Dear
Shareholders,
It’s been one year since
TD AMERITRADE emerged on the scene – a
new and powerful force in the brokerage industry, the product of
two successful companies and years of
proven experience. It’s been exciting and rewarding to see
this year unfold – another
important step in our evolution. This is a Company that has once
again successfully
reinvented itself in a competitive and fast-paced industry.
The coming
together of Ameritrade and TD Waterhouse allowed
us to make a marked
shift in our overall focus – expanding
our
assets, broadening our offerings for long-term investors, and
ultimately growing our new Company. As we continue to build
TD AMERITRADE, we’ll be able to offer more to clients, and
more to shareholders.
We have accomplished several key goals since
the acquisition, including:
We repaid about a quarter of our debt;
We implemented a stock buy-back program, and repurchased
3.8 million shares
of our common stock; and
We earned 30 percent return on average equity1,
an increase
from 25 percent
in 2005.
Positioned for the future
TD AMERITRADE is poised to continue rewarding shareholders for
their faith in the Company. Our future success will be the result
of the talent and effort of many people including our current board
of directors. I also want to recognize and thank the members of
our board who have moved on. Together they have left an indelible
mark on this Company due to a perpetual commitment to leave
TD AMERITRADE even stronger than the organization they inherited.
This Company began with a simple concept – bring
the trading tools and products from
Wall Street to Main Street. Under the skillful leadership of Joe
Moglia, our management team and Associates are striving to deliver
on our promises. Equipped with a legacy of
online brokerage expertise, the ability to offer traders and investors
comprehensive services, and a team eager to lead the industry, the
potential to create substantial shareholder value remains impressive.
Sincerely,
Joe Ricketts
Founder and Chairman
1 Based on net income excluding investment
gains, which is a non-GAAP financial measure.
GAAP return on average equity was 33 percent. |