Interim Results

Schroders PLC 31 August 2001 Schroders plc Announcement of Half Year Results to 30th June 2001 * Underlying Asset Management profit of £74.2 million (H2 2000 : £80.1 million), down 7.4% * Asset Management profit, after project spend and redundancy costs, of £ 52.3 million (H2 2000: £66.1 million) * Profit before tax impacted by Private Equity mark-downs * Dividend unchanged at 5.5 pence per share * Funds under management £122.6 billion (31st December 2000 : £133.6 billion) * Continuing improvement in investment performance Results Six months ended Six months ended Six months ended 30th June 2001 31st December 2000 30th June 2000 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) £mn £mn £mn Asset Management Underlying 74.2 80.1 93.5 profits Less: project spend (15.0) (14.0) (11.0) redundancy costs (6.9) - - Asset Management 52.3 66.1 82.5 profit before tax Private Equity (8.5) 18.7 50.3 Group income/ 3.2 12.1 (1.5) (costs) Profit before tax, goodwill and 47.0 96.9 131.3 disposal Goodwill (5.5) (4.3) (1.8) Sale of property business - 8.0 - Profit before tax 41.5 100.6 129.5 Tax (10.4) (23.5) (32.6) Profit after tax 31.1 77.1 96.9 Minority interests 0.2 - (0.2) Profit after tax 31.3 77.1 96.7 on continuing operations Commenting on the interim results, Peter Sedgwick, Chairman, said: 'Against a background of tough market conditions, we have made substantial progress in developing our higher growth businesses, have continued to invest in developing our brand and have pressed ahead with many cost-saving initiatives. Our investment performance has continued to strengthen. We are going through a major transition but are confident that the measures we are taking are on track to enhance our competitive position significantly.' Contacts: Schroders Peter Sedgwick Chairman +44 (0)20 7658 6476 Nick MacAndrew Chief Financial Officer +44 (0)20 7658 6985 Julian Samways Head of Corporate Communications +44 (0)20 7658 6166 Contact: GCI Financial Rupert Ashe +44 (0)20 7398 0800 Management Statement The underlying profits from the core Asset Management business fell by 7.4% from the preceding half-year. In addition there was a loss in Private Equity of £8.5 million, predominantly due to the fall in the mark-to-market valuation of our holding in Schroder Ventures International Investment Trust plc. Against the background of difficult stock market conditions and a further reduction in institutional funds under management, we continued to implement our strategy of progressively expanding our Retail and Private Banking businesses and the radical overhaul of our support systems. This transitional phase in the Group's development will continue through 2002 but the Board confidently expects that the long-term benefits will significantly outweigh the short-term impact on profits. Profits after tax on continuing operations were £31.3 million (10.5 pence per share), compared with £77.1 million (25.9 pence per share), in the second half of 2000. An unchanged interim dividend of 5.5 pence per share has been declared and will be paid on 26th October 2001 to shareholders on the register at 21st September 2001. Funds under Management Funds under management at the end of June 2001 were £122.6 billion compared with £133.6 billion at the end of December 2000: 30th June 31st December 2000* 30th June 2001 2000* £bn £bn £bn Institutional 100.0 111.3 123.0 Retail 11.1 10.8 10.4 Private Banking 7.3 7.3 7.2 118.4 129.4 140.6 Private Equity 4.2 4.2 4.2 122.6 133.6 144.8 * Restated to include advisory and custody funds of the Private Banking business. Structural changes in the UK institutional market and the continuing impact of our investment performance in 1998 and 1999 caused a loss of almost £6 billion in funds under management. The outflow was concentrated in our UK Institutional business which at the time of our annual results in February we forecast would continue into 2001. Lower stock markets - on average 9% below average levels in the second half of 2000 - caused a similar reduction. Our ability to retain existing clients and attract new clients depends fundamentally on our investment performance and the relative improvement of our core products achieved in 2000 has continued into the current year. Institutional Fund Management The improving performance trend referred to above, which extends across both multi-asset and specialist mandates, is already having an impact on business flows. We saw a positive overall net inflow of assets from overseas businesses reversing the situation in the second half of 2000. In continental Europe, which is a primary target for growth, we were delighted by our recent appointment to a £0.8 billion mandate by Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) in Sweden which will be included in second half new business flows. We continued to develop our position as a leading manager of Japanese pension funds during the period, whilst in the key North American market strong domestic fixed income performance is assisting our strategic goal of broadening our product range. We were appointed to our first significant domestic equity mandate in Australia and, in newly developing markets, our licence in Korea was approved in the first half of the year. In the UK, the ongoing industry trend away from balanced towards specialist mandates will continue to put pressure on asset flows from balanced mandates, notwithstanding the improvement in performance. Our strategy is to build business by winning specialist pension mandates and accessing alternative client bases. We continued to strengthen our investment teams during the period with significant new hires in bonds and in US and UK equities. We also restructured the management of our fixed income business, placing our regional teams around the world under a single head. This has enabled us to harness our resources effectively across all our major products, reflecting the increasingly global nature of the fixed income markets and has contributed to an improvement of performance in this important area of our business, with £22 billion under management. Retail Fund Management Our Retail business continued to expand despite weak stock markets with new business activity being strongest in Switzerland, Scandinavia and Singapore. Nearly 60% of our UK and Luxembourg domiciled funds now exceed their benchmarks over a three year period which bodes well for future retail investment flows when investor confidence returns. In the UK our market share rose, whilst we now have a network of over 400 distributors with approximately 30,000 points of sale in continental Europe. Through distribution partnerships with insurance groups and the launch of capital protection funds we became the second largest mutual fund manager in Singapore and Hong Kong during the period. In line with the Institutional business, the Retail division is placing increasing focus on the central aspects of added value: fund management, sales, marketing and product design. As part of the strategy of targeting resources we are streamlining our operational platforms, including the closure of our retail operations in South Africa and Argentina, and rationalising the product range to ensure sufficient scale and efficiency in key target markets. In Asia we have decided to consolidate our operational functions on to a single platform in Singapore, which will improve the efficiency and scaleability of our business in the region. It is also our intention to outsource the administration of our UK retail funds which will ensure a competitive operational cost base which can respond to margin pressure within the UK retail fund industry. During the period we also announced a strategic partnership with China Galaxy Securities Company to further the development of its fund management activities in mainland China. Our aim is to co-operate in the establishment of a joint venture fund management company in due course, following China's accession to the World Trade Organisation. Finally, Schroder Pensions, our defined contribution company in the UK, won mandates from 30 clients and we were the first asset management company to gain regulatory approval for our stakeholder product. Private Banking A Chief Executive of our Private Banking operation was appointed in April 2001 and a medium term growth strategy has been agreed. We will capitalise on our Group strengths to become the private bank of choice for our target client base of high net worth families and individuals. We will position ourselves where we perceive a noticeable opportunity clearly above the highly competitive 'mass affluent' segment. Significant investment will be made in the next two years in developing our private banking systems, broadening our product capabilities, new marketing initiatives and selective recruitment internationally. As a result, Schroder Private Banking expects to become an important contributor to the Group. The period saw a significant expansion of our presence in Germany with the opening of a new branch in Frankfurt. New offices in Paris and Padua complement our existing offices in Zurich, Geneva, Milan, Rome and Madrid. We have steadily expanded our product range, particularly in the field of alternative investments which are becoming increasingly attractive in the management of private client portfolios. Despite difficult market conditions, Private Banking continued to expand existing client relationships and win new business across a range of products with a net inflow of £400 million during the period. Private Equity and Alternative Investments The depressed stock market conditions had a particularly severe effect on our private equity interests. The mark-to-market valuation of our 12.8% holding in Schroder Ventures International Investment Trust plc led to an unrealised loss in the period of £10.6 million, offset to a small degree by net gains from our share of the carried interests and direct and indirect co-investments in funds managed or advised by Schroder Ventures. We announced in March that our relationship with Schroder Ventures was being restructured and that, from the end of June 2002, any carried interests on new funds would be agreed on a fund-by-fund basis. We have investments and commitments exceeding £160 million directly and indirectly in their funds and expect to realise significant profits from these over the next few years. We also plan to launch a private equity fund of funds for institutional and private clients. During the first half of last year we established Internet Finance Partners to invest in technology-based wholesale financial services businesses. We currently have five investments with a combined book value of £12.1 million and do not currently plan to make any new investments. With regard to alternative investments, we have broadened our product range, continuing to move to those which deliver higher margins. We have created four new hedge funds, issued a series of capital protected funds in Hong Kong and Singapore and plan further launches in Japan and the UK. Total property funds under management were just over £2.5 billion as at June 2001 with £1.2 billion managed by four specialist offshore property unit trusts. Since 30th June, two further specialist offshore property unit trusts, the City of London Office Unit Trust and the newly created West End of London Property Unit Trust, have taken on the management of £850 million of property funds. Income and Costs Despite the 8% drop in average funds under management compared with the second half of 2000, income from Asset Management fell by less than 5% to £267 million. The average margin increased to 42 basis points, reflecting a higher proportion of specialist mandates and retail and private banking funds; revenues from Retail increased and gross revenues from Private Banking were consistent with the second half of 2000. Gross margins in these areas are more attractive than in the mature institutional market in the UK and with regard to Retail we are looking to sell directly or develop third party distribution channels. Our efforts are being focused particularly in Europe where we believe there is significant near-term potential but we also have strong marketing teams in Asia Pacific and, for the Institutional business, in the United States. Revenue enhancement remains a priority. The rate of increase in costs has slowed significantly, partly because the much increased development expenditure in our Retail business began to level off, but also because we took a number of steps to reduce our cost base in response to stock market conditions. Our underlying staff numbers were static with a reduction in Institutional numbers being offset by continued investment in Retail and Private Banking. Consistent with our decision to invest through the cycle and to concentrate our resources on investment performance, client service and brand promotion, we maintained our programme to replace legacy systems and to outsource selected business support areas. In particular, we announced in June that we had entered into a seven-year information technology outsourcing contract in London with Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) and the project to outsource our UK custody and fund administration services to JP Morgan is on track for completion in the first quarter of 2003. The cost of these and other exceptional projects such as new front-end dealing systems was £15 million during the period. The rate of project spend will continue at a high level in the second half but should reduce during late 2002 and once completed will introduce more flexibility into our cost base. The leasing results are now shown in Group income/(costs) and, accordingly, the Asset Management profit before tax for the second six months ended 31st December 2000 has been reclassified from £74.1 million to £66.1 million. There is no effect on the results for the first six months ended 30th June 2000. Capital Our financial position remains very strong with approximately £1.2 billion of capital and reserves. About £500 million is utilised by the asset management business of which almost one-fifth has been used to seed or facilitate the development of new products. The balance of our capital is either invested in private equity as described above, is available (to the tune of £200 million) to support our leasing business or is invested in high quality, short-term debt instruments. The Board continues to keep the amount of available capital under review. Board Changes We have separately announced today that David Salisbury has decided to resign as Chief Executive and from the Group. Peter Sedgwick will assume the Chief Executive's responsibilities until a new Chief Executive is appointed. We have also announced at the same time the appointments to the Board of John Troiano and Massimo Tosato, heads of our Institutional and Retail businesses respectively. Outlook In the near term there may be a continuation of the difficult environment for equity markets. Falling profits in many major industries around the world are depressing share prices and consequently returns from equity investment. More positively, companies in the Americas and Europe are taking vigorous steps to reduce their operating costs and sustain profitability; this, combined with lower interest rates, should lead to improving markets. We are now well into our planned programme of investment in efficiency improvements, upgraded systems and business development. Your Board has great confidence in the long-term prospects for the asset management industry in general and, in particular, for Schroders, with our brand, people and independence. Peter Sedgwick Chairman 31st August 2001 Consolidated Profit and Loss Account (unaudited) Six Six months ended Six months ended months ended 31st December 2000 30th June 2000 30th June 2001 Total Continuing Discontinued Total Continuing Discontinued Total operations operations operations operations £mn £mn £mn £mn £mn £mn £mn Revenues 275.8 313.8 - 313.8 323.5 254.9 578.4 Investment (10.6) 2.5 - 2.5 17.3 - 17.3 (loss)/gain Operating (224.3) (211.2) - (211.2) (215.7) (217.0)(432.7) expenses Depreciation (18.3) (29.9) - (29.9) (15.2) (3.6) (18.8) and amortisation Operating 22.6 75.2 - 75.2 109.9 34.3 144.2 profit Profit on - - 6.8 6.8 - 4.1 4.1 sale of the investment banking business Profit on - 8.0 - 8.0 - - - sale of property business Income from 1.3 (0.4) - (0.4) 10.2 - 10.2 shares in associated undertakings Interest 18.3 18.4 - 18.4 10.0 - 10.0 receivable and similar income Interest (0.7) (0.6) - (0.6) (0.6) - (0.6) payable and similar charges Profit on 41.5 100.6 6.8 107.4 129.5 38.4 167.9 ordinary activities before tax Tax on (10.4) (23.5) (8.5) (32.0) (32.6) 10.8 (21.8) profit on ordinary activities Profit on 31.1 77.1 (1.7) 75.4 96.9 49.2 146.1 ordinary activities after tax Minority 0.2 - - - (0.2) - (0.2) interests Profit 31.3 77.1 (1.7) 75.4 96.7 49.2 145.9 attributable to shareholders Dividend (16.3) (37.8) - (37.8) (16.3) - (16.3) Retained 15.0 39.3 (1.7) 37.6 80.4 49.2 129.6 profit Basic 10.5p 25.9p 25.3p 32.7p 49.3p earnings per share Diluted 10.4p 25.7p 25.0p 32.6p 49.2p earnings per share Dividend per 5.5p 13.0p 5.5p share The consolidated profit and loss account adheres to the standard format required by Schedule 4 to the Companies Act 1985. Consequently, the results for the year 2000 have been reclassified to comply with the new format. Consolidated Balance Sheet 30th June 2001 31st December 2000 (unaudited) (audited) £mn £mn £mn £mn Fixed assets Intangible assets - goodwill 37.1 41.8 Tangible assets 119.8 94.1 Investments 334.2 303.2 Insurance assets attributable to unit linked 3,155.0 3,119.2 policyholders 3,646.1 3,558.3 Current assets Debtors due within one year 830.3 720.6 Debtors due after more than one year 171.8 279.2 Investments 424.5 241.8 Cash and balances with banks 951.8 1,152.0 2,378.4 2,393.6 Creditors - amounts falling due within one year (1,589.9) (1,587.8) Net current assets 788.5 805.8 Total assets less current liabilities 4,434.6 4,364.1 Creditors - amounts due after more than one year (56.4) (33.0) Insurance liabilities attributable to unit linked policyholders (3,155.0) (3,119.2) Provisions for liabilities and charges (33.6) (50.3) Net assets 1,189.6 1,161.6 Capital and reserves Called up share capital 296.9 296.9 Share premium account 1.3 1.3 Reserves 891.0 863.0 Equity shareholders' funds 1,189.2 1,161.2 Minority interests 0.4 0.4 Total shareholders' funds including minority 1,189.6 1,161.6 interests Consolidated Cash Flow Statement Six months Year ended 31st (unaudited) ended December 2000 30th June 2001 £mn £mn Net cash inflow/(outflow) from 96.6 (614.3) operating activities Dividends received from associates - 0.1 Return on investments and 18.1 24.7 servicing of finance Taxation (11.6) (62.4) Capital expenditure and financial (80.1) 845.1 investments Acquisitions and disposals - 353.0 Equity dividends paid (37.8) (54.3) Management of liquid resources (97.6) (35.8) Net cash outflow from financing - (150.7) (Decrease)/increase in cash (112.4) 305.4 Reconciliation of Movement in Cash At 30th June Cash At 1st January 2001 flow 2001 £mn £mn £mn Cash and balances with banks repayable 586.9 (112.4) 699.3 on demand Reconciliation of Operating Profit to Six months Year ended Net Cash Inflow/(Outflow) from ended 30th 31st December Operating Activities June 2001 2000 £mn £mn Operating profit 22.6 219.4 Depreciation of tangible assets and 18.3 48.7 amortisation of goodwill Other non-cash movements 9.0 (19.5) Changes in working capital 46.7 (862.9) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from 96.6 (614.3) operating activities Statement of Total Consolidated Recognised Gains and Losses 30th June (unaudited) 2001 £mn Profit for the period 31.3 Exchange translation adjustments to foreign currency net 13.0 investment Total recognised gains and losses 44.3 Reconciliation of Movements in Consolidated Shareholders' 30th June Funds (unaudited) 2001 £mn Profit for the period 31.3 Dividend (16.3) 15.0 Exchange translation adjustments 13.0 Net increase in shareholders' funds 28.0 At 1st January 2001 1,161.2 At 30th June 2001 1,189.2 The interim financial information has been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the Group's 2000 Annual Report & Accounts. The accounts are non-statutory and have not been audited. The financial information for the year ended 31st December 2000 is extracted from the Group's latest published accounts and does not constitute the statutory accounts for that year. Those accounts received an unqualified audit report and have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The interim report will be posted to shareholders within the next week. Further copies of this statement are available from the Company Secretary at 31 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7QA, telephone 020 7658 3646 and on the Company's website at www.schroders.com.

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