AGM Statement

Lloyds TSB Group PLC 16 April 2003 46/03 16 April 2003 LLOYDS TSB GROUP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING STATEMENT The following is an extract from the statements made by Maarten van den Bergh, Chairman and Peter Ellwood, Group Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB Group at the company's annual general meeting in Glasgow (16 April 2003). "In the UK, from where the Group derives the vast majority of its earnings, the slowdown in economic growth has partly been alleviated by the continued strength of the housing market and high levels of consumer spending. We expect levels of growth in the housing market and consumer spending to fall during 2003. Notwithstanding the slowdown in the UK and all major global economies, Lloyds TSB continued to make progress in 2002, with strong market share performances in many of its key product areas, and good growth in customer lending and deposits. During the year the Group also achieved its target of an average 2.5 products per customer, whilst maintaining its strict control on operational expenses. Costs in 2002, excluding acquisitions and growth in operating lease depreciation, were held flat. Profit before tax for the year, however, fell by 18 per cent to £2,607 million, partly as a result of a significant increase in provisions for bad and doubtful debts but also as a result of a number of special items including additional provisions for redress to past purchasers of certain pension and endowment products, and a negative investment variance of £952 million in our insurance businesses, reflecting the weakness of equity markets. The business environment in which we operate is characterised by increasing levels of competition, volatile equity markets and increasing government regulation of the financial services industry. Against this backdrop, Lloyds TSB will continue to focus on its long standing principles of prudent and sustainable revenue growth from the creation of value for customers, tight management of its cost base and strong credit risk management. With a clear focus on these core strengths, and supported by a dedicated and resourceful team of people, Lloyds TSB is well positioned for the challenges ahead. ..../more LLOYDS TSB GROUP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING STATEMENT/....2 In 2003, Lloyds TSB continues to operate in what is undoubtedly a challenging economic environment, as global stock markets remain weak and the rate of growth in consumer credit has started to slow. The Group is, however, continuing to increase its market share in a number of key product areas, particularly mortgages and credit cards. Costs remain under tight control and overall Group asset quality remains satisfactory." For further information:- Investor Relations Michael Oliver +44 (0) 20 7356 2167 Director of Investor Relations E-mail: michael.oliver@ltsb-finance.co.uk Ian Gordon +44 (0) 20 7356 1264 Senior Manager, Investor Relations E-mail: ian.gordon@ltsb-finance.co.uk Media Terrence Collis +44 (0) 20 7626 1500 Director of Group Corporate Communications E-mail: terrence.collis@lloydstsb.co.uk Mary Walsh +44 (0) 20 7626 1500 Head of Media Relations E-mail: mary.walsh@lloydstsb.co.uk FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This announcement contains forward looking statements with respect to the business, strategy and plans of the Lloyds TSB Group, its current goals and expectations relating to its future financial condition and performance. By their nature, forward looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Lloyds TSB Group's actual future results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied in these forward looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including UK domestic and global economic and business conditions, risks concerning borrower credit quality, market related risks such as interest rate risk and exchange rate risk in its banking business and equity risk in its insurance businesses, changing demographic trends, unexpected changes to regulation or regulatory actions, changes in customer preferences, competition and other factors. Please refer to the latest Annual Report on Form 20-F of Lloyds TSB Group filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of such factors. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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