AGM Statement

Smiths Group PLC
16 November 2004

                   Annual General Meeting of Smiths Group plc

                  Chairman's statement on the current outlook



Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of Smiths Group held at 2.30pm at 60
Victoria Embankment, London EC4, Donald Brydon, Chairman of the company said:



'In September, when we announced the Preliminary Results for the 2004 financial
year, we indicated that Smiths' business environment appeared more positive than
it had been for some years.  A generally better outlook across our market
sectors, the steps taken to improve efficiency and the benefit from recent
acquisitions all enhanced the prospects for profitable growth in 2005.



'Now, three months into this year, the company can reaffirm that the momentum is
being sustained.  As anticipated, demand across all our markets is higher than a
year ago; last year's acquisitions are performing well and one more has recently
been announced; and, despite the translation effect of the dollar's continued
decline, sales and profits are ahead of this time last year.   In conclusion, we
remain confident that Smiths is on track to deliver an improved performance.'



                                     -ends-


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