Document

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2017
Registration No. 333-



SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
 
Form S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
 
 
 
LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                            Delaware 
 
20-3717839 
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 

LPL Holdings, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
 
 
 
Massachusetts
 
04-3046611
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 


75 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
(800) 877-7210
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code of principal executive offices)
 
 
 
 
David P. Bergers
LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
75 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
(800) 877-7210
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
 
 
 
 
Please send copies of all communications to:
 
Julie H. Jones
Marko S. Zatylny
Ropes & Gray LLP
Prudential Tower
800 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02199
Telephone (617) 951-7000
Fax (617) 951-7050
 
 
 
 



Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effectiveness of the Registration Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box: o
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, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box: þ
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
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. o
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. þ
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
 
 
 
Large accelerated filer þ 
Accelerated filer o 
Non-accelerated filer o 
Smaller reporting company o 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount to be Registered/
 
 
Amount of
 
Title of Each Class of
 
 
Proposed Maximum Offering Price per Unit/
 
 
Registration
 
Securities to be Registered 
 
 
Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price 
 
 
Fee
 
Common Stock, $.001 par value per share
 
 
(1)
 
 
(2)
 
Debt Securities of LPL Holdings, Inc.
 
 
(1)
 
 
(2)
 
Guarantees Issued by LPL Financial Holdings Inc. of LPL Holdings, Inc. Debt Securities
 
 
(3)
 
 
(3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
An indeterminate aggregate amount and initial offering price of the securities of each identified class is being registered hereunder, as may from time to time be offered, at indeterminate prices.
 
(2)
In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant is deferring payment of all of the registration fee.
 
(3)
No separate consideration will be received for the guarantees. Pursuant to Rule 457(n) under the Securities Act, no registration fee is required with respect to the guarantees.
 
 
 




 
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Common Stock
Debt Securities
Guarantees
 
 
 
 
LPL Financial Holdings Inc. and/or one or more selling stockholders may offer and sell shares of our common stock from time to time in amounts, at prices and on terms that will be determined at the time of any such offering.
LPL Holdings, Inc. may, from time to time, offer to sell debt securities consisting of senior or subordinated notes and debentures and/or other evidences of indebtedness in one or more series, which may be convertible or non-convertible, and which may be guaranteed by LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
This prospectus describes the general manner in which these securities may be offered using this prospectus. Each time we or the selling stockholders sell these securities, the specific terms will be determined at the time of the offering and will be included in a supplement to this prospectus. Information about the selling stockholders, including the relationship between the selling stockholders and us, will also be included in the applicable prospectus supplement. We and the selling stockholders may sell these securities directly to our stockholders or to purchasers or through agents on our behalf or through underwriters or dealers as designated from time to time. If any agents or underwriters are involved in the sale of these securities, the applicable prospectus supplement will provide the names of the agents or underwriters and any applicable fees, commissions or discounts.
This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of securities unless accompanied by the applicable prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” before you make your investment decision.
LPL Financial Holdings Inc. common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “LPLA.” On February 9, 2017, the last sale price of our common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Global Select Market was $40.22 per share.
 
Investing in our securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors” on page 1.
 
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 
 
 
 
 
Prospectus dated February 9, 2017.

 



TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
Page 
 
About this Prospectus
 
1
 
Risk Factors
 
1
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
1
 
Use of Proceeds
 
2
 
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
2
 
Description of Debt Securities and Guarantees
 
2
 
Description of Common Stock
 
3
 
Plan of Distribution
 
5
 
Where You Can Find More Information
 
6
 
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference
 
7
 
Legal Matters
 
7
 
Experts
 
7
 
 
 
 
 
 
We have not authorized anyone to provide any information or to make any representations other than those contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or in any free writing prospectuses we have prepared. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement are an offer to sell only the shares offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement is current only as of the date of the applicable document.




ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
 
When we use the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, and the “Company” we mean LPL Financial Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries, taken as a whole, unless the context otherwise indicates. When we use the term “LPL Holdings, Inc.” we mean LPL Holdings, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation, unless the context indicates otherwise.
 
This prospectus is a part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined under Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we and the selling stockholders may from time to time sell different types of securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we or the selling stockholders sell securities under this shelf registration, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering, including information about the selling stockholders, if any. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If the information in this prospectus is inconsistent with a prospectus supplement, you should rely on the prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, including all documents incorporated herein or therein by reference, together with additional information described under “Where You Can Find More Information.”
 
RISK FACTORS
 
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Item 1A — Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or subsequent filings with the SEC and the “Risk Factors” section in the applicable prospectus supplement for a discussion of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to purchase our securities.
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 

Statements in this prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein regarding the Company’s future financial and operating results, outlook, growth, plans, business strategies, liquidity, future indebtedness, future share repurchases, and future dividends, including statements regarding future resolution of regulatory matters, legal proceedings and related costs, future revenues and expenses, and projected savings and anticipated improvements to the Company’s operating model, services, and technology as a result of its initiatives and programs, as well as any other statements that are not related to present facts or current conditions or that are not purely historical, constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s historical performance and its plans, estimates, and expectations. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “plans,” “predicts,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees that the future results, plans, intentions, or expectations expressed or implied by the Company will be achieved. Matters subject to forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including economic, legislative, regulatory, competitive, and other factors, which may cause actual financial or operating results, levels of activity, or the timing of events, to be materially different than those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include: changes in general economic and financial market conditions, including retail investor sentiment; fluctuations in the value of brokerage and advisory assets; fluctuations in levels of net new assets and the related impact on revenue; fluctuations in the number of retail investors served by the Company; effects of competition in the financial services industry and the success of the Company in attracting and retaining financial advisors and institutions; changes in the number of the Company’s financial advisors and institutions, and their ability to market effectively financial products and services; changes in interest rates and fees payable by banks participating in the Company’s cash sweep program, including the Company’s success in negotiating agreements with current or additional counterparties; the Company’s strategy in managing cash sweep program fees; changes in the growth and profitability of the Company’s fee-based business; the effect of current, pending, and future legislation, regulation, and regulatory actions, including the U.S. Department of Labor final rule regarding the fiduciary status of advisors (the “DOL Rule”) and disciplinary actions imposed by federal and state securities regulators and self-regulatory organizations; the costs of settling and remediating issues related to pending or future regulatory matters or legal proceedings; changes made to the Company’s offerings and services in response to current, pending, and future legislation, regulation, and regulatory actions, including the DOL Rule, and the effect that such changes may have on the Company’s gross profit streams and

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costs; execution of the Company’s capital management plans, including its compliance with the terms of its existing credit agreement; the price, availability of shares and trading volumes of the Company’s common stock, which will affect the timing and size of future share repurchases by the Company; execution of the Company’s plans and its success in realizing the expense savings and service improvements and efficiencies expected to result from its initiatives and programs, particularly its expense plans and technological initiatives; the Company’s success in negotiating and developing commercial arrangements with third-party service providers; the performance of third-party service providers on which the Company relies; the Company’s ability to control operating risks, information technology systems risks, cybersecurity risks, and sourcing risks; and the other factors set forth in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, as may be amended or updated in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the SEC. Except as required by law, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date such statements were made, even if its estimates change, and you should not rely on statements contained herein as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date such statements were made.


 
USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Except as otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds we receive from our sale of the securities covered by this prospectus for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, capital expenditures, possible acquisitions and repayment of debt. Additional information on the use of net proceeds we receive from the sale of securities covered by this prospectus may be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the specific offering.
 
We will not receive any proceeds in the event the securities are sold by a selling stockholder.


RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
Our consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods indicated are as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Fiscal Years Ended
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
 
4.01
 
 
5.30
 
 
5.71
 
 
6.01
 
 
5.11
 
 
4.81
 

For purposes of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, “earnings” consist of earnings before income taxes, interest, and the portions of rent expense representative of the interest factor. “Fixed charges” consist of interest expense (which includes amortization of debt expenses), capitalized interest, and the portions of rent expense representative of the interest factor.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES AND GUARANTEES
  
 LPL Holdings, Inc. may offer debt securities, which may be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities and may be convertible or non-convertible. The debt securities may be guaranteed by LPL Financial Holdings Inc., its direct parent. The debt securities issued by LPL Holdings, Inc. will be issued under one or more indentures, each to be entered into by LPL Holdings, Inc., one or more guarantors, a trustee, registrar, paying agent and transfer agent and/or a collateral agent, as applicable. The trustee, registrar, paying agent, transfer agent, collateral agent, calculation agent and/or foreign currency agent (collectively, the “agents”), as applicable, shall be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of the debt securities will include those described in the applicable prospectus supplement and those stated in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act. We have included a copy of the form of indenture as an exhibit to this Registration Statement. The indenture will be subject to and governed by the terms of the Trust Indenture Act.

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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
 
References to the “Company,” “us,” “we” or “our” in this section mean LPL Financial Holdings Inc. and do not include the subsidiaries of LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
 
The following summary of the terms of our common stock does not purport to be complete. You should refer to our certificate of incorporation, as amended (the “Certificate”), and bylaws, both of which are on file with the SEC as exhibits to previous filings. The summary below is also qualified by provisions of applicable law.
 
General
 
Under our Certificate, we have authority to issue up to 600,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share. As of February 6, 2017 we had 89,352,628 shares of common stock outstanding, held by 830 record holders.
 
Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders and do not have cumulative voting rights. Our bylaws provide that a nominee for director will be elected if the number of votes properly cast “for” such nominee’s election exceeds the number of votes properly cast “against” such nominee’s election; however, if the number of persons properly nominated for election to our board of directors (the “Board of Directors”) exceeds the number of directors to be elected, the directors will be elected by the plurality of the votes properly cast. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive proportionately any dividends as may be declared by our Board of Directors, subject to any preferential dividend rights of any series of preferred stock that is outstanding at the time of the dividend.
 
In the event of our liquidation or dissolution, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive proportionately our net assets available for distribution to stockholders after payment of all debts and other liabilities and subject to the prior rights of any outstanding preferred stock.
 
All shares of common stock will, when issued, be duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that the Company may designate and issue in the future.
 
Anti-takeover Effects of the Delaware General Corporation Law and Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
 
Our Certificate and our bylaws contain certain provisions that may discourage, delay, or prevent a change in our management or control over us. We expect that these provisions, which are summarized below, will discourage coercive takeover practices or inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with the Board of Directors, which we believe may result in an improvement of the terms of any such acquisition in favor of our stockholders. However, they may also discourage acquisitions that some stockholders may favor.

Action by Written Consent
 
The Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) provides that, unless otherwise stated in a corporation’s certificate of incorporation, the stockholders may act by written consent without a meeting. Our Certificate provides that any action required or permitted to be taken by our stockholders may only be taken at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent without a meeting.
 
Special Meeting of Stockholders and Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals
 
Our Certificate and bylaws provide that, subject to any special rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock and to the requirements of applicable law, special meetings of our stockholders can only be called by (a) our chairman or vice chairman of the Board of Directors, (b) our president, or (c) a majority of the Board of Directors through a special resolution.
In addition, our bylaws set forth advance notice procedures for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of the stockholders, including the nomination of directors. Stockholders at an annual meeting may only consider the proposals specified in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or by a stockholder of record, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has delivered a timely written notice in proper form to our secretary, of the stockholder’s intention to bring such business before the meeting.

3


These provisions could have the effect of delaying until the next stockholder meeting any stockholder actions that are favored by the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities.  
Requirements for Removal and Interim Election of Directors
 
Subject to the special rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock to elect directors, holders of at least two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote at an election of the directors must approve the removal of directors. Vacancies and newly-created directorships will be filled only by a vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum, and not by the stockholders. In addition, the Certificate provides that any vacancy created by the removal of a director by the stockholders shall only be filled by, in addition to any other vote otherwise required by law, the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock. Our bylaws allow the presiding officer at a meeting of the stockholders to adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of meetings which may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the rules and regulations are not followed.
 
These provisions may have the effect of deferring, delaying or discouraging hostile takeovers, or changes in control or management of our company.
 
Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
 
The DGCL provides generally that the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote on amendments to a corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws is required to approve such amendment, unless a corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, as the case may be, requires a greater percentage. Our bylaws may be amended or repealed by a majority vote of our Board of Directors or, in addition to any other vote otherwise required by law, the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the voting power of our outstanding shares of common stock. Additionally, the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the voting power of the outstanding shares of common stock is required to alter, amend or repeal, or to adopt any provision inconsistent with, the “Board of Directors,” “No Action by Written Consent,” “Special Meetings of Stockholders,” “Amendments to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws” and “Business Combinations” provisions described in our Certificate. These provisions may have the effect of deferring, delaying or discouraging the removal of any anti-takeover defenses provided for in our Certificate and our bylaws.
 
Exclusive Jurisdiction of Certain Actions
 
Our Certificate requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in the name of the company, actions against directors, officers and employees for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought only in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. Although we believe this provision benefits the company by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, the provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.
 
Authorized but Unissued Shares
 
The authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock are available for future issuance without stockholder approval, subject to any limitations imposed by the listing standards of The NASDAQ Global Select Market. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate finance transactions, acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued common stock and preferred stock could make more difficult, or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger, or otherwise.
 
Business Combinations
 
We have elected to not be subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, which regulates business combinations with “interested stockholders.”
 
Transfer Agent and Registrar
 
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Inc.
 
Listing
 
Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “LPLA.”


4


PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
We and the selling stockholders may sell securities in any of the ways described below or in any combination:
 
 
to or through underwriters or dealers;
 
 
through one or more agents; or
 
 
directly to purchasers or to a single purchaser.
 
The distribution of the securities by us or the selling stockholders may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions:
 
 
at a fixed price, or prices, which may be changed from time to time;
 
 
at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
 
 
at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or
 
 
at negotiated prices.
 
Each prospectus supplement will describe the method of distribution of the securities and any applicable restrictions.
 
The prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including the following:
 
 
the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents and the amounts of securities underwritten or purchased by each of them;
 
 
the public offering price of the securities and the proceeds to us and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and
 
 
if the securities are sold by the selling stockholders, information about the selling stockholders, including the relationship between the selling stockholders and us.
 
Any offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers will be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement and may be changed from time to time.
 
Only the agents or underwriters named in each prospectus supplement are agents or underwriters in connection with the securities being offered thereby.
 
We and the selling stockholders may authorize underwriters, dealers or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase securities from us or the selling stockholders pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date stated in each applicable prospectus supplement. Each contract will be for an amount not less than, and the aggregate amount of securities sold pursuant to such contracts shall not be less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in each applicable prospectus supplement. Institutions with whom the contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and other institutions, but shall in all cases be subject to our approval. Delayed delivery contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in each applicable prospectus supplement, and each prospectus supplement will set forth any commissions we pay for solicitation of these contracts.
 
Agents, underwriters and other third parties described above may be entitled to indemnification by us and the selling stockholders against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution from us and the selling stockholders with respect to payments which the agents, underwriters or third parties may be required to make in respect thereof. Agents, underwriters and such other third parties may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for us or the selling stockholders in the ordinary course of business. We and the selling stockholders may

5


also use underwriters or such other third parties with whom we or such selling stockholders have a material relationship. We and the selling stockholders will describe the nature of any such relationship in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Certain underwriters may use this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement for offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the securities. These underwriters may act as principal or agent in these transactions, and the sales will be made at prices related to prevailing market prices at the time of sale. Any underwriters involved in the sale of the securities may qualify as “underwriters” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act. In addition, the underwriters’ commissions, discounts or concessions may qualify as underwriters’ compensation under the Securities Act and the rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market. Underwriters may make a market in our common stock, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We can make no assurance as to the development, maintenance or liquidity of any trading market for the securities.
Certain persons participating in an offering may engage in overallotment, stabilizing transactions, short covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with rules and regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Overallotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Short covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution is completed to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time.
 
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
 
We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC for the securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus does not include all of the information contained in the registration statement. You should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits for additional information.
 
We are required to file annual and quarterly reports, special reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC. We make these documents publicly available, free of charge, on our website at www.lpl.com as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such documents with the SEC. The information contained on our website is not a part of this prospectus. You can read our SEC filings, including the registration statement, on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You also may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at its public reference facility at:
 
Public Reference Room
100 F Street N.E.
Washington, DC 20549
 
Please call the SEC at 1-800-732-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference facilities.

 

6


INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and information in documents that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede information in this prospectus. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents listed below and any future filings made by us with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, except for information “furnished” under Items 2.02, 7.01 or 9.01 on Form 8-K or other information “furnished” to the SEC which is not deemed filed and not incorporated in this prospectus, until the termination of the offering of securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement. We hereby incorporate by reference the following documents:
 
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC on February 25, 2016 (File No. 001-34963);
 
 
Our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2016, June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2016, respectively (File No. 001-34963);
 
 
Our Current Reports on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on May 16, 2016, July 13, 2016, December 5, 2016 (except the portion thereof furnished pursuant to Item 7.01) and December 23, 2016 (File No. 001-34963);
 
 
Our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, as filed with the SEC on March 29, 2016 (File No. 001-34963); and
 
 
Description of our Common Stock, which is contained in the Registration Statement on Form 8-A, as filed with the SEC on November 12, 2010 (File No. 001-34963), as supplemented by the Description of Common Stock found on page 3 of this prospectus and including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.
 
You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address:
 
Secretary
LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
75 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(617) 423-3644
 
Copies of these filings are also available, without charge, on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on our website at www.lpl.com as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed electronically with the SEC. The information contained on our website is not a part of this prospectus.
 
LEGAL MATTERS
 
The validity of the issuance of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Ropes & Gray LLP, Boston, Massachusetts.

EXPERTS
 
The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the effectiveness of LPL Financial Holdings Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.




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PART II
 
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
 
 
Item 14.  
Other expenses of Issuance and Distribution. 
 
The following table sets forth the various expenses payable by us, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities being registered.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee
 
$
*
 
Printing and engraving expenses
 
 
**
 
Legal fees and expenses
 
 
**
 
Accounting fees and expenses
 
 
**
 
Rating Agency fees and expenses
 
 
**
 
Trustee’s fees and expenses
 
 
**
 
Transfer Agent and Registrar fees
 
 
**
 
Miscellaneous
 
 
**
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Omitted because the registration fee is being deferred pursuant to Rule 456(b) and 457(r).
 
 
 
**
 
An estimate of the aggregate amount of these expenses will be reflected in the applicable prospectus supplement.
 
 
 
Item 15.  
Indemnification of Directors and Officers. 
 
Delaware Registrant

Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL enables a corporation in its original certificate of incorporation or an amendment thereto to eliminate or limit the personal liability of a director for violations of the director’s fiduciary duty, except (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for liability of directors for unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchase or redemptions pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL or (iv) for any transaction from which a director derived an improper personal benefit. Our Certificate includes a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL.
 
Section 145(a) of the DGCL provides in relevant part that a corporation may 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 or officer of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director or officer of another entity, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that such person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably

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believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was lawful.
 
Section 145(b) of the DGCL provides in relevant part that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person 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 entity, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
 
Our bylaws generally provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law. Section 145(f) of the DGCL and our bylaws also provide that the indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to Section 145 of the DGCL or the bylaws are not exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or otherwise. Our bylaws further provide that a right to indemnification or to advancement of expenses arising under a provision of the bylaws shall not be eliminated or impaired by an amendment to such provision after the occurrence of the act or omission which is the subject of the civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding for which indemnification or advancement of expenses is sought.
 
 
We also maintain officers’ and directors’ liability insurance which insures against liabilities that officers and directors of the registrant may, in such capacities, incur. Section 145(g) of the DGCL provides that a corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who 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 entity, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under that section.

Massachusetts Registrant

Section 8.51 of Chapter 156D of the Massachusetts General Laws provides that a corporation may indemnify a director against liability if (1) (i) he conducted himself in good faith; and (ii) he reasonably believed that his conduct was in the best interest of the corporation or that his conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of the corporation; and (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful; or (2) he engaged in conduct for which he shall not be liable under a provision of the corporation’s articles of organization authorized by Section 2.02(b)(4) of Chapter 156D of the Massachusetts General Laws. Section 8.52 of Chapter 156D of the Massachusetts General Laws provides that a corporation shall indemnify a director who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he was a party because he was a director of the corporation against reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with the proceeding.

Section 8.56 of Chapter 156D of the Massachusetts General Laws provides that a corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer of the corporation who is a party to a proceeding because he is an officer of the corporation (1) to the same extent as a director; and (2) if he is an officer but not a director, to such further extent as may be provided by the articles of organization, the bylaws, a resolution of the board of directors, or contract except for liability arising out of acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law. Section 8.56 also provides that an officer of a corporation who is not a director is entitled to mandatory indemnification under Section 8.52, and that the officer may apply to a court for indemnification or an advance for expenses, in each case to the same extent to which a director may be entitled to indemnification or advance under those provisions. Section 8.57 of the Massachusetts General Laws also affords a Massachusetts corporation the power to obtain insurance on behalf of its directors and officers against liabilities incurred by them in these capacities.

LPL Holdings, Inc.’s bylaws, as amended and restated, provide that LPL Holdings, Inc. shall indemnify its directors and the officers that have been appointed by the board of directors to the fullest extent permitted by law.


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The bylaws do not limit the power of the board of directors to authorize the purchase and maintenance of insurance on behalf of any director or officer against any expense whether or not LPL Holdings, Inc. would have the power to indemnify such director or officer against such expense under the bylaws. LPL Financial Holdings Inc. maintains directors' and officers' liability insurance that covers its subsidiaries, including LPL Holdings, Inc.
 
Also see “Item 17. Undertakings.”
 
 
Item 16.  
Exhibits. 
 
See Exhibit Index beginning on page II-6 of this registration statement.
 
 
Item 17.  
Undertakings. 
 
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
 
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
 
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and
 
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

Provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is a part of the registration statement.
 
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment 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.
 
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
 
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:
 
(i) each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
 
(ii) each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be

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deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
 
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: (i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; (ii) any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant; (iii) the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and (iv) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
 
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement 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.
 
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions 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 of 1933 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 of 1933, and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Diego, State of California, on the 9th day of February, 2017.
LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
LPL Holdings, Inc.
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Dan H. Arnold
 
Dan H. Arnold
 
Chief Executive Officer and President
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Matthew J. Audette, David P. Bergers, and Gregory M. Woods, and each of them acting individually, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form S-3 and any related Rule 462(b) registration statement or amendment thereto, to be filed by LPL Financial Holdings Inc., and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
* * * *
 

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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
Signature
 
Title
Date
 
 
 
 
/s/ Dan H. Arnold
 
 
 
Dan H. Arnold
 
Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. and LPL Holdings, Inc.
(Principal Executive Officer)
February 9, 2017
 
 
 
 
/s/ Matthew J. Audette
 
 
 
Matthew J. Audette
 
Chief Financial Officer of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. and
LPL Holdings, Inc.
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
February 9, 2017
 
 
 
 
/s/ John J. Brennan
 
 
 
John J. Brennan
 
Director of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. and
LPL Holdings, Inc.
February 6, 2017
 
 
 
 
/s/ Mark S. Casady
 
 
 
Mark S. Casady
 
Director of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. and
LPL Holdings, Inc.
February 7, 2017
 
 
 
 
/s/ Viet D. Dinh
 
 
 
Viet D. Dinh
 
Director of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. and
LPL Holdings, Inc.
February 9, 2017
 
 
 
 
/s/ Paulett Eberhart
 
 
 
Paulett Eberhart
 
Director of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. and
LPL Holdings, Inc.
February 3, 2017
 
 
 
 
/s/ Marco W. Hellman
 
 
 
Marco W. Hellman
 
Director of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. and
LPL Holdings, Inc.
February 9, 2017
 
 
 
 
/s/ Anne M. Mulcahy
 
 
 
Anne M. Mulcahy
 
Director of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. and
LPL Holdings, Inc.
February 6, 2017
 
 
 
 
/s/ James S. Putnam
 
 
 
James S. Putnam
 
Director of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. and
LPL Holdings, Inc.
February 4, 2017
 
 
 
 
/s/ James S. Riepe
 
 
 
James S. Riepe
 
Director of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. and
LPL Holdings, Inc.
February 4, 2017
 
 
 
 
/s/ Richard P. Schifter
 
 
 
Richard P. Schifter
 
Director of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. and
LPL Holdings, Inc.
February 4, 2017


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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
The following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this registration statement.
 
 
 
 
Exhibit
 
Description 
 
 
 
1.1
 
Form of underwriting agreement*
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of LPL Investment Holdings Inc. (1)
3.1
 
Certificate of Ownership and Merger Merging LPL Financial Holdings Inc. with and into LPL Investment Holdings Inc. (2)
3.2
 
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (3)
3.3
 
Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (4)
3.4
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Organization of LPL Holdings, Inc. (filed herewith)
3.5
 
Articles of Merger Merging LPL Holdings, Inc. with BD Acquisition, Inc. (filed herewith)
3.6
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of LPL Holdings, Inc. (filed herewith)
4.1
 
Specimen common stock certificate (5)
4.2
 
Form of Indenture (filed herewith)
5.1
 
Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP (filed herewith)
12.1
 
Statement Regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (filed herewith)
23.1
 
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (filed herewith)
23.2
 
Consent of Ropes & Gray LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1
 
Power of attorney — included on the signature page
25.1
 
Statement of Eligibility of Trustee (6)
 
 
 
*
 
To be filed, if necessary, subsequent to the effectiveness of this registration statement by an amendment to this registration statement or incorporated by reference pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K in connection with an offering of securities.
(1)
 
Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on July 9, 2010.
(2)
 
Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on June 19, 2012.
(3)
 
Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on May 9, 2014.
(4)
 
Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2014.
(5)
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 23, 2010.
(6)
 
To be filed separately pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
 
 
 


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