AGM Statement

Ricardo PLC 08 November 2002 8 November 2002 Ricardo plc Annual General Meeting Ricardo plc, the UK's leading independent automotive and powertrain engineering consultancy, held its Annual General Meeting this morning: Sir Noel Davies, Chairman of Ricardo, made the following comments: 'The prediction I made last year concerning the prospects for your company post-September 11th have largely been confirmed by our results. We have produced record profits for the fifth successive year and the trends which I described a year ago, still prevail. Emissions legislation is still the major influence on the car manufacturers as they consider the specifications for their new models in a competitive market and, secondly, the financial pressure on OEM's continues to cause a reduction in their 'in-house' engineering resources leading to further outsourcing. Both these trends, coupled with the acquisition of Gemini and the setting up of a strategic consulting business, produce opportunities for Ricardo. Whilst the significant increase in the pension charge and insurance premiums will directly impact our cost base, Ricardo has a strong balance sheet, with net cash of £20 million at the year end, and continues to be cash generative. In terms of current trading, I am pleased to report that trading in the new financial year has got off to a good start and new order book prospects are encouraging. We expect the core business to continue to grow for the foreseeable future and we remain confident about the long term.' Enquiries: Ricardo plc Tel: 01273 455611 Rodney Westhead/Andrew Goodburn Gavin Anderson & Company Tel: 020 7554 1400 Laura Hickman/Charlotte Stone www.ricardo.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange ILFILLDLTIIF

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Ricardo (RCDO)
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