement, and (iii) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid
and binding obligation of it.

     Each party represents that it shall notify the other if it no longer has
the necessary registration under applicable securities, investment advisory or
similar laws to carry out all of its duties hereunder.

     Each party represents that there are no outstanding or anticipated legal
actions or claims against it which could have a material adverse effect on it
and which have not been disclosed to the other party and each party represents
that it will give notice of any such actions or claims which may arise following
the date hereof.

     WRAMCO represents that it has full power and authority to manage the assets
of each Client for which it will engage the services of WRIMCO, pursuant to this
Agreement, and that WRIMCO shall be authorized to act on any instructions given
to it by or on behalf of WRAMCO by any officer or employee of WRAMCO.

     WRAMCO represents that it has or will provide a copy of Part II of Form ADV
of WRIMCO and WRAMCO to Clients as required by laws, rules and regulations.

     7.  Standard of Care.  WRIMCO shall act with the care, skill, prudence and
         ----------------                                                      
diligence under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent man acting in a
like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an
enterprise of a like character and with like aims.  Notwithstanding anything
contained herein to the contrary, WRIMCO does not guarantee investment results
and no past performance should be relied upon or considered an indicator of
present or future performance.  It is hereby understood and agreed that WRIMCO
shall not be liable or responsible for any loss incurred in connection with
recommendations or investments made by WRIMCO or other actions taken by WRIMCO
with respect to the Accounts, provided such actions were taken by WRIMCO in
accordance with this Agreement.  WRAMCO understands that financial 

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
investments carry substantial risk and WRIMCO cannot predict or guarantee any
particular results. WRIMCO shall not be responsible or liable for any loss
incurred in connection with any act or omission of WRAMCO, any Client or any
broker-dealer or third party.

     8.  Compensation.  For its services provided pursuant to this Agreement,
         ------------                                                        
WRAMCO shall pay WRIMCO the fees set forth on Appendix A to this Agreement, such
fees to be adjusted quarterly, if at all, upon agreement of the parties.  In the
event this Agreement is terminated at any time during a quarter, the fees will
be equitably pro rated.

     9.  Proxies.  WRIMCO is specifically precluded from taking any action or
         -------                                                             
rendering any advice with respect to the voting of proxies solicited by or with
respect to the issuers of securities held in a Client account except to the
extent WRAMCO is specifically required by the Client to do so and WRAMCO
specifically requires WRIMCO to do so in writing with respect to any such Client
account.  Absent such specific direction, WRIMCO's obligation with respect to
any such solicitation shall be limited exclusively to the forwarding of proxy
materials or other information with respect to such solicitation received from
the issuer or third parties and acting upon the express instructions of the
Client with respect to the granting or withholding of any such Proxy.  In no
event shall WRIMCO be responsible for voting any proxies  which have a record
date which is prior to the to the date of this Agreement or on or after the date
of any termination of this Agreement.

     10.  Notice.  All notices, instructions and reports contemplated by this
          ------                                                             
Agreement shall be deemed duly given when in writing and either delivered to the
addresses below or sent by first-class mail, facsimile, or courier addressed as
follows:

     (a)  To WRAMCO:  Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company
                      2001 Third Avenue South
                      Birmingham, Alabama  35233
                      Attn:  Michael J. Klyce

     (b)  To WRIMCO:  Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company
                      6300 Lamar Avenue
                      Overland Park, KS 66202
                      Attn:  Lawrence J. Cipolla

     11.  Custodians.  WRAMCO shall inform WRIMCO of the custodian for each
          ----------                                                       
Client account and take such actions as necessary to assure that WRIMCO may give
instructions to each such custodian and to assure that each custodian may
fulfill its obligations.

     12.  Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated by the Parties hereto
          -----------                                                         
upon 30 days' notice.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     13.  Assignment.  Neither this Agreement nor the rights and duties
          ----------                                                   
hereunder may be assigned by either party without the prior written consent of
the other party.

     14.  Entire Agreement; Waiver; Amendment.  This Agreement constitutes the
          ------------------------------------                                
entire and complete agreement between the parties hereto relating to the subject
matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements between the parties, whether
oral or written.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be read in
connection with the Services Agreement, dated February __, 1998, between WRIMCO
and WRAMCO.  This Agreement may be amended only by the written consent of WRIMCO
and WRAMCO.  Any notice required by this Agreement may be waived in writing by
the person entitled thereto.  Such waiver shall not be deemed a continuing
waiver.  This Agreement shall inure to and be binding upon the respective
successors and assigns (as permitted herein) of the parties hereto.

     15.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
          -------------                                                      
State of Kansas.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed
and delivered by their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first
above written.

                             Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company
                        
                             By:  ___________________________________
        
                             Name:  ___________________________________

                             Title:  ___________________________________

                             Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company

                             By:  ___________________________________

                             Name:  ___________________________________

                             Title:  ___________________________________

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                  COMPENSATION
                                        

WRAMCO shall compensate WRIMCO for its services hereunder at the annual rate of
21.5 basis points on average assets under management under this Agreement as
specified further in the Agreement.

                                       6

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4
                                                                    ------------
                                                                                
                             UNITED INVESTORS LIFE
                                        
                   2001 THIRD AVENUE SOUTH, P. O. Box 55926
                        BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA  35255-5926
                                 205-325-4300

                            GENERAL AGENT CONTRACT


     This Contract made as of the 1st day of January, 1985, between United
Investors Life Insurance Company, of Birmingham, Alabama, (hereinafter referred
to as "UNITED" or "COMPANY" and W&R Insurance Agency, Inc. (or with respect to
those states in which said corporation is not qualified, the W&R Insurance
Agency of that state which is affiliated with Waddell & Reed, Inc. or Waddell &
Reed, Inc. itself) of One Crown Center, 2400 Pershing Road, Kansas City,
Missouri, (hereinafter referred to as "GENERAL AGENT" or "YOU").

UNITED and GENERAL AGENT mutually agree as follows:

1.   APPOINTMENT AND RELATIONSHIP.  Subject to compliance with the terms of this
     Contract, applicable laws and regulations, and such rules as UNITED may
     from time to time establish, GENERAL AGENT is authorized to solicit
     applications for insurance on behalf of UNITED, in all jurisdictions in
     which UNITED and GENERAL AGENT are authorized to engage in the business of
     insurance.  The COMPANY retains the right to appoint other agents
     (Wholesale General Agents, General Agents, etc.) in all such jurisdictions.
     You shall be free to exercise your own judgment as to the method, time,
     manner, and place of carrying out your duties, responsibilities and
     obligations as a General Agent, it being expressly understood that your
     relationship to us shall be that of an independent contractor only, and
     nothing herein shall be construed to create the relationship of employer
     and employee.

2.   APPOINTMENT OF AGENTS BY YOU--OBLIGATIONS OF GENERAL AGENT.  As a GENERAL
     AGENT of the COMPANY, YOU after reasonable investigation of background,
     training, and methods of doing business, may submit agents (sometimes
     hereinafter referred to as "writing agents") to write business for the
     COMPANY through YOU.  If any such individual shall be licensed with the
     COMPANY, YOU will be responsible for his/her acts and indemnify and hold
     the COMPANY harmless from any loss or expense on account of any
     unauthorized act of said agent.

3.   COMMISSIONS. UNITED will allow YOU the commissions specified in the
     Commission Schedule attached hereto and all modifications thereof. GENERAL
     AGENT agrees to accept such commissions as compensation in full for all
     services performed and all expenses incurred. UNITED may at any time and
     from time to time modify the Commission Schedule by adding or deleting
     policy forms and changing the commission

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
     rates applicable to its policy forms.  Any modification relating
     to changes in payment of commissions shall be effective fifteen (15) days
     after written notice thereof is deposited in the United States mail,
     postage prepaid, addressed to the last known address of the GENERAL AGENT,
     unless otherwise agreed, and shall apply only with respect to applications
     taken after the effective date of such notice, unless otherwise agreed.
     All other modifications shall be in writing and effective upon receipt.

     GENERAL AGENT shall be solely responsible for fixing amount and payment of
     commission or other compensation to agents writing business with UNITED
     through GENERAL AGENT, and in doing so, GENERAL AGENT may use the
     facilities and services of Waddell and Reed, Inc., or another affiliate for
     payroll accounting and disbursement purposes.

     In addition to all rules, regulations, and conditions as set forth in the
     Commission Schedule, as it may be amended from time to time, commissions
     are subject to the following conditions:

     A.   Commissions are based on premiums received by the COMPANY and are not
          payable until the policy has been issued, delivered and accepted by
          the applicant.

     B.   Should UNITED, for any reason, refund any premium or portion thereof,
          all commissions paid or credited to YOU on the amount refunded shall
          be immediately due and payable to the COMPANY.

     C.   Commissions are payable semi-monthly.

     D.   If a life insurance policy shall lapse for nonpayment of premium, and
          if reinstatement shall occur more than 90 days after the premium due
          date, no further commissions on said policy shall accrue to YOU unless
          such reinstatement is accomplished by YOU and forwarded to the COMPANY
          by YOU.  In this subparagraph D, "YOU" shall include a licensed agent
          under contract with UNITED submitting business through GENERAL AGENT.
          Reinstatement is considered to occur on the date COMPANY required
          forms, necessary back premiums and sufficient premiums to pay for the
          policy for at least one month in advance have been received at the
          Home Office.

4.   COMMISSIONS ON REFUNDED PREMIUMS.  UNITED will notify GENERAL AGENT of any
     refund of any premium or portion thereof.  All commissions paid or credited
     by UNITED on the amount refunded shall be immediately due and payable to
     UNITED by withholding the amount from the commission payable with respect
     to future commissions payable to GENERAL AGENT.  In the event of
     termination of this Agreement, the parties hereto shall agree on
     appropriate adjustments to account balances, based on circumstances at that
     time.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
5.   ASSIGNMENT.  Neither this Contract nor any of its benefits shall be
     assigned without the prior written consent of the COMPANY.

6.   LIMITATIONS ON AUTHORITY OF GENERAL AGENT.  You are not authorized and have
     no authority to:

     A.   Make, alter, or discharge any contract for or on behalf of the
          COMPANY.

     B.   Endorse any check, draft or similar instrument payable to the COMPANY.

     C.   Modify, in writing or orally, any policy, application, receipt or
          other COMPANY supplied form.

     D.   Extend the time for payment of any premium.

     E.   Approve evidence of insurability.

     F.   Bind or otherwise commit the COMPANY to any risk.

     G.   Deliver a policy where the health of any proposed insured at the time
          of delivery is other than as stated in the application.

7.   FUNDS HELD IN TRUST AND POLICY DELIVERY.  Premiums may be accepted for a
     policy only in the form of a check, draft, or similar instrument made
     payable to the COMPANY.  Such premiums shall be considered as trust funds,
     and shall be forwarded to UNITED immediately.  Policies are to be delivered
     to applicants promptly, and all policies not delivered are to be returned
     to the COMPANY immediately.

8.   REPLACEMENT.  Replacement is presumed when the previous UNITED policy is
     lapsed or otherwise terminated within six (6) months before or after the
     date of the new policy.  Unless modified by the Commission Schedule, first
     year commission on the new policy is payable only on any increase in the
     first year premium of that policy over the first year premium on the
     COMPANY's replaced policy.

9.   ADVERTISING MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES.  UNITED will supply you with
     advertising material and brochures to assist you in recruiting writing
     agents and for use in connection with the sale of the COMPANY's products to
     the public.  YOU may not use, publish, or distribute advertising materials,
                          ---                                                   
     brochures, etc. that are for use in connection with the sale of the
     COMPANY's products to the public without securing our prior written
     approval:  You are free to design your own materials to recruit agents and
     increase their production with the COMPANY as long as such materials
     accurately and fairly describe the COMPANY's products and benefits
     provided.  All supplies furnished to YOU are the property of UNITED and
     shall be promptly returned upon the COMPANY's request.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
10.  VESTING OF COMMISSIONS.  Subject to all provisions hereof, in the event of
     the termination of this Contract, YOU or your legal representative shall
     continue to receive commissions in accordance with the Commission Schedule
     in force on the date of the termination; provided, however, that if the
     commissions paid to YOU during any calendar year thereafter do not exceed
     $250.00, all commissions for subsequent years shall be forfeited, and this
     COMPANY shall not be required to make any further commission payments.  If
     any commission check shall be less than $25.00, the COMPANY shall have the
     right to delay payment until such level is reached.

11.  GENERAL AGENT agrees to hold UNITED harmless from any and all claims
     relating to commissions of writing agents paid to GENERAL AGENT.

12.  GENERAL PROVISIONS.

     A.   The COMPANY, in its sole discretion, may decline to consider any
          application.

     B.   The COMPANY, in its sole discretion, may decline to license or renew
          the license of any agent.

13.  TERMINATION OF CONTRACT.

     A.   This Contract may be terminated by either party at any time for any
          reason by providing 180 days' advance, written notice.  Said 180-day
          period shall begin when notice is deposited in the United States mail,
          postage prepaid, sent to the last known address of the other party.

     B.   If GENERAL AGENT shall suffer loss of the authority to transact the
          business of insurance in any jurisdiction, the authority of the
          GENERAL AGENT to transact business in such jurisdiction under this
          Agreement shall also cease.

     C.   This Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the liquidation,
          bankruptcy, or dissolution of the GENERAL AGENT.

14.  FORMER AGREEMENTS.  The execution of this Agreement shall terminate and
     supersede, of the effective date hereof, all agreements heretofore made
     between the General Agent and the Company, covering the same subject matter
     without prejudice to the rights of either party, if any, provided by such
     agreement to exist after their termination.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                                 UNITED INVESTORS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY



                                 By:__________________________________________
                                    Signature

                                    __________________________________________ 
                                    Name (print or type)     Title


                                 W & R INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.



                                 By:__________________________________________
                                    Signature

                                    __________________________________________
                                    Name (print or type)     Title

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                             UNITED INVESTORS LIFE
                   2001 THIRD AVENUE SOUTH, P. O. Box 55926
                        BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35255-5926
                                 205-325-4300
                                JANUARY 1, 1985

                                 GENERAL AGENT
                              COMMISSION SCHEDULE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TERM PRODUCTS
- -------------
                                    1st Policy               2nd-10th Policy              11th Policy
                                       Year                       Years                 Year and Later
                                    ----------               ---------------            -------------- 
<S>                          <C>                        <C>                        <C>
VITALife ART                            115%                     7 1/2%                         3%
VITALife Adjustable                     130%                     7 1/2%                         3%
VITALife VII                            115%                     7 1/28**                       N/A
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
XLife 1 AND XLife 2 INTEREST SENSITIVE PRODUCTS*
- ------------------------------------------------

                                    1st Policy               2nd-10th Policy              11th Policy
                                       Year                       Years                 Year and Later
                                    ----------               ---------------            --------------                          
<S>                          <C>                        <C>                        <C>
XLife 1                                140%                     7 1/2%                         3%
XLife 2                                115%                     7 1/2%                         3%
</TABLE>

<TABLE>  
<CAPTION> 
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
VITALife III PLUS - A RE-ENTRY PRODUCT*
- ---------------------------------------

                                    1st Policy                 2nd Policy                 3rd Policy
                                       Year                       Year                       Year
                                    ----------               ---------------            --------------                          
<S>                          <C>                        <C>                        <C> 
At Original Issue and
 Re-Entry:
3 Pay Premium Mode    -         115% of 1st year                    -0-                        -0-
                                reduced Premium Rate
All Other Premium
Modes                                     55%                        15%                        15%
</TABLE>

In The Event Insured Does Not Qualify for Re-Entry:
 .       4th, 7th, or 9th Policy Year Thru 10th Policy Year - 7 1/2%.
 .       11th policy year and later - 3%.
 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>  
<CAPTION> 

SINGLE PREMIUM PRODUCTS
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                                            AT POLICY ANNIVERSARY
                                       FIRST YEAR                             YEARS 1 THROUGH 10
                                ----------------------                      ---------------------
<S>                       <C>                                   <C> 
SPLife - 1:
   Option A                     13% of single premium                       N/A
   Option B                     N/A                                         12 1/2% of interest credited 
                                                                            on the unloaned accumulation 
                                                                            account during preceding 
                                                                            policy year.

SPLife - 2:
   Option A                     10 1/2% of single premium                   N/A
   Option B                     N/A                                         7 1/2% of interest credited 
                                                                            on the unloaned accumulation 
                                                                            account during preceding 
                                                                            policy year.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>  
<CAPTION> 
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
OTHER PRODUCTS
- --------------
                                    1st Policy                 2nd Policy                 3rd Policy
                                       Year                       Year                       Year
                                    ----------                 ----------                 ----------
<S>                          <C>                        <C>                        <C>
Modified Premium Whole
 Life (MPWL)                           200%                         0%                      See Paragraph 3.
 
Flexible Premium Annuity              5.28%                      5.28%                      5.28%
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
</TABLE>

________________________________________________________________________________

*POLICY FEES:  Commissions are not payable on policy fees on these products.

** Years 2 through 7 only.
________________________________________________________________________________

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
1.  General COMPANY Rules:

     A.   Except for special rules set forth above for Option B on SPLife-1 and
          SPLife-2, Commission rates are expressed as a percentage of premiums
          received by the COMPANY.

     B.   Except as noted in paragraph 8, below commissions are payable only
          when the policy has been issued, accepted by the applicant, and the
          premiums have been received by UNITED INVESTORS LIFE.

     C.   Commission rates on riders and supplementary benefits shall be the
          same as the rate for the base policy.

     D.   Commissions on the extra premium for substandard risks shall be at the
          same rate as if the policy were issued on a standard basis; however,
          no commissions shall be payable on temporary flat extra premium of
          five years or less.

     E.   UNITED INVESTORS LIFE reserves the right to adjust commissions on any
          specially designed product and with respect to any policy that is
          reinsured with allowances other than those currently in effect with
          the reinsuring company.

     F.   In the event an increasing option has been selected on VITALife
          Adjustable and premium is received by UNITED INVESTORS LIFE on the
          increased face amount, the COMPANY will pay the equivalent of a first
          year commission rate on that portion of the premium that is
          attributable to an increase in the face amount.  Any such commission
          payment shall be considered as renewal commission for all other
          purposes.

2.  COMPANY Rules Regarding VITALife III PLUS:

     A.   For commission purposes, re-entry is considered a new sale.

     B.   For purposes of renewal commissions, "Policy Years" are measured from
          the original policy date.

     C.   First year and renewal commissions, including first year commissions
          on re-entries, are vested for 10 years as measured from the original
          policy date.

3.  COMPANY Rules Regarding MPWL:

     A.   Commissions on MPWL are payable on the base premium only except where
          the first year commissions exceeds the first year premium (base
          premium plus additional first year premium), payment of that portion
          of the commission that exceeds the first year premium will be deferred
          and will be paid during the second policy year.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     B.   Where the original primary writing agent is actively licensed with
          UNITED renewal commissions on MPWL policies which are renewed into the
          11th year are payable for the 11th year only and are payable at the
          following rates depending upon the option selected by the insured:
          MPWL = 200%, RT = 115%, and Whole Life = 115%.  If a policy is
          reassigned and a new MPWL application is submitted and approved for
          standard issue, the normal lst year MPWL commission will be paid.

     C.   Replacement of a COMPANY policy that has been in force less than one
          year by an MPWL policy where:

          (1)  MPWL has a Smaller Face Amount - The normal first year commission
               on the earlier policy will be paid.  No first year commission
               will be paid on the MPWL policy; however, 11th year renewal
               commissions will be paid as provided above.

          (2)  MPWL has an Equal Fact Amount - Same as number 3c.(1), above.

          (3)  MPWL has a Larger Face Amount - The normal first year commission
               on the earlier policy will be paid, plus a commission of 200% of
               the premium for the increase in face amount.  Normal MPWL 11th
               year renewal commissions will be paid.

     D.   Replacement of COMPANY policy that has been in force more than one
          year by an MPWL policy where:

          (1)  MPWL has a Smaller Face Amount - No commissions are payable on
               the MPWL except 11th year commissions as provided above.

          (2)  MPWL has an Equal Face Amount - Same as number 3.D.(1), above.

          (3)  MPWL has a Larger Face Amount - Normal MPWL commissions payable,
               except first year commission payable only on the premium
               applicable to the increase in face amount of coverage.

4.   If a policyholder elects the vanishing premium option on XLife 2, no
     commission is payable while such option is in force.

5.   The COMPANY may in accordance with the terms of your General Agent
     Contract, at any time and from time to time modify this Commission
     Schedule.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
6.   REPLACEMENT OF AN EXISTING UNITED INVESTORS LIFE POLICY.

     A.   If the first year premium (less policy fee) is equal to or less than
          the first year premium of the policy being replaced, YOU will receive
          no first year commission. Renewal commissions will be as set forth
          above.

     B.   If the first year premium (less policy fee) is greater than the first
          year premium of the policy being replaced, YOU will receive a first
          year commission at the rate for the commission on the new policy form,
          on the increased premiums.  Renewal commission will be set forth
          above.

7.   CONVERSIONS.

     A.   If a VITA Life III PLUS policy form is being converted to an XLife 1
          or XLife 2, only renewal commissions on the new policy will be paid.

     B.   Conversion of other term products to XLife-1 will be treated as
          replacement unless the total face amount of insurance in force with
          the COMPANY after conversion is equal to or greater than the term
          insurance coverage in effect with the COMPANY at any time within six
          months prior to conversion.  If any remaining term insurance policy
          lapses within six months after conversion and a first year XLife-1
          commission has been paid, the excess of the new first year commission
          over the renewal commission that would have been paid will be charged
          back.

     C.   If conversion does not fall within the exceptions set forth above,
          full first year and renewal commissions will be paid on the new
          policy.

8.   COMMISSION ADVANCES.

     A.   If the General Agent pays advanced commission to the COMPANY'S
          licensed agents, the COMPANY shall advance to the General Agent semi-
          monthly the amount of the commission that the General Agent advances
          to said agents for the same semi-monthly period.

     B.   As first year premiums are received by UNITED, for policies on which
          advances have been made, commissions relating to that portion advanced
          which would otherwise be payable to the General Agent, shall be
          credited against such advances.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
             [UNITED INVESTORS LIFE / PAUL E. RUTLEDGE LETTERHEAD]



Memorandum to:  Larry lady

Re:  Commissions on New LifeTime Term Product

From:  Paul Rutledge

Date:  April 13, 1988



          This memo is to confirm our discussion yesterday as to the commission
rates for the above referenced product.  As I understand it the following rates
apply:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                       
                                                                      From W&R to
                                          From UILIC          ---------------------------       
                                            to W&R            Specialist        Sales Rep
                                          ----------          ----------        ---------
<S>                                 <C>                     <C>              <C>
1st year                                    100%                 50.0%             10.0%
years 2-10                                   10                   2.5               2.5
years 11 & on                                 3                                   
</TABLE>


   The split commissions shown are for sales by the insurance specialist to a
United Funds account owner.  The sales rep to whom the account is assigned
receives the commission shown in the last column above.  At the time we spoke
you were not certain of the level of commission to be paid to W&R sales reps
selling this product.

                                       11

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 10.5
                                                                    ------------
                                                                                
                  AMENDMENT EXTENDING GENERAL AGENT CONTRACT

     This is an amendment ("Amendment") extending the General Agent Contract
("General Agent Contract") effective January 1, 1985 between UNITED INVESTORS
LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY ("United") or ("Company"), and W&R INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.
("General Agent"), as follows:

     1.  Subparagraph A of Paragraph 13 of the General Agent Contract is amended
to read as follows:

     A.  This Contract is effective from its Effective Date and, unless further
extended by the parties, will terminate on the earlier of (i) December 31, 1998,
or (ii) the date it may be terminated under Subparagraph B or C of this
Paragraph 13.

     2.  In all other respects, the General Agent Contract is unchanged.  The
parties ratify and confirm the General Agent Contract as amended by this
Amendment.

     Executed this the ______ day of _______________, 1998.


                                        UNITED INVESTORS LIFE
                                        INSURANCE COMPANY

 
                                        By:____________________________

                                        Name:__________________________

                                        Title:_________________________


                                        W&R INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

 
                                        By:____________________________

                                        Name:__________________________
     
                                        Title:_________________________

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 10.6
                                                                    ------------
                                                                                
                       UNITED AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY
                          INDEPENDENT AGENT CONTRACT
                                        
This Contract, and the Commission Schedule(s) attached hereto and made a part
hereof for all purposes (collectively referred to as this Contract), made on
this ___ day of __________________, 19___ by an between UNITED AMERICAN
INSURANCE COMPANY (hereinafter referred to as Company), and ___________________
(hereinafter referred to as Agent) for the purpose of soliciting applications
for life and health insurance.

                            INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
                                        
It is expressly agreed that the relationship intended by this Contract between
Agent and Company shall be that of an Independent Contractor only, and that
nothing contained herein shall be construed to create the relationship of
employer and employee. This Contract or any benefit hereunder may not be
assigned, transferred, or pledged by the Agent.

                         MANNER OF CONDUCTING BUSINESS
                                        
Agent's clientele may be developed by him by any lawful means.  He shall select
his own hours and workdays and is under no obligation to account to the Company
for his time.  Company may hold sales meetings to acquaint the Agent with new
products and sales techniques for the benefit of the Agent.  However attendance
at sales meetings will be optional and at the expense of the Agent.  Agent shall
be free to exercise his own judgment as to the time, routine, place, method and
manner he solicits insurance.  Agent shall not solicit outside the jurisdiction
for which he is licensed or contrary to the laws or insurance regulations of the
states where he operates.

The Company may from time to time make available to the Agent supplies, leads,
name lists, advertising matter and other material designed to assist Agent in
soliciting business.  All such material any other policyholder information,
whether past, current or prospective, acquired by Agent shall remain the sole
property of the Company, shall not be duplicated and shall be returned to the
Company within five (5) days after the termination of this Contract.

                                   EXPENSES
                                        
Agent shall be responsible for all expenses incurred in the production of
insurance for the Company.  Agent shall at his own expense furnish his own means
of transportation, office or place of business, advertisements, form letters,
letterheads, circulars, and any other relevant expenses incurred in the
solicitation of insurance for the Company.

Agent shall be responsible to Company for all loss or damage arising from
business done by and entrusted to him and shall indemnify and hold Company
harmless from any and all expenses, costs, causes of action, loss or damages
resulting from fraudulent or unauthorized acts or omissions of Agent and any
sub-agent(s) under contract with Company and assigned to Agent.

                       POWERS, DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
                                        
During the continuance of this Contract the Agent has the authority to:

A.  Remit all applications for insurance to the Company for approval or
    rejection and to collect only the initial premium payments due on such
    applications.

B.  Procure through sub-agent(s) or personally through the Company, applications
    for insurance written by the Company.

C.  When authorized by the Company and subject to Company approval recruit,
    train, and supervise sub-agents.

D.  Agent shall have the duty of properly representing Company and developing
    his territory with diligence and in an ethical manner, and the Agent agrees
    to conform to the rules, regulations, and practices of Company.

E.  Agent shall be responsible to Company for all monies and securities received
    by him for Company and shall hold such in trust separate from all other
    funds and securities, and promptly remit same to Company.

F.  Company reserves the right at any time to terminate the contract of any sub-
    agent appointed by Company and assigned to Agent.

G.  The Agent shall not insert or authorize the insertion of any advertising
    matter bearing the Company's name in any publication, issue or distribute,
    or authorize the issuance or distribution of any circular or paper on behalf
    of the Company, without first submitting said advertising matter in writing
    to Company and receiving prior written approval of Company.

                                  COMMISSIONS

Company agrees to pay to the Agent commissions on business written by Agent or
any sub-agents assigned to him by the Company on premiums actually received and
earned by the Company in accordance with the Commission Schedule(s) attached
hereto.  In the event Company shall, either during the continuance of this
Contract or after its termination, refund premiums under any policy to an
Insured, Agent shall immediately repay to Company the amount of any commission
paid him or his sub-agent(s) on the premium so refunded.

A.  All commissions shall be calculated only on premium actually received by the
    Company. Commissions will be calculated only on those premiums paid by or on
    behalf of the insured. No commissions shall be paid on interest, or on
    premium waived or commuted by reason of death, disability or exercise of
    policy options.

B.  Company at any time while this Contract is in force or after its termination
    may set off against any claims by Agent for commission or other monies
    accruing to the account of the Agent under the terms of this Contract any
    debts, liabilities or obligations of the Agent to the Company. Agent further
    agrees that any indebtedness now or hereafter owing to the Company or its
    affiliates shall be secured by a first lien against the commissions or any
    other monies payable to Agent under this Contract and any other contract
    Agent may have with the Company or its affiliates.

C.  All amounts owed to Company or its affiliates by Agent shall become due and
    payable immediately upon notice to the Agent.

                                                                          Page 1
<PAGE>
 
D.  Subject to the Company's right to set off as set forth in the Contract, the
    limitations and exceptions described below and the provisions of the Loan
    Agreement Section of this Contract payment of renewal commissions upon
    termination of this Contract will be vested unless one of the following
    conditions occurs:

    (1)  This Contract is terminated for cause or for any violations of any of
         the provisions or agreements of the Contract.
    (2)  Any debit balance is not repaid within 120 days of contract
         termination.
    (3)  In any calendar year following termination the amount of vested renewal
         commissions paid under this Contract is less than $500.00.

E.  At the option of the Company, payment of commissions will be held in
    abeyance for 120 days after termination to determine the existence of any
    sums due Company which are to be set off against commissions.

This Contract shall be terminated by the death of the Agent and all eligible
renewal commissions shall be then vested and payable to the surviving spouse.
If there is no surviving spouse then such renewal commissions shall be paid to
the Executors or Administrators of the Agent's Estate.

The Company reserves the right to alter, increase, decrease, modify or withdraw
the Commission Schedule and/or Loan Agreement Provisions of this Contract at any
time.  However, any change shall apply from and after the effective date of such
change on business produced after that date.

                                LOAN AGREEMENT
                                        
If agent elects, Company may make periodic loans to Agent against future
credited commissions on applications written and submitted to the Company by
Agent or any Subagents assigned to Agent.  Such loans shall be made in lieu of
payment of credited commissions as provided in the Commission Schedule.

A.  Such loan shall be a percentage of annualized insurance premium on
    production submitted on completed applications. The percentage loaned will
    be determined in the sole discretion of the Company.

B.  Any loan proceeds shall be reduced by the amount of chargebacks to Agent's
    account from any source.

                                 INDEBTEDNESS
                                        
Any indebtedness owed by the Agent to the Company shall be paid upon notice to
the Agent. In addition to the provisions of paragraph Deportment all
indebtedness of the Agent to Company shall be secured by a first lien on any
commissions or renewal commissions due or to become due the Agent. The Company
may at any time offset against all commissions accrued or to accrue to the
Agent, any debt due from the Agent to the Company, whether now existing or
hereafter arising. In the event any indebtedness is placed in the hands of a
collection agent or attorney, or both, Company shall be entitled to recover
reasonable collection and attorney's fees, unless either party pleads otherwise.

                                  DEPORTMENT
                                        
Should the Agent at any time, either before or after termination of this
Contract, wrongfully withhold any funds belonging to any applicant for
insurance, a policyholder or the Company; or should the Agent induce any
policyholder to lapse, relinquish or surrender a policy with the Company; or
should the Agent be in default under, or fail to comply with any provision,
covenant, representation or warranty contained in this Contract or any other
Contract agreement, or in any document or instrument related thereto, between
the Agent and the Company; or should the Agent fail to comply with any State
insurance laws or regulations, or Federal laws or regulations under which he or
it is licensed or is otherwise subject; then the Agent shall immediately forfeit
his or its right to receive any commissions or any other compensation due or to
become due, whether vested or otherwise, under this Contract or any other
agreement with the Company.

                             ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

This Contract is personal and not transferable.  Any assignment, transfer, or
sale of this Contract or any right to interest herein, without prior written
consent of Company, shall not be valid or in any way binding upon Company.

The use of the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender and the use of
the singular shall include the plural where appropriate.

This Contract takes effect on the date and year first above written.

                                  TERMINATION
                                        
This Contract may be terminated at the will of either party hereto, for any
reason or without cause, at any time upon actual notice, written or oral.
Cancellation or loss of license shall automatically terminate this Contract.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Contract has been signed by the parties hereto.

                                        UNITED AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY


                                        BY:______________________________
                                           President


___________________________                ______________________________ 
Date                                       Signature of Agent

Re:  Loan Agreement:

     I hereby elect to receive loans when made available by the Company for:
     [ ]  Health

                                                                          Page 2
<PAGE>
 
     [ ]  Life
     [ ]  I do not elect to receive loans from the Company.

____________________________               ______________________________ 
Date                                       Signature of Agent

                                                                          Page 3
<PAGE>
 
                       UNITED AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY
                               INDEPENDENT AGENT
                            SCHEDULE OF COMMISSIONS

General Agent shall receive commissions provided below on business personally
written by Agent or any Sub-Agent(s) assigned to Agent.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   RENEWAL YEARS
                                                                FIRST YEAR       YEARS       PERCENT
                                                                -----------  --------------  --------
<S>                                                             <C>          <C>             <C>
LIFE                                                           
- ----                                                           
400-Series Final Expense/                                          110%            2-5        20%
    Joint Last Survivor                                                         6 Plus        10%
                                                                   
21 Pay                                                             110%            All        10%
                                                                   
10-Year Renewable Term                                              80%            All        10%
                                                                   
500-Series                                                          90%            All        10%
                                                                   
900-Series                                                          80%            All        10%
                                                                   
300-Series                                                           7%             --        --
                                                                   
Single Premium Lifestyle Annuity                                     6%++           --        --
</TABLE> 

++Subject to chargebacks for first year policy surrenders and benefit payments.
  No Commissions payable on flat extra premiums, premiums waived or premiums
 paid by automatic premium loan.

<TABLE> 
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>          <C>
HEALTH
- ------ 
Individual Medicare Supplements*
 - First Time Applicants under age 66                               40%            All        20%
 (except Disability Medicare)                                          
 - Applicants age 66 & over,                                        26%            All        26%
 Disability Medicare                                                   
                                                                       
CASH BENEFIT CANCER                                                 75%            All        20%
 Florida only                                                       55%            All        15%
                                                                       
ALL OTHER HEALTH PLANS                                              60%+           All        15%
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>                                                                

LONG TERM CARE**                                                       
 Issue Ages                                                        1st YEAR      YRS 2 - 10       YRS 11+
 ----------                                                        --------      ----------       ------
<S>                                                               <C>           <C>               <C>
 0-54                                                                  82%             10%          5%
 55-64                                                                 77%             10%          5%
 65-69                                                                 72%             10%          5%
 70-74                                                                 67%             10%          5%
 75-79                                                                 62%             10%          5%
 80+                                                                   57%             10%          5%
</TABLE>

* No commissions will be paid on any portion of the premium for the Part B
  deductible coverage, nor any portion of the service fee for the Automatic
  Claims Filing service. Renewal years commissions will not include any portion
  of rate increases.

**Commissions will not be paid on Long Term Care premium that is attributable to
  the Non-Forfeiture Option or the United American Partner's Program.

+ Plus registration fee (less $1 on monthly and quarterly modes).

Renewal years Commissions will not include any portion of rate increases.

________________________                _______________________________________ 
          Date                                Signature of General Agent

The Company reserves the right to change the rates at any time.  Other products
may be made available in the future with commission rates to be set at such
time.  The Company in its sole discretion will determine which products will be
available for sale and may withdraw any products at any time.

This commission schedule is subject to any change required by federal or state
law or regulation.


                                        UNITED AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY

                                        ________________________________________
                                        President
FOR STATES LISTED BELOW
MO/MS/MT/NV/OH/OK/TN/WY
                                                            H98LTC

                                                                          Page 4
<PAGE>
 
                       UNITED AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY
                                LONG TERM CARE
                            SCHEDULE OF COMMISSIONS

                           EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1997

                   _________________________________________
                   |                                       |
                   | THIS IS AN ADDENDUM TO YOUR CONTRACT  |
                   |  PLEASE KEEP THIS WITH YOUR CONTRACT  |
                   _________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
___________________________________________________________________________________________ 
                         LTC COMMISSION (01, H20, H98- One Check)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Issue Ages                  1st YEAR                  YRS 2 - 10              YRS 11+
___________________________________________________________________________________________ 
<S>                        <C>                     <C>                     <C>
0-54                          82                           10                    5
                              
55-64                         77                           10                    5
                              
65-69                         72                           10                    5
                              
70-74                         67                           10                    5
                              
75-79                         62                           10                    5
                              
80+                           57                           10                    5
___________________________________________________________________________________________          
</TABLE>
         
Commissions will not be paid on Long Term Care premium that is attributable to
the Non-Forfeiture Option or the United American Partner's Program
        
Renewal years Commissions will not include any portion of rate increases.
        
The Company reserves the right to change the rates at any time. Other products
may be made available in the future with commission rates to be set at such
time. The Company in its sole discretion will determine which products will be
available for sale and may withdraw any products at any time.

This commission schedule is subject to any change required by federal or state
law or regulation.

                                         UNITED AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY


                                         __________________________________ 
                                         President

Long Term Care                                          (01,H20,H98 - One Check)
Eff. 11/01/96 - 010897                                                LTC01.add

                                                                          Page 5
<PAGE>
 
                       UNITED AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY
                          HEALTH COMMISSION SCHEDULE
                          INDEPENDENT AGENT CONTRACT

Agent shall receive commissions provided below on business personally written by
Agent or any Sub-Agent(s) assigned to Agent.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                       RENEWAL YEARS
                                     FIRST YEAR       YEARS      PERCENT
                                     -----------  -------------  --------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>            <C>
Individual Medicare Supplements*
   - First Time
     Applicants under age 66            40%            All         20%
     (except Disability Medicare)                                  
   - Applicants age 66 & over,          26%            All         26%
     Disability Medicare                                           
                                                                   
Cash Benefit Cancer                     75%            All         20%
     Florida only                       55%            All         15%
                                                                   
Long Term Care                          60%            All         15%
                                                                   
All Other Health Plans                  60%+           All         15%
 
</TABLE>

* No commissions will be paid on any portion of the premium for the Part B
  deductible coverage, nor any portion of the service fee for the Automatic
  Claims Filing service or the United American Partners Program. Renewal years
  commissions will not include any portion of rate increases.

+ Plus registration fee (less $1 on monthly and quarterly modes).


_________________________               _______________________________________
         Date                                      Signature of Agent

The Company reserves the right to change the rates at any time.  Other products
may be made available in the future with commission rates to be set at such
time.  The Company in its sole discretion will determine which products will be
available for sale and may withdraw any products at any time.

                                         UNITED AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY


                                         By: ___________________________________
                                             President


HEALTH LEVEL STATES
FOR ALL STATES EXCEPT THE FOLLOWING STATE SPECIALS
CT/IN/KS/KY/ME/MA/MI/MN/NJ/OR/PA/TX/WA/WV/WY

                                                                          Page 6

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 10.7
                                                                    ------------
                                                                                
                AMENDMENT EXTENDING INDEPENDENT AGENT CONTRACT

     This is an amendment ("Amendment") extending the Independent Agent Contract
("Independent Agent Contract") effective June 25, 1997 between UNITED AMERICAN
INSURANCE COMPANY ("United") or ("Company"), and W&R INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.
("Independent Agent"), as follows:

     1.  The termination paragraph of the Independent Agent Contract is amended
to read as follows:

     A.  This Contract is effective from its Effective Date and, unless further
extended by the parties, will terminate December 31, 1998.

     2.  In all other respects, the Independent Agent Contract is unchanged.
The parties ratify and confirm the Independent Agent Contract as amended by this
Amendment.

     Executed this the ______ day of _______________, 1998.


                                UNITED AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY

 
                                By:___________________________
                                
                                Name:_________________________

                                Title:________________________


                                W&R INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

 
                                By:___________________________
     
                                Name:_________________________

                                Title:________________________

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 10.8
                                                                    ------------
                                                                                
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
                           1998 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
 

        SECTION 1.  GENERAL PURPOSE OF PLAN; DEFINITIONS.

        The name of this plan is the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Stock
Incentive Plan (the "Plan").  The purpose of the Plan is to enable Waddell &
Reed Financial, Inc. (the "Company") and its Subsidiaries to attract and retain
employees, directors and consultants who contribute to the Company's success by
their ability, ingenuity and industry, and to enable such employees and
directors to participate in the long-term success and growth of the Company
through an equity interest in the Company.

        For purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall be defined as set
forth below:

        a.      "Affiliate" means (i) any corporation (other than a Subsidiary),
partnership, joint venture or any other entity in which the Company owns,
directly or indirectly, at least a 10 percent beneficial ownership interest, and
(ii) the Company's parent company or former parent company.

        b.      "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

        c.      "Cause" means a participant's willful misconduct or dishonesty,
any of which is directly and materially harmful to the business or reputation of
the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate.

        d.      "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or
any successor thereto.

        e.      "Committee" means the Compensation Committee of the Board. If at
any time no Committee shall be in office, then the functions of the Committee
specified in the Plan shall be exercised by the Board.

        f.      "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        g.      "Company" means Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., a corporation
organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (or any successor
corporation).

        h.      "Deferred Stock" means an award made pursuant to Section 9 below
of the right to receive Stock at the end of a specified deferral period.

        i.      "Director Stock Option" means any option to purchase shares of
Stock granted pursuant to Section 6.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
        j.      "Disability" means total and permanent disability as determined
under the Company's long term disability program. With respect to Director Stock
Options, "Disability" shall be determined as if the Director was covered under
the Company's long term disability program.

        k.      "Early Retirement" means retirement from active employment with
the Company, any Subsidiary, and any Affiliate pursuant to the early retirement
provisions of the applicable tax-qualified Company pension plan.

        l.      "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and any successor thereto.

        m.      "Fair Market Value" means[, as of the date of the initial public
offering, the initial public offering price for the stock, and thereafter] the
closing price of the Stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on the
date in question.

        n.      "Incentive Stock Option" means any Stock Option intended to be
and designated as an "incentive stock option" within the meaning of Section 422
of the Code.

        o.      "Immediate Family" means the children, grandchildren or spouse
of any optionee.

        p.      "Non-Qualified Stock Option" means any Stock Option that is not
an Incentive Stock Option.

        q.      "Normal Retirement" means retirement from active employment with
the Company, any Subsidiary, and any Affiliate on or after the normal retirement
date specified in the applicable tax-qualified Company pension plan.

        r.      "Plan" means this 1998 Stock Incentive Plan.

        s.      "Restricted Stock" means an award of shares of Stock that are
subject to restrictions under Section 8.

        t.      "Retirement" means Normal or Early Retirement.

        u.      "Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company.

        v.      "Stock Appreciation Right" means a right granted under Section 7
below to surrender to the Company all or a portion of a Stock Option in exchange
for an amount equal to the difference between (i) the Fair Market Value, as of
the date such Stock Option or such portion thereof is surrendered, of the shares
of Stock covered by such Stock Option or such portion thereof, and (ii) the
aggregate exercise price of such Stock Option or such portion thereof.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
        w.      "Stock Option" means any option to purchase shares of Stock
granted to employees pursuant to Section 5.

        x.      "Subsidiary" means any corporation (other than the Company) in
an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if each of the
corporations (other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain) owns stock
possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of
stock in one of the other corporations in the chain.

        SECTION 2.  ADMINISTRATION.

        The Plan shall be administered by the Committee which shall at all times
comply with any applicable requirements of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act. All
members of the Committee shall also be "outside directors" within the meaning of
Section 162(m) of the Code.

        The Committee shall have the power and authority to grant to eligible
employees, pursuant to the terms of the Plan: (i) Stock Options; (ii) Stock
Appreciation Rights; (iii) Restricted Stock or (iv) Deferred Stock.

        In particular, the Committee shall have the authority:

        (i)     to select the consultants, officers and other key employees of
the Company, its Subsidiaries, and its Affiliates to whom Stock Options, Stock
Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock awards or a combination
of the foregoing from time to time will be granted hereunder;

        (ii)    to determine whether and to what extent Incentive Stock Options,
Non-Qualified Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock or
Deferred Stock, or a combination of the foregoing, are to be granted hereunder;

        (iii)   to determine the number of shares of Stock to be covered by each
such award granted hereunder;

        (iv)    to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the
terms of the Plan, of any award granted hereunder (other than Director Stock
Options), including, but not limited to, any restriction on any Stock Option or
other award and/or the shares of Stock relating thereto based on performance
and/or such other factors as the Committee may determine, in its sole
discretion, and any vesting acceleration features based on performance and/or
such other factors as the Committee may determine, in its sole discretion;

        (v)     to determine whether, to what extent and under what
circumstances Stock and other amounts payable with respect to an award under
this Plan shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of a
participant, including providing for and determining the amount (if any) of
deemed earnings on any deferred amount during any deferral period.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
        The Committee shall have the authority to adopt, alter and repeal such
administrative rules, guidelines and practices governing the Plan as it shall,
from time to time, deem advisable; to interpret the terms and provisions of the
Plan and any award issued under the Plan (and any agreements relating thereto);
and to otherwise supervise the administration of the Plan.

        All decisions made by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of the
Plan shall be final and binding on all persons, including the Company and Plan
participants.

        SECTION 3.  STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN.

        The total number of shares of Stock reserved and available for
distribution under the Plan shall be [13,000,000].

        If any shares of Stock that have been optioned cease to be subject to
option, or if any shares subject to any Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock award
granted hereunder are forfeited or such award otherwise terminates, such shares
shall again be available for distribution in connection with future awards under
the Plan.

        In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation,
recapitalization, Stock dividend, or other change in corporate structure
affecting the Stock, an equitable substitution or adjustment shall be made in
(i) the aggregate number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan, (ii)
the number and option price of shares subject to outstanding Stock Options and
Director Stock Options granted under the Plan, (iii) the number of shares
subject to Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock awards granted under the Plan,
(iv) the aggregate number of shares available for issuance to any employee
pursuant to Section 4(a), and (v) the number of Director Stock Options to be
granted each year pursuant to Section 6, as may be determined to be appropriate
by the Committee, in its sole discretion, provided that the number of shares
subject to any award shall always be a whole number. Such adjusted option price
shall also be used to determine the amount payable by the Company upon the
exercise of any Stock Appreciation Right associated with any Stock Option.

        SECTION 4.  ELIGIBILITY.

        (a)     Consultants, officers and other key employees of the Company,
its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates (but excluding members of the Committee and
any person who serves only as a director, except as provided in Section 6 below)
who are responsible for or contribute to the management, growth and/or
profitability of the business of the Company, its Subsidiaries, or its
Affiliates are eligible to be granted Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights,
Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock awards. Only employees of the Company and its
Subsidiaries are eligible to be granted Incentive Stock Options.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
        Except as provided in Section 6, the optionees and participants under
the Plan shall be selected from time to time by the Committee, in its sole
discretion, from among those eligible, and the Committee shall determine, in its
sole discretion, the number of shares covered by each award or grant; provided,
however, that no employee shall be granted Stock Options on more than [200,000]
shares in any calendar year.

        (b)     Directors of the Company (other than directors who are also
officers or employees of the Company, its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates) are
eligible to receive Director Stock Options pursuant to Section 6 of the Plan.

        SECTION 5.  STOCK OPTIONS FOR EMPLOYEES.

        Stock Options may be granted either alone or in addition to other awards
granted under the Plan. Any Stock Option granted under the Plan shall be in such
form as the Committee may from time to time approve, and the provisions of Stock
Option awards need not be the same with respect to each optionee.

        The Stock Options granted under the Plan may be of two types: (i)
Incentive Stock Options and (ii) Non-Qualified Stock Options.

        The Committee shall have the authority to grant any optionee Incentive
Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options, or both types of Stock Options (in
each case with or without Stock Appreciation Rights) except that Incentive Stock
Options shall not be granted to employees of an Affiliate. To the extent that
any Stock Option does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, it shall
constitute a separate Non-Qualified Stock Option.

        Except as provided in Section 5(1), no term of this Plan relating to
Incentive Stock Options shall be interpreted, amended or altered, nor shall any
discretion or authority granted under the Plan be so exercised, so as to
disqualify either the Plan or any Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of
the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event an optionee voluntarily
disqualifies an option as an Incentive Stock Option within the meaning of
Section 422 of the Code, the Committee may, but shall not be obligated to, make
such additional grants, awards or bonuses as the Committee shall deem
appropriate, to reflect the tax savings to the Company which results from such
disqualification.

        Stock Options granted under the Plan shall be subject to the following
terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not
inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Committee shall deem desirable:

        (a)     Option Price.  The option price per share of Stock purchasable
under a Stock Option shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant
but shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Stock on the
date of the grant of the Stock Option.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
        (b)     Option Term. The term of each Stock Option shall be fixed by the
Committee, but no Incentive Stock Option shall be exercisable more than ten
years after the date such Incentive Stock Option is granted.

        (c)     Exercisability.  Subject to paragraph (l) of this Section 5 with
respect to Incentive Stock Options, Stock Options shall be exercisable at such
time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by
the Committee, provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 5(f),
5(g), 5(h) or 13, no Stock Option shall be exercisable prior to six months from
the date of the granting of the option.  Notwithstanding the limitations set
forth in the preceding sentence, the Committee may accelerate the exercisability
of any Stock Option, at any time in whole or in part, based on performance
and/or such other factors as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion.

        (d)     Method of Exercise. Stock Options may be exercised in whole or
in part at any time during the option period, by giving written notice of
exercise to the Company specifying the number of shares to be purchased,
accompanied by payment in full of the purchase price, in cash, by check or such
other instrument as may be acceptable to the Committee (including instruments
providing for "cashless exercise"). As determined by the Committee, in its sole
discretion, at or after grant, payment in full or in part may also be made in
the form of unrestricted Stock already owned by the optionee or, in the case of
the exercise of a Non-Qualified Stock Option, Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock
subject to an award hereunder (based, in each case, on the Fair Market Value of
the Stock on the date the option is exercised, as determined by the Committee).
If payment of the option exercise price of a Non-Qualified Stock Option is made
in whole or in part in the form of Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock, the
shares received upon the exercise of such Stock Option shall be restricted or
deferred, as the case may be, in accordance with the original term of the
Restricted Stock award or Deferred Stock award in question, except that the
Committee may direct that such restrictions or deferral provisions shall apply
to only the number of such shares equal to the number of shares of Restricted
Stock or Deferred Stock surrendered upon the exercise of such option. No shares
of unrestricted Stock shall be issued until full payment therefor has been made.
An optionee shall have the rights to dividends or other rights of a stockholder
with respect to shares subject to the option when the optionee has given written
notice of exercise and has paid in full for such shares.

        (e)     Transferability of Options.  A Stock Option agreement may permit
an optionee to transfer the Stock Option to members of his or her Immediate
Family, to one or more trusts for the benefit of such Immediate Family members,
or to one or more partnerships where such Immediate Family members are the only
partners if (i) the agreement setting forth such Stock Option expressly provides
that the Stock Option may be transferred only with the express written consent
of the Committee, and (ii) the optionee does not receive any consideration in
any form whatsoever for said transfer.  Any Stock Option so transferred shall
continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions in the hands of the
transferee as were applicable to said Stock Option immediately prior to the
transfer thereof.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
        Any Stock Option not (i) granted pursuant to any agreement expressly
allowing the transfer of said Stock Option or (ii) amended expressly to permit
its transfer shall not be transferable by the optionee otherwise than by will or
by the laws of descent and distribution and such Stock Option thus shall be
exercisable during the optionee's lifetime only by the optionee.

        (f)     Termination by Death.  Unless otherwise determined by the
Committee, if an optionee's employment with the Company, any Subsidiary, and any
Affiliate terminates by reason of death (or if an optionee dies following
termination of employment by reason of disability or Normal Retirement), any
Stock Option shall become immediately exercisable and may thereafter be
exercised by the legal representative of the estate or by the legatee of the
optionee under the will of the optionee, during the period ending on the
expiration of the stated term of such Stock Option or the first anniversary of
the optionee's death, whichever is later.

        [(g)    Termination by Reason of Disability.  Unless otherwise
determined by the Committee, if an optionee's employment with the Company, any
Subsidiary and any Affiliate terminates by reason of Disability, any Stock
Option held by such optionee shall be immediately exercisable and may thereafter
be exercised during the period ending on the expiration of the stated term of
such Stock Option.  In the event of termination of employment by reason of
Disability, if an Incentive Stock Option is exercised after the expiration of
the exercise periods that apply for purposes of Section 422 of the Code, such
Stock Option will thereafter be treated as a Non-Qualified Stock Option.]

        [(h)    Termination by Reason of Retirement.  Unless otherwise
determined by the Committee, if an optionee's employment with the Company, any
Subsidiary and any Affiliate terminates by reason of Normal Retirement, any
Stock Option held by such optionee shall become immediately exercisable.  A
Stock Option held by an optionee whose employment has terminated by reason of
Normal Retirement shall expire at the end of the stated term of such Stock
Option, unless otherwise determined by the Committee.

        If an optionee's employment with the Company, any Subsidiary and any
Affiliate terminates by reason of Early Retirement, any Stock Option shall
terminate three years from the date of such Early Retirement or upon the
expiration of the stated term of the Stock Option, whichever is shorter, unless
otherwise determined by the Committee.  In the event of Early Retirement, there
shall be no acceleration of vesting of the Stock Option unless otherwise
determined by the Committee at or after grant, and said Stock Option may only be
exercised to the extent it is or has become exercisable prior to termination of
the Stock Option.

        In the event of termination of employment by reason of Retirement, if
an Incentive Stock Option is exercised after the exercise periods that apply for
purposes of Section 422 of the Code, such Stock Option will thereafter be
treated as a Non-Qualified Stock Option.]

        (i)     Termination for Cause.  If the optionee's employment with the
Company, any Subsidiary and any Affiliate is terminated for Cause, the Stock
Option shall immediately be forfeited to the Company upon the giving of notice
of termination of employment.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
        (j)     Other Termination. If the optionee's employment with the
Company, any Subsidiary and any Affiliate is involuntarily terminated by the
optionee's employer without Cause, the Stock Option shall terminate three months
from the date of termination of employment or upon the expiration of the stated
term of the Stock Option, whichever is shorter, unless otherwise determined by
the Committee. If an optionee's employment with the Company, any Subsidiary and
any Affiliate is voluntarily terminated for any reason, the Stock Option shall
terminate one month from the date of termination of employment or upon the
expiration of the stated term of the Stock Option, whichever is shorter. In the
event of involuntary termination without Cause or voluntary termination for any
reason, there shall be no acceleration of vesting of the Stock Option unless
otherwise determined by the Committee and said Stock Option may only be
exercised to the extent it is or has become exercisable prior to termination of
the Stock Option.

        (k)     Termination upon Change of Control.  Notwithstanding the
provisions of Section 5(j) or the stated term of the Stock Option, if the
optionee's employment with the Company, any Subsidiary and any Affiliate is
involuntarily terminated by the optionee's employer without Cause by reason of
or within three months after a merger or other business combination resulting in
a "Change of Control" as defined in Section 13 of this Plan, the Stock Option
shall terminate upon the later of six months and one day after such merger or
business combination or ten business days following the expiration of the period
during which publication of financial results covering at least thirty days of
post-merger combined operations has occurred.

        (l)     Limit on Value of Incentive Stock Option First Exercisable
Annually. The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of
the Stock for which "incentive stock options" within the meaning of Section 422
of the Code are exercisable for the first time by an optionee during any
calendar year under the Plan (and/or any other stock option plans of the
Company, any Subsidiary and any Affiliate) shall not exceed $100,000.
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the exercisability of such Stock Options
may be accelerated by the Committee and shall be accelerated as provided in
Sections 5(f), 5(g), 5(h), and 13, in which case Stock Options which exceed such
$100,000 limit shall be treated as Non-Qualified Stock Options. For this
purpose, options granted earliest shall be applied first to the $100,000 limit.
In the event that only a portion of the options granted at the same time can be
applied to the $100,000 limit, the Company shall issue separate share
certificates for such number of shares as does not exceed the $100,000 limit,
and shall designate such shares as ISO stock in its share transfer records.

        SECTION 6.  DIRECTOR STOCK OPTIONS.

        Director Stock Options granted under the Plan shall be Non-Qualified
Stock Options. Such Director Stock Options may be granted pursuant to a pre-
established formula contained in the Plan or may, in the sole discretion of the
entire Board of Directors, be granted as to such number of shares and upon such
terms and conditions as shall be determined by said Board of Directors.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
        Director Stock Options granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a
written agreement in such form as the Committee shall from time to time approve,
which agreements shall comply with and be subject to the following terms and
conditions:

        (a)     Formula-based Director Stock Options.  For 1998, 6,000 Director
Stock Options shall be granted automatically to each member of the Board who is
not an employee of the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates ("Outside
Director").  For each calendar year thereafter, 3,000 Director Stock Options
shall be granted automatically on the first day of each calendar year on which
Stock is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange to each Outside
Director.

        The option price per share of Stock purchasable under such Director
Stock Option shall be 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Stock on the date of
the grant of the Director Stock Option.  Except as provided in Section 13, said
Director Stock Options shall become exercisable in full six months from the date
of the grant of the option and shall remain exercisable for a term of ten years
and two days from the date such Director Stock Option is granted.

        (b)     Non-Formula Based Director Stock Options.  Within its sole
discretion, the entire Board may award Director Stock Options on a non-formula
basis to all or such individual Outside Directors as it shall select. Such
Director Stock Options may be awarded at such times and for such number of
shares as the Board in its discretion determines.  The price of such Director
Stock Options may be fixed by the Board at a discount not to exceed 25% of the
fair market value of the Stock on the date of grant or may be the fair market
value of the Stock on the grant date.  Such Director Stock Options shall become
first exercisable and have an option term as determined by the Board in its
discretion, provided however, that except as described in Section 13 and in
paragraph (e) of this section, no such Director Stock Option shall be first
exercisable until six months from the date of grant.  All other terms and
conditions of such Director Stock Options shall be as established by the Board
in its sole discretion.

        (c)     Method of Exercise. Any Director Stock Option granted pursuant
to the Plan may be exercised in whole or in part at any time during the option
period, by giving written notice of exercise to the Company specifying the
number of shares to be purchased, accompanied by payment in full of the purchase
price, in cash, by check or such other instrument as may be acceptable to the
Committee (including instruments providing for "cashless exercise"). Payment in
full or in part may also be made in the form of unrestricted Stock already owned
by the optionee (based on the Fair Market Value of the Stock on the date the
option is exercised). No shares of unrestricted Stock shall be issued until full
payment therefor has been made. An optionee shall have the rights to dividends
or other rights of a stockholder with respect to shares subject to the option
when the optionee has given written notice of exercise and has paid in full for
such shares.

        (d)     Transferability of Options.  No Director Stock Option shall be
transferable by the optionee otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent
and distribution, and all Director Stock Options shall be exercisable, during
the optionee's lifetime, only by the optionee; provided, however, that the
Committee may (but need not) permit other transfers where the Committee
concludes that such transferability (i) does not result in accelerated taxation,
and (ii) is otherwise

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
appropriate and desirable, taking into account any state or federal securities
laws applicable to transferable options.

        (e)     Termination of Service. Upon an optionee's termination of status
as an Outside Director with the Company for any reason, any Director Stock
Options held by such optionee shall become immediately exercisable and may
thereafter be exercised during the period ending on the expiration of the stated
term of such Director Stock Options or the first anniversary of the optionee's
death, whichever is later. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if the
optionee's status as an Outside Director terminates by reason of or within three
months after a merger or other business combination resulting in a "Change of
Control" as defined in Section 13 of this Plan, the Director Stock Option shall
terminate upon the latest of (i) six months and one day after the merger or
business combination, (ii) ten business days following the expiration of the
period during which publication of financial results covering at least thirty
days of post-merger combined operations has occurred, and (iii) the expiration
of the stated term of such Director Stock Option.

        SECTION 7.  STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.

        (a)     Grant and Exercise.  Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted in
conjunction with all or part of any Stock Option granted under the Plan. In the
case of a Non-Qualified Stock Option, such rights may be granted either at or
after the time of the grant of such Non-Qualified Stock Option.  In the case of
an Incentive Stock Option, such rights may be granted only at the time of the
grant of such Incentive Stock Option.

        A Stock Appreciation Right or applicable portion thereof granted with
respect to a given Stock Option shall terminate and no longer be exercisable
upon the termination or exercise of the related Stock Option, except that,
unless otherwise provided by the Committee at the time of grant, a Stock
Appreciation Right granted with respect to less than the full number of shares
covered by a related Stock Option shall only be reduced if and to the extent
that the number of shares covered by the exercise or termination of the related
Stock Option exceeds the number of shares not covered by the Stock Appreciation
Right.

        A Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised by an optionee, in
accordance with paragraph (b) of this Section 7, by surrendering the applicable
portion of the related Stock Option. Upon such exercise and surrender, the
optionee shall be entitled to receive an amount determined in the manner
prescribed in paragraph (b) of this Section 7. Stock Options which have been so
surrendered, in whole or in part, shall no longer be exercisable to the extent
the related Stock Appreciation Rights have been exercised.

        (b)     Terms and Conditions. Stock Appreciation Rights shall be subject
to such terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan,
as shall be determined from time to time by the Committee, including the
following:

                (i)     Stock Appreciation Rights shall be exercisable only at
such time or times and to the extent that the Stock Options to which they relate
shall be exercisable in accordance with the provisions of Section 5 and this
Section 7 of the Plan; provided, however, that any Stock

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
Appreciation Right granted subsequent to the grant of the related Stock Option
shall not be exercisable during the first six months of the term of the Stock
Appreciation Right, except that this additional limitation shall not apply in
the event of death or Disability of the optionee prior to the expiration of the
six-month period.

                (ii)    Upon the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, an
optionee shall be entitled to receive up to, but not more than, an amount in
cash or shares of Stock equal in value to the excess of the Fair Market Value of
one share of Stock over the option price per share specified in the related
Stock Option multiplied by the number of shares in respect of which the Stock
Appreciation Right shall have been exercised, with the Committee having the
right to determine the form of payment.

                (iii)   Stock Appreciation Rights shall be transferable only
when and to the extent that the underlying Stock Option would be transferable
under paragraph (e) of Section 5 of the Plan.

                (iv)    Upon the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, the
Stock Option or part thereof to which such Stock Appreciation Right is related
shall be deemed to have been exercised for the purpose of the limitation set
forth in Section 3 of the Plan on the number of shares of Stock to be issued
under the Plan.

                (v)     A Stock Appreciation Right granted in connection with an
Incentive Stock Option may be exercised only if and when the market price of the
Stock subject to the Incentive Stock Option exceeds the exercise price of such
Stock Option.

                (vi)    In its sole discretion, the Committee may provide, at
the time of grant of a Stock Appreciation Right under this Section 7, that such
Stock Appreciation Right can be exercised only in the event of a "Change of
Control" and/or a "Potential Change of Control" (as defined in Section 13
below).

                (vii)   The Committee, in its sole discretion, may also provide
that in the event of a "Change of Control" and/or a "Potential Change of
Control" (as defined in Section 13 below) the amount to be paid upon the
exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right shall be based on the "Change of Control
Price" (as defined in Section 13 below).

        SECTION 8.  RESTRICTED STOCK.

        (a)     Administration.  Shares of Restricted Stock may be issued either
alone or in addition to other awards granted under the Plan. The Committee shall
determine the officers and key employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries and
Affiliates to whom, and the time or times at which, grants of Restricted Stock
will be made, the number of shares to be awarded, the price, if any, to be paid
by the recipient of Restricted Stock (subject to Section 8(b) hereof), the time
or times within which such awards may be subject to forfeiture, and all other
conditions of the awards. The Committee may also condition the grant and/or
vesting of Restricted Stock upon the attainment of specified performance goals,
or such other criteria as the Committee may determine,

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
in its sole discretion. The provisions of Restricted Stock awards need not be
the same with respect to each recipient.

        (b)     Awards and Certificates. The prospective recipient of an award
of shares of Restricted Stock shall not have any rights with respect to such
award, unless and until such recipient has executed an agreement evidencing the
award (a "Restricted Stock Award Agreement"), has delivered a fully executed
copy thereof to the Company, and has otherwise complied with the then applicable
terms and conditions. Awards of Restricted Stock must be accepted within a
period of 60 days (or such shorter period as the Committee may specify) after
the award date by executing a Restricted Stock Award Agreement and paying the
price specified in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement. Each participant who is
awarded Restricted Stock shall be issued a stock certificate registered in the
name of the participant in respect of such shares of Restricted Stock. The
Committee shall specify that the certificate shall bear a legend, as provided in
clause (i) below, and/or be held in custody by the Company, as provided in
clause (ii) below.

                (i)     The certificate shall bear an appropriate legend
referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such award,
substantially in the following form:

                "The transferability of this certificate and the shares of stock
                represented hereby are subject to the terms and conditions
                (including forfeiture) of the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
                1998 Stock Incentive Plan and a Restricted Stock Award Agreement
                entered into between the registered owner and Waddell & Reed
                Financial, Inc. Copies of such Plan and Agreement are on file in
                the offices of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.,
                ___________________________, ______________________________."

                (ii)    The Committee shall require that the stock certificates
evidencing such shares be held in custody by the Company until the restrictions
thereon shall have lapsed, and that, as a condition of any Restricted Stock
award, the participant shall have delivered a stock power, endorsed in blank,
relating to the Stock covered by such award.

        (c)     Restrictions and Conditions.  The shares of Restricted Stock
awarded pursuant to this Section 8 shall be subject to the following
restrictions and conditions:

                (i)     Subject to the provisions of this Plan and the
Restricted Stock Award Agreements, during such period as may be set by the
Committee commencing on the grant date (the "Restriction Period"), the
participant shall not be permitted to sell, transfer, pledge or assign shares of
Restricted Stock awarded under the Plan. The Committee may, in its sole
discretion, provide for the lapse of such restrictions in installments and may
accelerate or waive such restrictions in whole or in part, before or after the
participant's termination of employment, based on performance and/or such other
factors as the Committee may determine, in its sole discretion.

                (ii)    Except as provided in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section
8, the participant shall have, with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock,
all of the rights of a stockholder of the

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
Company, including the right to receive any dividends. Dividends paid in stock
of the Company or stock received in connection with a stock split with respect
to Restricted Stock shall be subject to the same restrictions as on such
Restricted Stock. Certificates for shares of unrestricted Stock shall be
delivered to the participant promptly after, and only after, the period of
forfeiture shall expire without forfeiture in respect of such shares of
Restricted Stock.

                (iii)   Subject to the provisions of the Restricted Stock Award
Agreement and this Section 8, upon termination of employment for any reason
other than Normal Retirement or death during the Restriction Period, all shares
still subject to restriction shall be forfeited by the participant, and the
participant shall only receive the amount, if any, paid by the participant for
such forfeited Restricted Stock.

        SECTION 9.  DEFERRED STOCK AWARDS.

        (a)     Administration. Deferred Stock may be awarded either alone or in
addition to other awards granted under the Plan. The Committee shall determine
the officers and key employees of the Company, its Subsidiaries and Affiliates
to whom, and the time or times at which, Deferred Stock shall be awarded, the
number of shares of Deferred Stock to be awarded to any participant, the
duration of the period (the "Deferral Period") during which, and the conditions
under which, receipt of the Stock will be deferred, and the terms and conditions
of the award in addition to those set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section 9.
The Committee may also condition the grant and/or vesting of Deferred Stock upon
the attainment of specified performance goals, or such other criteria as the
Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion. The provisions of Deferred
Stock awards need not be the same with respect to each recipient.

        (b)     Terms and Conditions.  The shares of Deferred Stock awarded
pursuant to this Section 9 shall be subject to the following terms and
conditions:

                (i)     Subject to the provisions of this Plan and the award
agreement, Deferred Stock awards may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged
or otherwise encumbered during the Deferral Period. At the expiration of the
Deferral Period (or Elective Deferral Period, (as defined below) where
applicable), share certificates shall be delivered to the participant, or his
legal representative, in a number equal to the shares covered by the Deferred
Stock award.

                (ii)    At the time of the award, the Committee may, in its sole
discretion, determine that amounts equal to any   dividends declared during the
Deferral Period (or Elective Deferral Period) with respect to the number of
shares covered by a Deferred Stock award will be: (a) paid to the participant
currently; (b) deferred and deemed to be reinvested; or (c) that such
participant has no rights with respect thereto.

                (iii)   Subject to the provisions of the award agreement and
this Section 9, upon termination of employment for any reason during the
Deferral Period for a given award, the Deferred Stock in question shall be
forfeited by the participant.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
                (iv)    Based on performance and/or such other criteria as the
Committee may determine, the Committee may, at or after grant (including after
the participant's termination of employment), accelerate the vesting of all or
any part of any Deferred Stock award and/or waive the deferral limitations for
all or any part of such award.

                (v)     A participant may elect to defer further receipt of the
award for a specified period or until a specified event (the "Elective Deferral
Period"), subject in each case to the Committee's approval and to such terms as
are determined by the Committee, all in its sole discretion. Subject to any
exceptions adopted by the Committee, such election must generally be made at
least six months prior to completion of the Deferral Period for a Deferred Stock
award (or for an installment of such an award).

                (vi)    Each award shall be confirmed by, and subject to the
terms of, a Deferred Stock award agreement executed by the Company and the
participant.

        SECTION 10.  LOAN PROVISIONS.

        With the consent of the Committee, the Company may make, or arrange for,
a loan or loans to an employee with respect to the exercise of any Stock Option
granted under the Plan and/or with respect to the payment of the purchase price,
if any, of any Restricted Stock awarded hereunder. The Committee shall have full
authority to decide whether to make a loan or loans hereunder and to determine
the amount, term and provisions of any such loan or loans, including the
interest rate to be charged in respect of any such loan or loans, whether the
loan or loans are to be with or without recourse against the borrower, the terms
on which the loan is to be repaid and the conditions, if any, under which the
loan or loans may be forgiven.

        SECTION 11.  AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION.

        The Board may amend, alter, or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment,
alteration, or discontinuation shall be made which would impair the right of an
optionee or participant under a Stock Option, Director Stock Option, Stock
Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock award theretofore
granted, without the optionee's or participant's consent.

        Amendments may be made without stockholder approval except as required
to satisfy Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, Section 162(m) of the Code, stock
exchange listing requirements, or other regulatory requirements.

        The Committee may amend the terms of any award or option (other than
Director Stock Options) theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively, but
no such amendment shall impair the rights of any holder without his consent.
The Committee may also substitute new Stock Options for previously granted Stock
Options including options granted under other plans applicable to the
participant and previously granted Stock Options having higher option prices.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
        SECTION 12.  UNFUNDED STATUS OF PLAN.

        The Plan is intended to constitute an "unfunded" plan for incentive and
deferred compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a
participant or optionee by the Company, nothing set forth herein shall give any
such participant or optionee any rights that are greater than those of a general
creditor of the Company. In its sole discretion, the Committee may authorize the
creation of trusts or other arrangements to meet the obligations created under
the Plan to deliver Stock or payments in lieu of or with respect to awards
hereunder, provided, however, that the existence of such trusts or other
arrangements is consistent with the unfunded status of the Plan.

        SECTION 13.  CHANGE OF CONTROL.

        The following acceleration and valuation provisions shall apply in the
event of a "Change of Control" or "Potential Change of Control," as defined in
this Section 13, that occurs more than twelve months after the date of the
Company's initial public offering:

        (a)     In the event of a "Change of Control" as defined in paragraph
(b) of this Section 13, [unless otherwise determined by the Committee in writing
at or after grant, but prior to the occurrence of such Change of Control, or,]
if and to the extent so determined by the Committee in writing at or after grant
(subject to any right of approval expressly reserved by the Committee at the
time of such determination) in the event of a "Potential Change of Control," as
defined in paragraph (c) of this Section 13:

                (i)     any Stock Appreciation Rights and any Stock Options
awarded under the Plan not previously exercisable and vested shall become fully
exercisable and vested;

                (ii)    the restrictions and deferral limitations applicable to
any Restricted Stock and Deferred Stock awards under the Plan shall lapse and
such shares and awards shall be deemed fully vested; and

                (iii)   the value of all outstanding Stock Options, Director
Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock and Deferred Stock
Awards, shall, to the extent determined by the Committee at or after grant, be
settled on the basis of the "Change of Control Price" (as defined in paragraph
(d) of this Section 13) as of the date the Change of Control occurs or Potential
Change of Control is determined to have occurred, or such other date as the
Committee may determine prior to the Change of Control or Potential Change of
Control. In the sole discretion of the Committee, such settlements may be made
in cash or in stock, as shall be necessary to effect the desired accounting
treatment for the transaction resulting in the Change of Control. In addition,
any Stock Option, Director Stock Option, and Stock Appreciation Right which has
been outstanding for less than six months shall be settled solely in stock.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
        (b)     For purposes of paragraph (a) of this Section 13, a "Change of
Control" means the happening of any of the following:

                (i)     when any "person", as such term is used in Sections
13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act (other than the Company or a Subsidiary or
any Company employee benefit plan), is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as
defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly of
securities of the Company representing 20 percent or more of the combined voting
power of the Company's then outstanding securities;

                (ii)    the occurrence of any transaction or event relating to
the Company required to be described pursuant to the requirements of 6(e) of
Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A of the Commission under the Exchange Act;

                (iii)   when, during any period of two consecutive years during
the existence of the Plan, the individuals who, at the beginning of such period,
constitute the Board cease, for any reason other than death, to constitute at
least a majority thereof, unless each director who was not a director at the
beginning of such period was elected by, or on the recommendation of, at least
two-thirds of the directors at the beginning of such period; or

                (iv)    the occurrence of a transaction requiring stockholder
approval for the acquisition of the Company by an entity other than the Company
or a Subsidiary through purchase of assets, or by merger, or otherwise.

        (c)     For purposes of paragraph (a) of this Section 13, a "Potential
Change of Control" means the happening of any of the following:

                (i)     the entering into an agreement by the Company, the
consummation of which would result in a Change of Control of the Company as
defined in paragraph (b) of this Section 13; or

                (ii)    the acquisition of beneficial ownership, directly or
indirectly, by any entity, person or group (other than the Company or a
Subsidiary or any Company employee benefit plan) of securities of the Company
representing 5 percent or more of the combined voting power of the Company's
outstanding securities and the adoption by the Board of Directors of a
resolution to the effect that a Potential Change of Control of the Company has
occurred for purposes of this Plan.

        (d)     For purposes of this Section 13, "Change of Control Price" means
the highest price per share paid in any transaction reported on the New York
Stock Exchange Composite Tape, or paid or offered in any transaction related to
a potential or actual Change of Control of the Company at any time during the
preceding sixty day period as determined by the Committee, except that (i) in
the case of Incentive Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights relating to
Incentive Stock Options, such price shall be based only on transactions reported
for the date on which the Committee decides to cashout such options, and (ii) in
the case of Director Stock Options, the sixty day period shall be the period
immediately prior to the Change of Control.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
        SECTION 14.  LIMITATIONS ON PAYMENTS.

        (a)     Notwithstanding Section 13 above or any other provision of
this Plan or any other agreement, arrangement or plan, in no event shall the
Company pay or be obligated to pay any Plan participant an amount which would be
an Excess Parachute Payment except as provided in Section 14(f) below and except
as the Committee specifically provides otherwise in the participant's grant
agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Excess Parachute Payment"
shall mean any payment or any portion thereof which would be an "excess
parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code, and
would result in the imposition of an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,
in the opinion of tax counsel selected by the Company, ("Tax Counsel"). In the
event it is determined that an Excess Parachute Payment would result if the full
acceleration of vesting and exercisability provided in Section 13 above were
made (when added to any other payments or benefits contingent on a change of
control under any other agreement, arrangement or plan), the payments due under
Section 13(a) shall be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to prevent an
Excess Parachute Payment; then, if necessary to prevent an Excess Parachute
Payment, benefits or payments under any other plan, agreement or arrangement
shall be reduced. If it is established pursuant to a final determination of a
court or an Internal Revenue Service administrative appeals proceeding that,
notwithstanding the good faith of the participant and the Company in applying
the terms of this Section 14(a), a payment (or portion thereof) made is an
Excess Parachute Payment, then, the Company shall pay to the participant an
additional amount in cash (a "Gross-Up Payment") equal to the amount necessary
to cause the amount of the aggregate after-tax compensation and benefits
received by the participant hereunder (after payment of the excise tax under
Section 4999 of the Code with respect to any Excess Parachute Payment, and any
state and federal income taxes with respect to the Gross-Up Payment) to be equal
to the aggregate after-tax compensation and benefits he would have received as
if Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code had not been enacted.

        (b)     Subject to the provisions of Section 14(c), the amount of any
Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such amount,
shall be determined by a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm
designated by the Company (the "Accounting Firm"). All fees and expenses of the
Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company. Any Gross-Up Payment, as
determined pursuant to Section 14(a), shall be paid by the Company to the
participant within five (5) days after the receipt of the Accounting Firm's
determination. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon
the Company and participant.

        (c)     Participant shall notify the Company in writing of any claim
by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment
by Company of a Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be given no later than
ten (10) business days after participant is informed in writing of such claim
and shall apprise the Company of the nature of the claim and the date of
requested payment. Participant shall not pay the claim prior to the expiration
of the thirty (30) day period following the date on which it gives 

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
notice to the Company. If the Company notifies participant in writing prior to
the expiration of the period that it desires to contest such claim, participant
shall:

                (i)     give the Company any information reasonably requested by
        the Company relating to such claim;

                (ii)    take such action in connection with contesting such
        claim as the Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to
        time, including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with
        respect to such claim by an attorney selected by the Company and
        reasonably acceptable to participant;

                (iii)   cooperate with the Company in good faith in order to
        effectively contest such claim; and

                (iv)    permit the Company to participate in any proceedings
        relating to such claim.

Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of this Section 14(c), the
Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection with such contest and,
at its sole option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals,
proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of
such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct participant to pay the tax
claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and
participant agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any
administration tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more
appellate courts, as the Company shall determine; provided, however, that the
                                                  --------  -------
Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including additional
interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and shall
indemnify and hold participant harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise
Tax or income tax (including interest and penalties with respect thereto)
imposed as a result of the contest; provided, further, that if the Company
                                    --------  -------
directs participant to pay any claim and sue for a refund, the Company shall
advance the amount of the payment to participant, on an interest-free basis, and
shall indemnify and hold participant harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any
Excise Tax or income tax (including interest or penalties with respect thereto)
imposed with respect to the advance or with respect to any imputed income with
respect to the advance.

        (d)     In the event that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant
to Section 14(c) and participant thereafter is required to make a payment of any
Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Gross-Up
Payment required and such payment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or
for the benefit of participant.

        (e)     If, after the receipt of participant of an amount advanced by
the Company pursuant to Section 14(c), participant becomes entitled to receive
any refund with respect to such claim, participant shall promptly after
receiving such refund pay to the Company the amount of such refund (together
with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto). If,
after the receipt by participant of an amount advanced by the 

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
Company pursuant to Section 14(c), a determination is made that participant
shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and the Company
does not notify participant in writing of its intent to contest such denial of
refund prior to the expiration of thirty (30) days after such determination,
then such advance shall be forgiven and shall not be required to be repaid and
the amount of such advance shall offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of
Gross-Up Payment required to be paid.

        (f)     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the limitation set forth in
Section 14(a) shall not apply to a participant if in the opinion of Tax Counsel
or the Accounting Firm (i) the total amounts payable to the participant
hereunder and under any other agreement, arrangement or plan as a result of a
change of control (calculated without regard to the limitation of Section
14(a)), reduced by the amount of excise tax imposed on the participant under
Code Section 4999 with respect to all such amounts and reduced by the state and
federal income taxes on amounts paid in excess of the limitation set forth in
Section 14(a), would exceed (ii) such total amounts payable after application of
the limitation of Section 14(a). No Gross-Up Payment shall be made in such case.

        SECTION 15.  GENERAL PROVISIONS.

        (a)     All certificates for shares of Stock delivered under the Plan
shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the
Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations, and other
requirements of the Commission, any stock exchange upon which the Stock is then
listed, and any applicable Federal or state securities law, and the Committee
may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make
appropriate reference to such restrictions.

        (b)     Nothing set forth in this Plan shall prevent the Board from
adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, subject to stockholder
approval if such approval is required; and such arrangements may be either
generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.  The adoption of the
Plan shall not confer upon any employee or director of the Company, any
Subsidiary or any Affiliate, any right to continued employment (or, in the case
of a director, continued retention as a director) with the Company, a Subsidiary
or an Affiliate, as the case may be, nor shall it interfere in any way with the
right of the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate to terminate the employment
of any of its employees at any time.

        (c)     Each participant shall, no later than the date as of which the
value of an award first becomes includible in the gross income of the
participant for Federal income tax purposes, pay to the Company, or make
arrangements satisfactory to the Committee, in its sole discretion, regarding
payment of, any Federal, FICA, state, or local taxes of any kind required by law
to be withheld with respect to the award.  The obligations of the Company under
the Plan shall be conditional on such payment or arrangements.

        The Committee may permit or require, in its sole discretion,
participants to elect to satisfy their Federal, and where applicable, FICA,
state and local tax withholding obligations with respect to all awards other
than Stock Options which have related Stock Appreciation Rights by the

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
reduction, in an amount necessary to pay all said withholding tax obligations,
of the number of shares of Stock or amount of cash otherwise issuable or payable
to said participants in respect of an award. The Company and, where applicable,
its Subsidiaries and Affiliates shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the
right to deduct any such taxes owed hereunder by a participant from any payment
of any kind otherwise due to said participant.

        (d)     At the time of grant or purchase, the Committee may provide in
connection with any grant or purchase made under this Plan that the shares of
Stock received as a result of such grant or purchase shall be subject to a right
of first refusal, pursuant to which the participant shall be required to offer
to the Company any shares that the participant wishes to sell, with the price
being the then Fair Market Value of the Stock, subject to the provisions of
Section 13 hereof and to such other terms and conditions as the Committee may
specify at the time of grant.

        (e)     No member of the Board or the Committee, nor any officer or
employee of the Company acting on behalf of the Board or the Committee, shall be
personally liable for any action, determination, or interpretation taken or made
in good faith with respect to the Plan, and all members of the Board or the
Committee and each and any officer or employee of the Company acting on their
behalf shall, to the extent permitted by law, be fully indemnified and protected
by the Company in respect of any such action, determination or interpretation.

        SECTION 16.  EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN.

        The Plan shall be effective on the date it is approved by a majority
vote of the Company's stockholders.

        SECTION 17.  TERM OF PLAN.

        No Stock Option, Director Stock Option, Stock Appreciation Right,
Restricted Stock award or Deferred Stock award shall be granted pursuant to the
Plan on or after ______, 2008, but awards theretofore granted may extend beyond
that date.

                                       20

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 10.9
                                                                    ------------
                                                                                
                                                                                
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
                 1998 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN


                                   ARTICLE 1
                              Purpose of the Plan

        Section 1.1.  Purpose.  The purpose of the 1998 Non-Employee Director
Stock Option Plan is to attract and retain highly qualified and capable Non-
Employee Directors and to promote the long-term growth of Waddell & Reed
Financial, Inc. by providing a vehicle for Non-Employee Directors to increase
their proprietary interest in Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.  The Plan will be
effective for Annual Compensation payable in 1998 or thereafter.

                                   ARTICLE 2
                                  DEFINITIONS

        Section 2.1.  Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the
following terms shall have the following meanings:

        "Acquisition" has the meaning assigned such term in Section 9.3 hereof.

        "Acquisition Consideration" has the meaning assigned such term in
Section 9.3 hereof.

        "Annual Compensation" means the annual cash retainer and meeting fees
payable by the Company to a Non-Employee Director for services as a director
(and, if applicable, as the member or chairman of a committee of the Board) of
the Company, as such amount may be changed from time to time.  For purposes of
an election to receive Options under the Plan in lieu of Annual Compensation,
meeting fees will be deemed to be earned at the beginning of the year for all
scheduled meetings during the year, whether or not the Optionee later attends
such meetings.

        "Beneficiary" means any person or persons designated by a Participant,
in accordance with procedures established by the Committee or Plan
Administrator, to receive benefits hereunder in the event of the Participant's
death.  If any Participant shall fail to designate a Beneficiary or shall
designate a Beneficiary who shall fail to survive the Participant, the
Beneficiary shall be the Participant's surviving spouse, or, if none, the
Participant's surviving descendants (who shall take per stirpes) and if there
are no surviving descendants, the Beneficiary shall be the Participant's estate.

        "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

        "Business Day" means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange or any
national securities exchange or over-the-counter market on which the Shares are
traded is open for business.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
        "Change in Control" means any of the following that occurs more than
twelve months after the Company's initial public offering:

                (i)     when any "person", as such term is used in Sections
13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) (other than the Company or a subsidiary
thereof or any Company employee benefit plan), is or becomes the "beneficial
owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or
indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 20% or more of the
combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities;

                (ii)    the occurrence of any transaction or event relating to
the Company that is required to be described pursuant to the requirements of
Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A of the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Exchange Act;

                (iii)   when, during any period of two consecutive years during
the existence of the Plan, the individuals who, at the beginning of such period,
constitute the Board, cease for any reason other than death to constitute at
least a majority thereof, unless each director who was not a director at the
beginning of such period was elected by, or on the recommendation of, at least
two-thirds of the directors at the beginning of such period; or

                (iv)    the occurrence of a transaction requiring stockholder
approval for the acquisition of the Company by an entity other than the Company
or a subsidiary thereof through the purchase of assets, by merger, or otherwise.

        "Committee" means the Compensation Committee of the Board.

        "Company" means Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

        "Disability" means total and permanent disability as determined under
the Company's long term disability program, whether or not the Optionee is
covered under such program.  If no such program is in effect, the Disability of
a Participant shall be determined in good faith by the Board (excluding the
Participant).

        "Election Date" means the date established by the Plan as the date by
which a Participant must submit a valid Primary Election Form to the Plan
Administrator in order to participate in the Plan for a calendar year.  For each
calendar year, the Election Date is December 31 of the preceding calendar year;
provided, however, that the Election Date for a newly eligible Participant shall
be the 30th day following the date on which such individual becomes a Non-
Employee Director.

        "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

        "Fair Market Value" means, as of any given date, the closing price of
the Stock on such date on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
        "Interest Account" means the account established by the Company for each
Participant for Annual Compensation deferred pursuant to the Plan and which
shall be credited with interest on the last day of each calendar quarter (or
such other day as determined by the Plan Administrator). The maintenance of
individual Interest Accounts is for bookkeeping purposes only.

        "Non-Employee Director" means a director of the Company who is not an
employee of the Company or of any subsidiary (as determined by the Committee).

        "Option" means an option to purchase Shares awarded under Article 6.

        "Option Grant Date" means the date upon which an Option is granted to a
Non-Employee Director pursuant to Article 6.

        "Optionee" means a Non-Employee Director of the Company to whom an
Option has been granted or, in the event of such Non-Employee Director's death
prior to the expiration of an Option, such Non-Employee Director's Beneficiary.

        "Participant" means any Non-Employee Director who is participating in
the Plan.

        "Plan" means the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Non-Employee
Director Stock Option Plan.

        "Plan Administrator" means the Committee or its delegee of
administrative duties under the Plan pursuant to Section 3.2.

        "Primary Election Form" means a form, substantially in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit A, pursuant to which a Non-Employee Director elects to defer
Annual Compensation under the Plan.

        "Secondary Election Form" means a form, substantially in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit B, pursuant to which a Non-Employee Director elects
to convert previously deferred compensation to Options pursuant to Section 6.1
of the Plan.

        "Shares" means shares of the common stock of the Company.

        "Stock Option Award Notice" means a written award notice to a Non-
Employee Director from the Company evidencing an Option.

                                   ARTICLE 3
                          ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

        Section 3.1.  Administrator of the Plan. The Plan shall be administered
by the Committee.

        Section 3.2.  Authority of Committee.  The Committee shall have full
power and authority to: (i) interpret and construe the Plan and adopt such rules
and regulations as it shall deem 

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
necessary and advisable to implement and administer the Plan, and (ii) designate
persons other than members of the Committee or the Board to carry out its
responsibilities, subject to such limitations, restrictions and conditions as it
may prescribe, such determinations to be made in accordance with the Committee's
best business judgment as to the best interests of the Company and its
stockholders and in accordance with the purposes of the Plan. The Committee may
delegate administrative duties under the Plan to one or more agents as it shall
deem necessary or advisable.

        Section 3.3.  Effect of Committee Determinations.  No member of the
Committee or the Board or the Plan Administrator shall be personally liable for
any action or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any
Option or to any settlement of any dispute between a Non-Employee Director and
the Company.  Any decision or action taken by the Committee or the Board with
respect to an Option or the administration or interpretation of the Plan shall
be conclusive and binding upon all persons.

                                   ARTICLE 4
                                 PARTICIPATION

        Section 4.1.  Election to Participate.  Each Non-Employee Director is
automatically eligible to participate in the Plan.  A Non-Employee Director may
participate in the Plan for a calendar year by delivering a properly completed
and signed Primary Election Form to the Plan Administrator on or before the
Election Date.  The Non-Employee Director's participation in the Plan will be
effective as of the first day of the calendar year beginning after the Plan
Administrator receives the Non-Employee Director's Primary Election Form, or, in
the case of a newly eligible Participant, on the first day of the calendar month
beginning after the Plan Administrator receives such Non-Employee Director's
Primary Election Form.  A Participant shall not be entitled to any benefit
hereunder unless such Participant has properly completed a Primary Election Form
and deferred the receipt of his or her Annual Compensation pursuant to the Plan.

        Section 4.2.  Irrevocable Election.  A Participant may not revoke or
change his or her Primary Election Form for a calendar year; provided, however,
that a Participant may, by filing a Secondary Election Form with the Plan
Administrator within the period provided in the Plan, subsequently elect to
convert the balance in his or her Interest Account to Options in accordance with
Article 6.

        Section 4.3.  No Right to Continue as a Director.  Nothing contained
in the Plan shall be deemed to give any Non-Employee Director the right to be
retained as a director of the Company.

                                   ARTICLE 5
                                 PLAN BENEFITS

        Section 5.1.  Deferred Annual Compensation.  A Non-Employee Director
may elect to defer up to 100% of his or her Annual Compensation (in 10%
increments but not less than 50%) to his or her Interest Account and/or by
conversion to Options in accordance with the terms of the Plan.  For bookkeeping
purposes, the amount of the Annual Compensation which a Non-

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
Employee Director elects to defer pursuant to the Plan shall be transferred to
and held in individual Interest Accounts (in annual designations) pending
distribution in cash or the conversion to Options, if applicable, pursuant to
Article 6.

        Section 5.2.  Time of Election of Deferral.  A Non-Employee Director
who wishes to defer Annual Compensation for a calendar year must irrevocably
elect to do so on or prior to the Election Date for such calendar year, by
delivering a valid Primary Election Form to the Plan Administrator.  The Primary
Election Form shall indicate: (1) the percentage of Annual Compensation to be
deferred, and (2) the form and timing of payout of deferred amounts.

        Section 5.3.  Interest Accounts.  Amounts in a Participant's Interest
Account will be credited with interest as of the last day of each calendar
quarter (or such other day as determined by the Plan Administrator, which, in
the case of amounts converted to Options under the Plan, shall be the date of
such conversion) at the rate set from time to time by the Committee to be
applicable to the Interest Accounts of all Participants under the Plan.  To the
extent required for bookkeeping purposes, a Participant's Interest Accounts will
be segregated to reflect deferred Annual Compensation on a year-by-year basis.
For example, a 1997 Interest Account, a 1998 Interest Account, and so on.
Within a reasonable time after the end of each calendar year, the Plan
Administrator shall report in writing to each Participant the amount held in his
or her Interest Accounts at the end of the year.

        Section 5.4.  Responsibility for Investment Choices.  Each Participant
is solely responsible for any decision to defer Annual Compensation into his or
her Interest Account or convert Annual Compensation to Options under the Plan
and accepts all investment risks entailed by such decision, including the risk
of loss and a decrease in the value of the amounts he or she elects to defer.

        Section 5.5.  Form of Payment.

                (a)     Payment Commencement Date.  Payment of the balances in a
Participant's Interest Accounts shall commence on the earliest to occur of (a)
December 31 of the fifth year after the year with respect to which the deferral
was made, (b) the first Business Day of the fourth month after the Participant's
death, or (c) the Participant's termination as a Non-Employee Director other
than by reason of death.

                (b)     Optional Forms of Payment. Distributions from a
Participant's Interest Accounts may be paid to the Participant either in a lump
sum or in a number of approximately equal monthly installments designated by the
Participant on his or her Primary Election Form. Such monthly installments may
be for any number of months up to 120 months; provided, however, that in the
event of the Participant's death during the payout period, the remaining balance
shall be payable to the Participant's Beneficiary in a lump sum on the first
Business Day of the fourth month after the Participant's death. If a Participant
elects to receive a distribution of his or her Interest Accounts in
installments, the Plan Administrator may purchase an annuity from an insurance
company which annuity will pay the Participant the desired annual installments.
If the Plan Administrator purchases an annuity contract, the Eligible Executive
will have no further 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
rights to receive payments from the Company or the Plan with respect to the
amounts subject to the annuity. If the Plan Administrator does not purchase an
annuity contract, the value of the Interest Accounts remaining unpaid shall
continue to receive allocations of return as provided in Section 5.3. If the
Participant fails to designate a payment method in the Participant's Primary
Election Form, the Participant's Account shall be distributed in a lump sum.

                (c)     Irrevocable Elections. A Participant may elect a
different payment form for each year's Annual Compensation deferred under the
Plan. The payment form elected or deemed elected on the Participant's Primary
Election Form shall be irrevocable.

                (d)     Acceleration of Payment. If a Participant elects an
installment distribution and the value of such installment payment elected by
the Participant would result in a distribution of less than $3,000 per year, the
Plan Administrator may accelerate payment of the Participant's benefits over a
lesser number of whole years so that the annual amount distributed is at least
$3,000. If payment of the Participant's benefits over a five year period will
not provide annual distributions of at least $3,000, the Participant's Account
shall be paid in a lump sum.

                (e)     Effect of Competition. Notwithstanding the Primary
Election Form or any provision set forth herein, the entire balance of a
Participant's Interest Accounts shall be paid immediately to the Participant a
lump sum in the event the Participant ceases to be a Non-Employee Director and
becomes a proprietor, officer, partner, employee or otherwise becomes affiliated
with any business that is in competition with the Company or an affiliated
company, or becomes employed by any governmental agency having jurisdiction over
the activities of the Company or an affiliated company.

                (f)     Effect of Adverse Determination. Notwithstanding the
Primary Election Form or any provision set forth herein, if the Internal Revenue
Service determines, for any reason, that all or any portion of the amounts
credited under this Plan is currently includable in the taxable income of any
Participant, then the amounts so determined to be includable in income shall be
distributed in a lump sum to such Participant as soon as practicable.

                (g)     Payment to Beneficiary. Upon the Participant's death,
all unpaid amounts held in the Participant's Account shall be paid to the
Participant's Beneficiary in a lump sum on the first Business Day of the fourth
month following the Participant's death.

        Section 5.6.  Financial Hardship.  The Plan Administrator may, in its
sole discretion, accelerate the making of payment to a Participant of an amount
reasonably necessary to handle a severe financial hardship of a sudden and
unexpected nature due to causes not within the control of the Participant.  All
financial hardship distributions shall be made in cash in a lump sum.  Such
payments will be made on a first-in, first-out basis so that the oldest Annual
Compensation deferred under the Plan shall be deemed distributed first in a
financial hardship.

        Section 5.7.  Payment to Minors and Incapacitated Persons. In the event
that any amount is payable to a minor or to any person who, in the judgment of
the Plan Administrator, is incapable of making proper disposition thereof, such
payment shall be made for the benefit of such 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
minor or such person in any of the following ways as the Plan Administrator, in
its sole discretion, shall determine:

                (a)     By payment to the legal representative of such minor or
such person;

                (b)     By payment directly to such minor or such person;

                (c)     By payment in discharge of bills incurred by or for the
benefit of such minor or such person. The Plan Administrator shall make such
payments without the necessary intervention of any guardian or like fiduciary,
and without any obligation to require bond or to see to the further application
of such payment. Any payment so made shall be in complete discharge of the
Plan's obligation to the Participant and his or her Beneficiaries.

        Section 5.8.  Application for Benefits.  The Plan Administrator may
require a Participant or Beneficiary to complete and file certain forms as a
condition precedent to receiving the payment of benefits.  The Plan
Administrator may rely upon all such information given to it, including the
Participant's current mailing address. It is the responsibility of all persons
interested in receiving a distribution pursuant to the Plan to keep the Plan
Administrator informed of their current mailing addresses.

        Section 5.9.  Designation of Beneficiary.  Each Participant from time
to time may designate any person or persons (who may be designated contingently
or successively and who may be an entity other than a natural person) as his or
her Beneficiary or Beneficiaries to whom the Participant's Account is to be paid
if the Participant dies before receipt of all such benefits.  Each Beneficiary
designation shall be on the form prescribed by the Plan Administrator and will
be effective only when filed with the Plan Administrator during the
Participant's lifetime.  Each Beneficiary designation filed with the Plan
Administrator will cancel all Beneficiary designations previously filed with the
Plan Administrator.  The revocation of a Beneficiary designation, no matter how
effected, shall not require the consent of any designated Beneficiary.

                                   ARTICLE 6
                               ELECTIVE OPTIONS

        Each Non-Employee Director shall be granted Options subject to the
following terms and conditions:

        Section 6.1.  Election to Receive Options.  At any time, but only one
time, during the calendar year immediately following the filing of a Primary
Election Form under Article 5, a Participant shall have the right to convert
into Options pursuant to this Article 6 the then-current balance (as of the date
of such election to receive Options) in his or her Interest Account for the
calendar year to which the Primary Election Form relates.  For example, if a
Primary Election Form is filed in December 1998 to defer Annual Compensation to
be earned in 1999, the director may elect at any time in 1999 to convert such
deferred amount to Options.  To make such election, the Participant must file
with the Plan Administrator a written irrevocable Secondary Election Form to
receive Options as of the date of the election (the "Option Grant Date").  The

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
exercise price per Share under each Option granted pursuant to this Article 6
shall, at the election of the Optionee as indicated on the Secondary Election
Form, be either 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the Option Grant Date
or a lesser percentage (but not less than 75%) of the Fair Market Value per
Share on the Option Grant Date, such lesser percentage to be determined by the
Committee from time to time.  Such Secondary Election Form shall indicate the
percentage of such Options to be granted at each Exercise Price, which choice
may affect the number of Options to be received pursuant to Section 6.2.

        Section 6.2.  Number and Terms of Options.  The number of Shares
subject to an Option granted pursuant to this Article 6 shall be the number of
whole Shares equal to A divided by B, where:

                A = the dollar amount which the Non-Employee Director has
elected pursuant to Section 6.1 to convert to Options; and

                B = the per share value of an Option on the Option Grant Date,
as determined by the Committee using an option valuation model selected by the
Committee in its discretion (such value to be expressed as a percentage of the
Fair Market Value per Share on the Option Grant Date).

        In determining the number of Shares subject to an Option, (i) the
Committee may designate the assumptions to be used in the selected option
valuation model, and (ii) any fraction of a Share will be rounded up to the next
whole number of Shares.

        Section 6.3.  Exercise of Options.  All Options shall be fully
nonforfeitable, but shall be exercisable only at the time provided in this
Section 6.3 and Section 6.4 below. Each Option shall be first exercisable,
cumulatively, as to 10% commencing on the each of the first through tenth
anniversaries of the Option Grant Date. An Optionee's death, Disability,
retirement or other termination of directorship or failure to be reelected as a
director shall not shorten the term of any outstanding Option. In no event shall
the period of time over which the Option may be exercised exceed eleven years
from the Option Grant Date. An Option, or portion thereof, may be exercised in
whole or in part only with respect to whole Shares. Shares shall be issued to
the Optionee pursuant to the exercise of an Option only upon receipt by the
Company from the Optionee of payment in full in cash of the aggregate purchase
price for the Shares subject to the Option or portion thereof being exercised.

        Section 6.4.  Accelerated Exercisability.  Notwithstanding the normal
exercisability schedule set forth in Section 6.3 hereof, any and all outstanding
Options shall become immediately exercisable upon the first to occur of (i) the
death of the Optionee, (ii) the Disability of the Optionee, (iii) the occurrence
of a Change in Control, or (iv) the unanimous determination by the Committee
that a particular Option or Options shall become fully exercisable.  Upon
acceleration, an Option will remain exercisable for the remainder of its
original term.

        Section 6.5.  Stock Option Award Notice.  Each Option granted under
the Plan shall be evidenced by a Stock Option Award Notice which shall be
executed by an authorized officer of 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
the Company. Such Award Notice shall contain provisions regarding (a) the number
of Shares that may be issued upon exercise of the Option, (b) the exercise price
per Share of the Option and the means of payment therefor, (c) the term of the
Option, and (d) such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan
as may be determined from time to time by the Committee.

        Section 6.6.  Transferability of Options. No Option shall be assignable
or transferable by the Optionee other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution; provided, however, that the Committee may (but need not) permit
other transfers where the Committee concludes that such transferability (i) does
not result in accelerated taxation, and (ii) is otherwise appropriate and
desirable, taking into account any state or federal securities laws applicable
to transferable Options.

                                   ARTICLE 7
                          SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

        Section 7.1.  Shares Subject to the Plan.  Subject to adjustment as
provided in Article 9, the aggregate number of Shares which may be acquired upon
the exercise of Options shall not exceed 800,000 Shares.  Shares acquired upon
exercise of Options may be newly issued Shares or previously issued and
reacquired Shares, and there are hereby reserved for issuance under the Plan
800,000 Shares.  To the extent that Shares subject to an outstanding Option are
not issued or delivered by reason of the expiration, termination, cancellation
or forfeiture of such Option or by reason of the delivery of Shares to pay all
or a portion of the exercise price of such Option, then such Shares shall again
be available under the Plan.

                                   ARTICLE 8
                           AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

        Section 8.1.  Amendment, Suspension or Early Termination. The Board may
amend, suspend or terminate the Plan or any Stock Option Award Notice at any
time; provided, however, that the Board may condition any amendment or
modification on the approval of stockholders of the Company if such approval is
necessary or deemed advisable with respect to tax, securities or other
applicable laws, policies or regulations, and no such amendment, modification or
termination shall adversely affect any outstanding Options or Interest Accounts
without the consent of the Participant.

                                   ARTICLE 9
                             ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS

        Section 9.1.  Change in Corporate Structure Affecting Shares.  If the
Company shall at any time change the number of issued Shares without new
consideration to the Company (such as by stock dividend, stock split,
recapitalization, reorganization, exchange of shares, liquidation, combination
or other change in corporate structure affecting the Shares) or make a
distribution of cash or property which has a substantial impact on the value of
issued Shares, the total number of Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan
shall be appropriately adjusted and the number of 

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Shares covered by each outstanding Option and the exercise price per Share under
each outstanding Option and the number of shares underlying Options shall be
adjusted so that the aggregate consideration payable to the Company and the
value of each such Option shall not be changed.

        Section 9.2.  Certain Reorganizations.  Notwithstanding any other
provision of the Plan, and without affecting the number of Shares reserved or
available hereunder, the Committee shall authorize the issuance, continuation or
assumption of outstanding Options or provide for other equitable adjustments
after changes in the Shares resulting from any merger, consolidation, sale of
assets, acquisition of property or stock, recapitalization, reorganization or
similar occurrence in which the Company is the continuing or surviving
corporation, upon such terms and conditions as it may deem necessary to preserve
Optionees' rights under the Plan.

        Section 9.3.  Acquisitions. In the case of any sale of assets, merger,
consolidation or combination of the Company with or into another corporation
other than a transaction in which the Company is the continuing or surviving
corporation and which does not result in the outstanding Shares being converted
into or exchanged for different securities, cash or other property, or any
combination thereof (an "Acquisition"), any Optionee who holds an outstanding
Option shall have the right (subject to the provisions of the Plan and any
limitation applicable to the Option) thereafter and during the term of the
Option, to receive upon exercise thereof the Acquisition Consideration (as
defined below) receivable upon the Acquisition by a holder of the number of
Shares which would have been obtained upon exercise of the Option or portion
thereof, as the case may be, immediately prior to the Acquisition. The term
"Acquisition Consideration" shall mean the kind and amount of shares of the
surviving or new corporation, cash, securities, evidence of indebtedness, other
property or any combination thereof receivable in respect of one Share of the
Company upon consummation of an Acquisition.

                                  ARTICLE 10
                                 MISCELLANEOUS

        Section 10.1.  Withholding. If any Option granted under the Plan is or
becomes subject to any withholding requirement, the Committee may require the
Optionee to remit such withholding as a condition to exercising the Option or
any portion thereof.

        Section 10.2.  Compliance with SEC Regulations. All grants and exercises
of Options under the Plan shall be executed in accordance with any applicable
requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, as amended and any regulations
promulgated thereunder, to the extent applicable. To the extent that any of the
provisions contained herein do not conform with Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act
or any amendments thereto or any successor regulation, then the Committee may
make such modifications so as to conform the Plan and any Options granted
thereunder to the Rule's requirements.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
        Section 10.3.  Validity. In the event that any provision of the Plan or
any related Stock Option Award Notice is held to be invalid, void or
unenforceable, the same shall not affect, in any respect whatsoever, the
validity of any other provision of the Plan or any related Stock Option Award
Notice.

        Section 10.4.  Inurement of Rights and Obligations.  The rights and
obligations under the Plan and any related agreements shall inure to the benefit
of, and shall be binding upon the Company, its successors and assigns, and the
Non-Employee Directors and their beneficiaries.

        Section 10.5.  Titles.  Titles are provided herein for convenience
only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of the
Plan.

        Section 10.6.  Governing Law.  The Plan shall be construed, governed
and enforced in accordance with the law of Delaware, except as such laws are
preempted by applicable federal law.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A

                             PRIMARY ELECTION FORM
                           [FOR CALENDAR YEAR 1999]

            ELECTION TO DEFER DIRECTOR COMPENSATION PURSUANT TO THE
                 1998 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN

        The following constitutes the irrevocable election of the undersigned
under the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Non-Employee Director Stock Option
Plan (the "Plan") with respect to the undersigned's annual cash retainer and
meeting fees payable to the undersigned by Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (the
"Company") for services as a director (and, if applicable, as a member or
chairman of a committee of the Board of Directors) of the Company during the
calendar year identified above ("Next Year's Annual Compensation").  Capitalized
terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings assigned such
terms in the Plan.

        I hereby irrevocably elect to defer into my Interest Account under the
Plan __% [indicate any percentage from 50% to 100%, in 10% increments] of my
Next Year's Annual Compensation until the earliest of (a) December 31 of the
fifth year after the year identified above, (b) the first Business Day of the
fourth month after my death, or (c) my termination as a director of the Company
for any reason other than my death (the "Payment Date"); subject to, however, my
ability under the Plan to make a one-time election at any time during the
calendar year identified above, to be effective on the date such subsequent
election is received by the Plan administrator, to convert the balance on such
date in my Interest Account for such year to Options to purchase common stock of
the Company in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Plan.  Any amount
remaining in my Interest Account on the Payment Date will be paid to me or my
Beneficiary [please check ONE box] [ ] in cash in a lump sum on the Payment
Date, or [ ] in approximately equal installments over ____ months [up to 120
months] beginning on the Payment Date; provided, however, that in the event of
my death during such payout period, the remaining balance shall be payable to my
Beneficiary in a lump sum on the first Business Day of the fourth month after my
death.

        Executed this ____ day of December, 1998.



                                        ________________________________________
                                        (Name)

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT B

                            SECONDARY ELECTION FORM
                           [FOR CALENDAR YEAR 1999]

               ELECTION TO RECEIVE STOCK OPTIONS PURSUANT TO THE
    WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN

        The following constitutes the irrevocable election of the undersigned
under the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Non-Employee Director Stock Option
Plan (the "Plan") with respect to the conversion to Options of the balance in
the undersigned's Interest Account under the Plan for the year identified above.
Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings
assigned such terms in the Plan.

        I hereby irrevocably elect to convert, as of the date hereof, the
balance in my Interest Account under the Plan for the year identified above to
Options to purchase common stock of the Company in accordance with the terms and
provisions of the Plan.

        I further elect that [please fill in the following blanks]:

        __% of such Options will be granted at an exercise price of __% of the
Fair Market Value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant, and

        __% of such Options will be granted at an exercise price of 100% of
the Fair Market Value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.

        Executed this ____ day of _________, 1999.



                                        ________________________________________
                                        (Name)

                                       13

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.10
                                                                   -------------
                                                                                
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
            1998 EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION STOCK OPTION PLAN


        ARTICLE 1.  PURPOSE OF THE PLAN.

        Section 1.1.  Purpose.  The purpose of the Waddell & Reed Financial,
Inc. 1998 Executive Deferred Compensation Stock Option Plan is to promote the
long-term growth of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. by providing a vehicle for
Eligible Executives to increase their proprietary interest in Waddell & Reed
Financial, Inc. and to attract and retain highly qualified and capable Eligible
Executives.

        ARTICLE 2.  DEFINITIONS.

        Section 2.1.  Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the
following terms shall have the following meanings:

        "Acquisition" has the meaning assigned such term in Section 9.3 hereof.

        "Acquisition Consideration" has the meaning assigned such term in
Section 9.3 hereof.

        "Annual Bonus" means the annual cash bonus payable by the Company to an
Eligible Executive for services to the Company or any of its affiliates, as such
amount may be determined from year to year.

        "Beneficiary" means any person or persons designated by a Participant,
in accordance with procedures established by the Committee or Plan
Administrator, to receive benefits hereunder in the event of the Participant's
death.  If any Participant shall fail to designate a Beneficiary or shall
designate a Beneficiary who shall fail to survive the Participant, the
Beneficiary shall be the Participant's surviving spouse, or, if none, the
Participant's surviving descendants (who shall take per stirpes) and if there
are no surviving descendants, the Beneficiary shall be the Participant's estate.

        "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

        "Bonus Deferral Election Date" means the date established by the Plan as
the date by which a Participant must submit a valid Primary Election Form for
Bonus to the Plan Administrator in order to defer Annual Bonus under the Plan
for a calendar year. For each calendar year, the Bonus Deferral Election Date is
December 31 of the calendar year for which the Bonus is to be earned.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
        "Business Day" shall mean a day on which the New York Stock Exchange or
any national securities exchange or over-the-counter market on which the Shares
are traded is open for business.

        "Change in Control" means any of the following that occurs more than
twelve months after the date of the Company's initial public offering:

                (i)     when any "person", as such term is used in Sections
13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) (other than the Company or a subsidiary
thereof or any Company employee benefit plan), is or becomes the "beneficial
owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or
indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 20% or more of the
combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities;

                (ii)    the occurrence of any transaction or event relating to
the Company that is required to be described pursuant to the requirements of
Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A of the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Exchange Act;

                (iii)   when, during any period of two consecutive years during
the existence of the Plan, the individuals who, at the beginning of such period,
constitute the Board, cease for any reason other than death to constitute at
least a majority thereof, unless each director who was not a director at the
beginning of such period was elected by, or on the recommendation of, at least
two-thirds of the directors at the beginning of such period; or

                (iv)    the occurrence of a transaction requiring stockholder
approval for the acquisition of the Company by an entity other than the Company
or a subsidiary thereof through the purchase of assets, by merger, or otherwise.

        "Committee" means the Compensation Committee of the Board.

        "Company" means Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

        "Covered Employee" means an individual defined in Section 162(m)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, with respect to the Company.

        "Disability" means total and permanent disability as determined under
the Company's long term disability program, whether or not the Optionee is
covered under such program.  If no such program is in effect, the Disability of
a Participant shall be determined in good faith by the Board (excluding the
Participant).

        "Eligible Executive" means an executive officer of the Company or any
of its affiliates, as such officers may be selected by the Chairman of the Board
of Directors or the Committee or its designee from year to year.

        "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
        "Fair Market Value" means, as of any given date, the closing price of
the Stock on such date on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape.

        "Interest Account" means the Interest Account for Bonus and/or the
Interest Account for Salary, as the context requires.  The maintenance of
individual Interest Accounts is for bookkeeping purposes only.

        "Interest Account for Bonus" means the account established by the
Company for each Participant for Annual Bonus deferred pursuant to the Plan and
which shall be credited with interest on the last day of each calendar quarter
(or such other day as determined by the Plan Administrator).

        "Interest Account for Salary" means the account established by the
Company for each Participant for Salary deferred pursuant to the Plan and which
shall be credited with interest on the last day of each calendar quarter (or
such other day as determined by the Plan Administrator).

        "Option" means an option to purchase Shares awarded under Article 6.
Options granted under the Plan are not incentive stock options within the
meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code.

        "Option Grant Date" means the date upon which an Option is granted to an
Eligible Executive pursuant to Article 6.

        "Optionee" means an Eligible Executive of the Company to whom an Option
has been granted or, in the event of such Eligible Executive's death prior to
the expiration of an Option, such Eligible Executive's Beneficiary.

        "Participant" means any Eligible Executive who is participating in the
Plan.

        "Plan" means the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Executive Deferred
Compensation Stock Option Plan.

        "Plan Administrator" means the Committee or its delegee of
administrative duties under the Plan pursuant to Section 3.2.

        "Primary Election Form" means a Primary Election Form for Salary and/or
a Primary Election Form for Bonus, as the context requires.

        "Primary Election Form for Bonus" means a form, substantially in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit B, pursuant to which an Eligible Executive
elects to defer Bonus under the Plan.

        "Primary Election Form for Salary" means a form, substantially in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit A, pursuant to which an Eligible Executive
elects to defer Salary under the Plan.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
        "Salary" means the salary payable by the Company to an Eligible
Executive for services to the Company or any of its affiliates, as such amount
may be changed from time to time.

        "Salary Deferral Election Date" means the date established by the Plan
as the date by which a Participant must submit a valid Primary Election Form for
Salary to the Plan Administrator in order to defer Salary under the Plan for a
calendar quarter.  For each calendar quarter, the Salary Deferral Election Date
is the last day of the preceding calendar quarter.

        "Secondary Election Form" means a Secondary Election Form for Salary
and/or a Secondary Election Form for Bonus, as the context requires.

        "Secondary Election Form for Bonus" means a form, substantially in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit D, pursuant to which an Eligible Executive
elects to convert previously deferred Annual Bonus to Options pursuant to
Section 6.1 of the Plan.

        "Secondary Election Form for Salary" means a form, substantially in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit C, pursuant to which an Eligible Executive
elects to convert previously deferred Salary to Options pursuant to Section 6.1
of the Plan.

        "Shares" means shares of the common stock of the Company.

        "Stock Option Award Notice" means a written award notice to an Eligible
Executive from the Company evidencing an Option.

        ARTICLE 3.  ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.

        Section 3.1.  Administrator of the Plan. The Plan shall be administered
by the Committee.

        Section 3.2.  Authority of Committee.  The Committee shall have full
power and authority to: (i) interpret and construe the Plan and adopt such rules
and regulations as it shall deem necessary and advisable to implement and
administer the Plan, and (ii) designate persons other than members of the
Committee or the Board to carry out its responsibilities, subject to such
limitations, restrictions and conditions as it may prescribe, such
determinations to be made in accordance with the Committee's best business
judgment as to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and in
accordance with the purposes of the Plan.  The Committee may delegate
administrative duties under the Plan to one or more agents as it shall deem
necessary or advisable.

        Section 3.3.  Effect of Committee Determinations.  No member of the
Committee or the Board or the Plan Administrator shall be personally liable for
any action or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any
Option or to any settlement of any dispute between an Eligible Executive and the
Company. Any decision or action taken by the Committee or the Board with respect
to an Option or the administration or interpretation of the Plan shall be
conclusive and binding upon all persons.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
        ARTICLE 4.  PARTICIPATION.

        Section 4.1.  Election to Participate.  The Chairman of the Board or
the Committee or its designee shall designate each year those executives who
shall be Eligible Executives for the coming year.  An Eligible Executive may
participate in the Plan by delivering to the Plan Administrator a properly
completed and signed (i) Primary Election Form for Salary on or before the
Salary Deferral Election Date, and/or (ii) Primary Election Form for Bonus on or
before the Bonus Deferral Election Date.  An Eligible Executive's participation
in the Plan will be effective (i) as of the first day of the calendar quarter
beginning after the Plan Administrator receives the Eligible Executive's Primary
Election Form for Salary, or (ii) as of the first day of the year for which an
Annual Bonus is earned, in the case of an Eligible Executive's Primary Election
Form for Bonus.  A Participant shall not be entitled to any benefit hereunder
unless such Participant has properly completed a Primary Election Form and
deferred the receipt of his or her Annual Bonus and/or Salary pursuant to the
Plan.

        Section 4.2.  Irrevocable Election.  A Participant may not revoke or
change his or her Primary Election Form; provided, however, that a Participant
may, by filing a Secondary Election Form with the Plan Administrator within the
period provided in the Plan, subsequently elect to convert the balance in his or
her Interest Account to Options in accordance with Article 6.

        Section 4.3.  No Right to Continue as an Employee.  Nothing contained
in the Plan shall be deemed to give any Eligible Executive the right to be
retained as an employee of the Company or any of its affiliates.

        ARTICLE 5.  PLAN BENEFITS.

        Section 5.1.  Deferred Annual Bonus or Salary.  An Eligible Executive
may elect to defer up to 100% (in increments of 10% or $10,000) of his or her
Annual Bonus and/or Salary to his or her Interest Account, and/or by conversion
to Options in accordance with the terms of the Plan.  For bookkeeping purposes,
the amount of the Annual Bonus and/or Salary which an Eligible Executive elects
to defer pursuant to the Plan shall be transferred to and held in individual
Interest Accounts (in annual designations) pending distribution in cash or the
conversion to Options, if applicable, pursuant to Article 6.

        Section 5.2.  Time of Election of Deferral.  An Eligible Executive who
wishes to defer Salary for a calendar quarter must irrevocably elect to do so on
or prior to the Salary Deferral Election Date for such calendar quarter, by
delivering a valid Primary Election Form for Salary to the Plan Administrator.
The Primary Election Form for Salary shall indicate: (1) the percentage of
Salary to be deferred, and (2) the form and timing of payout of deferred
amounts; provided, however, that if a Participant elects to defer Salary for
more than one quarter during a particular calendar year, the form and timing of
payout for each quarter's deferral shall be identical.  An Eligible Executive
who wishes to defer Annual Bonus for a calendar year must irrevocably elect
to do so on or prior to the Bonus Deferral Election Date for such calendar year,
by delivering a valid Primary Election Form for Bonus to the Plan Administrator.
The Primary Election Form for Bonus shall indicate: (1) the percentage of Annual
Bonus to be deferred, and (2) the form and 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
timing of payout of deferred amounts; provided, however, that if a Participant
elects to defer both Salary and Annual Bonus for a particular calendar year, the
form and timing of payout for each shall be identical.

        Section 5.3.  Interest Accounts.  Amounts in a Participant's Interest
Account will be credited with interest as of the last day of each calendar
quarter (or such other day as determined by the Plan Administrator, which, in
the case of amounts converted to Options under the Plan, shall be the date of
such conversion) at the rate set from time to time by the Committee to be
applicable to the Interest Accounts of all Participants under the Plan.  To the
extent required for bookkeeping purposes, a Participant's Interest Accounts will
be segregated to reflect deferred compensation on a year-by-year basis and on
the basis of the type of compensation deferred.  For example, a 1998 Interest
Account for Bonus, a 1998 Interest Account for Salary, a 1999 Interest Account
for Bonus, a 1999 Interest Account for Salary, and so on.  Within a reasonable
time after the end of each calendar year, the Plan Administrator shall report in
writing to each Participant the amount held in his or her Interest Accounts at
the end of the year.

        Section 5.4.  Responsibility for Investment Choices.  Each Participant
is solely responsible for any decision to defer Annual Bonus and/or Salary into
his or her Interest Account or convert Annual Bonus and/or Salary to Options
under the Plan and accepts all investment risks entailed by such decision,
including the risk of loss and a decrease in the value of the amounts he or she
elects to defer.

        Section 5.5.  Form of Payment.

                (a)     Payment Commencement Date.  Payment of the balances in a
Participant's Interest Accounts shall commence on the earliest to occur of (a)
December 31 of the fifth year after the year with respect to which the deferral
was made, (b) the first Business Day of the fourth month after the Participant's
death, or (c) the Participant's termination as an employee of the Company or any
of its subsidiaries or affiliates, other than by reason of death.

                (b)     Optional Forms of Payment. Distributions from a
Participant's Interest Accounts may be paid to the Participant either in a lump
sum or in a number of approximately equal monthly installments designated by the
Participant on his or her Primary Election Form. Such monthly installments may
be for any number of months up to 120 months; provided, however, that in the
event of the Participant's death during the payout period, the remaining balance
shall be payable to the Participant's Beneficiary in a lump sum on the first
Business Day of the fourth month after the Participant's death. If a Participant
elects to receive a distribution of his or her Interest Accounts in
installments, the Plan Administrator may purchase an annuity from an insurance
company which annuity will pay the Participant the desired annual installments.
If the Plan Administrator purchases an annuity contract, the Eligible Executive
will have no further rights to receive payments from the Company or the Plan
with respect to the amounts subject to the annuity. If the Plan Administrator
does not purchase an annuity contract, the value of the Interest Accounts
remaining unpaid shall continue to receive allocations of return as provided in
Section 5.3. If the Participant fails to designate a payment method in the
Participant's Primary Election Form, the Participant's Account shall be
distributed in a lump sum.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                (c)     Irrevocable Elections. A Participant may elect a
different payment form for each year's compensation deferred under the Plan;
provided, however, that if a Participant elects to defer Salary for more than
one quarter during a particular calendar year, or if a Participant elects to
defer Salary and Annual Bonus for a particular calendar year, the form and
timing of payout for each such deferral shall be identical. The payment form
elected or deemed elected on the Participant's Primary Election Form shall be
irrevocable.

                (d)     Acceleration of Payment. If a Participant elects an
installment distribution and the value of such installment payment elected by
the Participant would result in a distribution of less than $3,000 per year, the
Plan Administrator may accelerate payment of the Participant's benefits over a
lesser number of whole years so that the annual amount distributed is at least
$3,000. If payment of the Participant's benefits over a five year period will
not provide annual distributions of at least $3,000, the Participant's Account
shall be paid in a lump sum.

                (e)     Effect of Competition. Notwithstanding the Primary
Election Form or any provision set forth herein, the entire balance of a
Participant's Interest Accounts shall be paid immediately to the Participant a
lump sum in the event the Participant ceases to be an employee of the Company or
any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and becomes a proprietor, officer,
partner, employee or otherwise becomes affiliated with any business that is in
competition with the Company or an affiliated company, or becomes employed by
any governmental agency having jurisdiction over the activities of the Company
or an affiliated company.

                (f)     Effect of Adverse Determination. Notwithstanding the
Primary Election Form or any provision set forth herein, if the Internal Revenue
Service determines, for any reason, that all or any portion of the amounts
credited under this Plan is currently includable in the taxable income of any
Participant, then the amounts so determined to be includable in income shall be
distributed in a lump sum to such Participant as soon as practicable.

                (g)     Payment to Beneficiary. Upon the Participant's death,
all unpaid amounts held in the Participant's Account shall be paid to the
Participant's Beneficiary in a lump sum on the first Business Day of the fourth
month following the Participant's death.

        Section 5.6.  Financial Hardship.  The Plan Administrator may, in its
sole discretion, accelerate the making of payment to a Participant of an amount
reasonably necessary to handle a severe financial hardship of a sudden and
unexpected nature due to causes not within the control of the Participant.  All
financial hardship distributions shall be made in cash in a lump sum.  Such
payments will be made on a first-in, first-out basis so that the oldest
compensation deferred under the Plan shall be deemed distributed first in a
financial hardship.

        Section 5.7.  Payment to Minors and Incapacitated Persons. In the event
that any amount is payable to a minor or to any person who, in the judgment of
the Plan Administrator, is incapable of making proper disposition thereof, such
payment shall be made for the benefit of such minor or such person in any of the
following ways as the Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall
determine:

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                (a)     By payment to the legal representative of such minor or
such person;

                (b)     By payment directly to such minor or such person;

                (c)     By payment in discharge of bills incurred by or for the
benefit of such minor or such person. The Plan Administrator shall make such
payments without the necessary intervention of any guardian or like fiduciary,
and without any obligation to require bond or to see to the further application
of such payment. Any payment so made shall be in complete discharge of the
Plan's obligation to the Participant and his or her Beneficiaries.

        Section 5.8.  Application for Benefits.  The Plan Administrator may
require a Participant or Beneficiary to complete and file certain forms as a
condition precedent to receiving the payment of benefits.  The Plan
Administrator may rely upon all such information given to it, including the
Participant's current mailing address. It is the responsibility of all persons
interested in receiving a distribution pursuant to the Plan to keep the Plan
Administrator informed of their current mailing addresses.

        Section 5.9.  Designation of Beneficiary.  Each Participant from time
to time may designate any person or persons (who may be designated contingently
or successively and who may be an entity other than a natural person) as his or
her Beneficiary or Beneficiaries to whom the Participant's Account is to be paid
if the Participant dies before receipt of all such benefits.  Each Beneficiary
designation shall be on the form prescribed by the Plan Administrator and will
be effective only when filed with the Plan Administrator during the
Participant's lifetime.  Each Beneficiary designation filed with the Plan
Administrator will cancel all Beneficiary designations previously filed with the
Plan Administrator.  The revocation of a Beneficiary designation, no matter how
effected, shall not require the consent of any designated Beneficiary.

        ARTICLE 6.  ELECTIVE OPTIONS.

        Each Eligible Executive shall be granted Options subject to the
following terms and conditions:

        Section 6.1.  Election to Receive Options.

                (a)     Options Converted from Deferred Salary. At any time, but
only one time, during the twelve-month period following the end of a calendar
year with respect to which a Participant deferred Salary into the Plan, the
Participant shall have the right to convert some or all of his or her Interest
Account for Salary for such previous year into Options pursuant to this Article
6. To make such election, the Participant must file with the Plan Administrator
a written irrevocable Secondary Election Form for Salary to receive Options as
of the date of the filing of such Secondary Election Form (the "Option Grant
Date").

                (b)     Options Converted from Deferred Bonus. At any time, but
only one time, during the twelve-month period following the end of a calendar
year with respect to which a

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Participant deferred Annual Bonus into the Plan, the Participant shall have the
right to convert some or all of his or her Interest Account for Bonus for such
previous year into Options pursuant to this Article 6. To make such election,
the Participant must file with the Plan Administrator a written irrevocable
Secondary Election Form for Bonus to receive Options as of the date of the
filing of such Secondary Election Form (the "Option Grant Date").

                (c)     Exercise Price of Options. The exercise price per Share
under each Option granted pursuant to this Article 6 shall, at the election of
the Optionee as indicated on the Secondary Election Form, be either 100% of the
Fair Market Value per Share on the Option Grant Date, or a lesser percentage
(but not less than 75%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the Option Grant
Date, such lesser percentage to be determined by the Committee from time to
time. Such Secondary Election Form shall indicate the percentage of such Options
to be granted at each Exercise Price, which choice may affect the number of
Options to be received pursuant to Section 6.2.

        Section 6.2.  Number and Terms of Options. The number of Shares subject
to an Option granted pursuant to this Article 6 shall be the number of whole
Shares equal to A divided by B, where:

                A = the dollar amount which the Eligible Executive has elected
pursuant to Section 6.1 to convert to Options; and

                B = the per share value of an Option on the Option Grant Date,
as determined by the Committee using the Black Scholes option valuation model or
another recognized option valuation model selected by the Committee in its
discretion (such value to be expressed as a percentage of the Fair Market Value
per Share on the Option Grant Date).

        In determining the number of Shares subject to an Option, (i) the
Committee may designate the assumptions to be used in the selected option
valuation model, and (ii) any fraction of a Share will be rounded up to the next
whole number of Shares.

        Section 6.3.  Exercise of Options. Each Option shall be first
exercisable, cumulatively, as to 10% commencing on the each of the first through
tenth anniversaries of the Option Grant Date; provided, however, that any Option
held by a Covered Employee shall not be exercisable before the first day of the
calendar year immediately following the year in which the Optionee ceased to be
a Covered Employee. An Optionee's death, Disability, retirement or other
termination of employment shall not shorten the term of any outstanding Option.
In no event shall the period of time over which the Option may be exercised
exceed the longer of (i) eleven years from the Option Grant Date, or (ii) the
thirtieth (30th) day of the calendar year immediately following the year in
which an Optionee ceased to be a Covered Employee. An Option, or portion
thereof, may be exercised in whole or in part only with respect to whole Shares.
Shares shall be issued to the Optionee pursuant to the exercise of an Option
only upon receipt by the Company from the Optionee of payment in full in cash of
the aggregate purchase price for the Shares subject to the Option or portion
thereof being exercised.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
        Section 6.4.  Accelerated Vesting.  Notwithstanding the normal vesting
schedule set forth in Section 6.3 hereof, any and all outstanding Options shall
become immediately exercisable upon the first to occur of (i) the death of the
Optionee, (ii) the Disability of the Optionee, (iii) the occurrence of a Change
in Control, or (iv) the unanimous determination by the Committee that a
particular Option or Options shall become fully exercisable.  Upon acceleration,
an Option will remain exercisable for the remainder of its original term.

        Section 6.5.  Stock Option Award Notice. Each Option granted under the
Plan shall be evidenced by a Stock Option Award Notice which shall be executed
by an authorized officer of the Company. Such Award Notice shall contain
provisions regarding (a) the number of Shares that may be issued upon exercise
of the Option, (b) the exercise price per Share of the Option and the means of
payment therefor, (c) the term of the Option, and (d) such other terms and
conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be determined from time to time
by the Committee.

        Section 6.6.  Transferability of Options. No Option shall be assignable
or transferable by the Optionee other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution; provided, however, that the Committee may (but need not) permit
other transfers where the Committee concludes that such transferability (i) does
not result in accelerated taxation, and (ii) is otherwise appropriate and
desirable, taking into account any state or federal securities laws applicable
to transferable Options.

        ARTICLE 7.  SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.

        Section 7.1.  Shares Subject to the Plan. Subject to adjustment as
provided in Article 9, the aggregate number of Shares which may be acquired upon
the exercise of Options shall not exceed 2,500,000 Shares. Shares acquired upon
exercise of Options may be newly issued Shares or previously issued and
reacquired Shares, and there are hereby reserved for issuance under the Plan
2,500,000 Shares. To the extent that Shares subject to an outstanding Option are
not issued or delivered by reason of the expiration, termination, cancellation
or forfeiture of such Option or by reason of the delivery of Shares to pay all
or a portion of the exercise price of such Option, then such Shares shall again
be available under the Plan.

        ARTICLE 8.  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION.

        Section 8.1.  Amendment, Suspension or Early Termination. The Board may
amend, suspend or terminate the Plan or any Stock Option Award Notice at any
time; provided, however, that the Board may condition any amendment or
modification on the approval of stockholders of the Company if such approval is
necessary or deemed advisable with respect to tax, securities or other
applicable laws, policies or regulations, and no such amendment, modification or
termination shall adversely affect any outstanding Options or Interest Accounts
without the consent of the Participant.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
        ARTICLE 9.  ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS.
        
        Section 9.1.  Change in Corporate Structure Affecting Shares.  If the
Company shall at any time change the number of issued Shares without new
consideration to the Company (such as by stock dividend, stock split,
recapitalization, reorganization, exchange of shares, liquidation, combination
or other change in corporate structure affecting the Shares) or make a
distribution of cash or property which has a substantial impact on the value of
issued Shares, the total number of Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan
shall be appropriately adjusted and the number of Shares covered by each
outstanding Option and the exercise price per Share under each outstanding
Option and the number of shares underlying Options shall be adjusted so that the
aggregate consideration payable to the Company and the value of each such Option
shall not be changed.

        Section 9.2.  Certain Reorganizations.  Notwithstanding any other
provision of the Plan, and without affecting the number of Shares reserved or
available hereunder, the Committee shall authorize the issuance, continuation or
assumption of outstanding Options or provide for other equitable adjustments
after changes in the Shares resulting from any merger, consolidation, sale of
assets, acquisition of property or stock, recapitalization, reorganization or
similar occurrence in which the Company is the continuing or surviving
corporation, upon such terms and conditions as it may deem necessary to preserve
Optionees' rights under the Plan.

        Section 9.3.  Acquisitions.  In the case of any sale of assets,
merger, consolidation or combination of the Company with or into another
corporation other than a transaction in which the Company is the continuing or
surviving corporation and which does not result in the outstanding Shares being
converted into or exchanged for different securities, cash or other property, or
any combination thereof (an "Acquisition"), any Optionee who holds an
outstanding Option shall have the right (subject to the provisions of the Plan
and any limitation applicable to the Option) thereafter and during the term of
the Option, to receive upon exercise thereof the Acquisition Consideration (as
defined below) receivable upon the Acquisition by a holder of the number of
Shares which would have been obtained upon exercise of the Option or portion
thereof, as the case may be, immediately prior to the Acquisition.  The term
"Acquisition Consideration" shall mean the kind and amount of shares of the
surviving or new corporation, cash, securities, evidence of indebtedness, other
property or any combination thereof receivable in respect of one Share of the
Company upon consummation of an Acquisition.

        ARTICLE 10.  MISCELLANEOUS.

        Section 10.1.  Withholding.  If any Option granted under the Plan is
or becomes subject to any withholding requirement, the Committee may require the
Optionee to remit such withholding as a condition to exercising the Option or
any portion thereof.

        Section 10.2.  Compliance with SEC Regulations. All grants and exercises
of Options under the Plan shall be executed in accordance with any applicable
requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, as amended and any regulations
promulgated thereunder, to the extent applicable. To the extent that any of the
provisions contained herein do not conform with Rule 

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any amendments thereto or any successor regulation,
then the Committee may make such modifications so as to conform the Plan and any
Options granted thereunder to the Rule's requirements.

        Section 10.3.  Validity.  In the event that any provision of the Plan
or any related Stock Option Award Notice is held to be invalid, void or
unenforceable, the same shall not affect, in any respect whatsoever, the
validity of any other provision of the Plan or any related Stock Option Award
Notice.

        Section 10.4.  Inurement of Rights and Obligations.  The rights and
obligations under the Plan and any related agreements shall inure to the benefit
of, and shall be binding upon the Company, its successors and assigns, and the
Eligible Executives and their beneficiaries.

        Section 10.5.  Titles.  Titles are provided herein for convenience
only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of the
Plan.

        Section 10.6.  Governing Law.  The Plan shall be construed, governed
and enforced in accordance with the law of Delaware, except as such laws are
preempted by applicable federal law.

        ARTICLE 11.  LIMITATIONS ON PAYMENTS.

        (a)     Notwithstanding Section 6.3 above or any other provision of this
Plan or any other agreement, arrangement or plan, in no event shall the Company
pay or be obligated to pay any Plan Participant an amount which would be an
Excess Parachute Payment except as provided in Section 11(f) below and except as
the Committee specifically provides otherwise in the Participant's grant
agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Excess Parachute Payment"
shall mean any payment or any portion thereof which would be an "excess
parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code, and
would result in the imposition of an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,
in the opinion of tax counsel selected by the Company ("Tax Counsel"). In the
event it is determined that an Excess Parachute Payment would result if the full
acceleration of exercisability provided in Section 6.3 above were made (when
added to any other payments or benefits contingent on a change of control under
any other agreement, arrangement or plan), the acceleration under Section 6.3
shall be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to prevent an Excess Parachute
Payment; then, if necessary to prevent an Excess Parachute Payment, benefits or
payments under any other plan, agreement or arrangement shall be reduced. If it
is established pursuant to a final determination of a court or an Internal
Revenue Service administrative appeals proceeding that, notwithstanding the good
faith of the Participant and the Company in applying the terms of this Section,
a payment (or portion thereof) made is an Excess Parachute Payment, then, the
Company shall pay to the Participant an additional amount in cash (a "Gross-Up
Payment") equal to the amount necessary to cause the amount of the aggregate
after-tax compensation and benefits received by the Participant hereunder (after
payment of the excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code with respect to any
Excess Parachute Payment, and any state and federal income taxes with respect to
the Gross-Up

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
Payment) to be equal to the aggregate after-tax compensation and benefits he
would have received as if Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code had not been
enacted.

        (b)     Subject to the provisions of Subsection (c) below, the amount of
any Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such
amount, shall be determined by a nationally recognized certified public
accounting firm designated by the Company (the "Accounting Firm").  All fees and
expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company.  Any
Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to Subsection (a) above, shall be paid
by the Company to the Participant within five (5) days after the receipt of the
Accounting Firm's determination.  Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall
be binding upon the Company and Participant.

        (c)     Participant shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by
the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by
Company of a Gross-Up Payment.  Such notification shall be given no later than
ten (10) business days after Participant is informed in writing of such claim
and shall apprise the Company of the nature of the claim and the date of
requested payment.  Participant shall not pay the claim prior to the expiration
of the thirty (30) day period following the date on which it gives notice to the
Company.  If the Company notifies Participant in writing prior to the expiration
of the period that it desires to contest such claim, Participant shall:

                (i)     give the Company any information reasonably requested by
     the Company relating to such claim;

                (ii)    take such action in connection with contesting such
     claim as the Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time,
     including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect
     to such claim by an attorney selected by the Company and reasonably
     acceptable to Participant;

                (iii)   cooperate with the Company in good faith in order to
     effectively contest such claim; and

                (iv)    permit the Company to participate in any proceedings
     relating to such claim.

Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of this Subsection (c), the
Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection with such contest and,
at its sole option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals,
proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of
such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct Participant to pay the tax
claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and
Participant agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any
administration tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more
appellate courts, as the Company shall determine; provided, however, that the
                                                  --------  -------          
Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including additional
interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and shall
indemnify and hold Participant harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise
Tax or income tax (including interest and penalties with respect thereto)
imposed as a result of the contest;

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
provided, further, that if the Company directs Participant to pay any claim and
- --------  -------
sue for a refund, the Company shall advance the amount of the payment to
Participant, on an interest-free basis, and shall indemnify and hold Participant
harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax (including
interest or penalties with respect thereto) imposed with respect to the advance
or with respect to any imputed income with respect to the advance.

        (d)     In the event that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to
Subsection (c) above, and Participant thereafter is required to make a payment
of any Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Gross-
Up Payment required and such payment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or
for the benefit of Participant.

        (e)     If, after the receipt by Participant of an amount advanced by
the Company pursuant to Subsection (c) above, Participant becomes entitled to
receive any refund with respect to such claim, Participant shall promptly after
receiving such refund pay to the Company the amount of such refund (together
with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto). If,
after the receipt by Participant of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant
to Subsection (c) above, a determination is made that Participant shall not be
entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and the Company does not
notify Participant in writing of its intent to contest such denial of refund
prior to the expiration of thirty (30) days after such determination, then such
advance shall be forgiven and shall not be required to be repaid and the amount
of such advance shall offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up
Payment required to be paid.

        (f)     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the limitation set forth in
Subsection (a) above shall not apply to a Participant if in the opinion of Tax
Counsel or the Accounting Firm (i) the total amounts payable to the Participant
hereunder and under any other agreement, arrangement or plan as a result of a
change of control (calculated without regard to the limitation of Subsection (a)
above), reduced by the amount of excise tax imposed on the Participant under
Code Section 4999 with respect to all such amounts and reduced by the state and
federal income taxes on amounts paid in excess of the limitation set forth in
Subsection (a) above , would exceed (ii) such total amounts payable after
application of the limitation of Subsection (a) above. No Gross-Up Payment shall
be made in such case.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A

                       PRIMARY ELECTION FORM FOR SALARY
                     FOR THE [___________ QUARTER OF 1998]

                   ELECTION TO DEFER SALARY PURSUANT TO THE
                WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. 1998 EXECUTIVE 
                    DEFERRED COMPENSATION STOCK OPTION PLAN

        The following constitutes the irrevocable election of the undersigned
under the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Executive Deferred Compensation
Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") with respect to the undersigned's salary as an
executive officer of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (the "Company") or its
subsidiaries and affiliates to be earned by the undersigned during the calendar
quarter identified above ("Next Quarter's Salary").  Capitalized terms used
herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings assigned such terms in the
Plan.

        I hereby irrevocably elect to defer into my Interest Account for
Salary under the Plan for the year identified above, __% [indicate any
percentage up to 100%, in 10% increments] or $________ [indicate any dollar
amount in increments of $10,000] of my Next Quarter's Salary until the earliest
of (a) December 31 of the fifth year after the year identified above, (b) the
first Business Day of the fourth month after my death, or (b) my termination as
an employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates for any
reason other than my death (the "Payment Date"); subject to, however, my ability
under the Plan to make a one-time election at any time during the twelve-month
period following the end of the year identified above, to be effective on the
date such subsequent election is received by the Plan Administrator, to convert
some or all of the balance in my Interest Account for Salary for such year to
Options to purchase common stock of the Company in accordance with the terms and
provisions of the Plan.  Any amount remaining in my Interest Account for Salary
on the Payment Date will be paid to me or my Beneficiary as follows:

        if I have previously filed a Primary Election Form for Bonus or a
Primary Election Form for Salary for the year identified above, then in the same
manner as indicated on such form, or

        if I have not previously filed a Primary Election Form for Bonus or a
Primary Election Form for Salary for such year, then [please check ONE box] [ ]
in cash in a lump sum on the Payment Date, or [ ] in approximately equal
installments over ____ months [up to 120 months] beginning on the Payment Date;
provided, however, that in the event of my death during such payout period, the
remaining balance shall be payable to my Beneficiary in a lump sum on the first
Business Day of the fourth month after my death.

        Executed this ____ day of ________, 1998.


                                                
                                        ________________________________________
                                        (Name)

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT B

                        PRIMARY ELECTION FORM FOR BONUS
                           FOR [CALENDAR YEAR 1998]

                    ELECTION TO DEFER BONUS PURSUANT TO THE
   WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. 1998 EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION STOCK
                                  OPTION PLAN

        The following constitutes the irrevocable election of the undersigned
under the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Executive Deferred Compensation
Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") with respect to the undersigned's bonus as an
executive officer of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (the "Company") or its
subsidiaries and affiliates to be earned by the undersigned during the calendar
year identified above ("Current Year Bonus").  Capitalized terms used herein and
not otherwise defined have the meanings assigned such terms in the Plan.

        I hereby irrevocably elect to defer into my Interest Account for Bonus
under the Plan for the year identified above, __% [indicate any percentage up to
100%, in 10% increments] or $_________ [indicate any dollar amount in increments
of $10,000] of my Current Year Bonus, if any, until the earliest of (a) December
31 of the fifth year after the year identified above, (b) the first Business Day
of the fourth month after my death, or (c) my termination as an employee of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates for any reason other than my
death (the "Payment Date"); subject to, however, my ability under the Plan to
make a one-time election at any time during the twelve-month period following
the end of the year identified above, to be effective on the date such
subsequent election is received by the Plan Administrator, to convert some or
all of the balance in my Interest Account for Bonus for such year to Options to
purchase common stock of the Company in accordance with the terms and provisions
of the Plan.  Any amount remaining in my Interest Account for Bonus on the
Payment Date will be paid to me or my Beneficiary as follows:

        if I have filed a Primary Election Form for Salary for the year
identified above, then in the same manner as indicated on such form, or

        if I have not filed a Primary Election Form for Salary for such year,
then [please check ONE box] [ ] in cash in a lump sum on the Payment Date, or
[ ] in approximately equal installments over ____ months [up to 120 months]
beginning on the Payment Date; provided, however, that in the event of my death
during such payout period, the remaining balance shall be payable to my
Beneficiary in a lump sum on the first Business Day of the fourth month after my
death.

        Executed this ____ day of ________, 1998.



                                        _______________________________________
                                        (Name)

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT C

                      SECONDARY ELECTION FORM FOR SALARY
                           [FOR CALENDAR YEAR 1998]

               ELECTION TO RECEIVE STOCK OPTIONS PURSUANT TO THE
                 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. 1998 EXECUTIVE
                    DEFERRED COMPENSATION STOCK OPTION PLAN

        The following constitutes the irrevocable election of the undersigned
under the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Executive Deferred Compensation
Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") with respect to the conversion to Options of the
balance in the undersigned's Interest Account for Salary under the Plan for the
year identified above.  Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined
have the meanings assigned such terms in the Plan.

        I hereby irrevocably elect to convert, as of the date hereof, __%
[indicate any percentage up to 100%, in 10% increments] of the balance in my
Interest Account for Salary under the Plan for the year identified above to
Options to purchase common stock of the Company in accordance with the terms and
provisions of the Plan.

        I further elect that [please fill in the following blanks]:

        __% of such Options will be granted at an exercise price of  __% of
the Fair Market Value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant, and

        __% of such Options will be granted at an exercise price of 100% of
the Fair Market Value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.

        Executed this ____ day of ________, 1999.



                                        _______________________________________
                                        (Name)

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT D

                       SECONDARY ELECTION FORM FOR BONUS
                           [FOR CALENDAR YEAR 1998]

               ELECTION TO RECEIVE STOCK OPTIONS PURSUANT TO THE
                 WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. 1998 EXECUTIVE
                    DEFERRED COMPENSATION STOCK OPTION PLAN

        The following constitutes the irrevocable election of the undersigned
under the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. 1998 Executive Deferred Compensation
Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") with respect to the conversion to Options of the
balance in the undersigned's Interest Account for Bonus under the Plan for the
year identified above.  Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined
have the meanings assigned such terms in the Plan.

        I hereby irrevocably elect to convert, as of the date hereof, __%
[indicate any percentage up to 100%, in 10% increments] of the balance in my
Interest Account for Bonus under the Plan for the year identified above to
Options to purchase common stock of the Company in accordance with the terms and
provisions of the Plan.

        I further elect that [please fill in the
following blanks]:

        __% of such Options will be granted at an exercise price of __% of the
Fair Market Value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant, and

        __% of such Options will be granted at an exercise price of 100% of
the Fair Market Value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.

        Executed this ____ day of ________, 1999.



                                        ________________________________________
                                        (Name)

                                       18

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.14
                                                                   -------------



                        PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
                        ----------------------------



                                   between



                   UNITED INVESTORS PARK OWNERS ASSOCIATION,

                     a Kansas not-for-profit corporation



                                     and



                WADDELL & REED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIVISION,

                a division of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.,
                           a Delaware corporation



 



                                March 1, 1998
<PAGE>
 
                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS



                                                            Page
                                                            ----

1.   Engagement of Manager..................................    1
     ---------------------

2.   Term...................................................    1
     ----
     2.1  Automatic Extension...............................    1
          ---------------------------
     2.2  Termination For Cause.............................    2
          ---------------------------
     2.3  Termination Without Cause.........................    2
          ---------------------------
     2.4  Procedure on Termination..........................    2
          ---------------------------
          2.4.1.............................................    3
          2.4.2.............................................    3
          2.4.3.............................................    3
          2.4.4.............................................    3
     2.5  Termination Rights................................    3
          ---------------------------

3.   Manager's Duties.......................................    4
     ----------------
     3.1     Annual Budget..................................    4
             -------------
     3.3     Personnel Employment...........................    4
             --------------------
     3.4     Service Contracts..............................    4
             -----------------
     3.5     Purchases......................................    5
             ---------
     3.6     Maintenance....................................    5
             -----------
             3.6.1..........................................    5
             3.6.1.1........................................    5
             3.6.1.3........................................    5
             3.6.1.4........................................    5
             3.6.1.5........................................    6
             3.6.1.6........................................    6
             3.6.1.7........................................    6
             3.6.1.8........................................    6
             3.6.1.9........................................    6
             3.6.1.10.......................................    6
             3.6.1.11.......................................    6
             3.6.1.12.......................................    6
             3.6.1.13.......................................    6
     3.7     Owner's Right to Terminate/Appoint Manager.....    6
             ------------------------------------------
             3.7.1..........................................    6
             3.7.2..........................................    7
     3.8     Legal Compliance...............................    7
             ----------------
     3.9     Bank Account...................................    7
             ------------
     3.10    Collections....................................    7
             -----------


                                       i
<PAGE>
 
     3.11    Compliance with Contracts......................    7
             -------------------------

4.   Accounting and Distribution of Moneys..................    8
     -------------------------------------
     4.1    Monthly Statements..............................    8
            ------------------
     4.2    Annual Statements...............................    8
            -----------------
     4.3    Other Reports...................................    8
            -------------
     4.4    Payment of Funds to Owner.......................    8
            -------------------------

5.   Compensation of Manager................................    8
     -----------------------
     5.1    Management Fee..................................    9
            --------------

6.   Insurance..............................................    9
     ---------
     6.1    Fidelity Coverage...............................   10
            -----------------

7.   Owner's Right to Inspect...............................   10
     ------------------------

8.   Indemnification........................................   10
     ---------------

9.   Miscellaneous..........................................   10
     -------------
     9.1  Notices...........................................   10
          ------------------
     9.2  Assignment........................................   11
          ------------------
     9.3  Construction......................................   11
          ------------------
     9.4  Entire Agreement..................................   11
          ------------------
     9.5  Binding Effect....................................   12
          ------------------
     9.6  Governing Law.....................................   12
          ------------------

EXECUTION BY OWNER..........................................   12

EXECUTION BY MANAGER........................................   12


Exhibit "A" Property
Exhibit "B" Personnel and Salaries
Exhibit "C" Voluntary Encumbrances
Exhibit "D" Management Fees
Exhibit "E" Affiliate
Exhibit "F" Grounds


                                      ii
<PAGE>
 
                      PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
                      ----------------------------



  THIS AGREEMENT is made effective the 1st day of March, 1998, between United
Investors Park Owners Association, Inc., a Kansas not-for-profit corporation
(the "Owner") and Waddell & Reed Property Management Division, a division of
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Manager").



                                 W I T N E S S E T H :



  WHEREAS, the Owner is an association whose members consist solely of owners of
property located in United Investors Park (the "Members"), all as more
particularly described on Exhibit "A" attached hereto (the "Property");



  WHEREAS, the Manager is experienced in the operation, management and
supervision of office buildings and other commercial real estate; and



  WHEREAS, the Owner desires to obtain the services of the Manager and the
Manager desires to make its services available to the Owner to manage the Common
Areas of the Property on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.



NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises herein contained, the
Owner and the Manager agree as follows:



1.  Engagement of Manager.  The Owner hereby engages the Manager and the Manager
    ---------------------                                                       
hereby accepts such engagement as the sole and exclusive manager of the Common
Areas of the Property.  Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Manager will
have control over the management, maintenance, and operation of the Common Areas
of the Property, including but not limited to the Grounds, which shall be
defined herein as that portion of the Property consisting of the Common Areas
and Common Facilities, as more specifically set forth and defined in Exhibit F
attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein.  Anything herein to the
contrary notwithstanding, the Manager for all purposes will be deemed an
independent contractor within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code"), and will not be deemed the servant, agent or employee
of the Owner.



2.  Term.  Unless extended or sooner terminated as herein provided, the original
    ----                                                                        
term of this Agreement will be for thirty-six (36) months, commencing March 1,
1998 (the "Commencement Date") and ending April 30, 2001 (the "Expiration
Date").


     2.1  Automatic Extension.  The term of this Agreement will be automatically
          -------------------                                                   
          extended for successive periods of twelve (12) months each, unless
          either party hereto notifies the other, in writing, at least ninety
          (90) days prior to the scheduled expiration of the initial term or any
          successive term, of its election to terminate this Agreement.  If
          extended, all terms and conditions set forth herein shall apply for
          such extended term.

<PAGE>
 


 2.2      Termination For Cause.  This Agreement may be terminated, as to all
          ---------------------
          Property or any specific Property, on the occurrence of any of the
          following events: (a) the transfer of ownership of such Property by
          the Owner; (b) the taking of all or a substantial portion of such
          Property through condemnation proceedings by any governmental
          authority; (c) the substantial damage or destruction of such Property
          by fire or other casualty and the election by the Owner not to rebuild
          or restore such Property; (d) the default by the Manager in the
          performance of the Manager's obligations hereunder; or (e) the default
          by the Owner in the performance of the Owner's obligations hereunder.
          On the occurrence of the events described at subparagraphs (a) through
          (c) above, the Owner and the Manager will have the mutual option to
          terminate this Agreement by delivery of written notice stating an
          effective date of termination of not less than ten (10) and no more
          than sixty (60) days from the date of delivery of such notice. On the
          occurrence of the events described at subparagraph (d) or (e) above,
          the nondefaulting party will serve written notice of default to the
          party claimed to be in default. If such default continues for ten (10)
          days after delivery of written notice specifying such default, then
          this Agreement, at the option of the nondefaulting party, may be
          terminated effective on the date of delivery of written notice at any
          time thereafter; provided, however, that if such default is cured
          within said ten (10) day period or if such default cannot be cured
          within said ten (10) days but the defaulting party has commenced and
          is diligently prosecuting the action necessary to cure such default,
          then this Agreement will continue as if such default had not occurred.
          Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement resulting from the
          occurrence of the events described at subparagraphs (d) and (e) above,
          the respective rights granted to the Owner and Manager hereunder are
          cumulative of every other right or remedy which the Owner and Manager
          respectively might otherwise have at law or in equity and the exercise
          of any right or remedy will not prejudice the concurrent or subsequent
          exercise of other rights or remedies.


 2.3      Termination Without Cause.  The Owner may, at any time during the 
          -------------------------
          term of this Agreement, terminate this Agreement without cause, as to
          all the Property or as to any specific Property, by giving written
          notice to the Manager stating an effective date of termination of not
          less than sixty (60) days from the date of delivery of such notice.
          Within ten (10) days after the effective date of termination of all or
          any portion of this Agreement, the Owner will pay to the Manager a
          cancellation fee in an amount equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of
          the Management Fee (as hereafter defined) payable under Paragraph 5.1
          of this Agreement with respect to each such terminated Property, which
          would have otherwise been payable for the period between the effective
          date of such termination and the scheduled expiration date of the
          initial term or of any last occurring scheduled expiration date of any
          successive term of this Agreement, which has extended pursuant to
          Paragraph 2.1.

 2.4      Procedure on Termination. Within ten (10) days after the effective
          ------------------------
          date of 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
          termination of all or any portion of this Agreement, the Manager will:

          2.4.1 Deliver to the Owner all records and files in the possession of
                the Manager pertaining to the management, maintenance,
                operation, leasing, marketing and use of each of the Property
                included in the termination notice, together with any other
                personal property of the Owner in the possession of the Manager;



          2.4.2 Render final statements to the Owner for all collections and
                expenses resulting from the management and operation of each of
                the Property included in the termination notice since the last
                monthly financial statements, prepared in accordance with this
                Agreement;


          2.4.3 Deliver to the Owner for each parcel of the Property included in
                the termination notice:  (a) a complete inventory of all
                tangible personal property on site at each such Property on the
                termination date; (b) a schedule of all contracts, conditional
                sale contracts, other agreements (the "Property Contracts") and
                any other intangible personal property rights used in, or
                affecting, the operation, management or maintenance of such
                Property (collectively the "Intangible Property"); and (c) a
                schedule, which includes an explanation in reasonable detail,
                that identifies:  (i) any deficiencies in the Intangible
                Property; and (ii) any liability or obligation that will affect
                such Property after the termination date and that the Manager
                requests that the Owner specifically assume; and


          2.4.4 With respect to each of the Property included in the termination
                notice:  (a) deliver to the Owner the original of all Property
                Contracts and any other license, permit, authorization or
                certificate existing in connection with such Property (the
                "Permits"); and (b) on request of the Owner, and to the extent
                assignable, assign all Property Contracts, the Permits, and any
                other Intangible Property relating to the operation,
                maintenance, leasing and marketing of such Property, to those
                parties as the Owner directs in writing.


     2.5  Termination Rights. Except as provided in Paragraphs 2.3 and 2.4
          ------------------
          hereof, on the effective date of termination of all or any portion of
          this Agreement, the Owner and the Manager will be released from
          further performance hereunder with respect to each of the Property
          included in the termination notice, except that the Owner will
          continue to be obligated to pay to the Manager those commissions
          previously earned by the Manager pursuant to Paragraph 5, at the times
          set forth therein.

3.   Manager's Duties. Throughout the term of this Agreement, the Manager will
     ----------------
use the Manager's best efforts and due diligence in managing the Common Areas of
the Property in accordance with the written policies and programs approved from
time to time by the Owner. In 

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
pursuance of the foregoing, the Manager will perform the following services:

     3.1  Annual Budget. The Manager will, within one hundred twenty (120) days
          -------------
          after the date hereof and within thirty (30) days prior to the end of
          each calendar year thereafter, submit a preliminary budget which
          reflects on a monthly basis the estimated receipts, disbursements,
          operational expenditures and capital expenditures for the ensuing
          calendar year and which will include: (a) a schedule projecting
          amounts to be collected as Maintenance Charges from owners of the
          Property; (b) a schedule of amounts which the Manager estimates will
          be spent for salaries, repairs, maintenance, replacements and capital
          improvements; and (c) any other item reasonably requested by the
          Owner. The preliminary budget will be submitted in writing to the
          Owner for approval and the Owner will have the right to make any
          changes thereto and finalize the budget in form satisfactory to the
          Owner in the Owner's sole discretion (hereafter the "Annual Budget").
          The Owner will inform the Manager of any change to the preliminary
          budget submitted by the Manager before commencement of the period
          covered by the Annual Budget and the Annual Budget shall constitute
          the standard pursuant to which the Manager will operate the Common
          Areas of the Property during the ensuing calendar year. The Manager
          will thereafter prepare and deliver to the Owner prior to the
          beginning of each quarter during the ensuing year any changes in the
          information and estimates contained in the Annual Budget necessary to
          reflect current conditions. At the sole option of the Owner, the
          Annual Budget, as amended, will thereafter constitute the standard
          pursuant to which the Manager will operate the Common Areas of the
          Property. The Manager will not, without the prior written consent of
          the Owner, incur any non-utility expense in the operation, maintenance
          and management of the Common Areas of the Property which would, if
          annualized, exceed by five percent (5%) or more any single annualized
          amount allocated to the particular classification of expense in the
          Annual Budget.

     3.3  Personnel Employment. On the basis of the schedule of staffing
          --------------------
          standards and wage rate projections set forth on Exhibit "B" attached
          hereto or, if different, those approved by the Owner in the Annual
          Budget, the Manager will hire, pay, supervise and discharge the
          personnel necessary to maintain and operate the Property. All such
          employees will be employees of the Manager and not the Owner, however,
          all salaries, wages and other compensation of personnel so employed by
          the Manager, including medical and health insurance, pension plans,
          social security, taxes, workmen's compensation insurance and similar
          salary and benefit expenses, will be expenses of the Common Areas of
          the Property and payable by the Owner. Notwithstanding the preceding,
          all salary and benefit expenses of executives or principal officers of
          the Manager who are not permanently assigned to the Common Areas of
          the Property on a full time basis will not be a cost of the Common
          Areas of the Property.

     3.4  Service Contracts. Subject to expenditure limitations set forth in the
          -----------------
          approved 


                                      4
<PAGE>
 
          Annual Budget, the Manager will negotiate and enter into contracts in
          the name of and at the expense of the Owner for janitorial,
          maintenance, landscaping, security, water, electricity, gas, fuel,
          oil, telephone, vermin extermination, trash removal and other services
          required to operate, maintain and manage the Common Areas of the
          Property. Any proposed service contracts containing a duration in
          excess of twelve (12) months must be approved in advance, in writing
          by Owner.

     3.5  Purchases. Subject to the expenditure limitations set forth in the
          ---------
          approved Annual Budget, the Manager will purchase on behalf of and at
          the expense of the Owner all necessary supplies, equipment and
          materials which may be required from time to time to operate and
          maintain the Common Areas of the Property. When issuing purchase
          orders, the Manager will at all times act in the best interest of the
          Owner and will secure for the benefit of the Owner any discounts,
          commissions or rebates obtainable as a result of such purchases.

     3.6  Maintenance. Subject to expenditure limitations in the approved Annual
          -----------
          Budget, the Manager will, at the expense of the Owner, maintain,
          repair, replace and renew the Common Area and Common Facilities in a
          clean, sightly, safe and first-class condition ("Common Area
          Maintenance"). Maintenance, to the extent not performed by a
          governmental authority or Owner, shall, unless Owner directs
          otherwise, include, but shall not be limited to: (i) the repair,
          replacement, renewal and cleaning of all lighting fixtures, signs,
          entrance monuments and markers, traffic control signals and signs;
          (ii) the mowing, watering, fertilizing, weeding, replanting and
          replacing of landscaping; and (iii) the maintenance of liability and
          casualty insurance on and with respect to, and the payment of and
          ability to protest ad valorem taxes assessed on, the Common Area and
          Common Facilities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, maintenance of the
          land within public utility easements shall be for the purpose of
          keeping such land in a clean and sightly condition. The Manger, only
          at Owner's specific written direction, may repair or reconstruct
          public or private streets within the Common Area.


  3.6.1  The Manager shall perform the following functions:


                3.6.1.1  the Common Area Maintenance;

                3.6.1.2  the calculation of the cost of Common Area Maintenance;

                3.6.1.3  the calculation and rendition to the Members of
                         statements for the appropriate part of the Common Area
                         Maintenance Obligation;

                3.6.1.4  the collection of the Common Area Maintenance Charges
                         and the disbursement thereof to pay the cost of Common
                         Area Maintenance, as provided for in The Declaration of

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                         Protective Covenants and Restrictions of United
                         Investors Park Owners' Association dated March 6, 1996,
                         as amended, which is hereby incorporated by reference
                         as if fully set forth again;

                3.6.1.5  the maintenance of income and expense records;

                3.6.1.6  the preparation and submission to Owner of a
                         recommended budget;

                3.6.1.7  the preparation and submission to Owner of monthly
                         receipt and expenditure records;

                3.6.1.8  the selection of personnel to maintain the Common Areas
                         and Common Facilities;

                3.6.1.9  the preparation and filing of governmental returns and
                         instruments;

                3.6.1.10 the negotiation and execution of contracts for services
                         to the Common Areas and Common Facilities;

                3.6.1.11 the maintenance of appropriate insurance coverage;

                3.6.1.12 the collection and removal of trash and rubbish for
                         both Owners and Common Area; and

                3.6.1.13 all other general duties and responsibilities fairly
                         related to the foregoing functions and the duties and
                         responsibilities of the Association set forth in
                         Articles 10 and 11 of this Declarations of Protective
                         Covenants and Restrictions of United Investors Park
                         Owners' Association, as amended.

3.7  Owner's Right to Terminate/Appoint Manager.  If, in the opinion of the
     ------------------------------------------                            
     Owner, the Property Manager, or its agent or agents, shall fail to perform
     the Maintenance Obligation as aforesaid, the Owner shall give written
     notice to the Manager specifying the manner in which the Manager has failed
     to so perform. If such failure has not been corrected within thirty (30)
     days after such notice, or if such work, if it cannot be completed within
     such thirty (30) day period, has not been commenced within such period and
     thereafter diligently prosecuted to completion, the Owner may:

     3.7.1  Elect to terminate the employment of the Manger or any independent
            contractor engaged by the Manager to perform Common Area Maintenance

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                 as set forth in paragraphs 3.6.1 and 3.6.2 herein, in which
                 Event Owner shall have the right to appoint a new Manager; or

          3.7.2  Enter upon the Parcel and perform such Common Area
                 Maintenance as set forth in paragraphs 3.6.1 and 3.6.2
                 herein.


     3.8  Legal Compliance. The Manager will use its best efforts to take such
          ----------------
          action as might be necessary to comply with all statutes,
          ordinances, laws, rules, regulations and orders affecting or issued
          in connection with the Common Areas of the Property by any
          governmental authority having jurisdiction thereof and will secure
          and maintain any and all appropriate licenses and permits with
          respect thereto; such compliance shall include, without limitation,
          compliance with all applicable provisions of The Americans With
          Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, and similar laws.

     3.9  Bank Account. The Manager will establish and maintain, on behalf of
          ------------
          the Owner, a separate bank account or bank accounts (the "Bank
          Accounts") in such number as may, from time to time, be approved by
          the Owner and in a manner to indicate the custodial nature thereof
          on deposit with banking institutions approved, from time to time by
          the Owner, with withdrawal therefrom to be by signature of either
          the Manager or the Owner or such other individual as the Owner might
          designate. The Manager will deposit therein all monies furnished by
          the Owner as working funds and all monies collected and received
          from the operation of the Property, including Maintenance Charge
          fees collected from tenants of the Property. The Manager will pay
          therefrom all amounts authorized by this Agreement, including the
          Management Fee and commissions described in Paragraph 5 hereof, and
          any other charges or items of expense which the Owner directs to be
          paid in writing.

     3.10 Collections. The Manager will collect and deposit into the bank
          -----------
          accounts established in accordance with Paragraph 3.8, all
          Maintenance Charges paid by tenants and other charges due from
          tenants of the Property, arising out of or resulting from the
          operation of the Common Areas of the Property. The Manager will
          maintain businesslike relations with tenants of the Property and all
          tenant requests will be received, logged and resolved in a
          systematic fashion. Complaints of a serious nature will, after
          thorough investigation, be reported to the Owner with appropriate
          recommendation. The Manager will institute (in its own name or in
          the name of the Owner) any necessary legal actions or proceedings to
          collect Maintenance Charges or other income arising from the
          operation of the Common Areas of the Property; provided, however,
          the Manager will not permit such legal proceedings to terminate any
          lease or dispossess the occupancy rights of any tenant or user of
          the Property, or any portion thereof, without the prior written
          consent of the Owner.

     3.11 Compliance with Contracts. The Manager will cause the Common Areas
          -------------------------
          of the 

                                      7
<PAGE>
 
          Property to comply with all of the terms, conditions and obligations
          contained in any lease or other agreement executed by or on behalf
          of the Owner which relates to the Common Areas of the Property. The
          Owner will notify the Manager in writing of the existence of any
          such lease or other agreement, but the Manager will be deemed 
          to have notice of any such document prepared or negotiated by the
          Manager.  Manager and Owner acknowledge that only those parcels of the
          Property identified on Exhibit "C" attached hereto are currently
          subject to a mortgage lien or similar voluntary encumbrance (the
          "Mortgages"), all as more particularly described on Exhibit "C"; Owner
          agrees to amend Exhibit "C", from time to time, in the event any
          change in the preceding status of the Property occurs.  Owner
          represents to the Manager that except as specifically described on
          Exhibit "C", as amended, none of the Mortgages imposes any obligation
          on the Manager beyond the scope of the Manager's duties under this
          Agreement.


4.   Accounting and Distribution of Monies. The Manager will keep full and
     -------------------------------------
adequate books of account and such other records as might be appropriate to
reflect the results of operation of the Common Areas of the Property. Such
books and records will be organized and will be maintained in a manner
reasonably acceptable to the Owner. The Owner (and any person designated by
Owner) will have access to such records and accounts at all reasonable times.
The Manager will render statements in form and content acceptable to the Owner
and will make payments to the Owner as follows:

     4.1  Monthly Statements. The Manager will deliver to the Owner (and any
          ------------------
          persons designated by the Owner) within ten (10) days after the end
          of each month a detailed balance sheet and a detailed income
          statement reflecting receipts and disbursements arising from the
          operations of the Common Areas of the Property for the preceding
          calendar month (the "Monthly Statements").

     4.2  Annual Statements. The Manager will deliver to the Owner (and to any
          -----------------
          persons designated by the Owner) within fifteen (15) days after the
          end of each calendar year, a detailed statement of Gross Revenues
          (hereafter defined), of disbursements arising from the operations of
          the Common Areas of the Property for such calendar year and a
          detailed statement for such calendar year of all capital
          expenditures made by the Manager for the account of the Owner.

     4.3  Other Reports. The Manager will deliver to the Owner (and any
          -------------
          persons designated by the Owner) at the Owner's expense, any other
          statements or reports reasonably requested by the Owner.

     4.4  Payment of Funds to Owner. Upon written request of Owner, Manager
          -------------------------
          shall pay or disburse to Owner all funds in the Bank Accounts in
          excess of those reasonably required to meet all of the current
          operations and reserves of the Common Areas of the Property, as
          reflected by the approved Annual Budget and the most recent Monthly
          Statements.

                                      8
<PAGE>
 
5.   Compensation of Manager. As compensation for all services to be rendered
     -----------------------
by the Manager during the term of this Agreement, the Owner will pay the
Manager the following fees:

     5.1  Management Fee. For so long as this Agreement remains in effect for
          --------------
          the Common Areas of the Property, the Manager shall, in return for
          its services hereunder, receive the management fees in the amounts
          more particularly described with respect to the Common Areas of the
          Property (such management fees are with respect to the Common Areas
          of the Property sometimes herein called a "Management Fee") on
          Exhibit "D" attached hereto. Payment of all Management Fees will be
          made in arrears, payable on the first business day of each
          subsequent calendar month. If all or any portion of the term of this
          Agreement commences on other than the first day of any month or
          calendar year or terminates on other than the last day of any month
          or calendar year, the Management Fee for the year and month in which
          such date occurs will be prorated based on a thirty (30) day month
          and a three hundred sixty (360) day year. 

6.   Insurance. The Owner will, at the Owner's expense, obtain and keep in
     ---------
force adequate insurance against physical damage (e.g. fire and extended
coverage, structures and machinery, etc.) and against liability for loss,
damage or injury to property or persons which might arise out of the
occupancy, management, operation or maintenance of the Common Areas of the
Property, all in such amounts and coverage limits as Owner deems appropriate.
The Manager will be named as an additional insured in all liability insurance
maintained with respect to the Common Areas of the Property, and Owner will
provide Manager with evidence of such insurance upon request. The Owner will
save, defend and hold the Manager harmless from any liability on account of
such insured loss, damage or injury, provided that the Manager: (a) notifies
the Owner within twenty-four (24) hours after the Manager receives notice of
any such loss, damage or injury; (b) takes no action (such as an admission of
liability) which might bar the Owner from obtaining any protection afforded by
any policy the Owner may hold or which might prejudice the Owner in the
defense of a claim based on such loss, damage or injury; and (c) agrees that
the Owner will have the exclusive right, at the Owner's option, to conduct the
defense of any claim, demand or suit within the limitations prescribed by the
policy or policies of insurance. The Manager will furnish such information as
might reasonably be requested by the Owner for the purpose of establishing
insurance coverage and will aid and cooperate in every reasonable way with
respect to such insurance and any loss thereunder. Manager shall secure and
maintain with one or more companies, reasonably satisfactory to Owner,
professional liability, worker's compensation and employer's liability
insurance covering all employees of Manager in accordance with state law.
Manager shall provide non-owned or hired automobile liability insurance with
bodily injury limits of not less than Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00)
per person and Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) per accident and property
damage limits of not less than Three Million Dollars ($3,000,00.00) per event.
Manager shall furnish satisfactory evidence of the foregoing insurance to
Owner within ten (10) days after written request for same, and any policies
maintained by Manager shall name Owner as an additional insured and provide
for thirty (30) days' written notice to Owner prior to any cancellation of
same. The Owner and the Manager hereby waive in favor of the other


                              9
<PAGE>
 
any cause of action which either might have against the other on account of
any loss or damage which is insured against, to the extent of such insurance,
under any insurance policy which names either the Manager or the Owner as a
named or additional insured.

     6.1  Fidelity Coverage. In addition to the insurance coverage required
          -----------------
          under Paragraph 6, the Manager agrees to obtain and maintain a
          fidelity bond or employee dishonesty insurance coverage covering all
          employees of Manager performing any cash collection, handling or
          management functions or other similar duties in connection with this
          Agreement, with such coverage to be in an amount of not less than
          $2,000,000.00 and from insurance companies approved by Owner.
          Manager agrees to provide to Owner upon request, such certificates
          or other evidence of existence of such policies during the term of
          this Agreement.

7.   Owner's Right to Inspect. The Owner and the Owner's accountants,
     ------------------------
attorneys and agents will have the right to enter upon any part of the Common
Areas of the Property at any time for the purpose of examining or inspecting
the same or examining or making extracts from books and records of the Common
Areas of the Property or for any purpose which the Owner, in the Owner's
discretion, deems necessary or advisable.

8.   Indemnification. The Owner agrees to indemnify the Manager from damages
     ---------------
for injuries to persons or property resulting from or arising out of any
action or inaction of the Manager relating to the operation of the Common
Areas of the Property in accordance with this Agreement and the physical
premises thereof, including, without limitation, claims relating to exposure
to any PCB transformers or other hazardous materials at the Property and, at
the Owner's cost and expense, to defend any action or proceeding against the
Manager arising therefrom, provided that the Manager shall have fully and
faithfully performed all of the Manager's duties hereunder. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Owner will not be required to indemnify the Manager against
damages suffered as a result of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the
part of the Manager or the Manager's agents or employees in connection with
the operations of the Common Areas of the Property or the premises thereof,
including, without limitation, any actual violations by the Manager or the
Manager's agents or employees of laws or regulations regarding brokerage
disputes (including Real Estate Commission fines, penalties or other
sanctions) fair employment, fair credit reporting, workplace safety or labor
relations. Manager agrees to indemnify and hold Owner harmless from any loss
or actual damages suffered as a result of any such gross negligence or willful
misconduct. The indemnifications provided under this paragraph shall survive
any termination of this Agreement.

9.   Miscellaneous.  The Owner and the Manager further agree as follows:
     -------------
 
     9.1  Notices. All notices provided for herein will be in writing and
          -------
          delivered by hand, by overnight courier, by telecopier or sent by
          registered or certified mail, addressed as follows:


                                     10
<PAGE>
 
       Owner:       United Investors Park Owners' Association
                    Attention:  Marge Bass
                    6300 Lamar Avenue
                    Overland Park, Kansas 66202-4247
                    Telephone:   (913) 236-1400
                    Fax:         (913) 236-1909

       Manager:     Waddell & Reed Property Management Division
                    Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
                    Attention:  Bill Howey
                    6300 Lamar Avenue
                    Overland Park, Kansas 66202
                    Telephone:   (913) 236-1902
                    Fax:         (913) 236-1909


or to such other address as is designated from time to time in writing by those
entitled to receive notice.  Any notice so addressed or mailed shall be deemed
given five (5) days after deposit in the United States mail, and if telecopied
or delivered by hand, shall be deemed given when delivered, and if delivered by
overnight courier, shall be deemed to be given on the business day immediately
following the day on the day on which it was sent or delivered.

     9.2  Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the Manager's rights
          ----------
          or obligations hereunder can be transferred voluntarily, by
          operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of
          the Owner, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld. It is
          specifically understood that the Owner has placed great reliance on
          the experience, skill and abilities of the Manager in the execution
          of this Agreement and the same is intended to be a contract for the
          individual services of the Manager.

     9.3  Construction. If any term or provision of this Agreement or the
          ------------
          application thereof to any person or circumstances is determined, to
          any extent, to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this
          Agreement, or the application of such term or provision to persons
          or circumstances other than those as to which the same is held
          invalid or unenforceable, will not be affected thereby, and each
          term and provision of this Agreement will be valid and enforceable
          to the fullest extent permitted by law. This Agreement is intended
          to be interpreted, construed and enforced in accordance with the
          internal laws of the state in which the Property in question is
          located. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
          counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original and all of
          which will constitute one instrument.

     9.4  Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement
          ----------------
          between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein
          contained and no modification hereof will be effective unless made
          by a supplemental written agreement executed by all the parties
          hereto.


                                     11
<PAGE>
 
     9.5  Binding Effect. This Agreement will be binding on the parties and
          --------------
          their respective successors, legal representatives and permitted
          assigns.

     9.6  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted
          -------------                                                   
          according to the laws of the State of Kansas.  The District Court of
          Johnson County, Kansas and the United States District Court for the
          District of Kansas are appropriate venues.


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed and delivered this
Agreement effective as of the date first above written.



                             UNITED INVESTORS PARK
                             OWNERS' ASSOCIATION,
                             a Kansas not-for-profit corporation



                             By:  ______________________________
 
                             Its: ______________________________

                             ("Owner")



                             WADDELL & REED

                             PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIVISION,

                             a division of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.,
                             a Delaware corporation

                             By:  ______________________________
 
                             Its: ______________________________

                             ("Manager")


                                      12
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT "A"



                                  PROPERTY
                                  --------



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===================================================================================================================
            LEGAL DESCRIPTION:              COMMONLY KNOWN AS:                               PART/PARCELS:
===================================================================================================================
<C>     <S>                              <C>                                     <C>
    1.  All of Lots 3, 4, 5,  6, and     United Investors Park                   Includes the Common Areas and, Common
        7, UNITED INVESTORS PARK,                                                Facilities, and Grounds of the Property,
        SECOND PLAT, a subdivision of    6300 Lamar Avenue                       as defined hereinabove and in 
        land now in Overland Park,       Overland Park, Kansas 66202             Exhibit "F".
        Johnson County, Kansas,
        according to the recorded plat
        thereof.
============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>


                                      13
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "B"



                            PERSONNEL AND SALARIES
                            ----------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
===================================================================================================================
                                                                             APPROXIMATE ANNUAL
                  PROPERTY:                      PERSONNEL                   BASE SALARY/BURDEN
<C>     <S>                                  <C>                           <C>
===================================================================================================================
    1.  The Common Areas and Common          Property Manager               $47,000.00
        Facilities of all of Lots 3, 4, 5,
        6, and 7, UNITED INVESTORS PARK,
        SECOND PLAT, a subdivision of land
        now in Overland Park, Johnson
        County, Kansas, according to the
        recorded plat thereof.
===================================================================================================================
</TABLE>


                                      14
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "C"



                            VOLUNTARY ENCUMBRANCES
                            ----------------------



                    Budget                 $163,000.00






                                      15
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "D"



                                MANAGEMENT FEES
                                ---------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===============================================================================================================================
                PROPERTY                  MANAGEMENT FEE                                      COMMENT
===============================================================================================================================
<C>    <S>                               <C>                                         <C>
   1.  The Common Areas and Common       Five percent (5%)                           All Management Fees will be paid in
       Facilities of All of Lots 2, 3,                                               arrears.
       4, 5, 6, and 7, UNITED
       INVESTORS PARK, SECOND PLAT, a
       subdivision of land now in
       Overland Park, Johnson County,
       Kansas, according to the
       recorded plat thereof.
===============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>


                                      16
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "E"


                                   AFFILIATE
                                   ---------



     The term "Affiliate" means:  (i) any individual, corporation, association,
partnership, joint venture, trust, estate, limited liability company or other
entity (hereafter "Person") who directly or indirectly owns, controls or holds
power to vote 20% or greater of the outstanding voting securities of Owner
("Corporate Parent"); (ii) any Person in whom Owner directly or indirectly owns,
controls or holds the power to vote 20% or greater of that Person's outstanding
voting securities; (iii) any Person in whom a Corporate Parent directly or
indirectly owns, controls or holds the power to vote 20% or greater of that
Person's outstanding voting securities; (iv) any Person who directly or
indirectly owns or controls 20% or greater of the income interests of Owner who
is not a corporation (a "Parent Entity"); (v) any Person who is not a
corporation and in whom (x) Owner directly or indirectly owns or controls 20% or
greater of the income interests of that Person, and (y) that Owner also directly
or indirectly owns, controls or holds not less than 20% of the management
authority over the affairs of that Person; and (vi) any Person who is not a
corporation and in whom (x) a Parent Entity directly or indirectly owns or
controls 20% or greater of the income interests of that Person, and (y) that
Parent Entity also directly or indirectly owns, controls or holds not less than
20% of the management authority over the affairs of that Person.  For purposes
of this definition of Affiliate, "Owner" shall mean United Investors Park
Owners' Association, a Kansas not-for-profit corporation, and its successors and
assigns.


                                      17
<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT "F"

                                    GROUNDS
                                    -------
                                        


  The Grounds, as used hereinabove, shall consist of the Common Areas and Common
Facilities, as more fully described below.





                                      18

<PAGE>
 
                                                                 Exhibit 10.15
                                                                 -------------

                                                                                
                    AGREEMENT AMENDING DISTRIBUTION CONTRACT


This Agreement, dated the ___ day of March, 1998, by and between TMK/United
Funds, Inc.(the "Fund")  and United Investors Life Insurance Company ("UILIC");

WHEREAS, the Fund and UILIC have executed a Distribution Contract, accepted by
UILIC as of April 4, 1997 (the "Distribution Contract") in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit A; and
          ---------     

WHEREAS, the Fund and UILIC desire to amend the Distribution Contract to provide
for termination thereof as of December 31, 1998, unless the Fund and UILIC
determine in writing signed by both the Fund and UILIC to extend it for an
additional period of time;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Fund and UILIC agree as follows:

1.  The Distribution Contract be, and it hereby is, amended to provided that it
terminates as of the close of business on December 31, 1998, unless extended to
a later date in writing by the Fund and UILIC.

2.  Section 1 of the Distribution Contract terminates on the termination date.
All other provisions of the Distribution Contract will survive termination only
for purposes of the shares sold or issued under the Distribution Agreement on or
prior to the termination date, except that Section 7 will survive termination of
the Distribution Contract for all purposes.

3.  All notices, instructions, reports and other documents contemplated by this
Agreement or the Distribution Agreement will be deemed duly given when in
writing and either delivered to the addresses below or sent by first class mail,
facsimile or courier addressed as follows:


To:  United Investors Life Insurance Company
     2001 Third Avenue South
     Birmingham, Alabama  35233
     Attn:  James L. Sedgwick

To:  TMK/United Funds, Inc.
     6300 Lamar Avenue
     Overland Park, KS  66202
     Attn:  General Counsel

4.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original.
<PAGE>
 
5.  This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Kansas.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund and UILIC have caused this Agreement to be executed
and delivered by their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first
above written.

                                     TMK/United Funds, Inc.
 
                                     By:___________________________
 
                                     Name and Title:_________________
 
                                     ______________________________



                                     United Investors Life Insurance
                                     Company

                                     By:___________________________

                                     Name and Title:_________________

                                     ______________________________
 

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.16
                                                                   -------------

United Investors Life Insurance Company
2001 Third Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama 35233

VARIABLE ACCOUNTS

Distribution Contract

TMK/United Funds, Inc. (hereinafter TMK) is a Maryland corporation registered
with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "Act") as a management class, open-end, diversified investment
company.  It offers its shares exclusively to insurance companies as the
investment vehicles for variable life and variable annuity policies.  TMK has
authorized eleven classes of shares each of which is a separate fund (Portfolio)
being: Money Market Portfolio, Bond Portfolio, High Income Portfolio, Growth
Portfolio, Income Portfolio, International Portfolio, Small Cap Portfolio,
Balanced Portfolio, Limited-Term Bond Portfolio, Asset Strategy Portfolio and
Science and Technology Portfolio.

You have advised TMK that you are sponsoring two variable accounts, United
Investors Life Variable Account and United Investors Annuity Variable Account,
each of which is an investment company organized and registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission as a unit investment trust under the Act
(hereinafter collectively, the Trust).  You advised that you wish to arrange for
the acquisition of TMK's shares as the exclusive funding medium for each of the
Trusts.  TMK agrees to make the shares of its eleven Portfolios available to you
for said purposes subject to the following terms and conditions:

1. TMK will sell its shares directly to you and on request redeem its shares at
   the time and prices specified in its then current prospectus and statement of
   additional information (SAI) for the purposes of funding the investment
   divisions of the two Trusts as is more particularly set forth in the Trusts'
   then current prospectuses.

2. (a)  Payment for shares in investable funds shall be due on issuance of
   shares.

   (b)  TMK will make payment on redemption of its shares as stated in its
   prospectus and SAI.

   (c)  Purchases and redemptions of shares of the same Portfolio on the same
   day may be netted so as to result in a single purchase or single redemption
   for the day.

   (d)  Shares of one Portfolio may be exchanged for shares of another
   Portfolio by redemption of shares of a particular Portfolio and the immediate
   purchase of shares of the other Portfolio.  On your request, TMK will effect
   such exchanges by transfer of monies from one Portfolio to the other as
   appropriate.

<PAGE>
 
  (e)  All dividends and capital gains distributions shall be reinvested in
  additional shares.

3. TMK will furnish you with adequate number of copies of its annual and
   semiannual reports to shareholders and TMK's proxy material for shareholder
   meetings as you may request for furnishing to the policyowners and will
   reimburse you for your expenses in mailing the reports and proxy materials to
   the policyowners including return postage with respect to the voting of proxy
   cards.  With TMK's prior consent, you may include additional items in the
   mailing of TMK's reports to shareholders provided any extra costs are paid by
   you.

4. You shall vote the shares held by the policyholders as set forth in the
   Trust's prospectuses and any SAI's.

5. TMK will furnish you with a copy of its current prospectus and SAI and all
   amendments thereto.  You shall print and reproduce at your expense such
   copies thereof as you may desire with respect to the distribution of
   interests in the Trusts.  You may use TMK's shareholder reports in the
   distribution process.  Copies of the reports will be furnished for such
   purpose as you request at your expense.

6. The foregoing, notwithstanding, TMK shall not engage directly or indirectly
   in financing any activity which is primarily intended to result in the sale
   of its shares issued by it.

7. Indemnification

   A.  TMK agrees with you for your benefit and each person, if any, who
   controls you within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933
   (the "Securities Act") and each and all and any of them, to indemnify and
   hold you harmless and any such controlling person from and against any and
   all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which you,
   they or any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, under any
   other statute, at common law or otherwise, and to reimburse you and such
   controlling persons, if any, for any legal or other expenses (including the
   cost of any investigation and preparation) reasonably incurred by you, them
   or any of them in connection with any litigation whether or not resulting
   in any liability, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
   litigation arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged
   untrue statement of a material fact contained in any registration statement
   or any prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or arise
   out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein
   a material fact required to be stated 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
   therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;
   provided, however, that this indemnity agreement shall not apply to amounts
   paid in settlement of any such litigation if such settlement is effected
   without the consent of TMK or to any such losses, claims, damages,
   liabilities or litigation arising out of or based upon any untrue statement
   or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any
   registration statement or prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement
   thereto, or arising out of or based upon the omission or alleged omission
   to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
   to make the statements therein not misleading, which statement or omission
   was made in reliance upon information furnished in writing to TMK by you
   for inclusion in any registration statement or any prospectus or any
   amendment thereof or supplement thereto. You and each such controlling
   person shall promptly, after the complaint shall have been served upon you
   or such controlling person in any litigation against you or such
   controlling person in respect of which indemnity may be sought from TMK on
   account of its agreement contained in this paragraph, notify TMK in writing
   of the commencement thereof. Your omission or such controlling person so to
   notify TMK of any such litigation shall relieve TMK from any liability
   which it may have to you or such controlling person on account of the
   indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph but shall not relieve TMK
   from any liability which it may have to you or controlling person otherwise
   than on account of the indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. In
   case any such litigation shall be brought against you or any such
   controlling person and you or such controlling person shall notify TMK of
   the commencement thereof, TMK shall be entitled to participate in (and, to
   the extent that it shall wish, to direct) the defense thereof at its own
   expense but such defense shall be conducted by counsel of good standing and
   satisfactory to you or such controlling person or persons, defendant or
   defendants in the litigation. The indemnity agreement of TMK contained in
   this paragraph shall remain operative and in full force and effect
   regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of you or any such
   controlling person and shall survive any delivery of shares of TMK. TMK
   agrees to notify you promptly of the commencement of any litigation or
   proceeding against it or any of its officers or directors of which it may
   be advised in connection with the issue and sale of its shares.

   B. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding TMK's agreement in the
   foregoing, insofar as it constitutes a basis for reimbursement by TMK for
   liabilities (other than payment by TMK of expenses incurred or paid in the
   successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) arising under the
   Securities Act, shall not extend to the extent of any interest therein of
   any person who is deemed to be an underwriter or a partner or controlling
   person of an underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities
   Act or who, at the date of this Agreement, is a director of TMK, except to
   the extent that an interest of such character shall have been determined by
   a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether or not such
   interest is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act.

   C. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless TMK and its directors and such
   officers as shall have signed any registration statement from and against
   any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to
   which TMK or such directors or officers may become subject under the
   Securities Act, under any other statute, at common law or otherwise, and
   will reimburse TMK or such directors or officers for any legal or other
   expenses (including the cost of any investigation and preparation)
   reasonably incurred by it or them or any of them in connection with any
   litigation, damages, liabilities or litigation arise out of, or are based
   upon, any untrue statement or alleged omission to state therein a material
   fact required to be stated therein or necessary to

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
   make the statements therein not misleading, which statement or omission was
   made in reliance upon information furnished in writing to TMK by you for
   inclusion in any registration statement or any prospectus, or any amendment
   thereof or supplement thereto, or which statement was made in, or the
   alleged omission was from, any advertising or sales literature (including
   any reports to shareholders used as such) which relate to TMK.

   You shall not be liable for amounts paid in settlement of any such
   litigation if such settlement was effected without its consent. TMK and its
   directors and such officers, defendant or defendants, in any such
   litigation shall, promptly after the complaint shall have been served upon
   TMK or any such director or officer in any litigation against TMK or any
   such director or officer in respect of which indemnity may be sought from
   TMK on account of its agreement contained in this paragraph, notify you in
   writing of the commencement thereof. The omission of TMK or such director
   or officer so to notify you of any such litigation shall relieve you from
   any liability which it may have to TMK or such director or officer on
   account of the indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph, but shall
   not relieve you from any liability which it may have to TMK or such
   director or officer otherwise than on account of the indemnity agreement
   contained in this paragraph. In case any such litigation shall be brought
   against TMK or any such officer or director and notice of the commencement
   thereof shall have been given to you, you shall be entitled to participate
   in (and, to the extent that it shall wish, to direct) the defense thereof
   at its own expense, but such defense shall be conducted by counsel of good
   standing and satisfactory to TMK. The indemnity agreement of TMK contained
   in this paragraph shall remain operative and in full force and effect
   regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of TMK and shall
   survive any delivery of shares of TMK. You agree to notify TMK promptly of
   the commencement of any litigation or proceeding against you or any of your
   officers or directors or against any such controlling person of which you
   may be advised, in connection with the issue and sale of TMK.

   D. Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Agreement, no party
   hereto and no person or persons in control of any party hereto shall be
   protected against any liability to TMK or its security holders, including
   beneficial owners or its security to which they would otherwise be subject
   by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the
   performance of their duties or by reason of their reckless disregard of
   their obligations and duties under this Agreement.

8. TMK will make shares available and otherwise carry out the terms of this
   Agreement until the Trusts are terminated; provided, however, it will have
   no obligation to issuance of shares other than for purposes of exchange
   among Portfolios and reinvestment of dividends and distribution, should the
   registration of the Trust securities under the Securities Act of 1933
   terminate. TMK agrees to use its best efforts to keep an adequate number of
   shares at all times authorized, but it will not be required to issue its
   shares if all TMK shares be issued and outstanding. TMK will be relieved of
   responsibility hereunder for issuing shares by reason of any governmental

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
   rule, regulation or order or order of court of any competent jurisdiction
   or when for reasons beyond its control, it is unable to issue such shares.

   If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our Agreement,
   please execute your acceptance hereof on the duplicates hereto enclosed for
   that purpose and return one copy to TMK/United Funds, Inc., whereupon this
   shall become a binding Agreement between you and TMK/United Funds, Inc.

                                     TMK/United Funds, Inc.



                                     By: /s/ Sharon K. Pappas
                                         --------------------------------
                                        Sharon K. Pappas, Vice President


Accepted this 4th day of April, 1997.

United Investors Life Insurance Company



By:  /s/ James L/ Sedgwick
     ------------------------------
     James L. Sedgwick, President

                                       5

<PAGE>
 
                                                                 Exhibit 10.17
                                                                 -------------
                                                                                

              AGREEMENT AMENDING PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

This Agreement, dated the ___ day of March, 1998, by and between United
Investors Life Insurance Company ("UILIC") and Waddell & Reed, Inc. ("W&R");

WHEREAS, UILIC and W&R have executed a Principal Underwriting Agreement, dated
May 1, 1990 by and between UILIC and W&R (the "Underwriting Agreement") in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit A; and
                        ---------     

WHEREAS, the UILIC and W&R desire to amend the Underwriting Agreement to provide
for termination thereof as of December 31, 1998, unless UILIC and W&R determine
to extend it for an additional period of time;

NOW, THEREFORE, UILIC and W&R agree as follows:

1.  The Underwriting Agreement be, and it hereby is, amended to provide that it
terminates as of the close of business on December 31, 1998, unless extended to
a later date in writing by UILIC and W&R.

2.   The provisions of the Underwriting Agreement will survive termination as
described therein.

3.  All notices, instructions, reports and other documents contemplated by this
Agreement or the Underwriting Agreement will be deemed duly given when in
writing and either delivered to the addresses below or sent by first class mail,
facsimile or courier addressed as follows:

To:  United Investors Life Insurance Company
     2001 Third Avenue South
     Birmingham, Alabama  35233
     Attn:  James L. Sedgwick

To:  Waddell & Reed, Inc.
     6300 Lamar Avenue
     Overland Park, KS  66202
     Attn:  General Counsel

4.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original.
<PAGE>
 
5.  This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Kansas.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, W&R and UILIC have caused this Agreement to be executed and
delivered by their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first
written above.

UNITED INVESTORS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By:_______________________________________

Name and Title:_____________________________

__________________________________________



WADDELL & REED, INC.

By:_______________________________________

Name and Title:_____________________________

__________________________________________

<PAGE>
 
                                                                 Exhibit 10.18
                                                                 -------------
                                                                                
                        PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

     AGREEMENT dated May 1, 1990, by and between United Investors Life Insurance
Company("United Investors"), a Missouri corporation, on its own behalf and on
behalf of United Investors Annuity Variable Account ("Variable Account"), and
Waddell & Reed, Inc. ("W&R"), a Missouri corporation.

                                  WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, Variable Account is a segregated asset account established and
maintained by United Investors pursuant to the laws of the State of Missouri for
certain deferred variable annuity policies to be issued by United Investors (the
"Policies"), under which income, gains, and losses, whether or not realized,
from assets allocated to such account, will be, in accordance with the Policies,
credited to or charged against such account without regard to other income,
gains, or losses of United Investors; and

     WHEREAS, United Investors has registered Variable Account as a unit
investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("the Investment
Company Act"); and

     WHEREAS, W&R has registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and is a member firm of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"); and

     WHEREAS, United Investors has registered the Policies under the Securities
Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and proposes to issue and sell the Policies
through W&R acting as its principal underwriter.

     NOW, THEREFORE, United Investors and W&R hereby mutually agree to as
follows:

     1.  Underwriter.

     (a) United Investors grants to W&R the right, during the term of this
Agreement, subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act and
the Investment Company Act and the provisions of the Exchange Act, to be the
distributor and principal underwriter of the Policies.  W&R agrees to use its
best efforts to distribute the Policies, and to undertake to provide sales
services relative to the Policies and otherwise to perform all duties and
functions necessary and proper for the distribution of the Policies.

     (b) To the extent necessary to offer the Policies, W&R shall be duly
registered or otherwise qualified under the securities laws of any state or
other jurisdiction.  Any sales representatives of W&R soliciting applications
for the Policies shall by duly and appropriately licensed, registered or
otherwise qualified for the sale of such Policies under the federal securities
laws, any applicable insurance laws and securities laws of each state or other
jurisdiction in which such policies may lawfully be sold and in which United
Investors is licensed to sell Policies.  Such direct sales representatives of
W&R shall be independent contractors.  W&R shall be responsible for the
training, supervision, and control of its representatives for the purposes of
NASD Rules of Fair Practice and federal and state securities law requirements
applicable in connection with the 
<PAGE>
 
offering and sale of the Policies. In this connection, W&R shall retain
written supervisory procedures in compliance with NASD Rules of Fair Practice,
Section 27, Paragraph 2177.

     (c) W&R agrees to offer the Polices for sale accordance with the prospectus
therefor filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") then
in effect.  W&R is not authorized to give any information or to make any
representations concerning the Policies other than those contained in such
current prospectus or in such sales literature as may be authorized by United
Investors.

     (d) All purchase payments made or other monies payable under the Policies
shall be paid or remitted by or on behalf of Policyowners directly to United
Investors or its designated servicing agent and shall become the exclusive
property of United Investors.  United Investors will retain all such payments
and monies except to the extent such payments and monies are allocated to the
Variable Account.

     2.  Sales Agreement.

     (a) W&R is hereby authorized to enter into separate written agreements, on
such terms and conditions as W&R may determine to be not inconsistent with this
Agreement, with broker-dealers registered as such under the Exchange Act which
agree to participate in the distribution of the Policies and to use their best
efforts to solicit applications for the Policies.

     (b) It is understood and agreed to by United Investors and W&R that United
Investors may from time to time propose that the Policies be distributed through
broker-dealers other than W&R.  In such circumstances, W&R will agree to enter
into a sales agreement with another broker-dealer, subject to W&R's reasonable
satisfaction, through its customary review, with such other broker-dealer's
credentials and practices.  W&R agrees that, if reasonably satisfied with the
credentials and practices of such other broker-dealer, a sales agreement will
not be withheld.  If W&R withholds a sales agreement without substantiating its
reasons for doing so, United Investors may terminate this agreement by giving
W&R thirty (30) days written notice, notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement.

     (c) All such sales agreements shall provide that each broker-dealer will
assume full responsibility for continued compliance by itself and its
representatives with applicable federal and state securities laws and state
insurance laws, and shall be in such form and contain such other provisions as
United Investors may from time to time require.  Such broker-dealer shall assume
any legal responsibility of United Investors for the acts, commissions,
defalcations of such representatives insofar as they relate to the sale of the
Policies.  Such broker-dealers and their representatives soliciting applications
for the Policies shall be duly and appropriately licensed, registered, or
otherwise qualified for the sale of such Policies under the federal securities
laws, any applicable insurance and securities laws of each state or other
jurisdiction in which such Policies may be lawfully sold and in which United
Investors is licensed to sell the Policies.  Each such organization shall be
both registered as a broker-dealer under the Exchange Act and a member of the
NASD, or if not so registered or not such a member, then the representatives of
such organization soliciting applications for Policies shall be registered
representatives of a registered broker-dealer and NASD member which is an
affiliate of such organization and which maintains full responsibility for the
training, supervision, and control of the representatives selling the Policies.
<PAGE>
 
     (d) Applications for the Policies solicited by such organizations through
their representatives shall be forwarded to United Investors.  All payments for
Policies shall be made by check or money order payable to "United Investors Life
Insurance Company" and remitted promptly by such organizations to United
Investors as agent for W&R.  United Investors may also accepts wire transfers
via Federal Funds to an account designated by United Investors.  All broker-
dealers who agree to participate in the distribution of the Policies shall act
as independent contractors and nothing herein contained shall constitute such
broker-dealers or their agents or employees as employees of United Investors or
W&R in connection with the sale of the Policies.

     3.  Compensation.

     (a) For the sales services rendered by W&R and its sales representatives
and the continuing obligations spelled out herein, United Investors shall pay
W&R the commissions set forth in Schedule A to this Agreement, which Schedule
may be hereafter amended from time to time by mutual agreement of United
Investors and W&R.

     (b) For Policies sold under sales agreements that W&R enters into with
other broker-dealers pursuant to paragraph 2, above, United Investors shall pay
W&R the commissions which are set forth in Schedule B to this Agreement, which
Schedule may be hereafter amended from time to time by mutual agreement of
United Investors and W&R.

     4.  Administrative Services.

     United Investors agrees to maintain all required books of account and
related financial records on behalf of W&R.  All such books of account and
records shall be maintained and preserved pursuant to Rules 17a-3 and 17a-4
under the Exchange Act (or the corresponding provisions of any future applicable
federal securities laws or regulations).  In addition, United Investors will
maintain records of all sales commissions paid to sales representatives of W&R
in connection with the sale of the Policies.  All such books and records shall
be maintained by United Investors on behalf of and as agent for W&R whose
property they are and shall remain for all purposes, and shall at all times be
subject to reasonable periodic, special, or other examination by the Commission
and all other regulatory bodies having jurisdiction.  United Investors also
agrees to send to W&R's customers all required confirmations of customer
transactions.

     5.  Reports.

     W&R shall have the responsibility for maintaining the records of sales
representatives licensed, registered, and otherwise qualified to sell the
Policies and for furnishing periodic reports thereof to United Investors.

     6.  Regulation.

     (a) This Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of the Investment
Company Act and the Exchange Act and the rules, regulations, and rulings
thereunder and of the NASD, from time to time in effect, including such
exemptions from the Investment Company Act as the Commission may grant, and the
terms hereof shall be interpreted and construed in accordance therewith.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term "assigned" shall not
include any transactions exempted from section 15(b)(2) of the Investment
Company Act.
<PAGE>
 
     (b) W&R shall submit to all regulatory and administrative bodies having
jurisdiction over the present and future operations of United Investors or
Variable Account any information, reports or other material which any such body
by reason of this Agreement may request or require pursuant to applicable laws
or regulations.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, W&R shall
furnish the State of Missouri Secretary of State and/or the Director of
Insurance with any information or reports which the Secretary of State and/or
the Director of Insurance may request in order to ascertain whether the variable
life operations of United Investors are being conducted in a manner consistent
with any other applicable law or regulations.

     7.  Suitability.

     United Investors and W&R each wish to ensure that the Policies distributed
by W&R will be issued to purchasers for whom the Policy will be suitable.  W&R
shall take reasonable steps to ensure that the various sales representatives
appointed by it shall not make recommendations to an applicant to purchase a
Policy in the absence of reasonable grounds to believe that the purchase of the
Policy is suitable for such applicant.  While not limited to the following, a
determination of suitability shall be based on information furnished to a sales
representative after reasonable inquiry of such applicant concerning the
applicant's insurance and investment objectives and financial situation and
needs.  W&R will require that the applicant complete the Confidential Owner's
Information and Suitability sections of the application for the Policy.

     8.  Prospectuses and Promotional Material.

     United Investors shall furnish W&R with copies of all prospectuses,
financial statements, and other documents and materials which W&R reasonably
requests for use in connection with the distribution of the Policies.  United
Investors shall have responsibility for the preparation, filing, and printing of
all required prospectuses and/or registration statements in connection with the
Policies, and the payment of all related expenses.  W&R and United Investors
shall cooperate fully in designing, drafting, and reviewing sales promotion
materials, and with respect to the preparation of individual sales proposals
related to the sale of the Policies.  W&R shall not use any such materials not
provided or approved by United Investors.

     9.  Investigation and Proceedings.

     (a) W&R and United Investors agree to cooperate fully in any insurance
regulatory investigation or proceeding or judicial proceeding  arising in
connection with the Policies distributed under this Agreement.  W&R and United
Investors further agree to cooperate fully in any securities regulatory
inspection, inquiry, investigation or proceeding or any judicial proceeding with
respect to United Investors, W&R their affiliates and their representatives to
the extent that such inspection, inquiry, investigation or proceeding is in
connection with Policies distributed under this Agreement.  Without limiting the
foregoing:

          (i) W&R will be notified promptly of any customer complaint or notice
     of any regulatory inspection, inquiry, investigation or proceeding or
     judicial proceeding received by United Investors with respect to W&R or any
     representative or which may affect United Investors' issuance of any
     Policies marketed under this Agreement; and

          (ii) W&R will promptly notify United Investors of any customer
     complaint or notice of any regulatory inspection, inquiry, investigation
     or judicial proceeding received by W&R or any representative with respect
     to United Investors or its affiliates in
<PAGE>
 
     connection with any Policies distributed under this Agreement or any
     activity in connection with any Policies.

     (b) In the case of a customer complaint, W&R and United Investors will
cooperate in investigating such complaint and shall arrive at a mutually
satisfactory response.

     10.  Exclusivity.

     The services of W&R and United Investors under this Agreement are not
deemed to be exclusive and W&R and United Investors shall be free to render
similar services to others, including, without implied limitation, such other
separate investment accounts as are now or hereafter established by United
Investors, W&R or any affiliate of W&R so long as the services of W&R and United
Investors hereunder are not impaired or interfered with thereby.

     11.  Benefit.

     This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
successors of the parties hereto.

     12.  Liability.

     Neither party hereto shall be liable to the other for any action taken or
omitted by it, or any of its officers, agents or employees, in performing their
responsibilities under this Agreement in good faith and without gross
negligence, willful misfeasance or reckless disregard of such responsibilities.

     13.  Notice.

     All notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be delivered by hand or mailed first class, postage prepaid,
addressed as follows:

          (a)  If to United Investors:

               United Investors Life Insurance Company
               2001 Third Avenue South
               Birmingham, Alabama  35233
               Attention:  James L. Sedgwick, Esq.

          (b)  If to W&R:

               Waddell & Reed, Inc.
               Post Office box 418343
               Kansas City, Missouri  64141-9343
               Attention:  Rodney O. McWhinney, Esq.

or to such other address as United Investors or W&R shall designate by written
notice to the other.

     14.  Amendment.
<PAGE>
 
     This Agreement may be amended from time to time by the mutual agreement and
consent of the parties hereto.

     15.  Severability.

     If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court
decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not
be affected thereby.

     16.  Termination.

     This Agreement shall be effective upon its execution.  It may be terminated
at any time by either party hereto on 60 days' written notice to the other party
hereto, without the payment of any penalty.  Upon termination of this Agreement,
all authorizations, rights and obligations shall cease except (i) the obligation
to settle accounts hereunder, issued pursuant to applications received by United
Investors prior to termination and (ii) the agreements contained in paragraph 9
hereof.

     17.  Applicable Law.

     This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and
governed by the laws of the State of Missouri.

     18.  Counterparts.

     This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original and all of which shall be deemed an instrument.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the day and year first above written.


(seal)
Attest:                         UNITED INVESTORS LIFE
                                     INSURANCE COMPANY


By:  /s/John H. Livingston      By:  /s/James L. Sedgwick
   --------------------------      ----------------------------------
   John H. Livingston                 James L. Sedgwick
   Assistant Secretary                Secretary

(seal)

Attest:                         WADDELL & REED, INC.


By:  /s/David R. Burford        By:  /s/Rodney O. McWhinney
   ---------------------------     ----------------------------------
   David R. Burford                Rodney O. McWhinney
   Assistant Secretary             Senior Vice President

<PAGE>
 
                                                                 Exhibit 10.19
                                                                 -------------
                                                                                
                               SERVICES AGREEMENT

                                        
THIS SERVICES AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made effective as of the __ day of
_____________, 1998 (the "Effective Date"), by and between WADDELL & REED
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY ("WRIMCO")  and WADDELL & REED ASSET MANAGEMENT
COMPANY ("WRAMCO").

WHEREAS, WRIMCO is involved in operations and services involving certain
institutional accounts and has specific expertise in this area; and

WHEREAS, WRAMCO is the investment adviser to institutional accounts and certain
other accredited investors and WRIMCO is the subadviser with respect to certain
of those accounts (the portion of those accounts for which WRIMCO serves as
subadviser pursuant to the Investment Services Agreement, dated __________,
1998, as amended from time to time ("Investment Services Agreement") are
hereinafter referred to as the "Accounts");

WHEREAS, WRAMCO desires that WRIMCO assist with certain of WRAMCO's duties
primarily with  respect to client servicing and accounting for the Accounts, and
with respect to certain recordkeeping and regulatory filing requirements;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of
which is hereby acknowledged, WRIMCO and WRAMCO agree as follows:

1. Nature of Relationship.  WRIMCO agrees, at WRAMCO's request, to assist it by
   -----------------------                                                     
performing the duties set forth in this Agreement.  Nothing contained herein
shall constitute an agency or joint venture relationship between WRIMCO and
WRAMCO.

2.  Duties of WRIMCO.  With respect to the Accounts,  WRIMCO shall  perform the
   ------------------                                                          
following duties during the term of this Agreement:

a.  WRIMCO shall assist WRAMCO with the taking and processing of transactions in
securities, including without limitation, purchase and sale of securities and
other products; purchase, sale and exercise of subscription,  conversion and
other rights, warrants and options; and taking or abstaining from taking any
action with respect to any corporate action such as reorganizations,
consolidations, mergers, dissolutions, recapitalizations, refinancing and any
other plan or change affecting any property relating to the Accounts;

b.  WRIMCO shall assist WRAMCO in establishing, preparing and maintaining books
and records relating to the Accounts and WRAMCO's business, including, but not
limited to, Account balance, performance and transaction information as deemed
necessary and 
<PAGE>
 
appropriate by WRIMCO, as reasonably requested by WRAMCO, and as required by
applicable laws, rules and regulations;

c.  WRIMCO shall assist WRAMCO in computing and causing to be prepared and
delivered clients and other appropriate entities such as regulatory entities
standard and reasonable supplemental documentation regarding Accounts and
WRAMCO's business, including, without limitation, any quarterly and annual
reports, sales material, regulatory filings and such information as is otherwise
required by applicable laws, rules and regulations;

d.  WRIMCO shall assist WRAMCO in reconciling Account balances;

e.  WRIMCO shall assist WRAMCO in processing and responding to correspondence
and other contact from or on behalf of clients; and

f.  WRIMCO shall prepare and deliver invoices or other appropriate documentation
of amounts owing to WRAMCO by clients and/or Accounts.

3.  Compensation of WRIMCO.  As compensation for  the performance by WRIMCO of
   ------------------------                                                   
its duties and obligations set forth in this Agreement, WRAMCO shall pay WRIMCO
all out of pocket expenses incurred by it under this Agreement, including,
without limitation, federal and state registration or filing fees, and printing
and mailing costs relating to information delivered to clients.  All expenses
shall be paid within sixty days following the end of each calendar quarter
during the term of this Agreement, or within sixty days following a termination
of this Agreement occurring at a time other than the end of a calendar quarter.
Expenses shall be equitably prorated for any period of less than one quarter, as
appropriate.

4.  Liability.  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, WRIMCO, its
   ------------                                                            
affiliates which are directly or indirectly subsidiaries of Waddell & Reed
Financial, Inc. and their respective employees, agents, officers and directors
shall not have any liability, obligation or responsibility for any act, or
failure to act pursuant to this Agreement.  WRAMCO shall be responsible for
reviewing and approving all governmental filings and other documents.

5.  Notice.  All notices, instructions and reports contemplated by this
    -------                                                            
Agreement shall be deemed duly given when in writing and either delivered to the
addresses below or sent by first-class mail, facsimile or courier addressed as
follows:

To   WRAMCO:    Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company
                2001 Third Avenue South
                Birmingham, Alabama  35233
                Attn:  Michael J. Klyce

To   WRIMCO:    Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company
<PAGE>
 
                6300 Lamar Avenue
                Overland Park, Kansas  66202
                Attn:  Lawrence J. Cipolla



6.  Term.  This Agreement shall become effective as of the Effective Date and
    -----                                                                    
shall continue in full force and effect until the earlier of (i) termination of
the Agreement by either WRIMCO or WRAMCO pursuant to thirty days' prior written
notice to the other party; (ii)  termination of WRIMCO as a subadviser of all
Accounts, or (iii) termination of the Investment Services Agreement.

7.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts,
    -------------                                                             
each of which shall be deemed an original upon execution by WRIMCO and WRAMCO.

8.  Construction.  The headings used in this Agreement are for reference
    -------------                                                       
purposes only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof.

9.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the
    --------------                                                          
laws of the State of Kansas.

10.  Entire Agreement; Waiver; Assignment.  This Agreement constitutes the
     ------------------------------------                                 
entire and complete agreement  between the parties hereto relating to the
subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements between the parties,
whether oral or written.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be
read in connection with the Investment Services Agreement.  This Agreement may
be amended only by the written consent of WRIMCO and WRAMCO.  Any notice
required by this Agreement may be waived in writing by the person entitled
thereto.  Such waiver shall not be deemed a continuing waiver.  This Agreement
may not be assigned or otherwise transferred without the prior written consent
of the other party hereto.  This Agreement shall inure to and be binding upon
the respective successors and assigns (as permitted herein) of the parties
hereto.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement to become effective
as of the Effective Date.

WADDELL & REED INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY

By:__________________________________________________
     Henry J. Herrmann, President

 
                     Attest:

                     By:________________________________
                         Sharon K. Pappas, Secretary
<PAGE>
 
WADDELL & REED ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY

By:________________________________________________

Name and Title:______________________________________


                     Attest:

                     By:______________________________
                        _______________, Secretary

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.20
                                                                   -------------
                                                                                
                             RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT
                                 BY AND BETWEEN
                           TORCHMARK CORPORATION AND
                        WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.,
                                ON BEHALF OF THE
                      TORCHMARK CORPORATION PENSION PLAN,
           THE WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. RETIREMENT INCOME PLAN,
           THE TORCHMARK CORPORATION SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PLAN, AND
         THE WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC. SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PLAN

                                   Recitals:

        Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, "W&R
     Financial") employ individuals who were formerly employed by Torchmark
     Corporation and its affiliates (collectively, "Torchmark") and who accrued
     benefits under the Torchmark Corporation Pension Plan (the "Torchmark
     Pension Plan") and the Torchmark Corporation Savings and Investment Plan
     (the "Torchmark Thrift Plan").

        Torchmark employs individuals who were formerly employed by Waddell &
     Reed Financial or its predecessor, Waddell & Reed, Inc. and its
     affiliates (collectively, "W&R") and who accrued benefits under the
     Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Retirement Income Plan (the "W&R Financial
     Pension Plan") and the Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Savings and
     Investment Plan (the "W&R Financial Thrift Plan").

        In connection with the initial public offering of Class A common stock
     of W&R Financial, the parties hereto desire for the plans identified
     herein to transfer certain assets and liabilities among and between said
     plans.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

     1. The W&R Financial Thrift Plan shall transfer to the Torchmark Thrift
Plan assets and liabilities related to the following classes of employees:

     (a)  Existing and former employees of United Investors Life Insurance
          Company;

     (b)  Existing sales persons of Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company;
          and,

     (c)  Former employees of W&R or W&R Financial who are current employees of
          Torchmark.
<PAGE>
 
  2.  The Torchmark Thrift Plan shall transfer to the W&R Financial Thrift Plan
assets and liabilities related to the following classes of employees:

     (a)  Former employees of Torchmark who are current employees of W&R
          Financial.

  3.  The W&R Financial Pension Plan shall transfer to the Torchmark Pension
Plan assets and liabilities related to the following classes of employees:

     (a)  Existing sales persons of Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company;
          and,

     (b)  Former employees of United Investors Real Estate Company.

  4.  The Torchmark Pension Plan shall transfer to the W&R Financial Pension
Plan assets and liabilities related to the following classes of employees:

     (a)  Former employees of Torchmark who are current employees of W&R
          Financial; and,

     (b)  Former employees of Torch Energy Advisors Incorporated.

  5.  The transfers of assets and liabilities provided for herein shall take
place no sooner than the filing of appropriate Forms 5310-A with the Internal
Revenue Service, the Department of Labor, and the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation unless a regulatory exemption for the filing of such forms exists.

  6. The parties hereto may amend this agreement at any time pursuant to a
writing signed by both parties.

  DONE as of this the __ day of __________, 1998.


                              Torchmark Corporation, as sponsor and plan
                              administrator of the Torchmark Corporation Pension
                              Plan and the Torchmark Corporation Savings and
                              Investment Plan

ATTEST:                       By:_______________________________________
                                 Its:___________________________________

________________________________


                                      2
<PAGE>
 
                              Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., as sponsor and
                              plan administrator of the Waddell & Reed
                              Financial, Inc. Retirement Income Plan and the
                              Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. Savings and
                              Investment Plan

ATTEST:                       By:_______________________________________
                                 Its:___________________________________

________________________________


                                      3

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.21
                                                                   -------------
                                                                                

                      ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT

  This Agreement is made, executed and entered into this ___ day of __________,
1998, by and between Torchmark Corporation, a Delaware corporation having its
principal offices in Birmingham, Alabama ("Torchmark") and Waddell & Reed
Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation having its principal offices in Overland
Park, Kansas ("W&R"), for the purpose of rendering administrative and investment
services for the Torchmark Corporation Savings and Investment Plan and the
Liberty National Life Insurance Company 401(k) Plan (collectively, the "Plans").

1.  Services to be Provided
    -----------------------

    W&R or one of its affiliates shall perform applicable recordkeeping and
investment services, in accordance with all applicable federal, state and
local laws and regulations and the provisions of the latest executed Plan
document, as specified below:

     (a)  allocate earnings, including dividends, if any, and losses for (1)
          various mutual funds in the United Group of mutual funds (the "Funds")
          offered as investments under the Plan, (2) Torchmark Common Stock, and
          (3) W&R Class A Common Stock;

     (b)  issue buy and sell orders, as appropriate, to the purchasing agent for
          W&R Class A Common Stock according to the participants' direction and
          dividend allocation;

     (c)  issue buy and sell orders, as appropriate, to the purchasing agent for
          Torchmark Common Stock according to the participants' directions and
          dividend allocation,

     (d)  purchase shares of the Funds for participants' accounts according to
          the participants' direction;

     (e)  determine asset values for the Funds held by the Plan;

     (f)  calculate participant account balances on a periodic basis;

     (g)  transfer plan assets among the various Funds as directed by Plan
          participants;

     (h)  perform periodic valuations no less frequently than semi-monthly;

     (i)  invest and credit participant and employer contributions to the
          appropriate investment fund, including Torchmark Common Stock, under
          the Plan.

     (j)  provide investment numbers to the trustees of the Plans and to
          Torchmark for wiring of contributions;
<PAGE>
 
     (k)  balance the recordkeeping system used in the administration of the
          Plans, as needed, to the shareholder recordkeeping system after each
          investment;

     (l)  prepare a monthly mutual fund confirmation for the trustees of the
          Plans;

     (m)  prepare letters for the trustees of the Plans to use, as needed and as
          requested, regarding mutual fund redemptions, stock redemptions,
          forfeitures, and stock buys and sells;

     (n)  prepare spreadsheets for stock pricing calculation each investment for
          input of net asset values based on information provided by Torchmark
          related to the current periods stock transactions;

     (o)  calculate and input dividend rates on Torchmark stock and W&R stock,
          as necessary; and,

     (p)  check all test results when changes are made to the Plans' systems.

2.   Information to be Provided
     --------------------------

     (a)  W&R shall provide the services described in paragraph 1 above based on
          information furnished by Torchmark.

     (b)  Torchmark shall provide W&R with all information relative to employee
          data which is necessary for performance of the services agreed upon
          herein.

3.  Compensation
    ------------

    In consideration of the performance of services described herein,
Torchmark shall pay a quarterly fee, payable within 30 days after the end of
each calendar quarter, in the amount of two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50)
per participant per quarter (which is the equivalent of ten dollars ($10.00)
per participant per year) to W&R for the services described herein. Any
additional services which are requested by Torchmark and agreed to by W&R
shall be provided for a separately agreed upon fee. The foregoing shall not
preclude W&R from receiving, in addition to the compensation specified herein,
management fees and other expense fees listed in the prospectuses for the
Funds.

4.  Board of Directors
    ------------------

    The Torchmark Board of Directors may include officers and directors of
W&R. W&R may, nevertheless, deal freely with Torchmark, and no contract or
transaction shall be invalidated or in any way affected by reason of those
facts, even though the vote of the directors(s) or the action of the

                                      2
<PAGE>
 
officer(s) who are officers or directors of W&R shall have been necessary to
obligate Torchmark in such contract or transaction. Neither W&R nor any
officer or director thereof shall be liable to Torchmark or to any shareholder
or creditor thereof or to any other person by reason of such contract or
transaction or for any loss resulting therefrom or for any profit derived
therefrom, provided that it was reasonable to believe that such contract or
transaction was, at the time at which it was entered into, a reasonable one to
have been entered into and on terms that, at such time, were fair. Nothing
contained in this paragraph 5, however, shall validate, authorize or apply to
any act prohibited by applicable law or shall protect any director or officer
of Torchmark or any director or officer of W&R against any liability to
Torchmark or its shareholders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason
of bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved
in the conduct of his office or under this Agreement.

5.   General
     -------

     (a)  Either W&R or Torchmark may elect to terminate this Agreement on 30
          days' written notice.  Unless terminated by such notice, this
          Agreement shall continue from month to month and year to year.

     (b)  Each provision of this Agreement is severable from all other
          provisions of this Agreement and, if one or more of the provisions of
          this Agreement shall be declared invalid, the remaining provisions of
          this, Agreement, nevertheless, remain in full force and effect.

     (c)  All written notices provided for in this Agreement shall be deemed
          given when mailed postage prepaid to the address of the respective
          party as listed above, unless otherwise provided in an Amendment to
          this Agreement.

     (d)  This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with
          the laws of the State of Kansas.

     (e)  Torchmark shall not assign or otherwise transfer this Agreement or any
          rights hereunder without the prior written permission of W&R.

     (f)  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties
          with respect to the subject matter.  This Agreement may be executed in
          one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute but a single
          document.  No modification or waiver of or to any provision of this
          Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by all the
          parties hereto.

     (g)  This Agreement will become effective as of the Effective Date when
          signed by duly authorized representatives of both parties and will
          continue in effect until terminated.


  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, each acting under due and proper
authority, have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective
signatures.

                                      3
<PAGE>
 
                                TORCHMARK CORPORATION

ATTEST:                         BY:_______________________________________
                                   Its:___________________________________

________________________________


                                WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.

ATTEST:                         BY:_______________________________________
                                   Its:___________________________________

________________________________


                                      4

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
The Board of Directors
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
 
  We consent to the use of our report included herein and to the reference to
our firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.
 
                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
Kansas City, Missouri
   
February 27, 1998     


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