<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS REPORTED IN THE QUARTERLY REPORT
ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0001052100
<NAME> WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 59,103
<SECURITIES> 71,458
<RECEIVABLES> 40,819
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 181,277
<PP&E> 65,066
<DEPRECIATION> 16,673
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 410,366
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 270,018
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 997
<OTHER-SE> 126,220
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 410,366
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 388,443
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 202,900
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 3,977
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 10,825
<INCOME-PRETAX> 170,741
<INCOME-TAX> 66,374
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 104,367
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 104,367
<EPS-BASIC> $1.25
<EPS-DILUTED> $1.20
</TABLE>