Trading Statement

Schroders PLC 04 December 2002 Schroders plc Trading Update 4th December 2002 Schroders plc today issued a trading update. In future, the Group will announce trading updates semi-annually. Full year results for 2002 will be announced on 4th March 2003. Business Flows Funds under management declined by 15 per cent. during the third quarter from £102.7 billion to £87.2 billion. This reflects a fall of approximately 20 per cent. in major equity markets. There was no net outflow of funds during the third quarter or in October. With markets up marginally in October, funds under management totalled £89.5 billion at the end of the month. Asset Management Revenues Revenues for the quarter were £99.2 million compared to £238.5 million in the first six months. In the interim report the Group stated that, with 75 per cent. of its funds under management in equities, revenues would be lower in the second half if markets remained at current levels. The timing of the sharp fall in markets at the end of September had a significant impact on revenues, as fees on approximately half of the Group's funds under management are calculated on the level of funds at the end of each calendar quarter. The reverse effect was experienced in the first quarter when the rise in markets at the end of March lifted revenues. Asset Management Costs Underlying asset management costs, before project expenditure and redundancy costs, were £87.8 million in the third quarter compared to £191.7 million in the first six months. Current estimates are that project expenditure for the second half will exceed the previous indication of £22.5 million by approximately £2 million. Redundancy costs for the second half are now expected to be approximately £7 million, the same level as the first half, and year-end headcount will be below previous estimates. Asset Management & Group Results Underlying asset management profits were £11.4 million during the quarter compared to £46.8 million in the first six months. Private Equity and Group income/costs accounted for a loss of £8.4 million, against a profit of £1.1 million in the first half, largely due to the effect of marking to market the Group's 12.8 per cent. shareholding in Schroder Ventures International Investment Trust. This led to a Group loss before goodwill amortisation and tax of £9.4 million in the quarter, compared to a profit of £25.9 million in the first six months. Sale of Businesses The sales of Schroder Pensions and Schroder Hermes were announced in September, conditional upon the approval of the Financial Services Authority. On approval, the costs relating to these sales will be reflected in the fourth quarter's results; they have been incorporated in the project expenditure estimates above. The sale of the private banking business in Miami was announced in October. This will not have a material impact on reported results. Leasing In September the Group disposed of a significant proportion of its leasing assets for £100 million. The proceeds were retained in liquid assets which now account for £490 million out of the Group's total surplus capital of £700 million. The disposal will have a negligible impact on pre-tax profits. Outlook The outlook for markets remains uncertain but, looking forward, the Group is on target in significantly reducing costs, strengthening management, delivering stronger investment performance and bringing a sharper focus to the business. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For further information, please contact: Julian Samways Group Head of Corporate Communications Schroders plc 020 7658 6166 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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