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SDR Schroders Plc

353.40
6.20 (1.79%)
26 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Schroders Plc LSE:SDR London Ordinary Share GB00BP9LHF23 ORD 20P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  6.20 1.79% 353.40 354.20 354.60 356.80 348.60 349.20 1,732,721 16:35:06
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Investment Advice 2.42B 402.6M 0.2497 14.19 5.71B

Schroders PLC Half-year Report (5343U)

30/07/2020 7:00am

UK Regulatory


TIDMSDR

RNS Number : 5343U

Schroders PLC

30 July 2020

Schroders plc

 
Half-year results to 30 June 2020 (unaudited)  30 July 2020 
 
 
-  Our diversified business model has enabled us to deliver a resilient performance in the first 
    half of 2020, despite the exceptionally challenging market environment, with profit before 
    tax and exceptional items of GBP306.2 million 
-  The investments we have made in technology and improvements to our operating platform over 
    recent years have facilitated an efficient transition to remote working, helping to keep our 
    people safe while maintaining a high level of productivity 
-  We generated total net inflows of GBP38.1 billion, with positive contributions from Solutions 
    and Wealth Management. Assets under management increased 5% to reach a new high of GBP525.8 
    billion 
 
 
                                                            Six months ended  Six months ended         Year ended 
                                                                30 June 2020      30 June 2019   31 December 2019 
                                                                        GBPm              GBPm               GBPm 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------- 
Net income                                                           1,003.9           1,032.6            2,124.8 
Operating expenses                                                   (697.7)           (692.2)          (1,423.6) 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------- 
Profit before tax and exceptional items                                306.2             340.4              701.2 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------- 
Profit before tax                                                      280.1             319.3              624.6 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------- 
Profit after tax                                                       222.7             255.0              495.7 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------- 
Basic earnings per share before exceptional items (pence)               85.8              98.6              201.6 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------- 
Basic earnings per share (pence)                                        78.7              92.4              178.9 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------- 
Dividend per share (pence)                                              35.0              35.0              114.0 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------- 
 

Peter Harrison, Group Chief Executive, commented: "We have delivered a robust performance in the first half of 2020, despite the extraordinary period of market volatility and continuing social and economic uncertainty.

Throughout this challenging period, our primary focus has been on our clients and I am proud of how our people have responded. Through their efforts, and aided by the investments we have made in technology, our diversified business model has continued to perform well, enabling us to generate GBP38.1 billion of positive net new business. We saw client demand for Solutions strategies as well as momentum across Wealth Management. Assets under management grew by 5% to GBP525.8 billion.

ESG is of critical importance. We recognise that we have a responsibility not only to our clients and shareholders, but also to wider society and the communities in which we operate. As an active investor in many companies, we continue to be engaged in supporting them through this challenging period. Through directors' contributions and employees' donations, we have collectively raised around GBP4 million for charities dedicated to supporting those most affected by Covid-19. We have not furloughed any employees, enacted any related redundancy programmes or sought any government assistance globally.

We have declared an unchanged interim dividend and continue to maintain a strong capital position, allowing us to invest in the future growth of the business. We are mindful of short-term risks, but believe that we will continue to generate value over the long term for our clients and our shareholders."

Management statement

In an extraordinary environment when our clients and employees around the world are facing many challenges, our diversified business model has again demonstrated its benefits. We have delivered resilient results with a focus on cost discipline and have generated strong client inflows despite the challenging market conditions.

Profit before tax and exceptional items decreased by 10% to GBP306.2 million (H1 2019: GBP340.4 million). Exceptional items of GBP26.1 million (H1 2019: GBP21.1 million) principally comprised the amortisation of acquired intangibles. Profit before tax but after exceptional items decreased by 12% to GBP280.1 million (H1 2019: GBP319.3 million). Profit after tax and exceptional items was down 13% at GBP222.7 million (H1 2019: GBP255.0 million).

Our core strategy of continuing to diversify the business by building closer relationships with our end clients in Wealth Management, expanding our capabilities in Private Assets and growing our asset management business through Solutions remains unchanged and we remained committed to delivering against it.

As an active investor in companies, we have a responsibility not only to our clients and shareholders, but also to wider society and the communities in which we operate. We are actively engaged in supporting and recapitalising businesses through these exceptional times, while protecting the interests of all stakeholders. We have enacted a number of initiatives directly related to the economic and financial recovery from Covid-19.

Through direct contributions and matching employees' donations, we have also materially increased our support for charities. In the first half of the year, we have collectively raised around GBP4 million for charities that support those most affected by Covid-19.

The investments we have made over recent years in developing our operating platform have enabled the business to grow and to function without disruption.

Despite the challenging environment, we generated net inflows of GBP38.1 billion in the first half of 2020 (H1 2019: net outflows of GBP1.2 billion). This was led by continued client demand for Solutions strategies, with net new business of GBP42.7 billion, as well as continued momentum across Wealth Management, which saw GBP1.3 billion of net inflows.

Assets under management rose by 5% to close the period at a new high of GBP525.8 billion (31 December 2019: GBP500.2 billion), despite significant market weakness towards the end of the first quarter. Primarily as a result of the funding of a number of Solutions mandates at lower revenue margins, the net operating revenue margin excluding performance fees, carried interest and real estate transaction fees fell to 39 basis points (H1 2019: 46 basis points).

As a result of these dynamics, net operating revenue decreased by 2% to GBP971.6 million (H1 2019: GBP993.3 million), which includes performance fees and net carried interest of GBP18.9 million (H1 2019: GBP27.4 million). Net income declined 3% to GBP1,003.9 million (H1 2019: GBP1,032.6 million). This was partially offset by continued strong performance from our joint ventures and associates, which contributed GBP27.6 million in the first half of the year (H1 2019: GBP14.1 million).

We continued to maintain our strategy of investing for the growth of the business, while remaining disciplined on cost control. Compensation costs were GBP450.2 million (H1 2019: GBP453.4 million), which represents a total compensation ratio of 45%. Non-compensation costs for the first half of the year were GBP247.5 million (H1 2019: GBP238.8 million).

Asset Management

Asset Management net income before exceptional items was down 3% to GBP835.6 million (H1 2019: GBP864.6 million), including performance fees and net carried interest of GBP18.4 million (H1 2019: GBP27.3 million). The net operating revenue margin before performance fees, carried interest and real estate transaction fees was 37 basis points (H1 2019: 44 basis points). Profit before tax and exceptional items declined 11% to GBP260.3 million (H1 2019: GBP292.4 million), as did profit before tax to GBP253.2 million (H1 2019: GBP284.4 million).

Private Assets & Alternatives

Assets under management in the Private Assets & Alternatives business area closed the period at GBP45.3 billion (31 December 2019: GBP44.2 billion). There was ongoing client demand for Private Assets strategies, such as Real Estate, Private Equity and Infrastructure, offset by outflows from more liquid alternatives, such as Emerging Market Debt Absolute Return and our GAIA range of UCITS-compatible hedge funds. Overall, there were small net outflows of GBP0.4 billion in the first half of 2020 (H1 2019: GBP0.4 billion outflows). The net operating revenue margin excluding performance fees, carried interest and real estate transaction fees was 63 basis points (H1 2019: 63 basis points).

In July, we announced that we had reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Pamfleet, a real estate investment manager with a strong track record of investing in Asia. This acquisition allows us to expand our geographical capabilities within Real Estate into Asia, which contains some of the highest value, fastest growing and most dynamic real estate markets in the world. Pamfleet manages GBP0.9 billion of assets and we expect the deal to complete shortly.

Solutions

Solutions strategies continue to attract high levels of client demand with total net new business over the last six months of GBP42.7 billion (H1 2019: GBP2.1 billion). We successfully onboarded the remainder of the Scottish Widows mandate of GBP29.5 billion as well as seeing the funding of a number of other mandates.

Total Solutions assets under management at the end of the period were GBP175.2 billion (31 December 2019: GBP142.8 billion). The net operating revenue margin excluding performance fees decreased during the period to 15 basis points (H1 2019: 22 basis points) as the above mandates funded.

Mutual Funds

The first half of the year was characterised by a 'risk off' environment which, along with significant market volatility, resulted in limited demand from retail investors. Mutual Funds saw GBP4.8 billion of net outflows (H1 2019: outflows of GBP1.8 billion), driven by redemptions from equity products.

Assets under management in Mutual Funds at 30 June 2020 were GBP94.1 billion (31 December 2019: GBP102.4 billion). Changing business mix resulted in a decrease in the net operating revenue margin excluding performance fees to 71 basis points (H1 2019: 74 basis points).

Institutional

The Institutional business area saw net outflows of GBP0.7 billion (H1 2019: outflows of GBP2.0 billion), as net inflows from UK-based clients were offset by redemptions primarily in equity strategies from clients based in Asia Pacific. The net operating revenue margin excluding performance fees was 31 basis points (H1 2019: 33 basis points). Institutional assets under management ended the period at GBP145.5 billion (31 December 2019: GBP144.1 billion).

Wealth Management

We continued to see good momentum across the Wealth Management business area, with strong revenue growth and continued client demand in the first half of 2020.

Net income rose 30% to GBP187.6 million (H1 2019: GBP144.0 million), including performance fees of GBP0.5 million (H1 2019: GBP0.1 million). Profit before tax and exceptional items rose 40% to GBP60.3 million (H1 2019: GBP43.2 million), and profit before tax increased 37% to GBP41.3 million (H1 2019: GBP30.1 million).

Client demand also remained strong as we generated net new business in the first half of the year of GBP1.3 billion (H1 2019: GBP0.9 billion). Of this, GBP0.8 billion of net inflows were from Cazenove Capital clients and GBP0.4 billion were through Benchmark Capital. Schroders Personal Wealth saw net inflows of GBP0.1 billion, as the level of client referrals was impacted by Covid-related branch closures. The process of replatforming clients remains on schedule and we remain confident of the long-term growth opportunities of the business.

Total assets under management in Wealth Management ended the period at GBP65.7 billion (31 December 2019: GBP66.7 billion). The net operating revenue margin before performance fees was 57 basis points (H1 2019: 60 basis points).

Group

The Group segment saw a loss of GBP13.6 million in the first half of the year (H1 2019: profit of GBP4.8 million), driven by lower returns on investment capital and increases in charitable contributions.

Dividend

The group continues to maintain a strong capital position. Accordingly, and reflecting resilient performance, the Board has declared an unchanged interim dividend of 35.0 pence per share (H1 2019: 35.0 pence per share). The dividend will be paid on 24 September 2020 to shareholders on the register at 21 August 2020.

Outlook

The first half of 2020 was dominated by the social and economic impacts of Covid-19 around the globe. The current environment is more balanced and markets are less volatile than we saw towards the end of the first quarter. However, the ongoing impact on economies and markets will likely continue for some time and will be dependent on the extent and effectiveness of measures taken by governments globally.

We continue to see areas of growth across our business and there are opportunities for those companies that are looking to expand their global footprint.

We believe that our strategy and diversified business model will continue to demonstrate its resilience through these challenging periods, leaving us positioned to continue to deliver long-term value for our clients and shareholders.

For further information, please contact:

 
Investors 
Alex James           Investor Relations  Tel: +44 (0)20  alex.james@schroders.com 
                                          7658 4308 
Press 
Catherine Armstrong  Head of External    Tel: +44 (0)20  catherine.armstrong@schroders.com 
                      Affairs             7658 2017 
Anita Scott          Brunswick           Tel: +44 (0)20  schroders@brunswickgroup.com 
                                          7404 5959 
 

Additional information

Assets under management (AUM)

Six months to 30 June 2020

 
                         Private 
                          Assets             Mutual 
GBPbn             & Alternatives  Solutions   Funds  Institutional  Asset Management  Wealth Management   Total 
---------------  ---------------  ---------  ------  -------------  ----------------  -----------------  ------ 
1 January 2020              44.2      142.8   102.4          144.1             433.5               66.7   500.2 
---------------  ---------------  ---------  ------  -------------  ----------------  -----------------  ------ 
Gross inflows                3.6       55.8    18.8           11.4              89.6                4.4    94.0 
Gross outflows             (4.0)     (13.1)  (23.6)         (12.1)            (52.8)              (3.1)  (55.9) 
---------------  ---------------  ---------  ------  -------------  ----------------  -----------------  ------ 
Net flows                  (0.4)       42.7   (4.8)          (0.7)              36.8                1.3    38.1 
---------------  ---------------  ---------  ------  -------------  ----------------  -----------------  ------ 
Acquisitions                   -          -       -              -                 -                0.3     0.3 
Investment 
 returns                     1.5     (10.3)   (3.5)            2.1            (10.2)              (2.6)  (12.8) 
30 June 2020                45.3      175.2    94.1          145.5             460.1               65.7   525.8 
---------------  ---------------  ---------  ------  -------------  ----------------  -----------------  ------ 
 
Assets managed by associates                                                                               85.0 
--------------------------------  ---------  ------  -------------  ----------------  -----------------  ------ 
 

Client investment performance

Client investment performance is calculated internally by Schroders to give shareholders and financial analysts general guidance on how our AUM is performing. The data is aggregated and is intended to provide information for comparison to prior reporting periods only. It is not intended for clients or potential clients investing in our products.

 
                         Percentage of assets outperforming 
                       -------------------------------------- 
                        One year    Three years   Five years 
---------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------- 
To 30 June 2020           58%           63%           70% 
---------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------- 
To 31 December 2019*      70%           70%           72% 
---------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------- 
 

* Restated to include additional Solutions and Wealth Management assets.

Over three years to 30 June 2020 (our key performance indicator), 63% of assets outperformed relative to their comparator. Over five years, 70% of assets were outperforming and over one year, the figure was 58%. This compares to 70% over one year, 70% over three years and 72% over five years at 31 December 2019.

For the full year 2019, we presented our results in a new way across the five business areas in the AUM table above, which is more aligned with our strategic objectives and more reflective of how we measure performance. In line with this, we are now reporting client investment performance to include virtually all applicable assets under management that have a complete track record over the reporting period, across those business areas. The performance figures to 31 December 2019 in the table above have been restated on this new basis.

Applicable assets under management excludes GBP33.4 billion of assets, principally comprising those managed by third parties, hotels managed by Algonquin and Wealth Management assets held on a custody-only, advisory or execution-only basis.

All calculations for investment performance in this statement are made gross of fees with the exception of those for which the relevant comparator is a net of fees competitor ranking. When a product's investment performance is disclosed in product or client documentation it is specific to the strategy or product. Performance will either be shown net of fees at the relevant fund share-class level or it will be shown gross of fees with a fee schedule for the strategy supplied.

Performance is calculated relative to the relevant comparator for each investment strategy as summarised below. These fall into one of four categories, the percentages for each of which refer to the three year calculation:

 
-  For 72% of assets included in the calculation, the comparator is the relevant benchmark 
-  If the relevant comparator is to competitor rankings, the relative position of the fund to 
    its peer group on a like-for-like basis is used to calculate performance. This applies to 
    10% of assets in the calculation 
-  Assets for which the relevant comparator is an absolute return target are measured against 
    that absolute target. This applies to 11% of assets in the calculation 
-  Assets with no stated objective or a buy and maintain objective are measured against a cash 
    alternative, if applicable. This applies to 7% of assets in the calculation 
 

Copies of this announcement are available on the Schroders website: www.schroders.com. Peter Harrison, Group Chief Executive, and Richard Keers, Chief Financial Officer, will host a webcast for the investment community to discuss the Group's Half-year results at 9.00 a.m. BST on Thursday, 30 July 2020. The webcast can be viewed live at www.schroders.com/ir. For individuals unable to participate in the live webcast, a replay will be available from midday on Thursday, 30 July 2020 at www.schroders.com/ir.

Please visit www.schroders.com/shareholders-privacy-policy to learn how we handle personal data.

Forward-looking statements

This announcement and the Schroders website may contain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, performance and position, strategy, results of operations and businesses of the Schroders Group. Such statements and forecasts involve risk and uncertainty because they are based on current expectations and assumptions but relate to events and depend upon circumstances in the future and you should not place reliance on them. Without limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words 'targets', 'plans', 'sees', 'believes', 'expects', 'aims', 'confident', 'will have', 'will be', 'will ensure', 'likely', 'estimates' or 'anticipates' or the negative of these terms or other similar terms are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements and forecasts. Forward-looking statements and forecasts are based on the Directors' current view and information known to them at the date of this statement. The Directors do not make any undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Nothing in this announcement or in the Annual Report and Accounts or on the Schroders website should be construed as a forecast, estimate or projection of future financial performance.

Half-year financial statements

Consolidated income statement

 
                                             30 June 2020 (unaudited)               30 June 2019 (unaudited) 
                                        ----------------------------------  ---------------------------------------- 
                                              Before 
                                         exceptional  Exceptional           Before exceptional  Exceptional 
                                               items     items(2)    Total               items     items(2)    Total 
  Six months ended               Notes          GBPm         GBPm     GBPm                GBPm         GBPm     GBPm 
-------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  -------  ------------------  -----------  ------- 
Revenue                              3       1,190.7            -  1,190.7             1,224.8            -  1,224.8 
Cost of sales                        3       (219.1)            -  (219.1)             (231.5)            -  (231.5) 
-------------------------------  -----  ============  ===========  =======  ------------------  -----------  ------- 
Net operating revenue                          971.6            -    971.6               993.3            -    993.3 
Net gain on financial 
 instruments and other 
 income                              4           4.7          5.6     10.3                25.2        (1.6)     23.6 
Share of profit of associates 
and joint ventures                  10          27.6        (6.5)     21.1                14.1        (0.4)     13.7 
-------------------------------  -----  ============  ===========  =======  ------------------  -----------  ------- 
Net income                                   1,003.9        (0.9)  1,003.0             1,032.6        (2.0)  1,030.6 
Operating expenses                   5       (697.7)       (25.2)  (722.9)             (692.2)       (19.1)  (711.3) 
-------------------------------  -----  ============  ===========  =======  ------------------  -----------  ------- 
Profit before tax                              306.2       (26.1)    280.1               340.4       (21.1)    319.3 
Tax                                  6        (61.3)          3.9   (57.4)              (67.3)          3.0   (64.3) 
-------------------------------  -----  ============  ===========  =======  ------------------  -----------  ------- 
Profit after tax(1)                            244.9       (22.2)    222.7               273.1       (18.1)    255.0 
-------------------------------  -----  ------------  -----------  -------  ------------------  -----------  ------- 
 
Earnings per share 
Basic                                7         85.8p       (7.1)p    78.7p               98.6p       (6.2)p    92.4p 
Diluted                              7         84.4p       (6.9)p    77.5p               97.0p       (6.1)p    90.9p 
-------------------------------  -----  ============  ===========  =======  ------------------  -----------  ------- 
 

(1) Non-controlling interest is presented in the Consolidated statement of changes in equity.

(2) Please refer to notes 2 and 3 for a definition and further details of exceptional items.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

 
                                                                                       30 June 2020  30 June 2019 
                                                                                        (unaudited)   (unaudited) 
Six months ended                                                                Notes          GBPm          GBPm 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------ 
Profit after tax                                                                              222.7         255.0 
 
Items that may or have been reclassified to the income statement: 
Net exchange differences on translation of foreign operations after hedging                    95.9           4.5 
Net gain on financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income       4           0.8           6.1 
Tax on items taken directly to other comprehensive income                           6         (1.5)         (0.5) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------ 
                                                                                               95.2          10.1 
Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement: 
Net actuarial gain/(loss) on defined benefit pension schemes                       12           5.3        (32.1) 
Tax on items taken directly to other comprehensive income                           6         (0.6)           5.5 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------ 
                                                                                                4.7        (26.6) 
 
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax(1)                                         99.9        (16.5) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------ 
Total comprehensive income for the year(1)                                                    322.6         238.5 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------ 
 

(1) Non-controlling interest is presented in the Consolidated statement of changes in equity.

Consolidated statement of financial position

 
                                                30 June 2020   31 December 2019 
                                                 (unaudited)          (audited) 
                                         Notes          GBPm               GBPm 
---------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ----------------- 
Assets 
Cash and cash equivalents                            3,525.0            2,660.3 
Trade and other receivables                  9         932.6              806.7 
Financial assets                             9       2,855.0            3,016.4 
Associates and joint ventures               10         393.4              398.0 
Property, plant and equipment                          640.2              652.3 
Goodwill and intangible assets              11       1,167.2            1,133.4 
Deferred tax                                            38.6               36.9 
Retirement benefit scheme surplus           12         142.5              136.3 
---------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ----------------- 
                                                     9,694.5            8,840.3 
Assets backing unit-linked liabilities 
Cash and cash equivalents                              823.1              972.6 
Financial assets                                    11,080.0           11,453.3 
---------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ----------------- 
                                             9      11,903.1           12,425.9 
 
Total assets                                        21,597.6           21,266.2 
---------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ----------------- 
 
Liabilities 
Trade and other payables                     9         903.1              921.7 
Financial liabilities                        9       4,354.3            3,531.1 
Lease liabilities                                      428.8              425.3 
Current tax                                             29.5               54.1 
Provisions                                              26.2               32.2 
Deferred tax                                            16.4               16.2 
Retirement benefit scheme deficits                      12.5               12.2 
---------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ----------------- 
                                                     5,770.8            4,992.8 
 
Unit-linked liabilities                      9      11,903.1           12,425.9 
 
Total liabilities                                   17,673.9           17,418.7 
---------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ----------------- 
 
Net assets                                           3,923.7            3,847.5 
---------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ----------------- 
 
Total equity(1)                                      3,923.7            3,847.5 
---------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ----------------- 
 

(1) Non-controlling interest is presented in the Consolidated statement of changes in equity.

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

 
                                       Attributable to owners of the parent 
                                                           Net  Associates   Profit 
Six months                                            exchange   and joint      and 
ended 30 June            Share    Share       Own  differences    ventures     loss           Non-controlling    Total 
2020                   capital  premium    shares      reserve     reserve  reserve    Total         interest   equity 
(unaudited)     Notes     GBPm     GBPm      GBPm         GBPm        GBPm     GBPm     GBPm             GBPm     GBPm 
--------------  -----  -------  -------  --------  -----------  ----------  -------  -------  ---------------  ------- 
At 1 January 
 2020                    282.5    124.2   (169.1)        128.4       106.1  3,308.8  3,780.9             66.6  3,847.5 
--------------  -----  -------  -------  --------  -----------  ----------  -------  -------  ---------------  ------- 
 
Profit for the 
 period                      -        -         -            -        21.1    196.5    217.6              5.1    222.7 
Other 
 comprehensive 
 income(1)                   -        -         -         95.1           -      4.0     99.1              0.8     99.9 
--------------  -----  -------  -------  --------  ===========  ==========  =======  =======  ===============  ======= 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income for 
 the period                  -        -         -         95.1        21.1    200.5    316.7              5.9    322.6 
--------------  -----  -------  -------  --------  ===========  ==========  =======  =======  ===============  ======= 
 
Own shares 
 purchased         14        -        -    (55.5)            -           -        -   (55.5)                -   (55.5) 
Share-based 
 payments                    -        -         -            -           -     26.4     26.4                -     26.4 
Tax in respect 
 of share 
 schemes            6        -        -         -            -           -    (0.3)    (0.3)                -    (0.3) 
Other 
 movements                   -        -         -            -         0.1        -      0.1            (1.0)    (0.9) 
Dividends           8        -        -         -            -           -  (216.0)  (216.0)            (0.1)  (216.1) 
--------------  -----  -------  -------  ========  ===========  ==========  =======  =======  ===============  ======= 
Transactions 
 with 
 shareholders                -        -    (55.5)            -         0.1  (189.9)  (245.3)            (1.1)  (246.4) 
--------------  -----  -------  -------  ========  ===========  ==========  =======  =======  ===============  ======= 
 
Transfers                    -        -      56.5            -      (14.7)   (41.8)        -                -        - 
                       =======  =======  ========  ===========  ==========  =======  =======  ===============  ======= 
At 30 June 
 2020                    282.5    124.2   (168.1)        223.5       112.6  3,277.6  3,852.3             71.4  3,923.7 
--------------  -----  -------  -------  --------  -----------  ----------  -------  -------  ---------------  ------- 
 

(1) Other comprehensive income reported in the net exchange differences reserve comprises the net foreign exchange gain on the translation of foreign operations net of hedging. Other comprehensive income reported in the profit and loss reserve comprises the post-tax actuarial gain on the Group's retirement benefit scheme surplus and post-tax fair value movements on financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income.

 
                                         Attributable to owners of the parent 
                                                              Net  Associates 
Six months                                               exchange   and joint    Profit                  Non- 
ended 30 June             Share     Share        Own  differences    ventures  and loss           controlling    Total 
2019                    capital   premium     shares      reserve     reserve   reserve    Total     interest   equity 
(unaudited)     Notes      GBPm      GBPm       GBPm         GBPm        GBPm      GBPm     GBPm         GBPm     GBPm 
--------------  -----  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  -------  -----------  ------- 
At 1 January 
 2019                     282.5     124.2    (163.9)        184.4        83.1   3,108.2  3,618.5          2.7  3,621.2 
--------------  -----  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  -------  -----------  ------- 
Restatement on 
 adoption of IFRS 
 16(1)                        -         -          -            -           -     (6.9)    (6.9)            -    (6.9) 
---------------------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  -------  -----------  ------- 
At 1 January 
 2019 
 (restated)               282.5     124.2    (163.9)        184.4        83.1   3,101.3  3,611.6          2.7  3,614.3 
--------------  -----  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  -------  -----------  ------- 
 
Profit for the 
 period                       -         -          -            -        13.7     241.7    255.4        (0.4)    255.0 
Other 
 comprehensive 
 income(2)                    -         -          -          4.5           -    (21.0)   (16.5)            -   (16.5) 
--------------  -----  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  -------  -----------  ------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income for 
 the year                     -         -          -          4.5        13.7     220.7    238.9        (0.4)    238.5 
--------------  -----  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  -------  -----------  ------- 
 
Own shares 
 purchased         14         -         -     (65.6)            -           -         -   (65.6)            -   (65.6) 
Share-based 
 payments                     -         -          -            -           -      29.6     29.6            -     29.6 
Tax in respect 
 of share 
 schemes            6         -         -          -            -           -       1.3      1.3            -      1.3 
Other 
 movements(3)                 -         -          -            -         0.1    (21.7)   (21.6)        (2.2)   (23.8) 
Dividends           8         -         -          -            -           -   (216.5)  (216.5)        (1.6)  (218.1) 
--------------  -----  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  -------  -----------  ------- 
Transactions 
 with 
 shareholders                 -         -     (65.6)            -         0.1   (207.3)  (272.8)        (3.8)  (276.6) 
--------------  -----  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  -------  -----------  ------- 
 
Transfers                     -         -       54.6            -       (2.7)    (51.9)        -            -        - 
At 30 June 
 2019                     282.5     124.2    (174.9)        188.9        94.2   3,062.8  3.577.7        (1.5)  3,576.2 
--------------  -----  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ----------  --------  -------  -----------  ------- 
 

(1) The adoption of IFRS 16 on 1 January 2019 reduced the Group's equity by GBP6.9 million.

(2) Other comprehensive income reported in the net exchange differences reserve comprises the net foreign exchange gain on the translation of foreign operations net of hedging. Other comprehensive income reported in the profit and loss reserve comprises the post-tax actuarial loss on the Group's retirement benefit scheme surplus and post-tax fair value movements on financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income.

(3) Other movements includes amounts relating to the purchase of an additional interest in a subsidiary.

Consolidated cash flow statement

 
                                                                                    Six months ended  Six months ended 
                                                                                        30 June 2020      30 June 2019 
                                                                                         (unaudited)       (unaudited) 
                                                                            Notes               GBPm              GBPm 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  ---------------- 
Net cash from operating activities                                             15              638.4             590.5 
 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Net disposal/(acquisition) of businesses and associates                                         27.5            (40.5) 
Net acquisition of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets                        (41.7)            (65.1) 
Acquisition of financial assets                                                              (828.3)           (682.9) 
Disposal of financial assets                                                                 1,140.5             890.3 
Non-banking interest received                                                                    8.8              12.1 
Distributions received from associates and joint ventures                      10                  -               2.7 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  ---------------- 
Net cash from investing activities                                                             306.8             116.6 
 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Purchase of subsidiary shares                                                                      -            (23.9) 
Lease payments                                                                                (18.2)            (13.7) 
Acquisition of own shares                                                      14             (55.5)            (65.6) 
Dividends paid                                                                  8            (216.1)           (218.1) 
Other flows                                                                                    (0.3)                 - 
Net cash used in financing activities                                                        (290.1)           (321.3) 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                                                      655.1             385.8 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  ---------------- 
 
Opening cash and cash equivalents                                                            3,632.9           3,281.6 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                                                      655.1             385.8 
Effect of exchange rate changes                                                                 60.1               6.0 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  ---------------- 
Closing cash and cash equivalents                                                            4,348.1           3,673.4 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  ---------------- 
 
Closing cash and cash equivalents consists of: 
Cash and cash equivalents available for use by the Group                                     3,473.8           2,610.7 
Cash held in consolidated pooled investment vehicles                                            51.2              41.8 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  ---------------- 
Cash and cash equivalents presented within assets                                            3,525.0           2,652.5 
Cash and cash equivalents presented within assets backing unit-linked 
 liabilities                                                                                   823.1           1,020.9 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  ---------------- 
Closing cash and cash equivalents                                                            4,348.1           3,673.4 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  ---------------- 
 

Explanatory notes to the financial statements

1. Presentation of the financial statements

(a) Basis of preparation

The condensed consolidated financial statements for the half year ended 30 June 2020 (the Half-year financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority. The Half-year financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019. The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the Half-year financial statements are consistent with those applied in the preparation of the Group's annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019.

The Half-year financial statements are unaudited and do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act). Within the notes to the Half-year financial statements, all current and comparative data covering periods to (or as at) 30 June is unaudited. Data given in respect of the year ended 31 December 2019 is audited. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019, which were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), comprising Standards and Interpretations approved by either the International Accounting Standards Board or the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) or their predecessors, as adopted by the European Union (EU), and with those parts of the Act applicable to companies reporting under IFRS, have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors' opinion on those accounts was unqualified and did not contain a statement made under Section 498 of the Act.

(b) Future accounting developments

The Group did not implement the requirements of any Standards or Interpretations that were in issue but were not required to be adopted by the Group at the half year. No other Standards or Interpretations have been issued that are expected to have an impact on the Group's financial statements.

(c) Going concern

The Group has considerable financial resources, a broad range of products and a geographically diversified business. As a consequence, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks in the context of the current economic outlook. Accordingly, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and has continued to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these Half-year financial statements.

2. Exceptional items

Exceptional items are significant items of income and expenditure that have been separately presented by virtue of their nature to enable a better understanding of the Group's financial performance. Exceptional items principally relate to items arising from acquisitions undertaken by the Group, including amortisation of acquired intangible assets.

3. Segmental reporting

(a) Operating segments

The Group has three segments: Asset Management, Wealth Management and the Group segment. The Asset Management segment principally comprises investment management including advisory services in respect of equity, fixed income, multi-asset solutions and private assets and alternatives products. The Wealth Management segment principally comprises investment management, wealth planning and financial advice, platform services and banking services. The Group segment principally comprises the Group's investment capital and treasury management activities, corporate development and strategy activities and the management costs associated with governance and corporate management.

Segmental information is presented on the same basis as that provided for internal reporting purposes to the Group's chief operating decision maker, the Group Chief Executive. Following the acquisition in 2019 of a 49.9% interest in Scottish Widows Schroder Wealth Holdings Limited, a joint venture with Lloyds Banking Group plc (LBG) that trades as Schroders Personal Wealth (SPW), the Wealth Management segment now includes the Group's proportional share of the income and expenses of SPW on an individual account line basis. This reflects the basis on which the Group monitors the performance of the business. The adjustment column re-presents the results of SPW on a post-tax basis within share of profit of associates and joint ventures in accordance with the accounting rules.

Operating expenses includes an allocation of costs between the individual segments on a basis that aligns the charge with the resources employed by the Group in respect of particular segments. This allocation provides management with the relevant information as to the business performance to effectively manage and control expenditure.

 
                                                                                       Segmental                 Group 
                                          Asset Management  Wealth Management   Group      total  Adjustments    total 
Six months ended 30 June 2020                         GBPm               GBPm    GBPm       GBPm         GBPm     GBPm 
----------------------------------------  ----------------  -----------------  ------  ---------  -----------  ------- 
Revenue                                            1,029.6              191.7       -    1,221.3       (30.6)  1,190.7 
Cost of sales                                      (209.7)             (11.3)       -    (221.0)          1.9  (219.1) 
----------------------------------------  ================  =================  ======  =========  ===========  ======= 
Net operating revenue                                819.9              180.4       -    1,000.3       (28.7)    971.6 
 
Net gain on financial instruments and 
 other income                                        (4.1)                6.6     5.7        8.2        (3.5)      4.7 
Share of profit of associates and joint 
 ventures                                             19.8                0.6       -       20.4          7.2     27.6 
----------------------------------------  ================  =================  ======  =========  ===========  ======= 
Net income                                           835.6              187.6     5.7    1,028.9       (25.0)  1,003.9 
 
Operating expenses                                 (575.3)            (127.3)  (19.3)    (721.9)         24.2  (697.7) 
----------------------------------------  ================  =================  ======  =========  ===========  ======= 
Profit before tax and exceptional items              260.3               60.3  (13.6)      307.0        (0.8)    306.2 
 
Exceptional items presented within net 
income: 
Net gain on financial instruments and 
 other income                                          5.6                  -       -        5.6            -      5.6 
Associates and joint ventures 
 amortisation of acquired intangible 
 assets and other costs                                  -              (6.5)       -      (6.5)            -    (6.5) 
----------------------------------------  ================  =================  ======  =========  ===========  ======= 
                                                       5.6              (6.5)       -      (0.9)            -    (0.9) 
Exceptional items presented within operating expenses: 
Amortisation of acquired intangible 
 assets                                              (6.5)             (11.2)       -     (17.7)            -   (17.7) 
Other expenses                                       (6.2)              (1.3)       -      (7.5)            -    (7.5) 
----------------------------------------  ================  =================  ======  =========  ===========  ======= 
                                                    (12.7)             (12.5)       -     (25.2)            -   (25.2) 
 
Profit before tax and after exceptional 
 items                                               253.2               41.3  (13.6)      280.9        (0.8)    280.1 
========================================  ================  =================  ======  =========  ===========  ======= 
 
 
 
                                                                                 Asset       Wealth 
                                                                            Management   Management   Group    Total 
Six months ended 30 June 2019                                                     GBPm         GBPm    GBPm     GBPm 
------------------------------------------------------------------------   -----------  -----------  ------  ------- 
Revenue                                                                        1,069.4        155.4       -  1,224.8 
Cost of sales                                                                  (216.5)       (15.0)       -  (231.5) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------  ------- 
Net operating revenue                                                            852.9        140.4       -    993.3 
 
Net gain on financial instruments and other income                                 0.5          3.2    21.5     25.2 
Share of profit of associates and joint ventures                                  11.2          0.4     2.5     14.1 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------  ------- 
Net income                                                                       864.6        144.0    24.0  1,032.6 
 
Operating expenses                                                             (572.2)      (100.8)  (19.2)  (692.2) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------  ------- 
Profit before tax and exceptional items                                          292.4         43.2     4.8    340.4 
 
Exceptional items presented within net income: 
Net loss on financial instruments and other income                               (1.6)            -       -    (1.6) 
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets relating to associates and 
 joint ventures                                                                      -        (0.4)       -    (0.4) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------  ------- 
                                                                                 (1.6)        (0.4)       -    (2.0) 
Exceptional items presented within operating expenses: 
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets                                       (4.3)       (10.1)       -   (14.4) 
Other expenses                                                                   (2.1)        (2.6)       -    (4.7) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------  ------- 
                                                                                 (6.4)       (12.7)       -   (19.1) 
 
Profit before tax and after exceptional items                                    284.4         30.1     4.8    319.3 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------  ------- 
 

(b) Net operating revenue by fee type is presented below:

 
                                 Asset Management  Wealth Management  Group  Segmental total  Adjustments  Group total 
Six months ended 30 June 2020                GBPm               GBPm   GBPm             GBPm         GBPm         GBPm 
-------------------------------  ----------------  -----------------  -----  ---------------  -----------  ----------- 
Management fees                           1,003.4              158.4      -          1,161.8       (30.6)      1,131.2 
Performance fees                             17.4                0.5      -             17.9            -         17.9 
Carried interest                              2.5                  -      -              2.5            -          2.5 
Other fees                                    6.3               21.4      -             27.7            -         27.7 
Wealth Management interest 
 income earned                                  -               11.4      -             11.4            -         11.4 
-------------------------------  ================  =================  =====  ===============  ===========  =========== 
Revenue                                   1,029.6              191.7      -          1,221.3       (30.6)      1,190.7 
 
Cost of sales                             (209.7)             (11.3)      -          (221.0)          1.9      (219.1) 
 
Net operating revenue                       819.9              180.4      -          1,000.3       (28.7)        971.6 
-------------------------------  ----------------  -----------------  -----  ---------------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 
                                           Asset Management  Wealth Management  Group    Total 
Six months ended 30 June 2019                          GBPm               GBPm   GBPm     GBPm 
-----------------------------------------  ----------------  -----------------  -----  ------- 
Management fees                                     1,049.8              114.9      -  1,164.7 
Performance fees                                        1.9                0.1      -      2.0 
Carried interest                                       12.8                  -      -     12.8 
Other fees                                              4.9               18.3      -     23.2 
Wealth Management interest income earned                  -               22.1      -     22.1 
-----------------------------------------  ----------------  -----------------  -----  ------- 
Revenue                                             1,069.4              155.4      -  1,224.8 
 
Cost of sales                                       (216.5)             (15.0)      -  (231.5) 
 
Net operating revenue                                 852.9              140.4      -    993.3 
-----------------------------------------  ----------------  -----------------  -----  ------- 
 

(c) Net operating revenue by region is presented below based on the location of clients:

 
                                      Continental 
                                         Europe &      Asia            Segmental                 Group 
                                 UK   Middle East   Pacific  Americas      total  Adjustments    total 
Six months ended 30            GBPm          GBPm      GBPm      GBPm       GBPm         GBPm     GBPm 
 June 2020 
---------------------------  ------  ------------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ------- 
Management fees               382.7         351.7     288.7     138.7    1,161.8       (30.6)  1,131.2 
Performance fees                3.1           4.0       3.6       7.2       17.9            -     17.9 
Carried interest                  -           2.5         -         -        2.5            -      2.5 
Other fees                     18.4           5.1       4.2         -       27.7            -     27.7 
Wealth Management interest 
 income earned                  9.5           1.5       0.4         -       11.4            -     11.4 
---------------------------  ======  ============  ========  ========  =========  ===========  ======= 
Revenue                       413.7         364.8     296.9     145.9    1,221.3       (30.6)  1,190.7 
 
Cost of sales                (30.7)        (86.9)    (86.0)    (17.4)    (221.0)          1.9  (219.1) 
 
Net operating revenue         383.0         277.9     210.9     128.5    1,000.3       (28.7)    971.6 
---------------------------  ------  ------------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ------- 
 
 
                                                   Continental Europe &      Asia 
                                               UK           Middle East   Pacific  Americas    Total 
Six months ended 30 June 2019                GBPm                  GBPm      GBPm      GBPm     GBPm 
-----------------------------------------  ------  --------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
Management fees                             350.8                 365.2     303.1     145.6  1,164.7 
Performance fees                              0.3                   0.2       0.7       0.8      2.0 
Carried interest                                -                  12.8         -         -     12.8 
Other fees                                   15.5                   4.6       3.0       0.1     23.2 
Wealth Management interest income earned     17.7                   3.7       0.7         -     22.1 
-----------------------------------------  ------  --------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
Revenue                                     384.3                 386.5     307.5     146.5  1,224.8 
 
Cost of sales                              (35.5)                (89.2)    (86.2)    (20.6)  (231.5) 
 
Net operating revenue                       348.8                 297.3     221.3     125.9    993.3 
-----------------------------------------  ------  --------------------  --------  --------  ------- 
 

4. Net gain on financial instruments and other income

 
                                                 30 June 2020                             30 June 2019 
                                    ---------------------------------------  -------------------------------------- 
                                        Income  Other comprehensive              Income  Other comprehensive 
                                     statement               income   Total   statement               income  Total 
Six months ended                          GBPm                 GBPm    GBPm        GBPm                 GBPm   GBPm 
----------------------------------  ----------  -------------------  ------  ----------  -------------------  ----- 
Net gain on financial instruments 
 at fair value through profit 
 and loss                                 18.6                    -    18.6         7.6                    -    7.6 
----------------------------------  ==========  ===================  ======  ----------  -------------------  ----- 
 
Net gain arising from fair 
 value movements                             -                  1.0     1.0           -                  6.1    6.1 
Net transfers on disposal                  0.2                (0.2)       -           -                    -      - 
----------------------------------  ==========  ===================  ======  ----------  -------------------  ----- 
Net gain on financial assets 
 at fair value through other 
 comprehensive income                      0.2                  0.8     1.0           -                  6.1    6.1 
----------------------------------  ==========  ===================  ======  ----------  -------------------  ----- 
 
Net finance income                         2.1                    -     2.1         3.9                    -    3.9 
----------------------------------  ==========  ===================  ======  ----------  -------------------  ----- 
Other income                            (10.6)                    -  (10.6)        12.1                    -   12.1 
----------------------------------  ==========  ===================  ======  ----------  -------------------  ----- 
 
Net gain on financial instruments 
 and other income(1)                      10.3                  0.8    11.1        23.6                  6.1   29.7 
==================================  ==========  ===================  ======  ==========  ===================  ===== 
 

(1) Includes a credit of GBP5.6 million (H1 2019: GBP1.6 million charge) of exceptional items.

5. Operating expenses

Operating expenses includes:

 
                                                                       30 June 2020  30 June 2019 
Six months ended                                                               GBPm          GBPm 
---------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
Salaries, wages and other remuneration                                        396.4         417.6 
Social security costs                                                          35.4          36.3 
Pension costs                                                                  27.1          19.1 
---------------------------------------------------------------------  ============  ============ 
Employee benefits expense                                                     458.9         473.0 
Net gain on financial instruments held to hedge deferred cash awards          (3.2)        (17.4) 
---------------------------------------------------------------------  ============  ============ 
Employee benefits expense - net of hedging                                    455.7         455.6 
---------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

The employee benefits expense includes a charge of GBP5.5 million (H1 2019: GBP2.2 million) that is presented within exceptional items mainly in relation to deferred compensation costs arising from prior acquisitions completed by the Group.

6. Tax expense

Analysis of tax charge reported in the income statement:

 
                                                    30 June 2020  30 June 2019 
Six months ended                                            GBPm          GBPm 
==================================================  ============  ============ 
UK current year charge                                      31.6          37.3 
Rest of the world current year charge                       29.2          28.3 
Adjustments in respect of prior year estimates             (0.2)           0.3 
--------------------------------------------------  ============  ============ 
Total current tax                                           60.6          65.9 
 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences          (4.2)         (1.7) 
Adjustments in respect of prior year estimates               1.0           0.1 
Total deferred tax                                         (3.2)         (1.6) 
 
Tax charge reported in the income statement                 57.4          64.3 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Analysis of tax charge/(credit) reported in other comprehensive income:

 
                                                                                            30 June 2020  30 June 2019 
Six months ended                                                                                    GBPm          GBPm 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
Current tax charge on movements in financial assets at fair value through other 
 comprehensive 
 income                                                                                              0.1           0.1 
Deferred tax charge/(credit) on actuarial (gain)/loss on defined benefit pension scheme              0.9         (5.5) 
Deferred tax credit resulting from change in corporation tax rates                                 (0.3)             - 
Deferred tax charge on other movements through other comprehensive income                            1.4           0.4 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
Tax charge/(credit) reported in other comprehensive income                                           2.1         (5.0) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Analysis of tax charge/(credit) reported in equity:

 
                                                                                            30 June 2020  30 June 2019 
Six months ended                                                                                    GBPm          GBPm 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
Current tax credit on Equity Compensation Plan and other share-based remuneration                  (0.1)         (0.4) 
Deferred tax charge/(credit) on Equity Compensation Plan and other share-based 
 remuneration                                                                                        0.5         (0.9) 
Deferred tax debit resulting from change in corporation tax rates                                  (0.1)             - 
==========================================================================================  ============  ============ 
Tax charge/(credit) reported in equity                                                               0.3         (1.3) 
==========================================================================================  ============  ============ 
 

7. Earnings per share

Reconciliation of the figures used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share:

 
                                                                                          30 June 2020  30 June 2019 
                                                                                                Number        Number 
Six months ended                                                                              Millions      Millions 
========================================================================================  ============  ============ 
Weighted average number of shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share            276.1         276.4 
Effect of dilutive potential shares - share options                                                4.5           4.5 
Effect of dilutive potential shares - contingently issuable shares                                   -             - 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
Weighted average number of shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share          280.6         280.9 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

The pre-exceptional earnings per share calculations are based on profit after tax excluding non-controlling interest of GBP8.0 million (H1 2019: GBP0.6 million). After exceptional items, the profit after tax attributable to non-controlling interest was GBP5.1 million (H1 2019: loss of GBP0.5 million).

8. Dividends

 
                                   30 June 2020       30 June 2019 
                                 =================  ================= 
                                             Pence              Pence 
Six months ended                  GBPm   per share   GBPm   per share 
-------------------------------  -----  ----------  -----  ---------- 
Prior year final dividend paid   216.0        79.0  216.5        79.0 
-------------------------------  -----  ----------  -----  ---------- 
 

The Board has declared an interim dividend of 35.0 pence per share (interim dividend 2019: 35.0 pence), amounting to GBP95.6 million (H1 2019: GBP95.8 million) in total. The dividend will be paid on 24 September 2020 to shareholders on the register at 21 August 2020.

The Group paid GBP0.1 million of dividends to holders of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries of the Group during the six months ended 30 June 2020 (H1 2019: GBP1.6 million), resulting in total dividends paid of GBP216.1 million (H1 2019: GBP218.1 million).

The Company offers a dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP). The last date for shareholders to elect to participate in the DRIP for the purposes of the 2020 interim dividend is 3 September 2020. Further details are contained on the Group's website.

9. Fair value measurement disclosures

 
Estimates and judgements 
 The Group holds financial instruments that are measured at fair value. The fair value of financial 
 instruments may require some estimation or may be derived from readily available sources. 
 The degree of estimation involved depends on the individual financial instrument and is reflected 
 in the fair value hierarchy below. The hierarchy also reflects the extent of judgements used 
 in the valuation but this does not necessarily indicate that the fair value is more or less 
 likely to be realised. Judgements may include determining which valuation approach to apply 
 as well as determining appropriate assumptions. For level 2 and 3 financial instruments, the 
 judgement applied by the Group gives rise to an estimate of fair value. The approach to determining 
 the fair value estimate of level 2 and 3 financial instruments is set out below, with no individual 
 input giving rise to a material component of the carrying value for the Group. The fair value 
 levels are based on the degree to which the fair value is observable and are defined as follows: 
-   Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active 
     markets for identical assets or liabilities and principally comprise investments in pooled 
     investment vehicles, quoted equities and government debt, daily-priced funds and exchange-traded 
     derivatives; 
-   Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from prices that are not traded in an active 
     market but are determined using valuation techniques which make primary use of observable 
     market data. The Group's level 2 financial instruments principally comprise foreign exchange 
     contracts, certain debt securities, asset and mortgage backed securities, and loans held at 
     fair value. Valuation techniques may include using a broker quote in an inactive market or 
     an evaluated price based on a compilation of primarily observable market information utilising 
     information readily available via external sources. For funds not priced on a daily basis, 
     the net asset value which is issued monthly or quarterly is used; and 
-   Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs 
     for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data. The Group's level 
     3 financial assets are valued by applying appropriate valuation techniques in accordance with 
     International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuations Guidelines 2018. The Group's level 
     3 financial assets principally comprise investments in private equity funds that are measured 
     using the net asset value of the fund which is derived from the fair value of the underlying 
     investments. Level 3 financial assets also include investments in property investment vehicles 
     that operate hotel businesses. These are valued based on the expected future cash flows that 
     could be generated from the hotel business. The Group's financial liabilities categorised 
     as level 3 principally consist of contingent consideration and other third party liabilities 
     related to carried interest arrangements and other financial liabilities arising from prior 
     acquisitions completed by the Group. The carrying values of level 3 financial liabilities 
     are typically derived from an estimate of the expected future cash flows required to settle 
     the liability. These estimates reflect the projected performance of the acquired businesses 
     for a number of years into the future. 
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 

The Group holds certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Their categorisation within the fair value hierarchy is shown below:

 
                                                        30 June 2020 
                                         =========================================== 
                                                                    Not at 
                                            Level    Level  Level     fair 
                                                1        2      3    value     Total 
                                             GBPm     GBPm   GBPm     GBPm      GBPm 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------  -----  -------  -------- 
Financial assets at amortised cost: 
Loans and advances to banks                     -        -      -    287.5     287.5 
Loans and advances to clients                   -        -      -    443.7     443.7 
Debt securities                                 -        -      -    151.3     151.3 
                                         ========  =======  =====  =======  ======== 
                                                -        -      -    882.5     882.5 
Financial assets at fair value 
 through other comprehensive income: 
Debt securities                             384.0    281.5      -        -     665.5 
---------------------------------------  ========  =======  =====  =======  ======== 
                                            384.0    281.5      -        -     665.5 
Financial assets at fair value 
 through profit or loss: 
Loans and advances to clients                   -      4.1      -        -       4.1 
Debt securities                             151.8    226.6    3.5        -     381.9 
Pooled investment vehicles                  433.6     34.4   85.2        -     553.2 
Equities                                    271.8      1.8   26.6        -     300.2 
Derivative contracts                          2.0     63.7    1.9        -      67.6 
                                            859.2    330.6  117.2        -   1,307.0 
Financial assets                          1,243.2    612.1  117.2    882.5   2,855.0 
 
Trade and other receivables                   4.2        -      -    928.4     932.6 
Assets backing unit-linked liabilities    8,226.3  2,686.3   26.5    964.0  11,903.1 
---------------------------------------  ========  =======  =====  =======  ======== 
                                          9,473.7  3,298.4  143.7  2,774.9  15,690.7 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------  -----  -------  -------- 
 
Financial liabilities at amortised 
 cost: 
Client accounts                                 -        -      -  3,749.2   3,749.2 
Deposits by banks                               -        -      -     90.5      90.5 
Other financial liabilities                     -        -      -      7.4       7.4 
---------------------------------------  ========  =======  =====  =======  ======== 
                                                -        -      -  3,847.1   3,847.1 
Financial liabilities at fair value 
 through profit or loss: 
Derivative contracts                          3.9     69.4      -        -      73.3 
Other financial liabilities                 274.3        -  159.6        -     433.9 
---------------------------------------  ========  =======  =====  =======  ======== 
                                            278.2     69.4  159.6        -     507.2 
Financial liabilities                       278.2     69.4  159.6  3,847.1   4,354.3 
 
Trade and other payables                    175.2        -      -    727.9     903.1 
Unit-linked liabilities                  11,788.1     47.9      -     67.1  11,903.1 
---------------------------------------  ========  =======  =====  =======  ======== 
                                         12,241.5    117.3  159.6  4,642.1  17,160.5 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------  -----  -------  -------- 
 
 
                                                        31 December 2019 
                                         ----------------------------------------------- 
                                            Level    Level  Level       Not at 
                                                1        2      3   fair value     Total 
                                             GBPm     GBPm   GBPm         GBPm      GBPm 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------  -----  -----------  -------- 
Financial assets at amortised cost: 
Loans and advances to banks                     -        -      -        350.2     350.2 
Loans and advances to clients                   -        -      -        398.5     398.5 
Debt securities                                 -        -      -         67.0      67.0 
                                                -        -      -        815.7     815.7 
Financial assets at fair value 
 through other comprehensive income: 
Debt securities                             598.3    318.6      -            -     916.9 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------  -----  -----------  -------- 
                                            598.3    318.6      -            -     916.9 
Financial assets at fair value 
 through profit or loss: 
Loans and advances to clients                   -      4.6      -            -       4.6 
Debt securities                               4.4    213.6    5.6            -     223.6 
Pooled investment vehicles                  546.6     28.5   95.3            -     670.4 
Equities                                    282.5     13.7   29.7            -     325.9 
Derivative contracts                          0.5     54.5    4.3            -      59.3 
                                            834.0    314.9  134.9            -   1,283.8 
Financial assets                          1,432.3    633.5  134.9        815.7   3,016.4 
 
Trade and other receivables                   5.4        -      -        801.3     806.7 
Assets backing unit-linked liabilities    8,724.3  2,596.2   29.5      1,075.9  12,425.9 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------  -----  -----------  -------- 
                                         10,162.0  3,229.7  164.4      2,692.9  16,249.0 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------  -----  -----------  -------- 
 
Financial liabilities at amortised 
 cost: 
Client accounts                                 -        -      -      3,041.3   3,041.3 
Deposits by banks                               -        -      -         97.1      97.1 
Other financial liabilities                     -        -      -          7.3       7.3 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------  -----  -----------  -------- 
                                                -        -      -      3,145.7   3,145.7 
Financial liabilities at fair value through 
 profit or loss: 
Derivative contracts                          3.1     39.6      -            -      42.7 
Other financial liabilities                 187.6        -  155.1            -     342.7 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------  -----  -----------  -------- 
                                            190.7     39.6  155.1            -     385.4 
Financial liabilities                       190.7     39.6  155.1      3,145.7   3,531.1 
 
Trade and other payables                    161.5        -      -        760.2     921.7 
Unit-linked liabilities                  12,310.5     56.5      -         58.9  12,425.9 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------  -----  -----------  -------- 
                                         12,662.7     96.1  155.1      3,964.8  16,878.7 
---------------------------------------  --------  -------  -----  -----------  -------- 
 

The fair value of financial assets at amortised cost approximates to their carrying value. No financial assets were transferred between levels during 2020 (2019: none).

Movements in assets and liabilities categorised as level 3 during the year were:

 
                                          30 June 2020                         31 December 2019 
                              -------------------------------------  ------------------------------------- 
                                               Assets                                 Assets 
                                              backing                                backing 
                              Financial   unit-linked     Financial  Financial   unit-linked     Financial 
                                 assets   liabilities   liabilities     assets   liabilities   liabilities 
                                   GBPm          GBPm          GBPm       GBPm          GBPm          GBPm 
----------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------  ---------  ------------  ------------ 
At 1 January                      134.9          29.5         155.1      116.4          37.3         154.4 
Exchange translation 
 adjustments                        6.9         (0.8)          12.5      (2.4)         (1.8)         (2.9) 
Net gain or loss recognised 
 in the income statement          (9.0)           2.9         (5.5)        1.3           2.7        (12.0) 
Additions                           4.4             -           0.2       35.2           1.4          54.4 
Disposals                        (20.0)         (5.1)         (2.7)     (15.6)        (10.1)        (38.8) 
----------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------  ---------  ------------  ------------ 
At 30 June/31 December            117.2          26.5         159.6      134.9          29.5         155.1 
----------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------  ---------  ------------  ------------ 
 

10. Associates and joint ventures

 
                                         30 June 2020                     31 December 2019 
                              ----------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
                              Associates  Joint ventures   Total  Associates  Joint ventures  Total 
                                    GBPm            GBPm    GBPm        GBPm            GBPm   GBPm 
----------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------  ----------  --------------  ----- 
At 1 January                       200.2           197.8   398.0       173.1             2.1  175.2 
Exchange translation 
 adjustments                         8.1               -     8.1       (8.3)           (0.1)  (8.4) 
Additions                              -               -       -        12.6           196.3  208.9 
Disposals(1)                      (28.7)               -  (28.7)       (0.7)               -  (0.7) 
Profit for the period 
 after tax(2)                       19.4             1.7    21.1        26.9             0.3   27.2 
Other movements in reserves 
 of associates and joint 
 ventures                            0.1               -     0.1       (0.7)               -  (0.7) 
Distributions of profit            (5.2)               -   (5.2)       (2.7)           (0.8)  (3.5) 
----------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------  ----------  --------------  ----- 
At 30 June/31 December             193.9           199.5   393.4       200.2           197.8  398.0 
----------------------------  ----------  --------------  ------  ----------  --------------  ----- 
 

(1) On 31 January 2020, the Group disposed of its 41.0% interest in RWC for GBP34.0 million. Peter Harrison disposed of his interest at the same time and on the same terms as the Group disposed of its interest.

(2) Includes GBP6.5 million of costs that are presented within exceptional items.

11. Goodwill and intangible assets

 
                                             Acquired intangible 
                                   Goodwill               assets  Software    Total 
                                       GBPm                 GBPm      GBPm     GBPm 
---------------------------------  --------  -------------------  --------  ------- 
Cost 
At 1 January 2020                     761.8                326.0     340.6  1,428.4 
Exchange translation adjustments       29.3                 11.4       2.5     43.2 
Additions                               0.9                  4.5      32.8     38.2 
Disposals                                 -                    -         -        - 
---------------------------------  ========  ===================  ========  ======= 
At 30 June 2020                       792.0                341.9     375.9  1,509.8 
---------------------------------  ========  ===================  ========  ======= 
 
Accumulated amortisation 
At 1 January 2020                         -              (182.7)   (112.3)  (295.0) 
Exchange translation adjustments          -                (4.3)     (1.8)    (6.1) 
Amortisation charge for the 
 year                                     -               (17.7)    (23.8)   (41.5) 
Disposals                                 -                    -         -        - 
---------------------------------  ========  ===================  ========  ======= 
At 30 June 2020                           -              (204.7)   (137.9)  (342.6) 
---------------------------------  ========  ===================  ========  ======= 
 
Carrying amount at 30 June 2020       792.0                137.2     238.0  1,167.2 
---------------------------------  --------  -------------------  --------  ------- 
 
 
                                                Acquired 
                                              intangible 
                                   Goodwill       assets  Software    Total 
                                       GBPm         GBPm      GBPm     GBPm 
---------------------------------  --------  -----------  --------  ------- 
Cost 
At 1 January 2019                     676.5        278.4     251.4  1,206.3 
Exchange translation adjustments     (10.3)        (3.6)     (2.0)   (15.9) 
Additions                             104.5         51.2      99.8    255.5 
Disposals                             (8.9)            -     (8.6)   (17.5) 
---------------------------------  --------  -----------  --------  ------- 
At 31 December 2019                   761.8        326.0     340.6  1,428.4 
---------------------------------  --------  -----------  --------  ------- 
 
Accumulated amortisation 
At 1 January 2019                         -      (154.1)    (84.0)  (238.1) 
Exchange translation adjustments          -          1.5       1.0      2.5 
Amortisation charge for the 
 year                                     -       (30.0)    (37.2)   (67.2) 
Disposals                                 -        (0.1)       7.9      7.8 
---------------------------------  --------  -----------  --------  ------- 
At 31 December 2019                       -      (182.7)   (112.3)  (295.0) 
---------------------------------  --------  -----------  --------  ------- 
 
Carrying amount at 31 December 
 2019                                 761.8        143.3     228.3  1,133.4 
---------------------------------  --------  -----------  --------  ------- 
 

12. Retirement benefit obligations

Movements in respect of the assets and liabilities of the UK defined benefit scheme, Schroders Retirement Benefits Scheme (the Scheme), are:

 
                                                           Six months ended 
                                                               30 June 2020  Year ended 31 December 2019 
                                                                       GBPm                         GBPm 
---------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  --------------------------- 
At 1 January                                                        1,001.5                        951.2 
Interest on assets                                                     10.3                         27.1 
Remeasurement of assets                                                52.1                         54.6 
Benefits paid                                                        (19.6)                       (31.4) 
---------------------------------------------------------  ================  --------------------------- 
Fair value of plan assets                                           1,044.3                      1,001.5 
---------------------------------------------------------  ================  --------------------------- 
 
At 1 January                                                        (865.2)                      (795.6) 
Interest cost                                                         (8.9)                       (22.6) 
Actuarial gains due to change in demographic assumptions                  -                          6.4 
Actuarial losses due to change in financial assumptions              (52.4)                       (90.4) 
Actuarial gains due to experience                                       5.1                          5.6 
Benefits paid                                                          19.6                         31.4 
---------------------------------------------------------  ================  --------------------------- 
Present value of funded obligations                                 (901.8)                      (865.2) 
---------------------------------------------------------  ================  --------------------------- 
 
Net assets                                                            142.5                        136.3 
---------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  --------------------------- 
 

The amount recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income includes a GBP0.5 million gain in respect of other defined benefit schemes.

The principal assumptions used for the UK defined benefit scheme, Schroders Retirement Benefits Scheme (the Scheme) are:

 
                                                                                  Six months ended          Year ended 
                                                                                      30 June 2020    31 December 2019 
                                                                                                 %                   % 
                                                                                 =================  ------------------ 
Discount rate                                                                                  1.6                 2.1 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  =================  ------------------ 
RPI inflation rate                                                                             2.9                 3.1 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  =================  ------------------ 
CPI inflation rate                                                                             2.2                 2.2 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  =================  ------------------ 
Future pension increases (for benefits earned before 13 August 2007)                           2.8                 3.0 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  =================  ------------------ 
Future pension increases (for benefits earned after 13 August 2007)                            2.1                 2.2 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  =================  ------------------ 
 
Average number of years a current pensioner is expected to live beyond age 60:               Years               Years 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  =================  ------------------ 
Men                                                                                             28                  28 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  =================  ------------------ 
Women                                                                                           29                  29 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  =================  ------------------ 
 
Average number of years future pensioners currently aged 45 are expected to 
live beyond age 
60:                                                                                          Years               Years 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  =================  ================== 
Men                                                                                             29                  29 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  =================  ================== 
Women                                                                                           30                  30 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------  =================  ================== 
 

The last completed triennial valuation of the Scheme was carried out as at 31 December 2017. The funding level at that date was 115% on the technical provisions basis and no contribution to the Scheme was required (2019: nil). The next triennial valuation is due as at 31 December 2020 and will be performed in 2021.

13. Share capital and share premium

 
                                          Non-voting 
                        Number  Ordinary    ordinary    Total 
                     of shares    shares      shares   shares  Share premium 
                      Millions      GBPm        GBPm     GBPm           GBPm 
------------------  ----------  --------  ----------  -------  ------------- 
At 1 January 2020        282.5     226.0        56.5    282.5          124.2 
At 30 June 2020          282.5     226.0        56.5    282.5          124.2 
------------------  ----------  --------  ----------  -------  ------------- 
 
 
                                          Non-voting 
                        Number  Ordinary    ordinary    Total 
                     of shares    shares      shares   shares  Share premium 
                      Millions      GBPm        GBPm     GBPm           GBPm 
------------------  ----------  --------  ----------  -------  ------------- 
At 1 January 2019        282.5     226.0        56.5    282.5          124.2 
------------------  ----------  --------  ----------  -------  ------------- 
At 30 June 2019          282.5     226.0        56.5    282.5          124.2 
------------------  ----------  --------  ----------  -------  ------------- 
 

14. Own shares

Own shares include the Group's shares (both ordinary and non-voting ordinary) that are held by employee benefit trusts.

Movements in own shares during the year were as follows:

 
                       30 June 2020  30 June 2019 
                               GBPm          GBPm 
---------------------  ------------  ------------ 
At 1 January                (169.1)       (163.9) 
Own shares purchased         (55.5)        (65.6) 
Awards vested                  56.5          54.6 
---------------------  ============  ============ 
At 30 June                  (168.1)       (174.9) 
---------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

During the year 2.3 million own shares (H1 2019: 2.3 million own shares) were purchased and held for hedging share-based awards. 2.1 million shares (H1 2019: 2.0 million shares) awarded to employees vested during the year and were transferred out of own shares.

15. Reconciliation of net cash from operating activities

 
                                                                                            30 June 2020  30 June 2019 
                                                                                                    GBPm          GBPm 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
Profit before tax                                                                                  280.1         319.3 
 
Adjustments for income statement non-cash movements: 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortisation of intangible assets                 78.6          67.1 
Net gain on financial instruments                                                                 (22.0)        (37.5) 
Share-based payments                                                                                26.4          29.6 
Net (release)/charge for provisions                                                                (6.8)           0.1 
Other non-cash movements                                                                             4.7        (10.9) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ============  ------------ 
                                                                                                    80.9          48.4 
Adjustments for which the cash effects are investing activities: 
Net finance income                                                                                 (2.1)         (3.9) 
Interest expense on lease liabilities                                                                6.2           5.9 
Share of profit of associates and joint ventures                                                  (21.1)        (13.7) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ============  ------------ 
                                                                                                  (17.0)        (11.7) 
Adjustments for statement of financial position movements: 
Decrease in loans and advances within Wealth Management                                             34.9          46.7 
Increase in trade and other receivables                                                           (83.0)       (348.7) 
Increase/(decrease) in deposits and client accounts within Wealth Management                       649.3         (5.1) 
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables, other financial liabilities and 
 provisions                                                                                       (45.3)         161.1 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ============  ------------ 
                                                                                                   555.9       (146.0) 
Adjustments for Life Company and consolidated pooled investment vehicles movements: 
Net decrease/(increase) in financial assets backing unit-linked liabilities                        373.3       (939.5) 
Net (decrease)/increase in unit-linked liabilities                                               (522.8)       1,362.2 
Net (decrease)/increase in cash within consolidated pooled investment vehicles                    (30.7)           8.8 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ============  ------------ 
                                                                                                 (180.2)         431.5 
 
Tax paid                                                                                          (81.3)        (51.0) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
Net cash from operating activities                                                                 638.4         590.5 
==========================================================================================  ============  ============ 
 
 

Key risks

Consistent with other asset management and wealth management businesses, we are exposed to a range of risks. These risks, if not managed properly, increase the possibility of the Group not being able to meet its objectives and may lead to losses. Other risks, such as those inherent in taking active investment decisions on behalf of clients, are the risks we are in business to take.

We have assessed our key risks disclosed in the Group's Annual Report and Accounts. Notwithstanding the various changes to the working environment, market volatility and heightened cyber risks brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, the key risks to which the Group will be exposed in the second half of 2020 are expected to be substantially the same as those described in the 2019 Annual Report. They comprise strategic risks, business risks and operational risks.

We believe that we remain well-positioned to manage the challenges arising from the current market environment including those related to Covid-19 and Brexit.

Directors' responsibility statement

On behalf of the Directors, I confirm to the best of my knowledge that the Half-year results:

 
-  Have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the 
    European Union; 
-  Include a fair review of the information required by Disclosure Guidance and Transparency 
    Rule 4.2.7, namely important events that have occurred during the first six months of the 
    financial period and their impact on the Half-year financial statements, as well as a description 
    of the principal risks and uncertainties faced by the Group and the undertakings included 
    in the consolidation taken as a whole for the remaining six months of the financial year; 
    and 
-  Include, as required by Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 4.2.8, a fair review of 
    material related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the financial 
    period and any material changes to the related party transactions described in the last Annual 
    Report and Accounts. 
 

A list of current Directors is maintained on the Schroders plc website: www.schroders.com .

On behalf of the Board

Richard Keers

Chief Financial Officer

29 July 2020

Independent review report to Schroders plc

Introduction

We have been engaged by Schroders plc (the 'Company') to review the condensed consolidated financial statements for the half year ended 30 June 2020 ('Half-year financial statements'), which comprise the Consolidated income statement, Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, Consolidated statement of financial position, Consolidated statement of changes in equity, Consolidated cash flow statement and Explanatory notes to the Half-year financial statements. We have read the other information contained in the Half-year results and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the Half-year financial statements.

This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with guidance contained in International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK and Ireland) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Directors' Responsibilities

The Half-year results, including the Half-year financial statements, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the Half-year results in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRSs') as adopted by the European Union. The Half-year financial statements included in the Half-year results have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union.

Our Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the Half-year financial statements in the Half-year results based on our review.

Scope of Review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the Half-year financial statements in the Half-year results for the six months ended 30 June 2020 are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Ernst & Young LLP

London

29 July 2020

Notes:

1. The maintenance and integrity of the Schroders plc web site is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial information since it was initially presented on the web site.

2. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

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